Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead Framed Paintings at the San Juan Capistrano Library + October Sketches

Happy Halloween and Feliz Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead wishes!

I apologize for my long absence, I was under the weather and quite unfocused.  However, I am feeling better now and would like to share an upcoming event.  These framed pieces are my newest contribution to this year's Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead art exhibit at the San Juan Capistrano Library, there are also a few of my piece from last year featured as well.

The two large portraits are actually self portraits; one is darker and more abstract, one is more positive and idealized.  I submitted them to a different show, but the curator Skye Amber Sweet saw in them something more, she saw the feelings of life and death expressed in these two paintings and thus their inclusion in this show.  

San Juan Capistrano Library 

31495 El Camino Real

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Library 949-493-1752 

The festival exhibit dates are officially Sun. 10/1 - Thurs. 11/28; however, it looks like there will be art drop offs on 10/1 and pick ups on 11/28, so I'd suggest any of the dates between the two. 

Gallery / Library hours to view art outside reception date is as follows:

Monday-Thursday 10:00a - 7:00p

Saturday-Sunday 9:00a - 5:00p 

Fridays- CLOSED

The date of our Day of the Dead event and reception is Saturday, 11/3 from 12-3.  In addition to the art, the exhibit and festival will include:

Aztec Dancers

Free Face Painting

Ballet Folklorico

Mariachis

Sugar Skull Making and Crafts

Pop Up Poetry

Alex Ledante and I will try to be there, most likely towards the end.  We'd love to see you if you're in the area, it's a wonderful exhibit and festival.  I'll try to get some photographs when we go.

Edit 11/2: I've ran out of time to do a separate post for PPF today, so I am sharing these completed paintings.

Happy Paint Party Friday!  To see more participants, please visit:

http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/

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October 11-30 Sketches

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in October. They are all rough sketches.  I'm quite a bit behind in sharing my daily sketches, so I've grouped the images in groups of 5 so it isn't quite so overwhelming.  You may see them individually on facebook here.  You may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

Day 11:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a powerful gaze.  I think she is most likely a goddess, although she could also be a fairy angel or a mermaid.

Day 12:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She seems to have a joyful quality...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess.

Day 13:  Here is a sketch of a mandevilla flower.  They seem like lovely flowers... 

Day 14:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has an expression of gentle concern...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess

Day 15:  Here is a sketch of a Virginia bluebell.  They have a charming form...

Day 16:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has an intensity to her...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess. 

Day 17:  Here is a sketch of a peony.  I love peonies...

Day 18:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She is adorned with flowers in her hair...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.

Day 19:  Here is a sketch of a dahlia flower and bud.  They stand upright and full of joy...

Day 20:  Here is a sketch of daffodil flowers.  They have a wonderful charm to them...

Day 21:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a gentleness in her gaze...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.

Day 22:  Here is a sketch of some apple blossoms.  They have a delicate beauty... 

Day 23:  Here is a sketch of a flamingo flower.  These flowers have a dynamic form...

Day 24:  Here is a sketch of a wild columbine.  They have different look than their domestic counterparts but are still quite lovely...

Day 25:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has an intense quality.  I think she is most likely a goddess, although she could also be a fairy angel or a mermaid.

Day 26:  Here is a sketch of a rugosa rose.  I love roses very much...

Day 27:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a touch of sadness in her eyes...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess. 

Day 28:  Here is a sketch of a labrador puppy.  It is one of two dogs I sketched for a project I am moving forward on, I've decided to go with the the older dog, but this little fellow is a sweetie.

Day 29:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has wildly flowing hair...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess.

Day 30:  Here is a sketch of a sunflower.  They are such a joyful flower...

Original Lionhead Bunny Rabbit Painting! Art Prints & ACEO Prints! October 6-10 Sketches, Sketch Art Daily...

"Maximillion" Original 10"x8" Painting on Panel here

This week my featured painting is "Maximillion," an original grey lionhead rabbit painting.  I love bunnies and rabbits so much!  This rabbit's photo reference is courtesy of his person David Reeves Payne.  This original rabbit painting is available on my website as are art prints and LE ACEO prints!  The art has a realist impressionist feel... 

Most of my art is also available on my website at lisarusso.com; however, on the first Tuesday of the month, I like to put some art prints and LE ACEO prints on ebay at a lower promotional rate for the duration of the auctions...  This month, my theme is Halloween and Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead, you may see them here.

I am linking this post with Inspire Me Monday

http://www.create-with-joy.com/

Edit 10/12: I've ran out of time to do a separate post for PPF today, so I am sharing this completed painting.

I may not be able to do a separate post on Friday, so I may link to this post for Paint Party Friday.  To see more participants, please visit:

http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/

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October 6-10 Sketches

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She seems to be pondering a matter of great depth.  I think she is most likely a goddess, although she could also be a fairy angel or a mermaid.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in October. This is from day 6. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of begonia blossoms.  These flowers have such a diversity of shapes...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September.  This is from day 7.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She is charming with flowers in her hair...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.  

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September. This is day 8. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a blanket flower.  They have such a vibrance that is difficult to convey with pencils, but still their form is quite lovely...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September.  This is from day 9.  

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has an inquisitive quality...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in October.  This is day 10.  

This is a rough sketch. 

Día de los Muertos: Remember Me at the Ontario Museum of History & Art Day of the Dead Framed Paintings + October Sketches

Here are my paintings framed and ready for the Día de los Muertos: Remember Me exhibit at the Ontario Museum of History & Art.  

Día de los Muertos: Remember Me at the Ontario Museum of History & Art

Thursday, October 11, 2018 to Saturday, November 10, 2018

"Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) emphasizes remembrance of past lives and a celebration of the continuity of life. It is a tradition with roots to Mexico's oldest civilizations. Explore Día de los Muertos through the artwork of local artists at our annual exhibit showcasing contemporary work in painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography, ofrendas (altars), and the participants from the city-wide ornament contest! Admission is Free. For more information, call (909) 395-2510."

The opening reception is Saturday October 13th from 1 pm to 3 pm, Alex Ledante and I both have art in this show, but I don't think we're going to be able to make it to the reception.  We will be attending on a different day and I'll try to get photographs to share of the exhibit.

These are:

Return to Me (Vuelve a Mi)  11"x14" Acrylic Painting, Approximately 17"x20" Framed

Guiding Light (Luz de Guía)  7"x5" Acrylic Painting, Approximately 12"x10" Framed

If you're interested in the art, please contact me regarding price and availability.  They will be on display until November 10th and available after November 20th.

Location: 225 S Euclid Ave 

Ontario, CA 91762

Phone: (909) 395-2510

Hours: Noon to 4 pm Thursday through Sunday

http://www.ontarioca.gov/museum

I'm joining in this week with Paint Party Friday.  To see more participants, please visit:

http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/

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October 3-5

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  Her hair is being tussled by the wind...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in October. This is from day 3. 

This is a rough sketch.  You may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

Here is a sketch of weeping cherry blossoms.  Sakura flowers are a favorite of mine...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September.  This is from day 4.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a delicate sweetness...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.  

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September. This is day 5. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Original Big Eye Halloween Fairy Goddess Painting + Art Prints & ACEO Prints! September 26 to October 2 Sketches...

"Hallofaerie" Original 11"x14" Acrylic Painting on a Canvas Here

This week my featured painting is "Hallofaerie," an original fantasy painting.  This big eye fairy has big brown eyes, her wings are extended behind her, and is inspired by my love of the fae and Halloween.  She also had a goddess look and a pumpkin jack o lantern.  The art has a soft lowbrow surreal feel... 

Most of my art is also available on my website at lisarusso.com; however, on the first Tuesday of the month, I like to put some art prints and LE ACEO prints on ebay at a lower promotional rate for the duration of the auctions...  This month, my theme is Halloween and Dia de los Muertos / Day of the Dead; you may see them here.

Featured Image "Hallofaerie"
8"x10" Open Edition print on Sale here
ACEO 2.5"x3.5" Limited Edition LE 1st of 25 on Sale here

I am linking this post with Inspire Me Monday
http://www.create-with-joy.com/

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September 26-October 2 Sketches

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She seems to be in deep contemplation of something above us.  I think she is most likely a goddess, although she could also be a fairy angel or a mermaid.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September. This is from day 26. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of hydrangea blossoms.  These flowers have a delicate complexity...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September.  This is from day 27.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a kind quality...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.  

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September. This is from day 28. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a hibiscus.  These flowers have a joyful quality...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September.  This is from day 29.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a strength to her...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in September.  This is from day 30.  

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a hopefullness in her gaze...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.  I'm unsure if I'll paint her or not, but I did enjoy sketching her.  

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in October. This is from day 1. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a zinnia flower.  It has such sweetness...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this sketch or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in October.  This is day 2.  

This is a rough sketch.