Huntington Gardens Adventure: A Focus on Nature's Beauty

 I recently visited the Huntington Gardens, and the beauty I found there truly moved me. I initially aimed to share my top ten favorite nature photographs from that trip, but as I compiled them, I felt compelled to share eleven!

Art is a powerful force that continuously drives me to seek beauty, and sometimes, the raw power and intricate detail of nature becomes my inspiration. In this collection of garden-centric photographs, I wanted to capture and share that very spark. I hope you feel it too!

Happy Summer Solstice! Original Sunflower Flower Art Realist Impressionist Painting...

 

Happy Summer's Solstice Day wishes from me at lisabellarusso.com!

"Sunlight Sunbright" #Original 24"x18" Acrylic #Painting, Open Edition 10"x8" Giclee Prints & Limited Edition Giclee ACEO Prints Here

Technically summer solstice shared with Father's Day this year, so I decided to share this today.  When I think of summer, I think of long days, heat, and beautiful sunflowers!  Of the three, I think I love sunflowers the most.  They are filled with hope.

Sunlight Sunbright was inspired by some flowers growing in my mother's students gardens.  They were large and lovely.  I very much enjoyed painting this vibrant flower.  The art has a painterly realist impressionist feel.

Happy New Year Wishes! Original Anthurium Tropical Flower Floral Painting...

 

I hope this coming year brings you much joy and beauty.  These flowers and I send Happy New Year wishes from lisabellarusso.com.

"Joyous Duet" Original 18"x24" Painting, Open Edition 8"x10" Giclee Prints, & Limited Edition Giclee ACEO Prints are available on my website Here

These anthurium flower blossoms seem to be blooming with such grace and joy.  I am hopeful for this new year!  

I also hope that you and your loved ones have a wonderful new year!

Happy Thanksgiving! Zen Waterlily Water Lily Pink Flower Original Painting...

 

Happy Thanksgiving wishes from me to you.  This has been a different kind of year than most, but I am still thankful for so much.  I hope you have a beautiful and safe day.  

"Zen Waterlily" Original 5"x7" Painting, Open Edition 5"x7" Giclee Prints & Limited Edition Giclee ACEO Prints Here

This is "Zen Waterlily," an original pink water lily painting.  I love to see and paint flowers, they have such a delicate grace.  The art has a painterly realist impressionist feel...

Most of my art is also available on my website at lisabellarusso.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 angel art and more; you may see them here.

Happy 4th Fourth of July! Large Original Sunflower Sun Flower Floral Painting...

Happy 4th of July wishes from me at lisabellarusso.com...

"Sunlight Sunbright" Original 18"x24" Painting, Open Edition 8"x10" Giclee Prints, & Limited Edition Giclee ACEO Prints are available on my website Here

"Sunlight Sunbright" is based on a flower that that was grown by mother's students.  It was a huge sunflower and I decided to paint it large as well!  For summer and Fourth of July, I think of sunflowers and gathering with friends and family.  This year will be a bit different as I believe in caution first, but the beauty of flowers remains to fill my heart.  I hope you will enjoy this painting.  The art has a painterly realist impressionist feel.


Most of my art is also available on my website at lisabellarusso.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 (well technically last month, I haven't decided my theme for this month yet, but these loop over for a bit), my theme is sunflowers, but there are more than solely flowers to see.  If you would like to take a look; you may see them here.

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

Original Pink Saucer Magnolia Flower Painting! Art Prints & ACEO Prints! Photograph of Dappled Gentle Light Against the Flowers at Descanso Gardens...

"Elegance" Original 11"x14" Painting on Canvas Here

This is my featured painting is "Elegance."  I've been thinking about the beauty of flowers.  I love their gentle forms and trying to capture them when their charm is at its zenith.  The art has a painterly realist impressionist feel.  The original pink saucer magnolia floral acrylic painting is available as are art prints and LE ACEO prints!  

Most of my art is also available on my website at lisabellarusso.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 mermaids and more; you may see them here.

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Photograph of Dappled Gentle Light Against the Flowers at Descanso Gardens

I took this photograph of these pink saucer magnolias at Descanso Gardens.  I love how the light gently caressed and engulfed them.  I can't take myself to the gardens so I find myself visiting my photos of them.  I hope that you will enjoy this photo!

My Photograph of Spring Pink Cherry Blossoms Sakura at Descanso Gardens...

Most years I visit Descanso and Huntington Gardens many times in the spring.  This year will be a bit different.  I did go once to Descanso Gardens before we were asked to stay home as much as possible.  This is a photo I took that day of a sakura tree boughs laden with pink cherry blossoms.  I hope that you will enjoy this photo!  

I'm not posting daily as my time on the computer is limited, but I am trying to post a bit more often as many of us are staying in more than usual.  I have many years of stockpiled photos, art shows I haven't shared yet, and my own art completed and in progress that I'd like to share some of with you.  If we can not go to the art or the gardens, I will strive to bring some of what I have to you...


I love to try to capture beauty, you may see some of my finished paintings at lisabellarusso.com if you'd like.

Happy First 1st Day of Spring Wishes! Vernal Equinox Original Sakura Pink Cherry Blossoms Flower Floral Painting...

The first day of spring came early this year.  These flowers and I send Happy Vernal Equinox wishes from lisabellarusso.com.

"Sakura San" Original 8"x10" Painting, Open Edition 8"x10" Giclee Prints, & Limited Edition Giclee ACEO Prints are available on my website Here

The equinox falls when the length of day and night are nearly equal throughout the world.  I was surpised that it was the 19th this year instead of the 20th, 124 years ago is when it last occured this early! I love cherry blossoms, they are one of my favorite spring blooms.  It doesn't really feel like spring yet here, but I'm hopeful it will soon!

Original Water Lily Waterlily Flower Painting! Art Prints & ACEO Prints! WIP Work in Progress Big Eye Little Red Riding Hood...

"Zen Waterlily" Original 7"x5" Painting on Canvas Here

This week my featured painting is "Zen Waterlily."  I've been thinking that it has been a while since I've shared one of my flower pieces, I love to paint flowers.  This pink and yellow water lily is a favorite of mine.  The art has a painterly realist impressionist feel.  The original water lily floral acrylic painting is available as are art prints and LE ACEO prints!  

Most of my art is also available on my website at lisabellarusso.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 Chinese Zodiac animals; you may see them here.

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WIP Work in Progress Big Eye Little Red Riding Hood

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a big eye little red riding hood I've mostly finished her underpainting.  Fairytales hold a strong allure for me.  In this piece, I'm focused on her face.  I've been working on her eyes and skin tones, next I will start working on the overpainting of her hair.  

This big eyed beauty is on an 8"x10" panel in acrylics...  

This is a work in progress, but you also may see some of my finished paintings at lisabellarusso.com if you'd like.

Happy New Year Wishes! Original Sweet Pea Flower Floral Painting...

I hope this coming year brings you much joy and beauty.  These flowers and I send Happy New Year wishes from lisabellarusso.com.

"To Touch the Sky" Original 8"x10" Painting, Open Edition 8"x10" Giclee Prints, & Limited Edition Giclee ACEO Prints are available on my website Here

Last year was not one of my more productive years, but I am hopeful for the new year.  These sweet pea flower blossoms seem to be ever reaching upwards and I hope I will do so as well.  I think I am working on my little rat painting today, what a wonderful way to start the new year! 

May you and your loved ones have an amazing new year!

Happy Thanksgiving! Zen Waterlily Water Lily Pink Flower Original Painting & WIP Work in Progress Big Eye Little Red Riding Hood...

Happy Thanksgiving wishes from me to you.  I am thankful for so much.  I hope you have a beautiful day.  

"Zen Waterlily" Original 5"x7" Painting, Open Edition 5"x7" Giclee Prints & Limited Edition Giclee ACEO Prints Here

This is "Zen Waterlily," an original pink water lily painting.  I love to see and paint flowers, they have such a delicate grace.  The art has a painterly realist impressionist feel...

Most of my art is also available on my website at lisabellarusso.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 mermaid art; you may see them here.

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Little Red WIP Work in Progress

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a big eye little red riding hood I've been working on her underpainting.  Fairytales hold a strong allure for me.  In this piece, I'm focused on her face.  I've made her bangs a little bit longer and I'm continuing to work on the underpainting.  Although I'm not done with them, I've also added a bit of color to her eyes just for fun.  

This big eyed beauty is on an 8"x10" panel in acrylics...  

This is a work in progress, but you also may see some of my finished paintings at lisabellarusso.com if you'd like.

Original Lisianthus Flowers Painting! Art Prints & ACEO Prints! Rough Sketches of Some Orchids...

"Lisianthus Beauties" Original 4"x3.5" Painting on Acid Free Vellum Paper in a 5.25"x4.75" Frame Here

This week my featured painting is "Lisianthus Beauties."  These light lilac flowers captured my imagination when I photographed them at Huntington Gardens.  The art has a soft realist impressionist feel.  The original lisianthus floral acrylic painting is available for purchase on my website as are art prints and LE ACEO prints!  

If you'd like to see some of my process for this painting, I've shared my shared some of the steps from sketch to final version here.

Most of my art is also available on my website at lisabellarusso.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 cats and dogs; you may see them here.

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Rough Sketches of Some Orchid Flowers / Art Sketch Daily

So, whilst I've continued to sketch daily, I haven't been posting each and every sketch, but here are some of my sketches of an assortment of these lovely flowers.  I think my next flower painting may be an orchid, there are so many lovely variations!  Orchids are one of my favorite flowers...

These are rough sketches, but you may see some of my completed floral paintings here if you'd like.

Original Sakura Cherry Blossoms Painting + Art Prints & ACEO Prints!

"Sakura San" Original 8"x10" Painting on Panel Here

I'm working on a bunny girl painting that I'd like to share some rough sketches for soon.  I haven't quite decided what direction I'm going with for her hair.  She also has a couple of earses options.  I don't think I'll have her done in time for Easter, but it's possible...

This week my featured painting is "Sakura San."  These cherry blossoms are pink and white.  These flowers have such a delicate beauty, seeing them brings me joy as does painting them...  It is the third in this series.  The art has a soft realist impressionist feel.  The original floral painting is available for purchase on my website as are art prints and LE ACEO prints!


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 spring cherry blossom and bunnies; you may see them here.

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


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

Wrapping Up 3 Years of Posting Daily Sketches Big Eye Angels Fairies Mermaids Goddesses, Flowers, Animals, & More...

January 24-31 Sketches, Conclusion of Posting Daily Sketches

I did the 29 faces challenge five times before I decided to embark on a longer challenge.  On February 1st of 2016 I decided to start sketching daily.  Each subsequent month I renewed that challenge to myself.  Today, January 31st of 2019 marks the three year mark of sketching daily and sharing a sketch for every day.  They have been primarily rough sketches.  I plan to continue to sketch daily, but I've decided that from this point forward, I will share only a selection of the sketches. 

I may change my mind on this if I find myself faltering in my resolve to sketch daily without the challenge of sharing them, but at this point, I feel like the time spent scanning and resizing each and every sketch could be better spent.  I hope you have enjoyed my daily sketches and will continue to enjoy my featured sketches moving onward.  You may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

Here is a sketch of an daffodil.  This flower seems cheerful to me...  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 January.  This is from day 24.  

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a delicate intensity...  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 January. This is from day 25. 

This is a rough sketch

Here is a sketch of a petunia.  I love the flow of their lines...  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 January.  This is from day 26.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a gentle 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 January. This is from day 27. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of an amaryllis.  These flowers have such elegance...  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 January.  This is from day 28.  

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 January.  This is from day 29.  

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a poppy.  This flower is of the icelandic variation...  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 January.  This is from day 30.  

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a cautious expression.  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 January. This is day 31.

This is a rough sketch.

Closing Original Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead Framed Paintings at the San Juan Capistrano Library Exhibit + November Sketches

I hope that if you celebrate it you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I feel very blessed and thankful for so much.

There's still a few more days to catch the Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead show at the San Juan Capistrano Library before it closes.  I'm sharing some of my pictures from the show, but there's so much more art, including some of mine own, there than is shown here.  I'd intended to go again and get more photographs, but my schedule precluded that.  I hope you will enjoy these snippets of some of my favorite pieces art from the exhibit.

"Amongst the Ancestors (Entre Los Antepasados)" & "Mariposa (Butterfly)" with and by Lisa Isabella Russo (Alex Ledante had me pose in his favorite Memento style...)

"Adrift (Flotando)" with and by Lisa Isabella Russo (This is one of two big eyed self portraits I had in the show)

"Bride" by artist and curator Skye Amber Sweet

Two pieces by artist and curator Skye Amber Sweet

"Muerte Sentada" by Christina Ramos

"La Catrina" by Robert Rossenblum

"Amina and Bunny Ears" by Donna Bates

Three pieces with and by Alex Ledante in his favorite Memento style pose...)

"Fatal Promise" and "Pueste de Sol" by Alex Ledante

Here is the show info:
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

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November 8-24 Sketches

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in November. They are all rough sketches.  I'm quite a bit behind in sharing my daily sketches, so I've grouped the images in groups 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 8:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a look of compassion...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.

Day 9:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She seems a bit surprised...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess

Day 10:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a depth to her.  I think she is most likely a goddess, although she could also be a fairy angel or a mermaid.

Day 11:  Here is a sketch of an alpine forget me not.  They are such charming flowers...

Day 12:  Here is a sketch of an alpine forget me not.  I enjoyed the curve of these flowers... 

Day 13:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has an intensity to her...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess.

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

Day 15:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She might be up to something...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.

Day 16:  Here is a sketch of an alpine forget me not.  They have a sweet allure... 

Day 17:  Here is a sketch of a rose.  Roses are a favorite flower of mine... 

Day 18:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has an expression of soft concern.  I think she is most likely a goddess, although she could also be a fairy angel or a mermaid.

Day 19:  Here is a sketch of two pansies.  I've yet to paint a pansy, but I think they are lovely...

Day 20:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a quixotic expression...  I think she is most likely an angel fairy, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.

Day 21:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She looks a wee bit suspicious...  I think she is most likely a fairy angel, although she could also be a mermaid or a goddess.

Day 22:  Here is a sketch of a daffodil.  They are such lovely flowers... 

Day 23:  Here is a sketch of a ladyslipper.  I love the form and lines of this flower...

Day 24:  Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She looks like she might be contemplating her siren song...  I think she is most likely a mermaid, although she could also be a fairy angel or a goddess.

Original Big Eye Redhead Angel Fairy Painting + Art Prints & ACEO Prints! October 31-November 7 Sketches...

"Oncoming Storm" Original 11"x14" Painting on Canvas Here

This week my featured painting is "Oncoming Storm". She has huge green eyes, red hair, and her wings are outstretched behind her.  I think she offers protection for the storm that is building.  The painting has a lowbrow surreal fantasy feel.  This original big eye gothic angel fairy painting is available on my website as are art prints and LE ACEO prints!   

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 angels, you may see them here.

Featured Image "Oncoming Storm"

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/

Edit 11/9: I've ran out of time to do a separate post for PPF today, so I am sharing this completed painting.

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

http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/

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October 31-November 7 Sketches

I decided to do a sketch a day in October and have decided to continue this challenge through November. They will be primarily rough sketches.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a look of gentle concern.  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 31. 

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 November.  This is from day 1.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a zinnia flower.  They are so charming...  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 November.  This is from day 2.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a sweet curiousity...  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 November. This is from day 3. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a daffodil.  This flower seems a little bashful as it tilts downwards...  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 November.  This is from day 4.  

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a mischievous appeal...  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 November.  This is from day 5.  

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of a camellia.  It has a cheerful 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 November.  This is from day 6.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a delicate winsomeness.  I think she is most likely an elf 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 November. This is day 7. 

This is a rough sketch.