Original Watercolor Painting Impressionistic Still Life Flowers Rustic Vessel and Cup

"Wild Flowers and Cup"

Butterfly Conservatory Painting

Original Painting Mixed Media

Size: Approx. 11 1/2" height X 8 1/2" wide (unframed)
Medium: Watercolor, Ink and Pencil 

This work is from imagination and memories of the Key West Butterfly Conservatory.  It was good to hear they are doing well after the recent hurricane.

Merry Christmas Original Watercolor by JC Strong

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to everyone, especially those of you that have been following this blog.

I’m grateful for the people that have taken the time to follow my virtual art journey and it’s also a pleasure to follow other people, artists, and artisans on their personal creative travels. I know it takes time to follow, read, and digest all the material on the web. So I appreciate all of my virtual art friends.

It’s good to know that art is going strong. May the coming New Year bring good health, good luck and of course artful discoveries.

Original Abstract Watercolor and Ink Painting

My Asian influenced paintings I like to call “Asian Inspired with a California Twist.” Many artists have been influenced by the calligraphy, pictographs, and composition of Chinese brush painting.

When I combine watercolor and ink, it has a little bit of an eastern flavor but without a doubt my western roots are lodged in the subject matter. It’s said simple calligraphy can tell much about the artist. You can see more details in my Etsy Shop.

Original Watercolor and Ink Landscape Painting by JC Strong

This is an original watercolor and ink painting posted in my shop yesterday. It's actually cliffs near my home. I used mainly ink. It has an Asian inspired influence.

I think it has something to do with the calligraphic strokes and the way the ink loads in the brushes. My acrylic paintings take a totally different look. I like the diversity in styles and medium.

I attended the Sawdust Art Festival and Art A Fair. Both venues have some wonderful artist's and their work.

At the Art A Fair, I saw some fantastic examples of Chinese brush painting in a small format by "Debbie's Art Studio." Her work was peaceful, organic and expressive. All done in a small format.

If you're in So. California stop by Laguna Beach, and you'll see some wonderful art this summer.

Original Painting Watercolor Flower Mum Turquoise

This is another respectful nod to the Asian brush art forms with a California twist.... I love the organic qualities of watercolor combined with ink.

During this time, I was listening to some Blues’ music. Music and Art are a great combination. Wow, a fantasy blue mum and listening to Etta James, what could be better?

I guess for some people the "blues" can make you sad but for me it's a mellow experience. Painting as well as a good blues singer can sing, is something to strive for in this life time... You can see this painting in my Etsy Shop.

News flash Nekosjewelry Etsy Shop added this painting to their first Etsy Treasury.

Original Watercolor and Ink Painting

I love the vitality of ink on paper. The roots appear to be in Asian calligraphy. Master Calligraphers can sometimes speak volumes with just one stroke.

While I was painting this flower I thought of ancient calligraphers and the beauty of Georgia O'Keefe floral painting.

Original Watercolor and Ink Floral Still Life

These are examples of watercolor and ink paintings I completed today. The ink I'm using has a real organic feel to it.

It allows me to make the calligraphy strokes and shading within the leaves...