eyetinerary – wonders of familiar pathways

Little did I know that a small sketchbook 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” would lead to a new body of artwork, and insights that would further enhance my life.

Riding my bicycle in Ocean View and Bethany Beach, Delaware provides ample opportunities to enjoy visual delights. After parking my bike, I explore different parts of the beach. The ever-changing patterns of the waves, colors of light in the sky and on the water, shapes of tide pools, the birds, the random still lifes of toys and umbrellas on the beach, and the people — all provide endless inspirations for my sketchbook. Sometimes I visit the conservation center on Route 26. This little jewel affords a place of solitude and a haven from the bustle of nearby stores and cars, as well as breathtaking expanses of wetlands. Quiet fishing beaches in Delaware’s state parks also reveal visual adventures.

I started a parallel sketchbook in Rockville, Maryland, focusing on a walking path in the woods near our home. I have walked this path daily for many years, usually with our dog. First there was Nestle, then Jet, both labs, and now for the past five years, Moe a rescue cattle dog mix. I have always enjoyed this walk, but now I appreciate it even more. Instead of problem solving and distracted thoughts, I now notice the patterns of bark and the personalities of the individual trees. Some trees even seem to have faces. I see mushrooms, squirrels, birds, twisting vines, and places where the sky suddenly opens in the tree canopy. I am also present with my dog, observing his interest in his surroundings. After enjoying the sights and the company of my dog Moe, I return to the path with my sketchbook and the chosen visual discovery of the day.

My sketching begins with a pencil sketch. I add color with Prismacolor watercolors, and then activate the color with a brush. Each sketch takes one or two hours to complete. I try to make at least one sketch a day, because the experience is a form of meditation that transforms my day. I have also found that I see my world differently. As an artist, I have always been very visually aware of my environment, preferring walking and biking to faster means of transportation. But the daily drawing in the sketchbook is a reminder of the importance of slowing down to look, notice and truly see the small miracles of nature and the colorful integration of the natural and manmade world.

eyetinerary is my way of sharing the joy of being present in the moment. There is real pleasure in slowing the pace to take time to notice the small miracles of everyday life. There are so many visual treasures that can bring joy in the moment if we take time to notice them. My sketchbooks have provided the inspiration for the monotype prints in this show. With or without a sketchbook, I hope that the viewer will be inspired to see beauty and visual wonders that are waiting to be discovered on nearby and familiar pathways. Visual awareness brings appreciation, respite from chaos and problems, renewal of energy, and moments of inner peace. Surely these are gifts that are worth taking time to find.

Monotype Media
I coat a thin sheet of transparent mylar with gum Arabic. Always working to music, I paint my image on the mylar with water-soluble media. Using a masonite panel for support, the image is transferred to dampened Lanaquarelle paper with an etching press, yielding one print. This series of monotypes is a varied of edition limited to 5 prints. Since the plate must be completely repainted, each print is unique. The masonite panels and the mylar are recycled to create new artwork.