Art Gallery Exhibition

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Early, 24x36, Sold


The show was great! I think almost everyone I know turned out for the event. I felt very supported. The feedback was amazing! I will post more pictures soon.

One of the best parts of the evening was answering the question about whether or not black light art can be considered "art" and whether or not it can stand under gallery scrutiny. I think we firmly settled that one, huh? :o)

My paintings were spread out over 2 rooms, the main front room, and the smaller room in the back, which was designated for black lights. We all agreed that no black lights were needed to show off my work, so everything up front was brilliantly bright, showing the vivid colors and textures of each piece. We did, however, have a black light flashlight available for those who wanted to see the UV color on everything in that room.

The UV room was the biggest hit. I loved it when crowds of people all piled into the smallish room to see the different lighting adjustments in action. We were able to "flip" between artificial lighting, UV lighting, and no light (for the glow) really easily, which greatly helped explain what "light reactive" means. Of course, towards the end of the evening, everyone wanted to see all the paintings under UV light, so we began swapping paintings around the windows and rooms so that each piece was able to experience its full UV glory.

Opening night sales were great and many people were very interested in coming back. It was nice to see so many people suddenly look sad when one of the paintings they were interested in sold right in front of them. Heh. ;o) At least I'm not the only one who feels an emotional attachment to a particular painting.

The gallery director told us that an opening had never gone that late before! Hooray for us. We know how to party.

This was a wonderful learning experience, of which I couldn't have gotten somewhere else. I like to think of this sort of education as Art School. I gained invaluable information, and feel more motivated to work hard than even before the show! I can't wait to see what the future brings, and I can't wait to start planning the next event. It's been quite a year so far. I have curated an Art Festival with over 30 artists and now I have participated in my own gallery show in a major art mecca.

This was just one stop. On to the next!

Moonlight Serenade . 30x48 inches . 2007






1. natural lighting
2. artificial lighting
3. combined uv & artificial lighting
4. uv lighting only
5. no light (glow)


I really wasn't expecting to love this as much as I do. I honestly thought I had completed my "best" piece already.

I realized something during the making of this painting. Well, two things. First, I think June is possibly the most beautiful and inspiring month of the year. I felt especially creative last June as well. Second, green was my very favorite color as a child, and now I remember why.

There's this tree by my apartment that shades the balcony and all our windows with a soft, shady, green light. The leaves are at their peak in June. It makes my whole world suddenly private and serene, and I convince myself that I'm just staying at some tranquil retreat in a far away village. Even with last minute show preparations plaguing my concentration, I have felt quite peaceful.

I've been paying great attention to the moon this summer. Moonlight is a much more romantic light than any other, don't you think? Stars float about the sky, and the moon shimmers down a gossamer glow that brightens the whole night out of darkness. God does not associate darkness with the moon. The nighttime we enjoy is a painting in itself. It's just heavenly. :o)

This painting is dedicated to the 2 men in my life whom I have loved more than anything else in the world. They have taught me how to be romantic. They have taught me how to see the moonlight. I love each of them more than I can say. I wish I could express to you how much I adore my husband. He is the greatest friend I could ever wish for. If I was able, I would give him the moon. I am in love.

I wish my Grandpa were here.


MOONLIGHT SERENADE
by Glenn Miller

I stand at your gate and the song that I sing is of moonlight.
I stand and I wait for the touch of your hand in the June night.
The roses are sighing a Moonlight Serenade.

The stars are aglow and tonight how their light sets me dreaming.
My love, do you know that your eyes are like stars brightly beaming?
I bring you and sing you a Moonlight Serenade.

Let us stray till break of day
in love's valley of dreams.
Just you and I, a summer sky,
a heavenly breeze kissing the trees.

So don't let me wait, come to me tenderly in the June night.
I stand at your gate and I sing you a song in the moonlight,
a love song, my darling, a Moonlight Serenade.

Laguna Beach Art Walk


First Thursdays Art Walk tonight!

1294 South Coast Highway • Suites D & E • Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (6 Doors South of the Old Pottery Shack)

Turn east on Cress St. off Pacific Coast Highway / Parking in the Pottery Shack

You should probably carpool. You know, for all those various reasons.

I will be showing this painting, Luminary, tonight. I've added some finishing touches, even though it was already done. I think I'm happy with it. It looks way better in person.

Townley Fine Art

If not, then you *have* to come to the show on Friday, July 13th. Same bat time, same bat channel.

I'm sure I'll see you there. It's gonna be rad.

Happy July. :o)

Showtime


Wow. It seems like just yesterday I started working towards this.

Anyway, since it's going to be July 13th soon, I wanted to remind everyone that you're invited to my big show. It's on Friday, July 13th from 6-9pm at Townley Fine Art in Laguna Beach, CA. There will be wine and cheese! (which I know is the real reason why everyone will be attending.)

Also, 2 pieces from my current collection will actually be there starting July 5th, as a "preview" during the First-Thursdays Art Walk. I will be making the rounds that day too, with friends. You're welcome to join in that night as well.

July is shaping up to be a busy, celebratory month. I can't wait!

I was interviewed!

Last week, I was contacted by Natalie, a photographer/crafter in LA who likes to feature Etsy sellers on her blog every so often. She chose me for her latest feature! How cool is that?

My Interview

It was a lot of fun to do, and gave me a great opportunity to talk about my art and why I create it in the first place. 10 full questions about me! (hehe) She even asked me about Acres of Love, which I'm always thrilled to talk about.


In totally unrelated news - if you still don't believe me about Blingo, I won another 50 bucks, thanks to Kev. (I know, you wish Kevin was your friend. Ha.)

Embracing new ideas...

So, in my mad, frenzied painting schedule lately, I've come to realize that I'd like to start trying some new ideas soon. I've had a few interesting ones pop up, and I feel sort of drawn to test new waters. I'm sure to everyone but me, it won't end up looking different at all. After I've completed my current obligations, I'll see what I feel like painting then.

I'm envisioning imagery and colors that are distinct from my usual leanings. Nothing terribly drastic (like a series of brown & red triangles) but the colors I'm seeing in my head just feel new to me.

I get bored very easily, and need change in my schedule in order to find it interesting. I certainly wouldn't want my paintings to look the same for all eternity either. Personally, I'm embracing any new inspiration I have, as it's a sign of growth and maturity. I'm excited to see what it will turn into, and I hope my art continues to evolve and change throughout my entire career. I feel fortunate that I've been painting enough to even move into a (slightly) new phase. It shows I've been working.

I don't intend to go all wacky-experimental on you, but ya never know. I'm wily.

Perpetual Twilight . 4ft x 5ft . 2007





1. normal lighting
2. normal and uv lighting combined
3. uv lighting only
4. no light (glow)

Ingredients: acrylic paint, beach sand, water & light

I think I have sort of a love affair with this concept. There are maybe 2 designs I've done in the last few years that I feel I could explore over and over again, forever. This is one of them.

There's something about the color of the light in that time after the sun sets, when a smattering of stars begin to light up the sky. It's just beautiful. The transition of time, I guess. Watching new stars appear is magical, like being suddenly surrounded by distant fireflies, twinkling at you from a few heavens away. During the day, our vision tends to be very earth based, with all things on the ground and ocean lit up by the brightness of the sun. At night, our perspectives naturally lean towards the heavens. The time in between is profound. To me, this is the color of Evening.

While creating it, I purposefully allowed myself to love it. I wanted to love the colors, love the paint, love the evening. The best part about exploring concepts I've painted before is that I am free to be passionate about what I'm doing. Often when I get too wrapped up in a new design or technique, I lose that deep, internal need to express the emotion I feel. I have to remind myself what inspired me to create it in the first place.

I have been using beach sand in my paint occasionally. I like the idea of using a material so intrinsically earth-based as an element for creating paintings that are usually ethereal in concept. Maybe that's just the artist in me talking, but I'm telling you, I find it truly exciting.

I enjoyed every moment of this. This painting is my favorite color.

Promotional Postcard for May/June/July

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This will be mailed out to various places. (front and back shown.)





In case you wanted to know the dates and locations of my upcoming shows. :o) The phone number goes to my business manager, Becky Parrott.

As you can see, I am henceforth referring to my art as "Light Reactive Paintings," which I feel is a more encompassing description than "uv reactive" and "glow in the dark," since that doesn't at all convey the way each painting changes and morphs throughout the day, depending on the outside light. The colors look different in the morning than in the evening, in the shade or near a window, in addition to the uv and glow effects.

In other words, they are light-reactive.

I like it. :o)

(plug: Interrupt Design)

Blingo. BLINGO!!!

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Okay, I originally wasn't going to make a big deal about this when I first signed up for Blingo. Mostly, I wasn't sure if it even worked.

It does.



Let me back up. Blingo is a sub-site of Google, started by Google, working with Publishers Clearing House. Or maybe it's owned by Publishers Clearing House, working with Google. Or maybe it has nothing to do with Google, it's just using Google power. I'm not sure. But it's like Google and Publishers Clearing House had a baby.

When you do searches through Blingo (instead of Google) you have a chance to win prizes! Everything from Amazon gift certificates to cash to trips to new cars. And they DO NOT send you any spam whatsoever. And it's FREEEEE!

The best part is, if you sign up through me, when you win a prize, I win a prize! The same prize! Even if it's a brand new car. So when you get people to sign up through you, you also win the same prize as any of the people you signed up! I LOVE Pyramid Schemes! (Kidding. I think.)

Last month, my friend Kevin won a Fandango movie ticket, so I won a Fandango movie ticket. YAY! Last night, my husband WON A THOUSAND DOLLARS! And yes, he DID sign up through me!

I heart Blingo. :o)

Is that not convincing? If you still don't believe me, click this button. It's really easy to sign up, and it shows you exactly what I've won. You won't regret this. At the very least, it's way more fun to use than regular ol' Google. Every search I make is somewhat more exciting now. Technology rocks.

Blingo

Shindigs

I know it's hard to tell sometimes, but secretly, I'm actually rather shy.





I had a lot of fun! I really appreciate all my big supporters showing up with their support! You guys mean a lot to me. In fact, I love you all.

... & I hope you're all up for repeating such events, because I plan to have many more parties like this in the future! :o)

Thanks again.

Karma Juice Reception This Weekend!

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On Sunday, April 22nd from 2pm to 4pm, there will be a reception for me and my art at Karma Juice in Dana Point, California. It is located at :
33621 Del Obispo Suite F
Dana Point, CA 92629


Morning, Artifact, Daydream


These 3 paintings are 10 x 10 inches. They are (of course) uv reactive and glow in the dark. I will be showing these, along with many others through June 15th at Karma Juice.

I'm very excited about this party. I love the environment at Karma Juice, and I feel that my art matches the atmosphere really well. Maybe that's just because its drenched in my favorite incense, and because they sell Sambazon, my favorite purple berry. Either way, it's a nice little bohemian joint that's perfect for a fun afternoon.

Give your karma a boost! Come hang out with us and support art. :o)

Symmetry . 48"x30" . 2007








1. normal lighting
2. normal and uv lighting combined
3. uv lighting only
4. no light (glow)


It would be silly for me to state that I find circles fascinating.

This concept is one I've explored before. Eight circles of exactly the same size come together to form what looks like a flower shape in the center (and ninth) circle of it's size. It was nearly impossible to paint out the circles without disastrous errors. So many tiny dots! I began with the intention of making a very red painting, however, as it progressed, I felt drawn to bring out the deep, rich, merlot-like colors. It just felt more passionate than basic red.

I am most proud of what the painting looks like with no light on it whatsoever. Whoever eventually owns this piece will get to see this any time they pass by it during the night. Sometimes my paintings actually guide my way if I ever get up and walk through the apartment without turning a light on.

This painting proved to be one of the more mind-bending experiences I've had with art. I have completed so many different pieces already this year. I'm enjoying it a lot, don't get me wrong. I just feel like I'm swimming in paint. I'm currently preparing for a summer gallery opening, 2 hangings at small businesses before that, and a few side pieces to sell in between. The next 2 months will be devoted to completing my overall collection of larger pieces to show and sell. It is now mid April, and I have officially begun feeling sensations of "drowning" in my art. I remember wondering what this period would feel like to me.
So, it's interesting that I completed Symmetry when I did. It was more technically difficult than my last big piece, used more paint and materials than I'm used to, and took way more time to complete than I anticipated. I utilized the opportunity to improve my concentration and planning. Painting is always very meditative for me, and this period in my life needed some extra consideration. I enjoyed a very real sense of self-discipline. Who knew that could happen?

A little to the left.


The hanging went well. We began a list of things we ought remember to bring with us the next time we do this. (step-stools, a straight edge, etc.) The wall space there was a tad more massive than I was expecting, so I'm debating about whether or not to fill it better before the party.

Because of delirium and exhaustion that occurred the day I finished everything, our picture-taking session resulted in very few usable images of the paintings that are now hanging. Obviously we should have checked them before heading to Karma Juice. Lesson learned. I have a few, though, which I will attempt to fix and organize.

My gorgeous (and wonderful) husband is hanging Early. I am hanging Tilt, my set of four 12x12s.

You see, it's the earth's tilt that gives us our seasons.

Can I get a karma boost with that?

(thanks Ben)



Today, I'm hanging many of my pieces at Karma Juice. They will be on display and available for sale through June 15th.

The party (which you're all invited to) will be 3 weeks from today, on April 22nd. It will go from 2-4pm, and I'm told that those in attendance will benefit from a nice discount on Karma Juice products!

Karma Juice is located @ 33621 Del Obispo in Dana Point, California. Funny thing, I used to live right down the street from there.

Yes, I will be posting better pictures of the paintings. Later. Until then, some titles: Tilt, Daydream, Orbit, Tao, Morning, Artifact, In Between, Aurora....

Titles. Not nearly as exciting as pictures.

There will also be some paintings available that you've seen before. I'm really happy about the minor improvements I made on Da kine. It looks way better.

Improved working conditions.

I couldn't really keep crouching around on the ground like a monkey forever. Aside from the various injuries I was beginning to suffer in my neck and back, painting large pieces that way was just impractical. I've always tried to stay within my current limitations until it's absolutely necessary to break out of them. In fact, I painted with only house paint on crappy canvases for a long time until I finally felt ready to "graduate" to better materials. That was another handy tip from Ray Friesz, who's advice I realize now was crucial in getting me to paint anything to begin with. If I had purchased fancy paints and fancy equipment at the beginning, they would have sat in a corner until I felt prepared and educated enough to use them, which, of course, would have been never.

Not that I'm saying a piece of plywood set on top of an empty TV box is fancy equipment, mind you. But it's a start. Maybe one day I'll get a lamp too.

Aurora

(combined UV and normal light)

This is a little 12x16 side-project I did at Christmas. It had been so many different things by that point, I couldn't even remember what inspired the design. I was determined to finish it, just so I could stop thinking about it. One day, I decided to paint it black and start a new idea. I'd never done a painting in one day before. I was doing it more as a holiday activity than anything else. I had been reading up on solar flares and the resulting auroras a lot that month, and it was really affecting my wintery visions. (I'm such a science geek.)

One of the strongest mental images I have from that wonderful blizzard in Big Bear I was in a couple of years ago was how bright the night was because of the snow. The whole world for miles around was glowing blue, and the moonlight was nearly blinding. Snow is magical.

Interestingly, my paintings are very bright and colorful right now, and I'm wanting to experiment with more "light." I'm using really bold, contrasting colors. I like experiencing how the season is affecting my inspiration. It makes me feel like an artist.

Restart.


Occasionally, after I've been working on a painting for a while, I get the urge to just erase everything and start over. I try not to do this too often, as it makes all the work I've already done a complete waste of energy. Sometimes though, it becomes obvious that whatever inspiration I started with has long since passed, and it's not going to do anyone any good to keep trying to save it. Inevitably, the painting becomes a dark, muddy, mass of nothing. So, I like to paint it all white again, which gives me a new start.

This is the set of 4 12x12's that I began a few months ago. I'm already happier with them.

My Inner Mandala


(from dumpr)
[photo used was of Thin Space (2006) under UV light.]

Also: Painting is incredibly difficult with a sore, weak neck. Especially now that I have a schedule, and various things I need to accomplish. It's hard for me to stop, even for 2 days. I keep doing little bits. (It's like heroin.)

I'm thinking of adding some yoga to my painting regime, which will benefit both my physical strength and mental clarity. Creativity can only be enhanced and improved under these conditions.