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          I have always had an affinity towards yellow in everything except clothing since it makes me look jaundiced.

Yellow reminds me of the vibrant sunshine and warmth of my beloved Cuban homeland. It brings back feelings associated with warmth and comfort, which recreates the sense of coziness and security I felt as a child before we had to leave and emigrate to the United States. It is the color associated with La Caridad Del Cobre, the patron saint of Cuba, and her African syncretism, Ochún, who constantly reminds us that we must have pleasure in our lives if our lives are going to be truly worth living. Last but not least, it is the color of my mother’s favorite flower, the yellow rose.

          Yellow fills me with positivity, it evokes feelings of joy, optimism, enthusiasm, enlightenment and energy as well as being an artistic attention getter. Personally, as an artist, it represents the opposite of dullness and darkness. It helps lift me out of my depressive moods, so I consider it the best non-pharmaceutical hack for improving my mental health. This “magical” effect is based on scientific research, demonstrating that the color yellow can stimulate the brain and enhance cognitive function. The vibrancy of yellow, which is believed to activate the release of serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood and emotions, boosts my confidence and creativity. Visit me in my garden as I tend to the many yellow flowers I cultivate. You will feel my sense of happiness and well-being because it calms my nervous system. As I meander through my garden, I receive that much-needed boost that revitalizes my mind and body, promoting a sense of alertness and vitality. That is, of course, until my old bones remind me that it is time to hit the hot tub, take some Ibuprofen, and head for a good night’s sleep.

          The color is sometimes associated with negativity, such as sickness, cowardice, and sensationalism. However, as a person who has struggled with depression for my entire life, I find that the color yellow invigorates me as it mellows me, stimulates my nerves as it calms me, boosts my memory, and encourages me to communicate even if it just means talking to my flowers and the little yellow finches in my garden. For me, yellow is a color that helps promote interaction and activity, even if it is a difficult color to master in my artwork.

While I stated before that the color yellow is often associated with warmth, happiness, and positivity, artists face a unique set of challenges when working with this vibrant hue in our paintings. From technical issues to psychological considerations, navigating the complexities of using yellow can present obstacles that require careful skill and understanding to overcome.

          Through many of my conversations with fellow artists, here are some of the most common challenges we face while using the color yellow:

1. **Opacity and Coverage**: Yellow pigments can be notoriously transparent, which means we may struggle to achieve the desired depth and richness of color when painting with yellow. Layering multiple coats of yellow paint may be necessary to achieve the desired intensity, which can be time-consuming and may affect the overall texture of the painting.

2. **Color Temperature**: Yellow is a versatile color, ranging from cool, lemony tones to warm, golden hues. We must carefully consider the color temperature of our yellows and how they interact with other colors on the palette. Balancing warm and cool yellows in a painting can be challenging, as it requires a keen eye for color theory and a deep understanding of how different shades of yellow can impact the overall composition.

3. **Lightfastness**: Some yellow pigments are more prone to fading or changing color over time, especially when exposed to light. We must consider the permanence and lightfastness of our yellow paints to ensure that our artworks will retain their vibrancy and integrity for years to come.

4. **Psychological Impact**: The color yellow evokes strong emotional responses and can have a significant psychological impact on both the artist and the viewer. Therefore, we must be mindful of the mood and atmosphere we wish to convey in our paintings when using yellow, as it can evoke feelings of joy, energy, or even anxiety, depending on the context and application.

5. **Color Harmony**: Incorporating yellow into a painting requires a delicate balance with other colors on the palette. We must consider how yellow interacts with complementary and analogous colors and how it affects the overall harmony and balance of the composition. Mixing yellow with other pigments can pose challenges, as it can easily overpower or muddy other colors if not used carefully.

6. **Symbolism and Cultural Associations**: Yellow carries a range of symbolic meanings and cultural associations that can influence how it is perceived in a painting. Therefore, we must be mindful of the context in which we use yellow and consider how its symbolic significance may impact viewers' interpretation of our artwork.

          Despite these challenges, many of my fellow artists and I seem drawn to yellow's vibrant and expressive qualities. We are inspired by the unique opportunities it presents in our creative process. By embracing the complexities of working with yellow and honing our technical skills and artistic intuition, we can, as artists, harness the power of this dynamic color to create captivating and impactful works of art that resonate with audiences far and wide.

          The colors of sunshine, hope, and happiness are standard in my work. They help to enhance my positive vision of the world. You will usually find a touch of them not only in my floral work but also in my still-lifes, landscapes, and portraits.

Paintings such as “Hommage” to Yellow,” “You are my Sunshine,” and “Black-eyed Susans” convey the theme of happiness. They encompass my love of nature and the color yellow. They also embody the quote I fervently believe in:

                                                                            “Life is art. Live yours in  C O L O R.”

          So go ahead, surround yourself with yellow, and let its sunny disposition brighten your world.

          Ah, fall—nature's grand masquerade ball where trees pirouette their leaves to the ground in a symphony of amber, sienna, and golden hues. Imagine, if you will, the backyard of an artist (that's me!), under the spell of autumn’s confetti. It's a veritable carpet of yellows, greens, oranges, and browns, each leaf more breath-taking than the last. It's the cycle of life right under my boots, and it's this very cycle that nudged my artistic spirit awake.

          With "After the Fall," I wanted to capture that cycle of life and rebirth. Yes, there’s a certain beauty in dormancy, a pause if you will; but then comes the thrill of regrowth, a sort of phoenix from the prunings. This painting became my own vibrant whisper that life, indeed, marches on with new opportunities always around the corner. If ever I felt dormant as an artist, these leaves were my revival song.

          But let's chat about the fun part—the process! This isn’t your typical paint-by-numbers experience, oh no! Armed with my watercolor arsenal, I played with a spectrum of intriguing techniques. I went all "wet into wet," blending colors until they partied so hard they formed new, undiscovered hues. Then onto some sneaky drybrush work for sharper details, and — as a sprinkle of artistic mischief— I threw in table salt. Yes, that’s right; table salt! This little trick brought out texture and detail in the background that tickles the senses in unexpected ways.

         So, there you have it, folks—"After the Fall." A small watercolor with an enormous heart, reminding us all to find beauty in life’s cycles and never underestimate the creative power of an inspired artist wielding watercolor and a bit of table salt. Here’s to the beautifully chaotic, leaf-strewn wonderland of my backyard, leaves, renewal, and the little joys that always catch me by surprise! 

4/24/24

My dearest Manny,

Today, April 24, 2024, you would have turned 65 years old. A milestone birthday by any benchmark imaginable and images of past events have flooded my consciousness all week. We should have been talking about how old we are getting, how this year the date of your birthday is a palindrome, and how now you were a real senior citizen entitled to Medicare. Instead, I am sitting at my desk surrounded by your photos and wishing you were here.

When we were growing up, we were blessed to be surrounded by a very large, close-knit family, and close friends who although not related by blood or marriage were just as precious. At that time, the thought of losing anyone was not even a glimmer in my conscious mind. We were surrounded and protected by what at the time seemed to be an impenetrable wall which I felt would always protect me from both physical and emotional harm. Slowly but surely that wall began to crumble and I helplessly watched as erosion started to wear it away brick after brick. I started to feel the pain and vulnerability that loss inevitably brings. Although you were the youngest, you were also the first one to leave us. Subsequently, gradually, imperceptibly, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, friends, and parents, left this earthly plane. With each passing of a loved one, that once impenetrable wall started to evaporated into nothingness

While I know that you had to leave I need you to also know that not a day has gone by when I have not missed you and wished for just one more hug and kiss, one more long conversation while we stayed up all night and watched movies from the 30s and 40s (especially the Bette Davis ones), one more photography session snapping pictures in the city, at the zoo, or the Botanical Gardens, or a jaunt through an art museum or NYC gallery.

The longing of missing you is palpable. There are so many things I would love to share with you and seek your wise counsel. Our family has never been the same but we live with the hope of reuniting sometime in the future in a place where there will be no pain or sorrow. My faith supports me in the knowledge that you are happy, pain free, in good company with our parents and other immediate/extended family and friends. I look forward to the time when we will all be together with you once more and I am happy for that but it still does not diminish the void in our lives. However, I seem to miss you more and more each day that passes and can't help but wonder how different things would have been if you were still here with us. I know that you would be amazed at how much Christopher looks and acts like you. You would be so proud of him. I know that you would have continued to be a strong role model and source of moral support for him.

I miss watching you dance and enjoying life with the vivacity and gusto that you always showed. I miss your grace, strength and dignity even after finding out that you had a terminal illness. I miss your wicked sense of humor. I miss that incredible sixth sense that always seemed to spook people when you would tell them something that by all the things we consider to be common sense you absolutely should have had no way of knowing. I miss how you always made me feel pretty, smart, worthwhile and a good person. You saw things in me that I am still searching for. God gave a gift to the world when you were born; a person who loved and cared. An individual who saw a person's need and filled it, who encouraged and lifted people up, who spent energy on others rather than yourself. A special person who touched each life you entered and made a positive difference in the world. I know that you are still here with us in so many ways; in our memories, in our hearts, through the legacy of your beautiful photographs and through all the little hints that let me know you are still taking care of your “big sister”.

Although you may no longer be a physical presence in my life, you permanently reside in a large piece of my heart where you have nestled comfortably for the past thirty-eight years and will be there until we can celebrate special occasions once again.

      May the love you showed to others be returned to you exponentially multiplied in your eternal home. I will love you forever and long after that. Continue to rest in eternal peace, my beloved “little brother” and until we meet again may you soar with the angels and watch over us until we can be together again.

.

Love you lots and forever,

Your big sister xoxoxo

"All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar."

-- Helen Hayes

Every year I look forward to Spring and to nature for spiritual renewal and artistic inspiration. After the quiet solitude of Winter with the snow and ice covering the earth in frozen blankets, the first buds flowering on my perennials, the grass returning to its verdant green, the birds sweetly chirping God’s praises; my spirit is lifted and my body is energized. I find that the repeated changes of the seasons deliver a sense of calm and hope that better things are on the horizon. Just as night turns into morning and winter melts into spring, there is an infinitely healing property in these recurring refrains of nature. As I begin to get my gardens ready, to this spring turning into summer, and to many opportunities to share my gardens and yard with family and friends, I am compelled to give thanks for the worldwide return to light, health and normalcy after this prolonged era of darkness. So, if you are looking for me, you will find me ankle deep in water and new soil, knee-deep in mulch, elbow deep in fertilizer, totally surrounded by hoes, garden shears, and spades, and enveloped in the sweet fragrance of new flowers and shrubs. Just come on into my yard, make yourself at home, inhale the beauty of nature and renew your spirit and praise the glory of God’s bounty.

Usually, this renewal begins with the cleaning and opening of my fish pond. That corner of my yard is dedicated to my father whose name was Angel and my mother Hilda in gratitude and love for all of the things they taught me, especially the paramount importance of love and respect for nature and all living things. The area is dotted with angel statuary. These silent sentinels watch over all of the beauty contained in that small space. I know that my parent's spirits reside in that wonderfully peaceful place. I feel their presence as I sit in meditation on the stone bench my son installed for me, listening to the gentle splashing of the waterfall. At times, my mind is suddenly jolted back from my reveries as a flash of bright orange streaks by or jumps joyfully through the sparkling water and it is at those times when I can hear my parents whispering in my ear “Ten fe, todo saldrá bien”. (Have faith, everything will turn out fine).

Just as I believe in the renewal of nature’s bounty, I need to reassure myself that personal, physical, and emotional healing is also possible. My garden helps me heal. My garden helps me grow. My garden brings me peace and joy. My garden renews my faith that everything will eventually turn out well according to God’s greater plan for my life.

Please feel free to come and share in the beauty of my garden and soak up the healing properties of my little slice of nature.

          As a young child I used to love these paint by numbers kits. My parents would sit with me and we would all create our “masterpieces” together around the dining room table. They introduced me to a way of expressing myself which throughout my entire life has brought me great joy, has helped me deal with frustration, has shown me the validity of different perspectives and point of view and has taught me that there are many different ways to solve problems. They instilled in me a passion for creativity and for seeing the beauty in the ordinary and in the world around me. They nurtured my burgeoning love of all that is artistic by talking to me about the creative process, by immersing me in projects that were both practical and some that were not necessary but that would fulfill a deeper need in our souls.

          By introducing me to different artists and art forms, they taught me how to respect and value the many different ways people choose to express themselves. They taught me that it is OK if I don’t like something but that I need to respect and try to understand the reason and motivation behind why it happened, why it was done, why it was said, why it was created. They taught me the art of discipline and perseverance and that there are no mistakes in art. They instilled in me that sometimes what we consider to be a mistake turns out to be a wonderful new way of doing something or looking at and appreciating something in a different way. They stressed that it is OK to experiment and try different approaches because the process eventually leads us to the destination, and that in and of itself was a very powerful lesson. The correlations to real life that I learned from these mundane family activities were of course not apparent to me as a young child. They emerged rather slowly and as they became a part of my everyday life were imprinted in my psyche and helped me to deal with the trials and tribulations I would face as an adult. They also allowed me to appreciate the beauty and goodness that surrounds me. I tried to continue this artistic journey and set the same example for my son that my parents set for me. I hope that I was successful.

          So my dear friends, for those of you who always tell me or feel, “I’m not creative”, “I can’t draw a straight line”, “I can’t sing, dance, play an instrument” “I can’t express my thoughts in writing” I will leave you with this parting thought……Try it, and if you are not happy with the results then try it again and again and again. Lose the fear and the inhibitions inside of you and free your creative souls from the shackles of doubt, insecurity and from the anxiety of how others may judge your artistic pursuits. So go forth boldly pick up a pencil and start doodling, grab a paintbrush and make some bold strokes, make a sculpture from found objects and help to recycle, pick some wildflowers from your garden and create a beautiful color palette, put on the music and sing and dance to your heart’s content and express yourself, crochet a simple chain and see where it leads you, refinish an old piece of furniture and imbue it with new life, build a fantasy world with LEGOS or three-D printers, create a fairy garden in your porch or back yard, start a journal, write a poem, write a book, get out your phones and take some pictures of the wonders around you.

          The possibilities for creative growth are endless, they are right in front of you, surrounding you and waiting for you to discover them. But most importantly, share these wonders with the people that surround you. I promise you, it will change your life.

          In the depths of winter, when the world seems to be draped in a blanket of cold and darkness, nature presents me with a breathtaking spectacle: softly falling snow. I stand by the window, steaming cup of coffee in my hand, the delicate, pristine flakes dancing through the air, coating the world in a serene white embrace. This scene invokes a sense of wonder and tranquility in my heart, reminding me of the remarkable beauty that exists even in the harshest of seasons.

There is something profoundly calming about gently falling snowflakes. As they gracefully descend from the heavens, the world is transformed into a peaceful sanctuary. The soft whispers of snow landing on the ground create a symphony of silence, purging my mind of daily worries and allowing me to embrace the present moment. Amidst this tranquility, there is a unique opportunity for introspection, reflection, and finding solace within myself.

          When softly falling snow covers the landscape, it envelopes the surroundings in a pure, white blanket. This pristine covering veils the earth, concealing its imperfections and blemishes, momentarily turning the world into a vision of untouched purity. In this ephemeral moment, I am reminded of the potential for renewal and transformation. The sight of these delicate snowflakes can inspire me to let go of the weight of past mistakes and open myself to new beginnings. The snow covers the earth like a blanket of innocence and purity bringing me back to a time in my life when those two concepts were alive and well in my soul.

          The falling of snowflakes is a gentle reminder of the intricate dance between nature and its elements. As they float downwards, each snowflake whispers tales of their journey through the atmosphere. Their existence represents the culmination of a complex interplay of temperature, humidity, and atmospheric conditions. By witnessing the snow's dance, I am reminded of my connection to the natural world around me, provoking a sense of awe, and inspiring me to appreciate the harmonious balance that exists in the universe. My feral cats resting in their small heated habitats, the squirrels scampering from their nests to gather the peanuts on their swing and picnic table, the fluttering of the birds landing on the perches of the several feeders scattered around my yard connect and anchor me to nature’s rhythms.

          Softly falling snow has always had a way of beckoning my inner child, inviting me to embrace its enchantment and indulge in moments of lightheartedness. It brings back precious childhood memories from building snowmen to partaking in friendly snowball fights, snow has always had a unique way of encouraging me to let go of my inhibitions and immerse myself in simple joys. It rekindles the spirit of playfulness within me, reminding me to find delight and sparkle even in the midst of challenging times and current physical restrictions that have come with age. Despite those limitations snow is still a catalyst in my mind for magic and playfulness.

          Even in the busiest moments of my life, there is still a profound beauty in the simple act of witnessing softly falling snow. Its delicate descent and elegant embrace of the earth evoke a sense of serenity, purity, and connection. This beauty serves as a gentle reminder to appreciate the stillness and magic that lies within the cold embrace of winter and lets me revel in the wonder and inspiration that softly falling snow brings, renewing my spirit and helping me find solace in the everlasting cycle of nature's beauty.

1. I have loved the visual arts for as long as memory serves me.

2. Both my parents were extremely artistic and were my first formal teachers in the realm of creative arts.

3. I was originally studying to become a child psychologist instead of a teacher. I wanted to do art therapy with children.

4. The first word I learned in English was "stupid" because that is what everyone called me since I did not speak English. My drawings would help me escape my unhappiness.

5. I am an avid collector and collect glass figurines, children's books and teddy bears.

6. As a representational artist, I struggled all through college since the focus in the 70s was on abstraction and I was told that my type of artwork was not considered fine art but rather commercial art.

7. My first live exposure to Michelangelo’s work was seeing the Pieta at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. I was awestruck and it left an indelible mark in my artistic soul.

8. I was extremely underwhelmed when I saw Leonardo’s Mona Lisa…. “Is that all there is??????”

9. While gazing in absolute wonderment at the exquisiteness of King Tut’s Funerary Mask I had to be quickly ushered away from two “patron of the arts” who were wondering about his ability “to breather with that thing over his head.”

10. I sat on the floor in front of Monet’s “Waterlilies” for over an hour just taking it all in.

11. Mary Cassatt’s pastels of mothers with their children always give me the “warm fuzzies.”

12. Although I am not a fan of Picasso’s work after his early Cubism period, “Guernica” made me cry and I felt overwhelmed by its size and powerful images.

13. Standing in front of Salvador Dali’s “Crucifixion” (Corpus Hypercubicus) transfixed me. I felt as if I was rooted to the ground and could not move.

14. Although small in comparison to other works at just 4 feet by 2.8 feet, Andrew Wyeth’s painting “Christina’s World” always evokes in me a strong psychological reaction regarding the sheer power of the human spirit and how disabilities should not limit us.

15. I went fishing for the first time when I was 6 years old, off one of the piers in Casablanca, Cuba. I nearly got pulled in by a fish that I hooked and my Dad caught me as I was slipping off the pier. I went fishing for the last time when I was 6 years old. But I am fascinated by the textural elements that are found in fishing piers and love to paint and draw them.

16. My ability to reproduce things accurately could easily have led me to a life of crime. I used to forge all of my school notes so that my parents would not know just how much trouble I would get into.

17. I love and appreciate crafting as much as I do the fine arts and I am in awe of the unrecognized and underappreciated artisans who produce work that is sometimes looked down upon by the “fine-arts” community.

18. Writing was another activity I never wanted to share publicly. My mother was a wonderful poet and my father was a gifted writer. I have been working on a book based on my mother’s poetry for a few years – but the memories bring back some very raw memories. This was supposed to be my first published book. Instead I published an anthology of works based on my paintings.

19. I love painting landscapes and the Grand Canyon was certainly a Plein Aire bucket list item for a real long time. When I finally got to go, I needed a Xanax and telephoto lens to take pictures……due to my paralyzing fear of height. On my next visit, I will manage to paint or draw on site. Same thing happened when I visited the Petroglyph Museum in New Mexico.

20. I sold my very first painting when I was 15 years old for $25.00 during our annual high school art show. It was an oil painting of an old schooner. I never thought about taking a photo of it because I did not own a camera. After I sold it I gave my father the money to help him pay for my tuition, he held three jobs to pay for our schooling, but he declined and told me to use it to get more art supplies and continue improving my skills.

21. After going to an exhibit of Dale Chihuly's work, I was interested in the possibility of buying a small piece. As I was standing in front of the piece that interested me, a small unattended child ran by and bumped into the pedestal on which sat the piece I was admiring. As the salesperson came running over in an attempt to catch the piece and accusatorially scolding me for touching it, I quickly changed my mind and walked out without ratting out the kid. That night I had a dream that I was back at the exhibit, bumped into a huge display and shards of glass rained all over me and impaled me….I decided that I would stick to painting what I had seen of his work instead of actually having a piece in my house.

22. I had to take a course in sculpture as part on my BFA and decided to make an abstract wood piece, basically because I thought it would be the easiest thing to do. My first power tool was a Valentine’s Day gift of an electric jigsaw – you may not think it was romantic but it was one of the best and most useful presents I ever received.

23. Although he was an accountant in Cuba, my father worked odd jobs in the US because he did not speak English. He eventually started working at Kulicke Frames where he became a skilled artisan in the art of gold leafing and, restoring antique frames, matting art work and making new frames look as if they were valuable antiques. He taught me how to properly cut mats and frame works which has come in very handy and saved a ton of money when preparing for shows. I have many of his museum quality frames which I plan to use for pieces which I will never sell.

24. I did not feel comfortable sharing either my art work or my writing until I was over 60 years old.

25. I now draw, paint, write and create because it heals my soul and brings me joy and if by some small chance it brings joy to others than that is an extra bonus.