Christmas Preparations...

In a departure from the usual 'picture' post I'm just gonna let off a little Christmas preparation steam.
We have been hosting the family Christmas (and Thanksgiving and Easter) gatherings for the past 7 years.  Everyone pitches in with bringing food dishes, while I do the turkey, stuffing, gravy and potatoes.  Usually the sisters-in-law and aunt cut up the turkey; people bring desserts and punch fixin's...Its a load of fun.

Unfortunately, over the last years, my own family of 6 has managed to accumulate a remarkable amount of detritus. Unwanted, unused, unnecessary stuff that really has no place here anymore. This crazy accumulation must stop! In fact, I've begun, over the last couple of years, to get rid of a lot of stuff. Somehow, everytime I turn around, there seems to be more of it. I"m baffled. Utterly flumoxed. Where does it all come from?  Why is it still here!?

Well, I've begun again to purge.  It doesn't seem to happen quickly enough, but I have, at least, managed to pass along a couple of real space-eaters: a ping pong table and an air hockey table.  I've discovered the most wonderful site:  http://www.freecycle.org/, where you can offer up your Stuff, free to good home! Love it! It makes me excited to unload our still good but unwanted stuff. Frees up all kinds of lovely space in my garage or basement, and gives the stuff a new life.   Whew!  Next will be to try Kijiji for the few items that are still worth a few bucks.

I dream, not of a white Christmas, but of a clean, uncluttered, airy home. A place where running the vacuum doesn't end up in a obstacle run, and dusting is simple because there is simply nothing to dust around! I can hardly wait!

Besides, how does one host a party for 22 people in a jungle like this?  I'm completely over having to shuffle stuff from one room to the next, hiding stuff behind closed doors, squirreling things away (in the likelihood they'll never be seen again!). Christmas is stressful because of all the clutter. Well, it may be a bit late for perfection for this Christmas, but I am declaring that by next Christmas, the clutter will not live here anymore!  (wish me luck!)  It will naturally entail giving away stuff that isn't mine, that in fact belongs to my kids or my husband. Too bad.  This is war. War on clutter. War on the junk that brings me down, that enslaves us all! (Maniacle laughter here). 

I'll try to update this...or maybe start a different blog to chronicle my adventure. Hmmm. that may be the answer in many ways.

Anyway, Merry Christmas, everyone. I wish you blessing and peace from the Father of Lights.

Horse Romance

"Romance"

Acrylic on Canvas
36" x 24"
© Renee Fukumoto
NFS - prints pending

This painting was inspired by the horses of a couple of my friends. On the left is Jazz, who remembers his stallion days and courted Friday (on the right) so sweetly. He trotted big fancy circles around her, showing off, then came to her quietly and curled his neck over hers. She tolerated him quite well. I took the picture of them in the sand ring; quite a poor photo really, and an uninspiring background. So, I gave them a domain of their own with the Niagara escarpment in the background.

I'd like to make prints of it, once I locate a place to have professional digital image made - anyone interested?  Contact me at reneefukumoto@hotmail.com

A New Camera!

Its been such fun to start using my new camera: Nikon D300s.  Though I haven't had occasion to use it extensively, I'm planning some excursions to explore the possibilities with this new tool.  My husband and daughter are excited for me, as this will leave my D80 as a backup camera and therefore available to them, they hope!  I took this photo of the crescent moon on one of the first clear nights after I got the camera. Of course, it only served to fuel my Lens Lust, as I took this photo with my 70-300 VR lens and oh boy would I love something quite a bit bigger!  I was also using my lightweight (and a bit flimsy) tripod for the shot.  Well, I figured, I'm so happy to have the camera I'll consider it incentive to get working, make some money and save for the next items on the List!  My husband, supportive guy that he is, bought my Christmas present already. He was so enthused about it, he gave it to me early (that's ok, I'll wrap the box anyway!). Its a sturdy new tripod, with lovely legs and a crank up extension. Should be such a breeze to use, compared with the old one!  Last night was another clear night, but I thought I'd wait for the moon to be full before I take another shot...of course that's a bit silly. Why wait?

Georgia Horse Rescue Art

A few weeks ago I was approached by a representative of "For The Love of a Horse", a new charitable organization in Georgia, USA, dedicated to rescuing horses otherwise bound for euthanasia or worse. They had purchased business cards with my pen & ink foal "Innocence" on them and were interested in possibly licencing this artwork to represent their organization, selling it on t-shirts etc for fund raising. I was honoured to have my art so highly considered, but since I'm unfamiliar with licencing and already sell "Innocence" on other products etc. I decided to offer them artwork created just for their organization. At this point I've completed a charcoal drawing of their "poster horse", Grace. You'll be able to read more about the organization and Grace on their website, though its under construction presently. I'm humbled and please to be part of such a worthy cause.

Dreams and Struggles

The Dream is to have a Studio space, large and bright and unencumbered by family detritus, pianos, guitars and budgies, outside the home. Separate. Sanctified (meaning "set apart"), Sanctuary.
Ahhh, the Dream will sustain me a while longer I hope.
For now the reality is cracking down on my at-home Studio Space...such as it is.
Once it existed in a spare bedroom. Then, as young people needed space of their own, it was squeezed into the 'front room' of the house; the place our out of tune gift piano resides, where things in this open-concept house continually get dumped because there is no place for them to live....
Then, I think I cluttered myself out of that space. Not to mention, it is a round room. At least, the portion of it I could occupy with drafting table, old kitchen table and easel. Carpet on the floor. Nothing worse in a studio than carpet on the floor one is supposed to preserve, somehow, in its pristine condition for eventual resale... Nothing but nothing stays pristine in a house filled with people, a dog, three cats and (now) 3 budgies, not to mention the four teenagers friends, visiting and stray animals, the general whirlwind of life.
I had ever considered the ineffectiveness of a round room. The toll it takes on one's phsyche to have no 'stop' and 'go' spot. It sure looks cool and creative. I think its best left for conversation space...and cats.

The Studio then moved to the space below that round front room (how artsy - in a turret). It landed in the 'dungeon' of the turret. Windowless, cold - not just chilly - and damp-ish, though I've been in worse! Its also a pass-through space for teenagers with hockey bags and sticks. Not conducive to leaving things in the potential path of destruction! They cut a swath of chaos with every pass. The worst of it is when they decide they just don't have time to put their bags away in their locker area, but dump it in my doorway or on the floor in the middle of the room. Aaargh!

I felt quite muddled by it and thought I was craving natural light (I am solar powered, this I know) and space etc. So I moved one drafting table back up to the front room...and my easel... but alas, no storage units so the clutter decends upon my table and prevents me from working. After wrestling with this all summer I've finally decided its time to move back down into the Dungeon, where I can shut doors, crank music or even turn on an old tv for company (watch out for snaking cords!)

Great, decision made. Unfortunately this space is now occupied by boxes of who knows what all from the adjoining workshop/locker/storage area. Oh for the love...!

Nevertheless, victory is within sight. I have determined to make this space my own, my Sanctuary, where creativity and creative messes can flow. Heaven help the boy or man who leaves their hockey gear in my space! I will paint it pink!!!

And now, I have a plan. A Plan to remove the stuff that doesn't belong. I am enlisting the help of my oldest, my girl, the delight of my eyes and my heart. She of the ordered mind, the helpful, tender spirit.

And now to visit the question of lighting....

American Saddlebred

I painted the original acrylic art from which this design is derived quite some time ago. I made the original for a friend as part of a stall portrait, meant to be hung on a stall door (or in the house.

The picture above is from my shop at Skreened I'm also using it and its variants at my Zazzle store, among other places.

You can check out my new website Ravenwood Studio for more pics, options and info.

New Foal Design at Skreened

Its very interesting to adapt my art for t-shirt design. The fun really comes in at Skreened where the artwork can be printed on nearly the entire front or back of the shirt. In this example I've used an adaptation of a pen and ink pointillism drawing of a three day old Paint foal and included text: 3 Days New the beauty wonder delicacy of a foal is Magical. It creates an artsy equine art t-shirt for the horse lover. I rather like things that tend toward the unique rather than the rote, so the combination of off-centre image and text appeals to my horse crazy heart!

New Fantasy Art

Black Pegasus on Red Oval by ReneeFukumoto
Browse Pegasus T-Shirts ">

I've been working on some fantasy art. I used to love creating fantasy creatures but haven't done so in quite a long time. Well, this time I combined some digital and pen & ink artwork to create this Dark Pegasus. I've also used the oval device and the red colour to create more of a striking design element.

Maybe its time to create some fantasy art on canvas. Its been such a long time!
But that will of course, require cleaning the Studio a bit... hmmm....quite the process in itself!

Fun New Designs

I've been having a lot of fun lately with some photos I took of antique tooled leather. Creating designs from the swirly, fancy, classicly Western motif is such fun and pairs well with many of my horse designs, as well as text.

I've always loved tooled leather. I have an aunt who used to custom tool western saddles out in Alberta. Gorgeous work! I've often thought its a skill I'd love to learn. Perhaps I'll look into it a bit more seriously this year. I've wanted to make a wide tooled leather watchband for myself...and can think of many applications I'd love to try!


Norwegian Fjord Horse with Black Heart by ReneeFukumoto
Browse more Horse T-Shirts ">

Such Fun!

I'm having such fun at Skreened in the POD world. Though not as flexible or extensive in product range as Zazzle, the printable surface area of the products is very large. This really gives a lot of area to design. I'm using just the head of the Norwegian Fjord painting I did on this tee. On others I've used a tooled leather design. So cool! Challenging to think in terms of this design area. The possibilities are endless!

Norwegian Face!

Just thought I'd post a picture of Thai, the Norwegian Fjord horse I painted for a friend's birthday. He's really such a handsome guy. Hope the sun shines again soon so I can get out and take pictures of him on a sunny day - before the snow flies again! This picture was taken about 2 years ago. Funny how times flies!

I think I'll use this image at Zazzle. Would make a really cute card!

Norwegian Fjord finally!

">
Norwegian Fjord Horse Lover Print by ReneeFukumoto
See other Horse Posters ">

My daughter's friend has a lovely Norwegian Fjord horse. Such a striking breed and what a cool personality. She's done a wonderful job training him so besides being adorable, he's talented too! I haven't taken many pictures of him yet, though I'd like to do so. Quite some time ago I did take some pics while they were in an indoor arena. Though the photos themselves are nothing to write home about, I was able to do a digital painting from one of them, for her birthday gift. I've been wanting to paint him for a while and I think I'm pretty pleased with the results!

Inspiration Long Awaited

African Elephant by ReneeFukumoto
More Elephant T-Shirts ">


Transitions times can be kinda tough on inspiration and motivation, at least for me. This whole year has been a major transition period, from having only one parent left to having none. Its been tough to find a subject motivating enough to get me to paint. In fact I can come up with more excuses not to paint that even I can believe!

Well, I'm hoping to have made a vital shift in gears finally.

At Zazzle some of my fellow store owners and artists run contests. I'm not generally confident enough in myself to enter contests, but the group as a whole in the Forums tend to be so darn positive that I couldn't help myself. At the moment Customizables is running an Africa themed contest. This got me thinking about some of the photos I took while we were at Disney's Animal Kingdom. While the photos themselves are generally not great quality (anyone been on that Safari ranger ride? Wow! That Rover can bounce! Not good for focus if you know what I mean!) I was intrigued by the elephants. So I took a shot at digitally painting one of them.
And here it is!

I'm using this image in several of my POD's...come visit and see!

Ravenwood Studio at Skreened

So I've found another Print on Demand site to work with and though it has fewer products to offer, it has the added benefits of having an ethical mind set (the company has committed to donating 10% of their profit to charity), excellent quality and a much larger print surface. The larger printable area opens up many new vistas for wearable artwork and design. Check out the RSS feed on the sidebar: Ravenwood Studio at Skreened to see my new shop.
In a few short words: This is FUN!

Along the Scenic Route...

Escapee Calves Tote Bag for Cow Lovers by ReneeFukumoto
More Calves Bags

On our way home from Mountsberg Conservation Area - where my daughter volunteered, and where I'd just picked her up - we passed a paddock full of cows. On one side of the wire fence, there were a couple of calves who had escaped their paddock through a hole in the fence. Now, I'd taken to bringing the camera along, because along the 'scenic route' we took home, there were always beautiful photo opportunities, like this one.
We took several pictures, both of the calves that had escaped, as depicted on this tote bag, and of the cows in the paddock. If you love cows, you should check out this shop!

The Chinese Pug

Chinese Pug Puppy Mousepad by ReneeFukumoto
View more mousepads on zazzle.com">

Look at this adorable face! It's a wonder I was able to take such a good picture, what with the little rascal running his paws off! He was so little and excitable at that age. That hasn't changed one bit, even though he's grown so much!
But enough of that! This product sold recently, to a pug lover with good taste, if I do say so myself.

Back to School!

Horse Power Galloping Stallions by ReneeFukumoto
View other Horse T-Shirts">

Hooray for the first day of the new school year, when back-to-school shopping is at its height! With Autumn just around the corner, you'll be wanting to take stock of your wardrobe. And what better way to display your love of horses than to wear a shirt like this one during the first weeks back? This Horse Power galloping stallions shirt is great for layering on those chilly days, but also by itself, when Summer's blazing heat has passed into the cooler weather. Once again, customize to your heart's content! You can add your own text, put the image on the back of the product, or even make it larger! Go crazy, I dare yah! ;)

Halloween Spirit

Black Cat Trick or Treat Bag by ReneeFukumoto
Design a canvas bag at zazzle">

Hey, look how easy that was! A nifty Halloween Trick-or-Treat bag that's full of Halloween spirit, and ready to be filled with Halloween candy, too! Don't forget, the items at my shop are customizable, so you can put your own text on the item you want, or change the colour, or any manner of things. Happy Halloween!

Watercolour Sawhet Owl

Sawhet Owl Watercolor Poster by ReneeFukumoto
Browse the other posters at Zazzle">

I haven't kept much of my own art over the years. Most of it has been sold or given away, ever since high school! One of the few pieces I've kept for myself is a watercolour painting, 21" x 13.5" in the matt, of a little Sawhet Owl. A friend from Chatham had taken the original photograph and gave me permission to paint from it. He was a Ranger at Point Pelee National Park, in Southern Ontario, and had taken the picture of this little owl on a misty day.
I first had done a pen & ink sketch of the owl and later, in 1994 I bravely ventured into watercolour. I think this painting was my third or fourth foray into watercolour. The most remarkable thing about this painting, to my mind, is the circumstances under which it was created. Our third child was a babe-in-arms at the time. He had a thrush infection (so difficult to get rid of, as I was nursing him at the time and we kept passing it back & forth - after 5 months of struggle I finally switched him to a bottle. Cleared up almost immediately and hey presto! I met this cheerful, sweet, smiley little baby boy!) and was a fussy little guy who needed to be held a lot. So, for my own sanity's sake, I painted this little owl with my baby litterally in my arms. Took a while. But it was worth it!
Though I never want to sell the original, I can at last offer reproductions. I'm pleased!

Cottage Weekend

Muskoka Sky Canoe Postcard by CottageMemories
postcard printing using Zazzle">

We spent such a wonderful weekend away at a friend's cottage. The weather turned out perfect, though we drove through an almighty thunderstorm that produced tornadoes on the way up there. The cottage is in the Muskoka region of Ontario. Some of the most beautiful landscapes around!
Being an early riser can be problematic, when everyone else loves to sleep in. However, at the cottage I could take my trusty camera and beloved dog outside and down to the dock to take pictures. I'm gradually posting the results to Zazzle, as so many will make wonderful prints, cards, magnets & mugs etc.
I'm hoping to have one or two printed on canvas locally for an show two friends and I are planning to host, though we haven't picked a date or venue yet.

A Personal Favourite!

The photograph I took of a friend's frollicking horse herd has become a favourite of mine. I'm using it as the banner here, on my T-shirtmonster and my Zazzle sites. I believe I may yet work this into a logo for my Ravenwood Studio ventures.
In my Dreams Horse Herd Poster or Print by ReneeFukumoto
See other posters from Zazzle.com">

Black Cat T-shirt

Black Cat Ladies' T-Shirt by ReneeFukumoto
Design Customized T-Shirts at zazzle.com">

Well, I suppose the next big holiday event will be Thanksgiving and then Halloween. I haven't worked on much for either yet, but here is an black cat drawing for t-shirts and other products at Zazzle.

Equestrian Baby Onesie

Cuddly Colt Baby Creeper by ReneeFukumoto
Browse other Colt T-Shirts">

Its difficult to find baby & kid clothes for horse lovers. It is particularly difficult to find classic equestrian artwear for boy babies and children. I hope you have a little look-see through my Zazzle shop at the baby onesies. All designs can be customized by the shopper with your own text if you wish. Or if you see a design but prefer a different tee style or colour, you are free to choose.

Pug Power!

Otis Small But Mighty Keychain by ReneeFukumoto
Make your own Custom keychain at Zazzle.com">

Pugs are so sweet! My dear friend's Pug, Otis, makes a great subject for many artforms. This image is digitally manipulated photograph, used for several different products at both Zazzle and T-shirtmonster. Come by and check out this and other cute Pug products!

"Soar" Inspiration

"Soar" Poster Print by ReneeFukumoto
See more Print at www.zazzle.com">

I made this poster a while ago from a photo I took. I love A.W. Tozer's words and find them inspirational.

Grade Eight Graduation: Bethany Winter

I recently had the privilege to photograph my dear friend Carla's daughter's grade eight graduation. Bethany is a living, breathing miracle and testament to God's grace and the powerful love of her family. While Bethany is a 'special needs' girl, her grit, determination and zest for life have made it an honour to have known her since she was a babe in arms. The powerful testemony of her mother Carla is so worth knowing. Carla has had several speaking engagements and I'm encouraging her to also blog her experiences. When she does, I'll post the link!

And yet another Zazzle tee sale! How weird!

Horses Rock and Roll! by ReneeFukumoto
Buy t-shirts at www.zazzle.com">

So, July seems to be off to a great start at Zazzle! So far I've loved the quality of any of my own purchases. They hold up very well to washing and wearing, and I am never easy on my clothes, so its been a good investment.
Enjoy, Mary of Brentwood, CA!

Another sale!

First Love: Horse Lover Kid's T-shirt by ReneeFukumoto
Design a Customized T Shirt at zazzle">

Happy Dance!
Well, there is a sale on at Zazzle, which must account for some of this activity.
17.76% off all shirts - sale ends today - use code ZAZZLEUSAUSA when checking out

You know, this is motivating me to do more artwork...:)!

A Horse T-shirt Sale at Zazzle

This light lemon yellow t-shirt is the preference of the customer. Zazzle is terrific for customization by the shopper. So many options! And of course, if a customer would like to see the design on a product that hasn't been shown yet, just message the artist/shop owner and it will be done.

Its always exciting to be informed someone liked your work enough to purchase it! Just yesterday this t-shirt sold. I sold the original charcoal drawing in an art show here in town last year and its nice to know the art is continuing to be appreciated.

Jazz - such an excellent subject!

My friend Patricia's horse Jazz is a recurring theme in a lot of my paintings and photography. He's very photogenic - and cooperative! He loves attention and showing off. He's the subject of the digital painting I did of the galloping horse with the verse seen below... So, here I go again! Taking pictures of Jazz Man!

My Daughter in her new Tee

Ordered and received some tees from T-shirtmonster. Excellent service! One was for a client, three were for myself and my daughter. My client/friend Patricia is delighted with her tee - I have to corner her to get a photo of her wearing it. My daughter Rebekkah kindly agreed to pose for me. And I...well...I'm still a bit camera-shy. Its far nicer to be behind the camera for me! :) We'll see!

A Zazzle Paint Horse Tote Bag

Fine Paint Horse Tote Bag by ReneeFukumoto
Create a Photo bag at Zazzle.com">

Zazzle has so many cool products. A variety of tote bags have been added recently, in various colours, styles and sizes (and price points!). And until the end of June, Free Shipping! Just enter the code FREESHIPON25 when checking out.

A Sunny Afternoon

And where better to spend it than with horses? Just had to go hang out and take pictures, of course! I think I may have some good action shots from which to develop a painting too.

Pony Club Fundraiser Donation

Just thought I'd mention that I'd been asked if I'd like to donate something for the silent auction at the 50th Anniversary of the Caledon & Credit Valley Pony Clubs (for members and Alumni at the Caledon Riding Club on Saturday, June 27th at 2 pm). The above pic is my offering. I'm hoping it will be a good introduction to the local horse people and raise some funds for this worthy cause.

Such A Fine Paint Horse!

Just finished a new t-shirt design for friends Vic & Patricia of their horse Rio. Rio passed away just a couple of days before Christmas. He had HYPP and apparently over time the strain on the heart has consequences. Rio was the loveliest horse. A great heart, so giving and patient: a four year old began to learn to ride on him (on a longe line, of course), yet he could do dressage and win ribbons competing against some big showy Hanoverians. He is deeply missed and touched many lives. This link & image above belong to my T-shirtmonster shop. I'll be setting up a variation of it at my Zazzle & Printfection shops too!

Fun with New Lenses!

A new camera lens really stokes the imagination and forces a new learning curve! Recently got two new lenses for my D80: an 18-200 and a 70-300 both VR which ought to really help compensate for my arthritic hands! Here's a backyard Iris I shot on my first outing. I think I'm loving these new tools! I'm using this Iris image in my Zazzle store - /RavenwoodStudio - for mousepads, tote bags, magnets and more, as soon as I get it uploaded and rolling I'll let you know. Of course, for my blog the image is pretty small and reduced in quality. The original will be printable at pretty large sizes...

Puppy Shots!

There's nothing quite like a young puppy, a new addition to the family, to tweak your perspective on life once again. This is my cousin's new pup, Rudy. Just had time for a few candid shots but hope to get together and get more - perhaps follow them on a hike on the Bruce Trail or playing at the park. In this shot, Rudy explores the nature of a full-blown Dandelion, to find the fluff ephemeral and perhaps not as tasty as hoped! See what I mean? We've all stopped considering the magic of those fluffy (and to adult lawn-keepers, pesky) Dandelions, but Rudy explored it, so we see it all over again. I think it is so important as an artist to keep ones 'child's eyes' fresh.

Love Me Love My Horse!

Here it is finally. I've really reduced the image quality and size. You can check it out on T-shirtmonster at my store, Ravenwood Studio!)

I have a friend who is so "horse proud" she makes it fun and easy to come up with artwork and designs that suit her attitude. I've painted and drawn her horse a few times now. One of the paintings is presently living on my kids' orthodontist's office wall in Georgetown. A couple of the designs are on products and t-shirts on my various online shops. I'm trying to post one of the most recent ones - we'll see if the link works, as I'm new to computer-ese and blogging! I'll describe it though. One Sunday afternoon we took her boy to the arena to let him blow off steam and I snapped a ton of pictures while he galloped around. I chose one to create a digital painting, which was rather a lot of fun to do! Now I've put it on t-shirts, mugs, aprons etc. If you are Canadian, then check out http://www.Tshirtmonster.ca/designer/RavenwoodStudio to see it there on tees.

ACEO's

I've begun my foray into Art Cards, Editions & Originals. I'm offering reproductions at Zazzle and hope to open an Etsy shop soon to offer originals, there and through my own website. Several artists I've conversed with have convinced me to give it a go and now I'm pretty excited about it. Of course, according to my husband, he's been telling me to do this sort of thing for years and I just wouldn't listen... he's usually right! Anyway, the lioness above is one of my first forays into this art form. The original is somewhat larger than the 3.5 x 2.5 format, done in pastel pencil on Strathmore Pastel paper. She's called "Vigilant", and I used my own photograph as reference material. Really makes me look forward to more visits to the Zoo!

ACEO's are a phenomena that has been around for quite a while. The term refers to Art Card, Editions & Originals. These are tiny, collectible pieces of art: by regulation they are 3.5" x 2.5" and can be originals or reproductions. Artist Trading Cards or ATC's were begun by artists who wished to trade and collect art from artists they admired, sort of a parallel to sport trading cards. The ACEO's came along as a way to include the general public. There are terrific articles on Squidoo, or you can Google and learn more.

Fun with Portraits

I think some of the best or most interesting photos often happen impromptu, as with this portrait of a friend with her horse after a workout earlier this year. I look forward to doing more portraits that capture something of the unique essence of relationship between rider/owner and horse or the unique dynamics of other relationships, human or otherwise.

Over the past couple of years I've begun using my camera for more than reference photos for my artwork. Recently I had the great opportunity to photograph a client's several horses. Lots of fun and interesting personalities to capture. Next time I'm definitely bringing an assistant. Somehow the client never has an extra pair of hands on site. No matter, my youngest son is eager to make a few bucks!

There is something very appealing about the immediacy of a photographic capture...and the tweaking one can do later with programs such as Photoshop Elements 5, which I'm presently using. See how the dream shifts and enlarges? Now the Dream encompasses a faster, stronger computer and camera....and printer.... LOL