Friday, December 14, 2012

Hanging Local Artists...

That's part of the URL to the article that came out today about my painting at Starbucks ;)

Once again, the writer Mary Gottschalk has done an excellent job describing the situation, she always gets it right.  I so hate having official portraits and photos taken, and the lovely Jaqueline Ramseyer makes it so much easier. Thank you Jaqueline for choosing a good shot from all your options!

Here is the article:
http://www.mercurynews.com/willow-glen/ci_22189663/starbucks-san-joses-willow-glen-hangs-local-artists


Thursday, December 6, 2012

The Store is Open!

One of the things I'm working at being better at is the promotion, PR, marketing, social media, merchandising, selling, etc. etc. part of being a working artist.

On that note, I'm opening the doors wide open, drum roll......


Saturday, December 1, 2012

Hello, Starbucks!

Excited to share that my newest painting is now installed at the Willow Glen, San Jose, Starbucks.
I think it really brightens up the back wall of the store!

Just as with the intention for the original painting (see blog posting from September 1, 2011) I wanted to capture a slice of daily life in a local neighborhood. Focusing on the community, the locale and the relationships between people, rather than a branded experience. Fortunately, that was exactly what Starbucks wanted as well!

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Bye bye paintings!


An exciting and sad and happy day. The original, large painting for Starbucks and the new painting for Starbucks, were both picked up today! They are gone!

The large one will be installed in the corporate office for Starbucks in San Francisco.
This new one will go in the local Willow Glen store.

Starbucks, progress!

Really enjoyed painting this new neighborhood piece for Starbucks!

I predominately paint in oils these days so the beginning of a new piece, in acrylic, is always a mind tickle. In oil you paint a certain way and in acrylic, it's just different. It dries fast for one thing. You don't get that creamy blending like you do in oil either. The colors dry differently than they look when they are wet, so there is always this balance and guessing and estimating what you will end up with!


I love painting with both though and the fact that acrylic does dry fast, is easy to clean, and can be layered endlessly is wonderful.



Here's a partial peek at the newest painting for Starbucks. I like adding in little creatures or funny items that can delight the customer. Numerous times I've observed a child pointing out to their parents a heart shaped spot on a dog I've painted, like they discovered something secret. In this new painting I've done the same. Little surprises here and there. I'm super happy!

Friday, May 4, 2012

Starbucks, redux!

A funny wonderful thing.

My original Starbucks painting was removed from a store after a remodel. It no longer fit (see earlier posts.)
Starbucks contacted me and has commissioned a new painting! It's for the same location as the old piece but this one will be slightly smaller in size to fit the new wall. I'm very excited.
Here's a sneak peek at a portion of the approved sketch...

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Heavenly Day of Painting

The Plein Air Convention ended but my painting was just warming up. Drove up the road to the Red Rock Canyon and found a stunning spot to set up for an afternoon of painting; Calico II.  Big bold red rocks tipped in yellows with rolling pale green scrub at their base, heaven.


I was thrilled to get sunshine and fluffy clouds to top off this perfect setting.  Very happy with my piece!

Sunshine at last

Much better weather for outdoor painting! The convention painters descended on Bonnie Springs - Near red rocks to paint, we took a group photo too, 600+ artists!

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Plein Air-ing!

First day out, we were met with drizzle and winds followed quickly by gusts and rain! Learned I am NOT an extreme painter despite my outdoorsy girl persona!!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Plein Air Stars

Today's demos: Ken Auster, Matt Smith, Scott L. Christensen, Camille Przewodek and Ned Mueller!

1st Annual Plein Air Convention and Expo

I'm thrilled to be one of 750 artists attending this event in Las Vegas! We are watching demos, having Marketing workshops and of course Plein Air painting the beautiful red rocks of Las Vegas!