Original Watercolor Painting Watercolor and Ink Ocean Painting Dana Point Seascape SFA

"Dana Fun"

Time slips away sometime, it's time to post a new work.  

Original Watercolor and Ink Painting Landscape Utah Mountain

This landscape painting is my impression and memories of Utah and driving through Zion. This area is one of nature's wonders...  


As a painter I can only capture a brief moment or glimpse of what nature has done.  While a passenger in a car I wanted to soak up everything so I took photographs.  The camera almost became a barrier; I stopped taking photos so I could soak up all the beauty. 

My camera has always been great for references but sometimes it just nice to be in the moment.  I’m sure I’ll be painting more of these Utah memories.  

Original Watercolor and Ink Painting by JC Strong

Most of my flower painting inspirations come from my walks around the neighborhood. I take my camera and just photograph my favorites . . . The idea for the painting will stay with me and then be written/sketched in my journal. Many times a flower will remind me of a person or a current theme. Some flowers are exuberant others are sad but they are usually always expressive . . .

I was asked about the tools and materials I use in my work. I’ll discuss my tool’s today. My favorite tools are an“Orchid Bamboo” medium and small brush. They are a great utility brush for my ink work. The point makes great calligraphy strokes and holds the ink like a mini well. Usually for the body of the flowers I’ll use soft round water color brushes. Good brushes will hold their point over a long time if they are pampered and help with the painting process.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox said "A weed is but an unloved flower." Well I hope all our flowers are loved, have a great weekend.

Original Watercolor Painting Chrysanthemum

Let me introduce you to a member-flower of my friend Tom’s Garden. It’s become my latest Asian Inspired painting with my California twist. Tom has a slice of a garden that has a multitude of plants and flowers. When I walk the neighborhood, I take my camera and just photograph my favorites.
These images become the resource and inspiration for some of my later paintings...

The Chrysanthemum is a “fall-flowering plant.” I’m told in the Chinese culture it represents “strength and triumph over misfortune.” I like that idea... It's wonderful when something delicate becomes a source of strength.

Original Watercolor Painting and Gratitude

It was a great weekend filled with friends, family, and fun. The sun is out and the water in the ocean has an aqua/blue cast. I even had the opportunity to sell one of my paintings. That was nice . . .

After walking around the neighborhood I finished off this little watercolor. Summer is ending not as many butterflies flying around the house. So I put one in this painting.

Etsy Update:
I was notified I was included in the following treasury, it is filled with talented artist’s and artisans from the Etsy community: It’s nice to be included and be part of a larger community.

Treasury by Scarfooldesigns:
Title: Green and Pink for Fall Click title for details.