Artwork Stories: Male Fan Dancer, South Korea (Watercolor)

In anticipation of an art exhibition, I wrote a short story about each painting, as if written by the person in the painting. These are all real people, and the stories are based on experience, observation, and representative/factual information typical of someone from that region/profession. Some of these paintings are still available, so if you are interested in purchasing one, please contact me.

As a young boy, I loved to hear the stories told by my grandfather. Now I am a pansori singer. Accompanied by a drummer who strikes a rhythmic pattern on his buk, I sing narratives based on popular tales. Performing on this festive Chuseok harvest festival, my excitement is apparent in my dynamics and the way I manipulate the fan with crisp, fluid movements.

Tweet

A Few Leaves Left

Gone is the colorful foliage that was painted over the Wisconsin landscape. With a few exceptions, most are like the tree in the foreground - bare, save for a few scraggly dried-up leaves, clinging to the branches.  I'm thankful that no (s)now has yet fallen on my neck of the woods, but I know it's only a matter of time. 

Tweet

By the Glow of the Supermoon

Although my photographic knowledge and camera equipment limited me from achieving any spectacular view of the moon, I was determined to produce at least some creative photos incorporating the moon. My current position by Lake Monona prevented me from capturing both the state capitol and moon in the same image. I would have to go elsewhere. 

My brother and I went to Madison's other lake - Lake Mendota. The small parking lot at the beginning of Picnic Point was full. I guess other people also took advantage of the mild temperatures to enjoy the full moon. Navigating by the bright moonlight, we walked along the path towards the tip of the peninsula, passing by other walkers and some young people who were enjoying campfires at several designated sites. Several women spoke excitedly in Chinese as they pointed to the city skyline, naming some of the city's landmark buildings.

The moon was quite high in the sky, but the bare branches added some creative framing for the night scene. Thanks, brother, for patiently putting up with my night photography!

Tweet

By the Glow of the Capitol

Spurred on by the relatively mild (for Wisconsin) November evening, my brother and I went for a night stroll. Our first destination was a small park across Lake Monona. 

From here, we had a great view of the beautiful state capitol and the small Madison skyline.  I was grateful for the ordinance (passed in 1966) that restricted the height of buildings within a mile of the capitol to be no higher than the base of the dome. Considering that the capitol at 284 feet (86 meters) is the tallest building in Madison and second tallest in Wisconsin, that's a vastly different skyline than in Seoul (tallest building is 1,820 ft - 555 meters)! 

Tweet

My latest artwork: Naxi Woman with Blue Shawl

Naxi Woman with Blue Shawl

Lashi village, China

Color Pencil ©2016 Melissa Enderle

For eighty-three years I have trod through the narrow lanes of my small village - first to my parents’ home, and then to my azhu's family farm. I loved living with my nai nai; now I get to enjoy the laughter of my grandchildren as they run through the family courtyard or play with the kittens. Even though my son says I don’t have to go to the market to sell vegetables, I quite like it, for it gives me something to do and a chance to chat with the other women. With a basket securely fastened to my cape, I slowly make my way to the tiny market, chatting with friends along the way.

Tweet

A Roadside Shave

Gotta love the convenience of services in India. On the road to Agra (a few years ago), we spotted this man getting a shave.

Tweet

A Web of Pearls

With a thick fog enveloping the neighborhood, I knew that capturing I would not be capturing autumn colors on my morning walk. Instead, nature granted me a different photographic subject. The intricate strands of pearls simultaneously emphasized a delicacy as well as the strength the web must have had in order to withstand such weight. 

Tweet

Rainbows and Crosses

One of the things I love about the changes of seasons is that it enables me to see the same scenes in a whole new way. I passed by this wall many times on my walk without giving it much of a glance, but on this autumn day, it begged for attention. 

Before me was a splendid "rainbow" in warmer hues.

The Cross was also featured, reminding me that God is always with me and can even speak through nature.

Tweet