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kmontes.bsky.social
Lone Star Blue 💙
@kmontes.bsky.social
3.1K followers 1.1K following 520 posts
💙 in Texas. Love cooking, travel, books, walking, art, camping, exploration & public spaces. Stay curious and make every day an adventure.

This is a place to learn something new, enjoy creativity, spark curiosity and escape the chaos.
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kmontes.bsky.social
“Our Land, Once Big and Beautiful”

While we’re being distracted by Epstein files, MAHA Coke & racist team names, our public lands are being destroyed in the name of Energy Dominance. Nothing beautiful about it.
More in alt text 👇

#ArtYear #mixedmedia #watercolor #ink #contecrayon #coloredpencil
Mixed media piece depicting a landscape with jagged lines in front of. This is a personal response to the sadness I felt when reading about some of the “victories” described on the Department of Interior website. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” includes changes to promote expansion of oil and gas production, coal mining, and more logging (20 million more board feet annually). Our public lands were intended for preservation, not destruction. What is done cannot be undone.
July 24, 2025 at 5:33 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
I could paint imaginary cities every day.

Look closely & see the textures of ancient walls, stone archway, roofs, wooden doors, balconies & windows.

I love this lesson from “Creative Abstract Watercolor” by @essoldodesign.bsky.social.

#watercolor #ink #creativeabstreactwatercolor
Watercolor painting of an imaginary city, with buildings in light tan, blues, terra cotta and burnt sienna. The buildings have different shapes, and lots of tiny details drawn in white and black ink. The sky overhead is a stormy indigo color.
July 21, 2025 at 7:49 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
A summery watercolor painting for a friend who lives by the water. Inspired by a lesson in “Creative Abstract Watercolor” by Kate Rebecca Leach at @essoldodesign.bsky.social

#watercolor #nature #artyear
Abstract watercolor painting with waves over colored pebbles.
July 19, 2025 at 8:06 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
Hand-painted watercolor fairy house for a special friend.

#watercolor #painting #creativity #imagination #artyear
Watercolor painting of a tiny mushroom fairy cottage in warm browns, green, yellow and blue. The house has rounded windows, one with a window box filled with tiny red flowers. Steps lead up to a wooden door. Flowers and mushrooms surround the cottage, and a clothesline tied to a twig has a little white cloth and butterfly fairy wings hanging on it.
July 19, 2025 at 7:45 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
Street art by abstract_avila in Galveston, Texas.

#streetart #urbanart #galveston #texas
Street art in vivid aqua, purple and yellow. Pictured is a young woman under the water with a scuba más and light on top of her head.
July 4, 2025 at 3:39 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
Every time I start a journal, I get tired of my introspective drivel, stick the diary in a drawer, find it years later & shred the pages.

But stories are different. Moments are like little movies. So I write them down & sketch what I see. Enjoying this more.

#ArtYear #journaling #storytelling
A page from a journal shows a woman with long dark curly hair looking out the window of a bus at a church. She tells us that the church is dedicated to her “santo” - St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of lost causes. She says she thinks this is appropriate, with a sad, sarcastic chuckle. We get the feeling that she is in a hopeless situation.
May 31, 2025 at 8:20 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
Since we’re on the cusp of hurricane season down here near the gulf coast… It’s helpful to know the difference between a watch & a warning. The Fort Bend County library system explained it perfectly. Using a language we all understand.

#taco #hurricaneseason
Graphic from the Fort Bend County library system using tacos to explain the difference between a (storm) watch and a warning. This photo shows the ingredients of a taco laid out and says “Taco Watch - We have the ingredients to make a taco.” Graphic from the Fort Bend County library system using tacos to explain the difference between a (storm) watch and a warning. This photo shows the ingredients of a taco laid out and says “Taco Warning - We are having tacos. RIGHT NOW.”
May 28, 2025 at 8:01 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
Mindful & meditative art inspired by A.A. Murakami’s Floating World immersive exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.

Materials: Faber-Castell aquarelle pencils, ruler, circle template, aqua brush with water.

#ArtYear #watercolor #mindfulart #color
Small abstract piece with colorful lines radiating out and forming wavy patterns, and colored circles floating like bubbles.
May 23, 2025 at 10:45 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
A visual diary or artist’s journal is a good way to observe, record thoughts, experiences & memories, use watercolor, pencil & ink, and do some urban sketching. It’s fun & meaningful - can’t wait to do more!

#ArtYear #drawing #sketching #watercolor #ink #journaling #urbansketching
Page from an artist’s journal with an ink and watercolor sketch of a plate of pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts) and a cappuccino. There is also handwritten text describing a visit to Manteigaria, a cafe and pastry shop in Madrid, Spain.
May 22, 2025 at 9:47 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
I was so pleased to find Thomas Dambo’s “Malin’s Fountain” (#127) in Austin, Texas.

Malin's Fountain symbolizes the community's strength & ability to come together as one.

Thomas Dambo is a Danish recycling artist & his mission is to 'Waste no more'.

#thomasdambo #artsky #art #sustainable #austin
Thomas Dambo’s “Malin’s Fountain” (#127) in Austin, Texas. This large troll is seated in a wooded section of a park, and is constructed of salvaged wood, branches and stones. The troll ((Malin) is holding a large basin that serves as a fountain. Malin's Fountain symbolizes the community's strength and ability to come together as one. This is a poem written by Danish recycling artist Thomas Dambo, and carved into a boulder: Sometimes, the summer times are dry Sometimes, the sky will cry Sometimes, the fountains full of rain Sometimes, an empty drain Sometimes are good for summer birds Sometimes are cursed with thirst So it always makes a difference when You fill the fountain up again Metal plaque that says “No. 127, Malin’s Fountain, Thomas Dambo”
May 21, 2025 at 10:40 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
“View of Sepúlveda”

This is a view of the medieval town of Sepúlveda, Spain, with its stone walls, Romanesque church & old buildings, and narrow winding streets.

I’m back to 3x3 watercolor & ink and enjoying focusing on all the details.

#watercolor #ink #artsky #ArtYear
View of the green countryside and the medieval walled town of Sepúlveda, Spain. At the top of the hill is a Romanesque church and winding roads lead through old buildings and plazas.
May 15, 2025 at 10:52 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
Street Messages

“No Estress” (no stress) & “No Te Compares” (don’t compare yourself). Interesting what you notice & what speaks to you.

Seen in the streets of Madrid, Spain.

#graffiti #streetart
Graffiti scrawled on a white wall in Madrid that says “No Estress” (no stress). This photo shows a large round grey stone on a brick sidewalk, with the coat of arms of Madrid - a shield with a crown, a bear, and a tree. Purple graffiti that says “No Te Compares” (don’t compare yourself) is scrawled under the insignia.
May 15, 2025 at 2:54 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
“Make Art, Not War”

Collage art by @prospektcol.lazzaph (IG) on a wall in the Lavapies neighborhood of Madrid

More details in alt text 👇
Collage art by a digital creator seen on a textured terracotta colored wall in the Lavapies neighborhood of Madrid, Spain. Top left is a torn leaf shape on paper printed with space, stars, nebulae and planets. Next is a photo of Michelangelo’s David with a paste up of DaVinci’s eye - a speech bubble says “never mind!” A neon red orange sticker says “MAKE ART NOT WAR” and features a bike made of cork circles that says “La vie in bike.” The bottom sticker is a piece called “Universal Love,” and shows a silhouette of two figures, facing each other, made of a print of a universe of stars and planets. The artist’s work can be found on Instagram @prospektcol.lazzaph
May 14, 2025 at 9:56 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
The last few weeks have been about exploring and gathering ideas & inspiration. This is a quick watercolor sketch of a street in Pedraza, a walled medieval town in Spain. It was good to just get the pens & paint out & make some marks.

#watercolor #ink #ArtYear
This is a quick ink and watercolor sketch of a few abstract figures walking down a street in the medieval town of Pedraza, Spain.
May 13, 2025 at 10:45 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
On April 28, 2025, a major power blackout occurred across Spain, Portugal & southern France. Everything came to a halt & shops, hotels, metro stations & restaurants closed. ATMs out of order. Cash only. Some waited it out at bars with friends. Cheers in the streets when the lights went back on.
Red and white church candles glow on a wooden table in a dark room. The window is open and we can see a dark building with candle light in the windows. This photo was taken in Madrid, Spain on April 28, 2025, the day a massive power blackout occurred across Spain, Portugal, and parts of southern France.
May 13, 2025 at 4:28 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
“1984 - Orwell was right”

Note the surveillance camera image in the eye. Graffiti seen in Madrid.
Image of graffiti in Madrid. A black eye with the white image of a surveillance camera in the pupil, surrounded by lettering that says “1984 Orwell tenía razón” (“1984 - Orwell was right”)
May 13, 2025 at 4:02 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
Enjoyed Pinta Malasaña, Madrid’s annual urban art festival. 2025 marked the 10th anniversary & 100 artists covered walls, windows, plazas & shop shutters in the University neighborhood with their work. The talent is amazing & I love the color!

#madrid #artsky #streetart #urbanart
Artists paint the walls around a plaza in Madrid during the Pinta Malasaña festival. One artist paints a mural with a collection of bright abstract shapes (a bird, a hand, and some leaves), and another paints a large colorful bird with wings spread. The metal shutter of a pharmacy in Madrid is painted during the Pinta Malasaña festival. We see a large rat in front of an aqua background, peeking over a hot pink wall. Artists paint the windows of a Greek restaurant in Madrid during the Pinta Malasaña festival. The artist on the left paints a mural with two abstract figures embracing, and another paints a band of blue cartoon figures playing instruments. Artists paint the metal shop shutters on a street in Madrid during the Pinta Malasaña festival. One artist stands on a ladder and paints with aqua and yellow, and another is painting a colorful abstract mural.
May 11, 2025 at 2:27 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
Day 55: “Simplicity”

One-line tulips and a few additional lines. Stripping things down to focus on loose lines and color.

Life is busy and this has turned into the “Create when you feel like it club,” and that’s just fine.

#watercolor #ink #artsky
#the100dayproject #ArtYear
Small watercolor and ink piece of a glass vase with pink tulips next to a window looking out on a building. The vase and flowers are drawn with one continuous line, giving the piece a free and playful feel.
April 18, 2025 at 9:12 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
Day 50: “Hollyhock Cottage”

This is an experiment in continuous line drawing, with a few accent lines. The act of letting the hand freely “trace” the contours promotes a state of flow and connection with the subject being drawn.

#watercolor #ink #drawing #artsky
#the100dayproject #ArtYear
Small watercolor and ink piece of a path lined by colorful red and yellow hollyhocks in front of a brick cottage. The outline of the building, flowers and greenery are drawn with one continuous line, giving the piece a free and playful feel.
April 13, 2025 at 7:40 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
Day 48: “The Front Porch Remains”

This old abandoned house is in shambles, but the thermometer still says it’s warm for spring & the porch remains. Spirits linger & I wonder about their stories. A string of lights awaits the dusk.

#watercolor #ink #artsky
#the100dayproject #ArtYear
Small watercolor and ink piece of an old abandoned house made of weathered white boards, with missing windows, a damaged roof & piles of wood and rubbish on the front porch.
April 12, 2025 at 7:55 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
Day 47: “All That Glimmers”

Testing some paints, including Beam’s glistening Dreamers Gold & Wintery Night from the Waasnoodin-Northern Lights palette.

#watercolor #artsky
#the100dayproject #ArtYear
Abstract watercolor painting with rounded rectangles in muted ochre, blue and green, with glimmering gold and dark blue accents.
April 10, 2025 at 11:38 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
Day 46: “Pueblo Andaluz”

“White villages” are small Andalusian towns in southern Spain. This was an exercise in mindfulness & my imagination traveled through the ancient winding streets of whitewashed houses built by the Romans & Moors.

#watercolor #ink #mindfulart
#the100dayproject #ArtYear
Tiny watercolor and ink piece showing a village of whitewashed buildings in southern Spain.
April 9, 2025 at 10:12 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
Day 42: “Humanity Lost”

On Saturday, I visited the Holocaust Museum - a deeply disturbing reminder of the power of hatred & our infinite capacity for cruelty. Started with power, book burning & bans. Aided by laws. Could it happen again? Will we let it?

#watercolor #ink
#the100dayproject #ArtYear
Tiny piece with watercolor flames and dark colors (descending to blood red and black) over a handwritten timeline of the 1933-1945 Holocaust. This piece is a reflection of my experience and emotions after visiting the Holocaust Museum, and it’s a belated post for the 100 Day Project.
April 8, 2025 at 10:21 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
Day 44: “Galactic Trapeze”

3 square inches isn’t a lot of space & complicated scenes with microscopic details just ain’t working for me. So I’ve taken a mid-century modern approach - lighthearted, with a touch of the Jetsons.

#watercolor #ink #MCM #design #artsky
#the100dayproject #ArtYear
Tiny abstract watercolor and ink piece, with a mid-century modern feel. Ink lines curve about in space, with yellow-orange, red-purple & blue-green shapes accenting this space age design.
April 7, 2025 at 2:39 PM
kmontes.bsky.social
Day 43: “Project Row Houses”

Today our road trip takes us to Project Row Houses in Houston, Texas - an experiment in art, cultural & historic preservation, revitalization & empowerment.

Now on display, works by local graffiti artists.

#watercolor #ink #houston #artsky
#the100dayproject #ArtYear
Tiny watercolor and ink piece of a Project Row Houses in Houston, Texas. The houses have art installations and we see a couple of houses brightly painted by local graffiti artists.
April 6, 2025 at 10:47 PM