My introduction to AI unfolded far from any studio, while drifting down Colombia’s Magdalena River, where life along the banks moves according to rhythm, memory, and necessity. Experimenting with tools like MetaAI and Grok, I watched as photographs I had taken—of people, landscapes, and fleeting moments—were instantly transformed into animated visions. The ease of it was mesmerizing, yet it stirred a deeper unease. AI creates without pause or doubt; it does not sit with a subject, return to it, or allow time to shape understanding.

Above is my oil painting of pomegranates on canvas, an AI-generated interpretation is shared on my Facebook page and can be viewed there.  The painted still life asks for a different kind of attention—formed through touch, repetition, and patience. Each decision is slow, imperfect, and human. In an age of infinite images, I am increasingly drawn to the quiet resistance of work made by hand which for me brings my imagination to life and a form of meditation far from the maddening world of technology.  The original painting is available for viewing and purchase under Still Lifes on my website.

Advent of Christmas

As the holidays sneak up on me again, I’m still catching my breath from hosting family for Thanksgiving. I’m always grateful to have them all gather in our home. Seven houseguests, twelve for dinner… it was a whirlwind. A happy one, but still a lot of work. And then, as always, the moment they all leave, the house suddenly feels too quiet, like it’s exhaling after holding all that life inside. I’m glad I do it, though, because if I didn’t, another year might slip by before we’re all together again.

But that quiet after everyone leaves also stirs up the old familiar excitement of the holiday season—the kind that makes me feel like a kid again. I think about being wrapped up in the chaos of my sisters, laughing hysterically under a pile of my siblings and being the lookout for our sneak peek into our parents’ closet of toys and gifts. I remember the bright packages, the big oranges in our stockings, the smell of the pine in the living room, the snowmen, the snow, sled rides, skating on the creek. Aunts and Uncles everywhere, games on the floor, sweets in every corner of the kitchen. I hear “The Little Drummer Boy” and Sinatra crooning “Merry Little Christmas” while my mom boxed up her homemade chocolate turtles or pulled warm kolaches from the oven.

All of that comes rushing back to me at this time of year—the love, the noise, the magic, and even the little bittersweet tug of what’s changed. It all reminds me why this season still matters so much to me.

 So much of my art comes from these memories—color, joy, and the sense of being gathered in. Over time I’ve created a collection of original pieces and have made archival-quality prints of many, each one rooted in some piece of lived life, and each one priced so that it can be easily shared. Check out the $99 original paintings loaded up with new pieces and the Print section which range from $25–$50, and  5x7 greeting cards as well—small gifts that carry heart.

If you’re looking for something personal this season, something that feels like it comes from a real place, I’d love for my art to find its way into the homes and hands of people you love. A little piece of beauty goes a long way this time of year, and it means a lot to know these works might spark their own bit of holiday magic in someone else’s home.

September Reflections

This past month overflowed with beauty and meaning.

I spent time in the Colorado mountains with dear friends, surrounded by nature’s brilliance as the trees blazed in sunflower gold. The colors were breathtaking, and the moments together felt both endearing and unforgettable.  The landscape was alive with color—golden leaves, crisp skies, and the quiet poetry of a season in transition.

As an artist, I was moved not only by the vivid hues but by the atmosphere itself—the stillness, the shifting light, the delicate motion of leaves preparing to fall. It’s a beauty that feels almost impossible to capture, yet it has etched itself into my memory and spirit.

I will soon take brush to canvas in the hope of expressing both the colors and the feeling of that fleeting moment in nature’s grand performance. Wish me luck as I try to translate this inspiration into paint.

September also brought joy and purpose when I sold two of my paintings at the Sparkle Charity Luncheon, supporting the prevention of human trafficking and more specifically the trafficking of children. It was an impactful event, organized with grace and vision by the talented Kathy Kassardjian.

On the final Sunday of the month, I enjoyed an immersive afternoon with my new Qigong instructor, Tiffany Scruggs. She thoughtfully designed a session of Yin-Yang balance through meditation, movement, and beauty rituals. As Tiffany explained, autumn invites us to shift from the vibrant yang energy of summer to the slower, nourishing yin season of fall. It was a refreshing, enlightening, and deeply relaxing experience.

And so, as September draws to a close, I carry forward the warmth of friendship, the renewal of inner balance, and the satisfaction of creating art that serves a greater cause.

 ******

August is almost in our rear view mirrors and I've but painted two paintings. One crazy piece entitled "Emilie's Green Door to the Sea" and a remake of "First Dance".  (Text me if you want a glimmer of Emilie's green door, I am a bit reluctant to post it).

The reason for my lack of August work is my garden has kept my very busy, specifically my tomatoes.  If you haven't seen my posts on FB your probably wouldn't believe me. It was a bumper crop of the most beautiful fruits on God's sweet earth.  The cucumbers and green chilis are coming in beautifully also.  Spicy!

In case you missed the latest edition of Voyager below is an interview I did with them.  Take a look and let me know your thoughts.

Voyager:

Hi Adele, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 

I think most people don’t purchase art because we have been stymied by large galleries which prioritize displaying or purchasing works from well-known artists. These works are usually way over investment budgets or lifestyle needs of most interested people. The large galleries often neglect local talent. Potential buyers may feel insecure about choosing art, questioning if their personal preferences are “correct” or if they’re making a good investment. This insecurity can lead them to avoid purchasing local art altogether. Additionally, the abundance of inexpensive prints and mass-produced artwork (often imported) makes original local pieces seem less affordable or less desirable by comparison, despite their unique value as original art.

Let’s dive into your story. To start, can you give our readers a brief introduction?

I am a local artist. I love oil painting, and I love what I paint. My art is created without the influence of fame or formal conventions, but with deep sincerity and personal meaning. I believe that creativity comes from letting life’s vivid moments, quiet reflections, and everyday beauty flow through the brush — capturing something true, memorable, and uniquely personal. I can only paint what I truly love and find meaningful. Though I have not followed traditional paths or formal art education, my work resonates with those who seek authenticity and heartfelt expression. Several collectors and art fans have chosen my paintings for their homes, connecting with the stories and emotions in each piece. Every painting I create is inspired by my own experiences, surroundings, and the natural beauty I experience. I strive to offer more than decoration — my goal is to evoke emotion, spark conversation, and share a genuine perspective on life. Supporting local artists means bringing honest, original voices into your space and helping our creative community thrive. I invite you to discover art that celebrates individuality, personal vision, and the richness of local personalities.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?

Today I think politics breaks our bonds more than anything. I believe all the media that we are bombarded with every moment of our lives creates an us versus them scenario. As humans we need to belong to something and so we pick a side. Reading a book used to shield us somewhat by allowing us our own interpretation of ideas. But today our phones (AI) feed us interpreted versions of ideas which hinders our own exploration of ideas on our own. What restores all this for me is painting - seeking meaning and understanding in the swing of a fancy dress, or the beauty of a bowl of peaches or the love of my blue vase filled with red roses. All these recorded and represented observations through oil painting restores and opens my mind, helping me understanding different perspectives. Basically art restores our souls.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?

I never give up. My studio is full of mistakes but somehow I work past them. They sometimes tempt me to give up or maybe sometimes encourage me to try harder. Sometimes I fall in love with a major mistake and someone falls in love with it too! But that’s life. 

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?

I think the convention of art is the problem. It is not really a lie in the art industry but maybe a rut. The idea that art has to be judged by an “expert” or “curated” by a credentialed individual (maybe with a political agenda) rather than the viewer coming up with their own response to art is the rut. People can think on their own to really appreciate what they view. If it means nothing to you but the investment dollars you spent, owning art becomes meaningless. Also art experts often take us on a long road of boring sameness within the convention of art. Just hang something on your wall that makes you happy, inspires you and makes you think. IMHO. 

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?

I hope any story told of me starts with a laugh, recalling a fun or joyful moment we shared and ends with an essence of love we had for one another 

Moonlight Beach

We walk this beach often because it's not only close, but it offers a wide sandy beach with a great walk along the cliffs of Encinitas.  Beach goers stay close to the Marine Station, so the crowds grow very thin just a minute’s walk south
The name comes from the fact that local residents used to come to the area for midnight picnics in the early 1900.

Two of my paintings are hanging at the library this month that represents the beauty of our local Moonlight Beach. Check them out here on my site.  Cardiff Cliffs and Marine Station are both under "Beach scenes" and are available for purchase.

This spring, I had the chance to spend time in Japan, where I was deeply inspired by the country’s people, culture, and particularly the philosophy of Wabi Sabi.  Wabi Sabi is all about embracing imperfection, simplicity and the natural cycles of life.  It teaches us to find beauty in the everyday, to appreciate the “flaws” that make things -and people- unique, and to let go of the relentless pursuit of perfection and pursue the true nature of our own perfect self.

Returning home with a few more bumps from my travels this philosophy made me reflect on how I approach my own personal health.  Often, it’s chasing the latest trends or trying to “fix” or “fit” into what I have.  I forget that true wellness is about balance, acceptance of what and who I am and the need to nurture both body and mind.  Wabi Sabi invited me to slow down, appreciate the abundance of my life and health and care for myself in even more gentle, holistic ways.

As June unfolds, nature reveals it’s Wabi Sabi spirit, rose buds bloom and fade, fruits ripen to perfection, and the days grow long. This is a month to pause and notice the fleeting perfect moments, the perfect beauty all around. A perfect month of transition, the cycle of life and nature.  By embracing these fleeting moments, we nurture our own wellness – letting go of perfection, finding peace in change and allowing ourselves to simply be, just to be who we are is June.

Cleaning up you studio is a hassle, what clean it up!  But if you do it makes a world of difference.  Here is my first idea on how to clean it up and keep it organized.  My first find was the Sliding Bamboo Tray – the ultimate organizational tool designed to keep your workspace neat and efficient.
Crafted from eco-friendly bamboo, this tray is not only stylish but also durable and versatile. Its sliding mechanism allows you to effortlessly access your essentials while maintaining a clean and orderly surface. Whether you’re organizing art supplies, kitchen utensils, or darkroom equipment, the Sliding Bamboo Tray provides a seamless storage solution.
In the kitchen, it keeps your tools within reach, enhancing your cooking experience. In the studio, it offers a perfect place for brushes, paints, and sketchpads. And in the darkroom, it ensures your photographic supplies are neatly arranged and easily accessible.
Say goodbye to chaos and hello to a tidy, productive environment. Transform your space with the Sliding Bamboo Tray – where functionality meets elegance. Order yours today and enjoy the harmony of an organized life! https://amzn.to/3VtjQH5

Here's the link:
https://boldjourney.com/news/meet-adele-hendricks/

Meet Adele Hendricks

STORIES & INSIGHTS2 DAYS AGO

Here's the link: 
https://canvasrebel.com/?p=137438&preview=true