Reflections After My Open Studio
"I sit in quiet gratitude for the magic that just happened.”
After each Open Studio, I take time to pause and reflect. Over the past 35 years, I’ve hosted many of these events, yet each one feels fresh and meaningful in its own way. It was wonderful to reconnect with old friends and to meet new ones. Someone mentioned that I have “arrived” as an artist. I smiled, but I don’t see it that way. To me, “arriving” suggests there’s nowhere left to go. I’ll continue to grow and discover more about who I am through creating art.
Lately, I’ve been having such fun painting landscapes. They seem to be taking on a new dimension, blending my understanding of abstraction, color, and the expressive possibilities of Cold Wax. At the same time, my female figure paintings continue to resonate deeply with women. I feel an abundance of inspiration, an urgency, even to create as much as I can, while the ideas flow.
One of the greatest gifts of an Open Studio is seeing my work reflected in your eyes. Being an artist can be solitary; we often create in silence, hoping that our work will speak to someone. This weekend, I was blessed by so many of you who connected with my art and reminded me how fortunate I am to share this creative journey.
I also realized that it may be time to teach. My studio is just the right size for me, but not for a large class. Still, so many artists expressed curiosity about Cold Wax and the process behind my paintings. I know it’s important to pass on what I’ve learned, and I’ll be exploring how best to do that in the months ahead.
In the meantime, you are always welcome to schedule a private studio visit—to view my work, ask questions, or simply share a conversation. I would love to meet you or see you again.
I'M BACK-Open Studio October 25th & 26th 10 AM-4 PM
Ancestry, Coldwax and Oil
Currently showing at Cura Contemporary
I have been in production mode and loving it! Hope to see you at my Open Studio October 25th and 26th from 10 AM to 4 PM at 18385 Castle Hill Dr., Morgan Hill, (408)460-7237. I have many new pieces to show, all sizes and themes. And of course I am still in creating with Cold wax. Texture always enhances color, and you know that color is my first love.
The latest news, I have been chosen as an exhibiting artist at Cura Contemporary, which is quite an honor. The Cura Contemporary is state of the art; a gorgeous setting located in downtown Morgan Hill. It certainly is an arts destination for the greater Bay area. Please make sure you take time to support their efforts and visit their beautiful gallery. Ask them to show my artwork that they keep in inventory. And enjoy a meal at their lovely Vera restaurant located on the first floor.
Paradise Valley, Oil and Cold wax, 48" 48" will be represented at Colibri Gallery for a preview of the Morgan Hill Open Studios during October 21-26th. Colibri Gallery will be featuring all the local artists attending Morgan Hill Open Studios. The Artist's preview reception is October 22nd between 6 and 8 PM.
"What I know for Sure" #paint52
The late Gene Siskel would ask, “What do you know for sure?” in his guest celebrities interviews, which inspired Oprah to write a monthly column “What I know for sure”, finding it a great way for her to take stock of her life. This is “What I know for Sure” now celebrating my halfway point, twenty-six paintings, towards my #paint52 challenge.
Mr. Oil is my first love, but I am becoming great friends with Ms. Acrylic.
Painting gives me energy.
I realize that fear in the studio is a good thing.
Inspiration shows up when doing the creating.
Show up!
When in production mode, I become less attached to the painting. Now I say “Next”.
Quantity produces Quality.
Resistance is the enemy.
I’m not so bad with color; in fact it may be my gift.
My art and my spirit are connected.
Good things happen when you stretch yourself.
Your art needs to be seen.
Honor yourself and honor your commitment.
I’m going to complete 52 paintings this year.
*"Submersed In Color", twenty-sixth painting of #paint52 challenge, mesures 8-1/2" X 8-1/2", Atelier Interactive Acrylic on vellum, price $150. SOLD
California Dreaming #Twitterartexhibit
This panting will be part of the Twitter Art Exhibit, initiated by artist David Sandum on Twitter. All entries must be no bigger than a postcard and will be displayed in the Moss Public Library in Norway. The proceeds will be donated to The Women's Crisis Center in Moss, for abused women and their children. The center also provides a 24 hour phone-service, counseling, food and shelter etc. The exhibit will provide much needed support for this charity and will subsidize lost funding that occurred this year. For more information please check out David's website http://davidsandumart.posterous.com/call-for-artists-2nd-twitter-art-exhibit-in-m