From Dusk to Dawn- Four works on paper

I wrote this post in 2025 and forgot to post it. Here it is —

I was contacted to create two small artworks for an older office building in Houston, Texas, that is getting an updated look.

The building is at 3100 Timmons Ln. When I saw the space, I knew right away that it held great storytelling opportunities. I was particularly excited to tell the success story of the Sandhill cranes.

3100 Timmons Lane

Specifically I was tasked with creating new pieces to replace the small decor elements flanking the entrance. However, after considering the entire space, I felt inspired to propose a different approach. The building features a stunning lobby with a grand, five-story ceiling, which presents a wonderful opportunity to enhance the buildings overall design more impactfully.

One of the 7’ X 9’ recessed spaces for artwork.

The lobby.

To fully enhance the impressive ceiling height, the artwork in this space must be substantial and impactful. Smaller pieces will be overlooked in such an expansive setting. I suggested introducing large, vertical artworks that could significantly alter the atmosphere of the room. I suggested that the pieces could effectively integrate the beauty of the outdoors into our indoor spaces. The developer resonated with this concept and proposed that I create designs that span two stories. This collaborative idea presents a fantastic opportunity to elevate the space and reach a new audience for my social practice. A few weeks later, I welcomed him to my studio to share my vision.

My presentation to the developer.

A early sketch

This is the final drawing of the first piece, which beautifully captures a crane landing in a wetland during twilight. The scene reflects the moment when the cranes wait for it to get dark enough that they aren't easily visible. My intention with this artwork is to encourage viewers to look closely and discover the subtle presence of the cranes in their environment.

The next step involved deconstructing the drawing by tearing it into various shapes. After that, I can create a relief by reassembling these shapes on a second sheet of paper..

Then comes the color.

TWILIGHT’S VEIL

7” X 9”4”

watercolor, pastels, ink on collaged Stonehenge paper.

Image by R. Wells

"Ancesteral Learning: A Watercolor Monotype Celebrating Self-Experiential Learning and the Vitality of Water"

We have two granddaughters 6 months apart. Both girls are inspiring. I decided to try again to capture the moment of self discovery.

The back story-

With my commitment of shaping society for the better. My recent contemplation on human learning, sparked by observing my son and daughter-in-law’s newborn granddaughter discovering their toes, has deepened my belief in self-experiential learning. Inspired by this and other experiences, I have decided to create a conceptual installation at Indiana University, granting the students the opportunity to take ownership and install the work themselves.

In this watercolor monotype, I delve into the ways in which humans learn and highlight our crucial connection to water. Just as we care for an infant, it is vital that we care for and protect this precious resource.

The Baby Whisperer

“The Baby Whisperer” 30” X 44” watercolor monotype Horses are truly a marvel of sensitivity and emotion. My daughter-in-law recently visited a stable where she used to ride, and while my son shoveled manure for their garden, she had a beautiful moment with one of the mares. Even though she had never ridden that particular horse, it became clear that the horse had been affected by its owner’s recent pregnancy. This experience reminded me that wildlife deserves much more credit than we often give them.

This observation also underlines how crucial it is to build connections with all creatures in order to restore and maintain a healthy ecosystem. I want to express my gratitude to Griffin and Alex for providing a stunning photo that inspired me to reflect on these profound ideas. They continue to motivate me each and every day.

A few weeks later I created two more pieces. One for my daughter-in-law's parents and one for my son.

Baby Whisperer I

Watercolor monotype 30” X44”

Baby Whisperer I ghost print

Watercolor monotype 30” X44”

Baby Whisperer II

Watercolor monotype 30” X44”

Baby Whisperer II ghost print

Watercolor monotype 30” X44”

Monotype- leafcutter (petalcutter)

Leafcutter (petal cutter) Megachile and the Blanket flower

Watercolor and pastel monotype

30” X 44”

Leafcutter bee flying to its nest just after cutting a petal from the Texas native Gaillardia pulchella aka blanket flowers. They use the petals to protect walls and to seal their nests. In exchange for the petals, the leaf cutter pollinates the blanket flowers bloom. It is one of my favorite relationships in “Symbiosis.”