Wednesday, December 31, 2008

"A Date With Art"

12 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

This is one of those paintings I've wanted to do for a long time but didn't think I could pull off that carved seating without getting too tight in my brush strokes. Painting is for the patient, that's for sure. In these museum settings, sometimes it's all about the artwork or the figure and sometimes it's about the space. I think this is a little bit of all three.

From the sculpture gallery in the American Art wing, in the Art Institute of Chicago.

Please click here for a larger view.


Just a few thoughts to share on this last day of the year ~ I'm one of those people that plans out at least six months ahead. Not so rigid it can't be changed, but I often think in terms of what I am ready for, what needs to be different, what I need to shed. A year ago, I was wanting to try to teach a workshop or two ~ and did ~ but I realize it's something I've got to take more time to plan and get it right, before I officially go down that road. Perhaps in the second half of the new year. A year ago, I was sure I wouldn't commit to any solo shows ~ and I didn't ~ I joined in on group shows and a dual show, which was just right. It allowed me to explore different subject matters and grow a little more in terms of skill, with less pressure on my time.

Speaking of a date with art, I've got a couple of solid plans to tell you about ~

~ I will be presenting a solo show, taking place at the Morris & Whiteside Gallery in Hilton Head Island, opening March 13th. I'm concentrating on scenes from two southern cities, Washington DC and Charleston, South Carolina - including museum patrons, cityscapes, night scenes, interiors and beachscapes. If you want ... need a nice break from winter, please make plans to come to the opening ~ it's a lovely setting and it would be my pleasure to meet you.

~ I will be in a dual show, taking place at the Howard/Mandville Gallery in Kirkland, Washington, opening May 9th, with Fred Calleri. Talk about a lovely setting, you can't beat Seattle/Kirkland that time of year. Please pencil me in for the opening night, I'd be happy to meet you.

~ I will be participating in the various group shows at the 16 Patton Gallery, in Asheville, North Carolina, like this past year - I absolutely loved the different themes and hope to continue that in the new year. You can always get information on those shows on their website or on mine. That little city is a pleasure to visit any time of the year.

One change to note is that I have left the Cohen-Rese Gallery in San Francisco and the Twinhouse Gallery in Atlanta. Cohen-Rese, after years of a good relationship, chose not to pay me for a painting sold after I announced to them I was leaving the gallery. That's what some art gallery owners do to artists. I hope people take a cue from that experience.

I wish all of you a Happy New Year and thank you for your continued interest in my work, and all your comments and emails. That, above all, drives me every day.




Tuesday, December 30, 2008

"Big Boned"

9 x 12"
oil on masonite
sold

I remember this woman - she towered over me. She had quite a presence, much like the figures in Picasso's 'Three Women at the Spring, Fontainebleau', which hangs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art of New York.

Please click here for a larger view.



Sunday, December 28, 2008

"Bay Breeze"

8 x 8"
oil on masonite
sold

I suspect the Ferry Building and the weekend market is a ritual for a lot of people who live in San Francisco. You couldn't pick a nicer spot to read the paper, sip a cup of coffee and take in the breeze from the bay. In the distance is the Oakland Bay Bridge, please correct me if I'm wrong.

Please click here for a larger view.



Saturday, December 27, 2008

"Strawberries & Plaid"

work in progress

I've been obsessed with drawing and painting people ever since I can remember. As a child, I would copy the drawings on the sewing pattern covers, tear apart my mom's magazines and draw the people in the ads - as a teenager, I filled up sketchbooks with hundreds of drawings of people on the commuter trains. We, as physical forms, are fascinating. Add the clothes and we become more so.

I've also been spending my holiday time watching the epic movies ~ Ben-Hur, Lawrence of Arabia, King of Kings, etc. Gasp when I say it, I don't mind - television is a constant source of inspiration for me as a painter. Take 'Lawrence of Arabia' - the figures and camels against the blinding desert with long shadows. There's hundreds of paintings in that movie.

My work today may be altered, don't know yet. I'm gonna go watch a movie.



Friday, December 26, 2008

Unwrapped

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
nfs

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
nfs


Now that they're unwrapped, here are a couple of personal gifts given to my extended family.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas


Wishing you a peaceful Christmas.




Saturday, December 20, 2008

Painting Us Different Folks

6 x 6"
oil on masonite
gift to the artist

I've got this interesting project that just got started ~ on my Different Strokes From Different Folks blog ~ 130 artists, including myself, will be painting portraits of each other. All from photographs they've submitted to me. I put all 130 names in a hat, randomly drew a name for each artist - presumably someone they've never met - and they are to paint that artist and that artist is to paint them. This handsome man is my victim.

My blog got a nice mention in the January issue of Southwest Art magazine as well. I'm very proud.



Saturday, December 13, 2008

"Proof"

8 x 8"
oil on masonite
sold

Well, before I became a paintaholic I did a lot of gardening. My boots are proof. This subject is also the current challenge on my Different Strokes From Different Folks blog.




Wednesday, December 10, 2008

"Charleston Dusk"

5 x 7"
oil on masonite
sold

Maybe it was the big breakfast. Maybe the five cups of coffee. I had the most productive, wonderful day of painting today. Not one, not two, but three paintings were done. And they're all loose, expressive and yummy. I cannot show you the other two yet - they're gifts. This is one of those days when I finish up, thinking this is what oils are meant for. I love that. While I'm on the subject - I recently tried out a brand I hadn't bought before - Williamsburg oil paints. They're wonderful. I want to be their spokeswoman.

This little piece is a street in the charming city of Charleston, South Carolina. The city of steeples.




Monday, December 8, 2008

"Map Quest"

12 x 12"
oil on masonite
nfs

If you're paying attention to my postings, you'd know I painted this piece, posted it then removed it the next morning. It's a rare occasion for me to rework a painting - but there I was, in my pj's the morning after I finished it, wiping off parts that bugged me. I had to. The scene is from the welcome/assistance desk in the National Gallery of Art.

This painting is a gift for a good friend.



Friday, December 5, 2008

My Newest ArtBook 'a Painting-a-Day Volume Six'



The newest volume of my little artbook 'a painting a day' is now available to purchase. The featured paintings - number 251 thru 300 - can be viewed here.

Update ~ this volume has sold out.

I do have a limited quantity of the previous volumes one thru four, volume five is sold out. Please email me if you are interested. Thank you.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

"Jolie"

5 x 5"
oil on masonite
nfs

For a friend, in memory of her Jolie.



Wednesday, December 3, 2008

"Two of a Kind"

12 x 11"
oil on masonite
nfs

For my good friend - from her visit to the Musee du Louvre, in Paris, an artist painting the masterpiece 'Atala Portee au Tombeau', by Girodet-Trioson.