Rain Bamboo

Rain Bamboo

This Sumi-e is called Rain Bamboo. It is my hottest selling image of last year and is proving to be a favorite seller this new year as well. It is also my most viewed piece of art on my POD (print on demand) websites.

Bamboo is a very special image in Asian art. Bamboo signifies strength and the ability to bend. In our current world and economic climate, we all can use this quality within ourselves. We can embrace the spirit of the bamboo. We need to be strong and we need to be able to bend with the times in grace.

The original sumi-e painting is for sale at my website CaseyShannon.com Click on 'Portfolios' and go to Gallery Essence. Various POD websites where you can purchase Fine Art Reproductions of 'Rain Bamboo' are listed at the bottom of the page.

The rain is over:

South Mountain puffs out

Spring clouds.

- Soseki

Casey Shannon Studio

Bamboo of Color

Bamboo of Color

Here is another fairly early sumi-e created with Japanese Watercolor. This painting was created approximately one month following my very first attempt at painting after experiencing my stroke. This painting was a lot of fun to do and a personal spiritual journey into art. At this point in my recovery painting, I felt more 'at one' with the brush. I had done my meditation before starting my artwork. I felt calm and had no preconceived idea about how this sumi-e was to look. I let my brush lead me into the painting rather than trying to force the brush strokes into any shape.

With this painting, I let the spirit of the bamboo talk to me and guide me. I forced nothing and let my idea that I was painting with my non-dominate hand after a devastating stroke just 'be'. This was the first time I had been able to achieve that place and I was pleased with the result. Compared to the first sumi-e I shared with you in my last blog post, I had made serious advancements in my attitude and in my mind and in my painting.

The original framed sumi-e has a happy home in the collection of an art collector in Carmel, CA. The artist seal = Year of the Boar.

Casey Shannon Studio

Welcome 2010!

Welcome 2010!

To welcome the new year, I thought it would be appropriate for me to take stock of my blessings, which there are many, and to share a story. The restoration of my ability to continue my art after my experience of a massive brain stem stroke is a huge blessing for me. This event (turned blessing) is one of the most spiritual aspects and teachings of my life. For this, I am truly grateful.

The sumi-e you see above is THE very first attempt at painting with my non-dominant left-hand. This painting does not even have a name. It's untitled. Maybe I should call it 'Grateful'. Anyway, I thought it would be appropriate to share this painting with you today, the first day of 2010. I used drawing to recover from my massive and devastating stroke and this activity literally saved my life. I was an artist and a high school art teacher before the big event. However, somehow for years, I felt I would not be able to paint again. That was in my head!

About five years ago, I tried. The painting above was my first attempt and my first sumi-e in 20 years. I thought to myself, 'Huh, you can still paint' and 'It's not a masterpiece but you can paint' and 'You better get practicing girl'. So, I did. Along with my day job of counseling at the college where I now work - I painted. And, I painted.

Three years ago, I launched my personal art website and then began entering local painting competitions again. Last year, I started my first POD and this summer really expanded my art sites, adding more PODs, started this blog, and joined Facebook and Twitter. I'm on a roll now! My artwork is showing and selling all over the country. This is a wonderful blessing.

I wish you all a joyful and peaceful New Year in 2010! Count your many blessings. Big or small. And, if you don't see any, make some up. It's all in our attitude. They will come. You appreciate and have gratitude - They come!

To read my entire story of stroke recovery, view my drawings, and learn more about recovery art, visit my website and view Healing with Art.

Casey Shannon Studio

Saying Good Bye to 2009

Windy Bamboo with Tea
~ Sumi-e by Casey Shannon

Well my dear readers, here we are saying good-bye to this year 2009. What a year it has been with it's disappointments, changes, scares, up's and down's, challenges, surprises, and yes, joys. We have each experienced this year in different ways and in different degrees. And, I am glad to start off a new year and new decade, which I hope will be more loving, tolerant, calm, and peaceful for us all.

Personally,I am looking forward to seeing the 'Blue Moon' tomorrow on New Year's Eve. This astronomical phenomenon will not occur again until 2020 or so I am told by Brian Williams of the NBC Nightly News. It will not occur on a Thursday New Year's Eve for a very long time.

A blue moon is a full moon that is not timed to the regular monthly pattern. Most years have twelve full moons which occur approximately monthly, but in addition to those twelve full lunar cycles, each solar calendar year contains an excess of roughly eleven days compared to the lunar year. The extra days accumulate, so that every two or three years (on average about every 2.7154 years), there is an extra full moon. The extra moon is called a "blue moon." Do you remember that song Blue Moon? That was my dad's favorite song.

This is my last blog entry for 2009. I have enjoyed communicating with you this year and will continue to do so as long as you bless me with your readership. I wish you all peace and joy in the new year of 2010 and a glorious decade ahead!

Windy Bamboo with Tea Sumi-e Art Print

Casey Shannon Studio

Take a Chance on Miniatures Art Show

'Take a Chance on Miniatures' Art Show
Napa Valley Art Museum
On display until January 10, 2010
Spirit Standing Sumi-e by Casey Shannon

Museum Admissions

Adults : $4.50 Student/Seniors : $3.50
Ages 7 - 17: $2.50 Children under 7: FREE
Admission and Programs are free to Museum members.

Directions

Located in Yountville on the grounds of the Veterans Home. Exit Yountville/Veterans Home from Highway 29 and turn west onto California Drive. Follow the tree-lined drive to the stop sign and turn right.
55 Presidents Circle, Yountville, CA 94599
Phone: 707-944-0500

Hours

Open daily except Tuesday, 10am - 5pm

Spirit Standing Sumi-e by Casey Shannon is on display. Proceeds from the sale of my work will be donated to the museum's enrichment.

Casey Shannon Studio