Dwarf Nose, by Wilhelm Hauff

Here is the final art I made with the deliciously sinister Herbwise (herb) fairy from Dwarf Nose, a classic fairy tale by Wilhelm Hauff, with rich unforgettable characters and suspenseful turns. The main character, Jacob is cursed after insulting a wicked fairy at the market. The outlandish spell she casts on him will change his life forever. After seven years of hard labor, Jacob escapes his curse only to changed into Dwarf Nose. He must labor seven more years to break the curse and be reunited with his family. 



Ever since I was about knee high we have been making an annual trip to the Southwest. It has left an imprint on my psyche. There is something about the air there, the high altitude and the smell of the Sage Bush. I love the abundance of flora and fauna with the beautiful mountains as a backdrop. The Spanish Style architecture, adobe, terra-cotta, the tile work all have influenced my art. The colors of the southwest, the way the mountains change as the sun rotates around them. I can't spend enough time looking, seeing, enjoying.

This piece is about a boy who looks, sees and loves all that is there, especially the birds. He is singing to the Sparrows, Las Golondrinas in the Mission garden. I too, love to spend time in my own garden, and I really like to paint gardens as well. I find the shapes and colors that form between the plants are just as interesting as the plants themselves.