New Illustrations at RiverLuna

Little Owl Manu

Little Owl Mosi

Mieko's Dandelion Wish

 Here are a few new illustration paintings. The originals have already been sold, but I have  prints available in my shop now. I've really been enjoying this collection so far. It's part of my 'Words of Wisdom' illustration series that I've been adding to since January. I imagine a little story with each character I paint. Mosi and Manu are brothers and their names mean first and second born son. Manu, the younger owl sits in the remains of his nest, and when hung together, he looks to his older brother Mosi who is perched on a tree branch.

~marisa ~

Before River Luna, My Unfinished India Series

Before opening River Luna, the majority of my work was in oil. I decided to make the switch to watercolors because I was concerned about the toxicity of the paints and turpentine. I paint daily, so I didn't want to constantly be exposed to the chemicals, and the cleanup became more of a hassle. At that time I didn't have my studio, and I also didn't want my family around the paints. 

It was a nice break, however it's been extended since opening River Luna. I just couldn't find the time to use oils while working and being home full time with my son. River is 4 now, and has preschool a couple days a week. I don't know if I'll really be able to keep up with my oils, but I am going to try my best. This past week I set up my easel in one corner of the studio. It's the perfect space, with plenty of natural light. I've been slowly working on my India Series, and I'm in no rush to finish. I paint leisurely. I love how rich the colors of oils are, and it's the only medium I care to paint portraits in which I enjoy immensely. 

It's interesting to have two main mediums. It almost feels like learning about two different sides of myself, my life. Working in watercolors, I find the beauty in everything from nature. I feel so much freedom with the paint, light hearted and joyful in exploring my surroundings, studying the earth.

With oils, I explore people. The nature of people, emotion, culture, our connections, and the expression in their eyes. Through painting I learn more about my childhood, others, and what makes them who they are. The oils can get a little dark at times, and I suppose that's also why I love watercolors so much. They bring light in when an oil painting gets too heavy for me to continue.

Okay, so the pieces above are unfinished, obviously...but it feels like I should just put it out here anyway. I have a thing where I don't finish my oil paintings. I'm not sure why, I just never do. It bothers me, but I've even sold paintings unfinished. I'd really like to change that, so my goal here is to at least finish these three. Just these and that will be enough. 

I'm sure there's an important experience I'm missing in finishing a painting that I've spent so many hours on. So once I get there, I'll come back to share.

~ marisa ~

Masika the Little Fawn

This is Masika, the little deer I finished this week. The name means born during the rains. 

Lately I've been working on animal illustrations to add to my "Words of Wisdom"painting. I like working on several different paintings all at once. I'm really enjoying this project since I get a sense of who these animals are, and their character. Right now I have four other illustrations on my table, and a lot of other work keeping me busy so I'm loving any time I get to work on them!

~*~  marisa

playing with paint

anatomical heart handpainted notebook

gold-dipped feather

Just playing with some new supplies this week.

xo marisa

feathers and stones

Bodhi Feathers 

Taos Stones

Although I was busy this past week, I did manage to finish this set of feathers, and a couple little stones. I got some new supplies in the mail, including new paints and gouache. The new colors are inspiring, can't wait to work with them. I also got a new sketchbook, and it must be the nicest I've ever had! It was on sale on blick online and the pages are gorgeous compared to my last one. I got all my orders out yesterday, so I'm looking forward to painting and sketching all day today.

xo marisa

sunshiny day

Meet my 4 year old sunshine! River has been loving the rug I got for my office. He says it's 'fudgy' (meaning fuzzy) and has been lounging around on it all day. We've spent the last few days in the garden, and filled our home with roses so the air is sweet.

~*~ marisa

Easter In Locke

My teenage brother in law, making a romantic gesture for his girlfriend.  

The best Chinese food we ever had, this is the back of the restaurant. 

 

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My family came to town for Easter, and it was such a nice visit. We spent the day having a delicious brunch (my sister-in-law rocks in the kitchen), and watched the kids play and search for eggs. It was a perfect day. On our drive home we stopped by Locke, a historic 99 year old Chinese town. It's beautiful there, and was quiet and empty. We walked around, took pictures and had the best Chinese food ever.

I finished a few little paintings this week. I just love woodgrain. It's so meditative to paint those lines, without a plan, or knowing where they'll go. They're in the shop, and I'll be adding prints soon. 

Last night as I was drifting off to sleep I had a fun idea for a new series. Ideas always come to me when I'm just getting to sleep, so I usually say them out loud in hopes I'll remember them the next day. I'm really excited about it, and already sketched it out this morning. I have to get some orders out today, but once I'm done I'm sure it'll turn into a 2am painting night! Better get a good audiobook...

~marisa~

morning hymns

Today the house is silent, and the trees are whispering their hymn.

A few new paintings were finished this week. I love bright colors paired with soft neutrals, so I'm bringing some softer colors to my collection.

xo marisa