Painting inspired by Sekumpul Waterfall in Bali

During both adventures to Bali, I visited the Sekumpul Waterfall in North Bali. It is a breathtakingly beautiful and magical place. I would visit a hundred times or more if I could! When you get to the bottom of a million stairs or so, you walk across a bridge over the river, up alongside the mountain a …

Latest Creation: Purple Tree Goddess

Catching a break between commission work, I decided to paint an image that has been marinating in my mind’s eye for some time now. The Purple Tree Goddess image is one the represents the rich strength of nature, and that the energy that runs through the trees is the same energy that runs through us. …

Recreating Freedom: A Commission Painting Project

Awhile back I had painted a piece titled Freedom, and it eventually sold at one of my events. The buyer recently contacted me to commission two paintings just like it, except one would have more blues. Here is the first one, done in the likeness of the original. ETA: Blue piece has been finished and …

Black and White Divine Mother Commission Painting

The Divine Mother painting commissions continue! This one is especially unique because it is done in only black, white, and gold paint for a modern style finish for my client’s new office. This piece is a 16″x20″ acrylic on stretched canvas, and to follow are photos and videos of the painting process.

A Starfish Commission Painting in the Making!

Commission complete! A starfish was requested, now it’s time to sign, seal and deliver. This was a really fun piece. I got to play with my new palette knives to create that blended impasto look for the background. Metallic blue and gold were also used in this painting. 30″x30″ acrylic on stretched canvas.

The Making of  a Golden Goddess Painting

Time for some sponge action to create a full-textured Golden Goddess painting commission, inspired by the original Life Force paintings I did a couple years back. This piece was commissioned through the Divine Mother fundraiser campaign to open my art studio. Here’s a play-by-play of the sponging action and close-ups on the textures.

A Pair of Unique Divine Mother Painting Commissions

The first set of commissioned Divine Mother paintings are just about finished, with maybe a few adjustments before they are released. They are each unique, one in similar likeness to the original, and one with a different look and feel. I wanted to incorporate the balance between grounded roots (and DNA), and outstretching light and spirit. …

Divine Wave Painting from Start to Finish

Waves are one of my favorite, and most challenging subject to paint. I’ve always been in love with the ocean, and am endlessly amazed by the power and beauty of ocean waves. This Divine Wave is acrylic on stretched canvas, 24″x30″ and is exhibited at MoSa’s Joint in Hagatna, available for purchase. Here are photos …

The Power of a Simple Spiral

Every so often, in between commission projects, art planning, and business tasks, I am inspired to paint something on a whim, an urge if you will. One evening, I felt the time was right to create a thick textured golden spiral that had been on my mind and heart for a few months. There is …

Maga’lahi Rooster Commission Painting

Maga’lahi is a commissioned rooster painting, of a Kelso breed that holds special meaning to its owner. On Guam, breeding roosters is a long-held hobby and connoisseurship alike. While some engage in the culture of cockfighting, this owner loves roosters for the art of breeding and the memories of growing up with loved ones who …

Strength in Roots Commission Painting

Earlier this month I was commissioned to paint a 2nd piece for a lovely little family. The first one was for the little girl’s birthday a couple years ago, and now that baby brother has entered the world, time for a new birthday painting! I created this one in similar likeness to his big sister’s …

Ray of Sunshine Commission Painting for Mom and Daughter

A fun and challenging commission painting, “Ray of Sunshine” is an acrylic painting on 11″x14″ stretched canvas recently finished. Based on a photo of a mother’s daughter, this piece is a special one, capturing the essence of her little girl reading, in the sanctuary of golden light streaming in through a bedroom window. I actually …

Last Creative Session Painting Party for Awhile!

Had a lovely painting session with these fun (and talented!) ladies yet again. Always a great time with this group, and it feels bittersweet to announce that I will no longer be holding Creative Sessions until further notice. All events are temporarily being put on hold this year, as I direct my focus toward expanding …

The Biggest Latte Stone I’ve Ever Painted!

So I was up late one night (I think it was new year’s day? or the 2nd?) and decided to just go ahead and paint the giant canvas sitting in my room. Over the course of several hours, the biggest latte stone I’ve ever painted emerged. I have been loving using the crosshatch style of …

Behind the Scenes of the Dramatic Cat Commission

The final piece of a recent commission collection is finished! A dramatic cat painting, done in a non-abstract style for once. Black, white and green are the palette and an alert kitty gives the staredown of both curiosity and readiness. Decided to sketch it first to try to get the proportions to look okay.  This was …

Creative Session: The Healing Power of Art

Hafa adai! This weekend I had the special honor of leading a Creative Session focusing on the healing power of art. Art has a natural way of being healing, simply through the act of creating. The creative process is something that happens in everyday life… You have an idea, or see something inspiring. You have …

A Colorful June Creative Session at Guma’ Tasa

June 6th was the 1st Saturday of the month, and that means: Creative Session at Guma’ Tasa! As usual, I provide all the supplies for you to come and try acrylic painting. Everyone brings their own image to create/recreate, and we encourage each other through the process. This month’s session was colorful! I always love …

Ladies Night Birthday Painting Party & Creative Session

A happy happy birthday to a wonderful woman named Natalie. Lady friends and family gathered to celebrate and have some unique fun by painting together. I love these kinds of private Creative Sessions, because there is always so much laughter, love, and creativity in one room. What more meaningful way to spend your birthday than …

Mom’s Art & Wine Night to Be Held at Guma’ Tasa

Looking for an enjoyable mom’s night out? Creative Indeed is offering an art & wine night just for moms, facilitated by Michelle Pier, a local artist here on Guam. Simply bring an image you love, or pick from some of the images that will be available at the session, OR you can even just wing …

May Creative Session: Full of Life  & Color

The first Saturday of the month brings life and color to Guma’ Tasa once again! Creative Sessions are held monthly, and this weekend’s class was a full one. Everyone created beautiful imagery of all kinds. The diversity of art that happens in these sessions always amazes me. Many participants surprise themselves with their creations, whether …

Painting Party During the Lunar Eclipse on Guam

This Saturday was a full moon, lunar eclipse, and a painting party night! I had a private Creative Session with a wonderful group of ladies (and a curious kitty). They were inspired by a photo of an island and a turtle, so we let it evolve from there. My classes aren’t so much of an …

April Creative Session at Guma’ Tasa, Full of Color

April is in full effect, and today was kicked off with some painting fun at Guma’ Tasa. We had some abstract designs, scenery, and imaginative pieces created on the spot. Creative Sessions are held every 1st Saturday of the month at Guma’ Tasa. I provide supplies for acrylic painting, and you get to come and …

Creation Spotlight: Gold and Blue Spiral Painting

When I got back into painting in 2008, I started by creating a spiral, with one color. I needed the simplicity at the time, as painting with two babies to care for wasn’t easy to do. I gave myself permission to keep things really simple by starting with one color, one motion. It turned into …

March Creative Session at Guma’ Tasa Coffeehouse

March kind of crept up on me, and this past week in particular was pretty intense. Even though I wasn’t able to post the Creative Sessions notice, we still had a little crowd at Guma’ Tasa coffeehouse for painting fun. My apologies to those who may have missed out, I sincerely hope you are able …

Host Your Own Private Painting Party on Guam

Hafa adai! Some pics from a private Creative Session I facilitated the other night. Gather your friends or colleagues at the location of your choice and book your own private Creative Session. Fee is $40/person. Minimum of 10 people, and must schedule at least 2 weeks prior to desired session date. Book now, as all fees …

Nunu Tree of Abundance Painting

Create the life you love to live! Creativity is all about where you put your attention. Your attention is the most precious thing you own, and the highest quality gift you can give to anyone or anything in your life. Give your pure and full attention to what you love, and it will grow. Let it …

An Unexpected Rainbow: Moonlit Clouds

“An Unexpected Rainbow” You can create anything, from where you are. You can do amazing things right where you are standing. You can breathe life into any environment, and add color & light to any dark space. You can turn any situation into a positive experience. Be the answer you’ve been waiting for, you have …

Just Keep Creating. My motto forever.

Just Keep Creating. No matter what. Life is full of ups and downs and unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes things will seem totally torn apart and destroyed. And we can sit and feel the experience, and no matter how difficult, can continue to ask ourselves? What do I need now? What do I want now? …

Creation Spotlight: Sunset Wave Painting Start to Finish

A couple weeks ago I painted this wave piece, full of thick texture and complimentary colors, blending the sunset’s warmth into the ocean coolness. It is a 24″x30″ acrylic on stretched canvas. Here are pictures of the process from start to finish. The piece is currently located at MoSa’s Joint Restaurant in Tamuning, Guam.

GAX Live Art Night and BBQ Block Party in Tumon

The GAX~ Guam Art Exhibit festivities continue! Saturday evening was Live Art Night, right alongside the Guam Visitors’ Bureau hosted BBQ Block Party in Tumon. The road was closed and Guam residents and tourists alike roamed the streets checking out the numerous bbq vendors. There was entertainment going on, and of course, we had the …

Creative Spotlight: Abstract Colorful Wave & Guåsali Flower

Went into painting mode today, and finished these two pieces, a colorful abstract wave, and the guåsali flower native to Guam. Had fun using my palette knife, it’s been awhile since I’ve played with these tools. Creative experimentation… The abstract wave is 16″x20″ and the Guåsali is 24″x24″ and both will be available for sale.

All of Me: Fully Loving and Accepting Yourself

An affirmation for you today: “I love all of me.” All of your being, the light, the dark, the pretty, the ugly… neat n tidy, chaotic & messy, clean, dirty, happy, sad, angry, confused, ecstatic, grateful, creative, boring, loud, quiet, steady, shaky, nervous, confident, passive, assertive, stubborn, wild, calm, passionate, placid, giving, greedy, desiring, soulful, …

Creative Session Tidbits

Here are some tidbits from this past Creative Session at Guma’ Tasa. For some strange reason I didn’t get pics of the lovely creations made by Jody and her daughter! I was in a zone that day. =)

A Portrait Painting Experiment ~ Jolynn Redmond

So as I have mentioned before, fine art portrait painting and other technical art are not my expertise or preference. However, I have been challenging myself to take on more and try to improve in this area. I had a request for a painting based on a photo taken by Frank Henshaw of the lovely …

Creative Spotlight ~ Life Force Energy Painting

For those with a fire in their heart that may feel dimmed at times, but always still a spark, waiting for life to breathe it into a flame, a full on blaze of unstoppable life force energy. Treat this power with love, respect & nurturing. Use it for creation, not destruction. Channel that intensity with …

Creative Session ~ Painting Photo Shoot Session Fun

Say that 5 times fast. =) “Painting Photo Shoot Session.” I would like to thank our lovely local photographers Jolynn Redmond and Frank Henshaw for dropping in on today’s Creative Session at Guma’ Tasa. Lovely to see you both and invite you to experience the day from an artist’s perspective. Thanks for getting right in …

Creative Spotlight: Dark Horse + Ocean Wave Peeling

Today I had an adventurous Creative Session. =) I attempted to paint this dark horse. I just love the image so much, and horses have been calling to me lately. Here’s the photo I was inspired by:   Here’s my painting attempt. I’m still learning & practicing, horse features are tricky with paint!   At …

Art Themed Photoshoot by Robert D. Camacho

I love photography, capturing images is a beautiful art form, whether digital or handcrafted. Recently, I was offered to do an art-themed photoshoot by Robert D. Camacho, a wonderful local photographer here on Guam. It was a lot of fun. I don’t have any real modeling experience, but this experiment was awesome, not too shabby?! …

Creative Adventures Photo Blog

Just some highlights from my latest creative adventures… pretty flowers, a neighborhood peacock, a light show warehouse party for my friends’ ShipRight BoatShop grand opening, photo-art made out of selfies, and a close-up on the rooster painting I did recently.  

Creative Spotlight: Guam Lagoon Commissioned Painting

I recently installed a finished commissioned painting of an ocean lagoon scene on Guam. It is a partial representation of Alupang Cove in Tamuning. Much of the imagery (like the tree) were added via intuition, for many purposes such as color and grounding. I had a collective of images in my mind of the place, through …

Creative Sessions for Teens: Art at Guma’ TASA

The first Creative Session for Teens was held at Guma’ TASA, an awesome little coffee shop/ bar in Mangilao here on Guam. Creative Sessions for Teens are currently being held on the 4th Saturday of the month. The next one will be March 22nd. Here are a few photos from our first session (I purposefully …

Hybridity: Solo Art Exhibit by Monaeka Flores

On view September 13 – September 28, 2013 Agana Shopping Center, Temporary Art Space 2nd Floor Across from Express Care Exhibit Hours: 12 – 8 PM Daily, Closed Mondays Opening Reception FRIDAY 9/13, 6 –9 PM Featuring DJ Nemesis Closing Reception FRIDAY 9/27, 6 – 9 PM Featuring Ital Art/Guam Massive Sound Other Events Art …

Painting Facelift: Always Kiss Me Good Night

This painting was brought to me (after a custom piece was commissioned and loved!) with the request to give it a boost, a facelift if you will. The painting would likely go in the same room that the Tree of Grace would, so I decided to continue with the earthy magical tree concept.

2 of 100 Latte Stones Project

Here is the 2nd of 100 latte stones that I will be painting as a part of my latest project 100 Latte Stones in 1 Year. Painted upside down so that any drippiness would go upward. Earthy color dabbing and blending… Ta da! Commentary from the Video Blog

100 Latte Stones in 1 Year: Am I Crazy?

The last painting I did was of 3 latte stones I painted over an old piece. The old piece was titled “Bubblegum Jungle” and was an abstract splash of red, silver, green, yellow and other squiggly blends. I used silver and gold to paint 3 latte stones over the bubblegum jungle. My personal symbolism for …

A Day in the Life: Living, Learning, Raising Guam

This week I started a Facbeook group called Living, Learning, Raising Guam: Resources & Support for families on Guam. It is a place for parents, families, teachers, and anyone who has great ideas and resources for living and learning on Guam. It is a place to share, to ask questions, to seek support, to find ideas …

Magic Tree Painting Sold!

Thank you Andrea, a beautiful painting for a beautiful soul. I am thrilled to have this special piece to go to someone who really loves it. Happy birthday Andrea, you deserve it, and have a wonderful and blessed journey! And of course, huge THANK YOU to Pika’s Cafe for the opportunity to exhibit my artwork …

Creative Spotlight: Si Sirena Mermaid Custom Painting

This mermaid piece was commissioned by a friend, who loved the last mermaid piece that I did, and wanted her very own. So here she is, Si Sirena, mermaid undersea, enjoying her space on a rock formation, with strands of seaweed keeping her company as light shines down on her from the skylight above.   …

Creative Spotlight: Sirena the Mermaid

Sirena, a famous mermaid legend here on Guam, has decided to make her presence on my canvas. She is the young girl who loved the sea so much she would spend most her days there, and would often forget her chores that her mother and godmother assigned her. One day she forgot about some important family …

Creative Spotlight: Magic Tree Painting

Up next going in to my exhibit at Pika’s Cafe in Upper Tumon, Guam (across St. John’s school)… the Magic Tree. Acrylic painting on 3’x5′ stretched canvas. I’ve been wanting to paint a big tree again for awhile now, and finally got my fix! May put a few more finishing touches on the tree, but …

Creative Spotlight: Moon Goddess, Brightened

So I painted this Moon Goddess painting, and I really loved her, and then the other day she “said” to me “I want to be brighter!” My easel was free and clear when the huge canvases for the Guam Reef Hotel moved out, so Moon Goddess took its place on the easel and began to …

Guam Reef Hotel Project PART 3

Here is PART 3 to the Guam Reef Hotel Project. (You can also check back to PART 1 and PART 2 to see from the beginning). It has been a serendipitous series of events that led up to the project’s birth. There are so many parallels to this story, it will probably sound too good to be …

Painting & Self Portraits Day

I love photography just about as much as I love painting. Over the years, I’ve gotten way more comfortable with being in photos and also taking self-portraits, especially as I’ve had to do so for my website and other projects requiring a photo and artist bio. It is weird at first writing about yourself and …

Creative Sessions: Making Rainbows

Yesterday’s Creative Session was Rainbow-themed! Rainbows of all kinds, shapes, forms, AND colors. What would YOUR rainbow look like? Traditional? Abstract? Scenic? Symbolic? Tiny? Huge? Earthy? Neon? Participants from yesterday’s session had a great time creating their rainbows, myself included. Here is a photo-journey of the session:

Creative Spotlight: Magic of the Ifit Flower

So this past week I decided I wanted to paint something specific. An ifit flower. And I just happened to have a beautiful photo that I took of one last year, much better than any photo I found searching on google! Of course, I would paint it in my own style, my creative version, not …

Creative Spotlight: Moon Goddess

Continuing my painting groove, today I created this piece titled “Moon Goddess” and I just love her! It is a 24″x30″ acrylic on canvas, with a lot of movement. She is a goddess of the moon, she is nameless. She ebbs and flows as the tides do, she follows a rhythm and cycle that is …

Creative Spotlight: Her Majesty, The Queen(s)

Had an image in my mind today and immediately set up my easel, a 24″x30″ canvas, and my paints to start on it while the inspiration was fresh. It is titled “Her Majesty,” and represents a queen who is energetic, full of life & joy, powerful, graceful, bold, loving and playful. She is well-respected for …

Creative Spotlight: The Seed

“The Seed” 24″x30″ acrylic on stretched canvas This painting was originally intended to be submitted to the GAX V: Guam Art Exhibit, though I ended up not being able to participate after all. “The Seed” represents the past, present, and future. It is the literal and figurative symbol of creation, of spirit/consciousness evolving. It symbolizes …

Creative Spotlight: Fire in the Gypsy

Today’s Creation Spotlight is featuring a 3-panel painting titled “Fire in the Gypsy.” I’d like to give a behind-the-scenes peak into the painting process, so a time-lapsed video clip is in order. Scroll down to view it. Quick stats: Acrylic paint on 8″x24″ panels of stretched canvas. This was a fun painting. I enjoy the …