Upcoming Event at the San Clemente Presbyterian Church

Recently, I was asked to participate in an "interactive visual journey through the Stations of the Cross". It's hard to relay my eagerness to secure a place in this venue, but suffice it to say that it's certainly consumed my thoughts for days and a week later, I've finished!  Browsing the internet for photos from movies, events and old paintings for inspiration, I came across photos from "reenactments", where I found the most inspiration.  From bits and pieces of several of them, "Distracted" was created.

"Distracted"  12" by 16" oil on canvas panel

I can't help but think about the people who witnessed the actual event, including Simon the Cyrene.  It becomes clear to me that this Simon was not such a "willing" participant.  He seems to have been just "traveling" through town when this horrific event took place.  Both in Matthew 27:32 and Mark 15:21 he was "forced"; and in Luke 23:21 he was "seized" to help with the cross.
Growing up in a Catholic home, I guess you could say I was "forced" to attend Mass with my family on Sundays and go to Catholic school for 12 years. (Believe me, I used those words and resented it at many times in my young life!)  Resentment caused me to walk away from my faith for years and do things "my own way".  Even though in later years, I go to a non-denominational Christian church here in Carlsbad,  I am forever grateful for the parents I had who shared their Catholic faith with me and my brothers and sisters.  I'm grateful I was "forced" to be a participant and to learn the story of the bible because in this world there are so many distractions!  As I painted, I imagined being each of the members of the "crowd".  I saw myself in every one; worried about my own comfort and protection, taking photos of events so I can "share" them, completely "missing" the point, "talking" while I should be "listening", not able to grasp what price was paid for my soul.

This will be an interactive stations of the cross that will take place Monday through Friday of Holy Week, from 10:00am-7:00pm.  Over a dozen local artists will have contributed pieces that uniquely express each station, from the Last Supper to Jesus being placed in the tomb.  It will be a silent and self-led experience that may take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour to complete.  

San Clemente Presbyterian Church
119 Avenida De La Estrella
San Clemente, CA  92672
phone: 949 492-6158

The City of Vista Presents: Vista Visions 2014

"High Tide" 20" by 24" oil on linen

"Young Art Critics" 6" by 6" oil on panel

I'm honored that two of my oil paintings were selected for the exhibit, which will run from February 22-April 3, 2014.
"High Tide", one of my "larger" paintings depicts a view at the San Clemente Pier, inspired by a plein air painting I produced for last summer's San Clemente Paint Out.  The plein air was awarded an "Honorable Mention" ribbon, and was sold at the Gala Reception following the paint out.  I still had my photo reference, and of course the experience of painting and studying the scene for my plein air certainly helped me to create this larger piece.
"Young Art Critics" was created from photo reference.  It depicts two of my favorite "20-somethings" enjoying a recent art exhibit.  It thrills me to think that our next generation is appreciative of and actively participating in the arts! I personally can't wait to see what contributions these two talented girls will produce in the next few years!

Vista Visions 2014
Vista Civic Gallery

200 Civic Center Drive

Vista, CA  92084 

Exhibit runs from February 22-April 3, 2014

"High Tide" Awarded "Third Place" at the Exhibit!

At last Saturday's Opening reception, this piece was awarded a Third Place Ribbon!  Our esteemed judge, Daniel Foster (Executive Director at the Oceanside Museum of Art) gave a stellar report on his careful review and jurying of the exhibit. I was especially flattered by his comments about my work and this, one of my larger pieces.  Thank you Mr. Foster!