Art & Beauty

Went with a whole crowd of artists to see the Cult of Beauty Show at the Legion of Honor. Pretty things to see at every turn, and enough peacock feathers to cause a mild case of insanity. They are open to sketching at the Legion so I took advantage, trying out different media, and remembering to practice drawing people. Images follow.....

A Virtual Tour

For those of you who missed East Bay Open Studios these last two weekends, here is a small virtual tour. Many, many thanks to Cynthia for coming out to visit, AND for taking photos. PLUS she remembered to email them to me so that I could share them. Huzzah!

The original plates for my field guide (which you can still purchase here).

A horn shark from the poetry book I am illustrating. I hope to have all the illustrations done and the book out by the fall.

Several years ago, Cynthia photographed me at Open Studios half way through  painting this Pacific Octopus. Here it is completed. I had it out in the yard as the first thing folks saw when they made it to the end of the driveway.

The west wall of the studio. The lower six illustrations will also be in the  book of ocean-themed poetry.

A nice shot of the pew that Alice snagged for me. It has kneelers and everything!

This one was done in pencil and recently re-framed.

And what tour would be complete without a cheesy photo of me?
 Is there really any other kind?

One last day left..

Today was the second-to-last day of East Bay Open Studios 2012. I had the most people visit in one day (so far) . The weather was lovely for wandering; the visitors just wonderful. I even sold a few things - a winner all around! If you do not yet have your copy of Golden Gate Beach Wrack, come on Sunday. I'll be here from 11-6. 

a memoriable weekend

Some quick sketches done at the Oregon Zoo during our Mem Day Roadtrip. I am the driver when we go places and rarely get to pull the sketchbook out (because everyone knows that its not safe to drive and draw). It was, therefore, extra special to be in the company of the ever-sketchy Katura who arranged activities so that I could scribble away. 

Re-purposing Ugly Art

Now don't get me wrong - Ugly Art is necessary. Ugly Art is what I make when I am learning something new. I took a portrait painting class where we had to keep every painting, so as to have a "retrospective" at the end. Unfortunately for my grade, I had never really done people before, nor had I painted in oils, so most of my product was Double Ugly. 

As I prepare for East Bay Open Studios, cleaning up (and trying to throw out, but not succeeding), I moved the stack of Ugly Art portraits twice before hitting on an idea to re-purpose them......

Seeing the Forest

I went out last Saturday to Danville to take photos and sketch some trees for a client. I take lousy photos to begin with, but the light was all wrong at three in the afternoon when I arrived. The sun was directly behind the stand of redwoods. My photos read like a Sequoia Silhouette Seminar.

Still and all, I gave it my best shot. I set up my easel and boxes of pastels (my plein air medium of choice) and got to work. While it may not be the final view that I paint, I am pleased with how the day's sketch turned out.

Have you seen this cat?

Hey neighbors, if you see Hunca Munca, bring her home.
She's been out wandering (without checking in) for about a week now and we miss her.

She's about 7, fixed, chipped, wears a collar and is overdue for a demitasse of half&half.

Leaf it all to me

Had a lovely art day this week that included some art viewing and nature time, as well as drawing. And too, I got more cleaning done in my studio in preparation for East Bay Open Studios in June. My studio will be open both weekends. I'll have copies of The Field Guide available and hopefully some other goodies. I hope you'll be able to come check it out!

Pictures from the Live Sketching Demo!

Cheesebox burrows in the moss while I try to sketch her.

Friday Sketch Opportunity

This Friday from 5-8pm I will be at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History doing a LIVE DRAWING DEMONSTRATION, with the lovely and talented Megan Gnekow. The museum is open late as part of the First Friday Art Tour. My pet turtle, Cheesebox, has agreed to act as a live model for the occasion. So grab your pad & pencil and come join in the FUN!