Earlier this week I was a member of the volunteer group to hang this year's Small Treasures show for the Paso Robles Art Association. This spectacular fund raiser features a gallery full of 8 x 8 inch (20.32 x 20.32 cm) original artworks along with several small 3-D creations (only rule is that it fit in the gallery gift bag)~each piece of art...only $100. This year's show started off with 165 pieces that will continue to be added to as artwork sells. It's a fabulous variety of styles and subjects worth taking a look at. The show runs from now until December 12th in the Showroom.
My contribution to Small Treasures~
She's Not Interested-original acrylic on canvas, 8 x8 inches (20.32 x 20.32 cm)
Gallery hopping is an exciting way to see new work, get inspired by what other artists are experimenting with and keep up with gallery trends. Like many communities, San Luis Obispo showcases new shows on the first Friday of each month with Art After Dark. The perfect time to see a variety of work, meet the artists and do a little elbow rubbing.
Tonight is highlighted by the opening of No Full Disclosure the first solo museum show for Robert Burridge at SLO Museum of Art. Burridge has become wildly popular through his many workshops he teaches all across the country, a high energy personality who has found a voice through his energetic abstract paintings.
Also featured tonight at Growing Grounds Downtown Store are the beautifully haunting ceramics of Patrick Terjak where I am hoping to see his latest anagama pottery.
Tonight's gallery hopping wouldn't be complete without popping into Linnaea's Cafe for a glimpse of unique metal sculptures from Sam Bonifas.
Don’t feel like going out? Want to start the artwalk early and often? Join artist Jessica Torrant and others on twitter by searching #FineArtFriday every Friday for unique art featured online.
I have been morphing some techniques I learned from drafting kaleidoscope quilt blocks into new collage paintings. Revolution is my first completed collage incorporating the pattern.
Revolution is an original acrylic collage painting on heavyweight rag board. Many layers of paint have been included in this creation along with altered paper (recycled, marbleized magazine pages) as well as metallic silver ink details. It is 11 x 14 inches (27.94 x 35.56 cm) and has been finished with two coats of protective varnish. It is signed on the front; signed, dated and titled on the back.
I am expanding my Surfer Series of paintings to include some new larger original acrylic paintings. The Rush is an original acrylic painting on 1 1/2" deep gallery wrapped canvas, 12 x 36 inches (30.48 x 91.44 cm). Working larger is allowing me to create additional dynamics in my scenes.
Camping in the Sierra's is a summer tradition for me and my Mr. We have a couple of secret* spots that allow us to get away from group campgrounds and really explore the serenity of escaping our busy schedules. Don't worry; I recognize the humor in running up to the mountains to get away from what are almost weekly surfing Sundays. But there truly is a calming quiet you find among the trees that can't be reached listening to the wind and waves of the West Coast beaches.
iPhone Photographs from MailArt Series
One of our favorite areas is Chiquita Creek near Mammoth Pool Reservoir. There are many areas to explore without the crowds you may find in Yosemite National Park throughout the summer.
The Water’s Edge I-Original Acrylic Painting on Paper, 7 x 15 inches (17.78 x 38.1 cm).
The Water’s Edge II-Original Acrylic Painting on Paper, 7 x 15 inches (17.78 x 38.1 cm).
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.
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.
Many of my abstract works incorporate collage techniques including layering altered papers. “Altered papers”? You may ask-what are those? For me, most often I am referring to repurposing pages from magazines that have been marbleized to create new designs from their printed inks that I then glaze onto the surface of my art-specifically, pages from National Geographic. The specific ink used for the amazing periodical are clay based which when mixed with a generous amount of the all-natural, all-purpose cleaner Citra Solv dissolve and swirl creating remarkable abstract patterns.
From Below-
original acrylic collage painting
on heavyweight rag board,
11 x 11 inches (27.94 x 27.94 cm).
Caught in the Net-
original acrylic collage painting
on heavyweight rag board,
11 x 11 inches (27.94 x 27.94 cm).
Whether it's a well planned wardrobe following trends and the latest looks, or even the lack of caring about the current must-have... everyone cultivates their own personal style. So many decisions go into creating a specific persona sometimes consciously, sometimes not. When it comes to that personal style there is no detail too small. Simply adding a unique accessory is all it takes to show you have thought about your style and are confident in your day to come.
My Jewelry Collection available at
The Art Works in Paso Robles, California
or contact me for details.
Girl with Three Necklaces
original acrylic on canvas covered panel,
11 x 14" (27.94x35.56 cm).
One of my favorite features in fashion and style magazines "Get the Look". You know the ones...where they show you a highly trendy fashionista in her latest must have ensemble and then they break down the pieces of the outfit and show you where you can get your very own uber-cool boots or super blousy top. Well I've been doing a little shopping inspired my MY very own stylish girls and can show you how you can get more of the art of fashion into your life.
This particular lady can never be too far from her every necessity which can easily be taken with her in her Large White Bag (original acrylic on canvas, 8x16 inches or 20.32x40.64 cm). I've taken a little artistic license and found some earrings that would look fabulous and finish her look.
From top to bottom: Avonlea Dress-Ellaina Boutique by Sue Bradbury, Baby Ruche Bag in PEARL Leather-Jenny N. Design, Golden Pod Dangle Earrings-Kathi Roussel
not to miss the limited engagement of showing this year I was able to capture the almond orchard that rows the lower flat at a moment just before a sturdy Spring rain melted the cotton candy from the trees. 
Top The Promise; bottom Well Traveled Path-photographs.
Across from reception are a selection of my abstract paintings that Judy had been interested in.
