Laguna Beach Festival of Arts

Last summer I made a big decision as an artist, I wanted to apply to become an exhibitor in the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts.  The application process began in September with digitally submitting three of my still life oil paintings.  I got through to the 2nd round where I then brought three of my paintings to be physically juried in December.  Along with the paintings, they required a very long detailed artist statement and bio information.  It turned out to be a very merry December for me!  I was accepted into the Festival of Arts.  This is a very exciting opportunity for me, for which I am thrilled and honored. 

The Festival, celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, is located in Laguna Beach, California and runs for two months during the summer, July 1 - August 31.   In the coming months I will share more information about the Festival. Until then, please take a look at their website http://www.foapom.com/

Small Works Paintings

"Persimmons with Oriental Vase" - (update, sold)

"Plum with Sliver Vase" - (update, sold)

"Magnolia and Plums" - (update, sold)

"Grapes with Plum" - (update, sold)

A new series of 6"x8" oil paintings.  Each have been painted on either wood or fiberboard, primed with 3 layers of acrylic gesso.  It's time for me to start preparing for the summer shows I am doing.  I have more fun painting these small paintings than larger works. So in truth, this is my procrastination for not starting a large canvas!  I plan to continue procrastinating for another week...or more.

Salon International 2012 Exhibit

"Mandarins" oil on linen, 11x14

I am excited to announce that two of my paintings have been selected for the Salon International 2012 Exhibit at Greenhouse Gallery of Fine Art.  I am honored to be juried into this wonderful annual show for my 5th straight year!  "Mandarins," and "Persimmons with Dragon," (seen below in previous blog) will be on exhibit April 14 through May 4th in San Antonio, Texas.  Please see http://www.greenhousegallery.com/ for additional information.

Bartlett and Lemon

"Bartlett and Lemon" oil on gesso board, 8"x8"

Persimmons with Dragon

"Persimmons with Dragon" oil on linen, 9"x12"  - (Update sold at Festival of Arts Laguna Beach).
Selected for Salon International 2012 Exhibit, Geenhouse Gallery of Fin Art.

Just off my easel, I really enjoyed painting this traditional still life.  I wanted to create a classical, timeless looking painting.   

Six Inch Squared Holiday Exhibit

Two of my 6"x6" oil paintings, "Paris Rouge" and "Coffee Ready," are at Randy Higbee Gallery for the new "Six Inch Squared" exhibit.  December 3 - December 23, 2011.  Please check out Higbee Gallery website for more information http://www.randyhigbeegallery.com/  (You can view these two paintings in previous posts below. Thank you.)

Le Cafe at Julienne

"Le Cafe at Julienne" oil on linen, 16"x12"

(Update: this painting was selected for "Contemporary Masters III: Artistic Eden" exhibition, Pasadena Museum of History, http://www.pasadenahistory.org/  March 9 - July 29, 2012. SOLD opening night to the owner of Julienne Cafe.)

I recently discovered a very special restaurant, Julienne in San Marino, CA.  This wonderful French Brasserie and Gourmet Market, was established in 1985.  (How could I have missed what so many others have been enjoying for years!)  The elegant charm and delicious food is as warm and welcoming as it's owner Julie Campoy. Thank you Julie for allowing me to take pictures inside your beautiful Parisian Cafe. http://www.juliennetogo.com/ 

 



White Coffee Cups

"Coffee Ready" oil on wood panel, 6"x6"- Sold

There is much to be enjoyed when painting white objects.  So many subtle warm and cool variations to work from.

Ginger Jar and Plums

"Ginger Jar and Plums" oil on linen, 11"x14" - SOLD

Nostalgic Tea Cup Pattern

"Nostalgic Tea Cups" oil on wood panel, 8"x8"  - SOLD

Paris Paintings II

"Paris Rouge," oil on wood panel, 6"x6."  I am honored to have received "2nd Place" at "Six Inch Squared" holiday show at Randy Higbee Gallery for this painting.

"Just Looking," oil on wood panel, 8"x6" - Sold.

Single Espresso

"Single Espresso," oil on birch panel, 6"x8" - sold

Paris Coffee Cup

"Paris Break," oil on wood panel, 6"x6" - sold

Sometimes at the end of the day I have large piles of (mixed) paint on my palette.  But, since I mix medium into my paint, I usually do not use it the next day.  I have been working on two large paintings for weeks.  One of them has a limited color palette (Raw Sienna, Ultra Marine Blue, Alizarin, White, and a touch of Indian Yellow), leaving me with wonderful greys at the end of the day. 

Looking at the greys a few days ago, I thought of the photographs I took of coffee cups in Paris.  There are many interesting warm and cool colors, all in varying shades of lights and darks found in white cups and saucers.  For this small painting I wanted to keep my brush stokes fresh and loose.  I think it ended up being a good way to use up the paint.  (One of many double espressos I had.....this one with a spot of milk.  I loved that it came with sugar cubes.  So classic.)

"French Linen with Oranges" oil on linen, 6"x12"

I bought this classic blue and white linen tea towel a few months ago while in Paris.  I've been thinking about using it in a still life ever since.  The small boutique, Les Bugadieres, was lovely.  Many of the items are hand-sewn by the lady who owns it. 



"Figs with Dragon" oil on canvas, 8"x16" - update sold

"Kutani and Mandarins" oil on linen, 8"x16" - update sold

Here are two new paintings I finished over the past week.  I had a third one to post, but really messed it up when I tried to varnish it this morning!  It's a small painting of mandarins with a Double Delight rose.  The white paint on the rose had not dried completely.....well, you get the picture.  I have not done that in awhile!  Fortunately, I was able to clean up some of the white mess by gently lifting it off with mineral spirits.  Much of the rose had been painted over a week ago - thank goodness it was dry.  I'll put the painting aside for a few weeks before I repaint the lightest areas of the rose.  Being impatient never pays off....especially when you are an artist. 

The tea cup in "Kutani and Mandarins" is part of a collection I inherited from my Grandmother.  Though it's a familiar cup from my childhood, I knew nothing about the maker and origins until I decided to paint it.  I did a little research.  (Isn't the Internet great for things like this?)  Kutani porcelain dates back to about 1655.  When high-quality china clay was discovered in the Kutani Village (now in Ishikawa Prefecture Japan) a kiln was established to make porcelain with bold colorful designs.  Characterized by motifs of birds, flowers, landscape and geometrical patterns, the kiln suddenly closed about a half a century later.  In the early 19th century, the local ruling clan, which was enjoying power and influence, revived china making in Kutani.  The pottery is celebrated today with many working kilns in the area.  (The teacup and saucer I have is from the Kosen Kiln.)  It appears to be a very popular place for tourists and they even have a Kutani Pottery Festival each year.  How'bout that!