Gina and Ryoma Collia-Suzuki live in England and I, in California.  We met in Redroom and have visited our homes through photographs.  I've seen their beloved porcelain foo dogs and other treasures, placed just so.  I've even met their eight sister rats (alas, now down to four).  I've flown over their beaches, quarries and river via Google Earth. I got to see their  old yew tree (the wood from which Henry the Fifth's the long bow was produced) in their front yard.

   They've also visited me. I imagined Ryoma leading Gina by the hand and flying over the valley and my roof.  I've always wanted to paint as Chagall, with lovers floating across the evening sky.  Just because he did it first, doesn't mean, I don't get to do the same.

   I am getting ready for a book signing and a tiny art show at Hauk Fine Arts in Pacific Grove, CA.  Having been away from my paints for some months now, because I've been busy with my black and white graphic novel, my imagination was some what shriveled.  So I said to myself, start with a subject skittering on the surface on my mind.  I began this little piece in early March, sparked by Gina and Ryoma, because they were very much on my mind: Ryoma's bronchitis, Gina's own book tour.
 
   Here are the Collia-Ryomas in my landscape.  This is one of three "quick and dirty fingerlings."  I think I will develop this sujbect further with a larger watercolor block.

 9"x12" gouache

Belle's new picture book trailer--click here

Belle's Redroom Retrospective

Belle's Graphic Novel trailer