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.

Golden Paints

Tomorrow I teach, but Friday I will place my order for paints from Golden using the certificate I won. It's so much fun just picking out paints and not worrying about anything but what colors I want! I think I'll get some interference colors that look like two different colors depending on what angle you see and what other color they are painted on...I'll put some gold and pearl colors in too. 

I picked up some tiny watercolor paper (the size of a business card) at the cash register at Continental Art. They are for painting tiny paintings and trading. I'll post one when I get one made. I'll send the tiny painting to the first person who leaves a comment and address on this blog. 

VAG 60th Anniversary Exhibit

This is me at the VAG 60th Anniversary Show beside the painting that won the Golden Artist Colors $100 award at VIVA Gallery. This is also the painting that I have been using on my business cards and address labels. Now I will be choosing what paints to spend my certificate on...what fun : )

I won, yipee...

This painting just won the $100 Golden Artists Colors Merchandise Award at the VAG 60th Anniversary Exhibition. The reception is this Sunday, Oct. 21st from 2:00 -  4:00 pm at the VIVA Gallery. Please come, I'd love to see you and you will see wonderful art on display.