oceancolors-bonnielynnsblog

Beach Mural

2011-07-11T14:24:00.000-07:00

This was a beach mural I did for a gentleman in the next town.

The wall space was 3'x17'.......not your usual kind of wall for a mural. I labored over this design for about 2 weeks before settling on how I would paint it. He had certain elements that he wanted included, so I had to consider those also.

My photos of the mural are not very clear, but you can get the gist of it.

My next project

2011-05-18T09:53:00.000-07:00

Now that my Bear on the Chain has been safely delivered to the Antioch Chamber, Antioch, Il, I am looking forward to my next project.

A gentleman has a family room that he would like a beach scene mural in. Ok, no problem I said when I confirmed his address and a time to come over to look at the room. Usually I get a nice big, blank wall, 8x10 or larger, to paint on.
Well...............this is a blank wall alright, but it is above a chair railing, so the dimensions are 3' high by 17' long. A challenge to say the least. I have labored over how to present it..........water to the front, land along the back........or vice versa. How to fit in all the requirements (huts, palm trees, etc) that he wants in it.
Sketching and graphing the design in small sketchbooks just wasn't making it for me, so I finally taped some red paper (like found in Menards), 3'x17' long on the wall in my basement and started working on the design in that manner. I think I have it good in my head now what I am going to do on Monday, May 23, when I start at his house.

I can't seem to get the pictures to align into a panaramic view for you, so use your imagination !
I will post pics as I progress on the mural

Bears on the Chain...........COMPLETED !!

2011-05-10T17:52:00.000-07:00

I have finally completed my Bear on the Chain!!

To reiterate what this project has been about, the town of Antioch, IL, secured seated, fiberglass Bear sculptures for local artists to paint. On submitting designs for the Bears, a sponsor (local business, etc), chose the design they wanted to purchase. The name Bears On The Chain comes from the chain of lakes in the area.
In June, the Bears (35 in all), will be placed in businesses and other establishments in the town for display to the public. Then in Sept, the Bears will be auctioned off and the proceeds will go to the Antioch high school scholarship fund, Open Pantry and Save-a-Pet.

My bear was named, "Something Fishy's Going On."

Here he is as I got him, ................................and here he is finished.

Bear on the Chain............nearing completion !!!

2011-04-28T18:32:00.000-07:00

I am almost finished with my Bear on the Chain. By the way, in case I never said, his themed name is "Something Fishy's Going On".
I have a little bit of painting yet to do, varnish him and tomorrow I am going to my local dive shop and picking up a pair of kids fins to put on his front feet (where you see the bright green now).

On completion, these will be displayed in June in different businesses and other establishments in the town of Antioch, IL, and then auctioned off in Sept., with the proceeds going to local charities.

more of "BEAR ON THE CHAIN"

2011-04-22T16:37:00.000-07:00

Decisions, decisions. As I work on my Bear on the Chain sculpture, I find that there are decisions that I have to make as I go along.

The legs and feet are in different poses than they looked like in the line drawing that we got to do our detailed drawing on for application. It is more difficult than I anticipated, especially with the scuba bear drawing that I am doing, (see previous blog entry), but I will work it out eventually.

I added sculpture medium to the mouth to give it substance and make it look like he has a scuba regulator in his mouth.

Here are more pictures as I progress on my Bear on the Chain sculpture.

Bears on the Chain

2011-04-13T16:39:00.000-07:00

The town of Antioch, IL has commissioned the company of Cowpainters, Inc to create seated, fiberglass Bear sculptures. Artists have been chosen to paint these primed, bare Bears. These Bears will be auctioned off and will benefit Open Arms Pantry, Save-a-Pet, and the ACHS Scholarship fund (Antioch's high school).
Local businesses and individuals selected which ever artist's design they wanted to sponsor.

The Bears are 28" high by 22" wide. Here is my Bear and my design, "Something Fishy's Going On" , sponsored by Great Lakes Credit Union. I will post pictures as I proceed on the Bear.

Mt. Harding, Skagway, AK.............finished piece

2011-04-13T11:01:00.000-07:00

On Friday, the 8th, I posted the beginnings of what was on my easel. Today I will reveal the finished piece, entitled, "Mt. Harding, Skagway, Ak".

This mountain sits at the end of Broadway Street in Skagway, AK. It is an impressive sight to see, as are all of the mountains in the state of Alaska.
I have had the good fortune to be able to take two cruises to this magnificent state. It has absolutely jaw-dropping scenery. I would go there again in a heart beat.

This piece, as with all of my artworks, are copyrighted and require my permission to post, copy or anything else you had in mind. Please take that into consideration before you download it.

What's on my easel ??????

2011-04-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

This is the watercolor that I am working on right now. Please note that this is just a "block-in" of Mt. Harding, Skagway, AK.

There's lots to do on this yet, so stayed tuned.

Mini-mural for Child's room

2011-04-06T07:58:00.000-07:00

Yes, its been awhile since I've posted anything. Just don't ask, ok ??

Last week, I did "mini" murals in a child's bedroom. Now these are odd items for a 4 year old girl to ask for, but the parents were willing to comply.
She wanted "realistic" dinosaurs, but to not make them too scary looking, I softened up the color palette a bit.

The "framed" 36"x36" mother and baby are over a dresser, the flying ones (36" tall each) are over the bed, and the one "bursting" out of the wall (36" high), is over a desk. The little one in the egg (about 15" tall) is next to the closet door down low.

I hope you enjoy them !

HOLIDAY ART SHOW, Dec 4

2010-11-19T19:15:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that we are nearing the end of November already.
Thanksgiving is a week away and Christmas is fast approaching and with it brings holiday gift shopping and have I got a great place for you to do that !!!

Univ. Wisc.- Parkside, has their annual Holiday Art/ Fine Crafts show, Sat. Dec. 4, 10:00am-4:00pm at 900 Wood Rd, Kenosha, WI.

In my booth # 122 I will show some of my paintings,

Bringing Home the Tree

along with my hand-painted silk scarves and airbrushed glass
ornaments.

See you on Dec. 4, 2010, UW Parkside,
Kenosha, WI., 10am-4pm

ALONE

2010-10-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

Do you like to be alone? How do you feel when you are ?

Here is a video shared by a friend with the question of "What does being alone mean to you?"
I hope you watch the video and can answer this question yourself.

Here was my answer: "ALONE. Its a very special thing to be. To me it means that I am at peace within myself. If I like being with just me, than I know that others will like me also.
I can talk to myself and no one cares. I crack myself up much of the time with the goofy things I do, ......on purpose or not.
ALONE. Nothing to be ashamed of, or afraid of.
Learn to like who you are by being ALONE once in awhile"

oceancolors-bonnielynnsblog: Pink Ribbon Month

2010-10-06T22:18:00.000-07:00

oceancolors-bonnielynnsblog: Pink Ribbon Month: "October is the month designated to promoting breast cancer health, mammograms, research and pink ribbons. So many of us know a woman who has..."

Pink Ribbon Month

2010-10-06T22:03:00.000-07:00

October is the month designated to promoting breast cancer health, mammograms, research and pink ribbons.

So many of us know a woman who has or has had breast cancer.

Many factors are linked to breast cancer risk. Some of these factors affect risk a great deal and others by only a small amount. Some risk factors you can’t change. Simply being a woman and getting older increase your chances of getting breast cancer. Other factors you may be able to change. For instance, leading a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of breast cancer. Understanding what factors may affect your risk can help you work with your health care provider to develop a breast health plan that is right for you.

Getting regular screening tests increases the chances that if you do develop breast cancer it will be found early when it’s most treatable. Self breast exams are a good way to become familiar with the way your breasts normally look and feel, so in between our yearly mammograms, if there are any changes, you will know the early warning signs: lump, hard knot or thickening; swelling, warmth, redness or darkening; change in the size or shape of the breast; nipple discharge. Be aware of your body and its changes. Become involved with issues of national importance in the fight against breast cancer.

Since cancer has hit my family four times in the last ten years, two of them breast cancer (both survivors because of early detection!), I made a promise to donate 10% of the sales of my art to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Milwaukee affiliate. I show my support by wearing a pink ribbon pin and hand painting a pink ribbon silk scarf. http://bonnielynnsart.com/OceanColorsSilkScarves.html

Are you an artist??

2010-09-29T06:38:00.000-07:00

I just read this blog from the MN plein air painter, Marc R Hanson, and liked the humor in it so had to share it with you.
This is a paraphrase from his blog:

I have a question... Is there a school out there that teaches the two questions that almost everyone who walks up behind me asks?

1- "Are you an artist, are you painting?"... Easel is up, brushes in my hand, paint all over the palette, paint brush with paint is on the canvas...

2-Remember, they're behind me looking at my painting and what I'm painting... "What are you painting?"

Tonight the last people in the park, besides me, were rock climbers. A young lady clinging and clanging from all of the climbing gear hanging from her body came up and asked me both questions. To answer her first one I said "Yes...Are you a climber?" She stretches out a big grin and says "Why yes I am!".

To answer the second question, I just pointed out in front of me.

Either I'm not doing a very good job, one that she can recognize, or she took the course... I just don't know!!!

Facebook Fan Page

2010-09-25T06:43:00.000-07:00

As yet another outlet for my art, I have created a Fanpage on Facebook. Im told that this is the newest way to get yourself noticed. You create the page, send invitations to people via Facebook to LIKE you, and somehow you are famous !

Im not quite understanding the logistics of this whole thing, but I did create my page and will feature my artwork on there. I thought that was what my website was for !!??

With all of these places Im supposed to be, .........Twitter, Facebook, FB Fanpage, etc, I don't know when I'll find time to paint !

But if you get the inkling to do so, visit my Fanpage and LIKE me if you like !

Celebrating Life in the Sea

2010-08-31T19:11:00.000-07:00

Painting colorful underwater subjects is an expression of my love and respect for our oceans.
Finding inspiration and then creating works of art is a problem often faced by artists. My inspiration comes from the underwater photos I take as reference material of the sea life, fishes and corals. I then let the subjects dictate if the piece will work better in watercolor or oil paints. The transparency of watercolor's on the smooth surface of hot pressed paper may be what is needed for the delicate shape of a triggerfish or the heavier application of oil paints on canvas for the bulkier body of an octopus or shark.

When people see my art, I would like for them to feel happy and invigorated by the bright colors I use and to feel, if just for a moment, that they have entered this beautiful underwater worlk and become a part of my adventures.

A delicate balance exists between our lives and with that of the oceans. Educating and increasing public awareness through my art is my mission to get people to think about the health and survival of our oceans for future generations to enjoy.

Gidgets, Widgets and Gadgets

2010-08-27T04:43:00.000-07:00

(OceanColorsSmallPaintings)

I have been wondering for weeks just how to get my blog entries to go to Facebook. I have poked, prodded and twinged everything I could in my blog dashboard, but to no avail.

Then I noticed a few days that a friend of mine, Carrie Jacobson, did exactly what I wanted to do with her blog ( carriejacobson.blogspot.com ), so I emailed her. After a few back and forth emails, she decided to phone me.

Here was how our conversation went:

Me: How did you do that?

Carrie: Hmmmm. Let's seeeee... I don't really remember. I have no idea where that thing was. It was on a page with tabs on it, I remember that.

Me: Dashboard?

Carrie: Dashboard? Maybe. The place where you can design your stuff. Is that Dashboard?

Me: I don't know. I don't see it in Dashboard

Carrie: Well, its probably not on the Dashboard. Maybe its where you make a new posting. Yes, there it is ! See the tabs ? Click on the one that says Amend or Arrange or something. Then look down near the bottom, about halfway, for a button thing that gets you to the doodad or something like that.

Me: The gizmos?

Carrie: The widgets.

Me: The gadgets?

Carrie: Look there. Look for something that says 'edit', then hit it and a box will pop up, with a whole lot of other gizmos you can have, and the Facebook one is there.

And the conversation went on like this for a few minutes more. Somehow, through all that clatter and nonsense chatter and laughter, we understood each other and I accomplished my feat. Now if I can just do it again !!

Life is like that sometimes. We stumble, bumble and fumble through it, wondering how we did it in the first place. But that is what makes it all interesting.

Sketchbook Tour 2011 entry

2010-08-22T12:54:00.000-07:00

And yet another page for my sketchbook, http://www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject

7 Reasons Why I Scuba Dive

2010-07-27T19:21:00.000-07:00

7 Reasons Why I Scuba Dive:

Diving in Cozumel

1. Appreciation for beauty: I love color--in my art and in the world around me. The colors in the fishes and corals I see underwater are so spectacular and beautiful that it brings tears to my eyes at times when I think that HE created it all.

2. Sense of Adventure: I love trying new things. I guess I have a touch of reckless abandon. People always told me I couldn't, ........but I can !

3. Photography: Photography with my Nikonos V underwater camera make the reference material I use for my underwater themed watercolors and oil paintings.

4. Peaceful Feelings: Underwater, I am alone with my thoughts. All I hear is my own breathing. Comfortable, relaxed feelings take over my body and mind.

5. Commaderie: I have something wonderful in common with the three girls I dive with and the people we meet on our dive trips.

6. Learn respect: Seeing life under the sea can do nothing but make one respect our environment and want to preserve it.

7. Educating: As I learn more and more about the oceans and the inhabitants, I like to pass this information onto school children. They are like sponges in that they want to learn and they ask a million questions when I'm done speaking.
Educating and increasing public awareness through my art is my mission to get people to think about the health and survival of our oceans for future generations to enjoy.

Better blogging

2010-07-19T11:40:00.000-07:00

My friend, Elizabeth, is a big blogger, who is always trying to nudge me to get at least one entry a week in my blog.

We had lunch together last week and while we were enjoying each other's company she pulled a thick folder out of her canvas bag and handed it to me. As I opened it she explained that she was taking an online class (with about 400 other women) to better blogging and she challenged me to join her in this endeavor.

Liz doesn't need to encourage me to find time to paint, but she likes to "push and nudge" me to be a better business person, and that I don't blog faithfully is one of her biggest beefs about me !

So..........after much deliberation, I decided to take the "31 days to a better blog Probloggers Challenge."

Task one is to write an "elevator pitch": a short description of the focus of our blogs. When I started this blog two years ago, I wrote that I was "Talking to you about my life as a scuba diver and the art I have created because of it. " The painting I put with this tag-line is called "Parrot Talk". It shows 3 parrotfish in conversation. I like my original tagline and think I will keep it as such.

Task one completed !

Sketchbook Project Tour 2011

2010-07-16T18:01:00.000-07:00

A sketchbook is a place to put down your heart and soul.

There is a website called Art House Co-op. It is based out of Brooklyn, NY. Every year they have a sketchbook tour open to anyone from all over the world.

You purchase an 80 page small sketchbook from them, chose a theme from a list they provide, and then when they mail you the sketchbook with a UPC code on it, you have a time limit to fill it and return it to them. You can draw, color, write poetry, paste pictures............anything you want, just so you fill it and do not change the dimensions of the book. The sketchbooks then go on tour to 6 major cities around the United States, and people can check them out just like a library book with the UPC code. When they return to Brooklyn, NY, they are put into the Brooklyn Art Library as part of a permanent collection.

I have heard about this before, but never thought of doing it until now. The theme I chose is "Below the Surface". I am using it to educate people who do or do not have the opportunity to see what I have seen "below the surface" of the ocean.

I am doing sketches, small watercolors, original poetry and whatever else I may think of that will depict life under the sea.

I'll keep you posted as I progress with the sketchbook and let you now what cities it will be touring.

My blogging

2010-07-16T17:13:00.000-07:00

In case you have not noticed, I have fallen behind on my blogging.
I have promised myself that I am going to get better at this. I am going to try to make at least one entry a week.
Starting now !

Readying for Mothers Day shows

2010-04-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

My unruly flowers beds must wait. I have to devote my time to preparing my art for two upcoming shows.

May 1, 2010 is the Lakefront Artist Fair, Festival Park, Racine, Wi.
www.racinemontessori.com/lakefront_artist_fair.htm

May 2, 2010 is the Affair of the Arts, 7908 Winn Rd, Spring Grove, IL

http://www.affairofthearts.org/

Along with some new watercolor and oil paintings, I will also have a line of hand-painted silk scarves. These would make a wonderful gift for mothers, grandmothers, aunts or yourself.

Hope to see you at one or both of these shows.

Pink Ribbon scarf

2010-04-07T20:11:00.000-07:00

Its always a good time to think about our health. One of the things we should be thinking about is breast care. So many of us know a woman who has or has had breast cancer.

Many factors are linked to breast cancer risk. Some of these factors affect risk a great deal and others by only a small amount. Some risk factors you can’t change. Simply being a woman and getting older increase your chances of getting breast cancer. Other factors you may be able to change. For instance, leading a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of breast cancer. Understanding what factors may affect your risk can help you work with your health care provider to develop a breast health plan that is right for you.

Getting regular screening tests increases the chances that if you do develop breast cancer it will be found early when it’s most treatable.

Self breast exams are a good way to become familiar with the way your breasts normally look and feel, so in between our yearly mammograms, if there are any changes, you will know the early warning signs: lump, hard knot or thickening; swelling, warmth, redness or darkening; change in the size or shape of the breast; nipple discharge.

Be aware of your body and its changes. Become involved with issues of national importance in the fight against breast cancer.

Since cancer has hit my family four times in the last ten years, two of them breast cancer (both survivors because of early detection!), I made a promise to donate a percent of the sales of my marine art to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Milwaukee affiliate. I show my support by wearing a pink ribbon pin and I make a pink ribbon silk scarf.

http://bonnielynnsart.com/OceanColorsSilkScarves.html

Silk Scarves

2010-03-19T13:42:00.000-07:00

I have been busy creating a new line of product to add to my Ocean Colors Art collection.

Besides my brightly colored ocean paintings (and Artistic Wanderings paintings), I am now offering you beautiful hand painted silk scarves in 54", 60" and 70" http://bonnielynnsart.com/OceanColorsSilkScarves.html

There are, naturally, my beloved ocean themed pieces, along with looks for everyday.

I use 100% Habotai silk and the finest Jacquard silk dyes. They are then "set" to retain the brilliance of the dyes and to enable you to hand wash them in cool/warm water. Each comes in a gift box and with its own "care" tag.

I will also custom design a scarf especially for you, of your choice of colors.

Van Gogh STARRY NIGHT (pastiche)

2010-03-09T15:33:00.000-08:00

For a project at our gallery, Antioch Fine Art Foundation, in Antioch, IL, a few of us painted on 4'x4' pieces of plywood, a pastiche' of a well known artist, whose work we think the general public will recognize. Our plans are to put them outside of our gallery to attract the attention of passers-by, or to hang them around town with the blessings of the town Chamber members.
The one I chose to do was STARRY NIGHT, by Vincent Van Gogh.

Springtime Jewelry

2010-03-08T09:25:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for beautful Spring-time jewelry, see Danielle Renee's seaglass rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings........ http://www.jewelrybydaniellerenee.com/ .

Danielle hand picks seaglass from the beaches in New England.

Alaska and other Wanderings

2010-03-07T12:41:00.000-08:00

My paintings, Alaska and other Wanderings are being exhibited for the month of March in the White Room at the Antioch Fine Arts Foundation, Antioch, IL.

My 2 cruises to the Alaskan Inside Passage and my many scuba diving trips, have armed me with tons of photographs, both topside and underwater. I then come back to the warmth of my studio and interpret these photos into oil and watercolor paintings.

I photographed the hammerheads near the Galapagos islands of Wolf/Darwin from underneath the school, thereby giving me a great silhouetted shot. This is the painting I did from that photo.

Visit the Antioch Fine Arts Foundation at 938 Main St, Antioch, Il to see my exhibit OR visit my website at http://www.bonnielynnsart.com/ to see these paintings plus many many more.

2010-02-15T12:16:00.000-08:00

I will be a featured artist at the 40th Anniversary of Our World Underwater this weekend at the Donald E. Stephens Convention center in Rosemont Illinois, Feb 19-21.

This is the largest consumer scuba diving exhibition in the Midwest, and will include seminars, workshops, scuba clinics, an underwater photo film festival, and best of all, my Ocean Colors Art booth, #911.

I will also be debuting an exciting new dimension of my work......silk paintings and scarves. I feel the silk captures the feel of shimmering water, dappled by waves and sunshine. I will also have many new small matted watercolor and oil paintings, underwater themed postcards, and assorted prints will be offered at a show special of 40% off, and a free gift with every purchase.

If you are a scuba diver, then Our World Underwater is the place to be this weekend, Feb. 19-21 !

CLC Gallery Members Exhibit

2010-01-31T09:01:00.000-08:00

The Robert T. Wright Community Gallery of Art, Grayslake Il, will hold the annual members exhibit from Jan. 15-Febr. 21,2010.

This group show features Lake County artist who are members of the gallery. Works on view include a wide variety of styles and media.

Gallery hours are 9am-9pm, Mon-Thurs; 9am-4:30pm Fri/Sat; 1-5pm Sundays.

My watercolor, "Rocky Overseer", my interpretation of the Split Rock Lighthouse, MN, is hanging in this exhibition.

Watercolor Wisconsin 2009

2009-12-28T17:27:00.000-08:00

RAM's Wustum Museum continues a splendid Racine tradition with the opening of Watercolor Wisconsin 2009. As one of the museum's most popular annual shows, this exhibition brings together works from artists throughout the state of Wisconsin. Organized by the museum since 1966, Watercolor Wisconsin exhibitions have established Wustum Museum as a center for watercolor activity in the Midwest. This year's show features 109 pieces by 88 Wisconsin artists.

Of 295 pieces submitted by 164 artists, approximately one third of the pieces were chosen for this year's show. Three new works from this year's competition will be purchased for the Racine Art Museum's permanent collection.

One of my watercolors, Tea Time, was among the submitted and selected pieces. This was the first time that I have submitted to Watercolor Wisconsin, so I feel very honored to now have my piece hanging at Wustum Museum until April 24, 2010.
In my haste to get the piece to Wustum before the deadline, I failed to snap a photo of it, so I will post that in April when the piece comes back home.

Watercolor Wisconsin 2009 runs from Dec. 13, 2009 to April 24, 2010. Wustum Museum is located at 2519 Northwestern Avenue, Racine, WI.

10% off paintings make great Christmas gifts !!!

2009-12-19T05:06:00.000-08:00

Original artwork make great Christmas gifts.

Until Dec 31, 2009, I am offering 10% off of original paintings and prints on my website, http://www.bonnielynnsart.com Free shipping, up to $100 purchase is also included.

Because Paypal buttons will NOT comply with this offer on the website, go to the Ordering page and email or call me with your order. Mention the word SANTA to receive your 10% discount. I can accept Visa, MC, or Discover or a check (which must clear my bank before I send out the order).

This time of the year

2009-12-01T18:16:00.000-08:00

This time of the year is always a little bittersweet for me.

I lost my father-in-law two days before Christmas to a massive heart attack and my dad, 3 days after Christmas to mesothelioma (lung cancer caused by asbestos).
One was taken quickly and one lingered slowly before being taken from my life.

I go through many emotions and tears at Christmas. The emptiness of death is too much to bear at times, but two beautiful, young grandchildren are helping to fill the voids. Watching them wide-eyed in wonderment of the tree, the lights, and the gifts helps to lessen the pain. Too many ornaments are bunched up on single branches of the tree. Christmas window stickers brings smiles and laughter to all that see my "beautiful" holiday decorations.

There is truly truth in the phrase, "God bless the little children." Children bring joy and laughter to an otherwise lonely heart.

May you experience children in your lives whether they are yours, your grandchildren or neighbors. They are truly a joy to behold.

Little Treasures from the Sea

2009-11-13T05:56:00.000-08:00

I love to collect little treasures from the sea when I visit Florida or any of the islands I have scuba'd at. (is THAT a real word !! ha!).
I have large Mason jars filled with shells, but the one I like to show off is one that is filled to the brim with white, brown, green and aqua colored sea glass.

On browsing the internet one day, I came across the website of a delightful woman, Danielle Renee, who lives on the east coast, collects seaglass and creates the most beautiful jewelry from it. I had a larger piece of aqua glass that I thought would look splendid as a ring, so I contacted Danielle and she made an exquisite ring that I am proud to wear.

Along with selling her jewelry, Danielle attends Sea Glass Festivals and has tremendous knowledge of how to find and identify glass shards; the proper care of your sea glass jewelry and too much more to mention here. Danielle was also featured in the April 2009 issue of OCEAN magazine. You can find her ad in Coastal Living magazine also.

I hope that you will take the time to visit Danielle's website http://www.jewelrybydaniellerenee.com/ and find your special ring, bracelet or necklace from the sea.

Watercolor palette

2009-10-28T13:20:00.000-07:00

The colors of the rainbow are evident in my watercolor palette. Rainbows aren't as messy as my palette is, but you can see that I love bright colors. They are very evident in my underwater paintings, both watercolor and oils.

Whenever I am having a "blue" day because of the dreary, rainy weather outside, I open my box of paints and I immediately take on a brighter attitude.

The painting of the waterlilies was inspired by a trip to St. Germain, in northern Wisconsin where I took close-up photos from a row boat of the lilies and pads popping through the water in East Bay.

SHARK !!!!!!

2009-10-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

Last Monday, the 19th of Oct, I returned from a great diving trip to Nassau with 3 of my dive buddies: Cindy, Deena and Larissa.

I usually schlep around my dinosaur of an underwater SLR camera, but decided to wait until I got to our destination to rent a modern 12MP digital camera. Wow !!! I fell in love with it immediately. It was great to see what I had just shot and delete and re-do if I didn't like it.

I think I had the most fun with this camera on our 2 shark dives. We went to a place called Shark Wall, where for some reason, Caribbean Reef Sharks are plentiful. We dove side by side peacefully with the sharks. Once in awhile, they would curiously come nearer, but they mostly just held their distance. They have no intention of acting on their reputation...........being killing machines. I wish that more people could understand this about sharks. Long before Hollywood and Jaws, sharks got a bad rap. I'm not saying that there are not times that they do strike a human, but it is mostly NOT intentional. The silhouette of a surfer on a board or the splashing in shallow water that mimics a wounded fish, are just some of the reasons a shark may strike.

But anyway, this is about my wonderfully, emotional dives with the sharks. It never fails that I get tears in my eyes at the sight of them. They are one of the most beautiful creatures in the ocean.

Since I am back on dry land, all I have left are the memories and my photos.I hope you enjoy them.

Week 5- Airbrushed fish bowl

2009-10-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

Although I love living in Wisconsin, I sometimes think I am living in the wrong part of the country. Since I learned to scuba dive in 1992, I have had fish running through my mind. I dream about diving, talk about diving and my paintings are usually of the underwater persuasion.

When told to buy a piece of glass for a project in airbrush class, I unconsciously bought a fish bowl !! This is what I ended up doing with it :

It glows beautifully with a small candle placed inside.

Silk Painting added to my resume

2009-10-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

Along with all of the fun I am having in my airbrushing class, I decided to take a mini-course at UW-Parkside on Silk Painting.

How fun was this ??!! I am going to need another lifetime to work on all of the projects that I have running through my head. I am not, by any means, giving up on my watercolor and oil painting, I just wanted to expand my horizons. I'm very pleased with my first attempt at silk painting!

Airbrush class....week 5

2009-10-07T21:02:00.000-07:00

Well, I would really have liked for you to see my project from this week's class, but I wasn't finished with it yet. We have now graduated to working on glass. I have a round shaped clear fishbowl........and you guessed it ! I'm airbrushing an underwater scene !! Fishes swimming in an aqua ocean, shaded in ultramarine blue and yellow seaweed.
I hope to have it posted by next week.

We have decided to extend the 6 week schedule for 2 more weeks.......8 classes in all.

Airbrush Class....Week 4 projects

2009-09-29T14:14:00.000-07:00

And here are today's projects.

The one on the right is a t-shirt, but I couldnt get the whole thing on my scanner, so just use your imagination. I'm not quite ready to take over the airbrush booth at Great America just yet, but I have definitely improved since week 1 !!

Airbrushing is great fun !

2009-09-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

There are now 6 of us in the airbrush class. We are taking this through Antioch Fine Arts Foundation, a neighboring town's art organization that I am a member of.

I forgot to post last weeks projects: (Sept22, ...week 3 of airbrush class). So here they are:

What's on my easel ??

2009-09-28T06:34:00.000-07:00

I am gearing up for 3 upcoming shows......one in Florida and two in Wisconsin.

My brain is working overtime to try and paint something for everyone. Most of the shows in the north have to be barns, florals, etc, because those show-goers just don't connect with my underwater fishes and critters. There are a few, but not many.

I usually do scuba dive trade shows in Florida, but this year I was accepted to a fine art show in Estero, Fl. the 7-8 of November. I am trying to paint some more tropical scenes, etc. other than just my underwater, which I will also be showing there.

I guess I should try and decide which shows / pieces of art to do........underwater or barns, etc. Hmmmm.....I love them both, plus love the two different shows. Guess I'll just have to work overtime for now.Here is what is on my easel at the moment...

Dive with this place !!!?????

2009-09-21T11:06:00.000-07:00

Would you like to go scuba diving with a place like this???

I had forgotten about this photo I had taken a few years ago in Florida. The sign amused me.

Thank goodness the place is no longer in business !!

Cupcakes

2009-09-17T07:34:00.000-07:00

Whenever time allows, I like to do the exercise on the blog of Karin Jurick's blog, Different Strokes from Different Folks. This time it was a photo of cupcakes.

145 artists engaged in the challenge,.........here is my version.....

Air Brushing.....how fun !!!

2009-09-17T07:16:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned before, I started an airbrush class. I want to try to add some different elements to my paintings, just for the fun of it, so I thought airbrushing might be what I'm looking for.

Here is what I did on my first class.........Just trying to get a feel for the airbrush

Now here is what I did this week........I'm improving !!!

AirBrush Class

2009-09-08T05:14:00.000-07:00

I'm excited !!!! In about 2 hours, I will be starting an airbrush class. I bought a Badger Airbrush gun and an air compressor a few years ago, but could never seem to figure out quit how to use them. I was working on a wall as a canvas and had blue overspray all over the studio ! What a mess to clean up. So that was pretty much the last time I tried to use the airbrush. Then this class came along........so I quickly signed up.

I'll post examples of what I am learning as this progress.

Keyboard of the Winds

2009-08-31T06:38:00.000-07:00

To continue on with showing you some of my commission pieces.................

"Keyboard of the Winds" was painted for a lady in Loveland, CO. Ths is a mountain range in Rocky Mountain National Park (13, 215 ft above sea level ), which consists of Longs Peak, Keyboard of the Winds, and Pagoda Mountain. They are a beautiful frame for Mills Lake below.

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings

Nature's place will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.

The winds will bless their own freshness into you, and the

Storms their energy while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.

-------John Muir

Commissioned painting

2009-08-28T10:33:00.000-07:00

Kevin's Cathedral, Colorado was a piece I did years ago for a dear friend of the family.

Kevin loves to live where its cold........Colorado, Washington, Alaska, (Fairbanks, Kotubue, Anchorage), Wyoming, Montana. He can't stand to be warm in any way. He even carries a portable fan in the trunk of his car to set up wherever he is that is beyond his comfort level.

This painting is from a place in the Colorado Rockies that was special to Kevin when he lived there. He would never reveal the exact location, just gave me pictures to compose it by.

Shark Awareness Week video

2009-08-09T18:06:00.000-07:00

This is a shark awareness video by underwater photographer, author and shark advocate, Annie Crawley.

Please watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlGNGHApLHM

(Copyright, oil painting @Bonnielynn Brankey "Don't Let Them Fade Away")

http://www.bonnielynnsart.com/OceanColorsWhatsOnTheEasel.html

Publix grocery store sells shark meat

2009-07-22T13:15:00.000-07:00

I was in Fort Myers Beach, Fl. in June and I did notice shark in the fish market section of the Publix store. I guess it must've slipped my mind by the time I got home, but this article from a twitter friend has reminded me of it again.
If I sound like I'm on a soapbox today about sharks, you betcha I am !!!

http://bit.ly/25gsV4

Dead Shark left laying in road

2009-07-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

I have read and heard of some weird things before, but this one angers me. It is an article from the Associated Press in a Miami, Fl newspaper today. My love for wildlife, sharks and all sea creatures is very well known. I am too angry to comment on this article right now.

"The body of a shark was left lying in the middle of a downtown Miami street after two men tried to sell it to several fish markets. The men apparently carried the five or six foot long fish around on the city's Metromover downtown train, prompting calls to police.

News footage Tuesday night showed the dead animal in the street with police orricers and cruisers nearby. Two stations reported that a pair of men had tried to sell the animal to at least three fish markets for around $10.

Rob Orta, an employee at Casablanca Fish Market, told television station WSVN that the men offered his business the shark.

"But we don't buy sharks off the streeet, " Orta told the station.

Wildlife officials later determinmed the animal was a nurse shark. The case could result in misdemeanor charges of improper killing and disposal of an animal and selling a shark without a license.

One resident of teh area where the shark was dumped said he didn't know what was going on at first. "It was a relief that it was a shark," said Keith Smith. "When I first saw it, I thought it was a body because of all the shootings that have been going on."

Can You Help Us....Please ????

2009-07-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

This is a poem written by a scuba diving buddy of mine about the sorrow of the dolphins and their need to swim free.

Attached is my newest painting, which just happened to be dolphins swimming free in the surf.

Can You Help Us.....Please????

The bright red sun rising in the East

the earth is slowly waking from a good night's rest

Birds are singing , stretching their wings...

preparing for a morning of feeding.

Out of the corner of my eye...

I see the others have just arrived.

To read the rest of this poem, please go to http://www.bonnielynnsart.com/OceanColorsMyPhotos.html

To see/purchase Dolphin Surf, go to http://www.bonnielynnsart.com/OceanColorsFishes.html

Graphite drawings

2009-06-13T14:08:00.000-07:00

Just for a change of pace from my usual painting, I have been doing a few graphite drawings of my favorite underwater critters. I had forgotten how much I love to draw until I started working on them.

You can see more of them by going to http://www.bonnielynnsart.com/OceanColorsSmallPaintingsIII.html

DSFDF Pennsylvania Landscape

2009-06-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

The Different Strokes from Different Folks challenge this time from Karin Jurick's blog was a Pennsylvania landscape.
We received the photo to do in black/white and our challenge was to invent the color.
Since I usually paint underwater scenes, this WAS a challenge for me ! The colors I deal with are much brighter.

Different Strokes

2009-05-18T18:41:00.000-07:00

There is a blog that I discovered by a fellow artist, Karin Jurick, whereas she takes a photograph of something/ someone every few weeks, then offers artists to paint or draw their interpretation of that photo. The artists have two weeks to paint them, then send them to Karin for her to put on her blog named, Different Strokes from Different Folks.

This is the first time that I have done the challenge. It was a photograph of NewYorkCity-Madison Street.

Since I usually paint underwater fishes and scene, this was totally different subject matter for me. I found it fun. I don't feel like I was out of my comfort zone, because I am pretty comfortable painting most anything.

I had so much fun doing this, that I know I will be back to do more !

Dolphin Song

2009-05-12T13:05:00.000-07:00

This is a poem, which later became a song, written by Olivia Newton-John.

See them playing in the moon light,

Watch them dancing a song.

Have they cared for each other?

There is no question , of course,

They deserve to be treasured as a source of love.

In their minds there are answers,

And in time we will know,

What the truth is about

Of what all we don't know.

They have no rule for hatred,

Thought they have suffered much pain.

"From the race we call human,

We are afraid a lot."

If I can only help to ride on with my dolphin song,

Then I have lived what I was set out to do.

If I can only make one man a will,

One passing care,

Then I fulfilled what I promised to.

Let us hope it is not too late,

And that we can mend all the pain

We have inflicted on a friend.

We were born with a freedom,

We were born with a truth,

Why then we abuse

If we could choose to love.

Dolphin Sketch

2009-05-11T15:12:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite marine creatures is the dolphin.

While diving in Galapagos in 1997, three of us had just finished our dive and were getting ready to get into the Zodiac that would then take us back to the Galapagos Aggressor, our live-aboard for a week.

Out of nowhere, 3 dolphins showed up, swam around us for about 5 minutes, and then were gone.

That was one of those times when I have to say that I really felt the presence of God. The whole situation was so spiritual, and I cry every time I think about it.

Here is a book I am giving my niece who just graduated from college on Sat, May 9. The book is about never giving up on your dreams. She shares my love for dolphins, so I have drawn this inside the cover for her. I hope she doesn't see this blog entry before the book reaches her in the mail !

My 15 Minutes of Fame

2009-05-06T16:05:00.000-07:00

One of my underwater paintings, titled Underwater Diptych, has been featured as the cover of the dive magazine Northeast Dive News. I thank the editor, Rick Stratton, for working so hard with me on this.

Need I say more???!!!!

Dive Shirt/Mug

2009-04-25T15:11:00.000-07:00

I belong to an online scuba website, called DiveBuddy.com.
I recently painted some underwater images for the owner of the website of which he turned into
products for sale. To view these products and to buy them, click this link http://www.zazzle.com/divebuddy/gifts?cg=196888156461057352

The ocean gives back...........

2009-04-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

A recent front page story of the SF Chronicle told the true story of a humpback whale who had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused > her to struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso, and a line tugging in her mouth. A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farallon Islands (outside the Golden Gate ) and radioed an environmental group for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she> was so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her. They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her. > When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each diver, one at a time, and nudged them, pushed them gently around ~ she was thanking them. Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives. The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth said her eyes were following him the whole time, and he will never be the same.

Spring....Life renewed

2009-04-13T05:24:00.000-07:00

Spring has finally arrived and with it comes new life and changes.....renewed, clean and fresh smelling.
I have been out of touch for a few weeks with personal business and a family death.........but I am now ready to get myself back on track with my painting and other things. One of the things I have been working on is to put Paypal on my website as an easier way of ordering paintings and prints. There are still a few bugs to work out on my Art Prints and Notecards and MiniPrints pages, so to get the reduced prices on these items, go to the Ordering page to email or phone me. I can take your credit card over the phone.

Getting back on track

2009-03-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

Well, after my holiday of a week away, I was just settling back in to a work schedule when we received a call that a family member from another state passed on. Back into the car we went, and returned home last night ( Saturday). Today I accomplished not much but getting my taxes finished up and e-filed.
Starting on Monday, the 30th March, I hope to get myself back into my regular schedule of work, marketing, blogging and all that goes along with all of this.

Be Back Soon !

2009-03-11T15:29:00.001-07:00

See you back here on March 21, 2009.

Commission Art

2009-03-11T10:37:00.000-07:00

Although most of my art is for my website or galleries, I do paint commission pieces in the form of murals or paintings.

One that I recently finished was from a fellow scuba diver in California, who found me on ScubaBoard.com. Jennifer contacted me about doing a painting of a "Cabby", or cabezone, a fish from the scorpionfish family. She sent me images from her personal underwater library of the cabby and oil rigs that she wanted included into the painting.

After emailing back and forth to decide on size, etc, she gave me complete artistic license .
I started out making numerous sketches to help me decide how I wanted the final painting to look. On an unstretched piece of canvas, I started with blues and whites to get the feel of the sun streaming down on the skeletal structure of the oil rigs through the ocean. I then used the great photo she had of the cabby as reference and placed him to the front of the picture to represent the ledge he was sitting on. Much adjusting of color was made to the piece to get the feeling I sought after for this cabezone. After adding muscles, anemones and brittle stars, I signed the piece to call it finished.

Most commissions can be done in about two months. If you are interested in a custom piece, email me at dvrbon@wi.rr.com

New pricing / Paypal

2009-03-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

I will be out of the studio from March 13 until March 21.
On my return, I will be putting Paypal buttons on my website to make it easier for you to "click and pay", instead of emailing me with your information all the time. I would still love to talk with you if you want to email or call me though.

I have also changed prices on my mini prints to keep up with the President's stimulus package.

New friends links

2009-03-10T12:07:00.000-07:00

In my scuba diving and internet travels, I meet many wonderful people. Whenever possible I like to link them to my website.
Here are a few of my newest friends:

http://www.naturalseaglass.com/ Seaglass jewelry and other finds by Lisl Armstrong

http://www.jewelrybydaniellerenee.com/ Beautifully made jewelry to be featured in OCEAN magazine, April 2009

http://www.scubadivergirls.wordpress.com/ A fun group of women divers/ instructors in California

http://www.gordonisimo.com/ Scuba Mike and diving in the Canary Islands

Our World Underwater 2009

2009-02-26T06:25:00.000-08:00

Our World Underwater 2009, was held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL , Friday, Feb 20 through Sunday, Feb. 22.

What a whirlwind of activity!

In depth seminars and workshops ranging from camera equipment to learning visual cylinder inspection, started on Friday at 8am and ran throughout the weekend. Presenters were some of the dive industries most noted figures: Stan Waterman, Richie Kohler, Annie Crawley, Bob Sheridan, and the list goes on and on. Friday evening, all day Saturday and Sunday, the exhibit hall opened its doors to about 20,000 visitors walking the aisles to see 200 + exhibitors. Booths consisted of dive travel destinations, camera equipment, SUDS, a kids painting fair with Rogest, dive shops, dive equipment, marine artwork (my booth included) , the Tim Early Foundation, PADI, DAN,DEMA, Diveheart and many more than can be listed here. Dive Buddy stickers were placed with several of the exhibitors and handed out to passing visitors, Divebuddy.com member, Robert Silva, talked with visitors at his booth about his upcoming world record attempt to do the longest freshwater dive.
Friday and Saturday evenings were the scene of exciting film festivals with emcees Michel Gilbert and Nancy McGee, and President of OWU, Pat Hammer, gave out the annual OWU Achievement award to artist and environmental educator, Ron Steven, aka Rogest.
OWU was the brainchild of president, Pat Hammer and started out 39 years ago in the gymnasium of a local high school. It has grown to be the Midwest’s largest consumer dive show. Since 2010 will be the 40th anniversary, plans for the “biggest party ever” are already in progress.
Keep the weekend of Feb. 19-21, 2010 open and join in a great weekend winter getaway and pick up on great travel and dive equipment specials and help Our World Underwater celebrate their 40th milestone.

What inspires me to paint

2009-02-16T04:16:00.000-08:00

As a child I always loved to draw, but had no opportunity to have any art classes until my Senior year in high school. (the Parochial schools I went to did not believe in art classes). Taking this one class was enough to give me some insight into wanting to paint and do pastels.

I grew up given the ideals that an artist is NOT a real job, so I pursued other avenues of employment, but kept drawing and filling sketchbooks for years. While raising kids, I worked as a visual merchandiser/window dresser for large department stores and the last seven years as a floral designer.This was enough to keep the creative juices flowing through my veins, but being an artist was still the main thought in the back of my head.

In 1991, I took up the recreational sport of scuba diving. Armed with an underwater camera, I take thousands of photographs to use as reference for my drawings/ paintings.
I quit my "real job" almost two years ago now, and have dedicated my days to painting mostly underwater scenes and creatures, although I also paint landscapes from my cruise to Alaska, a trip to Glacier Natl Park and Yellowstone and my own state of Wisconsin.

When I used to paint murals for clients, they would tell me that while they were describing to me what they would want painted, I would get this "look" on my face as they were talking. I would be "painting" the mural in my head at that exact moment, and could then come in, sometimes without even a sketch, and start laying paint without hesitation.

Inspiration to me is looking at something and feeling it "trigger" inside. It is an unconscious burst of creativity that I get when I see an object, landscape or sea critter.
It is a stimulation or idea that encourages me to do a painting.

Shark !!!

2009-02-11T20:38:00.001-08:00

Sharks have been around for 400 million years. This is about 200 million years before dinosaurs made the scene.

Long before Peter Benchley's "Jaws" book and Steven Spielbergs film adaptation, people have had a fear of sharks. I can see why the fear is there............stories have been cultivated for hundreds of years about "man-eating" sharks. Yes, sharks can be dangerous and yes, they do kill, but they are NOT the man-eating killing machines that they have been made out to be. The oceans are theirs and any killing they do is for their own survival. Any attacks that are on humans are merely by mistaken identity or that they were feeling threatened.

When I dive with sharks, I see nothing but a beautiful, graceful animal. I am working on a series of small paintings dedicated to the sharks I have dove with. I hope that through these paintings, you can overlook your fears and see the beauty that I see through my diving mask.

Gray Reef Shark, 12"x12" Oil painting, $140.00. To purchase, email me at dvrbon@wi.rr.com

http://www.bonnielynnsart.com

Palette knife Queen Angelfish

2009-02-02T07:12:00.000-08:00

While working on a new 12"x12" painting on Thursday of a Queen Angelfish, I had one of my larger bristle brushes between my teeth sideways. The brush was loaded with beautiful bright cadmium yellow oil paint. As Murphy's law would have it, I dropped the brush right smack dab onto my nearly finished painting. Instead of brushing out the blob of paint and risking smearing it around, I took a small palette knife and tried to lift it off. In the process, it made a very cool mark on the fish. Even though it would mean changing the order of how I had originally painted it, I decided to keep going with it and see what would happen. I ended up re-working the whole painting and am actually ok with the results.

I wish I had had time to take a photo of the first version before the brush fell on it so that you could see the comparison.

Queen Angelfish, 12"x12" oil painting, $140.00, http://www.bonnielynnsart.com/OceanColorsNewestPaintings.html To purchase, email me at dvrbon@wi.rr.com

Challenger, American Eagle

2009-01-29T18:11:00.000-08:00

I had the subject of my blog and my underwater art all set, and then someone sent me this wonderful video about a bald eagle named Challenger (in honor of the lost space crew and shuttle). I wanted to share this video with you.

Challenger was blown out of a nest in Louisiana in the late 1980's and was hand raised. He has been declared "non-releasable" by federal wildlife authories, because he is "human imprinted". The American Eagle Foundation has trained him to perform educational free-flight demonstrations at high profile events.

Challenger has learned to free-fly into stadiums, arenas and ballrooms at the playing of the Star Spangled Banner.
He has met 4 US presidents and his life story is told in a children's storybook titled, "Challenger, America's Favorite Eagle."

When I watched the video of Challenger flying and listened to the song, I welled up with so much pride for our United States that I cried through the whole thing.

I will let you play it for yourself. Challenger

The Mermaid Chair

2009-01-22T18:07:00.000-08:00

No, this isn't the romantically passionate story written by Susan Monk Kidd. This is about a chair that I painted for the Deerpath Art League silent auction benefit of painted, embellished or altered chairs. The Deerpath Art League is a not for profit organization committed to raising appreciation and awareness of the arts in the community. This year's benefit will help raise money for the Young Artist Enrichment Program which brings awareness, education and art mentoring to elementary through high schools students.

This chair is intended for a little girl who has a love for the ocean and the fantasy of mermaids.

A mermaid is a mythological sea creature that is half woman/ half aquatic creature (fish, dolphin, ie.). The word is a compound of mere, the word for sea and maid, which has retained is original sense. (Wikipedia).

Greek mythology says that mermaids had sweet voices and their songs were heard by mariners who were lured into grounding their boats on the rocks and drowned. Mermaids were frequently seen sitting on rocks with a mirror and combing their long hair. Mermaids could foretell the future, give supernatural powers to human beings, or fall in love with humans and then entice their mortal lovers to follow them beneath the sea.

But then there is the story of The Little Mermaid, written by Hans Christian Andersen in the 1800's, and made into a Disney movie. The little mermaid, Aerial, lived in a crystal palace with her father, the King, beneath the sea. She has a fascination with her grandmother's stories about the world above the sea. On her fifteenth birthday she is given permission to rise above the surface of the sea for a peek at a world unknown to her. While exploring, she sees a ship on which a young handsome prince is celebrating his birthday. Without warning, the ship has an accident and on sinking, Aerial saves the young prince from drowning. Aerial falls in love with the prince and must make a choice to stay in the sea or give up her immortality and live on land with her beloved prince.

Sea turtles

2008-12-27T14:48:00.000-08:00

The Seris are an ethnic indigeous group of the Mexican state of Sonora. They were historically semi-nomadic hunters/gatherers who maintained an intimate relationship with the sea and land. Today they live in two villages on the edge of the Gulf of California. The songs of the Seri tell the stories of creation. This is part of the story of their sacred "relative", the sea turtle.

After the Great Flood, which covered the entire earth, the majestic sea turtle swam down in the ocean. With powerful strokes of her graceful flippers, the sea turtle swam deeper and deeper until she reached the bottom of the ocean.

There, she collected earth and swam back up to the surface where she formed new land.

That land is where we live today.

That is why the sea turtle is our sacred relative

To purchase any of the turtle paintings, email me at dvrbon@wi.rr.com

http://www.bonnielynnsart.com/OceanColorsCritters.html

Making it through the Christmas season

2008-12-22T19:20:00.000-08:00

As much as I love Christmas and all that goes along with it, there is always that fleeting moment when I just wish it was all over with.

I used to be a visual merchandiser for large department stores, and every September, we would start putting up the Christmas trees, wreaths and garland all over the store despite the customers who would make it known very loudly that it was "just too early to be thinking about Christmas....its not even Halloween for pity sake !"
Then I took a job as a floral designer and again in September, along with making autumnal floral pieces, we would start our Christmas seasonal designs. So you can see that for years my holiday seasons would seemingly go on forever and ever !

Even though I felt I had Christmas up the ying-yang, I would always make sure at home that the tree was up and that my two sons participated in decorating the house and baking the cookies, and now I am thankful that I forced myself to do these things, because these traditions have now been passed on to my grandchildren. To see the look in their eyes when the tree is decorated and lit means the world to me.

I know that the season between Thanksgiving and Christmas can get very daunting at times. The shopping, the baking, the wrapping of presents, etc etc. Just take a deep breathe and know that somehow you will get it all done. Keep it all in perspective and don't bog yourself down with trivial tasks.

We must keep in mind what the real meaning of Christmas is: it is the celebration of the birth of our Lord; the love and coming together of family and friends.. Just for one magical day of the year, all seems right with the world. Remember the reason for the season.

White Christmas

2008-12-19T21:28:00.000-08:00

Ok, who wished for a white Christmas this year?? Well, thanks to whomever that was, we got blasted last night with 14" of the fluffy white stuff.
Revved up the snowblower and dusted off the shovel and my husband and I had it all cleared off in about 2 hours time. I hear we are expecting a few more inches on Saturday and perhaps Sunday.

This should give Santa a good base to land on our roof.

Falling Behind

2008-10-27T12:52:00.001-07:00

I know that I said I would have my Christmas Tree Worms painting revised soon, but I have fallen behind schedule.
(To the left is how I started out.........to the right is the new direction I am headed in).

Family matters and getting ready for the Florida Dive Show on Nov 15-16, and MPTV Channel 10 Holiday Art Fair, Milw., Wi on Nov 22-23 have put me behind.

Not legitimate excuses, I know, but its the only ones I can think of at the moment !!! Ha !
I had actually hoped to use the new painting as my Christmas card image this year. Maybe I'll just send my cards out after the new year instead !

Coming to an end

2008-09-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

Summer is coming to an end and saying its last hoorahs. The leaves are changing colors. The days and nights are starting to get shorter and cooler. Its almost time to put away the shorts and tank tops and bring out the sweaters and gloves. Soups and casseroles are cold weather staples in our house, and I’m always trying out new recipes along with making my old favorites.

I too am coming to the end of my outdoor art shows and turning towards the indoor ‘holiday’ art fairs and scuba diving shows.
I will be heading to the West Palm Beach, Fl. Convention Center for the 4th annual Florida Dive Show on November 15 and 16, 2008. A week later, Nov. 22 and 23 is the MPTV Holiday Art show in Milwaukee, Wi. Then a few shows pending before going to Chicago,Il, for Our World Underwater in Feb. 2009.

I hope I see some of you at these shows. Please stop by and chat.

Four Lakes Scuba Club

2008-09-11T18:29:00.001-07:00

While I was manning my art booth at Our World Underwater scuba diving trade show in Chicago this past Feb., a business card was left in my “win a Turtle print” jar from a woman in Madison,Wi.
A few weeks after the show I received an email from her asking if I would like to be a guest speaker at one of their Four Lakes Scuba Club meetings to talk about how I combine my scuba diving and my art. Naturally I was flattered that someone thought my life story was of interest enough to talk to a group about it. On August 13 I made the two hour drive up to Madison and had a great time with the 20+ people who gathered to hear me talk. I showed them examples of my art and the sketchbooks that I use on my diving trips. I explained how I take underwater photographs, compose a painting and use either watercolor or oil paints on the decided subject. Being that the majority of them are also scuba divers, they could appreciate the beauty I see in the squirmy body of an octopus or the sweet face of an Angelfish.
An interesting question and answer session followed. It totally amazed me that what I think of my life as mundane and boring was fascinating to this group. I was very flattered.
I left them with a poem that I wrote and is posted on my Sept. 8th blog entry, “The Oceans Cry.”

I hope to see some of them when I am back in Chicago next February for the 39THAnnual Our World Underwater, the midwests largest consumer scuba diving trade show.

To purchase "Angel" or "Orange Octopus", email me at dvrbon@wi.rr.com
These paintings can be seen on my website : http://www.bonnielynnsart.com/OceanColorsFishes.html
http://www.bonnielynnsart.com/OceanColorsCritters.html

The Oceans Cry

2008-09-08T18:15:00.000-07:00

Since so much of what I write about is the oceans, I wrote a poem about them and the way I feel about what we are doing to them.
It is a little lengthy, but worth the read, I think. I hope you will enjoy it.

The Oceans Cry

Don’t you hear the oceans cry?
Can’t you see them weep?
Their creatures are being infringed upon
In shallows and in deep.

Garbage and fuels are dumped in them
They’re clogging up the reefs
Ocean liners spill their oils
Into the abyss it seeps.

Hurricanes and tropical storms
Of these we cannot help,
But long lining and trawling
Are stirring up the kelp.

They drag along; these miles of line
The dolphins and the whales
Are trapped in them, they can’t get out
They try but only fail.

The sponges and the coral
Are bleached and almost dead,
The food supply is dwindling down
What will they eat instead?

The parrotfish are talking
They have so much to say,
Can’t someone save our oceans?
Can’t someone find a way?

The sharks are getting angry,
Their numbers are starting to droop,
They’re being caught and cut upon
Their fins are used for soup.

The turtles they are eating on
The plastic bags we throw,
They think they are munching jellyfish
But its actually a foe.

The octopus gets a somber look
And bows his head in sorrow.
“Please clean it up and make it right,
Don’t take away tomorrow.”

Our children and their children
They have to see the oceans.
The chemicals are ruining them
These ugly deadly potions.

We must not stop, we must not waste
A minute of our time.
The oceans cannot mend themselves
We have to stop this crime.

Don’t you hear the oceans cry?
Can’t you see them weep?
Their creatures are being infringed upon
In shallows and in deep.

Bonnielynn Brankey ©2007

New Website Up

2008-08-13T08:54:00.001-07:00

The new website is officially up !!! http://www.bonnielynnsart.com

I'm sure that I will do some tweaking along the way, along with entering new paintings as I finish them.

I;ve Fallen Behind

2008-07-29T04:16:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I didn't get the new website up yet as promised.

I got very bogged down with last minute details getting ready for Gallery in the Garden that took place this past weekend in Woodstock, IL. It was a magnificent setting for artwork ! The weather was gorgeous, the crowds were many both Saturday and Sunday, and fun was had by all who attended.

I give a big round of applause to the two women and a son who worked so hard to ready their extensive gardens for this event. Part of the proceeds from sales went to Turning Point Abuse Center in McHenry County, IL.

I am still tweaking the new website........hang on, I'll get it done !

New Look for Website

2008-07-16T06:48:00.001-07:00

I have been diligently working on a new look for my website of ocean art, http://www.bonnielynnsart.com/.
Along with a new tropical look than what I had before, the new site will have pages of Small Paintings, My Photos, and a few more surprises.
Navigation should be easier also.

The site should be online with the next week.............just proof reading and doing some tweaking.

I am very pleased with the outcome and I hope you are too.

Matthew Scott Johnston: Diving a Dream

2008-06-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

Matthew Johnston is a ventilator dependent man who decided he wanted to live his childhood dream and become a scuba diver. Despite physical afflictions, muscular dystrophy at an early age, Matt convinced his father and the scuba world that he was ready to see underwater what he has only been dreaming of.

Since I let my subscription to Scuba Diving magazine expire, I had not read this article nor heard about Matt before. I only happened across this video by mistake while on my friend, Pascal's, website.

Please click on this link and then on the Today show logo to see the video http://www.divingadream.org/ and on http://www.scubadivingdream.com/default/scubadivingpage1.html to see pictures of Matt underwater.

You do not have to be a scuba diver to appreciate what Matt has accomplished, .......just a caring human being.

Gallery in the Garden

2008-06-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

July 26th and 27th is Gallery in the Garden . This is a show in the synthesis of art and nature in the solitude of a private garden in Woodstock, Il. I have been accepted as one of those artists and will mainly feature my underwater paintings, prints and notecards, although I will have my "Artistic Wanderings" works for sale also.
A percentage of the sales are donated to Turning Point.......a domestic violence program in the Woodstock, Il area.

Mamma Sarah's Straw Market

2008-05-26T17:13:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in my May 8th blog entry, I am starting an Island Time series of paintings which will feature life on the islands I have visited in my scuba diving travels. I have already painted one I call Mamma Sarah's Straw Market and as promised, I have completed another view of the same market which is posted here and on my website under Newest Paintings.

Mamma Sarah Hutchinson is a 92 year old Bahamian woman who lives on Harbour Island, which lies about 100 miles east of Miami in the Bahamas chain. She runs a roadside straw market where she sells handmade straw hats, straw mats, straw bags, dolls and colorful fabrics. She doesn't open her stand herself much anymore because she says she has "the grouch in her foot."

Seeing the tiny colorful buildings on the less populated islands that I have visited, makes one wish, if just for a moment, that you too could live this simpler life. Picture this.....fewer cars, if any at all, no loud industry, no rushing from here to there, no palm pilots.........and the list goes on and on. Since this isn't possible for the majority of us, I hope that you can get a feeling for island life from my paintings.

Memorial weekend

2008-05-26T16:42:00.000-07:00

While at our cabin in the northwoods of Wisconsin, I took a moment to bow my head and remembered to thank all the brave men and women who have served and are serving in our Armed Forces. They who have sacrificed their lives and they who came home safely to keep our country in the blessed freedom that we enjoy on a daily basis. Its a shame that we have only two days in the year to honor them.....Memorial Day and Veterans Day. It seems to me that we use these days as a time to celebrate the beginning and end of summer. We go boating, picnicing, camping etc, which is fine in itself, but we seem to have lost the real meaning of these two days.

I remember as being a child from a small Illinois town, always participating in the Memorial Day parade. As a Brownie and/or Girl Scout, I would march in our designated group following the American flag carried proudly by the veterans of our town. The parade would go down a spectator lined Main Street and end at the town park. As the National Anthem was played, the flag was hoisted for all to see. Heads were bowed and lips sang out the words. Then Taps was played by a lone trumpeter standing far from the crowd on the other side of the park. Men, women and children could be seen wiping their eyes. To this day, hearing Taps and the National Anthem still brings tears to my eyes.

Many male members of my family fought in various wars. I thank them, some from the grave, for the sacrifices they made for the right to be free in this great land we called America.

Island Time

2008-05-08T14:16:00.000-07:00

I have been painting underwater fishes and critters for a few years now, thanks to the reference material I get from my Nikonos V underwater camera when I go on diving trips. I have also done a few pieces from some of the islands I have been to on these trips. I am going to now paint a series of Island Time paintings just for a little variety.

On my trip to Harbour Island back in 1998, I had done a painting called Mamma Sarah's Straw Market.

On starting this new island series, I have decided to start out with another view of the straw market, which is located at the north end of the island at the foot of Government Dock. I will post it here and on my website on completion.

I also plan on doing paintings from Fiji, Grand Cayman Island, Nassau, Saint Maarten, and Bonaire, so watch for them to be posted here on my website.

The Great Channel 10 Auction

2008-04-25T07:10:00.000-07:00

Today, Friday, 25 April, is the opening day of the Great Channel 10 Auction, which will run thru May 3.
Many great items are donated and auctioned off, with proceeds going to Channel 10/36 PBS stations. These are stations which have quality programming, such as Sesame Street, Nova, and many more.

I have donated 4 of my Ocean Colors Art prints to the auction in hopes to generate some bids and therefore, revenue for the stations.

I hope that everyone spends a little time watching the auction in the next 9 days, and that you find items you want to bid on............and bid high !!!!

My World Underwater.....a poem

2008-04-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

This is a poem I had written a few years ago about my diving.

My World Underwater

As I drift weightlessly through the coral heads, my mind clears
Itself of the worries of my world.

Peace and quiet at last...with no sound to hear but my
Own breathing. My eyes are filled with all the rainbow colors
The ocean offers.

The prism of colors of the fish shine as they dart back and forth in as
Much wonder of me as I am of them.

Brilliant blue sea stars clings to coral.
Small puffs of sand rise in the water around a spotted moral eel poking
His head out of a crevice in the rocks to watch me as I pass by.

A Southern stingray floats gently like a hovering flying saucer along the
ocean

bottom.

Barely disturbing the sand with his fluttering wings as he looks for his
next meal.

The long, silent shadow of a Caribbean reef shark can be seen eerily in
the

distance

Slowly, methodically his tail sways through the water.

These are the pleasures my world underwater bring me
These are the memories I take home.

Bonnielynn Brankey (copyrighted 1997).

SUDS

2008-04-15T15:12:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, I spoke on the phone with a delightful woman that I had met at Our World Underwater in Chicago in February. She and her "side-kick", JD, were recruiting donars/donations for a fairly new organization called SUDS ....Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba. SUDS is based at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington,DC. and is designed to help improve the lives of injured soldiers returning from Irag and Afghanistan. By training the soldiers in a challenging and rewarding activity it can help the rehab process and promote mobility. It also offers the soldiers a sport that they can enjoy all of their lives.

They are having a fundraising event called Operation Bottom Time (OBT), to be held in Key Largo the week of May 17-24, 2008. Having completed their confined water training at Walter Reed, OBT will be focused on the completion of their open water certifications and introducing them to the diving community.

As I mentioned his name above, JD, a disabled soldier, stopped by my art booth to look at my work and to chat a while.We bumped into each other about 3 different times in the hotel within the next 2 days and always ended up chatting for at least 20 minutes. What a neat guy and so easy to fall into a conversation with. He will be one of the soldiers taking his open water certification at OBT.

I wish all the soldiers much luck with their certifications. I'm sure they will all pass with flying colors and will find scuba to be a new and exciting experience in their lives. Since I personally can't be there to cheer them on, I hope that my art donation to the silent auction will help support this wonderful organization and I hope that someday I will be able to meet some of them on one of my dive trips to thank them personally for the honorable ways they have served our great country.

Beautiful weekend.........no painting done

2008-04-06T17:50:00.000-07:00

Well, ...........Winter was hanging on for so long and we FINALLY had a beautiful Spring weekend here in Southeastern Wisconsin. Instead of painting, I was outdoors starting the cleanup of the yard. As best I could anyway. The ground in our backyard has become a part of the swamp that is next to our lot, so it was too spongy and wet to do any raking of branches and leaves. The front yard was a little less wet, so raking was easier. I also started to cut the dead leaves on some of my perennials that didn't get done last Fall.
This time of year is always like a new breathe for me. Its exciting to clean out the flowers gardens of winters debris and see the plants poking their little heads out, welcoming the warmer days of Spring.
As Scarlet OHare would say, "Tomorrow is another day"......so another day is when I will get back into my studio and paint again.

What's on the Easel??

2008-04-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Winter where I live just doesn't want to let go this year. I'm trying to brighten up these last dreary days by thinking about and painting the fishes that I see in the ocean on my dive trips.
I will have a new page up in the next few days on my website that will be called, "What's on the easel?"
It will be a sneak peek of art pieces in progress, so you can see what I'm doing. Hope you enjoy it.

Dots, Dots and more DOTS !!!!!

2008-03-18T06:25:00.000-07:00

In June 2006, I was revisiting the beautiful Cayman Islands, not just for a fun in the sun diving vacation with the "Viking Women", but also for a chance to paint with the world -renowned artist, Ron Steven, aka Rogest.

On having seen our old friend Ron at Our World Underwater in Chicago, we were gently "persuaded" into signing up for his seven day Dive/Paint trip, being assured we would have a good time.

Our home for the week was Cobalt Coast Resort and Divetech dive shop in West Bay, Grand Cayman. From the time of our arrival until we departed, we were treated like royalty from the customer friendly staff. The owner of Cobalt graciously opened his 3rd story home up to us nine guests to use as a studio.

The cast of characters for the trip ranged from an elderly gentleman from Madison, Wi, with a witty sense of humor and much wisdom and knowledge to share and his gracious and sophisticated lady friend who managed to get a "zinger" in now and then; a couple from New Mexico who kept us in stitches with her infectious laugh and his dry sense of humor; a sweet and quiet lady from Denver who after a day or so showed us her alter ego; and my "Viking Women" friends....a passionate poet, a "princess" and a cautious banker.

After mornings of two wonderful dives off the Cayman walls, and a tasty lunch, we learned to paint with Rogest in his Australian aboriginal pointillist (dot) style with acrylic paints in bright Gaughin-like colors. This was exciting for me, since my own paintings are done with watercolor or oils and my murals with latex paint. Knowing how to paint was not a requirement and Rogest, with his boundless energy, made the learning process very easy and pleasant.

What started out as a daunting task to create a16"x20" canvas to actually look like a painting made solely of dots, ended in us creating nine wonderful paintings of underwater creatures! The laughter oozed out of the windows of that makeshift studio during our afternoon painting sessions. Wisecracks became the norm. After what seeming like painting millions of dots, we decided that we were going to need 'dot therapy', 'dotaholics anonymous', and hoped we wouldn't have post-dottum depression after going home !

In addition to the Rogest-style dot paintings, each of us contributed our palette knife "fish" on a 32"x40" canvas which turned into a huge abstract underwater scene that now hangs in the entry way of the resort.

The staff of the resort worked diligently to advertise an auction of our artwork that was held at Boatswain Turtle Farm to raise monies for environmental groups on the island. Rogest acted as auctioneer and sold all of our paintings for a profit of $1800.00. Our hearts and souls were poured into those little canvases and we were proud to donate the proceeds for a worthy cause. The environment needs all the hands it can get to help it along, if we want there to be something for future generations to enjoy, because "extinction is forever."

I came away from this dive trip with renewed friendships, a little part of each of my "new" friends to carry in my heart, a deeper appreciation for the environment, and a newfound energy for my own artwork .........which may just include a few DOTS !!

People ask me, "Are you crazy??"

2008-02-23T17:11:00.000-08:00

The 3 women that I regularly scuba dive with and I, (the Viking Women), will be taking a Shark School workshop with our friend, Dr. Erich Ritter in May 2008. Dr. Ritter gives these workshops in the Bahamas, South Africa and the Maldives. The purpose of the workshop is to focus on the behavior of sharks with a special emphasis on interacting with them.

We have dove many times with sharks. In fact, when we schedule diving trips, we like to make sure that we are going where we will see sharks.

Dr. Erich Ritter is a shark behaviorist and the senior scientist of Green Marine. He has a PhD in Behavioral Ecology and his expertise is to work with sharks to try to find out what their body language means. His main interest is shark attacks and their causes. He has spent the last 8 years collecting data from the oceans around the world, but his primary focus is on bull sharks, lemon sharks and great whites.

If you have ever watch "Shark Week" on Discovery channel, you have seen him. He, himself, was attacked by a female bull shark in Walkers Cay, Bahamas in 2002, while standing in 3 feet of water researching the sharks. The already frequently performed experiment was to show that sharks do not pay attention to people when there is food in the water. The water was murky that day and there were more than the usual amount of sharks gathered. As a chunk of food was thrown into the water, a remora (shark sucker) grabbed at the food and headed in Erich's direction. A bull shark snatched at the remora and caught Erich's left calf in the process. Although it took several hours of surgery to reattach the muscles, he will never have normal use of his leg. He forgave the shark and he clearly saw this as a case of mistaken identity in this situation.

Erich Ritter: "... there is no such thing as dangerous sharks, only dangerous situations. This fact must be made public... for the sake of the animals and our children... once mankind can get rid of its fear from sharks, then sharks can be protected... the over fishing and slaughtering of sharks is one of the biggest ecological time bombs of our time and the consequences will have a devastating effect - not just for nature but mankind as well... the conscious interaction with sharks is an important tool for their better understanding..."

I have a love for sharks that makes my family think I'm just plain crazy!! I like to lay on the ocean bottom with my camera and wait for the sharks to get close enough for me to get that "ultimate shot." (I'm still waiting for it). I guess you could say I'm a little too adventurous for my own good sometimes. But my love for sharks goes beyond the camera. I see a very real potential of our harming the balance of our oceans by allowing things like "finning" to happen.
Finning is a practice in certain countries and cultures that uses longlines in fishing to catch many sharks at once, bring them on board the fishing boats, remove and keep the fins and throw the rest of the carcass back into the sea. Shark meat is considered low value and of no purpose. The sharks are most often alive when they are tossed back in and not being able to swim, they sink to the bottom to die a miserable death. The fins are then transported back to market to be used mainly in shark fin soup. One pound of dried shark fin can retail for $300 or more, making it a multi-billion dollar industry. This practice has increased over the past decade, causing the shark population to dwindle yearly.

Practices like long-lining doesn't just affect the sharks, but sea turtles, dolphins and other bird and sea creatures who get caught in these lines.

The shark's only natural enemy is man. Man is destroying our oceans day by day, year by year. We have to be educated and aware and stop these barbaric practices, for the sake of, not only the sharks, but of our oceans.

http://www.bonnielynnsart.com
http://www.sharkwater.com/
http://www.seashepherd.org/longline/
http://www.wildaid.org/
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/

My friend, Liz

2008-02-22T10:16:00.000-08:00

My newest friend, Liz, whom I met through the Antioch Fine Art Foundation, is having a wonderful showing of her pressed botanicals at the Genoa City Library, Genoa City, Wi. She had a nice article published about her and her work, but her last name was spelled wrong in every mention of it! She is going crazy about this because for such a simple name as WANK, it seems it is never spelled right. But despite the misspelling, her work is beautiful. She grows her own flowers and makes her own paper to create delicate botanical artwork.

We talked yesterday, and she has been contacted by Ryan Garrett Fine Art Consulting in Cardiff, CA, about putting her pieces into a hotel in Utah !!! Way to go, Liz!!!

You can visit Liz at http://www.elizabeths-flowers.com/

Our World Underwater Show a Success

2008-02-20T05:42:00.000-08:00

Well, the weekend was, what I would call, a success for me at Our World Underwater consumer scuba dive show, Donald Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Il.

I had a good booth spot, right on the corner near the concession area, so people sitting and eating/ drinking could view my work, and people walking to and from that area had to pass by me. I had a giveaway drawing of my TURTLE print, (people love freebies!), and a lovely lady in Muskego, WI. was the winner. She was thrilled.

I met many wonderful people........divers/non-divers. Had great feedback on my art; gathered information on what art divers want to see next in my work (whales, nudibranchs, etc), which I will take into consideration for my next paintings, got two possible commissions, and I made some sales.

It was a long weekend out on the "floor", but well worth it. I already have my booth reserved for Feb 20-22, 2009! Hope to see you there.

Our World Underwater

2008-02-14T07:51:00.000-08:00

I am furiously preparing to show my artwork in booth # 1011 at Our World Underwater, a scuba diving trade show, in Rosemont Il. The show runs from Friday, Febr. 15 thru Sunday, Febr 17.

There are many booths with scuba equipment, underwater cameras, resorts that offer diving packages, seminars on a multitude of dive relates subjects, a Saturday evening film festival, Scuba Radio will be broadcasting, Team Scuba Nascar will be there...........and so much more. It promises to be a great time!!

I will report on how the weekend was next week.

Pink Ribbon Angelfish

2008-02-12T09:55:00.000-08:00

I have added my Pink Ribbon Angelfish to my blog because I want to remind women to do self-exams and yearly mammograms as a way to maintain the delicate balance of our lives.
I have partnered with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Milwaukee Affiliate, through a written agreement that I may use their name on my website and any promotional materials I use.
Ten percent of the sales of my marine art is donated to them.
I have made the fight against breast cancer a personal battle. My daughter-in-law and niece are both battling this disease and I would like to see an advancement in breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment to someday eradicate it.

Scuba diving and my art

2008-02-09T22:20:00.000-08:00

Art has been something that has been a part of my life since childhood. I would fill up school notebooks with doodling and spend hours drawing objects around the house. I never had a formal art lesson until Senior year of high school, at which time I learned to use different mediums.........paints, pastels, charcoal. I continued to play with these mediums for years drawing and painting mostly landscapes, and then at the age of 37, I went to college and received a degree in fine art.

During that same time, I received my scuba certification which also took my art down a different avenue. On seeing the iridescent blues and greens of the Queen Angelfish, the brilliant yellows of a Butterfly Fish, and the purples, oranges, pinks and reds of sea fans, corals and sea stars, it reminded me of a child's scattered box of crayons and I knew that I had to get what I was seeing onto canvas.

My husband bought me a Nikonos V camera and I started to take tons of photos, not for their quality, but for reference. I always keep a sketchbook packed in with my diving equipment and on coming up from dives, I do quick ink sketches to keep myself refreshed of what I have just seen underwater. Back from my trips and in the comfort of my sun lit studio, I transfer my sketches and underwater photos into brilliantly colored watercolors or oil paintings. I don't paint in an Impressionistic, Realistic or Abstract style. I think of "style" as a relative term and I have developed one that allows me to "recreate" the underwater world as I see it in my mind.

I am an adventure seeker by nature. I like to invite challenge and conquest to my life. My marine art is a celebration of the sea. I hope to draw attention through my art to the health and survival of our oceans for future generations to enjoy. I hope that I can make a difference.........by increasing awareness and education through my art the delicate balance that exists between our lives with that of the oceans.

Life is precious.......on land or under the sea.

Diving in the Bahamas

2008-02-01T20:00:00.000-08:00

Water and being around it has always held a fascination for me since I was a child, but at the age of forty, what started out as something to do with my sons on a vacation to Grand Cayman, has now become a passion to me.

The sport of scuba diving has taken over my life, so to speak. No longer subscribing to Country Living and Good Housekeeping, Scuba Diver and Diver Alert magazines now fill my mailbox. I ask for new diving and underwater photography equipment for birthdays and Christmas. I dream of my next destination for a dive trip, and am packed weeks in advance. On a dive trip, my underwater camera is always loaded with fresh film and new batteries in readiness for that "perfect" photo. I don't care if I am diving in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, the turbid Pacific Ocean or the forty degree lakes and quarries of my native state of Wisconsin. Just so I am diving !!!

On getting certified, I met on my first Bahamian trip, three other women divers. We have since become best of friends and have been dubbed by the other divers in our circle, the "Viking Women", for the mere fact that the four of us out dive everyone else on our trips, including the men. On a four day trip, it is not uncommon for us to get in 18 dives.

On this first Bahamian trip, the "Viking Women" chose the island of Providence, (its capital being Nassau). The resort is called Dive,Dive,Dive and is on a remote side of the island, away from the bright lights of the city. We have since returned there to dive because of the beautiful reefs on what is called the Tongue of the Ocean.....a crevice that reaches out into the Atlantic Ocean and drops to 6000 feet. But what really draws us there is the incredible shark diving.
For whatever reason, the population of sharks is more abundant: Gray Reef, Caribbean Reef, Bull, Silky and an occasional Hammerhead. Despite what Hollywood has instilled into our psychics, sharks do not as a general rule attack people and use them as lunch. Sharks can be an aggressive animal, but if one is careful and does nothing to threaten them or their territory, then observing them can be a very pleasant experience. Their long streamlined silvery-gray bodies glide through the water in silence, and their elliptical unstaring eyes penetrate your very soul as they pass by you.

Diving on a shipwreck, such as the Bahama Mama with the sharks, makes for an unforgettable dive. The wreck looms up out of the abyss like a ghostly figure, and the silhouetted sharks add to the eeriness of the scene. Some of the shipwrecks in these waters are sunken cargo ships, rum-runners and Haitian escapee boats. Pirating is still alive and well in the Caribbean.