Sunday, February 27, 2011

Dragonfruit


I was at my favorite Asian Market and what did I see? Dragonfruit! I had never seen fresh dragonfruit before. I'm sure I looked pretty strange holding each fruit up and turning it around like I was inspecting a fine gem but I want to get the most interesting looking pieces. This is the first attempt. I may do a couple more.




8x6 oil on Raymar art panel
$65.00 -free shipping

Friday, February 25, 2011

Katia the Custodian

There are many behind the scenes people I , like many, used to take granted for. In my earlier years, the only time I thought about custodians or other workers who help keep our work and shopping environments pleasant is when there was a problem. I used to take their consistent and hard work for granted. The later years of my career when I spent most of my time inside an office, I made it a point to learn all the custodians names and thank them every day for keeping the work space clean.

This is a custodian I saw at the SF School of Law just starting her shift when I was about to leave the show at around 8:30PM. Kind of a "Rosie the Riveter" poster-esque dedication to her and everyone in her profession.







12x35 oil on strectched canvas

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Throwing my son out to the wolves....

















Pyramids

*sold*




Shooting Star *sold*
[thank you very much!]




Both are 17x22, spray paint on paper.


Okay, you all are the nicest "wolves" I know. My 16 year old son Donovan took it upon himself to learn how to spray paint celestial scenes watching a couple of Youtube videos. You know that teens always take whatever mom or dad says with a grain of salt. If you could take the time to give him some feedback/constructive criticism I would appreciate it. Since mom is on a very tight budget we're going to see if he can make a little extra money for himself. Thank you!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

George Washington Bridge

Another Facebook find. My friend's mobile phone pic as he's driving his big rig through the George Washington Bridge in NYC.


8x10 oil on stretched canvas
$75.00 - free shipping











Sunday, February 20, 2011

Carlye and CASA

Another generous Facebook friend allowed me to use one of her photos as inspiration for a painting. This is Carlye. She was photographed at a pageant she was participating in. I was struck by her contemplative mood. Quite a contrast to the Crest White Strip smiles that are the norm for occasions like this.

This is 24x15 oil on gallery wrapped canvas














I attended the SF School of Law Equal Justice Art Show benefiting SF CASA. I didn't know this chapter of the great voluntary organization is the largest in California, dealing with over 1,200 children in Foster Care. I met with a director from SF CASA and told her I would love to donate my painting to their organization. She was glad to accept and said she plans to hang it in their training room along with my story to help inspire the new CASAs.

That made me feel better than winning first place at the show.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

"The Shot"

I was visiting a friend and we happen to pass a bar where he used to hang out during his college years. We ended up having a drink and watching then participating in a game of pool. This was a young man who was playing before the was beat by the opponent who in turn was beat by my friend that day. It's challenging to capture the dark atmosphere of a local hang out.







8x6" oil on RayMar canvas board
$65.00 - free shipping



Wednesday, February 16, 2011

A Rose for Dorothy

8x10" oil on canvas board

I painted this rose for a special lady with the intention of giving it to her on Valentine's Day. Because of circumstances beyond my control, I was not able to give it to her in person but I heard she did receive it and appreciated it. I hope to tell her in person that it was a special thank you for raising such a wonderful son.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Who will speak for me?

12x36" oil on canvas

I was invited to submit and just learned I was accepted to the 7th annual Creative Justice Art Show at the University of San Francisco's School of Law. This year's theme is "Fostering Dreams of Equality" which will support San Francisco's branch of CASA [Court Appointed Special Advocates] CASAs are assigned to foster children and become their voice in the court where the judge must decide where the child's best interest lies, either in foster care or to return to the situation from which he or she was rescued. My painting is based on the eyes of the many children I had seen and dealt with in my past career. Though these children would be in horrendous conditions resulting in a police response, they almost never cried or spoke. It was as if they were afraid to ask for anything for themselves. This painting is dedicated to the law enforcement officers, social workers, CASA and attorneys who become their voice.

For new followers, read about a very personal encounter with some sweet girls I had to place in foster care because of their home situation HERE.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Jayne Jadeite

Retro Jadeite is some of my favorite colored service ware. I thought this Vespa had that perfect Jadeite color. I think I'm starting to get Scooter Fever!


8x10 oil on canvas
$75.00 - free shipping

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Brownie Bliss

Most of you are probably too young to remember but Brownies were the cool camera for its day. It was lightweight and compact and rather stylish. My neighbor has a couple of vintage cameras and I snapped a pic (with my digital) of his Brownie. I loved the sound of the flash when it popped followed immediately with the crackle of the plastic protective coating around the bulb as it bubbled and warped from the heat of the light burst. Talk about patience in waiting for those photos to develop. Boy are we spoiled now.





10x8 oil on canvas
$75.00~ free shipping