Monday, February 7, 2011

Weekend Warrior Workshop

I arrived in Crockett on Friday afternoon for Randall Sexton's Weekend Warrior Figure Painting Workshop on February 5 – 6. I had fun taking photos in this old "sugar" and "oil" town that is home to the C&H sugar processing plant, and is adjacent to the oil refineries in Rodeo at the base of the Carquinez Bridge. It is scenic to say the least!

The Workshop at was held at Randall Sexton's studio. Randy is an accomplished painter and a great teacher. I took this workshop since I had not done any work from models since college in the mid '70's, so my focus was process and practice rather than product. It was great to get back into working from the human model.

Our first model was a lovely male with beautiful angles. He moved his body like a dancer, and his arms were like wings. His poses were inspired.

We began the first day with quick 10 minute poses that we wiped off our boards for practice. We continued with 20 minute poses through the morning. I think the painting below is my favorite painting.

After lunch we had a female model who beautiful features and stunning skin tones who was a completely new form to learn through paint. The first painting below does not begin to do her justice.

These 40 minute poses allowed more time to do better drawing and get better color.
Our second day began with new model we worked with all day. She started with one 20 minute pose, below.
I struggled to master her interesting face on the painting below that was the remainder of the morning.


After lunch we did a second long pose with the clothed model. I did a better job capturing her likeness here.

All 13 participants in the workshop had a terrific time honing their skills, and getting to know each other in Randy's bright studio with terrific tunes during that Superbowl Sunday that reached 74 degrees! I look forward to attending workshops with Randy in the future.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

The Cocha

This is the third of my Peru series. I have very fond memories of the time along the waterways near and on the Amazon. This is a 20" x 16" canvas. Fishing is a primary source of food for families who live along the banks.

Perro en Plaza de Armas

Today I finished "Perro en Plaza de Armas", the second of my Peru series. This is a 20" x 16" painting. This quiet plaza seems to have been considerably changed by recent tourism.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Experimental

I began this 20" x 16" painting a few days ago and it started getting too tight. Today I decided to experiment and took my palette knife to the painting to loosen it up and give more feeling of the old plaza in Peru in 1989 called Plaza de Armas in Agua Caliente below Machu Picchu. I was surprised to find more recent photos of this place and discovered it to be quite changed by tourism.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

New Year Jump Start

In 1987 I took a trip to Peru that left vivid visual memories. I decided to paint this inspired from a journey to this harsh habit in the high Andes, above the tree line to see the birds that lived there. The air was very thin and walking was exhausting. The painting is a 12" x 16" canvas. I will probably add a couple bits of color highlights to this before I call it finished.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

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.

Monday, November 29, 2010

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.

Friday, October 29, 2010

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.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

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.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

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.

Monday, July 26, 2010

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.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

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.

Monday, July 5, 2010

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!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

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.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

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.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Day #47

Jaywalking in the Rain
6" x 6" oil on canvas panel
Painting #47
$100.00

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Day #46

Walking Blue-footed Boobies
6" x 6" oil on canvas panel
Painting #46
$100.00

These are feet you can't miss!

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Day #45

Walk in the Conservatory
6" x 6" oil on canvas panel
Painting #45
$100.00

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

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

Monday, June 28, 2010

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.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

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.

Friday, June 25, 2010

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.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

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.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Day #38

Supermodel Walks Catwalk
6" x 6" oil on canvas panel
Painting #38
$100.00

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

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.

Monday, June 21, 2010

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.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

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?

Saturday, June 19, 2010

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'!

Friday, June 18, 2010

Day #33

Walking on Thin Ice
6" x 6" oil on canvas panel
Painting #33
sold

Can we stop global warming in time?

Thursday, June 17, 2010

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!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Day #31


Walk Like An Egyptian
6" x 6" oil on canvas panel
Painting #31
$100.00

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Day #30

Power Walk
6" x 6" oil on canvas panel
Painting #30
$100.00

Here is some inspiration to keep fit.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Day #29


Seniors Walk
6" x 6" oil on canvas panel
Painting #29
$100.00

A walk a day keeps you healthy and strong.