Where do I begin?

I have just returned from a truly inspiring vacation. Traveling half way around the world tends to do that. So many new sounds and smells and, of course, art! This piece of art in Johannesburg Africa was the size of an entire wall. The elephant is bigger than me. It is created by stitching leather together. You can note some of the three dimensional elements. It was hard to not touch it. The texture screamed for it! The openings of the boabab tree made it feel as if it had taken root right on the wall.

My camera is full of photos and ideas. Check back later this week to see some amazing safari photos.

I am still feeling the affects of the hours and hours of travel. But my mind is stuffed full of ideas and the adventures I experienced....well, get ready for some stories.

African Inspirations

I have been painting Africa for years though I've never been. My most popular painting is Henry, my curious little ostrich who has been peaking out of the canvas at people for years. The above painting is titled,"Swimming Trunk". Currently it is on display in a local office but hopefully some day the right buyer will take him home.

I am packing my bags and headed to the other side of the globe. Literally. My husband loves maps and I bought him a globe several years ago for an anniversary. I don't know that any other gift has given him such joy. He often will walk past and point out Alaska and then with the opposite hand point out Africa. He is still amazed at how far across the globe we will travel. All I can think about is the torture. Some people call it a plane flight but for my hyper little body being locked in a tight, uncomfortable seat for that long is plain torture.

I am confident the discomfort will pay off. Seeing the animals I have been so in love with walking in their natural setting is a thrill to simply think about. Oh and yes, I will have my sketch book!

Double Latte with Room

I am not a coffee drinker. I always wanted to be. My grandparents drank coffee and it all seemed like a sweet, romantic way to start your morning. The delicious smell wafting through your cozy home. Sitting together reading the paper with light chat about your day. But I could never convince my taste buds as they reeled at the horror of the bitter liquid.

The above is an illustration I did for a show on symbiosis. We really have become a society completely dependant of the affects of this little bean. Connecting coffee and symbiosis was a bit tongue in cheek but it allowed me to create some fun coffee art.

I met a gentleman yesterday who is a hobby artist. He doesn't sell his work anywhere but he definitely had a passion for his work. His favorite medium....coffee. I know, I gave him the same look. Apparently he went to visit his sister at work one day. She handed him a cup of coffee and on the lid some coffee had spilled giving the perfect outline of a rhino. He said he was amazed and he began showing it to people. Yes, everyone thought he was nuts. He rushed home and on watercolor paper began to recreate the image with his left over drink. His love for coffee painting was born and a pot of coffee was never wasted again.

I don't think you'll see coffee on my supply shelves soon but I admired his enthusiasm. I hope you see something unexpectedly arty in your day today.

Simple but brillant

This is Heck, a great illustrative artist. Some of you may be looking at this and thinking, "I could do that!" Unlikely.

I bought a calendar full of Heck drawings and I had a hard time deciding which one I would feature in this blog. One challenge of every artist, I imagine, is not overworking your piece. You tweak here and there and before you know it you've overdone it. Sometimes you can't undo all the damage. I wonder if Heck has this problem. In another imagine two birds sit on a telephone wire. Very simple work but you can't help but think their in love or some other silly scenario. Am I looking at the final piece after several overworked and overdone creations lie crumpled on the floor? I hope so, that would make me feel better.

It is said that artists and writers never actually finish a book or a painting, they simply abandon the project. I have indeed abandoned many paintings only to later see I quit at the perfect moment.

Drawing on the walls

I was visiting with a 19 year old friend of mine. She was telling me how she and her three roommates did some redecorating. They rent half a duplex so they are a bit limited. Redecorating meant some creative painting and new window coverings.

One of the roommates had a friend in Fairbanks who likes to do simple wall murals. They convinced her to come down and do two murals. One of a tree in the corner of the living room and another tree in their kitchen. She was quite enthusiastic with the results.

The above is a mural in my entry way. There is a wonderful large closet as soon as you walk in the door. But the HUGE pine stained doors were overwhelming and well, ugly! At the time I was not working full time as an artist and looked for any opportunity to create art. Over a few winter nights I created this moose peaking through the woods. The idea was to duplicate the view out the windows.

My husband not only allows but encourages drawing on the walls. Fortunately for my friend, Katelyn, her landlord was okay with it too. I am happy for Katelyn and her roommates. Grab every opportunity you have to bring art into your life.

Keep On Pedaling

I have mentioned in past blogs that I am currently working on a children's book. The art is done, the text is written and now for the B O R I N G stuff. This mainly involves sitting in front of a computer screen and putting the book together in a computer program. I have to rely heavily on my husband to do this part, I am not savvy with the programs required.

I woke up today celebrating that the book, which is simply a pile of CD's, would be handed off to the designer. The weight would lift off my shoulders knowing that my work was done and now those I have paid will carry on the rest. It was a good dream.

Unfortunately my conversation with the designer included a lot of , "wrong lay out" and "try it this way". I left with a hung head. I am right back to where I started and my poor honey is back to the computer screen with me hovering over his shoulder.

I know what Signore Greve would do, he would keep on pedaling.

The HORROR

What does Mona Lisa have to do with horror? Well hold on because I am dragging out my soap box and readying myself for a tirade.

Recently in the newspaper was a small blurb about McDonalds and Mona Lisa becoming neighbors. Now, we'll stop right there for a second. Mona Lisa, one of the most recognized paintings in the world, is the most popular attraction in the Louvre. She sits contently in her bullet proof box while people travel thousands of miles just to gaze upon this simple but powerful painting.

On the COMPLETELY opposite end of the spectrum, differing radically, diametrically opposed is...cough, sputter...McDonalds. What does his culture dictating, obesity promoting, toxic food creating empire have to do with the beloved Mona Lisa?

Apparently McDonald's restaurant will hang it's shingle in the shadow of the Louvre. In the Carrousel du Louvre the fast food chain will set up shop. After reading this I hung my head in utter disappointment and disillusionment. I know, the steaming forward monster known as McDonalds is unstoppable but the LOUVRE? Clearly nothing is sacred any more. Nothing.

I know if Mona Lisa read that article she'd wrinkle her nose and shake her head in disappointment right along with me.

Power of One

We had the absolute pleasure and joy of attending the Broadway production of "The Lion King". When I heard it was coming all the way to Anchorage I wrote it on every calendar so there would be no risk of missing it.

All my efforts were worth it. The music, colors and costumes were amazing and creative to the highest level. I read a comment by the costume designer where she discussed studying lions and their movements and how she tried to bring that all together for the play. Her thorough research was evident.

I often do similar research for a painting. The above is a painting of mine titled, " The Power of One", the title taken from a great book. This painting had me on the internet's Yahoo image search to find lions in every conceivable position. Often the painting will come from a combination of different lions. This lion has a great mane but this lion's eyes are piercing. What would I do without the internet?

The Lion King filled my artistic reservoir to the tippy top. I am so privileged to have enjoyed the work of such creative minds.

The Palette of the Season

This photograph is by a friend of mine Ron Nicholl. I love his work mainly because he seems to find things a little unusual. I love this photograph with the palette of fall.

Everything these days is bathed in yellows and orange. That isn't my normal, preferred palette. I love blues. I mean ridiculously so. Sometimes I have to force myself to stay away from blue so all my work doesn't look the same. But these days as the gorgeous color streams through my windows I find myself wanting to paint those twinges of green, orange and yellow.

The snow appeared on the mountains yesterday. My heart jumped with excitement. I can't wait for the world to be bathed in white. The blanket of snow out the window feels like a blank canvas. My colors feel brighter, warmer and more energetic.

I hope you have been able to enjoy the colors of fall wherever you are.

Natures Inspiration

I have a great husband. A few year ago he suggested we make our very unused t.v. room into my studio, making my too small loft studio into an art office. He reminds me every now and then how much of the house is labeled as "mine" but I am okay with that and quite grateful he is so willing to share.

The view outside my studio is heaven. Flowers, trees with birds flitting about and the occasion wildlife strolling through. When you're intense on an art problem, the faint clop of a moose hoof if just the recalibration you need. The rush you feel when a baby moose looks you right in the eye with his little cinnamon muzzle twitching to catch your smell is wonderful. If I were a cartoon at that moment I would have rainbows and butterflies swirling around me. You walk back into the house with a contented sigh and a clearer head.

Nature has a great way of making us take a deep breath and smile. Thinking about the first snowflakes slowly floating to the ground is giving me a smile already.

If We Hopped on Our Bikes....

The paint has been splashing around in my studio the last few months. My book on Signore Greve and Celli's travels is coming together. The boring price checking and scheduling is set and now it is all about getting the art from my head to the canvas.

Seeing my book come together is exciting. The image posted is of a page I struggled for some time with. The text was set but what was the art that would tie it all together? After mulling and discussing with my muse honey and my artist mom this image popped into my mind. I feel the finished product was even better than I hoped. That is a great feeling when the finished art was better than your imagination.

I am more than half way done. Here's hoping every page is better than the last.

Good-bye to the Light

The whirl of summer is coming to an end. As we reflect on the highs and lows the light of the midnight sun slowly puts itself to bed. I love winter and I love the peaceful, blanket like darkness that tucks us in for a few months. The pace of summer here is like no where else. When the sun reaches high in the sky you can't help but keep moving. Bike ride here, a late hike there. Canoes glide across water and laughter rings through out the sun lit night. But as an artist saying good-bye to the natural light is unfortunate.

I have completed paintings in the sunless winter only to gaze upon them again in summer's daylight and see missing strokes, thin spots and highlights that didn't carry themselves as well as I thought. Nothing hides from the light of the sun. Also, finding the perfect shadow and angle takes a little more work. The sun can always show me the correct way to portray slanted light. The light bulb on my studio lamp....not so much.

I chose this Grant Wood piece to show just how well placed light can make a painting warm and cool at the same time. Notice how your eye travels to the sun light. You feel warmer just looking at it.

The cooler air is blowing in and I welcome it with open arms, even if it means the light bulb will be my sun for the next few months

Your passport please

This picture was taken in Florence, Italy. Ahhhh Florence, now that is a dream come true for any art lover. Statues 1,000's of years old adorn every piazza, the Medici families influence is felt at every turn as you stroll through the narrow streets. It would take tremendous effort to not be creativity inspired in such an environment.

I purchased a sketch from this man. He was VERY talented and sold me a sketch of a statue he did from this stand point. This art which is framed in my living room set me back $30. I know, only $30!! I was humbled a bit as an artist. I don't know that I would be able to give that kind of life to a simple ink drawing. And I am sure that the time it would take me to accomplish it would cost much more than $30!

As we watched him work a gypsy woman and an Italian man erupted in a struggle. The gypsy had discreetly picked up the artist tip jar and was slithering away. I am sure just as she thought she was in the clear a man grabbed her from behind and wrestled the money away from her. The artist barely noticed. He was so engrossed in his image. When he realized what had happened he thanked his anonymous protector as the tip jar was returned to it's place and went right back to work. His mojo didn't even miss a beat.

We bought plane tickets today. We are headed out again for new adventure and new art. We will see Ireland and South Africa on this journey. I can't wait to be inspired by what awaits me. So much art, so little frequent flier miles.

Knock on Wood

The days have gotten away from me and I thought it was about time I got back to my blog post. Sadly, we had a family tragedy that broke our hearts and filled our minds. It's difficult to carry on daily activities knowing your life has been forever changed let alone to try to think creatively. But the beautiful Alaska summer has tried to soothe us.

We have company this week which means I get to play tourist for a bit. We have managed to snack on delicious food, sway to music and spend money at the Forest Fair in Girdwood. We have soaked up the sun has the bore tide rolled in and walked the beach at Kincaid. In our route back from Girdwood we stopped to visit with Jordan Anderson. He is the creator of this irresistible seal. With huge logs brought in from Wrangel and other parts of Alaska Jordan chainsaws away until a character emerges.

We have all seen the chainsaw bears and moose. But Jordan has taken in another level. The smooth skin of the humpback whale makes it impossible to not reach out and touch it. The school of salmon takes you under the water of an Alaska stream. It really was impossible to not be impressed.

I have drove past his work for years but never took the time to stop. Smiling at a beautiful carved seal, feeling the smooth wood carefully worked to perfection, that is what life is suppose to be about. We don't know how many days we have left. Let's enjoy every one.

Art Filled Summer

Doesn't this picture make you want to stroll around in the sun, enjoying all the colors and styles of art? This summer there is a special art show on Saturdays on G Street in downtown Anchorage. It's called "Art on G Street, from studio to street". The street is closed off between 3rd and 5th to allow for casual art booth browsing. Some galleries were featuring artists that decorate their walls. Other booths were independent artist excited to have a greater audience.

My goal was to simply check out this great art happening. Say hello to any artist I knew and see how the whole program was working. I didn't get far before a booth dragged me in. Yes, dragged! I wasn't planning on buying anything and my walls are quite full. But WHOA NELLY did my heart insist I come home with some art. Keep checking the blog for pictures of what we brought home. Anyway, I highly recommend putting G Street on your summer to do list. You are sure to enjoy the 2 block trip.

This Wednesday Portage Glacier Cruises is featuring their "Art on the Lake" trip. It starts at 6:30 and is a two hour cruise around the lake and glacier. There will be music, food, wine and of course lots of art. Check my past blog for more details. Also, the Saturday market is in full swing. Many artists have booths there and it's a great way to see some Alaska art.

Here is to sunshine, relaxing days and an art filled summer.

Suitcase Art

It is the season of tourist. You can spot them a mile away. No, it's not the camera or the comfortable walking shoes. It's usually the woolly coats and hats. 65 degrees is summer here. An Alaskan will of course be in sandals and shorts soaking up the hot weather. The tourists will be huddled together sipping a hot drink.

Tourist season is good for artist. Whenever I travel I find the perfect piece of art to bring home. It's a great souvenir. The cheesy back scratcher seems like a great idea when your mind is free of worry and schedules. You get home and think, did I actually buy this and haul it all the way home? Not so with art. Usually you pull it out from your suitcase, carefully unwrap it and fall in love all over again.

Hence the term 'suitcase art'. It is a word used a lot this time of year. Art that can travel safely in a suitcase to it's final destination. I have been creating suitcase art and nothing else these days. It does get a bit tedious I have to admit. I create items that I think I would buy if I was seeking the perfect art item or art gift. But creating dozens of the same work wears on the creativity. For most artists these items will pay the bills for the next several months. I know I am grateful for that. Now the trick is to keep that creative fire burning while I create a beautiful Alaska scene.....again.

Children's section

I had the privilege of illustrating a children's book called "Super Sprouts". A doctor who specializes in obesity related disease saw my web site and thought I might be a good fit. I was estactic! I have always wanted to do children's illustrations. The subject fit me as well, the book is all about healthy eating and exercise. I am quite the greenie when it comes to eating. I bike everywhere and really dislike cars, malls and gamers. I am all about fresh air and food grown from the earth. The book turned out well. You can check out what people have to say about it on Amazon.com, just search "Super Sprouts". The project was fun and a HUGE learning experience. It took much more time than I expected. The author was awesome to work with but creating someone else's vision has it's challenges.

I had my book on display at a recent art show. A customer picked it up and paged through it. He approached me and said he was looking for a book illustrator and didn't know I did that kind of work. After a lunch or two together the characters of the book are coming to life. That is the most fun part. Watching pencil and paper create a being that makes you smile or think. A little drawing that becomes it's own personality and energy.

I will pass on more details about the book's subject and direction in the future. The author and his wife are working out all the details in the story line. The drawing you see will be a character in the book. He has no name yet but already his personality is creeping through.

I like to think that some where in the world a child crawls into bed with his cozy cartoon pajamas while his parent opens and reads a book I've illustrated. Maybe they smile or laugh at something I have drawn. I hope so, because that is a fulfilling thought.

Sell, Sell, Buy, Buy

When a person decides to save their money there are certain places they just don't frequent. If you are a lover of shoes you don't decide to stroll through Nordstroms shoe department. If jewelry is your weakness you aren't hanging out at Tiffany's on your lunch hour. But what if art is your money burner and you're an artist?

Artworks Gallery in Eagle River is a dangerous place for me. The pottery makes me weak in the knees. The jewelry makes me drool and the stained glass.....I don't even want to talk about it. But here is the problem, among the awesome pieces of art hangs a collection of Signore Greve. Yes, I am honored to be among the fabulous art that resides in this gallery. This means that at least every other month I am FORCED againsts my penny saving judgement to enter this haven of delicious color and texture.

You know the lectures you give yourself? The ones that start with," Okay, now listen!" Well I give myself that every time I pull into the parking lot. I almost made it out on Friday without distraction. But right next to the door were these adorable, irresistable hand thrown cups. Perfect for tea. "Be strong, step away", my inner voice warns. But the hand thrown turtle bowls were right next to it! Then I turned to tell Iris, one of the owners, how fantastic they were I saw the glazed metal necklace. I wavered, I began to do math in my head. I started to mentally refine the explanation dialouge to my husband.

I came off victorious. I practically ran screaming out of the store. Iris gets that all the time I am sure. Maybe my money from the next sale at the gallery can become my next purchase. Besides, it's summer in Alaska with 2o hours of daylight. Who needs to pay the electric.

Fresh off the easel

Here is my latest Signore Greve titled "Musical Note". I had planned to put the musical instrument onto the back of Greve's bike. Artistically it just wasn't working so I removed the instrument and added the instrument case. At first I was frustrated that I couldn't make my mental image translate to canvas. But later as I looked at it drying on my studio wall I decided I was glad for the mishap. I think Signore Greve has a bit of mystery to him which is part of his appeal. Being his creator I know what instrument he plays but what does the viewer think? I think that is part of the fun in art, seeing the obvious and also imagining the unseen.

I sold a Greve painting to a wonderful patron of mine who gave it as a gift to his 80 something mother who lives out of state. He sat in the mornings of his visit drinking coffee and looking at the painting hung in the kitchen. As the mornings went by he saw little nuances he hadn't noticed before. On his return home I received an e-mail from him asking me about the little details he noticed. I hope all my art buyers find more and more to enjoy about my paintings as it becomes a fixture in their daily lives.

I hope "Musical Note" makes people wonder what instrument Greve plays. Does Celli howl along? What does your imagination say?

The Tourist are Coming!

That is the hope at least, that soon our streets will be filled with people gazing about at the wonder of Alaska. It makes me happy to live here when I see visitor's faces lit up as they take in their surroundings. Here I am enjoying a HUGE low tide we experienced yesterday. Ahhhh, Alaska.

As I mentioned in my last blog, sunny weather makes concentration somethings difficult. I worked feverishly to get new art into all my venues in April. First because I wanted nice full walls for the tourist but also because you can't help but have your production drop a bit in the summer. I hope to sit on G Street on the end of June during a new art sidewalk show the city is adding this year. (Keep your eyes on the blog to hear more.) And I am busy getting our Art on the Lake trip organized. That takes away from time at the easel.

Here is the good news/bad news of an artist. "GOOD NEWS, we sold three of your paintings and we need more ASAP!" Then comes... BAD NEWS I don't have time scheduled for that since I have these other projects in the works. It really is a good problem to have but a scheduling problem none the less. I am always warmed when someone feels my art was worth laying down money for and taking home. It's what my job is all about.

Time to drag the easel on the deck, ignore the phone and get some paint brushes flying!

Sunshine Days

The weather has been amazing the last week or so. It's hard when the sun is calling me through my window to stay at the easel but I have managed to stay focused. Of course, the logical thing to paint on a sunshine day is Signore Greve. The painting you see it titled "Paisley Forest". It is a paper collage background with oil painting over top. I really love this technique since my options are limitless. Fortunately art buyers love the style too so I get to keep creating.

I hope you are enjoying sunshine days where ever you are!

Bike to Work

Today is National Bike to Work day. The whole week has involed a greater awareness of the wonders biking can do for our earth, our bodies and our minds. Of course being a HUGE cyclist myself I can't help but be drawn to any kind of bike art. We have 4 pieces of artwork displayed featuring bicycles and we have one waiting for a frame. This image is from artist Darrell Hill called "Retro Bikes". Signore Greve himself came from a wonderful biking journey Steve and I made through Italy. Creativity comes easier on a bike ( see blog Pondering and Pedaling). Freed from the roar of traffic and frustration of red lights ideas and images come easier.

I am embarking on a huge project. A project that I have to confess has me a bit overwhelmed. Signore Greve is soon to become his own children's book. I have done the boring work, pricing cost, shipping solutions etc. Now is the time to nail down the story line and get painting. I hope to have the finished product this time next year. Bike to work day will also include my book showing Greve and Celli enjoying the wonders of this world on his bike.

I hope you were able to enjoy some pedal power today. If not, be sure to make a goal to see the your part of the world from a bike seat. Your mind will thank you.

Art on the Lake

I love art attacks. You know what I mean, you are just moving through your day and you suddenly come upon unexpected art. Maybe you enter a building for some mundane errand and see fantastic paintings on the wall. Or you turn a corner and see an art show set up on the street. Your mind is suddenly happy and curious as you soak up all the creative energy. Your boring errands and traffic woes are forgotten as you enjoy the art attack. The Girdwood Center for Visual Art is staging an art attack. We hope to give locals and visitor's a surprise moment of art.

The MV Ptarmigan will tour the pristine Portage Lake and the Portage Glacier like it does every summer. People will enjoy the life sounds of glacier, see the area wildlife and learn about Alaska. The twist? Art from the Girdwood Center for Visual Art will be on display. During the cruise artists will be on board creating while the boat lazily circles the shoreline. Musicians will entertain passengers as they sip wine and munch on hors d'oeuvres. This one time event will add a truly memorable moment to their summer.

I have gone on this cruise and it really is a nice boat trip with a great close up of the glacier. But art added to the wonderful scenery.....now that is going to be great. Mark your calendar if you would like this join this art attack. We will be on the boat Wednesday,June 24 and the tickets are $50. Drop me a note if you would like to know more. And always enjoy those unexpected art moments.

Is It Art?

I sit on the board for the Girdwood Center of Visual Art and this question comes up often. We will have a artist interested in joining the co-op gallery and will present their art for review. Here is where it gets complicated. Is it art or is it craft? I probably tend to be one of the toughest judges. It's important to me to stay true to what a gallery represents, ART! Not that a craft item can't be creative or interesting. But being 'craft' it belongs in a gift shop or the like. But who decides?

Here is a bigger question, who decided Jackson Pollack was an amazing artist? NOT ME! For those of you without an art background who have ever looked at his work and thought,"Isn't that just splattered paint?" The answer is YES! If you have every looked at his paintings and thought, " I think I could do that." The answer is YES you could! Would I complain if someone who controls the art world looked at my work and said, "By Jove it's brilliant!" Of course not. Maybe Jackson did the same thing. Did he go to bed and night and snicker that his splattered paint became worth millions...maybe.

Attached is a photo of work that confuses my definition of art and craft. This was created by Lance Lekander. I love his work and even have one of his serigraphs hanging in my house. Lance is without a doubt an artist. His work is clearly art. But recently he began making these creatures. The first one I saw in a gallery and HAD to have my very own monster. I called Lance and placed my order for a Portugal Fishermonster. A few weeks later I had Chique to call my own. Chique and Sal ( the fish) greet me every morning from the bookcase in my bedroom. In it's simplest definition it's a stuffed animal right? But it is so creative! Is it art? Shouldn't it be craft? I am glad I don't have to sit on a jury for that one because I would be tainted by my love for Lance's work and his amazing creative ideas. I do know that if Lance and Pollack were in a paint off Pollack would have to leave shame faced and Chique and I would be smiling in the stands.

A Different Kind of Creative

My funny bone has been completely entertained and my internal jogging has my inners in tip top shape. Why? I just saw the Broadway musical Spamalot.

It is a musical based off the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The Sunday Times said it, "Raises silliness to an art form". It's true! It really was creativity at it's best. The set designs were incredible, the costumes mesmerizing, songs witty and the actors....well they were just amazing! To be able to sing well AND dance AND have comedic timing is an impressive combination.

When the forest guarded by the Knights that say NI unfolded I was in awe of the trees. I wish I had thought to draw trees that way! It appeared some of the trees were stitched in a net curtain with others being tree dimensional that the actors could move about through. A special instrument was created and used only in Spamalot and special 'mud' makeup also was created just for this musical. After the show we went for dessert with a couple that had joined us and replayed all our favorite moments. I don't think I am going to leave my easel and brushes and head to Broadway but I would be in creative company if I did!

Pondering and Pedaling

Monday my friend Noah and I planned a last run on the ski hills. On arriving at the trail head I found grey slushy snow with mud peaking through. Not idea skiing. So Thursday my bike, complete with studded tires, hit the bike path.

One ( there are really so many) wonderful thing about riding your bike is the time you can let your mind wander. Jumping from a song you heard recently to what you're going to make for dinner to what paint color a leaf you just past would be. I often find an art dilemma or a creative impasse will resolve itself as I pedal along. Among the wanderings of my mind suddenly the perfect solution to my current art problem will surface. In fact, yesterday I made a hand signal to turn right and saw my shadow on the pavement. My mittened hand made me laugh. Then I thought, why haven't I ever painted Signore Greve and Celli winter biking? I could see them humming along with snow covered mountains regal in the background. (the picture shows a summer scene I did a few years back) OH OH I know, Signore Greve with skis strapped to his back on the way to the ski hill! Him in a ball topped ski hat and Celli with his own scarf fluttering in the winter air. Idea after idea flowed.

I came back to reality quickly as the trail got more and more challenging to navigate. The creek had overflowed on the trail and a series of mini ice bergs, soft snow and chilly water required full concentration. I am sad to say I wasn't dry when I got to my destination but I was creatively inspired!

To be brilliant

We were hanging out on Saturday night when a knock rang at our door. We don't live in an area where people just drop in so the knock was curious. I opened the door to see my neighbor Amrit. Apparently her husband had a bad cold complete with wracking cough. They wouldn't be able to use their symphony tickets. She didn't want to waste them and offered up a free night of live music. Who can refuse that?

The first movement was amazing! Like jaw dropping, wow I can't believe it amazing. Certainly you expect to be moved and refreshed after a night of violins and cellos but this was incredible. This was my introduction to Arturo Marquez a renowned Mexican composer. That is his photo to the left. This piece is so popular it is called the second national anthem in Mexico. On the way home I said to Steve, "I wonder what it is like to be brilliant."

Reading up on Marquez I discovered Danzon No. 2 was written in 1993 after a trip to Malinalco with painter Andres Fonseca. Art and music do come together so perfectly. Maybe the two of them in sharing ideas and inspiration both came up with their own brilliant creation. Marquez certainly did. Maybe on those days when my creative energy seems dried up and drawing a circle seems impossible I need to find a musician to hang with. I do know Danzon No. 2 will be on my ipod.

What's Your Favorite?

I have a calendar in my studio that Steve got for me. Everyday you slide out a page to reveal the next day behind it. It features a nice 4 inch by 4 inch photo of a famous piece of art with the date in small letters on the top. Why have all that month and day text getting in the way. Some days I will turn the card to the current day and know it is going to be a great art day based on the photo. The other day Steve caught me up to date on my calendar ( show week got me behind a few days) and said, " Oh, my favorite painting is coming up on Monday." Hmmm, what is Steve's favorite painting? The conversation went like this:

Oh "The Execution of Lady Jane Grey?"

No, but that is a fantastic painting.

Hmmm, OH "Bathers At Asnieres"!

Oh, that is a great painting but no.

"Paris Street ;Rainy day"?

No, again amazing painting but that isn't it.

This went on for several more minutes before I gave up. When he revealed it was Seurat's "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" I was surprised. Now don't misunderstand, that is a jaw dropping painting. I guess I was a bit shamed face I didn't know. If you have never seen the painting the people are pretty much life size and the painting was done in pointillism, a thousand dots of paint coming together to create this scene with hidden references and political statements. It is at the Chicago Art Institute and is worth planning a good 20 minutes sitting on the bench in front of it taking it all in. If you are of my generation and remember the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" there is a key scene in that movie featuring that painting in the Art Institute. Our conversation continued for about an hour as I pulled out my art books with the sun streaming through the windows. We discussed all the great art we have had the privilege of seeing in this country as well as Europe. I did feel bad that I didn't know his favorite painting but when you think about all the wonderful work created and being created it's no wonder I didn't. What is my favorite painting? Let's grab a pot of tea and I'll tell you.

Success!

We had a great show on Friday. Jean Shadrach and Gail Flotre were busy as bees cleaning brushes, gently directing people how to get the affect they wanted and encouraging those a little resistant to try their hand at painting. Bamboo was drawn and redrawn with Jean patiently instructing people, " Hold the brush like there is an egg in your palm and a rock balanced on the top of your hand". Many people left holding their attempts at Sumi-e painting. Some were quite impressive. I encouraged one participant to consider getting mat and framing her creation. She loved to paint in school but as life was filled with children and work her art supplies got put away and eventually forgotten. The desire was still there and the skill was still there too. That was the goal of this show, to get people to have their own creative moment. Like the mother and two teenage daughters who insisted they had NO talent. Gail convinced them to try silk painting and the result was a beautiful plate with a perfectly shaped and blended pear and apple. Now I am realistic and don't expect our art visitors to quit their jobs and take up the label of starving artist. But I hope that for a brief moment on C street Friday night people forgot about bills and obligations and saw only the art, their art developing before their eyes.

Show week

The term "show week" in my house means ready yourself for a bit of chaos. Art piled by the door. Vehicle seats stacked in the garage so the van can be used as a u-haul of sorts. All the little bits that make a show enjoyable and successful have to be put in place. Of course, every show I tell myself I will be SO prepared that on the Friday morning of the show I can have a leisurely breakfast before I head down to 3150 C Street to get the show in place. I haven't experienced that leisurely breakfast yet but I know it's going to be fabulous when it happens.

If you have never done the First Friday art walk you really should. Most galleries in town feature an artist and have an opening with the artist on site, snacks and drinks. It is a fun free night out and for the artists involved it makes the chaos of "show week" all worth it.

I hope to see you 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 3 for "Asian Brushstrokes" at Gallery 31 Fifty at 3150 C Street ( 31st and C in the Yukon Building) Come and enjoy hands on art demonstrations with Jean Shadrach and Gail Flotre. The show display will continue 11-5 p.m. Monday, April 6.

The love of Comics

If you haven't opened the pages of a graphic novel you're really missing out. For someone like me who loves art and loves book it is the perfect marriage. This photo is of my most recent graphic novel find "Mouse Guard" by David Petersen. Think Star Wars theme but the Jedi are mice. The art is fantastic and this little mouse world the author takes you into is crazy creative.

I spent a good portion of my summers at my grandparents cottage on Chippewa Lake in Michigan. After I finished my list of chores that my grandfather ALWAYS had waiting for me (washing and waxing their huge cargo van was the most dreaded) I would head to the lake. We had a paddle boat and a German Shepherd named Skippy who thought riding in the passenger side was how every dog spent his summer. We would paddle across the lake to the country store and buy comic books and candy. The rest of the day would be spent floating around the lake with me reading, soaking up the sun and trying to prevent the boat from tipping as Skippy leaned over to see what was going on down below. Now at the risk of aging myself I must mention that I think at the time comics were about .25 cents or maybe .50 cents. A comic book today is about $5.00! That is a lot of cash for a 20 minute read with mediocre art! This is why graphic novels are so exciting!

My first graphic novel was Eric Drooker's "Blood Song". The book has no words just fantastic art to carry you through the story. There is even a graphic novel version of Henry David Thoreau's' Walden! Now I will add a word of caution. Many, if not most, graphic novels are....well, GRAPHIC! Buxom babes in metal thongs, blood splatters across panel after panel. Sadly man's lust for violence and sex has even crept in to the world of comics. But great work is out there and it's worth searching for. The few I have mentioned are very G rated and thoroughly enjoyable.

Next time you're in a book store just stroll through the graphic novel section. There are some amazing artists out there ready to take you on quite a entertaining journey

Mojo Flow

I often read about other artist's exercises for getting in the creative mind set. One artist does a doodle every morning on the same sheet of paper. When the paper is filled he has this wild combination of drawings that fit together even though the style and subject matter doesn't match. I sometimes sit in on a figure drawing session with some local artists. The model will do 30 second poses to help us warm up. Again, the idea being you're firing up the mojo to get it flowing. I love the doodle a day idea and promise myself that someday I will incorporate it. My problem is that I often have something on the easel that is calling out to me and I can't concentrate on a doodle. But now I have bigger problems. We are replacing our leaking, flat, garage roof. It is going to be awesome. My honey and I keep telling this to each other to lessen the sting of the outrageous cost. A dry garage will be a thrill but the awesome part will come from the huge patio the roof will become. I can already see myself painting away on the patio on a sunny day with the circling ravens and munching moose down below. But as you can see by the photo my view from the studio is anything but creative!! The scene of my plastic bubbled roof and dumpster don't inspire. Hammers, shouts from the construction crew, knocks on the door to tell me they found MORE rotten wood does nothing for mojo. NOTHING! I worked Friday afternoon on a painting that was painted over by that early evening. I have a show coming up and nothing is going right. How can it? Noise, expense stress, people in my space. Maybe that doodle page will start today.

Asian Brushstrokes

Asian Brushstrokes

5-8 p.m. Friday April 3rd

at Gallery 31 Fifty, 3150 C Street

featuring Jean Shadrach and Gail Flotre

I am very excited about my upcoming April show on Friday the 3rd! Jean Shadrach, an art icon in Alaska and Gail Flotre, silk painter extraordinaire, will be doing hands on demonstrations at the show titled "Asian Brushstrokes. You know that artist inside you just waiting to get out? Well this could be the moment it emerges! Jean is an amazing artist and a certified sumi-e painter. She actually lived several years in Okinawa. Sumi-e is traditional Japanese one brush ink painting. My sumi-e book defines it this way: "To be sumi-e, a black-ink painting must be like a thing alive with the power to stir the hearts and emotions of all who see it." Wow, no pressure there uh! Maybe an easier explanation a simple image done with simple brush strokes using black ink. I will admit it is much harder than it looks. Jean has an image of a bird that she is holding in the photo of her that is excellent. This content, plump little bird was created with just a few ink lines. Jean will be giving instructions and then allowing you to give it a try. By the way, the line forms behind me.

Gail Flotre is from Kodiak originally and is a popular silk and watercolor artist. I have several of Gail's scarves. I will warn you they are pretty much irresistible! Some have painted images of fireweed or poppies while others are a gorgeous swirl of color. In the last show that Gail joined me in she even had a man buying her scarves for himself! I have seen this gentlemen in his scarf and it is nothing but classy. Gail is also a noted watercolor artist. She will have original paintings and cards available at the show. If you have been wanting a nice watercolor piece for your home but have a very limited art budget check out Gail's items. You will be impressed with the quality and affordability of her work. Gail too will be showing you how to paint on silk and will then hand over the brush for you to give it a try. It's true, your attempt at a flower might look like a bunny rabbit but that is okay. You gotta start somewhere!

So maybe you're asking, "What is Gina doing for this show?" Excellent question. Funny, Gail and Jean asked me the same thing. Sadly I don't really have an art skill that translates well to demonstration. I will have several Asian inspired works and will be helping Gail and Jean with their demonstrations. This show is going to be great! It's like a free art class. OH, I almost forgot another great part. Every 30 minutes a piece of art will be given away. Gail, Jean and I are all contributing items for visitors to go home with. Wow, free classes, free art... now if I only had free Ginsu knives to add to the package.

Here is the info to jot on your calendar: Asian Brushstrokes 5-8 p.m. First Friday April 3 at 3150 C Street. (31st and C) The art will still be on display 11-5 p.m. Monday, April 6 (but the classes are only available on Friday night !)

Welcome!

Thank you for visiting my blog! I'm excited to have a venue to visit about art, share with you what's new off the easel and tell you about upcoming shows.

My recent Signore Greve show at Snow City cafe at 4th and L was a huge success! Signore Greve was a character I created on a bike trip through Italy. I took a photo of an Italian man in a business suit straddling his basket adorned bike as he chatted with a friend. I was so charmed with that image and the spirit of Italy it embodied that I couldn't help but translate that into paint. Greve's dog Celli was patterned on a smaller version of my hound dog Beezil. He is a world traveler and loves to take you on virtual trips. I created 16 paintings for the show and left with only 2! People seem to love Greve's energy and style and really seem to connect with him. There is no better compliment! My goal this summer is to start a children's book featuring Signore Greve and Celli. Keep checking the blog for progress.

I have included a photo from a piece I just finished. I haven't come up with a name for it yet so your comments and suggestions are welcome.

My April show is going to be extra special. Check back for the details!

Have an art filled day!

Gina