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!

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

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.

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.