"Snap", at the Lafayette Gallery

Our newest exhibit at the Lafayette Gallery, opening this Tues., is titled "Snap". The idea behind the exhibit is to show how snapshots influence artwork. This can be interpreted many ways, for example, snapshots can be used as a reference for a painting, incorporated into a collage, or partially used for color, or texture ideas, and on , and on. Here is my framed work, ready for hanging, along with two snapshots used for inspiration. Please come by to see our new exhibit!

Back to Where I Left Off

I decided to go back to my last landscape and make some changes. Here is the revised version, which looks a lot like the first version. It's interesting, whenever a painting is finished, I can see things that I wish that I had done differently. The good thing about small paintings, is that it is so easy to just make another one, and that is exactly what I did. Ah, if only the rest of life were so easy!

Six Quarters

After having no time to paint during the past 2 weeks, finally I squeezed in one quick painting of a favorite subject. Here we are back to the comfort zone, with the oranges slices. It feels great to finally have some time to do what I love!

Somewhere, to or from, Lake Tahoe

One more, done last week, from a drive by photo, on the road trip to Lake Tahoe. Still having fun with the landscapes. There will be more to come. It seems, that I have an endless supply of these photos.

One More Drive By

Here is one more of the same area as yesterday's post, actually somewhere between Lake Tahoe and Quincy. This was painted from a photo taken from the passenger seat, while on the highway. Still having fun experimenting with landscapes. At the same time, thinking that I should review, Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting.

Out of the Comfort Zone

This was done from a photo taken from the passenger side of the car, while driving somewhere between here, and Lake Tahoe. I enjoyed painting something "out of the comfort zone", and am excited to try some more of these drive by landscapes. Goodness knows, I have a whole stack of photos, taken from the car, just waiting!

Back From Lake Tahoe, and Back to the Familiar

After spending some time in Lake Tahoe, we are home. Getting back to painting, after being away, is challenging , and wonderful, all at once. For that reason, I decided to paint the familiar, citrus slices. So here we are, with some old friends, the orange slices. Meanwhile, I took a million pictures of beautiful places, and feel so inspired to attempt some landscapes. So stay tuned!

Four and a Quarter

Only when he no longer knows what he is doing, does the painter do good things, Edgar Degas. I love the quote from Degas, and hope that you do too.

Hercules, Our Special Kitty

Hercules
July 1996-June 12, 2010

We were so lucky that Hercules decided to live with us. After he suddenly appeared in our backyard, he never left. From then on, he was ours for keeps. Hercules brought love, joy, and laughter to our lives. He gave us peace, and comfort. His purity, and innocence, were constant reminders of the simple beauty of life. We were always impressed, and inspired, by his tremendous courage, and huge spirit. We miss Hercules more than words can say. He will live in our hearts forever.

Forever Young

Happy birthday to my fabulous, wonderful, and ever supportive husband! Tomorrow is Brian's birthday. Here he is, when he is the most happy, going for a long run. Best wishes to Brian, for a very happy birthday, with lots more running, and birthdays to come!

It's a Citrus Series

It's fun to work in a series. One painting leads to another. With endless possibilities, slight changes can be made to each painting. The end result can be a small, or large, series of related work. This citrus series is now framed, and ready to go to the Lafayette Gallery, for the new summer show!

Green and Gorgeous Santa Fe

We spent the Memorial Day weekend in Santa Fe, NM. Thanks to lots of unusual snow and rainfall, everything was green, with flowers growing everywhere. The top photo shows the Acequia Madre, which means mother ditch. It is gushing with water, when normally it is very dry. Next, we can see Canyon Rd, and lots of pretty flowering window boxes. Lastly here I am , standing under a big green and shady tree. It was all wonderful, beautiful, and just the way the beginning of summer should be.

Happy June

Hope that everyone's long weekend was wonderful. With the beginning of summer, I'm looking forward to things slowing down, and having more time to paint. This was done very quickly, during a busy Memorial Day weekend.

It's A Cluster

It's fun to paint again. Back with more citrus slices. I love all the colors of citrus fruit. So inspiring, bright orange, yellow, pink, and lime green!

It's a Secret

This is a quick one that I did in between traveling to Las Vegas, and Palm Springs. Now that I'll be home for awhile, I'm looking forward to having time to paint. Can hardly wait! Being away allows you time to clarify ideas, and make plans for what to come! I have all kinds of painting ideas going through my head, and am so excited, and ready to get started!

Palm Springs, Birger Sandzen, and Pam Holnback

We just arrived home from Palm Springs. While Brian was in meetings, I did my usual, and headed for the nearest art museum. In Palm Springs, that museum is, The Palm Springs Art Museum. The main exhibit is, "Colors of the West", showing the work of Birger Sandzen. His paintings are gorgeous landscapes of Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. His work is so much like my friend, fellow artist, and blogger, Pam Holnback's beautiful work. To see for yourself, take a look at Pam's paintings, on her blog, pamholnback.blogspot .com. Next, compare it to Birger Sandzen's work at psmuseum.org. You'll be amazed!

The Lafayette Farmer's Market

Here we are at the first Lafayette Farmer's Market of the summer, Sadie, Maggie, and me. We were lucky to have a beautiful afternoon with , sunny skies, lots of food, people, small children, and dogs. The gallery will have a booth at the farmer's market one Thursday afternoon a month for the rest of the summer. See you there!

Leaving Las Vegas

Today is the first day back, after a short trip to Las Vegas. While Brian was in meetings, I was on my own. First on my list of things to do, is to see what is showing in the local art exhibits. The Bellagio, has a wonderful art museum, with world class art! I had a chance to see, " Figuratively Speaking", showing various artist's work based on the human figure. Sadly, no photos were allowed. With security everywhere, there was also no hope of sneaking out the camera. The exhibit included works by some of my favorite artists, David Hockney, Picasso, and on and on. Meanwhile, the fresh flowers in the hotel lobby are always gorgeous, and photography is allowed!

Joined at the Hip

The Lafayette Gallery will be participating in the Lafayette Farmer's Market, starting next week. The farmer's market will be open from 4 to 8, on Thursday evenings, in downtown Lafayette. I volunteered, along with two other gallery artists, to show some of my work in our booth, next Thursday. Trying to finish, and frame a few last minute paintings, has kept me busy. Let's hope for a break in our recent rainy days, and lots of customers!

Ready To Go

This week I've been busy framing, and trying to get organized. These two small paintings are now framed, and ready to take to Valley Art Gallery, to replace two that have been sold. These frames are the new Franken Frames in the natural wood. I've been so happy with these frames, so easy!