NWS in Riverside

Tomorrow, bright and early, I'm off to the National Watercolor Show in Riverside with 4 of my artist friends. I have their catalogue, because I am an associate member, but the paintings are always so much more impressive "in the flesh". We always have fun picking our favorites and talking about the show over lunch together. I'll let you know what we think in my next blog. Also, my Golden Acrylic paints arrived and I had so much fun doing a color chart yesterday. The "interference" colors are amazing and change color, depending on what angle you view them from...like magic...

Southwest Art Magazine

This month's Southwest Art magazine (October issue) has my portrait of "Kyra" in the VAG 60th Anniversary two page spread. My painting is one of 12 shown with website information. Kyra is my neice, Andrea's, little girl. Isn't she darling?

Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, NYC

I received an e-mail the other day from the Amsterdam Whitney Gallery in NYC that opened "A Collector has recently brought your art to my attention, and I have been most impressed by your compelling and exciting artworks." They have asked for my bio and portfolio, so what the heck. I am putting it all together for them and we'll see what happens. I feel like I did when I was in my twenties and received a bouquet of flowers signed "a secret admirer". Who is this collector?

Also, on the gallery front, I've been asked to show three paintings at a brand new gallery opening "La Galeria Gitana" here in the San Fernando Valley. I am going to meet the curator and see the space this coming Wednesday. I'm excited, as this area is earmarked for development as an arts center, with a theatre down the street and other galleries opening up.

I plan to start up my Saturday children's class soon, so leave a comment and e-mail address for more information. 

Why do I paint?

I think I paint because I can't sing. It is something that I can do better than a lot of other things. Occasionally gives me great satisfaction. It is very difficult for me and not an easy/ breezy activity. The painting is an extension of something very personal and as a result demands courage to put forward to others as my creation. At a workshop I'm taking, this topic is being discussed and it gives me pause. 

Analysis of art is such an interesting activity to me. Why does the artist grab your attention? That's what it's all about. Is it the contrasts, the colors, the composition, the thickness of the paint, the what? I can't wait to attend the NWS exhibition on Oct. 18th with four fellow artists...I'll be like a kid in a candy shop.