How do you take your coffee?

I am a fan of "a great cup of coffee" especially the perfect cappuccino. I will also admit to having developed a wonderful rapport with the ever overwhelmed yet still friendly baristas at the nearest Starbucks. Getting just the right balance of steamed milk to the tasty sweet foam makes all the difference in MY perfect cappuccino.

 
Being Human in This Time and How to be More Productive in This Time-
iPhone Photograph from #Mailart Series

Most days for me though are spent entirely at home, working in my studio-and since the nearest Starbucks is about five miles from my home, running out for a cappuccino is completely impractical. Over about the last ten years I have tried a handful of personal espresso makers, everything from budget friendly to the ones with all the bells and whistles. For whatever the flaw many of these machines simple didn't survive but one still remains and will continue to be my stand-by, tried and true caffeine supplier. The affordable and classic brand of Mr. Coffee has designed an industrial styled, straight forward maker that continues to outperform the others I have tried all for the low price of about $40. The most used small appliance in my kitchen.

While I wouldn't say I am "obsessed" with coffee, I do love my series of coffee cup drawings. Originally designed as a class project years ago this series continues to inspire my exploration of a subject from many styles and concepts.

 
...and what goes perfectly with a great cup of coffee?

Dried Cranberry, Walnut and Lemon Scones

Blood Oranges

A favorite flavor of mine....blood orange. It has a subtle influence of red raspberry combined with the tastiest citrus tang. While the actual fruit is available for a limited season there are many ways to tickle your taste buds with this special offering from the grove.

Blood Oranges-Original Watercolor Painting 14x14 inches (35.56x35.56 cm)

1. Blood Orange Lip Balm by My Little Sunshine 2. Blood Orange Fine Art Photograph by Jennifer Dickerson Photography 3. Blood Orange Jam by Lemon Bird Handmade Jams 4. Blood Orange Loose Tea by The Ivy Keep

Blood Orange Margarita

What you'll need-
One blood orange-cut into wedges
Margarita Salt
A handful of fresh Red Raspberries-both for muddling and garnish
Tequila-amount and brand to your taste
Your Favorite Margarita Mix or Sweet & Sour Mix for a more tart flavor

Salt the rim of your favorite cocktail glass by running the cut wedge of Blood Orange around the lip and dipping in the bowl of Margarita Salt. Drop the orange wedge and about 4 raspberries into the glass, add the tequila. With a muddler, gently press down on the fruit squeezing out the oils from the rind and mixing with the tequila. Top the glass off with crushed ice and fill to the rim with mix. Garnish with a decorative pick of raspberries for snacking.
***Drink responsibly and always designate a sober driver.

Beautiful Blooms

A recent visit to the de Young Museum of Fine Art led me to a surprise like no other.

For a few days out of the year an awe inspiring array of floral sculpture bloomed inside the de Young. Bouquets to Art took on the challenge of interpreting master works of art into floral bouquets. I'll admit my primary intention for the visit was to have a glimpse at the Diebenkorn's and de Kooning's but the display of blooming sculptures was a welcome surprise. It's was an inspiring trip to the museum located inside the Golden Gate Park downtown San Francisco.

 
Blooming Petunias-photograph

Iris Influence-acrylic and metallic ink on paper, 10 x 11 inches (25.4x27.94 cm).

Does your office need a fresh look?

I am an artist member of the Business Exhibit program that is organized by the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art. Every four months I am given the opportunity to curate and exhibit a showing of my artwork in participating businesses throughout San Luis Obispo County. From May to September I will be showing at the Kinship Center- 71 North Main Street, Templeton.

This show is a focus on texture through my Construction Photo Series and a selection of my original abstract paintings. You can view all of the included images in my Flickr Set for the Business Exhibits.

Working-digital photograph

Construction Photo Series: A documentation and exploration of the distinctive and varied textures found in the many steps throughout the building of a home. The creation of a dwelling through numerous stages reveals the layers left behind from devoted craftsmen. A focus on the tools, equipment and materials required from a day's work provides a study of the long developed process.

Abstract #43-original acrylic paint with metallic ink on paper, 15 x 22 inches (38.1 x 55.88 cm)

Original Abstract Art: A constant fascination with textures and patterns developed through the use of line and repetition inspires original abstract process art. Often created by layering a mixture of media for varied textural effects and further emphasis of design through the use of drawing inks much of the end result is born organically through the media.