Frogs, Flora, Fauna, and Creativity by Raphaella Vaisseau

The other night in a dream I was swimming in a beautiful body of water and met a frog. It was a large green frog coming right at me, eyes saying something intently to me as it approached. I was mesmerized by the scene. The blues and greens and yellows were stunning, and neither one of us spoke. When I awoke, I was aware still of the presence of the frog and I wondered what message it might have for me.

I thumbed through Ted Andrew's Animal Speak until I found Frogs on page 356. "Transformation through Water and Sound" it said. "A totem of metamorphosis, [the frog] is a symbol of coming into one's own creative power." The author asks "Are you needing to dive into some fresh creative water?" That sounded good to me so I took out my paints and let creativity flow forth from my inner being. The result is Flora and Fauna, a 5x7 swirl of blended color evocative of rain forest ambiance and lush watery spaces. Enjoy my art. Love frogs.
-Raphaella Vaisseau

Sun and Moon by Raphaella Vaisseau for 30 Days of Get Your Art On - 9.22.11 (RV - Day 4)

"Sun and Moon" is my latest ACEO (artist trading card). It represents my love for our earth, and our benevolent celestial bodies, the sun and moon. A continual source of wonder and amazement, I honor their place in our sky.
-Raphaella Vaisseau

THREE ACEO - 30 Days of Get Your Art On - 9.21.11 (Raphaella Vaisseau - Day 3)

On my third day of "30 Days of Get Your Art On" I am celebrating the number 3. Here's a little original art card that I painted today and named "THREE". It's watercolor on Fabriano watercolor paper and measures 2.5" x 3.5" in the ACEO tradition.

To me, the number three stands for expression. It represents a quest for discovery, an exploration, a constant learning, growing, and a commitment to experiencing the fullness of life. It teaches us to use what works for us, and let go of what doesn't. The quest it encourages is to keep true to one's path with the intention of knowing ("to know that you know that you know"). Knowing from that true place inside what is right and true for you - for each one of us.

I am more certain every day of something I wrote years ago: "It is in being true to myself that I am of most use to others. It is in expressing the joy of my own heart that I am open to hold and behold the hearts of others. It is in seeing my own beauty that I am able to experience the magnificence of others." - Raphaella Vaisseau

We each have our part to play in the dance of life. As we learn to be true to our own self-expression we gain strength to discover, develop, and express our spiritual gifts.
-Raphaella Vaisseau

"Vines 2" watercolor on paper by Raphaella Vaisseau wins Merit Award at Venice Art Center Show juried by R. Andrew Maass

The Venice Art Center, located at 390 Nokomis Avenue S, Venice, FL 34293 is having a "Show Us Your Best" Members Only Show, opening this Friday, Nov. 12th and continuing through December 10th, 2010. My painting, Vines 2, won a Merit Award from juror (and musuem professional) R. Andrew Maass. Join me for the opening reception Friday from 5pm - 7pm. Call me at 941-993-7001 if you'd like directions.

The original watercolor painting (on paper) is 22" x 30" (not including a maple wood frame). Limited edition giclée prints, numbered and signed by Raphaella Vaisseau, are also available via special order (up to full size).

There was a Vines 1. It was much smaller, in hues of blue, and was painted with my signature layering of color on color. It was sold to a collector in Los Angeles before the age of digital photography and archival prints. It was for my love of that painting that I was moved to recreate the form and movement of vines reaching for the sun in this painting. Enjoy!