I've become obsessed with my own designs and it's not a bad thing.  I was told once that an artist produces things, even if they are not needed.  Or maybe it went something like "an artist produces things that will be needed in the future."  I don't remember what teacher of mine told me that and it's apparent I don't remember the phrase exactly as it was told to me, but the meaning struck me and I've been dazed since.  So I've been productive.  I seem to be producing about ten images (two to three each night) for the last several weeks.

My preferred medium at this time is watercolors, ink, and arcrylics; they dry fast and are easy to clean up.  The water element appeals to my emotional side.  The way I chose each card to paint is literally by pulling a card from a Tarot deck I use for personal readings.  I shuffle and select until I am through with the entire deck.  The cards below were chosen in this order... 

Death

This card shows a skull embraced by a living rose bush.  The classic meaning is that this is not the end of life, but a new way of life; a change. Both life and death are entwined.  The blue rose is another symbol of mysticism and represents the mystery beyond life waiting to be discovered.

Nine of Swords

The woman has just woken up from a bad dream and into a headache.  Sword points surround her and they have not yet stabbed her.  This card illustrates percieved danger or a warning, however it remains to be seen if the danger is real or imagined.

Two of Swords

I had some difficulty with this design.  Traditionally this card shows a blind-folded woman holding two swords crossed over her breasts.  In my design, a ghost of this sword-crossed woman is in the background.  The couple in the foreground are shaking hands as if to signal a truce, yet they hold swords behind their backs.  The meaning: stalemate.

Queen of Cups

This queen is compassionate, nurturing, and dramatic.  She is free to indulge in all of life's pleasures and is a true voluptuary; a woman whose chief interests are luxury and the gratification of her sensual appetites.  The garland of pink roses at her neck symbolize that she is friendly and loving, yet like the bubbles drifting up from her cup of wine, she can be emotionally fragile or vain.

Ace of Cups

A cup more than full, this cup is bursting with water or water is storming into it.  This card represents new relationships, over emotional situations, an unexpected offer, and the season of Summer.

Seven of Pentacles

Traditionally this card shows a gardener looking lovingly at his crops.  In my design I focused in on the crops themselves.  These pentacles have not yet fully matured, they are still in water and have yet to be firmly planted in soil.  Thus it represents progress and growth.

Four of Swords

Known as "Rest From Strife," the four of swords shows a figure lying in stately fashion in a church.  In my version, a youth rests comfortably on a small bed.  The swords are put safely away but they are close by in case anything should disturb the child's sleep.

The High Priestess

This Priestess looks like a nun draped in the finest blue linen, almost to the point where she could be a "Mary" figure.  She holds hidden knowledge and is the revealer of mysteries.  She is like the patron saint of higher education, keeper of secrets, and a teacher of women.

Ace of Pentacles

The woman with the Pentacle necklace is rich and elegant.  At her hand and breast she holds a promise of wealth and priveledge.  This Ace represents the beginning of Winter and new financial situations.

Queen of Swords

Simular to the fighting vixens of KILL BILL, this queen is active, ready to defend herself and country, out for revenge, and a cunning general in her own right.  She rules not with an iron fist, with intelligence, intrigue, and wit; she plays people against one another to further her own ends.  She is not a quitter, either.  If you encounter her in life, she could be a police woman or soldier.  If you have her on your side, be assured victory will come at all costs.  If she is against you, you have no where to hide!