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 Father's Day! Original Fancy Blue Betta Fish Painting...

 

I had a blue betta fish, I'm not sure if he was ever a father, but he certainly wanted to be.  He built his little bubble nest on a regular basis...  Happy father's day from Phinneas and I.  I hope you have a day filled with love and beauty.

Happy Valentine's Day! Original Big Eye Gothic Goddess & Betta Fish Painting!

 

Happy Valentine's Day!  Hugs from me and betta fish kisses from Lovfina's friend.  I hope you have a wonderful day.

Happy National World Turtle Day! Blue Purple Mermaid with Sea Turtle & Fish Original Fantasy Painting...

 Happy National World Turtle Day!

"The Gift" Original 5"x7" #Painting NFS, Open Edition 5"x7" Giclee Prints & Limited Edition Giclee ACEO Prints Here

It was quite some time ago, but I still remember it vividly.  I was visiting a marine aquarium and this large sea turtle came right up to the glass.  I took a photo or two, but mainly I was in awe.  That turtle is part of this fantasy mermaid painting.

Original Big Eye Gothic Goddess & Betta Fish Painting! Art Prints & ACEO Prints! Happy Valentine's Day...

Happy Valentine's Day!

"Lovfina" Original 4"x4" Painting on Panel Here

This week my featured painting is "Lovfina."  This big eye blue eyed gothic goddess with silver hair has a blue green gold betta fish friend.  It looks like he is going in for the kiss, so I thought he'd be perfect for Valentine's Day.  I love betta fish, I painted a blue one who shows up solo in another piece that I plan to share soon, but I've linked them in the link above if you can't wait...  They are some of my smallest paintings.  The art has a lowbrow fantasy surrealism feel to the style.  The original goddess and betta fish painting is available for 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 Chinese Zodiac Animals (although a Western dragon has sneaked in),  you may see them here.

Bonus Featured Image "Lovfina"
5"x7" Open Edition print on Sale here
ACEO 2.5"x3.5" Limited Edition LE 1st of 25 on Sale here


I'm a little early, but I'm going to try to join in this week with Paint Party Friday.  To see more participants, please visit:
http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/

Original Angelfish Angel Fish Painting + Art Prints & ACEO Prints! May 19-23 Sketches...

"School's Out" Original 5"x7" Acrylic Painting on a Canvas Here

This week my featured painting is "School's Out," an original angelfish painting.  This angel fish is currently away from his school but will rejoin them for a larger mermaid painting this is a preliminary piece for.  The original has some interference violet shimmer seen in some angles that I've tried to capture in the image above.  The art has a lowbrow realist 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 #mermay month, my theme is mermaids and mermaid friends, you may see them here.

Featured Image "School's Out"

5"x7" 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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May 19-23 Sketches

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She a look of gentle concern...  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 May. This is from day 19. 

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of some snowmound spirea flowers.  This is only a small group of a larger cluster...  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 May.  This is from day 20.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She is based on the same model as day 19...  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 May. This is from day 21. 

This is a rough sketch. 

Here is a sketch of an anthurium flower.  These tropical beauties are amongst my favorites...  I'm unsure if I'll paint this or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in May.  This is from day 22.  

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She has a look of quiet 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 May. This is day 23. 

This is a rough sketch.

The 5th Annual Coaster Show at the La Luz de Jesus Gallery CLOSING! Original Pink Water Lily Flower Painting + Art Prints & ACEO Prints...

Me (artist Lisa Isabella Russo) with my mini art pieces to the right and many more artists' coasters all around me...

The 5th Annual Coaster Show at the La Luz de Jesus Gallery is comprised of 4"x4" original paintings!  Some are square, some are round (tondo), they are all 4"x4"   I'm sharing a small portion of the beautiful miniature art that's being shown, there are so many more mini lovely pieces than I'm sharing here, below is a link to all of them.  The closing is coming up on Sunday October 1 from noon to six.  It doesn't look like I will be there in person, but my art is still available.  The show information is below.

Even if attending the show isn't possible, you can view art at the link below and purchase art via the phone number below if you'd like.  The many impressive small artworks are available for viewing here.

The page may take a while to load as there are many images as well as art from a solo show by Harold Fox above the coaster art show.  All of the coasters are priced at $250 or below, mine are priced at $60 each.

The 5th Annual Coaster Show

September 1 – October 1, 2017

Opening Reception: Friday, Sept. 1st, 8-11 PM

Closing Party: Sunday, Oct. 1st noon-six PM

Hours

11 to 7 PM Monday to Wednesday

11 to 9 PM Thursday to Saturday

Noon to 6 PM on Sunday

The gallery is located inside the Soap Plant/Wacko complex.

CONTACT INFO

La Luz de Jesus Gallery

Location: 4633 Hollywood Boulevard Los Angeles, CA. 90027

Phone: (323) 666-7667

Email: info@laluzdejesus.com

Clockwise from top left:  Phinneas, Lovfina, Octina, & Adorablis by me (Lisa Isabella Russo)

Ghost Winter by Alan Roman

Clockwise from top left:  Flower, Falina, Bib, & A Doe a Deer by Jamie Lynn Dougherty

Bird of Paradise by Jon Ching

Squeeze by Peg Grady

Peony by Emerald Barkley

Jareth by Mike Bell

Clockwise from top left:  Medea, Countess Bathory, Sorceress Circe, & Queen Marie Antoinette by Italia Ruotolo

Winter by Dany Pargouteva

Made in India Shacks 1 & 2 (left to right) by Jeff Gillette

Tiny Dreams Green (top) & Red (bottom) by Nicole Filiattrault

View from the Doorway

Whilst I have continued to sketch daily, I spent my time getting this ready and haven't had a chance to prep my sketches yet.  I'll try to get caught up on posting my daily sketches tomorrow.

You may see more of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.  

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"Zen Water Lily" Original 5"x7" Painting on Canvas Here

This week my featured painting is "Zen Water Lily."  Water lilies have such a delicate beauty.  Waterlilies draw me in.  This original lotus waterlily painting is available for purchase on my website as are art prints and LE ACEO prints!  The art has a gentle realist 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 sunflowers with a couple of hummingbirds midflight by some sunflowers, you may see them here.

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

The 5th Annual Coaster Show at the La Luz de Jesus Gallery Mermaid Octopus & Betta Fish Goddess Art Original Paintings Opening + AUG Sketches, Sketch 30-31, Camellia + Calla Lily & SEP 1, 29-100 Faces...

My 4"x4" original paintings that were accepted for the The 5th Annual Coaster Show at the La Luz de Jesus Gallery are now available there!  The opening is tonight.  I will definitely not be attending the opening, I still am not feeling well, but I hope to be at the closing near the end as well as to visit at some point during the run of the show to try and get some photographs to share.  The show information is below.

Even if attending the show isn't possible, you can purchase art via the phone number below.  If you'd like to see some of the many impressive small artworks, they are avalable for viewing here:

http://laluzdejesus.com/the-5th-annual-coaster-show-harold-fox/#more-21998

The page may take a while to load as there are many images as well as art from a solo show by Harold Fox above the coaster art show.  All of the coasters are priced at $250 or below, mine are available at $60 each.

The 5th Annual Coaster Show

September 1 – October 1, 2017

Opening Reception: Friday, Sept. 1st, 8-11 PM

Closing Party: Sunday, Oct. 1st noon-six PM

Hours

11 to 7 PM Monday to Wednesday

11 to 9 PM Thursday to Saturday

Noon to 6 PM on Sunday

The gallery is located inside the Soap Plant/Wacko complex.

CONTACT INFO

La Luz de Jesus Gallery

Location: 4633 Hollywood Boulevard Los Angeles, CA. 90027

Phone: (323) 666-7667

Email: info@laluzdejesus.com

You may see more of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like. 

==================================================

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  Her eyes are gently closed.  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 1. 

I am also participating in the September 29 Faces Challenge! The goal is to share 29 faces in the month of September. To learn more about the challenge, please click here: http://29faces.blogspot.com/.

This is a rough sketch. 

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Here is a sketch of a camellia.  This bud is such a sweet and lovely start for such a wonderful flower...  I'm unsure if I'll paint it or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

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

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a calla lily flower.  Calla lilies are full of such grace...  I'm unsure if I'll paint it or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in August.  This is from day 31.  

This is a rough sketch. 

The 5th Annual Coaster Show at the La Luz de Jesus Gallery Mermaid Octopus & Betta Fish Goddess Art Original Paintings + August Sketches, Sketch 21, Rose + Solar Eclipse...

My 4"x4" original paintings have been accepted for the The 5th Annual Coaster Show at the La Luz de Jesus Gallery!  Here are the final two of them completed.  The mermaid with an octopus is "Octina" and the goddess with the betta fish is "Lovfina."  They will be available from the gallery starting on September 1st.  Most likely I will not be attending the opening, but I hope to be at the closing near the end as well as to visit at some point during the run of the show to try and get some photographs to share.  The show information is below.

Edit:  The first two are here.

The 5th Annual Coaster Show

September 1 – October 1, 2017

Opening Reception: Friday, Sept. 1st, 8-11 PM

Closing Party: Sunday, Oct. 1st noon-six PM

Hours

11 to 7 PM Monday to Wednesday

11 to 9 PM Thursday to Saturday

Noon to 6 PM on Sunday

The gallery is located inside the Soap Plant/Wacko complex.

CONTACT INFO

La Luz de Jesus Gallery

Location: 4633 Hollywood Boulevard Los Angeles, CA. 90027

Phone: (323) 666-7667

Email: info@laluzdejesus.com

You may see more of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like. 

=================================================

Here is a sketch of a rose.  Roses are so very near and dear to my heart that they recur with frequency in my work...  I'm unsure if I'll paint it or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in August.  This is day 21.  

This is a rough sketch.

=================================================

Happy Eclipse Day!

I took these photographs of the sun during the solar eclipse from my front yard.  At the last minute I bought some solar eclipse glasses (I called around 13 places on Friday and Saturday until I found someone local who had them in stock), I bought an extra one to tape over my camera lense as I read that the eclipse could damage camera lense.  The image on the bottom is pretty much what the eclipse looked like to me through the solar eclipse glasses, the one on the top was at a different camera setting and I thought it was beautiful.  I hope that you will enjoy the photos!

Edit:  I am linking this post with Inspire Me Monday

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

The 5th Annual Coaster Show at the La Luz de Jesus Gallery Flapjack Octopus & Betta Fish Art Original Paintings + August Sketches, Sketch 18, Big Eye Kitsune...

My 4"x4" original paintings have been accepted for the The 5th Annual Coaster Show at the La Luz de Jesus Gallery!  Here are two of them completed, I will try to share the other two on Monday.  The octopus is "Adorablis" and the betta fish is "Phinneas."  They will be available from the gallery starting on September 1st.  Most likely I will not be attending the opening, but I hope to be at the closing near the end as well as to visit at some point during the run of the show to try and get some photographs to share.  The show information is below.

Edit:  The second two are here.

The 5th Annual Coaster Show

September 1 – October 1, 2017

Opening Reception: Friday, Sept. 1st, 8-11 PM

Closing Party: Sunday, Oct. 1st noon-six PM

Hours

11 to 7 PM Monday to Wednesday

11 to 9 PM Thursday to Saturday

Noon to 6 PM on Sunday

The gallery is located inside the Soap Plant/Wacko complex.

CONTACT INFO

La Luz de Jesus Gallery

Location: 4633 Hollywood Boulevard Los Angeles, CA. 90027

Phone: (323) 666-7667

Email: info@laluzdejesus.com

You may see more of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.   

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

http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/

====================================================

Here is a sketch of a big eyed maiden.  She is a fox spirit, also called a kitsune.  I hope to develop this one further, but I'm not sure when I'll be doing so.

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in August.  This is day 18.

This is a rough sketch. 

WIP Big Eye Goddess Betta Fish Art Original Painting Work in Progress + August Sketches, Sketch 3 & 4, Daffodil & Calla Lily Flower...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a big eye goddess and a betta fish I've been working on his fins, I'm pleased with them at this point and will move on to his body soon...  I think I am going to save the highlights in her eyes until last again.  The panel that I'm painting on is 4"x4"...  

This is a work in progress, but I also usually post at least one finished piece on Tuesdays if you'd like to come to visit!  You also may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

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

http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/

==========================================

 Here is a sketch of a daffodil flower.  They seem like such a friendly flower to me...  I'm unsure if I'll paint it or not, but I did enjoy sketching it.


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

This is a rough sketch.

Here is a sketch of a calla lily flower.  Calla lilies have such elegant lines...  I'm unsure if I'll paint it or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

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

This is a rough sketch.  

WIP Big Eye Goddess Betta Fish Art Original Painting Work in Progress + July Sketches, Sketch 24, Fuschia Flower...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a big eye goddess and a betta fish I've painted her dress as well as her hair and started on the fins of her betta fish friend...  I think I am going to save the highlights in her eyes until last again.  The panel that I'm painting on is 4"x4"...  

This is a work in progress, but I also usually post at least one finished piece on Tuesdays if you'd like to come to visit!  You also may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

==================================================

Here is a sketch of a fuchsia flower.  These flowers are so delicate and lovely.  I'm unsure if I'll paint it or not, but I did enjoy sketching it.


I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in July.  This is day 24.

This is a rough sketch.

WIP Big Eye Goddess Betta Fish Art Original Painting Work in Progress + July Sketches, Sketch 17, Iris Flower...

In this original acrylic work in progress WIP painting of a big eye goddess and a betta fish I've painted her features and her dress.  I still have a little more work to do on her dress before I move on to her hair...  I think I am going to save the highlights in her eyes until last again.  The panel that I'm painting on is 4"x4"...  

This is a work in progress, but I also usually post at least one finished piece on Tuesdays if you'd like to come to visit!  You also may see some of my finished paintings at lisarusso.com if you'd like.

==========================================================

Here is a sketch of an iris.  Irises are one of my favorite flowers, I can't seem to grow them in my garden, but I love seeing them when I visit the Huntington and Descanso Gardens.  I'm unsure if I'll paint it or not, but I did enjoy sketching it. 

I've decided to try and do a sketch a day in July.  This is day 17.  

This is a rough sketch.