Christmas 2010

While it's been rainy and cold outside, I've been busy in my studio with still life paintings. This one I had printed for our Christmas cards. 12"h x 9"w "American Christmas" depicts a few items that make me smile; a vintage "Coca Cola" bottle, some old and frail (german) Christmas ornaments that belonged to my grandmother, and in the background a holiday kitchen towel given to me by my dear friend when I lived in Lake Elsinore. I only put these things together, you understand, because I liked the way they looked together and the memories that they brought to mind. But when I was done, I reflected on all these random objects from different places and different times that made up this composition and how it's so like Americans who are made up of so many different ethnic origins and traditions. How good it is that we can enjoy one another's differences in brotherly/sisterly love and God must smile on us when we do!

Thanks for Bob Ellis!

In memory of a dear man who was one of our beloved neighbors/friends from our Tuscany Hills neighborhood in Lake Elsinore, this small (6"h x8"w)piece is a "thank you" gift for his surviving wife, Myra. For reference, I used a snapshot taken one morning a few years ago, when Bob and Myra were going out for a leisurely ride. Bob was a friendly man, with a charming British accent and a great sense of humor. Buddy and I are indebted to him for his neighborly kindness, and feel blessed that we shared a bit of time with him! Thanks Bob! We know that heaven is enjoying your company until we meet again!

Demonstration at Grove Park

This morning I met with a group of painters from the Southern California Plein Air Painters Association at Hosp Grove Park in Carlsbad. Weeks ago, when I was asked to do the demo, I was hesitant because I'd never done a "formal demonstration", but decided that it would be a good experience for me, and I turned out to be right! It was an absolutely beautiful morning, and the eucalyptus trees were radiant in the sunlight. Thank you God! I had a wonderful time, and completed the first 10"h by 8"w demo in record time (It must be sort of like giving a speech-when you're nervous in front of people, you talk fast) I was drawn to the image of one of the artists painting in the sunlight, and decided to include her in my second 10"h by 8"w painting of the day. After painting, it was great to walk around and see what all the other artists were doing and talk to them about their work. Thank you to all the artists who battled rush hour traffic to watch my demo and visit Carlsbad!

California Art Club "Magnificent Miniatures"

"Seahorse Resort", 8"h by 6"w plein air, oil on canvas panel and "A Girl and Her Dog" 10"h by 8"w oil on panel were juried into the California Art Club's "Magnificent Miniatures"! This is a a special 1-day (1-evening) exhibition and sale event at The Historic Blinn House in Pasadena: Magnificent Miniatures. This special exhibition will take place on the same evening as the opening of the next rotating exhibition at the Blinn House, Golden State Treasures.

EVENT DATE & TIME: December 4, 2010
5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

LOCATION: The Blinn House
Women's City Club of Pasadena
160 N. Oakland Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101

California Art Club "Golden State Treasures"

8"h x 10"w plein air "Overlooking the Hedionda Lagoon"

This painting was juried into the California Art Club's "Golden State Treasures" exhibit!
EXHIBITION DATES: December 4, 2010 - April 14, 2011

ARTISTS' RECEPTION: Saturday, December 4; 5 p.m.

LOCATION: The Blinn House
Women's City Club of Pasadena
160 N. Oakland Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91101

Earth and Sea; Places, Objects and Water

Southern California Plein Air Painters Association presents the Aquatic Show, "Earth & Sea; Places, Objects and Water". Two of my paintings have been juried into the show! One is pictured here: "While They Fished", a piece I completed while my husband and his friends fished at Saddlebag Lake, California. Another is "Raining at Green Creek", pictured in my last post.

Please join us for the Opening Reception
Saturday, November 6 from 5-7pm

The show will run from November 3-January 2

SoCalPAPA Art Gallery
600 East Bay Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92661
for more information, call 949 675-8915

Bridgeport, California in the Rain

"The Bridge at Twin Lakes", 6"h x 8"w plein air

"Raining at Green Creek" 6"h x 8"w plein air

"Morning at Twin Lakes" 6"h x 8"w plein air

This excursion really represented a turning point for me; I painted in inclement weather! I was so excited to be spending the week in beautiful Bridgeport, California with my husband, who would be fishing. My mother in law even came and offered to watch our little dachshund while I painted! Imagine the disappointment when we learned that there would be only one day of sunshine during our trip! Well, we brought some "weather proof" gear and trudged on! I discovered that painting outdoors (even in the rain) is always an exhilarating experience!

"Small to Large"

SoCalPAPA Art Gallery will present a close look on how artists have enlarged a smaller plein air painting into a larger work in the studio. On display and for sale are both the small paintings and the enlargements. Two of my paintings, "Overlooking the Lagoon Plein Air" 8"h x10"w, and a larger studio piece, "Overlooking the Lagoon" 24"h by 36"w were juried into the show!
The exhibit will run September 15th thru October 30th, 2010
Opening Reception is Saturday, September 18th, from 4:00pm-6:00pm

SoCalPAPA Galler is located on the Historic Balboa Bayfront Boardwalk
Hope to see you at the reception!

Bridgeport

My husband and I spent last week celebrating our 23rd wedding anniversary in Bridgeport, California where he and his work buddies fished and I painted. It was a dream vacation, where I was able to paint to my heart's content, while NOT worrying about people "waiting for me to finish"! During our visit, I was able to complete 4 paintings, AND spend time getting reference material for future paintings in the studio. I think this arrangement is going to work out pretty well! In fact, we're going back next month!
This 8"h by 6"w oil is of my husband and is not for sale, but the others posted on my website are! Take a look and contact me if interested!

Local Heroes

A few weeks ago, a group of clowns came talking and laughing through the doors at the New Village Art Foundry Art Studios where I was working, and I couldn't keep my eyes off them! They didn't mention it then, but later I found out that these "senior citizens" dress up for "Clown Week", and visit the local convalescent homes in Carlsbad.
More about Clown Week: On October 8, 1970, Public Law 91-443 under the 91st Congress, JJR 26 was passed by both the House and Senate and was sent to President Richard Nixon for his signature.
The joint resolution was signed into law by President Nixon on August 2, 1971.
President Nixon released his "National Clown Week By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation".
Since then Governors and Mayors have had their own Clown week proclamation for their state or city.
Today the National Clown Week has grown to International Clown Week.

This painting Celebrates the Spirit of these beautiful and generous people who bring happiness into the lives of those less fortunate than themselves!

The Sun is finally OUT!

After enduring weeks of "June gloom", this morning the sun was out bright and early. I couldn't wait to paint outside! I headed to Carlsbad Village, and was overwhelmed with subject matter. (I'm really appreciating all the "light and shadow" right now!) I finally decided to park myself in front of this darling little "chocolate bar" on State Street. I'm thinking of doing a series of "store fronts" in this cute little town! "Chocolate Bar" is 8"h by 6"w

San Clemente Art Gallery Sale

This 8"h x 6"w oil painting, "Seahorse Resort" was awarded an "Honorable Mention" at the "Paint San Clemente" Gala last Saturday. Both my submissions, and many many more beautiful paintings will be on display and offered for sale at the San Clemente Art Gallery 100 N. Calle Seville, at the Community Center through July 31st!
Remember, "Art is the only way to run away without leaving home" Twyla Tharp

Paint San Clemente

This week I'm participating in the Annual "Paint San Clemente" event! Last weekend, 126 artists had our canvases or boards "stamped", and throughout the week we've been coloring them with scenes of or around San Clemente, California! Pictured above, is one of mine, "From Under the Pier". It's 8"h x 10"w, and is (probably) going to be one of my (2 possible) entries for tomorrow's festivities and Gala at the San Clemente Community Center. Additionally, I will be participating in the OUTDOOR ART SHOW this Saturday and Sunday, June 26 and 27 and will be showing many of my most recent paintings. Hope to see many of you there!

Long Beach Bike Festival Paint-out, Exhibition & Sale

Here are my 2 entries for the Long Beach Exhibit, and also a photo my husband took while I painted "en plein air" on Ocean Boulevard in April for the event. This exciting exhibit was organized by the California Art Club in conjunction with the Long Beach Bike Festival. "Bike Ride on Ocean Boulevard", (8"h by 10"w oil on canvas panel) and "Howard's Brothers Music Emporium", (8"h by 10"w oil on canvas panel) were on display along with 70 other works for the reception at the Phantom Gallery on Promenade Street on May 8th and 9th. They are among 26 works that were selected for the special juried exhibition, Artists Explore Long Beach at the Long Beach Museum of Art. Exhibition dates are May 10-24. The hours at the museum are Tuesday-Sunday 11:00am-5:00pm. $7-adults, $6-students and seniors, friday admission is free! I hope you can make it!

Oma's little glass figurine

This little figurine was one of my grandmother's beautiful things that I loved to look at as a child. When she moved from her home in Brooklyn, NY into our family home in Long Beach, CA, she brought all of her "little goodies" with her. I can't remember how I talked her into letting me have this figurine and it's companion (a darling "little boy figurine" that I'll paint later) but I have cherished it for years. It's broken (I swear I didn't do it!) and repaired, but it's still a darling token that reminds me of my sweet little "Oma".

Ride to Oceanside

In preparation for painting for the Long Beach Bike Festival in May, I've been studying "car and bike traffic" from photos..This painting is based on a photo I took while riding my bike with my husband a few days ago. A typical beautiful sunny afternoon in Oceanside, I was so happy to have my phone camera ready when the glow of the setting sun was on him!
14"h by 11"w oil on canvas board "Ride to Oceanside"

Small is Beautiful

This painting, "From the Bluffs" was juried into a Southern California Plein Air Painters Exhibit. Here's the info:

Small is Beautiful

The Reception for the Small Works show is April 3rd at the SoCalPAPA Gallery.

The Gallery is located in Balboa on the Peninsula at the Fun Zone. Right next to the Merry Go Round and Ferris Wheel.

The Reception will held at 4pm. Awards and prizes and food and lots of great paintings for sale. The show will run until June 13, 2010

I'd love to see you!

The Cottages at Crystal Cove

A beautiful morning in Newport Beach this morning, a group of painters met at the Cottages in Crystal Cove for a session of plein air painting. This group of cottages stood out to me and the colorful reflection of them in the pool of back flow from the ocean, particularly the bright greenish/blue cottage. To organize the information in front of me, I tried to recall the "theory of angles" regarding values of planes in a landscape set out by a legend of plein air painting, John Carlson. Also, remembering what he said about "TMI", when he said, "There probably never was a picture that was poor because it lacked in detail or subject matter, rather the opposite. Bad paintings are usually so overloaded with useless detail that the essentials are obliterated." I took photo reference too, and am looking forward to a larger study in the studio!

Puppy Love

In honor of our sweet dachshund, Frankie. 11 years ago, we brought him to our home in Lake Elsinore, and our children were so thrilled to play with him on our front grass. He loved to chase butterflies, reflections, or "the light". He would sit for hours, staring at bug shadows on the ground, even trying to bite them. Needless to say, he was quite entertaining, and we loved him dearly. This little 5" by 7" oil painting is my prayer for him. I'm sure now that "all dogs go to heaven"!

Part of the Buena Vista Lagoon

This body of water/marsh land is right off of highway 78, and I believe it's part of the Buena Vista Lagoon. I noticed it from the freeway months ago, and have been planning a painting trip here. I was pleased to find a road right off the highway "Vista Way", where I was able to see the golden plant life surrounding the pools of water. I took plenty of photo reference, so will probably do a larger "studio painting" later!

Beach Rules

As you drive close to the beach in Carlsbad, between the houses are sweet little spots of ocean. Most of these provide access to the beach, (as long as you follow the rules). I loved this little scene, framed on either side by tropical trees, and the structures in shadow. "Beach Rules" is an 8"h by 10"w oil, and is available!

Agua Hedionda

As life's little problems catch up with me, I really look forward to mondays and thursdays, when I can paint outside. However, when I woke up to a border-line cloudy morning, I resigned to painting "in the studio" today. I changed my mind again, as the dogs and I took our morning walk. The view of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon caught my eye. After hurrying them home, I packed my gear and headed back for the project of capturing it. Between the clouds, the sun sparkled on the water in the distance casting a beautiful glow. What a stress reliever painting is!

RSF Studio-Today's Model

Today, the model didn't show up to the studio-so we painted this little dog! Isn't he darling? He didn't move a bit, since he's made of plaster! One of the most life-like I've ever seen!

A New Year

Before AJ left for his trip to the UK for "studying abroad", he granted me a visit to the beach where I photographed him at the most beautiful time of the day. I love that orange "glow" just before sunset! Unfortunately, after AJ had left, I realized that I hadn't taken enough reference. I was not happy with the placement of his left foot, so I had to ask Natalie to pose for me in the same position, at the same location, in the same shoes (or similar) to reposition it. I'm pleased with my "block-in" in burnt umber, and feel the transition from "her foot" to "his foot" went well in my drawing. As the painting progresses I will continue to post.

First Week at RSF Studio

I was recently invited to be a part of a group of arists who meet regularly in Rancho Santa Fe. The setting is wonderful, as the studio sits on beautiful acreage, complete with a grove of lemon trees! I was pleasantly surprised to find a few familiar faces! I'm quite happy with this 14"h by 11"w study, "Kerry". I am committed to indicating shapes more simply, and this opportunity is going to help tremendously! I hope to post many more "studies" from this studio!

"Batiquitos Lagoon"

Today, I met with the "Laguna Plein Air Painters Association" for a beautiful morning at the Batiquitos Lagoon, in Carlsbad. I was fortunate enough to find a spot in the shade of a eucalyptus tree where I painted the play of light from beyond the hills illuminating the pattern in the dry marsh in front of the lagoon. "Batiquitos Lagoon" is 6"h by 8"w

San Clemente Pier

Here are two plein air paintings from my visits to San Clemente this weekend. San Clemente has a beautiful pier, and I'm always captivated with the contrast of the dark wooden pylons in front of the surf in full morning sunlight. Friday, I stood in front and just a bit north of the pier, and worked fast on this small canvas panel to capture the scene. "Beyond the Blue Umbrellas" is 6"h by 8"w and will be ready for sale in about a month.
Saturday, I was surprised to find a large crowd there, waiting for a surfing contest. Where I had stood the day before, there were huge vendor tents so I had to back up a bit (on the grassy area) to take in the people gathered under the shaded pergola on the beach, and the surf beyond. "Waiting" is 8"h by 10"w and will also be available in February.

The Santa Barbara County Court House

A few years ago, my sister in law/web master gave me a few postcard sized photos of the beautiful Santa Barbara County Court House to work from to create a larger painting that she and her husband could display in their home. They were married in that court yard, and it was one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever attended. (Even Good Morning America was there!) Well, I held onto those small photos for a while, and decided I'd finally give the project a shot. With the help of Jeff Watts at the Watts Atelier, I was able to project a larger version onto a small canvas, then paint an even larger one in time to present it to her for Christmas. I can't wait to see how she frames it!