Siesta Sunsets

Sunsets on Siesta Beach are always amazing!  The sun sets at just that perfect angle to catch a home going sailor passing through the channel off shore or light up the sky above with a rainbow of colors.  If you are  lucky enough to be there when a sunset sail goes by, then it's worth a moment to just watch ...  It seems like all the walkers on the beach pause to take a look when the sailboat passes in front of the sun.  My photos never seem to fully capture the magic, so here are two paintings of a sunset sail passing by the sun low in the sky (Sunset Sail 1), and one as the sun just starts to dip in the Gulf of Mexico (Sunset Sail 2). And...if you stay until just after the sun sinks into the Gulf, then the sky sometimes lights up in rainbow hues, like those I painted in the third painting below (Siesta Sunset at the Red Lifeguard Stand).  I hope these three paintings fill you with light and elicit a smile.  

 

 

 Sunset Sail 1

by CB Woodling

 

 

Sunset Sail 2

by CB Woodling

 

 

 

Siesta Sunset at the Red Lifeguard Stand

by CB Woodling 

 

 

 

 

 

Siesta Beach.... AHHHHHH

I haven't painted Siesta Beach inspired paintings for a while, but I always get that "Ahhhh" feeling when I walk to the beach.  Nothing like sand between your toes, sea breezes in your hair, the call of gulls, and the sound of waves against the crystal sands of Siesta to get you in that relaxed space and lower your blood pressure.  :)

And now, there is a new art gallery in Siesta Village, The Gallery on Siesta Key.  It's right next to the Village Café.  You can view some information about it on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Gallery-on-Siesta-Key/1376709665967325 .  Stop in and visit them if you are on Siesta Key ... they are really the best source for local art.

So, after viewing the art in the Gallery on Siesta Key, I'm again inspired again to create Siesta Beach art.  Here are some new paintings that will hopefully help you get that same "Ahhhh" feeling. 

Beach Chair in Yellow and Blue, by CB Woodling

Beach Chair in White, by CB Woodling

Beach Chairs in Orange, by CB Woodling

Beach Chairs at Sunset, by CB Woodling

More Wings

I can't seem to get the image of "wings" out of my mind or out of my art.  So I further developed my previous work "Wings" into a larger piece, acrylic on canvas, 24 inches x 24 inches.  This new one I've called "In the Shadow of Your Wings", from Psalms 17:8.  May God's spirit of healing, love, and protection enfold you as you move along your life journey.

In The Shadow of Your Wings

by CB Woodling

Wings

WINGS by CB Woodling, c. 2015

I just completed leading a series of classes at First Congregational United Church of Christ, in Sarasota, Florida.  The classes were tied to the Lenten sermon series and were designed to help experience the season of Lent through art and self exploration.  The class did several sessions with Mandalas which are ancient and sacred forms of circular art used in many different cultures.  I did my Mandala AFTER all the classes were over, and indeed after Easter arrived.  So, my Mandala is a mix of the entire Easter season exploration.  

What an uplifting experience we had as a church.  For Maundy Thursday, for example, one of our members led us in writing prayers on colorful pieces of torn cloth, which we then added to our old rugged wooden cross.  What a beautiful sight, all the colors and all the prayers shared with each other.  So you see many colors in this piece of art.   

We are also approaching the second anniversary of the death of my step-mother, Paulette Vitrier Blair, who was a truly beautiful soul.  On the day she died, a glorious foot long pure white feather was found by my father at the front door, just below the room where Paulette lay taking that last of life's journeys into the unknown.  Truly, if an angel were to visit someone at their death bed and leave a feather behind as evidence, Paulette would have been top on the list. Thus the feathers and wings in my art.

And to top it all off, our son just announced his engagement to his long time partner ... I am so happy for them. I'm also grateful to the positive changes in our world that allow them to share their love with each other openly.  So my piece also celebrates the rainbow of humankind.

So, in the spirit of a a still speaking God and the spirit of embracing diversity which is celebrated both at our church and in our family, here is my newest work... WINGS.  

"Keep me...in the shadow of Your wings" Psalm 17:8 

"Under His wings you may seek refuge"  Psalm 91:4

Cindy

The Light of Christmas

Glories Stream From Heaven Afar

by CB Woodling, 2014

This painting was inspired by the lovely historic Bronson Memorial Church in Peninsula, Ohio.  It was built in 1839 in this lovely little village perched on the banks of the Cuyahoga River in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  Yes, you heard right ... there IS a NATIONAL PARK in northeast Ohio.  This river which once was so polluted that it burned, is now a pristine waterway attracting beavers, herons, and even eagles once more. I think it speaks to the power of mankind to not only wreak havoc on our world, but also our power to heal that damage and restore the world to a better place for all of nature.  Maybe that's why I envisioned this church surrounded by streams of light.  I hope it will fill you with hope, light, and renew a sense of wonder in this very commercial time of year.   Cindy

Inner Light

Inner Light

by CB Woodling, c. 2013

My paintings, simply told, are “the art of relaxation”.  My art draws from the infinite beauty and restorative properties found when spending time with nature.   They reflect that moment of healing that invariably happens when you take time from daily stress, strife, and responsibilities to stop, take a breath, and sense your place in a universe that is infinite, greater, more diverse and timeless than any of our individual concerns. 

"Inner Light" is a multimedia collage and acrylic painting.  It was recently sold as part of a silent auction to benefit the youth scholarship programs at our church, First Congregational United Church of Christ in Sarasota, Florida.  

Derby Ducks Travel to Shanghai

Race for the Cure, Shanghai Style

by CB Woodling, c. 2103

 

 

A friend who liked my Derby Duck series asked me to create a painting with my Derby Ducks in Shanghai, helping with the Race for the Cure.  So here they are, in a Dragon Boat, painted in the now well-known pink for the fight against Breast Cancer.  Cancer knows no economic or political borders, and the race for the cure is a worldwide quest, so my very American Derby Ducks have also gone world-wide.  The art is colorful to celebrate life, and the brilliant sun is for hope.  So thanks to Dorothy for her inspiration for the painting.  The painting was completed just in time for Breast Cancer month in October. 

FALL IN THE ROCKIES

Fall in the Rockies

by CB Woodling, c. 2013

A recent trip out to the west to visit the Teton Mountains provided an overabundance of inspiration.  Fall color everywhere, Elk and Moose mating season in full swing, cool crisp nights and chill mornings, with yellow school buses and piles of pumpkins vying for color with the fall leaves.  This quick drawing is part of my journal, along with the whimsy of a poem below.  Hope it makes you smile.  Cindy

FALL

By CB Woodling

White sentinels standing tall,

Golden leaves tremble and quake to fall.

Orange oaks entangle them all,

Brilliant colors keep all in thrall.

Moose lower antlers in rivals’ brawl;

Elk echo back a bugling call;

Bears engorge plenty from nature’s mess hall;

Wolves stalk and encircle them all.

Kids return to school roll-call,

Parents help with homework scrawl.

Grandmas shiver in warm well-worn shawl,

All gear up for winter’s long haul

Pumpkins abound at the shopping mall,

Farmers reap the land’s great sprawl.

Ranchers round up their herds to stall,

Fall’s fallin’ fast in the Rockie’s, Y’all.

Touch Drawing Workshop - Transform Finger Painting to Art!

Saturday, August 17th, 1:30 to 4:30,

Wolf Creek Trading Company, Copley, Ohio

Come explore your inner child as you create paintings using your fingers and hands (instead of pen, pencil, or brush). "Touch Drawing", developed by Deborah Koff-Chapin, is an intuitive, meditative process in which a smooth surface is covered with paint, and then a sheet of paper is laid over that surface on which you draw images using your fingers and hands, like an intuitive "finger painting" experience but without the mess. Artists of all levels, including absolute beginners, can experience the joy of creating art from their inner images. Cost is $59.00 for the 3 Hour Workshop; includes use of basic touch drawing supplies and one canvas or watercolor paper to mount your art. Facilitated by Cindy Woodling, Certificate in Art and Healing from Ringling College of Art and Design.

Class size is limited to 10 so sign up early, or go to the Wolf Creek Trading Co. web site at wolfcreektrading.com to sign up via PayPal.

Monarchs

Acrylic over Touch Drawing

by CB Woodling

Rockin' Rooster

I'm continuing studies at Ringling College of Art and Design in the Fine Arts Certificate Program.  Nothing quite like classwork to keep you fresh and open to new ideas!  This semester's class is all about design...and I have to say that the rooster I created at the last class definitely has a sense of his own design.  He's a ...

Rockin' Rooster

by CB Woodling, 2013

Art and Healing

I just completed and received my Certificate for Continuing Studies in Art and Healing, through Ringling College of Art and Design.  What a wonderful journey that has been!  Here are a sample of works from that program: one from the beginning and one from later in the program.  

The Journey Begins

by CB Woodling, 2009

The Vision Within

by CB Woodling, 2011

Mandala Art

Mandalas are ancient art forms, sometimes called sacred circles.  They are often found in aboriginal art and have been common art forms through time, around the world, and across many religions.  They are seen to represent oneness, unity, eternity, order, sacred geometry, and spirals seen in nature.  I hope you enjoy viewing these, and that they provide a sense of peace... as they did for me as I created them.

Waterbugs and Dragonflies by CB Woodling, c 2011

Elemental by CB Woodling, c 2009

Mandala Exhibit

Several of my Mandala Art Pieces will be on display at the Expressive Arts Florida Studio from Feb 17th through March 16th, 2012.  If you are in Sarasota, please stop in to their studio in the Towles Court area, or join in the Towles Court Art Walks on Feb 17th and Mar 16th from 6-10 PM.  

Up & Coming Weekly

"Up & Coming Weekly", a news publication in Fayetteville, N.C., selected my Derby Duck painting as its cover shot this week.  I am so excited to see it in print, and hope it makes you smile as you see it, too.   And since the "Up and Coming Weekly" serves the Ft. Bragg community as well, I especially hope that it gives a smile to the soldiers and their families in that community.

Go to http://www.upandcomingweekly.com/ and view the February 1-7, 2012 issue to see the cover and learn more about Duck Derbys as well (see page 12 of the issue).   Duck Derbys are generally run to support a charitable cause, and the one in Fayetteville is no exception, as it helps raise funds for a number of non-profit agencies.

Warm Holiday Greetings from Florida! 

I think there is nothing like a picture perfect chapel, nestled in the wilds of Florida, to bring the spirit of Christmas to life.  Hope you enjoy this newest addition to my Christmas chapel series.

Mary's Chapel

by CB Woodling, c. 2011

This historic chapel at Spanish Point in Osprey, Florida, was built in memory of Mary Sherrill, a young girl who came to Florida to recuperate at Webb's Winter Resort in 1892.  The current reconstructed chapel incorporates the original style, stained glass windows and bell from the 19th century chapel.  The history of the chapel and story of Mary Sherrill is nicely told in an article from the Sarasota County History Center at http://www.sarasotahistoryalive.com/stories/journals-of-yesteryear/historic-mary-s-chapel/

Historic Spanish Point is open to the public, and if you are in the area, you should definitely stop in and see this step back in history.  There are not only restored buildings from the time of Webb's Winter Resort, but also archeological digs which reveal information from Native American history in the region.  It's also a nice place to picnic on the water on warm, sunny Florida days.

Find out more at http://www.historicspanishpoint.org or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_Spanish_Point.

Come See What Touch Drawing is all about

Some of my Touch Drawings will be on display at an upcoming Community Touch Drawing Exhibit, being held at Expressive Arts Florida in the Towles Court Art District in Sarasota, Florida.  The exhibit will open with an opening reception on Friday evening , November 18th and continue through December 16th.  If you are in the area, I hope you will stop by and see what Expressive Arts and Touch Drawing are all about.  Information is on the card above and additional information is on the Expressive Arts website  www.expressiveartsflorida.com.

Teton Majesties

Majesties

by CB Woodling

To my mind, the mountains of the Teton Range in Jackson Hole, Wyoming are among the most majestic mountains in the world.  Add in free roaming herds of American Bison across the golden plains, and you are transported back in time, to the land of the Native Americans, the land of cowboys singing about "a home where the buffalo roam", and a land which inspired the great song, America the Beautiful with her "spacious skies ... amber waves of grain ... (and) purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain".  So I hope you enjoy my newest painting of the American West. 

Dragonfly Art

Dragonflies are such magical creatures....irridescent and bright, yet you often don't see them unless you sit and watch quietly in their realm.  They are also symbols of rebirth, transformation, and renewal as they grow from colorless and flightless water bugs/nymphs into their bejeweled wings. 

Dragonfly by CB Woodling, 2011

 Nature Realm Dragonfly by CB Woodling, 2011

I recently heard a children's story, "Waterbugs and Dragonflies" by Doris Stickney which touched my heart ... if you are interested you can read the story at http://belovedhearts.com/stories/Doris-WaterbugsandDragonflies-632617144169637500.aspx

Wolf Creek Trading Co., Copley, Ohio

Washington County Barn by CB Woodling

Greetings from Beautiful Ohio.  A group of my original paintings  and prints are now available for purchase at a wonderful new find, Wolf Creek Trading Co. in Copley, Ohio.  They opened in November of last year  as "a unique consortium of like minded folks that want to share their hand-crafted quality artwork and cool finds with the public".   I am delighted to have my art on display  in their historic carriage house gallery building.  Examples of art on display are attached.   If you are in the area, you should definitely drop by and see all the unique, handcrafted items.  For directions and other information, visit them on their own blog at http://wolfcreektradingco.blogspot.com/

First Snow by CB Woodling

Toledo Harbor Lighthouse by CB Woodling

Shady Hollow Poppies by CB Woodling

Happy New Year

Happy 2011.  While I don't have any new paintings to post on my blog, I do have news about my art.

Thanks to a wonderful Salvation Army Benefit Art Tea, featuring 45 of my paintings and over a 100 prints, I was able to raise over $3,000 for the Salvation Army in late November.  I can't think of a better way for my art to "serve" others, especially during these times when we have so many more homeless families needing assistance. 

The tea was a great success and even got some press in the Sarasota Herald Tribune http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20101124/ARTICLE/11241023
as well as the Siesta Key Pelican Press  http://www.pelicanpressonline.com/afterhours/112620409.html

One of my paintings was also recently selected for inclusion in the AGC 2011 desk calendar "52 Weeks, 52 Works" highlighting work of local Ohio artists.  My painting of the Cleveland Harbor Lighthouse is featured on page 116 for the week of Dec 4-10 2011. You can see the AGC calendar at http://visitagc.com/prophp/Main.php?MagID=3&MagNo=11

Of additional interest, that specific Cleveland Harbor Lighthouse was also featured in national and international news recently as it was covered with ice during high winds this winter.  See the article and picture of the ice encrusted lighthouse at  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1339132/Lighthouse-transformed-fairy-castle-encased-sparkling-ice.html

I hope you have a wonderful 2011, and may you see the beauty in your surroundings.  Cindy

Florida Scenes

Last Train to Paradise

by CB Woodling, c 2010

The painting above was inspired by a fascinating book Last Train to Paradise: Henry Flagler and the Spectacular Rise and Fall of the Railroad that Crossed an Ocean by Les Standiford (2002).  The title speaks for itself, but the story of the railroad which opened Florida to tourism and linked the mainland to the Florida Keys is one of extraordinary vision, engineering marvels and the persistence of mankind in the face of the unforeseen, unpredictable, and unprecedented forces of nature.  Nature, in this case, arrived in terrible and awesome power in the form of the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, arguably the most intense and strongest hurricane to hit the United States.  My painting depicts the triumph of mankind with the vision of the train traversing endless water, but the tinge of "red sky at morning" hints at nature's wrath to come.

Suwanee River Delta

be CB Woodling, c 2010

As the coastlands of the southern river marshes merge with the shore, the land smooths out from prickly tropical vegetation into a seemingly never ending expanse of grasslands, spreading to the horizon.  The sky, too, seems endless, almost becoming one with the land and rivers as they both meander slowly to the sea.  What a stark landscape at first view, but teeming with lifegiving waters, nourishing both land and sea.

Art and Healing

Three more examples of paintings created from "touch drawings" as part of my "Art and Healing" certificate work at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida.

Serene Forest by CB Woodling, c. 2010

For me, "Touch Drawing" allows you to explore and bring out images that represent your inner being, even if you are not totally aware of them.  The painting above started out on a day in which back pain was an underlying nag at my being...but I hadn't focused on the pain until I created this painting, which initially  resembled a spinal column with "hot" red spots of pain.  I recall doing the painting in almost a massage kind of movement, with both hands almost rubbing away the pain in that spinal column.  I took that image of hot, searing pain, however, and explored it further to find something cooler and more serene, and found a herd of elk wandering in the "Serene Forest" by a frozen lake on a cool winter day.  What a cool relief!

GROWTH by CB Woodling, c. 2010

This touch drawing above has become a core symbol to me.  It is a reminder to take the every day pressures which seem to be dragging you down to your very roots, and use them in a very positive way.  Instead of letting the pressure push you into reaction or anger, use it to stimulate ideas of new and beautiful things, pushing you up into the light, bursting forth into a unique, strong tree with new growth.  

Birds and Fishes by CB Woodling, c. 2010

I live in a sub-tropical environment and still marvel at the bright colors in tropical foliage and life.  This touch drawing starting without any color, just black and white shapes on tissue.  But even then, the presence of birds of paradise flowers and colorful fish were calling to me. 

Summer Nights in Ohio

Summer nights in Ohio...

Hot days simmer down to a cool evening breeze,

Lightning bugs flicker under deep shadowed trees,

As the sounds of a band striking up evoke yesterday memories. 

This Victorian inspired Gazebo sits in the middle of Medina, Ohio's Uptown Square. Though the current Gazebo is relatively new, having been built in 1972, band concerts in the square have been held in Medina since the mid-1800s. Today, summer band concerts at the "new" Gazebo continue the Medina tradition of families gathering to enjoy music in the summer twilight. 

"Medina Gazebo" by CB Woodling, c 2010

Rubber Town Rubber Duck Derby

Akron, Ohio was one of the waystops on the old "Ohio and Erie Canal", which ceased operation about a century ago.  Lucky for us, the towpath of the old canal has been reclaimed over the past decade to become a wonderful bike/hike trail running through most of Ohio.  Akron's Mustill Store was one of the stops on the canal and just celebrated the tenth anniversary of its renovation and re-opening as a historic site by sponsoring an art festival and rubber duck derby.  How appropriate for the "Rubber Town" to have a "Rubber Duck Derby".  :) 

I had a booth at Akron's Cascade Locks Canal Day Art Festival and Duck Derby, my first adventure into outdoor festival tents!  I count it a great success because 1) the tent stayed up 2) we were able to hang the paintings so they stayed up securely and 3) my husband and I were still speaking at the end of the day!  And the bonus:   I sold some of my art!  Local pictures seemed to be the key to sales, and my best sellers were four "Duck Derby Series" paintings I completed just for this event.  So here they are...The Derby Ducks!

"Yankee Doodle Ducky" by CB Woodling, c 2010

"Win and Place" by CB Woodling, c.2010

"Show" by CB Woodling, c 2010

"Derby Duck" by CB Woodling, c. 2010

And here's a photo of my booth at the art festival.  Cheers!  Cindy

North Coast Lighthouses

Here are a few of my most recent paintings... of the lighthouses of the "North Coast".  Lighthouses remind me of the very real hazards and dangerous waters of life, but hold out the hope of beacons of light when we need them to guide us to safe passage.  May your life journeys be safe and full of light.

"Cleveland Harbor West Pierhead Lighthouse" 

by CB Woodling, c. 2010

"Lorain Breakwater West Lighthouse"

by CB Woodling, c. 2010

"Toledo Harbor Lighthouse"

by CB Woodling, c. 2010

Ohio's Bicentennial Barns

The Ohio farmland is so beautiful, no matter what the season. I especially love the pristine (and sometimes, even the not so pristine) barns dotting the countryside.  During Ohio's bicentennial celebration as a State in 2003, each county in Ohio had one of their barns painted with the Ohio Bicentennial Logo. These are so unique, and give me a smile every time I pass one on the road... I hope they give you a smile and that you enjoy my Ohio Bicentennial Barn Series!

This first barn is in my home county, Summit County, Ohio.  I depicted it on a clear winter day when the air is so clear, you can feel it filling your lungs as you breathe in the fresh crispness.

"Summit County Barn" by CB Woodling, c. 2010

This second barn is seen on our road trip from Ohio to the East Coast, just west of the Pennsylvania border.  I pictured it on one of those spring days when the sky is overcast, but somehow the green, green foliage in Ohio just gets ever so much more lush and beautiful with every rainy day.

"Trumbull County Barn" by CB Woodling, c. 2010

The third barn, below, is inspired by a barn we pass when traveling north from West Virginia, across the Ohio River, and into southern Ohio.  It always serves as a welcome each spring when we return north to visit family, and also as brilliant fall farewell as we travel south to warmer climates in the fall.

"Noble County Barn" by CB Woodling, c. 2010

This last barn is also in Southern Ohio.  I was inspired to paint it with the bright yellow late summer crops.  The full corn crib reminded me of the unique joy of biting into fresh buttered ears of corn, just pulled from the fields and roasted to a juicy delight of sweet saltiness bursting in your mouth.  Yum! 

"Washington County Barn" by CB Woodling, c 2010

Touch Drawing

I have started a continuing studies program in "Art and Healing" at Ringling College of Art and Design...what a perfect way to combine my nursing knowledge with my artistic creativity!

The first class I took was called "Touch Drawing".  The class teaches you to let go of the left brain, logical side and get in touch with your right brain, creative side and almost enter a subconscious level as you paint. 

"Touch Drawing is a simple yet profound process. In the technique, a smooth surface is covered with a layer of paint.  A sheet of paper is placed over the paint.  Wherever the paper is touched, an imprint is made on the back side.  Impulses from within take form on paper through the touch of the fingertips" (Deborah Koff-Chapin in her book, "Drawing Out Your Soul")  See http://www.touchdrawing.com/ for an actual touch drawing demonstration, if you want to learn more about the technique.

I made 23 Touch Drawings during the first day of class...I then completed two of them by adding paint and more color. Those two are below.

"The Journey Begins" by CB Woodling, c 2009

I am:  the start of a joyous journey; not the only path, but one of many; exhilarated to begin the journey; full of color and a rainbow of possibilities; uplifted and ageless as the mountain; solid as the tree. 
I will travel through nature, over rocky terrain, and touch the glory of my very own soul.

"Peace Rising From Chaos"  by CB Woodling, c 2009

 I am:  a dove in the sky, peace, rising from chaos, light, hope, free. 
The universe began in chaos and the people of the Earth still live in chaos, but peace will rise from the very darkness and give light to all.

As you can see, these are VERY different from my usual left brained more meticulous landscapes.  I hope you find them interesting.  Cindy