Thursday, November 21, 2013

Artwork created by Children for Learning Communities


Murals created by kids in Omaha, Nebraska





















The pieces all come together

We Read While Dreaming from Book Fiesta!











Colors, imagination, energy...it's all there! I was thrilled to get these photos of the fantastic artwork created by children in Omaha, Nebraska. They made these murals for the Learning Communities Center that offers family literacy programs, parenting workshops, English classes and computer training. Way to go!

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Collecting Memories of Sharjah


Last workshop day with amazing students











Surprise Lunch








Lebanese bread








Lemonade and Hummus






















































Leaving Dubai
























Full moon at mid-day on the Arctic Circle



Over the Pole and back to Southern California


















































"A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles".-Tim Cahill

I've just returned from nine days in the Middle East, invited by Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour al Qasimi of Sharjah. This emirate is considered by UNESCO as the cultural capital of the Arab World. Their cultural policy is one of the most developed in the Arab world for it's support and investment in art and culture. Sharjah is home to 17 museums and the Sharjah Biennale exhibition of contemporary art. I was fortunate to attend the Sharjah World Book Fair and had the great opportunity to work with a dynamic group of young local artists. Together we worked to create a poster for the 2015 Children's Book Fair. This was my second trip to Sharjah and I am so fortunate to have connected with many new and old friends. I'm grateful to the Princess for her kindness and visit to our workshop. She is a true champion of books.

Architectural Delights of the United Arab Emirates


Futuristic Metro Station
Gleaming Skyscrapers of Dubai

Towers in the Desert
Atop the tallest building in the world







Burj Khalifa-163 floors, 2,722 feet high

Origami Crane Sculpture

Marine inspired hotel lobby







Arabesque Arches








Mosque Islamic Motifs







Inside the Mosque with Ali and Omar








Vaulted Ceiling





Mosque at twilight







Monday, November 11, 2013

Wander Often-Wonder Always.


Leaving the California coastline behind


Color and form juxtapositions


Sharjah World Book Fair 


Getting lost in the architecture and geometric patterns







Detail of Old Souk

Islamic Sunset

Along the Lagoon



Teaching a Workshop to local illustrators


Road map to the solution


Thinking with Chalk
















Along the road



















I'll never get over the sheer magic of getting on an airplane and suddenly
arriving in an exotic place.
The unfamiliarity of it all just ignites your senses in new ways. Tuning into those landscapes, the allure of turning the corner and exploring with your eyes, the textures and sounds of a fountain, of children playing in another language.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Exploring Street Art in San Francisco

Spent several amazing days in San Francisco documenting street art.





















































This beautiful mural in the Mission District beckoned me to return to the studio. I painted this series of Saint portraits for Loyola Press and created a personal piece fueled by the textures of the city.











































Packing my bags to teach a workshop in Dubai.