Painting again!

I am pleased to announce that I am finally painting again! Looking forward to having a show in September and forcing me to find the time to paint routinely. Here's a look at a painting as it progressed. I just completed it today! It is 16" x 24" acrylic on canvas.

Warm Baguette with Butter 

16" x 20"

Other works in progress...

Here's a preview of a few paintings I'm currently working on.

Couldn't get the red to work....

...So, it's gone!

The Progression of Crimson Burlap

I love going back through photos of paintings to see them as they evolve into the completed pieces. Here's a look back at the painting I finished this week, Crimson Burlap.

Beginning

Completed painting!

September Art Show!

Crim son Burlap, 36″ x 48″

White Facets

Reception: September 2nd 5-9pm

It's finally happening! I will be having a show in September with all of my new paintings. Please stop by Stripe, 107 Walnut Ave, downtown Santa Cruz Friday September 2nd 5-9pm for the reception. If you are unable to make that, it will be up the whole month. Stop by to see my latest collection of work.

Statement:

I believe that outside all of our windows is the vast beauty in the world, which often ends up being my sole inspiration for many paintings. I am continually working with the transparent separation between the walls of nature, really focused on how textures (both mediums and various materials) play into the composition. I work with layers of thick and thin color, applied with brushes, palate knives, and various tools. Traces are intentionally left from layers below. Often scraping and sanding into wet paint, I reveal the past of each painting. Surfaces are wiped, dripped and splattered, all adding to an eventual sense of space and accumulation and the essence of time.

Although characterized as simple paintings, they are built with complexity. Open for judgment, I want my paintings to be appreciated for their emotion they bring to the individual. I like to create harmony within my work, yet build an underlying tension.

I think of myself as the designer and architect during the creation of my abstract compositions. I am creating a map of 3-D space on a 2-D plane. Not only do they bring pleasure to create, these highly experimental paintings focus on the formal aspects of art: color, line, paint, handling, gesture, attitude, harmony, balance, and texture. Using fields of color, textures, and lines, I am creating spaces within the piece, often testing these formal aspects, and what is expected.

Current Paintings

I will be having a show on September 2nd, so I've been trying to catch up.

I've been working on a series of paintings inspired by the subdued colors of the California coast and the rich colors of New Mexico.

I also just got home from a gorgeous 5 day rafting trip down the Salmon River in Idaho. It was new territory for me, and it was absolutely stunning.

Here's a little peek at a few works in progress:

Day 4: Taos and The Gorge Bridge

Today we had our gorgeous breakfast of fresh fruit, homemade granola, and homemade blueberry waffles at our B&B. We then got in the Red Monster and set off with our map drawn by several locals last night of all the best destinations.

First, we set off over the famous Gorge Bridge and just kept on driving. While crossing the bridge, Halley said "I feel like I'm in a 3-D movie." It was over 670 feet in the air and so windy!

We drove and drove until we were uncomfortably close to Colorado and had to head back to town after seeing some of the most beautiful things. I have so many new inspirations and can hardly wait to get home and paint with this gorgeous pallate of New Mexico. We saw this adoreable Old Pink School House, which was exactly what it was called. We saw Wind Mountain and a strange community of Earthship where the homes are designed and produced using 100% sustainable and recycled things. It was very hippy and weird. We could only imagine the people that lived in that community.

On the way back into Taos, we stopped by the Millicent Rogers Museum and saw her amazing collection of rugs, jewelry, and art. She was one elegant and classy lady.

We found the most incredible little lunch spot called Orlando's where we had an awesome taco salad and tamales finished with a nice cold slice of avocado pie! Yummy.

We stopped at a roadside outpost and both found dream rugs!

Us on the Gorge Bridge

View from the bridge.

View behind us on our incredible drive.

The Old Pink School House.

Halley's new treasure.

Mine.

Day 3: Roadtrip to Taos

Halley and I set off this morning after a HORRIBLE breakfast in Santa Fe and headed up to Taos. Every map that has been given to us has not led us according to plan, but somehow it always works out perfectly.

We had another crazy adventury in Red Monster and ended up taking the most beautiful scenic route. Upon arrival in Taos, we lucked out and got the last room in the most incredible bed & breakfast. The owner Michael happened to be knitting a baby blanket upon arrival and promised a delicious breakfast in the morning. Sure enough, we received homemade blueberry waffles!

Last night we went out and explored Taos, and made friends with several locals. We had a lovely trout dinner at Doc Martin's followed by wine at the Alley Cantina in the plaza with a silly cover band. We attempted to go see a local reggae band at the Taos Inn, but unfortunately they didn't show up to their own show. Halley's quote, "I saw some reggae looking people oustide. Do you want me to stand in and make you a little extra money?" Haha, unfortunately they turned her down.

Our Journey:

Rickity Bridge over the Rio Grande

Rio Grande

Beautiful Old Tractor

Burial Ground

Teepees!

OUR NEW HOME: Pesada B&B

Day 2: Outfits

We found an epic little St. John's thrift store right across the street from our hotel and found a great new outfit for our journey. I invested $2 in a new blouse and $4 in my new purple skirt. Halley got a great $2 skirt and $2 belt. We also got our rocking Minnetonkas at a local trading outpost. Smiles all around.

New Mexico Roadtrip Day 1

Yesterday Halley and I met eachother in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. Our planes arrived at the exact same time and we set foot into uncharted territory we've dreamed of for years.

Rules of our trip:

Pack a backpack with 7 pairs of undies and jammies.

Only bring the outfit you fly in.

Bring an empty duffle to fill with surprises and outfits we find along the way.

At the airport.

After becoming ridiculously aquainted with the public transportation, we made it to downtown. We spent all day exploring and making all sorts of new friends (and one horrific enemy). We stayed in a perfect little 50's hotel, the Downtown Inn, after sampling many lodging options throughout the town.

This morning (our second day) we woke up, ate fruit tarts (our absolute obsession), bought mocassins, got a sweet new ride, the "red monster", and drove up to Santa Fe.

Here is our first day documented:

Outfits upon arrival:

Coincidently, we both brought our black skinny pants, blank tank tops, beige cardis, "walking shoes", ikat scarves, and army green jackets. Hmmm... don't hold your breath... were we meant to travel together or what?

Let us introduce you to "red monster."

Pigeon with a Spritz of Lime (Pigeon Fingers)

Here's a look at the progress and completion of the painting for my brother Eric and his lovely wife Kristy. Over the weekend they had their housewarming party and Pigeon with a Spritz of Lime (48"x48") was debuted.

Here are the final days of working on the painting:

And... Completed:

And in it's new home!