From Forensic to Fine Art

A wedding couple...a new beginning

2012-01-22T13:20:00.000-08:00

Tiffany & Tyler

14x11 oil on canvas

This is the second commission for the client who had me paint his twins Christian and Hayden. This is for his oldest son who got married last summer. The client could only provide his camera phone pic of this lovely couple. I included a frame because he has commissioned the three paintings. When he received it he said, it was "beautiful beautiful work." *phew*

Frank and Animal Place

2012-01-07T14:01:00.000-08:00

"Frank"

8x10 oil on canvas

Click HERE to bid

I wanted to start out my New Year with another contribution to one of my favorite charities, Animal Place. It is a beautiful sanctuary for farm animals. I've posted paintings of some of their lambs, sheep and roosters but Frank is my first pot bellied pig. He came to them in 2004. He was a victim of a neglect case in Southern California. A man started out with six pigs but in two years ended up with over 300 in less than an acre of land. Now Frank frolics in the beautiful hillsides of Gold Country's 600 acres of Animal Place Sanctuary along with his friends of cows, bulls, chickens, goats and sheep. All profits from this sale go directly to Animal Place to support their wonderful work.

Katie

2012-01-03T01:23:00.001-08:00

Katie

6x6 oil on panel

I saw this young lady playing ping-pong with her father at a party the other night. I asked her mother if I could take a quick camera pic of her to paint later. She stopped for a few seconds and I snapped a few shots of this active 11 year old. I like how she didn't even bother to push back the few straggles of errant hair off her face before returning to her game of ping-pong.

Hayden and Christian

2011-12-29T12:06:00.000-08:00

Hayden

6x6 oil on panel

Christian

6x6 oil on panel

I was fortunate enough to run into an old friend at a recent party. He and I got reacquainted and he saw my art work on my business cards and I saw his beautiful 2 year old twins. He then asked me to paint his twins for a Christmas gift for their mother. Yes, it was only two weeks away but I was willing to do this for a dear friend. This is Christian and Hayden. We were only able to meet two days before Christmas for the delivery so I wrapped his precious twins in a box for him. When he opened the box, he smiled, said "She's going to love them...I think I'm going to cry." That sentiment was his Christmas gift to me.

Waggles

2011-12-26T22:55:00.001-08:00

Waggles

16x20 oil on canvas

Waggles is a 17 year old cat who is usually found laid out sunbathing on my neighbor's porch. I thought I would capture this moment and give this painting as a gift for my neighbor who has helped with things around the house.

'Tis better to give than receive...

2011-12-24T13:49:00.000-08:00

"Ruby"

10x8 oil on canvas

especially during this season isn't it? This is Ruby, a beautiful pup from the Exeter Shelter of Rhode Island. I am donating this painting to have the folks at the shelter do what they will with it. Other shelters and rescues have auctioned the paintings, given them to volunteers or people who have donated funds to the shelter or to just brighten up their place. I wish everyone a very Happy Holiday and a healthful New Year.

A Son's gift

2011-12-04T11:26:00.000-08:00

Roger Kellmann

1961-2009

20x16 oil on canvas

Last month I was contacted by the step-son of my fellow officer Roger who passed away in November of 2009. I had painted a small memorial piece back then. The son wanted to commission a piece for his mother (Roger's wife) as a gift during his surprise visit home during Thanksgiving. The son relayed that he grew up to love Roger as his own father. He was flying in from Germany where he was stationed serving in our Armed Forces. Since this was a spur of the moment trip, I only had two weeks to get the image and send proofs an changes back and forth to the son. In the end, I was honored to have been asked to be a part of a precious gift from such a loving and thoughtful man and Cindi is truly blessed to have the love of a special son. I told both Cindi and her son I wanted to capture Roger's twinkle in his eye. He always seemed to know something that amused him and he was a brilliant comet in our life. Hugs to all my friends and family during the holiday season and all through out the year.

Simple Pleasures

2011-11-21T23:56:00.000-08:00

Happy Plane

6x6 oil on canvas

Silly Seal

6x6 oil on canvas

Before the fancy cars, all we needed to be happy was to bounce back and forth on little rides at our local parks when we were kids. We didn't need leather seats or cruise control, just our imagination to fly us up to the heavens or skip across the ways on the back of a sea creature. I found these adorable rides in a little park next to a beach on Lake Superior when I visited my friend a couple of months ago.

Angel Trumpet

2011-11-19T12:16:00.001-08:00

Mendocino Angel Trumpets

16x20 oil on canvas

When I went to Mendocino with my kids this last summer, flowers were blooming everywhere around the quaint town of seaside Mendocino. I loved this tree of Angel Trumpets blooming near the entrance of one store. It took me a while to get the gumption to paint them because I put so much pressure on me to do their beauty justice. I think I'm almost there and now want to paint more.

Cooper's my comeback

2011-11-17T22:16:00.000-08:00

Cooper

9x12 oil on panel

To blogging that is. It only took me an hour to post this portrait I made for a friend. He's her handsome Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Cooper. If my computer continues to cooperate, I will start posting again. Thanks for you patience.

Wanda Kemper Workshop and a little something

2011-07-17T16:27:00.001-07:00

Pink in Pewter

14x11 oil on canvas

I took a workshop last Friday from a very gift artist who lives locally. Wanda Kemper specializes in portraits and still life oil paintings. I took a basic class on portrait painting several years ago and I adored her teaching style so I decided to sign up for a class she was having which was going to emphasize on the subject of shadows. Her class exceeded my expectations. Her positive and encouraging style bolstered by solid lessons and tips from her vast years of experience boosted everyone's confidence and abilities. I had to leave early [unfortunately for a doctor's appointment] and I finished the assignment over the last two days with the large photograph she provided all the students.

I think the most pertinent tip I got from that day was learning to use a bit of a complimentary color in the highlight to make it really pop against the surface color. I've always been challenged and confused with color choices so I am glad she squeezed me in next month's color workshop.

As a little aside, my daughter wanted me to crochet her a mom and daughter koala amigurumi so I thought I would share that with you.

Auction for Animal Place

2011-07-08T19:22:00.001-07:00

"Cocky"

10x8 oil on canvas

bidding starts at a $1 on Ebay

HERE

Some of you who have followed me for a while, know I did a similar auction for Animal Place a couple of years ago. I think I'm ready to paint a few more to help them out again. This is my first painting of one of their residents. I don't think I've done a rooster before but he just happened to catch my eye with his in command demeanor. All of the profit from the sale of this auction goes to benefit Animal Place directly. Learn more about Animal Place with this LINK.

Happy 2011 Fourth of July!

2011-07-04T15:17:00.001-07:00

Path to Baker Beach

16x20 oil on canvas

I hope all of you are celebrating today with something fun and festive. This is an image from a day I and the kids went to check out Baker Beach in San Francisco for the first time. We were lucky to find a spot in the parking lot but some folks had to park their cars at the top of the hill leading up to the park and walk down this sandy path. I hope to paint another image of this beach from the location that is at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge.

My first International Commission!

2011-06-29T18:58:00.000-07:00

"Lambretta"

24x24

oil on canvas

I had a client contact me via the FineArtAmerica.com website. He was looking at my vespa series and was wondering if I had any larger paintings for a certain wall he had in mind. I told him I could work with him in painting something specifically for him. He liked the 24x24 size and was wondering if I could include a "Mod" guy in with the a certain model Vespa, the Lambretta. I drew this sketch as an initial idea:

He was okay with it, but during the night I came across a photo of a man in a mod Nehru jacket, [anyone under 40 will not know about Nehru jackets and love beads] and he was leaning against a Bentley. I submitted this sketch and he likes this pose better:
The photo reference had the man leaning face on with his arms at his sides. I asked my son's friend to pose for me:
Which resulted in this nearly done painting I submitted to the client:
Well as you can see from the end painting, the client changed his mind on the "mod" attire and wanted a more up to date look. He gave his final approval for the finished painting: *phew* and as soon as it drys a few more days, I hope to get it on its way to Belfast, Ireland.

Why did the Chicken....II

2011-06-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

9x12 oil on gallery wrapped canvas

Some of you who have been viewing my posts for a while may remember my first chicken crossing the road. [ click HERE to view the post] Well someone who had view this first version on FineArtAmerica.com wanted to buy the original. I realized I committed an awful faux pas because I no longer had the original and had not updated my web page. She allowed me to paint another version a little bigger and I thought better and she was under no obligation to buy.

Fortunately she loved this version and said she had been looking for the perfect present for her sister's 50th birthday. I had to ask of course....why the chicken? She explained that her sister loves chickens and her life motto is "forward progress" and she thought the sprinting chicken represented that attitude. The client also thinks the fact that I am retired Law Enforcement would add to her sister's delight because she also loves crime dramas. The client was kind enough to share that she had worked for the Art Institute in Chicago in the 20th Century Department and later became a graphic artist so imagine my delight when she emailed me to say the painting was even more beautiful in person.

This is half of the reason I have been away from my blog. The other half is another commission I've been working on for the past several weeks that I'll tell you about in my next post. Love to all!

Silly Sami

2011-06-17T17:44:00.000-07:00

Sami

8x8 oil on gallery wrapped canvas

This is my other cat. Her idea of camouflage is to hop into a box or bag and lay in wait. If my son sees her in a box or bag, he will inevitably pick her up and carry her like a package as he goes about his business around the house. Silly begets silly I guess.

Donovan

2011-06-07T14:18:00.000-07:00

"Donovan"

20x16 oil on canvas

My still 16 almost 17 year old is in that interesting boy/man stage of his life. He towers over me and his father but still delights in doing things kids like to do. I captured him when he wasn't feeling well in this POST two years ago. I captured him in a sketch a year ago in this POST so maybe instinctively I know he's only going to be hanging around the house a couple more years at the most and then he'll be off building a life on his own. I wanted his portrait to be unique and quietly different like he is.

The Challenge....

2011-06-04T10:34:00.000-07:00

"Nikko"

8x10 oil on panel

This is a pet portrait for the winner of our local High School Band's fundraiser. The winner, [a band player herself] wanted a painting of her beloved Nikko. I asked if she had any photos of Nikko and she said no because Nikko never sits still and doesn't like to be held. I volunteered to come over and take pics myself.

Nikko is very shy and skittish even around strangers bearing cat treats. The winner and her little sister took turns catching, holding and letting go of Nikko so I could try and get a shot without their hands wrapped around Nikko's body. Nikko went through the cat treats quickly and I was able to get a couple of body shots while he was still for a few seconds. The head was from another shot of Nikko looking at me while little sister was holding him down and I going through my repertoire of my best cat attention getting sounds. So even though Nikko was an unwilling participant, he ended up with his portrait for his sweet owner anyway.

Petalos de Rosa

2011-06-01T16:03:00.000-07:00

Petalos de Rosa

20x24 oil on gallery wrapped canvas

Doesn't it always sound more exotic in another language? Pink petals in Spanish [petalos de rosa] gives my painting of my neighbor's cactus flowers an extra punch. As I approached our court, these blooms were a pink spotlight on her lawn. I went and grabbed a few photos and this was the result.

Forest Home Farm Windmill

2011-05-30T15:01:00.001-07:00

Windmill

20x16 oil on panel

I have been to the Forest Home Farm several times and I've always wanted to paint this windmill. I was there for the sheep shearing event in April and took a shot of the windmill and its mid-morning shadow. This is one of a couple of larger paintings I've been working on. I might have to do a couple small ones to build up my confidence.

Red Vespa.....

2011-05-26T17:37:00.000-07:00

9x12 oil on gallery wrapped canvas

I was asked to paint more Vespas. This is a 70's vintage cutie.

Tulip Fiesta

2011-05-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

"Tulip Fiesta"

8x10 oil on panel

This is one of many set-ups Janette Jones had at her workshop. Just simply a bunch of tulips in a Fiestaware pitcher.

Sweet Madeline

2011-05-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

Madeline

8x8 oil on wood panel

I was honored when my friend asked me to paint a little memorial portrait for her friend. They had recently lost their sweet Madeline who was the apple of the family's eye. I can see with that adorable face why they would miss her so.

Janette Jones' workshop

2011-05-16T09:09:00.000-07:00

Lilacs & Lemons

20x16 oil on linen mounted board

Thanks to a couple of friends, [Dominique Eichi being one of them] I was fortunate enough to attend a painting work-shop last month. I learned more than I expected. I am still trying to practice what I learned [one particular lesson is to keep the paint more transparent and I don't have to glop one gobs all the time]. Janette Jones is a wonderful artist and a terrific instructor. What a treat to have other renowned artists in the class learning her techniques right beside us.

Shona Macomber dazzled us with her watercolor techniques on the day's lessons. You can check out her beautiful work HERE. Then there was Elizabeth (Libby) Tolley. Libby is a renown plein air painter and Janette Jones even had her book as a reference guide. I highly recommend it. Her book "Oil Painter's Solution Book" is currently sold out at Amazon.com but you can buy it directly from her HERE.

Lastly, I have to say the grounds in which the class was held were a little bit of heaven on earth. Milifiori in Douglas Flats is a place I'd like to return to one day but right now I need to put my lessons into practice!

My love/hate relationship with my computer

2011-05-14T09:19:00.001-07:00

Dottie's Gifts

20x20 oil on gallery wrapped canvas

I've been AWOL from my blog. I'm so proud of not committing PC homicide on my desktop because its been giving me so much trouble. After not being able to upload photos, it is still crashing without warning and what used to take me a half hour will sometimes take a whole day. Okay, enough of that!

I just got back from Michigan where I got to deliver a birthday present to a very special lady. Mrs St. Pierre is the mother of my high school boyfriend with whom I have been blessed to rekindle a relationship with after forty years. This painting is based on a B&W photo that my friend Terry took. He explained he set up his camera on a timer and ran back up to stand with his younger siblings Cheryl and Mark at the mouth of a cave they were exploring in Japan. I've talked about being raised in Japan and his father Wayne was stationed at the same US Army HDQRS I was at. The St Pierres were there for 3 years. I cropped and glazed the background to what I thought it might look like on a late hot afternoon as he described it. When Mrs St. Pierre opened the present, she said, "Oh, my Babies!" I see her "Babies" as very special gifts she has given the world.

Beetscape

2011-04-05T17:46:00.000-07:00

Beet Gold

size is just short of 20x48 inches

oil on stretched canvas

Yes, its another beet but not only is it gold, I decided to paint it on a grand scale. It cooked up to a paler yellow but it was just as yummy. Okay, I think that will help me with my beet fixation for now.

No Joke...

2011-04-01T15:57:00.000-07:00

"Dublin West"

8x10

oil on board

I opened an email this afternoon. An Account Manager of Zatista.com notified me that I was "Artist of the Day". Yes, its April Fool's day and those who don't see this today may not see it featured on Facebook HERE but I bask in my recognition for the day. Yay!

Today's painting is the one I was whining about the last several posts. I have decided enough is enough and stopped fiddling with it. This is the Dublin West BART [Bay Are Rapid Transit] station. It was painted from a pic taken with my phone when I was on the way to San Francisco last month.

Beet Red

2011-03-29T15:02:00.000-07:00

8x8 oil on RayMar panel

So I'm about to throw this other painting out the door in frustration. Thank goodness for therapeutic veggie art. I had roasted beets for the first time. Good thing I took a pic of one before it went into the oven.

Jasper

2011-03-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

10x10 oil on gallery wrapped canvas

I've been struggling with a couple of other paintings so I was delighted that I was able to paint Jasper. He was like a breath of fresh air.

Natasha's Sunflowers

2011-03-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

24x20 oil on gallery wrapped canvas

I had asked another talented photographer friend if I could use an image she took of some sunflowers she purchased. It took me over a year until I felt confident to do it justice.

Peace Orchids

2011-03-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

18x24 oil on canvas

DPW painting challenge

Auction price starts at $25

Bid by visiting their website HERE

This is my first entry for the Daily Paint Works Challenge. I will be honest and had tried to paint to enter twice before but I didn't think my work was up to par at that time. What really pushed me this time is the proceeds going to benefit people and pets devastated by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan through the auction of these paintings.

My painting was inspired by a beautiful photograph shot by a talented friend Susanne Uy who generously allowed me to use her photo as inspiration. Thank you Susanne!

BB

2011-03-18T17:21:00.000-07:00

On a lighter note: this is BB. A friend commissioned a painting of her Vet's dog as a thank you; and yes that is a kayak she is sitting in so comfortably.

8x8 oil on board

A Mother's Love

2011-03-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

A dear friend commissioned this piece as a birthday gift for her very talented college aged son.

She described how she was travelling along the country side in Northern California during one of the many summer heat spells. She saw out in the field a cow out in the dry shadeless field. As she looked closer, she saw what looked like a very young calf in this cow's shadow.

She thought this mother was doing her very best to protect her young baby from the relentless environment and how she could relate to how she felt about her son leaving for college and being on his own. My friend wanted to let her only son know that she too wants to always protect him from all that could harm him but she knows she could only do her very best and the rest to up to Destiny. I was honored that she would trust me to convey such a tender and loving thought.

This is 6x8 oil on canvas board.

Countin' My Blessings

2011-03-12T11:18:00.001-08:00

I was leaving a SF art gallery at around 9:30 Wednesday night and walking to the Rapid Transit system to get across the Bay. I was walking at a quick pace for the two and a half blocks not only to get me there but to appear like I knew what I was doing late at night. I caught something out of the corner of my eye. It took a couple of steps before I realized the huddled mass was a person down for the night.I went back, snapped a photo with my phone and went back on my way. I could not get the image out of my head. I had to paint it to exorcise it from my thoughts.

With the disaster in Japan, and relatives and friends who have been affected there, it has been a somber time. So even though this man just has a flattened cardboard box and a jacket for his bed and pillow, it is dry and out of the danger of tsunami and earthquakes. I read one friend who had posted on Facebook that her local grocery store in Japan was all out of meat so she will be having sashimi for dinner. Bless her heart for finding her silver lining in that massive black cloud.

"Counting My Blessings"

8x10 oil on Raymar panel

$100 plus $5 for shipping

Paypal has waived all processing fees so donations can go directly to those affected by the disasters in Japan:

https://www.paypal-donations.com/pp-charity/web.us/campaign.jsp?cid=-12

Flowers for Flyinsaint

2011-03-09T09:09:00.000-08:00

I have a very cool friend with a very cool nickname. We were talking about how we both loved orchid plants. I've always thought they were too challenging to paint. Our chat is the only reason I thought I would try and now I'm grateful for that. Thank you Terry!

"Ruby Red Orchids"

16x20 oil on artboard

*sold*

Bah Bah Bah

2011-03-07T09:51:00.000-08:00

During another chat with my artist friend regarding subjects we like to paint reminded how much I missed the animals. Thanks Hellenne! This one's for you.

8x24 oil on gallery wrapped canvas.

$85.00 plus $5 shipping

Prickly Sisters

2011-03-06T13:20:00.000-08:00

I was going through some older shots and found this image of my neighbor's cactus I took last summer. I felt warmer just painting the image.

8x6 oil on Raymar artboard

$45.00 plus $5 for shipping

Sweetie and Buddy

2011-03-03T09:48:00.000-08:00

30x24 and 30x12

oil on gallery wrapped canvas

This was a commission for a dear friend. She missed her furry family companions Sweetie (on the left) and Buddy. She gave me free reign and only requested it be large and as wild as I wanted. Well this took me longer than I wanted and I thank her patience.

I think the surreal background gives an ethereal feel to a heavenly feline playroom for this two.

Two toned Tulips

2011-03-01T08:33:00.000-08:00

I saw this little image on the web. I added a few more blooms and made them all the same two toned color. I love tulips. They are such a happy flower.

8x6 oil on art panel

$45.00 - free shipping

Dragonfruit

2011-02-27T10:47:00.000-08:00

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

Katia the Custodian

2011-02-25T14:20:00.000-08:00

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

Throwing my son out to the wolves....

2011-02-23T13:48:00.000-08:00

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!

George Washington Bridge

2011-02-22T08:46:00.000-08:00

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

Carlye and CASA

2011-02-20T12:03:00.000-08:00

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.

"The Shot"

2011-02-17T16:36:00.000-08:00

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

A Rose for Dorothy

2011-02-16T14:01:00.000-08:00

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.

Who will speak for me?

2011-02-09T23:32:00.000-08:00

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.

Jayne Jadeite

2011-02-07T08:53:00.000-08:00

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

Brownie Bliss

2011-02-01T08:47:00.000-08:00

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

Wendy Windshield

2011-01-30T11:33:00.000-08:00

This is not a vintage Vespa but I thought it was a cute as a button.

10x8 oil on canvas

$65 with free shipping

Michelle's on a Mission

2011-01-28T14:12:00.000-08:00

My neighbor runs a home based Day Care. One of the activities she has her charges do for physical activity is run around a little track in her backyard.

While the 4 and 5 year old boys were running around the track, this little 2 year old was making the rounds with her pink wagon. I just thought she looked so precious lugging a wagon full of toys around the track not caring if the boys were running circles past her. This is what determination in a two year old looks like.

8x10 oil on canvas

Suzie Sidecar

2011-01-26T15:48:00.000-08:00

I had a conversation with a friend I've know from high school who is also an accomplished artist. The subject matter was about what we liked to paint. I told her that I had enjoyed painting the vintage Vespas a couple years ago and she urged me to do more.

The previous paintings were plainly named "Blue Vespa, Green Vespa, etc" . I have decided to give this new one a more personalized name because Hellenne said my paintings reminded her of the animated vehicles in Pixar's Cars movie. Here you go Hellenne! Check out Hellene's blog HERE. I love how her Japanese heritage really shine through her work.

8x10 oil on stretched canvas

$100 free shipping

11.95

2011-01-23T12:45:00.000-08:00

Just when I post that I don't paint flowers I go to the grocery store and see this little potted calla lily proud as a peacock amongst the flower display. I saw the price was $11.95 and decided it was a over my budget. I took my camera phone and snapped a couple of pix until the manager started asking if I needed any help. I came home and painted this little plant.

8x10 oil on canvas

$75.00 free shipping

Fast and Furious

2011-01-20T16:11:00.001-08:00

Not as in a Vin Diesel movie but in wanting to do something quickly after struggling with several large paintings. I don't usually [alright almost never] paint flowers but this $3 sale bunch of little yellow roses were begging to be painted. So they got their way and I got a break from struggling over the larger pieces to get a 10x8 piece finished.

10x8 oil on stretched canvas

$45 which includes shipping

"mom and me"

2011-01-09T12:32:00.000-08:00

I was on Facebook when I saw this small grainy B&W photo pop up on my friend's profile. He titled it: "mom and me" and I'm suspecting it is an image close to 40 years old. I don't know what it is about the simple act of a mom holding on to a son's hand but I feel it symbolizes the eternal bond a mother and son have for one another. Though he will most likely love and live with another, his first love will always be his mom. Thank you David for allowing me permission to use this precious image.

12x12 oil on gallery wrapped canvas

A Study of painting glass

2011-01-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

and another reason why I need to paint more glass....so challenging!

6x6 oil on wood panel

Blue Blue Crabs

2011-01-05T00:06:00.000-08:00

I had the darnedest time thinking of a title for this. I was in a local Asian Grocery Store where fresh seafood means there are multiple tanks of live fish. The past month had a several tanks dedicated to our local dungeness crab but next to the live conch shells and scallops was a plastic bin of blue crabs. I thought blue crabs are native to the Atlantic. It appearred the transport of these guys started out chaotic with them fighting for space and now that they were near the end of their short on-shore life span it had become calm. With my camera phone I wanted to capture the crab chaos to calm, so my first title was "the 3c's.:"

Then my very talented blogger pal Don Michael Jr commented on incorporated the word blue and its double connotations. *bing* New title...thank you so much Don!

40x30 oil on gallery wrapped canvas-

contact me for price

Simply Simon

2011-01-03T22:39:00.000-08:00

One thing positive about Facebook is that you know are informed much more quickly about events involving your friends. I learned from a post that my friend has lost his companion of 17 years. I know 17 years is a long life span for a feline and I wonder if Simon and his "grumpy ol' man" attitude had anything to do with his longevity. I decided to surprise my friend with a little memorial piece. He informed me today that he received it in the mail and the painting "brought my Simon back to life! He's immortalized in your art and now more than ever in my heart! " Words like those are better than any blue ribbon at a show I believe.

"Simon" 6x6 oil on panel

Breezy Dancer

2011-01-02T12:05:00.000-08:00

I've always loved images of lacy curtains being ruffled by a slight wind. This is a smaller version of what I'd like to paint on a larger scale one day. Maybe not this particular image but something similar.

12x9 oil on wood panel

$45 plus $5 shipping

Asian Pear Apple/ Apple Pear

2010-12-31T12:55:00.000-08:00

The label reads "Apple Pear" but I usually call it a Pear Apple because it tastes like a pear but shaped more like an apple. It is sweeter, juicier and crunchier than both. I also call it a 'nashi' when I'm among my Japanese speaking friends. I first tasted this unusual fruit in Japan. I thought it would be an interesting subject because they are always displayed in their fishnet Styrofoam stockings to protect their paper thin skin.

6x6 oil on wood panel -$65

Las Trampas Park and warm weather memories

2010-12-29T14:32:00.001-08:00

I started this about six months ago after going on a hike at a wonderful Regional Park located about 5 minutes from where I live. I changed it last month from a realistic to a more impressionistic and I think happier image. Just the antidote for the last dreary, rainy and cold days we've been having.

30x40 oil on gallery wrapped canvas- -sold-

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

2010-12-27T13:35:00.000-08:00

Ever since my children were old enough to place a dollar or two in the bright red bucket, I would always make it a point to teach them the Salvation Army was one of my favorite charitable organizations. Times are tough for even these fine folk for they no longer hand out mini candy canes to the children but my kids still delight in the sometimes gaped tooth smile and 'thank you' they receive from the bucket keeper. I snapped this trio in Walnut Creek just a couple of days before Christmas. We all made a donation to the bucket while we listened to the trumpet and coronet player play "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen".

8x10, oil on art panel- $100.00

Fozzie's fun!

2010-12-26T17:55:00.001-08:00

I am assuming the recipient has received this painting from her mother as a Christmas present so I'm posting Fozzie.

The wonderful lady who commissioned Fozzie is a volunteer at the East Bay SPCA. She had seen some of my donated painting of shelter dogs and cats and asked if I could paint her daughter's furry family member. She provided a couple of photos and we were off and running. Her daughter cannot hang anything on her concrete apartment walls so mom is including a decorative easel for Fozzie to sit on. I hope she likes my rendition Fozzie.

8x6 oil on panel

Little Miracles

2010-12-25T15:01:00.001-08:00

3.5x2.5 gouache on paper

click image to enlarge

T'is the Season for little miracles isn't it? I was fortunate to have been asked by my neighbor to paint little portraits of the day care children she takes care of at her facility. She initially wanted them to be about 8x10 in size.

I felt a little daunted by the prospect of completing 10 portraits by Christmas. I then presented her with the idea of making little paintings of gouache on ACEO cards. [3.5 inches by 2.5 inches watercolor paper] They would be encased in a plastic case with a magnetic backing for placing on a metal surface or they could display on a tiny easel that I would provide for each portrait. Thankfully she agreed with my proposal and after about 3 weeks, I finished them before Christmas for her to gift to the parents of her charges.

I wish you and your little miracles a very Happy Holiday!

Wonderful Opportunity to show and benefit ASAP

2010-06-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

Art for Shelter Animals painter Carrie Jacobson, working with painter Susan Miiller (not a typo) has a couple of opportunities for painters who love animals. These are fine chances to expand the Art for Shelter Animals Project (http://artforshelteranimals.blogspot.com), too!

Painters who are involved in ASAP make paintings of animals in their local shelter, or with a local rescue group, and then donate the art to the shelter or rescue group. The shelter or rescue group can do whatever it wants with the art: sell it, use it as an inducement to adoption, reproduce it on mugs or t-shirts, use it to decorate the office, whatever. When the artist finishes the work, she sends an image to me and I post it, with a story about the artist, and a link to his or her site, on the blog.

Both of these opportunities are intended to benefit the Port Jervis/Deerpark Humane Society in NY state. Susan lives nearby and volunteers there; Carrie used to live there, too. It's a good shelter, and could really use our help. Here's the website: http://www.pjhumane.org/ . The animals to be painted are at the very bottom of the home page.

First of all, of course, when you finish your piece, please send an image to Carrie (carrieBjacobson@gmail.com) for posting on the ASAP blog!

The first exhibit takes place in the office of Jeff Parker, 156 Pike St., Port Jervis. Parker is a podiatrist and an artist and an animal lover. He has a very nice space to show and sell art. That exhibit goes from July 26-Sept. 10.

Then, the work will move to the Deerpark Museum, for a one-day show on Sept. 18. Anyone who is in the area is invited to come and demonstrate during the day.

After that, the work will go to the shelter, to be used as the shelter desires.

As always, you can frame the pieces if you want, but you don't have to. It would be great if you would put a wire on the back for hanging.

The Wallkill River School has kindly agreed to accept the pieces. Susan will pick them up at the school. If you're out of the area, please mail them to her at the school:

Susan Miiller

Wallkill River School

232 Ward St.

Montgomery, NY 12549

Facebook Find

2010-05-20T11:20:00.000-07:00

This is the third painting I've used a find on Facebook as inspiration. The first couple of images were of friends. This lovely daughter of a "friend" is someone I've never met and are friends because of Mafia Wars, Cafe World or one of the other games I play on Facebook. I could not resist her three year old carefully bringing up that cup to drink her pink lemonade at her "Tea Party". Lindsay generously allowed me to paint her beautiful daughter Leah.

8x10 oil on board

Palm Tree Trio

2010-05-17T22:13:00.000-07:00

One of my fav artists Dana Cooper painted a set of palm trees on one of her recent posts. I told her I have wanted to try and paint palm trees and love the way she rendered hers. She told me she wanted to see how I would treat the subject.

They may be a simple subject for others but this took me 2 days, wiping, repainting and repositioning the third palm. I'm not entirely happy with it but its a start.

20x16, oil on board

SJC

2010-05-15T11:03:00.000-07:00

SJC is the Airline code for San Jose International Airport in California. I usually use this airport for flight. As you probably do, I love to people watch while waiting for my plane to start boarding.

8x10 oil on board

"Sauna"

2010-05-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

Here is that sauna I mentioned in "Dubious Welcome". I was struck again by the single light source coming from the only small window into the sauna. Though it had sat idle for the entire winter, it still had such a warm and welcome feeling with its log walls and cedar setting.

I would love to actually experience a sauna such as this one day.

8x8 oil on Raymar Artboard

"A Bridge Not Crossed"

2010-05-11T14:13:00.000-07:00

Someone was sharing photos of scenery encountered during their walk. I immediately was taken by this bridge, surrounded by receding snow, crossing over a beautiful blue river still wearing sheets of ice.

I would love to visit this bridge in person one day.

24x36 oil on canvas

"Dubious Welcome"

2010-05-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

When I was visiting the lake, I was invited to check out the outdoor sauna. I had never seen one and was amazed with the way one would light a fire to heat at least nine buckets of water to create steam for a cedar lined room. The experience was described as one of great relaxation and cleansing. I didn't get to experience this but I was struck by a little changing room next to the fireplace. The only light in the room was the one coming from the open door. Because of this lighting, I thought the room was giving me a "Dubious Welcome"

I may attempt to paint the sauna room in the future. It was quite small and beautiful.

I also had to share the breakfast my 12 year old surprised me with this morning. Happy Mother's Day!

36x12 oil on canvas

"Wait"

2010-05-08T16:32:00.000-07:00

Last week, I was at a cabin on a gorgeous lake front property when I saw this red Adirondack style chair with it's homemade foot stool.

I saw it was waiting for its first occupant to use it to look over the clear blue lake. It waits through the winter covered by snow, through early spring and finally starts getting used during the last spring.

I could not wait like this noble chair in my youth. Now that I'm much older, I can see the wisdom in waiting for that opportunity rather than chasing after it at times. I do however have the choice to move on if my patience expires.

30x24 oil on canvas

Adebanji's Mokeskin for the Flying Moleskin Blog

2010-04-30T21:48:00.000-07:00

This is for the Flying Mokeskin Project. Please click on over to that Blog HERE to read about this image.

This was for Adebanji Alade's book. Please take a look at this very talented artist's work HERE.

Section A, above the fold

2010-04-27T10:14:00.000-07:00

The Newspaper Editor always chooses the most eye or interesting catching article for the front page (section A) and places it above the fold so it is seen when it is stacked at a newsstand. This is one of the places I didn't want to see controversial incidents regarding police action when I was part of a team of Press Information Officers for my form Department.

However, when you're looking for publicity you want to be placed there. So a little good news is one of my paintings was placed in that prime position for the announcement of our local show but the bad news is that I was not credited for it. LOL. So you can see "Lone Bear" on the front page of the Tri-City Voice HERE.

On a side note, I was looking forward to attending the reception to this show because three of my pieces were accepted but unfortunately I learned my Uncle had passed away and his memorial service was on the same day at the same time. I wanted to share a part of the beautiful service with you because even though I was baptized Episcopalian because of my mother's beliefs, I have come to respect and admire my father's Buddhist religion.

You will see my cousin Ken Yamada presiding over the services. I am very proud of him because he is the only American born minister/priest who traveled to Japan to study and returned to California to teach the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism. His temple (Higashi Hongashi) is located in Berkeley. His beautiful wife is an attorney working in San Francisco and they have two wonderful children together. I promised I would go to one of his services in the near future and now that I've blogged it, I've locked myself into that promise haven't I?

Ken is lighting incense to be placed in the stand behind him for participants to make an offering.

Ken chanted prayers during the service. It was almost mystical when his voice harmonized with the gong. My other cousins own flower shops in the area and you can see one of their many arrangements behind Ken.

Artistic License

2010-04-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

Versus a motorcycle license that is. My pal Mark asked for another painting of a motorcycle he owns. He specifically wanted the stone mountain in the background but not the pedestrian sign. He left everything else up to me.

Although he wanted it on the same square format as his first painting, I could not do it justice so I painted on a portrait format. I moved the bike over to the left a little and had to make up some parts of the painting that I didn't see or were in the way. We'll see what he thinks of it when he gets back from his road trip from Texas to Arkansas.

20x16 oil on canvas

I'm back....

2010-04-17T23:39:00.001-07:00

No, I wasn't stuck under a large piece of furniture, just needed a little time to regroup and re-energize!

The top piece is for the Flying Moleskin project. You can get more info on it by going to that BLOG.

The second piece, you'll recognize is that daggone University piece. I think I'm finally happy with the shadow color on the bridge. What do you think?

University Avenue Afternoon

2010-03-31T14:46:00.000-07:00

I was heading into Palo Alto when I stopped for the light at University Ave at Woodland Ave. I was first at the limit line and saw this scene kitty corner from my position. I snapped a couple of shots with my camera phone before the light turned green. When I reviewed it at home, I thought this image would look great on one of those long landscape canvases. I would like to know if you think it works.

12x36 oil on canvas

The top is a modification based on a suggestion from an artist I really respect. Muted violet is what I'm looking for. This too pink?

Thursday....I uploaded a third version... little darker...

Freedom with Freesias

2010-03-29T16:39:00.000-07:00

I really appreciated everyone's input with my last post. I believe the reoccurring sentiment was: 1. this is a common stage for an artist to go through 2. to keep on , keeping on.... or continue to create and relax a little more about where it might take you. 3. Try different styles, experiment, explore.

So in keeping with this new insight, I decided to try and paint flowers. If you look back, I have only painted flowers in a simplistic style for a commission. I wasn't crazy about. The style I'm crazy about is Diane Hoeptner's. Such a beautiful, loose and lovely style for all sorts of flowers. If you don't know her work, check her out. I believe a National Retail business is looking to use some of her paintings to decorate some housewares.

I noticed the front yard had some freesias blooming. I plunked them in a clean Pace Picante Sauce jar and painted away. I was surprisingly please with the result. I am glad I tried to tackle something I thought I could not do.

8x6 oil on Raymar panel

Path to Painting for Myself

2010-03-25T12:01:00.001-07:00

So most of you know I started my career in Fine Art a couple years ago so I am still an infant in terms of becoming a professional artist. That is why blogging and visiting blogs have so important to me. Other artist’s works inspire, motivate and feed my soul.

I feel I am still all over the board. Sometimes I feel like a ship without a rudder and allowing whatever dominant wind push me in any direction.

Reading this post from Katharine A. Cartwright's blog slapped me on the forehead last week. If you have not visited her blog, you must if you want some mental stimulus on the subject of art. Besides Katherine is an exceptional watercolor artist and an outstanding teacher.

I took several days after reading that post to take a break from blogs and blogging to try and figure out who I am in terms of this new role of an artist and what gives me passion when I paint.

I was working on the top painting which is another scene from the Dublin St. Patrick's Day fair. It took me about 3 days to make me feel like it was completed. It gave me a 2.5 out of 10 on my excitement scale. Then just for kicks, I painted the bottom painting in about 3 hours and it gave me about a 5 out of 10 on my excitement scale. So I'm not there yet, but besides the pet and other commissions, I'm going to start exploring on how to find that 10 out of 10. I hope you'll stick around for the journey. Love to all!

both pieces are 20x16 oil on canvas

Darling and Debonair Dog portrait

2010-03-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

I was delighted when a friend asked me to paint his daughter's dear dog as a gift for her.

This was fun because he gave me free rein on how to approach the portrait. He's tiny but I could tell he was a character.

I'll give you one guess as to what his name is.

9x9 oil on gallery wrapped canvas

Day in Dublin

2010-03-18T08:19:00.000-07:00

Dublin, California that is. Our Dublin is a neighboring city just south of where I live. Of course, they have a St. Patrick's Day Festival and parade every year. My daughter and her friend and I went to check out the fair.

As we were leaving, I caught these two teens about to tackle their lunch. Interesting how one of them contemplates how to approach her meal and the other just dives in.

I keep going back to this style of painting with the blue outlines and simple shapes. What do you think?

18x24 oil on canvas.

Coffee and Tea for Alice's Challenge

2010-03-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

I first became a fan of Alice's Thompson's work when I saw it in Karin Jurick's art challenge. I went to her personal Blog and fell in love with her precise realism techniques and was in awe with her paintings from her trip to Japan.

Alice started a new challenge Blog this year she calls Calypso Moon Artist Movement. This is my first contribution to her challenge. This month she wanted the contributors to paint two pieces from a collection the artist has that reflects his/her personality.

I used to collect tea and coffee pots. Mostly American made Hall products. You would think it would be Japanese iron or clay teapots but I am attracted to the 40's/ 50's Mrs Ward Cleaver style pottery. The large yellow piece is actually for coffee and called the Drip-O-Lator. It's an early version of the drip coffee maker. The small piece is a tiny copy of a full sized Hall teapot and is used for cream.

8x6 oil on board.

Dedicated to da Vinci

2010-03-11T21:53:00.000-08:00

I was fortunate enough to be noticed by talented Michelle Burnett when I first ventured out into this Blogosphere. She has a growing Painting Challenge that is filled with information on artists and styles. She presents these lessons in a way that inspires many artists from around the world to participate.

This month, Following the Masters focuses on the Italian Renaissance. This is my contribution VERY loosely following Leonardo da Vinci's practice of sketching and analyzing his subjects.

I used micron pens with sepia ink on Canson paper. 7x 9

International Women's Day

2010-03-08T11:36:00.000-08:00

My blogger pal Narayahan wished me a Happy Women's Day last night around 10PM. I told him I didn't know what he was refering to and he told me March 8 is International Women's Day.

So I Googled and found the website for International Women's Day and was enlightened that this is a national holiday for several countries and started way back in 1911. So 'Thank you' Narayahan for letting me know about this.

Now this painting has nothing to do with celebrating Women's Day but I thought I would post it because it features a woman. It is a painting for the Flying Moleskin Project. Vern Schwarz left the subject for his book up to us. I've always admired the glamor of the 40's. This is loosely based on a photo of Gene Tierney. It is oil on gessoed paper about 10x8.

Another quick sketch

2010-03-06T11:58:00.000-08:00

I know I need to do more, but I was inspired to draw this quick sketch last night.

Donovan was watching TV and our cat Meatball hopped up and used him as a podium to look out our back window.

They are best buds, can you tell?

6x8, graphite on paper

Big Horn Bonanza

2010-03-05T10:01:00.000-08:00

Busy blogger pal Gary Keimig not only has his own website but three other blogs. I follow his Painting a Day blog and visit his Outdoor Adventures.

Gary took an awesome photo of a Big Horn Ram roaming around in his home state Wyoming. I can see why the gorgeous scenery and sights are a constant inspiration for this prolific artist. Gary was kind enough to let me paint this big guy.

8x10 oil on Raymar panel

Bumping against the "Glass Ceiling" again

2010-03-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

As you can imagine, I did deal with some [ okay a lot] of challenges when I was trying to become and after I became a police officer. The challenges not only came from my peers and supervisors but from the public in that when I started it was still rare for females to be a cop and even more rare for an Asian female to be one.

I have heard of some of the same challenges in this new field I am entering but I didn't know how intense it was until I read this article and not one woman is on the list of top artists.

click on this title to read the article:

World's Wealthiest Artists

My Education continues:

Then I watched this [ it's a little over 27 minutes] and it was very enlightening. Did you know a woman artist traveled to South America to study animals, plant life and insects before Darwin? Her style of painting the specimens was adopted by Audubon himself many years later.

Some of you from outside the States have been unable to view the video in this format. Please try going directly to this LINK and see if you can view it there. Thanks!!!

Mmmojito!

2010-03-01T13:10:00.001-08:00

I had been admiring Kelley MacDonald's cocktail paintings when she threw out a challenge. I was never confident about painting glass or liquid but after studying her paintings I gave it a go.

I also wanted to try the black gesso that Carol Schiff recommended and Deano uses a lot of the time.

Of course I could have chosen an easier subject than a mint filled Mojito but it is what it is.

8x6 oil on RayMar panel

Her Walk for Water

2010-02-27T10:58:00.000-08:00

This is a painting for a Juried Show in San Francisco sponsored by the World Affairs Council. It is an organization of people of all walks and professions who gather and discuss World issues and seek solutions. The theme for this year asked what the artist thought was a global issue. I know War, Food, Poverty are always high on the list but I decided to focus on water.

Did you know: Around the world, 884 million people do not have access to safe drinking water and 2.5 billion are without adequate sanitation facilities. Every day, nearly 6,000 people who share our planet die from water-related illnesses, and the vast majority are children.

Lack of water means loss of school time for children and many hours spent by women fetching water from many miles away from their home. My painting illustrates the daily trek made by millions of people who don’t have adequate have access to water.

We shall see if it gets accepted.

30x10 oil on canvas

Leggo my Lego

2010-02-25T15:12:00.000-08:00

Just a teeny painting for the Daily Painters International Challenge Blog.

3x3 inches oil on canvas

Pity Party is over!

2010-02-23T22:39:00.000-08:00

Another sample for the Dog/Pet supply store who will be hanging this and two other paintings in their store for me. I apologize for the glare on the image.

This is Nika!

16x20 oil on canvas

Sometimes...

2010-02-23T08:28:00.001-08:00

When I feel like this....

I want to have a pair of these...

So I can fly away from the pain...

8x6 , 10x30 oil on canvasboard and gallery wrap canvas respectively.

Experiment and a Show

2010-02-21T12:50:00.001-08:00

This past Friday I attended a reception for a benefit at USF's School of Law. They had accepted my painting, "Relearning to Fly" for the show benefiting a shelter for Domestic Violence victims. The only second show I've attended but I'm assuming because of the venue being full of lawyers, there was live music, a full spread of hot and cold appetizers and dessert and of course wine and beverages. Either that, I'm easily impressed. I am not yet comfortable with this type of venue, but I'm sure it will get easier soon.

I was looking at an edition of Southwest Art magazine and was intrigued with the style of artist John Nieto.

These two paintings are my homage to him. The top is of "Lone Bear" and the other is "Stars Come Out".

They are both 12x12 on gallery wrapped canvas.

click for a larger view

Emilee and Kahiko Hula

2010-02-18T11:33:00.000-08:00

I was honored and a little nervous when a friend asked me to paint a portrait of her daughter she planned to give as a Valentine's gift to her husband and daughter.

My daughter danced with Emilee in the Mokuaina dance group and I was there when she had her first couple of lessons. Emilee took to Tahitian and Hula like a fish to water.

Her mother chose the traditional Kahiko Hula style for the painting. Kahiko Hula is always accompanied with chanting and never has modern instruments such as guitar involved.

16x20 oil on canvas panel

This is Morgan

2010-02-15T20:09:00.000-08:00

I painted this for a higher end Pet supply store to give her an example of my work. I had approached her with an offer to paint her dog to let her see how my works looks. She saw another dog's portrait but there's is nothing like painting a dog the client is close to to know if the artist is able to capture their furry pal's personality. I used the pose from one photo, th ears from a second and used the third to help me with the fur. She saw the emailed jpg todaynd she thought it was "gorgeous". *phew* I hope to have it hanging in her store to drum up some business.

20x16 oil on wood

Happy Valentines Day!

2010-02-13T20:42:00.000-08:00

Thanks for being there through the ups and downs!

hugs,

Rinse Well

2010-02-11T09:31:00.000-08:00

I have been enjoying JM's travelling blog for quite a while. I finally asked him if I could use an image or two to paint. He generously granted permission. I loved this photo he tagged Jaisalmer, Rajasthan which is a city and region in India.

Nothing like taking our showers and faucets for granted. This does look fun for a hot summer day though.

10x8, oil on hardboard

Gwendolyn

2010-02-08T21:21:00.000-08:00

After a pretty heavy couple of months, I wanted to paint something light and bright and fun. This is Gwendolyn, or Gwen as she is called by her two legged family members. She and her big brother Gavin live with my friend Natasha and her lovely family. Natasha has a wonderful family blog called "Behind the White Picket Fence".

Gwen is about 2 months here I believe. She is a real cutie.

oil on 12x12 gallery wrapped canvas.

Ready for Rebirth

2010-02-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

24x18 oil on canvas

I was hesitant to post this because it is a very raw, very exposed view of myself for a show titled, The Tao of Duality : An Exploration of Self Portraits. This show runs till mid February but the curator told me the Brava theater might want to extent the time for this show for a couple of months.

Some of you recall I was pretty scarce on the blogosphere near the end of last year. This was painted during that time and when you read the following statement of the work which is posted next to the painting, you'll understand why. The ex during that time was especially challenging.

Ready for Rebirth Statement

This image is me without my body armor and uniform of my previous life. I am a middle aged woman who has found new life and new meaning in her art. I show you at my most vulnerable and raw state. The purple and yellow colors were an intuitive addition. As I studied it later, I think I unconsciously used those colors because of some basic police academy training. When someone is struck and injured, the area will swell with blood and discolor first with red. The next colors that appear during the healing stage are purple, blue, green and then finally yellow. So symbolically, though I have fairly new wounds from the daily dealings with my ex-husband and this new life of mine, I have many that are almost totally healed and thus I am ready for my rebirth as a new person.

I am still discovering this reborn woman and emerging artist. I am proud because so far she is turning out to be stronger than I ever imagined and has a lot of creative energy to let loose. I can hardly wait to see what the second half of my life brings.

I did attend the Artists Reception(my first) last Wednesday and really felt like a fish out of water. However, I was encouraged by several things. The painting and the accompanying pieces were on the opposite wall to the entrance. Of the three floors dedicated for this show, I was told that this is a prime location to have your work displayed. The curator told me there was a lot of conversation about my piece because of the statement and she encouraged me to continue to submit work for future shows. A person I love and trust encouraged me to share this with you and so here you go...

Chris' Field of Dreams

2010-02-03T10:08:00.000-08:00

This is based on my friend Bobbi's photo of her college aged son. The sun was low and I loved how she captured the warm glow of Chris on the baseball field.

I met Bobbi when she was taking the physical agility test for our department. I was immediately impressed with her positive attitude, wit and intelligence. We became best buds on the force often working together in the same sectors of the city. We had gotten to know each other so well, we didn't have to look or say anything, we just knew when it was time to go from talking to the taking down a suspect. We were some of the first small group of she-cops to work patrol together. I remember our male sergeant following us around like a worried mother hen one day because it was the first time 3 women were working alone in a sector. He finally learned women are much better using their brains than having to rely on brawn to deal with a situation. Besides her disarming quick wit, Bobbi was skilled at American Sign Language which became a huge asset when the Bay Area's School for the Deaf relocated to our city.

I was her maid of honor when she married a sergeant from our dept and she was matron of honor in mine. I was there when Chris came home and am now amazed to see how a tiny pink baby grew up to a tall handsome young man. She retired early when her husband retired and is also living the good life in Northern California. I am blessed to still have her in my life.

oil on Artboard 12x6 (sold)