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Saturday, December 24, 2011

CONVENT DREAM



CONVENT DREAMS
14" x 18"
Oil on Canvas..

"Convent Dream"
by Juan Romagosa

Earth Mother of All
Give rise to us all
Bring forth within all
the fruit that is All.

Barren nun
smothers all 
issues none
bane of all.

Monk Screams
Convent dreams.


           
                                                                        Oil on Canvas
                                                                    
  

Thursday, December 15, 2011

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK PHOTO IMPRESSIONS


Getting to Yellowstone National Park is an expedition.  As in days of yore when going somewhere meant careful planning and long time travel the trip to Yellowstone is rewarding, satisfying the need to get away from the hustle of the modernity.

The park is huge.  Covering almost 3,500 square miles, Yellowstone is about the size of Puerto Rico, or Crete; and probably more isolated; certainly less populated.  The best way to get there is by flying to Bozeman, Montana and driving alongside the Gallatin River to the North Gate just past Gardiner, MT.

The Roosevelt Arch to the Park is a relic of days when stone masons would labor to erect a rustic monument in the middle nowhere just to make a proud civic statement.

Driving there is long. but it goes fast.  There is so much to see.  The landscape is vintage Western.  It is mountainous, forested, and overflowing with streams, rivers, and lakes; the wildlife plentiful and primordial.


Before even entering the park you will likely see eagles, deer, elk, moose, and the ubiquitous crows.
The air is freshly pine scented cool and tingly with oxygen.


Occasionally, moose will venture quite close the road and a bull moose may be spotted chomping on riverbed weeds like so much watercress salad.  It is a sight to behold as your eyes are inundated by the sheer massiveness of the antlered beast.  Moose are not funny-looking deer, instead they are bigger and much more dangerous; especially a calving cow, charging with the least provocation.  But on a warm sunny day with a mouthful of wild veggies, a bull is secure in his size and will rather enjoy some gastronomical bliss than attack curious onlookers.

Going inside, the park swallows you into its primeval entrails: it's a new world.  It is pristine and mostly untouched but for a few incredibly spaced, far apart attractions.   This is no amusement park, this is no Disneyland.  The park's sheer size dilutes the steady influx of travelers.  Mere tourists seldom venture into the wilderness, but when they do, they are like exotic birds blown in by a storm.

 

Native birds are making their homes in local trees sheltering and breeding, preying and feeding; ensuring their survival.  Bald Eagles nesting are not uncommon and nobody messes with them, not even the next great bird of prey, the Horned Owl.


Relatively close to the North gate sits the smallest of settlements, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel and cabins, as well as park training facilities. At  Mammoth Hot Springs the landmark minerals deposited on the rocks by steaming hot eruptions congeal into monumental formations quite similar to stalagmites found in caverns.


Crystalline mineral formations are colorful and appear to be flowing with rich caramel undertones making them seem incredibly yummy.   There are also crystalline white terraces evoking a sense of palatial marble steps in their pure white brilliance.  A Mammoth Hot Springs sunset is particularly compelling with its soft warm pastel colors.


Deep inside the park lay a multitude of boiling pools steaming away like pots of boiling water.  Each hot spring bubbles to a different tune and blushes to a different shade of blue, yellow, or red.  Some have clear hot water and others are stinky colorful "paint pots" wafting sulfurous barrages every which way assailing the nostrils with their mineral fumes.


So much geothermal activity: steaming, hissing, boiling, and bubbling; all the sulfurous emanations and arrested-in-time rock flows impress all the senses with the sudden realization that this is a volcanic caldera so huge and old that nature has been disguising the fact that this is a Super Volcano.  Colorful hot spring geysers abound.


Walking on a boiling cauldron is invigorating and somehow energizing to life all around, including thermal spring-fed grasses.


It is easy to visualize ancient Earth as a couple of wolves traipse past on the horizon eyeing you in their surreptitious way as they vanish into the woods.  Then imagine how they might survive the cold winters.

Or, seeing a grizzly bear foraging on the mountain side a few hundred yards away.  No, it's not Yogi Bear, or Boo Boo.  This is one scary fur ball and you best keep moving right along.  Which is why there are no pictures!



Then there are the Bison.  Of the millions that roamed the North American continent as late as the 1900 only one small bison herd survives naturally in Yellowstone National Park. Bison are magnificent and in their grandeur tolerant of onlookers - not too close - content to graze peacefully as gawking visitors snap countless pictures in perfect awe.  An annoyed bull bison will display his feelings, a warning best heeded.



Bison lives unfold without meddling people just fine.  Their food source plentiful; their energy needs met by the many geothermal pools all during the frigid winters.

Yellowstone Lake, an amoeba shaped body of water central to the parks ecosystem is a favorite with fishermen for its catch and release trout.   Around the lake are situated the biggest facilities such as Grant Village and Old Faithful Inn is relatively close.  The latter is closer to the geyser.  In either case, staying at the park and visiting the lake like it was your own back yard is an entirely different experience.



Old Faithful Geyser is the most famous geothermal feature in the US.  So named because it erupts roughly every 90 minutes shooting between 4,000 to 8,000 gallons of boiling water up to 180 feet.  It is a desolate undertaking oblivious to mankind.  A friendly reminder that the Earth was here before us and will continue long after we're gone.



There are 13 major and 17 minor waterfalls and of the thirty, Lower Yellowstone Falls is one of the most amazing geological features in the park in what's called the Little Grand Canyon. It is as unexpected as it is inaccessible.  The roadside view is magnificent and the scale so grandiose that pictures cannot compare.



Another amazing waterfall is Tower Falls and measuring 132 feet it is probably the most spectacular.  It is easily viewed from the road, and somehow seems more delicate.

The most incredible hot spring is the park is the Grand Prismatic Spring.  It is the largest hot spring in the US and the third largest in the world, right after two from New Zealand.  Nearly 370 feet in diameter and 160 feet deep, it holds about 560 gallons of 160 F degree water coming straight out of the Earth's depths and reflects light in the most beautiful turquoise end of the spectrum.


Aquatic cyanobacteria give the Grand Spring its signature prismatic colors: yellow, green, orange, red, and brown.  It is simply gorgeous.  If you like sulfur, it will smell great too.


At the Grand Prismatic Spring it is plain to see how Yellowstone Park got its name when looking around all you see is yellow in its various permutations and shades.

Leaving Yellowstone is the hardest part.  Once there, you may never want to leave.  But when you do, exiting toward the small town of West Yellowstone is probably the easiest.  It is the quickest the same way that saying goodbye is easiest when done quickly; lest you linger.   And it will always seem too soon; abruptly.
_____________________________________________

Art prints of these and more are available at Amazon.
Please visit Romagosa Fine Arts
Thank you,
Juan Romagosa

Friday, December 2, 2011

LAKE TAHOE PHOTO IMPRESSIONS


Starting early Spring driving around Lake Tahoe is delightful.  The shoreline is extensive and rich in aquatic treasures.  Each stop is filled with surprises.  Not only is each locale exquisite in a primordial sort of way, but also the views offer luxurious vistas.  Snow capped mountains and pine forests worthy of Hallmark calendars greet the eye.

Straddling California and Nevada like and opalescent jewel, the lake is the second deepest lake in the US, in fact one of the deepest lakes in the world.  Like Lake Baikal in Siberia, it is pure and crystalline, escaping the worst ravages of modernization.

Approaching the lake from California on Highway 50 reveals magnificent views and the climb down the Sierra Nevada mountain is vertiginous with distant water beckoning from below.  With signature white beaches on the left, encircling the lake soon brings you to South Lake Tahoe, the most urban of settlements in the  region. The small city sits on the California/Nevada state border.  Cross the stop light and you're in Casino country.  The Nevada side of South Lake Tahoe is glitzy with neon and a handful of high-rise hotels, and that's it: a self contained dot on the map with a very small foot print; a testament to high density urban growth, a good argument against sprawl.

Moving along, the Nevada side of the lake disappears for a bit, hidden by state forest.  Soon, the lake reappears where it is particularly stunning in its unspoiled, less traveled state.


Long stretches of lake shore are yours for the taking.  As in taking in the views, taking pictures, and better yet, taking that lunch out of the cooler and enjoying a cool refreshing break.  The best place to picnic is the sand is Sand Harbor Beach.



As the name implies there is plenty of sand to stretch out and roam.



Huge granite boulders were dropped on the North Eastern stretch by the last of the glaciers receding North forever.


With something for everyone: lazy sand, accessible paths for people with disabilities or for easy strolling, and with rocks for climbing by children of every age, including the young at heart, this spot is probably one of the best on the lake.


On to the North shore.  It is cold in the Spring with wind picking up speed across the open water to the South and the snowy mountains to the North exhaling their cold breath down your neck.  But a sunny crisp cold day is invigorating.



Tahoe locals claim "the West is the Best".  Meaning the West shore on the California side.  It may be.  There are numerous beaches, harbors, and cabins, with easy access to ski resorts, which in the summer make excellent hiking destinations.

Best of all, there is glorious camping.  Sugar Pine State Park is gorgeous and offers biking, hiking, swimming, and great spots to pitch a tent.  The park links wooded mountains to the shore as it spans both sides of the highway.



You might stumble onto some woodland surprises while exploring a trail, or two... and discover rare woodland flowers.



The lake is undoubtedly the main attraction.  If you do stay and camp, Sugar Pines State Beach at dusk is yours: the casual tourist is gone.  The lake is beautifully accessible.  Walk a brisk couple of miles from the campsite or drive on the park road and the water greets you with its blue immensity, soon it will be lapping at your feet as it gently splashes on the sandy shore.



The sand is amazingly pure and clean having recently evolved from the smallest of pebbles.  And there's plenty of it, wide and far.  A ribbon of sand invites sinking steps along the way, enticing bare feet to feel it's granular texture.  So seduced, your feet will instantly reward you with a tingly cold sensation so tactile they might as well be hands walking.
Nature permeates everything and gazing across that blue expanse heightens your awareness and soothes the soul.
Strolling, gamboling, walking, or gazing at the water and sky shifting first to yellow, then red and finally to purple sliding to grey is a magical time for playing with giant logs and making driftwood tepees.




Nightfall reveals intricate sand patterns and water channels previously unnoticed, now highlighted by waning light and tenuous reflections.



Heading home you may think the lake has offered all it has, but driving back reveals one last parting surprise.  It is a triple whammy: three treats in one. Small pine-studded Fannette Island lies nestled in secluded jewel-shaped Emerald  Bay, which is in turn fed by Eagles Fall as the water cascades and tumbles down,  This visual trinity emerges from around the bend; island and bay far below the road and waterfall ahead.  Fortunately, there are places to pull over and take in the view, which is breathtaking.



Emerald Bay is a National Natural Landmark, an Underwater State Park, and the area is home to one of the earliest Scandinavian style Mansion, Vikingsholm, offering historical sightseeing in addition to exceptional camping.  That may very well be, yet another adventure....


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

AIRBORNE LOVE


AIRBORNE LOVE
18" x 24"
Oil on Canvas

"Airborne Love"
by Juan Romagosa

Sever the ties
binding you down
gravity's pull Love defies

Jump with glee
true Love cries
feeling free
joyfully silently dancing

Airborne Love defines
reaching for infinite skies
unlocking our heart's confines
personal limits transcending.



                                                                  Original Oil Painting
                                                                      



 Giclees
                                                                            Canvas Prints
                                                                      




Affordable Prints too 
                                                                   Matted Print Outside Dimensions
                                                                


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Tuesday, November 1, 2011

SACRAMENTO ARTS FESTIVAL


Romagosa Fine Arts will be at the Sacramento Arts Festival November 4, 5, & 6 at the Sacramento Convention Center.

But we won't be alone!  We'll be together with forty two other fine painters specializing in various media; check us out in Booth #226.  Along with traditional visual artists there will be ceramic artists, sculptors, textile artists and artistic jewelers - entries were strictly juried ensuring the highest caliber art - featuring 15,000 original works in every price range.   Romagosa Fine Arts is proud to debut Exodus, the most recent painting in our collection.


Exodus 18x24 Oil on Canvas

We will be accompanied by rich aural treats from performing artist GG Amos Blues Band, the Kurt Ribak Jazz Quartet, and others.  Food will be plentiful and varied, featuring culinary Greek and Indian traditions, to name a few.

Come to Sacramento and enjoy a very user friendly city with civic integrity as only a state capital can muster.  Here you can safely walk along the gorgeous State Capitol grounds and be amazed at the Architecture.


Venturing all the way inside the Capitol will surely delight you as you experience its post Gold Rush era opulent spaces.
California state capitol building rotunda with historical statue presented by D.O. Mills in 1883

Connected by a short two block walk is the Sacramento Convention Center, a post-modern Architectural marvel perfectly suited to function: convention shows; elegantly appointed.

This is where you'll find us on such a fine autumn weekend.  The fee to get in is $8.00 but if you print and bring the following when you arrive: 

Come visit me in Booth #226
See you there!
Juan Romagosa

           _PRESENT FOR $1 DOLLAR OFF - ONE ADULT ADMISSION_

                       Sacramento Arts Festival

                           _NOVEMBER 4, 5, 6_
                         SACRAMENTO CONVENTION CENTER   



You get in for $7.00 - See you soon! 

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Virginal Verge


VIRGINAL VERGE
24" x 36" 
Oil on Canvas
At the Sacramento Fine Arts Festival - Convention Center
11/4/11 11/5/11 11/6/11

A young maiden on the verge of maturing is centered in the midst of the life's swirling chaos, letting her inner light shine upon the world.

"Virginal Verge"
by Juan Romagosa

Dreaming sweetly
rise and shine
whirling vortex
sneaks behind

Heart cloistering brightly
in its midst: star-shine
nestled safely
is glowing fine.

Heavenly fires your bosom 
lights with passion
portals of illusion
shadows of confusion.

At the crossroads of your mind
shining bright, sweet divine
windmills swish in time
above the slime.

At the gate
brazen decisions to take
discoveries made
mysteries fade

Enigmatic to the core
the spotlight
in spinning whorl
is glowing bright.

At the precipice
human blight;
at the center
future bright.

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                                                            Oil on Canvas
                                                                   

                                                            Canvas Prints
                                                                  

Monday, October 10, 2011

Fiesta On The Hill - Bernal Heights


This Sunday (10/16/11) Romagosa Fine Arts will help promote cultural and ethnic diversity at the melting pot neighborhood, Bernal Heights in San Francisco.  
The BHNC (Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center) provides community services for youths, the elderly, and the economically challenged in the form of reasonably priced housing, public safety, as well as Middle and High School after hours programs. 

Convent Dream
Join us in celebrating ethnic pride with Latin American, African American, and Native American and other community members by showcasing artwork like Buckaroo, Lupo et Felicia Reve, and Spirit of America.  Click  the RFA Website to see more representative artwork such as Convent Dream.  We will be featuring art prints, matted photos, and giclees at affordable prices and in various sizes.

Not only will there be Art, there will also be music, food, and a petting zoo specially tailored  for kids.  This is meant to be an inter-generational festivity geared to fostering a family atmosphere while raising awareness and money.

When visiting, be sure to enjoy one of the best views of San Francisco and beyond.  Bernal Height Hill Park is a couple of blocks up and a great place to get away from the crowd, walk the dog and is a reasonable facsimile of an urban wilderness from which to see city.  The view rivals known hot spots like Twin Peaks and Coit Tower.


If your lucky, you might catch some of the best weather San Francisco has to offer since this time of the year falls under what's locally known as Indian Summer and is certainly warmer than fog-bound summer.


So, come to Cortland Ave. between Bocana and Folsom near Cesar Chaves (formerly known as Army Street) from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and enjoy five music bands, good food, and take home some awesome art ;)


Friday, October 7, 2011

BUCKAROO


BUCKAROO
16" X 20"
Oil on Canvas

Buckaroo is derived from the Spanish word Vaquero, meaning Cowboy. 
A child plays make belief and dares
the forces at large.  Toreador.  Ole'! Lasso in hand, the little-boy chases
 a snake under the protective watch of a bull-shaped tree;
angel above, dreams below.

 "Buckaroo"
by Juan Romagosa

Ponder your challenge
innocent child
paso doble balanced
dream of the wild.

Sombrero crowned boy
enacting the king
pretend young cowboy
do your thing.

Mariachi clad vaquero
stalking illusion
acting regal buckaroo
under the sun.

Aspiring to snatch
in magical play
most difficult catch
illusory prey.

Watchfully covered
by bovine gaze
protected and sheltered
by arboreal grace

Bullfighter charro
born to rope
Toreador lasso
slithering hope.




Oil on Canvas
 

Learn more about what people are saying about this piece and get private insights into the making of this poem by visiting my Facebook Fan Page  http://artist.to/juanromagosafinearts/ 


For additional inspiration regarding trees check out Mi Arbol (My Tree): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHJycujJVos