limonana

Elephant in the Room

2012-01-30T02:20:00.000-08:00

I'm painting away on a few projects now, please excuse the silence...I can't seem to get elephants out of my mind for some reason...Of course that's not a new problem.

Images via : 1. Tim Walker Photography. 2. Cherry Blossom Blog.

A Roman Holiday

2012-01-17T04:46:00.000-08:00

Ah bella Roma. Not a pebble exists there that doesn't have a rich & ancient history. How can anyone bear so much visual beauty in one city? Of course we come to pay the majestic masters a visit, but first, always gelato! More photos to come.

Traveling, again.

2011-12-27T04:43:00.000-08:00

I'm currently traveling through some beautiful landscapes, searching for inspiration. I will be sharing with you bits & pieces as I go. These are some photos of a sandwich shop I haven't been back to since I was seven years old. Some things never change, & I'm so happy for it. Photos via my super talented sister in law. To see more of her beautiful work go to her blog here.

Marrakesh Blues

2011-12-18T22:32:00.000-08:00

Inspired by the intricate tile work, vivid blues & turquoises of Morocco. A little red bird ponders it's small yet precious size in the grander scheme of a dusky sky...

This painting is quite large at 40" x 40", & is ~~available~~ SOLD.

Prints for the Holidays

2011-12-13T07:10:00.000-08:00

Sidewalk gallery & boutique are selling my prints this holiday season, along with loads more goodies as seen above.... If you're in Hong Kong take a look at their site sidewalk.hk for more info. If you're not in Hong Kong, contact me asap at shirinsahba @gmail.com for available prints & paintings, so that they reach your loved ones in time for the holidays!

Ideas in the Studio

2011-12-07T20:55:00.001-08:00

I'm getting piles of e-mails from you, my wonderful art lovers, asking me all sorts of good questions! I'm really enjoying making my way through them & replying. If you'd like to know more about commissions, or available works feel free to e-mail me at shirinsahba @ gmail.com ...I love hearing from you! Also thanks to the beautiful & talented Amelia Alvarez from Clotheshorse NYC for posting about me on her lovely blog.

Images that are giving me good ideas now: 1.Popham tiles. 2.Miro's Studio. 3.Miro's art. As Miro himself said so beautifully: "The simplest things give me ideas."

Our Home Featured on Design*Sponge

2011-12-05T08:11:00.001-08:00

We are so lucky to have our Beijing home featured on D*S. Please see the full article HERE.

A Visit From The Orient

2011-12-04T06:45:00.001-08:00

This painting is 40" x 40" & is ~~available~~ Sold.

Curious Things

2011-11-15T03:23:00.001-08:00

Things observed this week...1.Sophia Loren's cookbook. 2.More Indian miniatures. 3. The perfect coffee table...

Raindrops

2011-11-08T06:39:00.000-08:00

I worked with overlapping colours & even some shimmering silvers so to mimic raindrops catching multi-coloured lights on a cool day....A day much like today...
This painting is 40 x 40 cm & is available for sale. For all inquiries please contact me at shirinsahba @gmail.com.

Radio Killed the Video Star

2011-11-02T04:01:00.000-07:00

I was interviewed in my studio by the lovely & extremely talented Becky Hume (from The Beijing Hour) on China Radio International. Here is the link to hear it:

http://english.cri.cn/8706/2011/11/02/1942s665555.htm

Kate's Collage

2011-10-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

So my amazingly talented friend, Kate Vestlie, surprised us with the reveal of her amazing collage from a photo of my husband & I dressed up as circus people. Needless to say, we love it! Just look how intricate & detailed it is!

Think pink

2011-10-24T23:37:00.000-07:00

It has been a fantastically busy few months at the atelier! I will share some of the things I've been working on soon. Here are some little pieces of inspiration in the material world to rest your eyes on: 1.A lovely entrance (via Moises Esquenazi). 2.A car that would fit my husband nicely (but maybe he is too tall!). 3. A vintage yet lovely Olle Eksell design.

Presence

2011-10-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

Thinking of my mama today on her birthday, & of my loves ones who aren't here. Sometimes I forget she isn't here anymore & I catch myself referring to her in the present tense. I like to think that that isn't a mistake but a reminder of her presence delicately woven into my every day. How lucky you are if you have a mother whom you can still hold & adore in this material world...

Tati Forever

2011-09-29T07:49:00.000-07:00

My father introduced me to Jacques Tati films when I was a little girl. I am still captivated & inspired by his creations after all these years. Here are a couple screen shots from two of my favorites (Mon Oncle & Trafic)... In other news, I've updated my site a little so you can spot new and available paintings at: www.shirinsahba.com

And the winner is...

2011-09-23T23:48:00.000-07:00

Ms.Ciotti! Congratulations, it is your lucky day! (The winner was chosen via www.random.org, which is a Random Number Generator). But for those who did not win, yet tweeted, blogged & status updated your kind hearts out, THANK YOU so much for playing! I wish I could be like Oprah & give every single one of you marvelous people free art!! I will do more giveaways in the future...In the meantime I can offer new paintings & prints for sale, email me at shirinsahba @ gmail.com & I will gladly send along all the info to you...

An Art Giveaway!

2011-09-12T23:25:00.000-07:00

Feel like adding some art to your home? I'd like to help! I'm giving away a limited edition Giclée Fine Art print of my painting "A Fragrant Delivery" (see a photo of it in the post below) to one very special reader. To enter simply leave a comment below, however, for additional entries (so you can increase your chances of winning), you can post my site www.shirinsahba.com or www.limonana.blogspot, via your Facebook status, Twitter, or your Blog (please e-mail me a link to your posts so I can tally up your extra entries: shirinsahba @ gmail.com).

The giveaway runs until Friday, September 23rd. A name will be chosen on random & announced on Saturday, September, 24th, so make sure you come back & see if you've won. Good luck!

A Fragrant Delivery

2011-08-29T05:18:00.000-07:00

A rickshaw full of flowers is on it's way to some place... This painting reminds me of my mama who, no matter what the condition, time or country, would always grab an arm full of flowers before heading to visit someone's home. What a beautiful touch that is!

This painting is 30" x 30" & is available for sale, please send inquires to shirinsahba @ gmail . com.

A Curious Migration

2011-08-17T06:16:00.000-07:00

A conference of multicoloured finches are migrating during a luminous dusk...This painting is 30" x 30" & is available for sale. All inquiries welcome to my e-mail shirinsahba @ gmail . com.

Speaking of flying, be sure to see my "Frequent Flyer" travel interview I did with the lovely Kisha of From India with Love ...

Blue Cypress & Herbs

2011-08-11T07:22:00.000-07:00

Daydreaming of summer days spent in the Mediterranean with all it's lush flora & fauna...
This painting is 30" x 30" & is ~~available~~ SOLD.

Melon & Blue

2011-08-03T00:29:00.000-07:00

I'm more & more grateful every day that I have been able to make a career out of what I've loved to do since ever I put pencil to paper as a toddler. I never ever take it for granted. & how could I forget all you lovely beautiful people who support my work by tirelessly visiting this blog? You are the bee's knees! I adore hearing from you so please do leave a comment or e-mail me any time!

Some photos of what's been on my mind: An elegant Maharajah from an old Vogue publication, & a photo of my Indian elephant (thanks Sana!), & circle painting in the background. The painting is for sale, contact me at shirinsahba @ gmail . com for details.

Traffic - India!

2011-07-27T00:36:00.000-07:00

In my childhood memory I recall New Delhi traffic with a smile...Lounging cows, ambling elephants, bicycles, cars, scooters, auto rickshaws & people together composed a menagerie of comical proportions! These days it can still be just as colourful driving on those same streets. I tried to capture all those amusing little details in this painting.

This painting is 30" x 30" & is ~~available~~ SOLD.

The Family Cookbook

2011-07-14T07:51:00.000-07:00

My husband & I love to cook! We buy mostly organic produce from these amazing Buddhist farmers here in Beijing, & the rest we get from the local fresh market, which is always an adventure. Naturally we experiment & collect recipes, which we will maybe one day pass down to our future kids, with this design as the cover. It is a re-do of a 1960' French "how-to" book (see the brilliant original here).

Holiday Activity #3

2011-06-30T07:49:00.000-07:00

Although the subject matter is set in the Mediterranean, the simplicity of this painting was inspired by Japanese art & design. The layers of paint are quite translucent to evoke the mood of calm water. It is quite large (39" in diameter) & is currently hanging in our room, which really brightens my mood because its circular shape makes it feel like I'm looking out of a boat window on a clear summer day. Holiday anyone?

This painting is for sale: inquiries welcome at shirinsahba @ gmail.com

You mixed-up Siciliano!

2011-06-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

What did we decide to do when some of our favorite people came for a visit? Eat, of course!!

Lotus Thoughts

2011-06-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

An offering of lotus to my family whom I terribly miss these days, scattered in so many countries across the world. I love that you can buy fresh lotus flowers at the market here in Beijing...Not only do they inspire me to paint, but they remind me of my dear papa & the beautiful lotus temple he built in India, & of my mama who created beauty every where she would go & of course would only allow fresh flowers in the house (she is pictured above on her wedding day). More paintings to come soon...

The Guru Walks His Dog

2011-06-05T08:50:00.000-07:00

He isn't a very old fashioned guru, more of a modern type, wouldn't you say?
Thank you to all you lovely people who came out for my exhibit in Hong Kong! I will post photos very soon. It's still going until the 28th of June, so please stop by if you get a chance!

The Maharani Walks Her Monkey

2011-05-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

I am discovering my love for circular paintings. I hope that you like this new shape as much as I do. She is walking her monkey during the coolest time of day, & the exotic birds are curious to know what she will do next...

You are cordially invited to my solo show opening in Hong Kong at Sidewalk. The show runs between the 2nd of June & the 28th. Sidewalk is a fantastic gallery, they show a colourful collection of fresh & exciting artists, & I'm honored to be showing there. Do please kindly tell your friends, & let me know if you have any questions via e-mail (shirinsahba @ gmail . com).

The Tiger & the Temple

2011-05-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

I promise you that this curious Bengal tiger is a peaceful one. He loves to stroll near the temple in the cool sapphire shades of evening...

Rose & Mint

2011-04-21T03:45:00.000-07:00

As you ever so patiently await to see more work from my Hong Kong show, I will show you glimpses into the images that have been inspiring me of late in my daily routine:
1. Jackie O's visit to Jaipur. 2. Elaborate Indian interiors (image via here). 3. Antique Miniatures from India (via here).

The Elephant, The Horse & the Maharani

2011-04-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

A little sneak peek into my exhibition coming up in Hong Kong...This Maharani is taking her painted baby elephant & horse for a stroll through the grounds. I can't wait to show you more soon, with a few surprises perhaps...Sidenote: I've been really enjoying lots of dragon fruit lately. Is there anything more beautiful in the world than a dragon fruit?

A Beijing Spring

2011-03-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

I can feel spring in the air here & the skies have been mostly blue...This one is inspired by spring days & the beautiful traditional kites I always spot around the city. Time to head to the flower market to decorate the indoors....
(This painting is 27.5" x 27.5" & is sold).

A Playful Guru

2011-02-14T05:37:00.000-08:00

I've been sketching guru-like characters in my Moleskine...Good news! I have an upcoming exhibition in Hong Kong...More soon on that. Meanwhile, I'm listening to some Devendra Banhart to get in the mood to paint up a storm.

Journey to Town

2011-02-04T02:34:00.000-08:00

Lavender skies & marigold fields make for an unexpected combination. These two sisters are making their way into town with copper pots on their head to carry their wares.
I'm back from our trip (I will share some photos soon), feeling well-fed, inspired & ready to paint!

This painting is 30"x 30" in size & is sold.

Love in the time of Aeroplanes

2011-01-13T07:03:00.000-08:00

My husband & I are traveling the Mediterranean again. It's been a wonderful time, eating good food, exploring & laughing with loved ones. I cannot wait to see my brand new niece in Italy in a week! This is a photo of us being cheeky hippies in our new place in Beijing just before we left on our trip.

For your reading pleasure, here is an interview article with me by the wonderful Tina Garg on her intriguing blog: click HERE.

The Outing

2011-01-07T12:17:00.000-08:00

The Maharani is being carried in her intricate Palki. Of course this is because she didn't want to soil her sari! The tones of emerald are inspired by Jaipur's beautiful architecture. This painting is 30" x 30", & is available. Please inquire by e-mail if you are interested (shirinsahba @ gmail.com).

A friend told me that a movie called The Fall, reminded him of my paintings, so of course I had to see it, & it was stunning. This particular Jaipur doorway used in the film reminds me of this painting:

The Girl who Tamed the Zebra

2010-12-05T21:25:00.000-08:00

Inspired by a real girl who would be quite capable of taming a zebra! On an unrelated note, I have adored this image of a Samburu woman with a zebra for a long time now. They are a wild species, but perhaps there are some exceptions?

This painting is sold. Image via here

Extraordinary Gentlemen

2010-11-24T23:31:00.000-08:00

Some posts about my work this week: Take a look at this beautiful blog : An Indian Summer ..& this lovely one here: Designwali.
Image via here.

The Maharani's Expedition

2010-11-14T22:20:00.000-08:00

The Maharani appears yet again, & she's making a run for it! Always seeking new horizons to explore as she gallivants through flowers of India pinks, reds & corals...

This painting is 30" x 30" & is ~~available~~ just sold. I ship worldwide. Please don't hesitate to inquire...

The Cavalier Swimmer

2010-10-27T02:37:00.000-07:00

In the depths of my Moleskine sketch book, there lies some bizarre adventures...Her silk sari is certainly ruined after this swim.

Rajasthani Blues

2010-10-13T04:01:00.000-07:00

In the state of Rajasthan there is a city by the name of Jodhpur, where parts of the city are painted blue. I find the rich shades of indigos & azure they paint their walls with utterly enchanting. One can almost get lost in them...This painting is 30" x 40" in size.

Look up!

2010-10-09T01:14:00.000-07:00

The Maharani is making her escape, again! What do you think of my new header?

This little maharani (& her elephant) might just make another appearance in a future painting...

Out for Fresh Air

2010-09-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

This painting is for my cousin Jameel. It tells the story of our grandfather (in the plane) & his grandfather (walking on the horizon). Both died young, & both were incredibly lovable personalities. My grandfather was a pilot & you can see him standing on the left of this old photo of him & a friend. I have always felt a special bond with him, one that cannot separate us by time & space, as I'm sure his children feel, & now his grandchildren...
p.s. a look at my incredibly talented sis-in-law's new photography blog: samimi-extremie photography.

5 grand years....

2010-08-26T08:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a painting I did of two lovely people, Afsi & Luigi, who were married in a church in Sicily. Afsi is something of a muse of mine (yes, she has rights to wander my studio in a toga throwing fairy dust this way & that). This painting is quite accurate to how they whizzed away on a Vespa right after being married, sunglasses & all. The first image is a watercolour sketch of the final painting.

Speaking of weddings, it's been 5 years that I was married to one marvelous man, & the marvelous adventures continue!

Om Padme Om

2010-07-12T05:43:00.000-07:00

I placed an offering of lotus flowers for my Buddha who is the keeper of my studio (a gift from my papa). How humble he is compared to this magnificent Buddha I came across yesterday! Off to some bon voyages. I do hope your summer is going beautifully wherever you are love...

The Synchronized Swimmers

2010-06-23T06:24:00.000-07:00

A playful tribute to Esther Williams. I dreamt of being in her dizzying troop as a young girl, amazed at her under water skills & ability to hold her breath for such long intervals. If we ever met in person, I just know we'd get along swimmingly.

See the "Bathing Beauty" at work in this clip.

This painting is available. Feel free to inquire.

Wandering The Orient

2010-06-07T01:27:00.000-07:00

Here are little glimpses of our life on a roll of Holga film I just had developed after a year. The first is in India, & the last two are of Beijing during this last Spring Festival.

The Maharani Seeks Adventure

2010-05-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

I still have the saffron colours of India on my mind...Looks like there is no keeping up with this little Maharani!

To The Market!

2010-05-15T06:08:00.000-07:00

The African sky in Kenya is a beautiful one, & unpredictable from one moment to the next. The clouds melt into a bright orange sunset in a sudden & pleasant manner...But I warn you, if you go to Africa, you will inevitably leave behind a little bit of yourself...
This painting is about 60" x 30" in size.

Technicolor Mist

2010-04-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

We saw this brilliant exhibit at 798 (the ever popular gallery district in Beijing) called Feelings Are Facts, by Olafur Eliasson & Ma Yansong. It was a gallery filled with thick fog & multi-coloured lights. You couldn't see beyond just a few feet away from you & believe it or not the fog tasted sweet!

*Photo courtesy of my ever talented sis-in-law Amy.

Ciao!

2010-04-22T19:42:00.000-07:00

This painting has just arrived to it's beautiful home in the Mediterranean, & frankly I wish I was there with it! But instead I'm on my way to spend the night at Commune by the Great Wall
for some serious r&r....

Books & Orange Blossoms

2010-03-20T09:38:00.000-07:00

I have a special connection to orange blossoms. Growing up in the Mediterranean the smell was all but too familiar. My mother would receive a big bag of orange blossoms from dear friends who had an orange orchard every year & she would make the most scrumptious jam out of them.

A happy & beautiful Baha'i New Year to those who are celebrating the first day of spring...& a very happy Birthday to my Papa, who brought beautiful things to this world just like the spring season!

P.S. Here is how we celebrated (my husband & I designed the backdrop of the event with some inspiration from one of my paintings). Also check out how other photographers from around the world celebrated at www.nineteendays.wordpress.com :

Newspaper Hats, Paper Pipes.

2010-03-03T05:48:00.000-08:00

We have been celebrating life & new adventures a lot lately. This calls for a paper pipe with cotton smoke! & it's not bad for your health either...

All in the Famiglia

2010-01-26T04:23:00.000-08:00

We've been spending some quality time with my brother(-in-law) Shido. We do have fun when he comes around...He hand-delivered a lovely coral sent over from Mozambique (thank you Jalan & Naysan!!) & as you can see we created quite a fuss over it...

A Little Fox Approaches

2010-01-21T22:51:00.000-08:00

It seems that this little fox has his eye on some unsuspecting blue birds... A first of many paintings inspired by East Asia. You can spot migrant workers here selling & carrying all types of usual & (very) unusual wares on tricycles like this one, which come in all sorts of colours too.

It's Amore

2010-01-11T09:29:00.000-08:00

A few more sketches to hold you over until I have paintings to show you... I've been noticing many Beijinger couples consisting of Chinese women paired with European men.

Family Portrait

2010-01-01T02:48:00.000-08:00

Hope you are having a happy new year wherever you are! 2009 you were a beautiful year...Cannot wait to see what adventures 2010 has in store...

* Note that this portrait was taken in front of some of my sister-in-law Jalan Sahba's beautiful interior design, & what an honour to have some of my paintings included!

Scandies & Dandies in the East

2009-12-24T09:20:00.000-08:00

I've been spotting a good deal of diplomat types where I live. I couldn't resist drawing one on my husband's Muji brown paper notebook...

Colour Cubes

2009-12-14T07:39:00.000-08:00

Polaroids of my little neighborhood vendors selling Beijing goodies out of their perfectly cubic kiosks. People are very camera shy here,...If you look carefully at the top photo you will see one vendor hiding behind her goods from the camera. (A special loving thanks to Krysta of Krystuccia blog for sending me the film!, you are wonderful!)

Golden Leaves & Blackbirds

2009-12-05T06:16:00.000-08:00

I wake up every morning here to the gossiping of magpies & blackbirds. I wonder what they go on about...

P.s. Interested in art prints in time for the holidays? E-mail me for details at shirinsahba @ gmail . com

city swimmers

2009-11-29T20:42:00.001-08:00

Discovering all sorts of beauty here in Beijing, it's truly a magnificent place with incredible people, architecture, art, food & so much more...It's this fantastic blend of the ancient with the futuristic modern that makes one swoon! More to come ...

Glimmering Waters

2009-11-11T00:51:00.000-08:00

I've been in a packing frenzy mostly, but in my free time I've been painting...I fell in love with the exhibit on Babylonian art at the Met last winter, in particular with the ancient pottery, so I put that inspiration into this pattern of black fish with phosphorescent eyes. I once went to Eilat in Israel for vacation, & I saw such fish floating about in the dark waters; truly a stunning sight!

Bound For The Orient

2009-11-03T16:26:00.000-08:00

I'm bound for more traveling very soon, this time to the far far east...I can hardly wait! I'll be setting up studio abroad & continuing my painting/exhibiting/shipping internationally as usual.

How fabulous is this photo by my very talented cousin Mehdi Van Den Bos? Words cannot express how much I love about his work, he captures both people & nature so magically...On another note a million thanks to Deb at Bon Bon Oiseau for her beautiful post about my painting. The is feeling is incredibly mutual as I adore her gorgeous jewelery designs!!

You never forget your mama

2009-10-17T00:23:00.001-07:00

Today would have been my mama's birthday (pictured here on her honeymoon)...Remembering her creativity, her humor, her goodness, her faith, her readiness for adventure & her ability to make magic out of whatever she touched...Missing her so much, but feeling her spiritually ever-present. Happy birthday mama!

Tending The Blooms

2009-10-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

A portrait of a dear lady friend of mine tending to the fruits of her own labor. The water that is sprinkling out of her watering can is a shimmery silver. The colour combination of blue, red & gold is one of my favorites...
p.s. I still have prints available! Let me know by e-mail if you'd like one:
shirinsahba @ gmail .com

Garlands For The Bride

2009-09-28T14:16:00.001-07:00

Two lovely friends are going to be gifting this confection of aquamarine & cobalt blue flowers for a bride-to-be in majestic India...
P.S. There are still a few limited edition Giclée prints left, so if you would like more details about purchasing one, e-mail me at: shirinsahba @ gmail . com

Psst!

2009-09-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

Hot off the press darlings...I am offering, for the very first time, limited edition art prints of my paintings, for sale to a lucky few of you. If you are interested in details (photos & pricing) e-mail me at: shirinsahba @ gmail.com

Come quickly, already some are disappearing! Oh, & I do hope you like Limonana's new header!

Catching A Flight

2009-09-10T20:05:00.000-07:00

Inspired by my love of travel. The ground consists of many little black & white birds who have much to say to each other. I catalog many of my ideas in my trusty Moleskine, & here is the same lady you see in the painting above but in sketch form:

MoCo Loco

2009-09-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

The wonderful Art MoCo is featuring my work today!! I found out by accident, so Thank you whoever you are who brought it to their attention, you're fantastic!

we're all mad here

2009-08-31T21:53:00.001-07:00

We had a late summer party with some darling friends of ours, some of whom are moving to Fiji very soon. as you can see it was a terrible bore...

the lemon room

2009-08-28T11:25:00.000-07:00

We celebrated four stellar years this week! These two photos of us being lazy around the house give me a chance to show you our first commission created by a talented miniature artist in India, who made us a not so miniature painting of a very friendly elephant...

Sabrina

2009-08-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

One of my childhood best friends is in love...& it's infectious! Here is a portrait of her, in blue - the colour I remember her always wearing as a child.

lavender fields forever

2009-08-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

We've had some quality time with mama nature this summer... I hope that you have too!

p.s. Thanks to Krysta for sending me loads of polaroid! You are the sweetest.

The Fruit Seller

2009-07-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

This is a custom painting I did for a client who has a real love for India & all it's beauty. I've recently been using an increasingly complex array of colours, which I find challenging but rewarding... You can't tell from the photos but the flowers are surrounded by solid gold which illuminates quite well with any light. In the end I felt the gold gave it almost an echo of ancient Tibetan art.

Feeding The Fish!

2009-06-09T20:37:00.000-07:00

Voila! My latest piece, & believe me it took me a while to complete! I must say it cheers us up on our living room wall. Everyone who has seen it so far has been completely riveted by it's almost mosaic pattern of fish. I have been influenced a good deal by Moroccan patterns. I am also in love with characters throwing things in the air, it's my way of capturing moments of utter glee.

Seeking Enlightenment

2009-05-27T14:21:00.000-07:00

A few Holga shots documenting our trip. India is one of those places where in every corner you can find a place where people are seeking a life of spirituality, whether it's a temple, a mosque or a street corner...

Holy Cow

2009-05-13T21:12:00.000-07:00

I've returned from India, but I know I left behind a little of my heart. Oh India, you were ever so familiar, so surreal, so intensely beautiful, such a paradox, just as I remembered you from childhood. What a magnificent place, a place that needs months of exploring, if not years. & the people? So many incredible & radiant gems. I will share with you more photos once they are developed. Here is a lovely man in Old Delhi with his papier-mâché festival masks. When we asked him to pose for a photo he obliged without a moment's hesitation!

The Saffron Harvest

2009-04-16T22:27:00.000-07:00

This was inspired by the saffron harvesters of Kashmir. While growing up my father repeatedly told me stories of magnificent crocus fields he had seen as a child. I'm packing for India in a few days, I can hardly wait. I lived there in early childhood & haven't returned since. I'll be sure to take some holga shots of india just for you!

oh my!

2009-03-24T23:39:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was our new year & spring has officially begun! Enough cause to celebrate new & beautiful beginnings. My husband bought me this beautiful bouquet of balloons...Aren't they lovely? Inspires me to float away.

Indonesian Waters

2009-03-10T21:02:00.000-07:00

A little glimpse of one of the many commissions I've been working on. This specific client is very dear to my heart. She was raised in Indonesia & so I thought it was befitting to portray her in a traditional Indonesian sailboat. They are quite beautiful with their charming multicoloured sails.

19 days

2009-03-03T22:38:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share some photography I did for Amy & Leila's beautiful project titled "Nineteen Days". Nineteen photographers from around the world document nineteen days of Bahá’í fasting. Take a look at my two photos of dawn & dusk. You can spot mine on March 3rd as the two photos in the center between Amy & Leila's beautiful daily photos (also of dawn & dusk):
nineteendays.wordpress.com

summer candy, cypress trees & fallen petals

2009-02-18T20:51:00.000-08:00

A few of my favorite things photographed with a Holga to inspire me these days. You might be wondering why I haven't been posting work lately. I've been working on some private commissions, seven to be exact, so you can imagine they are keeping me very busy. I will try my best to have new work up soon. In the meantime I'm dreaming about summer...

Tea in Delhi

2009-01-25T18:36:00.000-08:00

A dear dear friend by the name of Ryan Lash, who just happens to be one of the best photographers I know, just came for a visit en route to Cambodia. Please take a look at some of his stunning work here. He truly indulged us in photographing & starring in our caricaturish adventures titled "The Brits Visit Delhi". Which brings me to the point that I'm day-dreaming of a visit to India this Spring...

baby b

2009-01-11T15:01:00.000-08:00

Introducing Elsa B. our new & beautiful niece...Her parents were so kind & lovely putting up with all of us hugging, kissing & holding her so frequently. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. I'm back, I promise, & I will be posting again soon. It was fantastic going to the big city & seeing some art...Let the painting commence!

*thank you to the husband for the photo.

boum! quand notre cœur fait boum

2008-12-13T18:43:00.000-08:00

Today is our first snowfall. We're off in a few days for some holiday traveling. As Charles Trénet would say, it makes my heart go "Boum!". Hopefully I'll be able to check in once in a while with all you lovely people.

the fish insisted he was greek

2008-12-04T18:20:00.000-08:00

The exhibition was a success, thank you for all your well-wishes!

This new painting depicts three different schools of fish going back & forth. The coral has gold speckled detailing on it that reflects beautifully in the light. The water is an ultramarine that fades into a cobalt blue towards the bottom.

My lovely sis-in-law made this beautiful post for me today, made my day, she sure knows how I feel about Vespas! Krysta of Krystuccia has tagged me to create a post on "6 unimportant things that make me happy". You asked for it!

1. This might come as a surprise but... Limonana: lemonade with fresh mint which I grew up drinking frequently in Israel.
2. Colours (at the moment: reds, azures, oranges).
3. Making gelato (what flavor? Lemon! How could you ask such things?).
4. Jacques Tati & Jean Luc Goddard films.
5. Planning imaginary and possibly real travels for the summer.
6. My husband's notebook doodles of his professors at school.

Now I tag my two darling sisters Amy & Layli!

the postman

2008-11-21T13:57:00.000-08:00

A painting I had done about Jacques Tati's incredible postman in "Jour De Fête".
Wish me "bonne chance", my exhibition is this weekend!

the garland makers

2008-11-10T19:55:00.000-08:00

I have the "wishing I was with my siblings" blues, as they are all in India together right now...& as part of my blues I'm sharing with you a piece I just completed about India, which happens to be one of the first evening scenes I've done for a few years now. There is something profoundly beautiful about the hues of blue & purple that appear in the sky between sunset and night, & I thought they would go well with the vivid coral of the ground.

Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go sip some Masala Chai & dream about warmer days...

tea for three

2008-10-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

Today is the perfect day to paint: sunny with just the right amount of perfect crisp Autumn air. It's especially lovely as my sister & brother-in-law just had a little baby last night by the name of Elsa Barbara Moore. Thank you all for your loving, thoughtful messages that were truly heart-warming about my last post. I will be sharing some more paintings very soon, in the meantime a photo of my last painting "The Menagerie" in the background of a small Autumn tea party.

remembering mama

2008-10-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

A post to celebrate my mama's life, because she brought so much beauty to this world. Today is her birthday, & it has been 3 years since her sudden passing. Her name was Goli: an artist, a designer, the most creative & loving mama around, & certainly the best cook. She led an unusual & full life traveling most of the world,working alongside my papa on projects that touched the hearts of millions.I recently found these magazine covers, done by her in her early 20's for a Baha'i children's magazine called "Varqa". The magazine had stories from authors around the world & was translated to more than 10 languages & distributed internationally. She fled Iran while working on these magazines, as Baha'is are heavily persecuted in Iran, especially since the revolution was about to hit (my husband's grandfather was not so lucky: he was tortured & executed by the government for not recanting his Faith in the 80s). However, the life for her that followed was full of exciting adventure; she moved from London to India to Canada to Israel, & she drew her last breath as the sun set, surrounded by her three adoring children, three adoring daughters- & son-in-law, & one tiny grandson. Now she looks after us from a better place...Happy birthday mama!

just for you

2008-10-15T21:02:00.000-07:00

The Menagerie

2008-10-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

This painting is a true mix of East meets West, much like I am. The Eastern miniature style influences this piece significantly. The tree branch patterns are in gold & illuminate with light. The inspiration for this painting really comes from those marvelous creatures I've always been fascinated by & had a chance to live near around the world: gazelles, ibex, deer & of course birds.

I have been studying the deer that eat the flowers in my garden for a few years now. I never had deer around the Mediterranean where I previously lived, so it is always a pleasant surprise when one peruses our yard. While I was in the Negev desert this summer I was lucky to capture some photos of ibex on a cliff; they are truly elegant creatures!

design*sponge

2008-10-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

Design*Sponge has featured our little trunk project on their site! You're going places little trunk...

a coral trunk

2008-09-29T14:51:00.000-07:00

My husband & I came across an antique trunk, & I think it could be as old as the 30's or 40's. As a little weekend project we renovated it into a bright coral red, & because we both love patina, we kept the dark brown trim to keep its original character. The Limon lettering above actually spells out "limonana" but I couldn't fit them all onto the trunk! We had made the lettering out of cardboard. You can see the before & after here:

j'adore tiles

2008-09-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

Autumn is in the air...I'm instinctively making more soups than gelato, wearing a jacket during the days & curling up in the evenings with hot teas. The leaves are ever so slightly tinged with reds, oranges & golds.

I'm brewing new work meanwhile & can't wait to show you. This picture is of some beautiful antique Persian tiles I spotted this summer. I find the combination of animals & birds on them incredibly inspiring...

The Rivers of Jaipur

2008-09-17T16:27:00.000-07:00

They call Jaipur the "Pink City", but I always think of sapphire blues when bringing it to mind. My parents traveled a great deal through India with me as a child. I also have the most vivid memory of my mother spritzing herself with a bottle of "Jaipur" by Boucheron perfume in the mornings.

This is the first in the Illuminati series to have silver instead of gold in its ground. The silver caught the light this morning & looked quite radiant, the same way the gold does, which I was very please about...

cinema paradiso

2008-09-14T19:06:00.000-07:00

This is a picture I took on my last trip to Italy. I wish that all cinemas
looked this charming. Do you remember the movie by Giuseppe Tornatore called "Cinema Paradiso"? No movie makes me so sentimental as that one does...

going places!

2008-09-04T23:28:00.000-07:00

It may sound odd, but bicycles & horses riding together have been on my mind lately...do let's ride together!

choco & dahlias

2008-08-30T19:28:00.000-07:00

Curious what I've been making for desert lately? Chocolate panna cotta with caramelized peaches. Dahlia season has arrived in its full glory, & there is plenty of room left for more painting inspiration...I'll be back soon with bicycles & horses for you...

bon bon anniversary!

2008-08-19T15:05:00.000-07:00

3 years & oh what fun!