"A work of art uses light, shadow, and color. The combination of elements is what makes it what it is, what allows it to express its meaning. Ones personality, in my mind, is arrived at through a similar process. In the great masterpiece of life, ones personality is the result of a combination of experiences. There are the light-hearted days, the darker growing times, arriving finally at the colorful strokes of happiness - when one has finally found oneself and is happy. Only after going through each element is the art work- or life- complete. One can only hope to complete the work of art during a lifetime of painting.

If there is one thing I have learned through the shadows of my life, its that all have contributed to the person that I am today, the combined expression of the light, shadow and color in me."

~Lilia Villa

Europe: Winter 2007-2008

Praha Sparkles [Prague, Czech Rep.] My favorite city, (after San Francisco of course!). Prague, in the Czech Republic, was simply enchanting. The ambiance of the city swept me off my feet. I must return!

Reflections [Rotterdam, The Netherlands] This lovely image was captured in a Rotterdam park, in the Netherlands.

Night on the Palace [Versailles, France] The Palace of Versailles is a must see that is only a short train ride from Paris, France.

Check out pictures from past trips in the gallery!