Daily Painters "Rosey Posies"

"Rosey Posies"
8" x 8"
Acrylic on Canvas

Just to mix it up a little, I decided to give myself a rest from the dusty fingers of pastel today. When I began my daily painting journey a few years ago, I was working mostly in acrylic and oil. Now that I have more room in the new studio, I'm able to set up working areas for both.

"Rosey Posies" is painted on stretched 3/4" canvas with sides painted black. Add to your collection $150 + $20 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

Daily Painters "The Vines"

"The Vines"
8" x 8"
Soft Pastel on Sandpaper

 

The play of shadows, backlit trees and dusty rows sets the scene for romance....  Can you tell I've been watching The Bachelor?

"The Vines" is offered framed in wide black wood with thin gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang over the bar and enjoy with a smooth sip. Claim it here $150 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

The Creative Director

Jayson carefully checks the lighting for just the right shot...



Fellow artists frequently ask about my photographic methods when presenting works on the blog. I usually answer, "Shoot with digital camera, fine tune color/lighting in Photoshop to match the original, and you're ready to go."

Well...it's really not that easy. Many artists have a studio muse, gallery mascot, or several family art critics. My choice is the Creative Director...or I should say, the Creative Director chose me. I would like to introduce Jayson the Bluejay (I'm told he's really a California Scrub Jay, but I don't want to hurt his feelings). Jayson arrived on the art scene about two years ago, unemployed and flat broke. Resourceful personality that he is, he quickly convinced me that my photo skills were lacking, and I couldn't do it without him. We struck a deal...three peanuts per painting. He works hard to hone his craft, occasionally beating on the side of the house with his beak when I'm a slow pay.

I couldn't do it without him!

Daily Painters "Be Mine Valentine"

"Be Mine Valentine"
8" x 8"
Soft Pastel on Sandpaper

Yes, Valentines Day is right around the corner. I was reminded today when I saw the advertisement for The Marine Room Valentine Day special in the newspaper. For anyone planning a visit to San Diego, The Marine Room offers spectacular dining right on the sands of La Jolla. One of my favorite times to go there is when they hold their "High Tide" breakfast. That's when the waves crash against the big plate glass windows as you dine on their fabulous (and very foo-foo) breakfast buffet. Not for the faint of wallet, but maybe put it on your bucket list :)

"Be Mine Valentine" is offered framed in wide, black wood with thin gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready for gift giving! Buy it here $150 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

Daily Painters "Spicy Tuna Roll"

"Spicy Tuna Roll"
8" x 8"
Orignal Soft Pastel on Sandpaper

Yes...I'm supposed to be on a diet. My husband and I have a tradition of going for sushi once per calendar quarter when we've finished with our tax appointment. I just can't pass on a spicy tuna roll, plenty of wasabi and a big, cold Sapporo!

"Spicy Tuna Roll" is framed in wide black wood with thin gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang and enjoy...calorie free! Buy it here $150 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 1/23/12: Sold...to a local collector of my "kitchen art" pieces...thank you!

"Fall Faces #3"

"Fall Faces #3"
12" x 12"
Soft pastel on sandpaper

When it comes to sunflowers, one is never enough. I've revisited my sunflower "close-ups" a few times now, and in fact, this is similar to the image I use on my business cards. Getting nose to nose with botanical subject matter usually reveals interesting patterns and textures we don't see under normal observation...and may occasionally require first aid when startling the bumble bees!

Framed in wide black wood with thin gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass, this piece is ready to hang and enjoy. $295 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Thanks for looking :)

Daily Painters "Arroyo Seco Road Revisited"

"Arroyo Seco Road Revisited"
12" x 16"
Soft Pastel on Sanded Board

While traveling to the Monterey/Carmel area this past summer, my thoughts were on this beautiful "shortcut" that runs from Hwy. 101 to the east end of Carmel Valley. It's actually a bit longer, but much more scenic. I painted a similar scene a few years ago, and just can't get it off my mind. Just a simple road and trees as far as your eye can see in every direction...we thought we were lost!

"Arroyo Seco Road Revisited" is offered framed in wide, dark wood with UV/non-glare museum glass, ready to hang and enjoy. $365 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

Daily Painters "Bound"

"Bound"
Soft pastel on sandpaper
12" x 12

Defined as, "To move with sudden spring, set limit to or restrict, or move on the way to."
In any case, today is bound to be a great day!

Offered framed in wide, black wood with thin gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass, ready to hang and enjoy. $295 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. You're "Bound" to love it!

A peek at the new studio...

I'm often asked by fellow artists and collectors about my studio/working space. I work two days per week at my cute little studio/gallery space in Spanish Village Art Center #34A at Balboa Park, and three days per week at my "real" studio.  Until last December, the "real" studio was an approx. 12' x 20' space in a commercial office complex, which was quiet and comfortable. This past month, with a little rearranging, I was able to upgrade to a little larger space and move my studio into my home. The new digs are approx. 18' x 22', with high ceilings and an entire wall of 10' tall north facing windows. Now I can paint next to the fireplace on cold and rainy days.  This is a photo of my actual painting and working room, I also have a separate room with a large central table for framing, packing, and storage. It's a mess, so no photo of that :)

Daily Painters "Rise and Shine"

"Rise and Shine"
Soft Pastel on Sandpaper
12" x 16"

What a way to greet the day. With a variety of seasonal changes, I think the view from my bedroom window could provide inspiration for the entire year...if I can get up early enough!

"Rise and Shine" is offered framed in wide dark wood with UV/non-glare museum glass, ready to hang and enjoy. $365 = $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

First Painting of the New Year "Puddles"

"Puddles"
Soft pastel on sandpaper
8" x 10"

The end of December brought on a bit of much needed rain to Southern California. While rushing about with holiday errands, I spied these reflections on a rainsoaked sidewalk, as the glow of the winter sun again filled the sky.

Speaking of reflections, this is the time of year when I'm busily making plans for the year ahead, and also reflecting on the accomplishments of a year gone by. Have I told you lately how much I love to paint? Well, I love to paint so much that in 2011 I found the time to paint over 97 paintings! I would again like to thank all of my collectors for enjoying my work and welcoming original art into your homes. I'm looking forward to another exciting year in the studio, and welcome your visits whenever you are in town.

"Puddles" is offered framed in wide, dark wood with UV/non-glare museum glass, ready to hang and enjoy. $175 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

Happy New Year! - "Carmel Afternoon"

As another year of pastel dust on my fingers comes to a close, I would like to sincerely thank all of you that enjoy taking a moment to follow my progress in the studio. Without the support of my collectors, it would not be possible for me to continue to do what I love most. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

The new year in the studio brings renewed goals, and exciting new challenges. I invite you to stop by my studio at Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park, San Diego whenever you are in the area. My new working days in the studio will be Sundays and Wednesdays, beginning January 8th.

My final painting of 2011 was inspired by an afternoon walk down Ocean Blvd. in Carmel, California. Towering trees and clear blue skies make this location tops on my list of one of the most beautiful places in the U.S.

Painted in soft pastel on sandpaper, this piece measures 12" x 16", and is framed in wide dark wood with UV/non-glare museum glass, ready to hang and enjoy. Buy it here: $365 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental U.S. or Canada.  Thanks again...Happy New Year!
Updated 12/31/11: Sold...to my top collector...thank you!

Daily Painters "Skyward Glance"

While vacationing in Carmel last June, I happened into a courtyard along Ocean Avenue and caught a glimpse of this wonderful old tree. I sat down for a while to focus my attention on the gnarly and twisted branches. It felt like a big umbrella over my head.

Painted in soft pastel on sandpaper, this piece measures 12" x 16" and is framed in wide dark wood with UV/non-glare museum glass. Buy it now $365 + $35 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Enjoy your day :)

Daily Painters "Reflective Dreams Two"

 

Back to that dream I had the other day, where I was floating on my back in the middle of the reflecting pond in the middle of Balboa Park. Here is part two, more of those lily pads that were tickling my feet.

This piece is painted in soft pastel on rough watercolor paper. Framed in wide black wood with thin gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. Ahhh...very relaxing! Buy it now $165 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada. 

Daily Painters "Reflective Dreams One"

Ever have a dream that was so pleasant you didn't want to wake up? I had one last night. I was floating on my back in the middle of the reflecting pond in the middle of Balboa Park. The water was warm, I could hear birds overhead, and the lily pads tickled my feet. Hmmm...must have been the margaritas...

This piece is painted in soft pastel on rough watercolor paper. Framed in wide black wood with thin gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. Ahhh...very relaxing! Buy it now $165 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

Daily Painters "Lemonaide"

For some reason, the lemon tree doesn't know its winter. Still producing fruit and new pink buds, the smell of lemon blossoms is in the air. Lemonaide in December...ok.

Painted in soft pastel on sandpaper, this piece measures 12" x 12" and is framed in wide black wood with thin gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. Very striking! Buy it now $295 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

"Cyber Monday" Holiday Savings...

Join in the "Cyber Monday" savings!

Today only...free shipping within the continental U.S.  on all available original art.

It's easy to save...just complete your purchase through Paypal and I will promptly refund your shipping charges on all purchases.

Pieces ship in time for the Holidays!

Daily Painters "Just around the Bend"

"Just Around the Bend"
12" x 12"
Soft Pastel on Sandpaper

Now in the thick of the holiday season, a new year is just around the bend. The road to grandma's house will lead us to sweet ham, fruitcake, caroling and warm nights beside the fire. I'm busily framing new pieces for my annual holiday showing...more on that later.

Framed in wide black wood with thin gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready for gift giving to that someone special! Buy it now price $295 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.

Daily Painters "Along the Prado"

Having a studio in the heart of Balboa Park has its benefits. My early morning stroll down the Prado on sunny days, rainy days, and cloudy days gives me so much inspiration.

Painted in soft pastel on sandpaper, this piece measures 12" x 12" and is framed in wide dark wood with thin gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. Ready to hang and enjoy. Buy it now $295 + $30 to ship to anywhere in the continental US or Canada. Updated 11/19/11: Sold...to my top local collector!

Daily Painters "Buckwheat"

Hiking along Mission Trails Regional Park this time of year, you will be greeted by the transition of the last blooms of Buckwheat. This is when the last creamy white blooms of the year will join the deep, rust colored blooms of spring that remain. Makes for a beautiful color combo, and smells good too!

Painted in soft pastel on sandpaper, this piece measures 12" x 12" and is framed in wide black wood with thin gold liner and UV/non-glare museum glass. Bold and colorful! Buy it now $295 + $30 to ship anywhere in the continental US or Canada.