Ocean Landscape - Oil Painting

Bowling Ball Beach

Near Schooner's Gulch, Point Arena, CA

24 x 36" Oil on Canvas

NFS at this time

This was one of my husband's and my favorite spots when we were on vacation earlier in June. Whenever I start to get too stressed out, I go back here to feel the peace of those moments we spent there - the smell of salt water, the wind caressing my hair and the kiss of the sun as it peaked through the clouds now and then. If I ever become a hermit, this is where you will find me.

Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend!

And peace . . . joyful peace to you all!

Contemporary Pen & Ink

No Time to Rest

10 1/2 x 7 1/2" Pen & Ink

Sometimes it feels this way - no time to rest. But, of course, I must be resting while I do these drawings (well, at least sort of resting). I did this drawing over several days of sitting with my mother - she talked about non-essential things (I sincerely think she just likes to hear herself talk - not a derogatory remark - it is part of the dementia) and I drew.

As always, comments are welcome. I enjoy hearing your impressions of the work and any helpful critique advice.

Have a great weekend!

Artfully,

Oil Painting - Diptych

Color 25 - Awe

22 x 36" Diptych - Oil on Canvas

I finished this piece yesterday (finally) and had the need to write some prose to go with it. Mind you, I am not a writer, but sometimes words can establish some insight. So here we go:

Are the paths of our lives predetermined

Or do we make our own present?

No, my Love, the moon moves the ocean tides,

And we can only bob along on the surface.

How do we set free the wishes bound within?

Can we walk through the dark without stumbling over the boxes?

No, my Love, the wind cannot be captured,

And we can only hope to float on the wisps that come our way.

If we actually had wings, would we choose to fly away from this place?

Does flight elude us because our feet are stuck?

No, my Love, the sun is still shining behind the clouds,

And we can only imagine the brilliance of its light.

Artfully yours.

Pet Portrait Oil Painting

Lamar

25 x 25" Oil on Panel

I don't often do pet portraits, but I thought this one was fun.

If you know of anyone else who might like a similar portrait done, please feel free to forward my website information (www.cyndycarstens.com) to them where they can send an email easily. Thank you for all your support and encouragement - we all need a little of it from time to time.

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I have three large paintings in different stages which I am very excited about and will post them soon.

As always, thank you for visiting and I look forward to reading your comments.

Artfully yours.

Artists' Reception Tonight

Color 23 - Attitudes

22 x 36" Diptych - Oil on Canvas

You are cordially invited to attend the

Artists' Reception Tonight for

Art of the West Valley Exhibition

West Valley Art Museum
17420 N. Avenue of the Arts

Surprise, AZ

I am very excited to be a part of this group show featuring the work of so many talented artists. If you live in the Valley, or may be visiting, I hope you will take the time to come by and say hello (oh, and see some terrific art work). The piece above is one of two of my paintings that were juried into the show curated by George Palovich and Lorie Toczek. For more information, visit the museum's website at www.wvam.org

Thank you for all your complimentary comments about my work, and please, let me know what you think about this piece. I will look forward to hearing from you. Have a great weekend! And thank you for all your support and encouragement.

Artfully yours.

Pen & Ink Drawing

Before Vacation

10 1/2 x 7 1/2" Pen & Ink Drawing

This a drawing I completed on the plane to Northern California for a much needed rest. Our trip was wonderful and peaceful. If you ever want to get away from the "real" world, I can highly suggest the tiniest city in California - Point Arena. Full of history and some of the nicest locals I have ever met. They welcomed us with open arms.

After a week of rest by the ocean, I am ready to get busy in the studio.

I hope you will return to see the newest work soon, and as always, thank you for visiting.

Your comments are always welcome.

Pen & Ink Drawing

Untitled

10 1/2 x 7 1/2" Black & Sepia Ink

I have started to add color to my Pen & Ink Drawings. I really like the emotional effects as the color moves through the black forms. I have not come up with a title for this piece yet. If you have any ideas, I would appreciate your comments. What kind of feelings do you get from the piece?

My husband & I are leaving for a much anticipated week vacation to Northern California tomorrow morning. The area is a little remote (only has one cell phone provider in that area), so I am not sure if I will have any internet access. If I can find access, I will try to post some photos (I am planning on taking many for research material on a new series I want to paint).

All the best to you.