Real or Imagined?

This is my last painting for 2010. It is a portrait of myself and my parrot, Calina. She is a 30-something parrot whom I've had for 35 years. If this dries quickly enough, I plan to show it at Sanchez Art Center in the first Art Guild Pacifica Show in January. This painting is 12" x 16" on canvasboard.

A month later . . . Discovering Persimmon

I have finished this 20" x 16" painting I began last month and am pleased with the vibrancy of color I achieved. All it needs is a final coat of less glossy varnish, then a better photo. I have new resolve to paint more frequently and keep my momentum going through the new year.

Finally back to the easel

I've had a couple months of reflection and lots of visual input from going to art exhibits, and sensory input from going to farmer's markets. The changing weather and season is also providing great smells and sensations that is inspiring me.

I'm working on this still life from a scene in my kitchen. I'm really having fun with this one that I feel is off to a good start.

Finishing Loose Ends

Today I finished this painting I last worked on before the beginning of the 50 paintings in 50 days project. Compared to my previous 6 inch square panels, this 24" x 36" canvas is huge! This was painted by request.

50/50 Show Grand Opening

Donna and Cousin Joanna pose for a photo op

The opening of the 50/50 Show at Sanchez Art Center was a huge success. Thanks so much to my loving friends and family who came out to support me in this artistic endeavor.

Sneak Preview!

Here is a sneak peek at my wall space in the East Wing at the Sanchez Art Center. Come see the 50/50 Show in person beginning on Thursday 7/29/10. 68 artists created 50 pieces of art in 50 days. For more information click here.

50 Paintings

Here is a page showing all 50 of my paintings with shortened titles for the 50/50 Exhibition. I'm working on the last details before hanging the show.

Day #50

Time for a Ride! Boardwalk Santa Cruz Carousel

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #50

private collection

It's been a joyous ride doing 50 paintings on the theme of "Walks". Today, for my final 50/50 panel, it's time for a ride on the best of all carousels at Boardwalk Santa Cruz.

Thanks to everyone for watching these progress and for your support. I hope to see you at the show!

Day #49

The Tortoise Walks to the Finish Line

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #49

$100.00

The tortoise approaches the finish line - perhaps slowly, but surely as in the tale of The Tortoise and the Hare. Persistence is a virtue.

Day #48

Sleepwalking

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #48

$100.00

With two more panels to go, you may think I'd be exhausted and I'm walking in my sleep OR you may think I've become so adept at these, I can do them in my sleep : D

Either way, I'm still having fun.

Day #47

Jaywalking in the Rain

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #47

$100.00

Day #46

Walking Blue-footed Boobies

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #46

$100.00

These are feet you can't miss!

Day #45

Walk in the Conservatory

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #45

$100.00

Day #44

Parrot Walking to Nest

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #44

$100.00

This is my 35-year-old parrot, Calina, who wants to nest under my dresser and walks there at every possible opportunity. She is a bird with purpose.

Day #43

Walking Barefoot at the Beach

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #43

sold

50/50 Show: 6 weeks of walks completed!

Here are the first 42 paintings of 50. Soon the project will be complete.

Day #42

Walkabout

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #42

$100.00

Walkabout is the Aboriginal rite of passage for male adolescents to undergo a wilderness journey on the path of the creator spirit for as long as six months.

Day #41

Avon Breast Walk - Finish Line

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #41

$100.00

Get involved! Supporting an important cause is a satisfying way to improve life. The Avon Breast Walk is a fundraising marathon that many support.

Day #40

Walking Stick

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #40

$100.00

I was thrilled seeing these amazing insects for the first time in Texas near the Gulf. In Texas, everything is big including walking sticks at 6"-8" long! Walking sticks can blend into their surroundings making them very difficult to see. Nature in camouflage was my favorite page in the encyclopedia as a child.

Day #39

Cat Walk Two

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #39

sold

These cats are the dynamic duo, Rusty and Smokey. They are indoor cats with upstairs deck privileges.

Day #38

Supermodel Walks Catwalk

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #38

$100.00

Day #37

Get High! Walk on Stilts.

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #37

$100.00

Before high tech devices, we had simpler pleasures.

Day #36

Walking (very fast) on Water: Courtship of the Western Grebe

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #36

$100.00

The courtship dance of the Western Grebe is an amazing ritual to observe. I was lucky enough to see this at Clear Lake.

50/50 Show: 5 weeks completed!

I'm moving right along with this project with just 15 more paintings to do for the 50/50 show. Have you found the ones you like best?

Day #35

Walk the Plank

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #35

$100.00

Care for a swim?

Day #34

These Boots Are Made For Walking

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #34

sold

Don't these look like the boots Nancy Sinatra was singing about? Go-go boots wouldn't cut it ;-).

Are you ready boots? Start walkin'!

Day #33

Walking on Thin Ice

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #33

sold

Can we stop global warming in time?

Day #32

Sidewalk Sundae

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #32

$100.00

How about a sweet, refreshing walk today?

50/50 Show at the Sanchez Art Center

Last Friday many artists of the 50/50 Show got together to share our pieces, and discuss the process of making 50 pieces in 50 days. It was great to see the variety of work and hear about the spirit behind each artist's inspiration. This show is a great fundraiser for the the Sanchez Art Center that offers classes, exhibitions and studio space, so buying work at this show is really a win/win event and the work is offered at very affordable prices.

Please come to Pacifica for the Preview (a ticket event) or the Grand Opening for first choice on art. Buyers are allowed to take the work home as soon as they purchase it, so be there early for first dibs!

Day #31

Walk Like An Egyptian

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #31

$100.00

Day #30

Power Walk

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #30

$100.00

Here is some inspiration to keep fit.

Day #29

Seniors Walk

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #29

$100.00

A walk a day keeps you healthy and strong.

Day #28

Street Walker

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #28

$100.00

Day #27

Jesus Walking On Water

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #27

$100.00

Day #26

Learning to Walk

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #26

sold

Here is the cutest little boy I know learning to walk. This still isn't perfect, but is looking closer to the real boy.

Day #25- the 1/2 way point!

Dog Walk at the Quarry

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #25

$100.00

This was actually my first painting and I got it finished only to discover I didn't orient the painting to the hanging hole on the back, so I painted a second painting for Day #1. I decided to drill a new hole in the proper place so I can use this painting for #25 today. Meanwhile, I finished tomorrow's painting since I will be unable to paint. Stay tuned!

Day #24

Black Cat Crossing Your Path

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #24

$100.00

Superstitious anyone? This black cat looked like a very cool wild panther. Now, is that bad luck?

Day #23

Walking the Dog: Yo-Yo Style

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #23

$100.00

There are great video clips of the best yo-yo-ing on the net. There's even a world yo-yo championship coming up in Florida in August. Who could have known? You'd better start practicing now as this has really turned into an x-event!

Day #22

Walking the Dog (with style) on Mori Point

6" x 6" oil on canvas panel

Painting #22

$100.00

This pair was the cutest and most stylish of walkers on Mori Point this particular day.