I created this piece in honor of my brother Joelle's birthday which is why it has his birth date at the top right of the painting. The image behind his birth date is a photo of Joelle skydiving on his birthday. In this piece, I wanted to capture his creative talent, dedication as a family man, and passion about life.

Materials: Acrylic paints and Mediums, personal photographs, Relax Magazine clippings, recycled wrapping paper, corrugated cardboard, old film strips, color pencils

Materials: Acrylic mediums and paints, Pastel and Inktense colored pencils, india ink, vintage USA & Liberty postage stamps, original brochure from National September 11 Memorial & Museum (shown through the top lettering), 9/11 letters and newspaper articles, recycled corrugated cardboard from Slice of New York pizza box, pizza sheet (deli paper), Metro’s Best of Silicon Valley Pizza article clippings, and recycled film strips

The paintings will tells the Monaghan's family's history from their Beijing and Missouri roots, precious moments from their wedding in San Francisco, trips across the U.S. and stories about their strong Love and bond for each other.

Materials: Acrylic paints and Mediums, personal photographs and original mementos from the Monaghan's family keepsake box such as their wedding invitation, letters from family, stamps, amusement park entrance tickets, etc.

Artwork Description:
For the The Los Gatos Christian's 2016 Boys Volleyball Awards Night, the team's parents commissioned me to create this Mixed Media painting team in honor of the Coaches: Miss Nadine Ruhe, Mrs. Virginia Holden and Mr. Doug Rigg. This art piece celebrate the team's 1st Place win in the League in the South Division, as well as their BACSAL Tournament as CHAMPIONS! Congratulations LGCS Lions!

Details:
- I was inspired by the team's cheer, so I had used it as the quote for the typography: "LIONS on Me, LIONS ON 3, 1-2-3 LIONS!"
Notice that the words "On Me" is placed above Head Coach Rue's image :)

- On the top left, I placed the Final Score 22-25 on the Scoreboard as an underpainting behind the team's victory image

- I also cut-up, stitched and used the players' original gym clothes and jerseys throughout the piece as an underpainting, with the intention of showing through the original typography on the fabric underneath my own hand-painted lettering ("Property of Class 2016 Los Gatos Christian School" from one of the boy's gym uniform is shown underneath the word "LIONS" near the center; the school's "LION mascot and LGCS Athletics' LOGO" also from another old gym uniform is behind the VOLLEYBALL NET.

-The image of Michael Jorgensen (one of the team's captain) spiking the ball in front of the net is shown at the left center. Michael's image has inspired me to place an actual net on this piece... I had a lot of fun integrating the volleyball net to depict that the net is "attempting" to hold both the LION logo and the team, but I "burned holes" in the net to symbolize that it's "impossible to hold-back" the LIONS' courage, resilience, skills, and team spirit!

Materials: Acrylic paints, gels and Mediums, photographs, original clippings from LGCS 2014, 2013 & 2016 yearbook and 2016 Sports Award Night, tissue paper, volleyball net, rusted nails, original fabric from the team's old P.E. t-shirts and jerseys.

"Scenic Road, Carmel-by-the Sea, 2 of 4: For Myrna-- The Heart of the Family" Themed Commissioned Encaustic Mixed Media Encaustic Painting on 6"x6" Cradled Birch Wood Panel

This is one of the commissioned pieces that I created for a San Bernardino family who were vacationing in Carmel. This particular panel is personalized for a Mother and a gentle soul who is obviously the heart of the family. (See also the other 3 completed commissioned paintings on this page for her husband, son and artist daughter). I sent the family to the beach on Scenic Road in Carmel to "find" objects that are meaningful to them--and they came back with open hearts and special Sea Treasures for me to embed into the custom paintings.

Details: The quote, "A Heart is More Beautiful When It is Broken..." is from my conversation with Myrna after they came back to my gallery from their meditative walk. On the surface of the painting, I added wax "tear drops" from the broken heart Seashell which Myrna had found... There is also a slight hint of a heart-shaped sand drawing in the painting.

"Scenic Road, Carmel-by-the Sea, 4 of 4: For Madison, The Artist in the Family" Themed Commissioned Encaustic Mixed Media Encaustic Painting on 6"x6" Cradled Birch Wood Pane

This is one of the commissioned pieces that I created for a San Bernardino family who were vacationing in Carmel. This piece is personalized for Madison. I sent the family to the beach on Scenic Road in Carmel to "find" objects that are meaningful to them--and they came back with open hearts and special Sea Treasures for me to embed into the custom paintings.

Details: I thought this quote, "Carmel-by-the-Sea is calling me and I must go.... But I will always think of you" is perfect for Madison, as we had formed a special bond in a kind of Artist-to-Artist Way. After I recommended the Artist's Way to her, she purchased the book right away! (Madison and other young women who aspire to become an artist look to me as their role model... What an honor.. Inspiring young people and giving hope to others is mostly why I create, and do what I do... )

When it is time for Madison to pursue her calling and dreams, she will say goodbye to her loved ones.. but will always carry them in her heart...

Scenic Road, Carmel-by-the Sea, 3 of 4: For Blake: The Old Soul in the Family -- Themed Commissioned Encaustic Mixed Media Encaustic Painting on 6"x6" Cradled Birch Wood Panel

This is one of the commissioned pieces that I created for a San Bernardino family who were vacationing in Carmel. This particular panel is personalized for Blake, the young son in the family. I sent them to the beach on Scenic Road in Carmel to "find" objects that are meaningful to them--and they came back with open hearts and special Sea Treasures for me to embed into the custom paintings.

Details: The quote, "When I stop looking, that's when I find Life." is from my interview with Blake after they came back to my gallery from their meditative beach walk. I wasn't expecting that each family member would come back with such deep thoughts and emotions as they were looking for objects. I was particularly impressed by Blake's profound reflection about Life, and openness about his journey. 

In this piece, I painted the nautical chart of Carmel Bay on the clouds, and below a silhouette of a man walking on this beach--with the light shining on him and his next step.. The painting depicts a man who is wandering but never lost... 

"Scenic Road, Carmel-by-the Sea, 1 of 4: For Randy -- The Rock in the Family" Themed Commissioned Encaustic Mixed Media Encaustic Painting on 6"x6" Cradled Birch Wood Panel

This is one of the commissioned pieces that I created for a family in San Bernardino. This particular panel is personalized for Randy, a Father/Lawyer (three are currently in progress for his wife, son & artist daughter). I sent the family to the beach on Scenic Road in Carmel to "find" objects that are meaningful to them--and they came back with open hearts and special Sea Treasures for me to embed into the custom paintings... :)

Encaustic Wax Commissioned Painting. The sweet husband vacationed in Pebble Beach and commissioned me to create this artwork to bring home to his wife. The words "Peace, Love & Serenity" mean a lot to him and his wife.

Personalized Father's Day Mixed Media Encaustic Paintings on 3 cradled 6x6" birch wood panels. One of their daughters who commissioned me for these pieces wanted a sailboat and ocean along with their special messages for their Baba. I've included some Arabic notes from the mom, too. 

6 - Mini Panel Mixed Media Acrylic Paintings on mini-canvas panels