S. Corey-Art Modern Abstract Outsider Folk Art Art Brut Paintings.

Harbor 4

2012-02-01T16:58:00.000-08:00

Click on image to enlarge. Click here for more views.
Size: 24"x36"x1.5"
Title: Harbor 4
Dated: 1/30/2012
Price: $1500

Our San Diego Harbor continues to inspire me to paint it. It's not that I have been visiting it more often. But the memory of its evening shimmer as it reflects the lights from boats and bay-side establishments persists in floating to the surface of my imagination.

Speaking of imagination, the little bird series has a front row seat there as more and more scenarios for them are finding their way to my sketch pad. I hope you are ready to see more because many more are planned! Feel free to send me ideas you think would be suitable. Next will be The Tobogganers. (Thank you Deb) Planned: Tennis; Poolside; Beach; Drivers; Golfers; Hikers; Congregation; Line Dancers; Gardeners.

Catch the Stars

2012-01-25T18:24:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge.
Size: 8x8x1.5
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Price: $250.00

The birds are likely wondering whether to carry out their plans to catch the stars or to stop in wonderment and cast their dreams upon them.

The Skiers SOLD

2012-01-18T20:11:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click here for more photos and pricing.

Title: The Skiers
Size: 8x8x1.5
Medium: Acrylic on canvas

So if birdies can skate, I see no reason to think they can't ski (Isn't that how the term "Snow Birds" came about?) I wonder whether they are they good enough skiers to dodge snowballs lobbed at them by a mischievous snowman? Either way, after a day of good skiing, a sip hot coco at the nearby ski lodge is waiting for them!

The Skaters - SOLD

2012-01-06T10:36:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more views and information.

Title: The Skaters

Size: 8x8x3/4

Medium: Acrylic on canvas

Dated: 1/5/12

My garden is a balcony in the canyon treetops, with plants, a water fountain, a bird bath and several little birdhouses. The canyon is home to a variety of birds, many of whom visit my balcony throughout the day to partake of its amenities. The favorite of these are the water features. Much happy splashing in wild abandon takes place in them. One can almost see their little beaks smiling. If it snowed here I imagine they would have just as much fun ice skating.

This is my first painting of 2012 and my 200th painting to post on the Yessy Gallery!

Harbor 3-SOLD

2011-12-28T18:40:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.
Size: 24"x36"x1.5"
Title: Harbor 3
Dated: 12/23/2011
Medium: Oil on stretched canvas.

Harbor 3 used to be Loft 14. Yes, I painted over it. That's what it gets not being a very good painting. I like this one better and it will be my next submission to the San Diego Art Institute (SDAI) Regional show, which takes place toward the end of January 2012. Of course just because I submit it, doesn't mean it will make it into the show. I'll keep you posted.

I just finished the sketch for a folk art painting of birds having a wonderful time in the snow. If all goes well it will be posted next week.

SDAI Regional Show

2011-12-16T08:41:00.000-08:00

The Diego Art Institute Museum of the Living Artist regional show runs December 16, 2011 to January 15, 2012. Opening night reception is 6-8 PM, Dec. 16, at 1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 236-0011. The show was juried by Carol Thomason.

Not Even A Mouse? SOLD

2011-12-14T14:52:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more views.
Title: Not Even A Mouse?
Size: 8"x8"x 3/4"
Medium: Acrylic on stretched, gallery-wrapped canvas.

Date: 12/13/2011

These busy, little Christmas santas are swirling and zooming as quickly as they can through the sky to deliver you a sleigh-full of Christmas wishes! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Yesterday, San Diego Art Institute called to say my painting, Urban Edge 6, had been jury-selected for the next Regional show. That is my happy Christmas news.

Just Talking

2011-11-17T12:04:00.000-08:00

Boy, life takes up a lot of time! Handling the day-to-day has left little time for painting of late. No problem though. It was time for a break. Perhaps it will lead to some fresh ideas.

Urban Edge 6

2011-11-09T22:26:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more views and information.

Size: 48"x30"x1.5" multi-directional. Room views may not be to scale.
Title: Urban Edge 6 (#6 in the Urban Edge series)
Dated: 11/4/2011
Medium: Oil on archival stretched canvas.

Finally managed to finish this painting. Although I do like working on these large canvases, they certainly are more cumbersome to work on in a small space. And I would also like to take more liberty with the paint application process but then paint would end up on everything in the house!

Zazzle Store Progress Report

2011-10-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

I hope my Zazzle Store is truly up and running. Take a click n' see. You should see a small collection of products, including those sent earlier in the week. Android and Blackberry cases will also be available. Newest additions are the iPhone cases.

Also working on a painting. Just taking longer than usual. Maybe by next week.

Product Preview: Retro Shoe

2011-10-10T11:08:00.000-07:00

I found it! The canvas shoe I referred to in the last post has been found. Turns out the review process for shoe designs at Zazzle is longer than for other products.

I suspect this is due to the fact that shoe designs are placed on Ked's shoes and they probably want to approve what goes on their shoes. But here is a sneak peek at the design.

To see more angles, click here.

Please scroll down to see more new products.

Product Line: 2 Tomatoes Grocery Tote and Apron

2011-10-10T10:22:00.000-07:00

Two more products: 2 Tomatoes Grocery Tote and Apron. From my original painting Tomatoes 11.

To order, or for more style options, please click the links below:

2 Tomatoes Grocery Tote

2 Tomatoes Kitchen & Gardening Apron

P.S. I designed a fun pair of canvas shoes but they seem to have gone missing at Zazzle. Once I can locate them at I will post them for you to see. If you missed The Joy of a Chicken tote and apron, you can see them by scrolling down to the previous post!

Product Line: The Joy of a Chicken Kitchen Apron

2011-10-08T13:09:00.000-07:00

Product number 2, The Joy of a Chicken Kitchen Apron.
Please click title for more information.

Product Line: The Joy of a Chicken Grocery Tote

2011-10-08T08:53:00.000-07:00

Guess what. I am rolling out a new line of personal and gift items at Zazzle. Each product will be decorated with art I have selected from my portfolio. Please click on the Title above for more information.

Debuting first is the Joy of the Chicken grocery tote bag. Available in a variety of sizes and shapes. Click here to see more.

Here are some of the other products I plan to include in the line:
For the kitchen and home: A variety of grocery and other tote bags, aprons and coffee mugs
For Fashion: T-shirts, sweatshirts, Canvas shoes and caps

For the home: Calendars, posters, framed and canvas prints

For the Gardener: Aprons and caps

For pets: Pet clothing/accessories

For kids: Skate boards

Miscellaneous: Stickers and bumper stickers, mouse pads

Binders: for school, recipes, photos

Urban Edge 5, SOLD

2011-09-28T18:12:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more views.

Size: 24x30x1.5
Medium: Oils and acrylic
Dated: 9/24/2011

I painted over Toward the Light. That's what often happens if a painted doesn't sell in a timely manner. I only have so much space to store them. They have to earn their keep by going, or their gone!

Mid-Century Modern Harbor

2011-09-21T19:27:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more views.
Size: 30x48x1.5
Medium: Oils
Dated: 9/18/2011

A funny thing happened on the way to this painting. After the last two auction sales two people contacted me to see whether I had any more like the last two paintings. I didn't. They asked whether I could paint something similar. I explained that never works out very well with abstract art. I WISH it were not so and am very appreciative of the interest. But since it doesn't allow the new painting its own evolution, a struggle develops between what the buyer wants and the direction the painting is naturally taking.

Of course I found myself attempting it anyway, as usual. And as usual, it was not working out. The painting was a long challenge and in the end it turned out quite different from Harbor, its model.

Although I liked it ultimately, my guess is that the potential buyer won't. We'll see. And oddly, 30x48 to be a popular size in spite of the outrageous shipping charges.

Harbor SOLD

2011-08-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click here for more views.

Size: 30x48x1.5

Medium: Oils on Stretched Canvas

Date: 8/18/2011

This is the second of the two, 30x48 canvases I had. I took the inspiration from the little 6x8" painting I posted in April, 2010 called San Diego Harbor.

I posted Harbor to eBay and it already has a bid on it, yay.

The 2011, SD Art Contemporary Art Fair is coming September 1-4.

Urban Edge 4 SOLD

2011-08-11T15:16:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click here for more views and information.

Size: 48x30x1.5

Medium: Oils and Acrylic on Canvas.

Date: 10.5.11

I have one more canvas this size to paint. A few ideas have come to me but I haven't made a decision yet. Shall I jump in and start or wait until I have an idea of where I am going?

Update

2011-07-29T11:35:00.000-07:00

It's been a month since my last post and even longer since my last painting! I've been giving my arm/neck/shoulder a much-needed rest and since I have been in an artistic dry spell anyway, it has worked out perfectly. Yesterday I did finally begin a new oil painting on a 30 x 48 canvas. I am curious to see how it turns out.

New Friend (the little painting of a dog and man) was sold last week. It had become an "old friend" to me so in a way I was sorry to see it go. But it went to a loving and appreciative home, which made the farewell a happy occasion.

Update

2011-06-30T14:26:00.000-07:00

Remember Royal Food Mart? That is the painting I submitted and had accepted to the June/July 2011, SDAI Regional show. You can see the show online here or stop by for the Special Artist Reception: July 1, 2011, 6pm to 8pm for "juried and awarded artwork from "Outstanding Visual Artists" of the region".

The show runs from June 24, 2011 to July 24, 2011. The San Diego Art Institute is located in Balboa Park, House of Charm, and 1439 El Prado. Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 4 p.m. Sunday 12 - 4 p.m. Requested Gallery Donation: Adults $3. Senior Citizens, Military and Students $2. Children under 12 admitted free.

Sketchy Number

2011-06-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge.
Size: 16 x 20
Medium: Digital Pigment Print
Date: 6/17/2011

There is an ongoing discussion I have with one particular artist-friend. He likes art that derives meaning from its narrative. Paintings need to include people and personal struggles. On the other hand, although I appreciate that type of art, I really am more drawn to paintings that are non-narrative in nature. The more direction the artist gives, the less drawn in I am. That's one reason I am so attracted to very abstract art. What do you think?

But then, I also like pop art which often focuses on ordinary, everyday objects. In the case of this old telephone, we can only imagine the narrative. Is someone coming to the phone? Is it a friendly call, good news, bad news? Or is it off the hook because, well, any number of reasons? A narrative is left to the viewer.

Update

2011-06-10T11:13:00.000-07:00

I started two new pieces this week and hoped to get them finished and posted. As you can see I didn't make it. Seems I spent more time on marketing and listings than on painting. That happens.

Saturday night I stopped in at the SDAI Summer C-Note opening, where I had 4 paintings. I was told the buyer of A Day in the Park 2, had been waiting in line for the doors to open so she could be the first to get to the painting! For C-Note shows, buying is on a first-come, first-served basis. It makes for a lively and energetic show. Loft 13 also sold, but I missed that one too. They were both gone by the time I arrived. The other two I submitted were A Day in the Park 1 and Toward the Light. The show runs through June 19, so I hope they too will be sold!

Yesterday I had lunch with an artist-friend at the Contemporary Museum of Art La Jolla, cafe and visited 5 contemporary art galleries, including the Tasende, which I had never visited. He sold 5 paintings of La Jolla at a recent solo show. That's the way to do it!

Pomegranates #3

2011-06-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.
Size: 7x5
Medium: Digital
Date: 3/11/2002

This week I am resurrecting my first digital art piece. As nearly as I could tell from my computer files it dates back to at least 3/11/2002. This means I drew it on my old laptop, using a center track pad. I remember when the idea came to try a little digital sketch. At the time I did not know whether anyone had done this yet. (I'm sure MANY had) I was surprised at how much I liked it and it has remained a favorite, with its sketchy looks.

Typewriter V2 #2

2011-05-26T11:46:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge.

Medium: Digital
Size: 8x10
Date: 5/24/2011

More printing problems. Last week I wrote about how the company that prints my larger Giclee paintings had moved farther away. Since then I have been listing more of the smaller-sized digital pieces so that I can handle the orders on my own printer. But alas, my old (by today's standards) printer chugged out its last two prints before throwing up its hands and quitting. I sent them to the customer whose shipment arrived damaged a few days earlier. And guess what. The replacements arrived damaged as well. SO, my new printer arrives today and I will reprint and resend again. USPS, what has happened to you?

Remember the blue Typewriter? (August 2010) It has been my most popular digital piece. It was carefully modeled on a 1960's Montgomery Ward typewriter. I thought it would be fun to do it up in some new, Mid Century Modern colors. Here it is dressed in Harvest Gold and Yellow.

Toward the Light

2011-05-19T15:01:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click Title for more information and views.
Size: 24 x 30 x 1.5
Medium: Oils on Acrylic
Date: 5/11/2011

Ending the week with a bang. My printer for the Giclee pieces has closed his shop in nearby North Park and is now working further away in Tierrasanta. A casualty of the times I think. And I received word today that a small, framed issue of Beach 24 I shipped a few days ago arrived shattered. This is the second time in as many months that a Priority Mail shipment has met with disaster. Thankfully they were insured, but it is a great inconvenience for the buyers. The alternative is the more expensive UPS.

A Day in the Park 2-SOLD

2011-05-05T11:51:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click Title for more views and information.
Size: 24x30x1.5
Medium: Oils over Acrylics
Dated: 4/22/2011

The second of the 2 canvases I bought at the Aaron Brothers sale. My right arm/shoulder has enjoyed about a one week break and I am hoping it's about ready to go to work on a new piece for next week.

A friend invited me to a paste paper class Tuesday. We mixed acrylic paint into a mixture of wheat and rice flour, gelatin and Joy detergent and then brushed it onto paper. It was interesting and we worked in a spontaneous fashion, in which one doesn't plan nor wait for inspiration to come. On the wall was a sign attributed to Henri Matisse that read "Don't wait for inspiration; it comes while working."

Loft #13-SOLD

2011-04-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click Title for more information and views.

Medium: Acrylics
Size: 24"x30"x1.5" multi-directional.

Title: Loft #13

Dated: 4/19/2011

It is difficult to believe that it has been two years since I painted the last Loft painting, #12! But Aaron Brothers had a canvas sale so...This is the first Loft in all acrylics. Usually acrylics are in the under layer, but then it's all oils.

Yesterday I went with an artist-friend to see the Patricia Patterson retrospective at the Escondido Center for the Arts. Even though he drove, you would think I had agreed to go halfway across the country. And to think I used to happily go all the way to Los Angeles or San Francisco to see art!

It was well worth the trip to this museum "complex". Patterson's landscapes of the Aaron Islands were my favorites of her works. But I could not find an example of those to post here for you. I noted many of her pieces were courtesy of Quint Contemporary Art of La Jolla, our own quite fine and well-respected small, local gallery.

Artist Howard Hodgkin

2011-04-21T10:08:00.000-07:00

Still no painting to post. It looks promising for next week though. Meanwhile, I thought you might like to see a couple links to an artist called Howard Hodgkin. The San Diego Museum of Art has his first ever show on the West Coast. Tuesday I rode my bike over to the Balboa Park museum to see it. And it was a real treat.

His work is at once sophisticated and childlike. Hodgkin seems to use few brush strokes, in simple compositions and yet communicates a high-impact result. This type of art always intrigues me. These paintings are on wood panels, mostly very large. Many are framed in wide, rustic wood frames, onto which the paintings often spill. He was interviewed at the museum too. Below is a painting from the Howard Hodgkin website:
Hello
2004 - 2008
11 ⅜ x 13 ⅜", 28.9
Painting
PA476
Oil on wood

By the Sea #2

2011-04-07T16:03:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge.

Size: 8x6
Medium: Giclee
Date: 4/7/2011

This may be a sketch for an acrylic painting. Or I may decide to keep it as is. The scene is of one of my fantasies: Tiny house. Pocket neighborhood. By the sea. Of course if I were not considering what makes a good composition for a painting, and were designing an actual little community to live in, there would be more privacy between them; each house would have its own little garden and a fence and they would have more architectural detail. That being said, I could be happy living in one these!

Primordial # 3 SOLD

2011-03-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more views and information.

Size: in frame: 16 x 20
Dated: 3/25/2011 ( # 1 & 2)
Dated: 8/29/2011 (#3) with slight changes
Medium: Giclee
Open edition

Simple, organic forms appeal to me. This one is similar to one I posted July 1, 2010. Have you noticed I seem to explore a theme for awhile and then move on to something else? I have!

MId-Century Modern Millennium

2011-03-23T21:32:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.

Size: 41x27
Medium: Giclee
Date: 3/23/2011

I really like the Wacom Pen Drawing Tablet. There is a learning curve though. And it takes getting used to the way it reacts. However, it seems to be helping my back and neck some, with is all I wanted.

One of the aspects of abstract art I most enjoy is that most pieces are multi-directional. That is, they can hang vertically or horizontally and there is no right-side up or upside-down. Each way offers a different look.

MId-Century Modern Mosaic

2011-03-17T12:37:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information and views.
Size: 30x24
Medium: Giclee
Date: 3/16/2011

What do you know, it's not a Beach series painting. Probably just a temporary detour.

Last night I attended a lecture by Alexander Salazar, owner of 3 successful San Diego art galleries. It was held in the San Diego Art Institute gallery space. The lecture was about using social media, such as Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin to brand and promote one's art. I am on Twitter, used to be on Linkedin and have been resisting Facebook. After his talk I feel I need to re-think.

Alexander claims it has been particularly important to his success as an art dealer and gallery owner, an increasingly rare event it seems. Other points were that artists should have their own websites and that prices should not be displayed and that there is no reason to produce limited edition prints. Open editions are fine, people will buy what they like anyway. This was a lot to digest. He covered many other important topics. Too many to include here. You can find him at www.alexandersalazarfineart.com

Beach 24 #2

2011-03-10T13:15:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more views and information.

Size: 27x41
Medium: Giclee
Date: 3/10/2011
open edition

As you can see, I am still exploring the Beach paintings (and how I can incorporate Mid-Century Modern elements into them). Your guess is as good as mine how many more there will be. How many Elegies did Robert Motherwell paint? Since one of them is No. 110, I think there may have been quite a few, which makes me feel better.

Today I plan to pick up, or at least try out a digital tablet. The hope is that it will help alleviate the discomfort that using the computer mouse causes. And I may be able to do my digital artwork without so much arm movement.

Beach 22 #1/12

2011-03-03T07:49:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more views and information.
Size: 27x41
Medium: Giclee on Paper
Date: 3/2/2011

Note to self: "when working in digital format make sure to work in full output size." I started this painting on paper, from a small sketch, of about only a couple of inches, scanned it into the computer and started working on the picture. It wasn't until it was finished that I realized I hadn't changed the dimensions. Therefore, I had to redo it in a larger output size. Otherwise it would have lost its definition when printed.

A Rose by Any Other Name...If I gave this painting a different name, outside the Beach series, would it still be part of the Beach series? I'm still thinking of the beach while painting them and yet this one and the last remind me of scenes of the heavenlies. (And I know at least one of you is tired of the Beach.)

Beach 21, Acrylic

2011-02-24T09:39:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information and views.

Size: 28"x20", with 1" border, multi-directional.
Title: Beach 21 Acrylic
Dated: 2/23/2011

When I first painted the digital Beach 21, (posted last week) it was intended to be the study for this painting, Beach 21 Acrylic. But I really thought the study could stand on its own as a painting and so posted it and created a listing for it. After all, it takes as long or longer for me to paint a digital painting, even a study, as an acrylic one and involves the same creative process. Furthermore it is a medium I like more and more anyway. And that's how we ended up with two versions of Beach 21.

Between the two versions I prefer the digital Beach 21 and am now inspired to continue the Beach series with more digital pieces. What is your oppinion?

Beach 21 #2/12

2011-02-16T22:40:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more views and information.
Size: 27x41
Medium: Giclee
Date: 2/16/2011

I thought I wanted to paint something Mid Century Modern in style this week. That's because without intending it, elements of the style kept appearing in my paintings. So I checked out some books from the library to get a better idea of it. It wasn't going to be part of the Beach series. After almost a week of frustration though, in the end, that's exactly what happened. The Beach won; with some Mid Century Modern features.

Beach 20. SOLD

2011-02-10T08:51:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click Title above, for more information and views.

Title: Beach 20. (This is number 20 in the series)
Size: 30x40 or 40x30, x 1.5" deep, multi-directional.
Date:2/9/2011
Medium: Acrylic on stretched canvas

I took a brief detour around Beach 19, which is still in the sketching phase, to paint this. That's because I received a request through the Yessy gallery to paint a commission of something similar to Beach 8. After explaining that I avoid abstract commissions because, in my experience, it is impossible for a customer to convey a vague, abstract notion of an abstract idea and equally difficult for the painter to understand and paint it. Since I was about to start another 30 x 40 canvas anyway I said I wouldn't mind playing with the colors she wanted within the concept of Beach 8. So I guess it is a commission after all...or a semi-commission.

Beach 18, SOLD

2011-02-03T11:09:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click Title above, for more information and views.

Title: Beach 18. (This is number 18 in the series)
Size: 30x40 or 40x30, x 1.5" deep, multi-directional.
Date: 1/29/2011
Medium: Acrylic on stretched canvas

In last week's post I mentioned starting this painting and that I preferred it hanging horizontally. And here it is hanging vertically anyway! Not sure which I prefer really. But today I like it this way.

eBay has offered another free auction-listings-opportunity. Sellers pay only if their auction results in a sale. I have taken them up on the offer again, as I did before Christmas. And I learned something from the free experience. Listing at least 10 paintings at one time increases the audience for each listing, resulting in more sales. On the other side, 10 or more auctions ending on the same day means (if successful) lots of orders to process and shipping to prepare and schedule in one day. Most of my listings are created and ended on weekends because it seems to be the best time for buyers. Makes for a busy weekend!

Beach 17

2011-01-26T19:26:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information and views.

Title: Beach 17 (Number 17 in the series)
Size: 27x40"
Medium: Acrylic on acid-free vellum paper.
Date: 1/22/2011

This one was inspired by Beach 11, my favorite and the one I entered into the SDAI International Show. I really like this one too though. For some reason the tall, vertical stripes are appealing to me right now. Although these Beach paintings are truly multi-directional, as you can see if you click on the Title to see more views, I have been hanging them vertically rather than horizontally here at home.

Today I finished the sketch for Beach 18. It is multi-directional too, but I seem to prefer it hanging horizontally. Looking forward to starting to paint it tomorrow. Aaron Brothers is having its penny sale. I picked up two 30x40 canvases and will use one for beach 18.

Beach 16

2011-01-20T11:26:00.000-08:00

Click on image to enlarge. Click on Title for more views and information

Title: Beach 16 (Number 16in the series)
Size: 27x40"
Medium: Acrylic on acid-free vellum paper.
Date: 1/17/2011

I made a few attempts to add a twitter button to the blog, with no success. The best I can do for the moment is to provide this link. It will take you to my twitter page. From there, if you wish to "follow" me or anyone else, just click the "follow" button. Twitter is more fun than I imagined. Plus its mandated brevity matches my short attention span! From my page you can also see Tweets I follow thus far. Some are quite entertaining and funny.

Beach 13, SOLD

2011-01-13T12:42:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click Title for more views and information

Title: Beach 13 (Number 13 in the series)
Size: 36x53"
Medium: Acrylic on acid-free vellum paper.
Date: 1/8/2011

For a time it didn't seems as though I would get this one posted. Got all set up to photograph this morning and was stopped due to my camera's having full memory card. Got that taken care of and was stopped again because the camera's batteries died and the lens got stuck and would not retract. Three sets of fresh batteries later plus a call to Canon and finally I was ready to go. By then the light had shifted! So I set up in another room where there was still a good light and got some photos that looked at least close to the actual painting.

Now I am off to Dick Blick in search of a good, acrylic, Manganese Blue. Neither Artist and Craftsman Supply, Aaron Brothers nor Michaels had one I liked. I have been using an old Hyplar tube I found at a garage sale long ago. I don't think this brand exists today. It's high quality and a rich, deep pigment. Not a hue.

Beach 12-SOLD

2011-01-06T11:04:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more views of the painting and information.

Title: Beach 12 (Number 12 in the series)
Size: 27x40"
Medium: Acrylic on acid-free vellum paper.
Date: 1/2/2011

Although I have been working on the digital Mid-century modern piece I mentioned in last week's post, it is still a long way from finished and ready to post, or to enter into the SDAI International show. Besides, I can barely pry myself away from painting these Beach scenes. Linda, I hold you at least partially responsible, for liking the first two from way back in the 80's so much and encouraging me to do more and to paint in general!

Ron, who faithfully and gently tells me he doesn't like/understand abstracts, liked Beach 11! He said he couldn't tell me why, that it was completely emotional. YES! BTW, Ron's niece, Ashley Bell, is a budding star. Here she is at last night's People's Choice Awards.

The retro Typewriter limited edition of 10 is generating a bit of interest on eBay. I list each print at $9.99 and each goes with multiple bids and slightly higher than the previous edition listed. I'm up to #3 in the edition. This little print is earning its keep.

Got to run, Beach 13 is calling.

Beach 11

2010-12-30T13:17:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.
Size: 27x40
Medium: acrylics on paper
Date: 12/27/10

Happy New Year!

This is my new favorite of the Beach series. It reminds me a bit of the 1960's tourism and advertising art of Herbert Leupin. I have noticed that most people have strong opinions about the styles of art in which I work. Either they like the abstracts only or folk art only or digital only. A few like two out of three and a fewer still like all three styles. If you are among those who don't like the abstracts, you are probably very tired of this series that I have been enjoying too much to stop. However, I am pondering a new digital/painting/collage as one of two entries into the next SDAI show, which will be an international exhibition. Maybe you will like that one better. Laurel, thank you for your contribution to my plan. It really inspired me to get started on it. I love brainstorming.

Beach 6-SOLD

2010-12-14T21:50:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.
Size: 53x24
Medium: Acrylic on vellum paper
Dated: 11/16/2010

I hope I am not confusing you because I am posting backward a bit here; last week I posted Beach 9 and this week Beach 6.

One of the fun aspects of these abstracts is that they are non-directional. I.E., there is no right-side-up, no up-side-down, no sideways. Vertically they can work nicely at one end of a hall or corridor or in those often empty walls of a stairway or entry. Or horizontally over a sofa or as shown here, over a fireplace.

This week I created a Twitter account!, just barely. I still need time to become familiar with it. Right now it is so foreign that when I am on it I feel lost and I don't quite know what to do with it. Sometime soon I will add a Twitter button to my blog and you can try Twitter if you haven't already.

Beach 9-SOLD

2010-12-08T21:27:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.
Title: Beach 9
Size: 30"x 40"
Medium: Acrylic on acid-free paper,
Date: 12/8/2010

Can this really be my 200th blog post?!

At 30x40, this is the largest of the Beach series thus far. I am considering it for the Semi-Annual SDAI International Exhibition, April 16th-May 29, 2011. It would be fun to make an even larger one but even this size was too large to work on in my studio. Instead it has occupied the greater portion of my dining room and my entire dining room table for some time. I'm having great fun with these paintings, whatever the size. How do you think this would look in a contemporary beach house or modern loft?

Beach 8_SOLD

2010-12-01T20:06:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.

Acrylic on paper, framed.
image area: 16"w x 19 h
with frame: 24"w x 28"h x 2"d at max. no glass.
dated: 11/20/2010

Abstract painting of ocean, sun and sand on a bright, wintry, California beach day. Number 8 in the Beach series. Lest you think I can't count, there is a Beach #6 and #7 and they will be posted once I am certain they are finished!

Normally I would not frame an acrylic-on-paper painting without glass. But it has some advantages. It affords a freshness and direct connection to the paint. And it is lighter and safer to ship. However, glass may be added if desired.

Vintage frame is Mexican carved wood with a yellow/gold finish and linen mat.

This one and A Day In The Park will be my entries into the next SDAI Regional show, which opens December 10th.

Three Trees Promenade-SOLD

2010-11-23T20:43:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.

Title: Three Trees Promenade
Size: 12" x 12" x 1.5"
Medium: Oils on canvas
Date: 11/6/2010

Wishing all of you a very happy Thanksgiving.

A Day in the Park

2010-11-17T21:56:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.
Size: 12" x 12" x .75"
Medium: Oils on canvas
Date: 10/29/2010

Today I completed the entry for one final show with a notification date in mid to late December. That brings the total to 4 new exhibition applications this month. I think that will be all for now. BTW the winner for last month's Arizona Street View contest was announced. Click here to see the painting by Laeli Bowden. I meant to paint one for the current contest, whose subject is Hawaii but somehow it got away from me. Perhaps I will make the next one.

Beach 5

2010-11-11T08:48:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.
Size: 17 H x 7 Diameter
Medium: Acrylic on Paper over glass.
Dated: 2/17/2010

This is #5 in the continuation of abstract beach paintings begun in 1988. Another sunny day at the beach in San Diego, California. Ocean sparkles, sand and sun.

Recently I found myself wondering why a painting should be framed and hung on a wall. So I decided to try something else and wrapped this painting around a glass vase as its support. In this way, one might say the glass IS the frame.

Although it was not meant to be functional art, it could be, functioning as a vase, umbrella stand or?

Beach 5 is one of eight pieces I took to SDAI for the coming semi-annual C-Note Show.
November 20, 2010, 5-8 PM
Preview Only: November 19 and 20, 2010 10 am-4pm.
C-Note runs: November 19 – December 5, 2010.
Click here for more on the C-Note show.
San Diego Art Institute

Beach 4 - SOLD

2010-11-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.

Medium: Acrylic on paper, in vintage, wood frame, no glass.
Image area: 11.5"w x 17.5 h
With frame: 19"w x 25"h x 1.5" d.
Dated: 2/2010

Beach 4 is a continuation of a series of abstract, California beach paintings I did in 1988. Ocean sparkles, sand and waves on a bright California day. I think not using glass over the image adds a sense of directness and immediacy.

A note to publishers: If you publish a blog or website, you are likely already aware of affiliate programs. If not, these are programs that allow you to earn "referral" income from links on your blog or website. This process can be simplified and streamlined through the use of a service called VigLink. VigLink signed up for numerous affiliate programs. When you insert a small piece of code into your site, it automatically turns every link on your site into an affiliate link (if the company has an affiliate program). Find out more at Viglink. I thought the step by step instructions were better explained at Blogger User: I have only just signed up so I can't say yet how well this works, but I will surely keep you "posted". Viglink keeps 25% of the earnings. For the time and energy saved this seems worthwhile looking into.

Reflections-SOLD

2010-10-27T19:25:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.
Medium: oils on canvas board
Size, image area: 8.5 x 11.5"
Size, in frame: 16.5 x 19.5 x 1"
Signed and dated: 10/23/2010

Thank you for weighing in with your opinions regarding whether or not to keep the two figures in the newer version of Railroad Ave. for the Google Street View Paint-Off painting challenge. It was nearly unanimous, with only one against. My favorite of those posted to the challenge so far this one, (scroll down to the burro). But I hope you will take a look at all the paintings and see what people have done with these street view images. Thanks to multi-talented entrepreneur and artist, Kay Zahn for taking on this art project and providing the gift card.

This week's painting, Reflections, is a return, if only briefly, to oils. Some months ago I found two very nice carved, wood frames at a garage sale. I finally painted something for the smaller one, which is today's post and which seemed to call for oils.

It's official. As of today I am now a "listed" artist, with Artprice! Artprice is the French company that provides worldwide art market information. I still don't fully understand what all this means for me, except that it is supposed to be a good thing!

Az Highway 60 Railroad Ave-SOLD

2010-10-20T22:06:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge.
Medium: HP Vivera ink on archival paper.
Size: 8 x 7".
Date: 10/20/2010.

Thank you for all your comments on which version of Az Highway 60 Railroad Ave you preferred.

Version 1 was the winner with twice as many votes. I took comments from both and incorporated them into today's post, along with two new figures. What do you think, should the figures stay or go? Next Thursday I will post the final piece before sending it off to the contest, so please comment freely.

I know I said I was not doing anymore product design. It's so much work and very rarely leads to a lucrative outcome. Sourcing manufacturers and bringing a new product to market are more than a little difficult, not to mention expensive. Designing and making samples is the fun part. (That's what I got to do in my prototyping business, when the companies with whom I contracted did all the not-fun parts.)

BUT a few weeks ago I gave a gift of a small, handmade, animal ornament to a La Jolla retailer with whom I had other business, and she would like them for her store. After considering it for a week I began work on a dozen samples and finally delivered them today. And now here I am once again trying to source a manufacturer just in case they do well. Oh dear.

Az Highway 60 Railroad Ave

2010-10-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

Since last week, I entered the Google Street View painting challenge posted and hosted by Street View Paint Off. The street view picture was this:

This is what I have so far. I am posting these in hopes you will comment as to which, if any, you prefer. Deadline is October 31st.

Click image to enlarge.
Medium: HP Vivera ink on archival paper.
Size: 8 x 7".
Date: 10/14/2010.

Version 1.

Version 2.

If you can, please comment within the blog by clicking on the "Post A Comment" link at the end of today's post. I welcome your suggestions and critiques. This "challenge" has been particularly "challenging". Finding something to bring out from within this picture of a parched, dry landscape and arranging it into a satisfactory composition has been harder than I thought.

White Flowers #1/1 Original

2010-10-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.

Medium: HP Vivera ink on archival paper.
Size: 8"x8"
Date: 10.7.2010
#1 of 1 original. Signed in pencil.

I decided to take the Street View Paint Off challenge. An email came through about it from The Art List. The challenge is to paint a Google Street View image of Arizona by the end of October. The winner receives a $250 Visa gift card.

Today I found a printer who can make large format Giclee prints. It's called Warp 9 Imaging, located on Ray Street in the art district of the North Park neighborhood of San Diego. My experiment will be to have a high-gloss Giclee of Royal Food Mart laminated to Gator Board. I hope this creates a similar look to the far more complicated resin coating process I have been investigating. If it looks good, this is what I will submit to the William D. Cannon Art Gallery's 2011 Juried Biennial show. Cash prizes will be awarded here too. The jurors will be Peter Frank, Senior Curator at Riverside Art Museum and Larry Baza, of Noel-Baza Fine Art in the Little Italy neighborhood of downtown San Diego. The show runs January 29, 2011 through March 18, 2011.

All Artists Group Show at SDAI

2010-09-30T10:39:00.000-07:00

I knew I would forget something I had planned to include in today's post. It's the information about the next show. If you are just tuning in, please scroll down to view today's earlier post, Rumba.

SDAI: Museum of the Living Artist Group Show

Friday, Oct 1 7:00p

at San Diego Art Institute, Museum of the Living Artist, San Diego, CA

Price: $3

Phone: (619) 236-0011

1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

The San Diego Art Institute’s “Museum of the Living Artist” is celebrating the artistic diversity of our community with the 1st “All Artists’ Group Show.” One entry per artist will be on display in the gallery between Oct. 1 through Nov. 14, 2010. The museum will hold a reception for the artist on Oct. 8th, 2010 from 6 to 8 pm. Admission is $3. Any questions? Contact Kerstin Robers at 619-236-0011.

Rumba. #1/10 Ltd. Ed.

2010-09-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.
Size: About 5 1/8" x 10.5" up to about 20 x 40".
Dated: 9/28/2010
Medium: Pencil drawing, Digital Painting.
Limited Edition: #1/10

Of all the ballroom dances, Rumba is still my favorite. With its elegant lines and movements coupled with the romantic tempo of the music, it never fails to capture my attention when I see it.

Well, let's see whether I can remember all the information I so carefully compiled throughout the week to share on today's blog, and then accidentally deleted...uggh...
1) http://www.theartlist.com/. For artists, The Art List is a resource for shows and opportunities for artists and photographers to earn monetary awards.
2) http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/index.htm. Saatchi Online is a huge art site where artists can create a profile, upload art and gain more exposure to collectors.
3) http://www.artslant.com/. Same thing.

Thsee sites are free to use at the basic level. So if your name and art are not appearing in the top page of Google search results, you might consider them or other good art sites to help gain that exposure.

Royal Food Mart #1

2010-09-22T21:11:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.
Size: 6x9 up to about 18 x 27
Medium: Digital Painting
Dated: 9/23/2010

The research, marketing, showing and online listings-side of art mean time away from actual painting. But it seems to be necessary if one hopes to earn an income from art. This week though, I finally got in some good painting time and spent it all on today's post, Royal Food Mart, a mid-century modern bit of architecture in Banker's Hill that caught my fancy.

Tuesday I sent off my paperwork to the mega art resource and artist-listing company, ArtPrice.com, in Saint-Romain au Mont d'Or, France. Becoming listed can increase an artist's marketability. In fact, many galleries and collectors work exclusively with listed artists. Of course, submitting materials is no guarantee of becoming listed, but it is a step in the right direction. If you are an artist, this link to Help 2 Succeed may interest you. It contains information on how to become a listed artist and on how to complete the paperwork for ArtPrice.com.

Bigger Digital Splash, #1 of 12 Ltd Ed-SOLD

2010-09-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

2Click image to enlarge.
Size: 30 x 30
Medium: Digital Art, Giclee on Archival Paper
Dated: 9/7/2010

Not to sound redundant, but you know how much I like the work of David Hockney. One of my favorite pieces of his is A Bigger Splash, painted in 1967. While waiting for inspiration to come for my next painting, I pulled out a book of Hockney's paintings and marveled again at Bigger Splash and its brilliant simplicity. A few minutes later I found my hands busily creating a digital painting of it. It began as a practice exercise to keep nimble while awaiting inspiration but soon I was delightedly involved and feeling as though I were swimming along through his painting on that bright California day.

A Bigger Splash, David Hockney 1967

Some art notes of interest: Art San Diego, sponsored by UBS, was held last weekend. It was a wonderful experience that brought high-quality contemporary art galleries from across the U.S. and abroad to the Hilton Bayfront for 3 days. I highly recommend planning any trips to San Diego around this annual Art San Diego Fair. The event was part of September's Arts Month San Diego .

La Jolla on Prospect St. Black & White

2010-09-03T09:44:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge.
Medium: Digital Art. Inkjet on Archival Paper
Size: 8" h x 10" w
Dated: 8/9/2010

This morning I received notice that one of the four pieces I submitted to La Jolla Art Association's new Black & White show was accepted. I had submitted La Jolla on Prospect St., Digital David Hockney, Telephone and Typewriter. La Jolla on Prospect St. was selected. These are all pieces I had posted earlier in full color. The idea of seeing how they would look in black and white was intriguing and I was not a little surprised at how much I liked them. Please do click on the image to get the best view.

As a part of its 92nd anniversary celebration, The La Jolla Art Association is presenting the 1st Annual Black & White Juried Art Exhibition. Renowned sculptress Manuelita Brown is the juror. The exhibition runs from September 15 through October 10, 2010. Reception: September 24, 6-9PM.

Piano, #1/10 Ltd. Ed.

2010-08-25T18:54:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge.
Title: Piano
Size: 32w x 18h up to 56 x 33".
Medium: Giclee
Dated: 8/23/2010
Limited Edition #1/10

Today's piece was drawn and painted as a large file; 32" x 18" at 300 dpi. This was so that if I wanted to send the file to a professional printer to produce in this large format, the image would retain its crispness. The trouble is that on my older computer, this makes the work go VERY slowly. The computer needs to slowly digest each stroke I make before I can create the next one. And there are quite a few strokes in this picture!

Here's s some happy news; my two entries for the next SDAI Regional show (Typewriter and Three Golden Apples) were juried into the show!

Typewriter #5 of 10 with Background Color

2010-08-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.

Title: Typewriter. #2/10
Size: 8x10
Medium: Hand-drawn digital art. Inkjet, with PH neutral HP Vivera Ink to last. Treated with UV protection and printed on archival paper.
Dated: 8/16/2010

A few times ago I posted Retro Typewriter. It did not yet have a background color. Here it is with the color I chose. After searching and trying other options I ended up framing it in a clear, box frame as with Digital David Hockney. The sides are poppy red. It is my entry for the next SDAI Regional show along with Three Golden Apples for the small exhibition piece. I will know on Tuesday whether either was chosen. Finally I have the inspiration and time for the next piece, which I began yesterday. It is a piano.

Update: Awards and Poster Pictures

2010-08-12T12:11:00.000-07:00

In answer to your questions about what the SDAI awards look like and the poster for the last show (which included Digital David Hockney), here are pictures of them. Click to enlarge.

The next regional show features Guest Juror Ed Fosmire: Executive Director, Oceanside Museum of Art. You can see the museum has an interesting architectural history, which includes noted architect Irving Gill. Click here to see some examples from their current and past shows.

Oh, and I submitted four pieces to the juried Black & White show at a gallery I just discovered in La Jolla called La Jolla Art Association. I won't know until Sept. 3rd. whether anything was accepted.

The next SDAI Show runs from August 27, 2010 to September 26, 2010. Artist Reception: Friday, September 3, 2010 from 6 to 8 pm. SDAI members free, non members $3.

Pancakes, #1/10 Ltd. Ed.

2010-08-04T22:46:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge.
Title: Pancakes
Size: 5 5/8 x 7 5/8
Medium: Digital, Inkjet on archival paper
Dated: 8/4/2010

In the past few months my family has met for breakfast several times at Harry's Coffee Shop in La Jolla. It's been there for at least 50 years and is still very popular. I had not had pancakes in ages and they were so good that I have continued to order them each time we meet there. As you can see, I am still thinking about them.

The Swimmer. #4/10

2010-07-29T14:54:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click Title for more information.
Size: 9.5 x 6.5
Medium: Inkjet Giclee on archival paper.
Dated: 7/22/2010

All I wanted to do last night was print my little folk art swimmer for the buyer, allow it the 24 hours required drying-time before spraying it with a protective UV coating in time for a Saturday morning shipment. I had purchased and installed 2 new HP Vivera ink cartridges, which gives Giclee prints a very long life.

Hours of troubleshooting last night plus 10 pages of archival paper, setting adjustments and cleanings etc.-later and still I was seeing streaks on the print. More hours of tech support with HP this morning still did not resolve the issue. (At least HP still offers tech support and helped me although I am beyond the tech support time limit with my 5 year old printer!) Finally, I tried replacing the new cartridges with the old ones and voila, problem solved. Another call to HP to arrange the return of the new cartridges and AT LAST I am ready to ship my little print!

Woman with Dog. #1/10 SOLD

2010-07-22T12:55:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.

Original Digital Art.
Size 6.5 x 10.5
Ph neutral inkjet ink on archival paper and treated with UV protection.
1/10 original print.
Dated: 7/8/10

Good news! For the current Regional Show at SDAI I entered San Diego Harbor, posted April 15th and La Jolla Shores in the 1950s, posted April 21st. Tuesday I learned that the former had been juried into the show. Although I do wish they had both been chosen, I am still very happy that even one made it in.

The current SDAI Regional Show, runs from July 23, 2010 to August 22, 2010. Reception July 30, 6-8PM.

Retro Typewriter #1/10-SOLD and Alarm clock

2010-07-08T13:06:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge.
Retro Digital Typewriter
Size: 9 x 12
Medium: Drawn on Computer. Inkjet on Paper
Date: 7/7/2010

lesson #1. When working on the computer, remember, always save your work, at least every few minutes! If you don't, this can happen: After hours of painstaking efforts had added the details to this picture; the keys, letters, numbers, levers, suddenly the program froze. That's when I realized I had been so involved in my work I had not been saving it as I went along. That left me with two choices: Redo about 6 hours of work (UGGG) or forget the piece. I decided to redo it and complete it. The background is as yet undecided.

Retro Digital Alarm Clock
Click image to enlarge.
Size: 12 x 12
Medium: Drawn on Computer. Inkjet on Paper
Date: 7/8/10

One advantage of purchasing the full Photoshop program, rather than the Elements 4 I use, is that there is a tool called a Pen Tool that enables the drawing of curved lines. Since my program doesn't offer this feature, I either have to string together a series of small, strait lines, angling them slightly to create a curve or try to work with the Elliptical Marquee Tool, which can be tricky when using an angled view. For the clock I used both methods.

Retro Telephone #4/10-SOLD

2010-07-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge.
Size: 8 x 10
Medium: Drawn on Computer. Inkjet on Paper
date: 7/1/10

Here is one more for today.

The Polygonal tool I used for most of the telephone is meant for straight and angled lines. I thought it would be interesting to take advantage of this characteristic to make a abstract telephone.

Primal Dance et. al.

2010-07-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge.
Medium: Drawn on Computer. Inkjet on Paper
Size: 12x12

On April 19 I began working on this Primal, multi-view piece, just finishing today. The digital medium continues to attract me, as does minimal art.

Primal Dance.

Primal Landscape

Primal Grand Canyon

Primal Earth

La Jolla on Prospect St.

2010-06-24T12:31:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click Title for more information.
Size: 5" x 7"
Medium: Drawn on Computer. Inkjet on Paper
Dated: 6/23/10

To date, I have made 45 versions of this piece since beginning on May 28. I may still make changes to it but this particular piece will remain as is. That's one of the joys of digital art. As with block or silkscreen printing, one can make changes to future pieces. It never has to be finished.

Another artist wrote me asking what program I use for digital pieces. I use Photoshop Elements 4. The tools I draw with are the lasso and other selection tools and the mouse primarily. The paint bucket is used to fill in the colors. He told me Autocad tools are easier to use and control. But that is an expensive program and I continue to like the lack of control.

Update

2010-06-18T12:39:00.000-07:00

So, the bad news is that only 2 of the 8 pieces I had in the Summer C-Note show were sold. (remember when I used to sell 7 of 8?) Also when the gallery- volunteer called Tuesday, he said only Four Views had been selected for the current regional show. I had such high hopes for Digital David Hockney and was very disappointed. I had planned to post this update to the Blog on Thursday. But I just had a feeling I should wait until Friday when I would be in the gallery, just in case. And...

Now for the good news. Today I walked over to Balboa Park, where the gallery is, with my little hand cart to pick up the paintings from the last show. As long as I was there, I toured the new show, located Four Views on the wall, continued on, turned toward the North wall and there he was! Digital David Hockney was hanging on the wall smiling at me. Not only that, but he had won Juror's Choice Award, AND will be featured on the SDAI poster for this show! How very exciting! The show's reception is Friday ,June 25 from 6-8PM at the SDAI gallery in Balboa Park.

Three Golden Apples. Post-Digital Painting

2010-06-10T10:20:00.000-07:00

Size: 5x5x1
Medium: Oils over ink on canvas

On May 20, 2009, I posted Digital Still Life Apples, which as the title proclaims, was an entirely digital painting. I thought it would be fun to revisit the piece by painting it in oils on canvas, see below...

Digital Still Life Apples, below, was an interpretation of ...

Carol Marine's painting, Three Golden Apples.

To see how my framing project for Digital David Hockney turned out, please scroll down one more post.

Digital David Hockney Portrait framed

2010-06-10T10:12:00.000-07:00

Last week I posted the Digital David Hockney Portrait. This week I wanted to post the framing solution I found for it. It didn't look right in a typical frame with mat. I thought it needed a more modern style. In the end, I framed it in a clear, acrylic box that I modified so that it would meet SDAI entry-requirements. Jury is this Sunday. I hope it is accepted! Update: 6/18/2001 - It was juried into the show and received Juror's Choice Award! See 6/18 post for more details.

Digital David Hockney Portrait

2010-05-28T17:06:00.001-07:00

Winner SDAI Juror's Choice Award June 2010.

Click image to enlarge.
Medium: Digital Painting on Paper
Size: 8x10

David Hockney is one of my favorite artists and one of the most notable artists living today. It's kind of fitting he should find his way into a digital portrait since he likes digital art and uses the medium himself these days. You may remember a few other digital paintings appearing on my blog over the past couple of years. Digital Apples, Digital Cupcakes, Piano and Musician, Pomegranates.

Digital painting for me does not involve sophisticated tools. I use the wired mouse on a mouse pad. The challenge of painting with a virtual brush and the clumsiness and lack of control only add to the fun and contribute to the interesting results. Digital David Hockney may undergo more changes. I actually began this in September 2009 and picked it up again about a month ago!

I am also working on an oil painting version of this one.

La Jolla Shores in the 1950's

2010-04-21T20:52:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge.
Title: La Jolla Shores in the 1950's
Dated: 4/19/2010
Size: 8 x 6
Medium: Oil on Canvas Board.

For some time I had been thinking of how to paint the La Jolla Shores neighborhood in which I was raised in the 1950s. Several sketched attempts turned out too literally. What I wanted was not a literal representation but the feeling of life for us in that special time and place. It wasn't until I focused on the colors of the memories that the painting emerged.

Every artist has his or her own approach to painting. Kate in Ketchum, Idaho commented: "...you can continually come up with art that is so different from what you've done before." Well, this is something I have had to accept somewhat against my will. What is more natural for me is to try to do something similar to previous painting I liked. But for me this usually doesn't work out. So I am realizing more and more lately I need to allow each painting to have its own particular direction or the work falls flat and feels burdensome to do.

And speaking of comments, I really appreciate yours. They are not only helpful but some of you have wonderful insights and critiques. I think Barb should write a book!

San Diego Harbor

2010-04-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.
Title: San Diego Harbor
Medium: Oils on Canvas Board
Size: 8 x 6 x .25
Date: 4/12/2010

When I painted this I was not looking to the harbor or photos of it. Rather, images and feelings of it were floating through my memory inspiring the colors and strokes. So you might say it's an "interior view" of San Diego Harbor. This is one of my new favorite pieces.

Little City

2010-04-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge.

Title: Little City
Size: 6 x 8 x 1.5
Medium: Oils on Canvas
Date: 3/23/10

Four Views is still not dry. So I did not get to enter in it into the big Regional Show at SDAI as hoped. These things happen. Sometimes a particular pigment doesn't want to dry on schedule.

This next little one has been drying on a narrow little wall of my studio in front of where I work. I have enjoyed looking at it there.

In keeping with the earthquakes we have been having in San Diego lately: What did one earthquake say to the other? "It's all your fault!"

Four Views. SOLD

2010-03-23T16:38:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge.
Title: Four Views
Size: 8 x 10
Medium: Oils on Acrylic

This painting is titled "Four Views" because it is multi-directional so that whichever of four ways it hangs, it presents a different scene. Look at the box of images below the first image and let me know what you see. If it is dry in time this will be my entry into the next SDAI Regional Show. I will have to decide which way it should hang for the show though, if selected. Hmmm.

The four views

Update:
This painting was selected by jury for the San Diego Art Institute's Regional Show through 7/18/2010

Udpate on New Friend

2010-02-27T18:42:00.000-08:00

Some good news about New Friend, or New Friends (haven't decided on the title) posted January 17. Tuesday I learned it was selected for the next San Diego Art Institute's Regional show and today I learned it was given the Juror's Choice Award. I'm not really sure what this means yet, other than it's a good thing. Click on "Update" to view the painting online.

The reception is Friday, March 5th at 6PM at the Institute.

3/1/10

I have received some insightful views on the title of the painting since the blog was published:

Sharon wrote: "I like "New Friend" because it brings you inside the painting; who is the new friend? from the dog's view, it's the man and vice versa for the man's view. When one says "New Friends", it takes you outside the painting as an observer and (I think) it loses some of its magnetism."

Barb wrote: " "New Friend(s)"...interesting distinction between the singular and the plural because we don't know if the man or the dog found a new friend- but plural would be nice because that way we know they both did."

The Mist SOLD

2010-02-11T13:35:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.
Title: The Mist.
Size: 16 x 20 x 1/4
Medium: Medium: Acrylic on canvas board.
Date: 1/24/2010

I am a bit tardy in posting this piece. And I have not had any time for painting since. Actually I started it well before New Friend but it sat waiting for me for weeks. I consider New Friend to be the more recent painting. I hope to get back to painting soon!

Update

2010-01-21T09:38:00.000-08:00

Still too busy with other matters to have a painting to post today but I do have an update. Pumpkin Patch Waltz, posted 12/23, was selected for the next SDAI Regional Show. Pop Art Woman Portrait was submitted as my primary entry. I entered Pumpkin Patch Waltz as an afterthought because it was small enough for the One Foot category of the show. To my surprise it was the latter that was chosen. Perhaps after having tried three times, I should finally give up entering Pop Art Woman, which is still one of my favorites.

New Friend

2010-01-17T13:11:00.000-08:00

Winner SDAI Juror's Choice Award February 2010.

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information

Title: New Friend.
Subject: Man and Dog.
Size: 10 x 10 x 1.5"
Medium: Acrylic on stretched canvas.
Date: 1/15/2010

Posting a bit late this week and I know some of you will not see it until you return to work on Tuesday. Since I have so much going on right now, including trying to get my condo rented, I feel fortunate to have any time at all for painting.

Sure would like to find a paint medium that requires only one layer for full coverage. That would save time and alleviate a bit of tedium.

Update

2010-01-06T20:48:00.000-08:00

In the last post, Pumpkin Patch Waltz, I challenged you with a riddle as to why the title had the word "waltz" in it. Congratulations to Barb and Karen, both dancers from different states, for figuring it out:

Throughout the painting is a waltz rhythm created by groups of three. 3 white shapes, 3 trees, 3 shadows, 3 pumpkins, 3 shadows; 3 windows on one side of the house, 3 orange shapes in front of the house, 2 sets of 3 gray-green leaves. 1, 2, 3; 1, 2, 3; 1, 2, 3; 1, 2, 3; the rhythm of the waltz as told by shapes. Barb put it more technically: "So the waltz is in three-quarter time: three beats to a measure and the quarter note gets one beat. Well you've got three pumpkins ( and three trees) and the slice might be a quarter of the pie."

Pumpkin Patch Waltz. SOLD

2009-12-23T19:05:00.001-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.
Size: 8 x 8 x 1.5
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
Date: 12.21.09

"T'was the day before the night before Christmas" so I thought I'd post early... This week I am posting Pumpkin Patch Waltz, new, and Cherry Pie, from a few weeks ago that I am just now posting.

There is a riddle to the title Pumpkin Patch Waltz. The only clue I am giving is that it has to do with the time signature of waltzes.

"Merry Christmas to all"...

Cherry Pie. SOLD

2009-12-23T18:44:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.
Size: 5 x 7 x .25
Medium: Oils
Date: 12.5.09

As this is a folk art cherry pie I felt I had the liberty to make it as deep and thick as I wanted to. So I did.

Pumpkin Pie

2009-12-17T16:25:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.
Size: 5x7x.25
Medium: Oil
Support: Canvas board
Date: 12.15.09

Here is yet another piece of pie. Next week I will post the cherry pie. I found out Little Folk Art Houston also sold at the C-Note show and possibly the two Paper Route pieces. It can sometimes take a while for the sales to show up in the system so I won't know for sure until all data has been entered.

Lemon Meringue Pie

2009-12-10T19:57:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title to enlarge or for more information.
Size: 5" x 5 " x 7/8"
Medium: Oils on canvas
Dated: 12/04/09

This one went over to SDAI today as my entry into the next Regional Show for the One Foot category. I also took Three Messengers for the main category. While I was there I learned that in addition to Eclipse, that Little Dog Big Plans, Modern Retro Kitchen Collage/Clock, and Loft #10 had been sold in the C-Note Show. Like Eclipse, I suspect the latter two must have sold before I got downstairs opening night because they were not on the walls. Modern Pop Art Woman was not in the show. The frame was not to code so I will try entering it again. C-Note runs for a couple more days. I hope the rest sell too.

Apple Pie-SOLD

2009-12-03T09:31:00.000-08:00

Click title to enlarge image or for more information.
Size: 5"x7"x.25"
Medium: Oils
Support: Canvas board
Dated: 12/1/09

I am still determined to use up existing canvases before buying any new ones. Some of the remaining stock is quite small. 5 x 7, 6 x 8 etc. Small still life paintings work well on these sizes. But of course I couldn't just paint a traditional slice of apple pie.

Saturday evening I stopped by the SDAI C-Note show. My 40x60 abstract, Eclipse, had already sold by the time I got downstairs. I was especially happy as I did NOT want try to get it back home. My friends Karen and Dennis paid me a surprise visit as I was about to leave. But their presence so renewed my tired feet and back that I stayed on a bit!

Three Messengers SOLD

2009-11-19T14:32:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click Title for more information.
Size: 20 x 16 x 1.5
Medium: Oils on Acrylics on Canvas
Dated: 11/15/09

If I have learned anything from my long break to reevaluate my painting career it is to spend less on support materials. No large, pre-stretched canvases and; using up smaller support materials I already have on hand and more experimenting in using paper without framing. 16 x 20 is a nice size, easy to work with and to store and much less expensive than 30 x 40, 40 x 60 or 36 x 36.

7 Stars to Heaven SOLD

2009-11-04T17:36:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge. Click Title for more information.

Title: 7 Stars to Heaven.
Size: 16 x 20 x 1/4"
Medium: Acrylics
Date: November 1, 2009

It's been so long since I have posted to the blog, I almost forgot how! I am still evaluating how to proceed going forward. But over the weekend I decided to paint a few canvas boards I had on hand. I have been trying to use up what I have rather than buying new materials. Just for a fun, I used acrylics this time.

Last week I took 9 paintings over to SDAI (MOLA) for the upcoming semi-annual fundraiser C-note Show. If are planning to be in the area, opening night is November 28. Here is LINK for more information. As far as openings go, it's usually a fun one.

Update

2009-10-08T11:02:00.000-07:00

Tuesday I received a call from SDAI (San Diego Art Institute) that one of my two entries for the next Regional Show at SDAI was accepted (i.e., juried in). I had entered Loft #11, posted July 1 and Blue Moon, posted 10/05/09. Of the two I did not anticipate Blue Moon being chosen. But each SDAI show is juried by a different member of the art community so one never knows.

The show runs from October 9, 2009 to November 15, 2009, with Artist Reception Friday, October 16, 2009 from 6 to 8 pm. Works may also be viewed online after the 9th by clicking the UPDATE link above.

I sent off a note to SDAI about my new blog, Artists Trading, and they will be including a piece about it in this month's Journal. My hope is to encourage some of the artists from SDAI to trade their art at the site. There are a few with whom I personally would love to trade. The idea of beginning my own art collection has suddenly become very appealing to me!

Artists Trading

2009-09-22T12:05:00.000-07:00

Last week I mentioned the idea of an artist's trading blog. This week it's up and running and already has 14 artists following it. To take a peek, click on the Title link above.

In the news recently was an exciting article about one of my favorite artists, David Hockney who is now creating digital paintings! This has to lend credibility to the genre which pleases me no end, since I like working in the medium so much myself. Yesterday, Digital Cupcakes sold. That brings my digital painting sales up to three. The prices are still far lower than for an oil painting of the same picture. Ironically, the digital cupcakes took longer to paint than the canvas-painted version, Newlywed Cupcakes, perhaps because all the drawing is done with the mouse. The other two digital pieces are

Piano and Musician and
Digital Apples

The NY Times writes about digital art's emergence into the art world
Here.

NewlyWed Cupcakes Painting NFS

2009-09-15T10:13:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Not for Sale.
Size: 6 x 8 x 1.5.
Medium: Oils on Canvas.

Here is the painting of the Newlywed Cupcakes. (See previous 2 posts for reference.) Now it just needs to dry so I can wrap it up and give it to the Couple. Today I will be sending a jpeg of it to
Different Strokes From Different Folks.
I don't know whether it will be posted there, but if it is it will be by Thursday. It's very kind of Karin Jurick to take her time to view and upload all these images to her site. Many thanks to her for such an interesting art-blog. UPDATE: Well, my painting Newlywed Cupcakes made it onto the Different Strokes From Different Folks. If you click on the link it will take you to her blog, then scroll down to see my painting and be sure to enjoy all the others while you are there. It really is fun to see the different takes on the photo.

On another matter, I have been pondering how to set up an artists' trading post by blog or website. The idea is that artists would post a piece of work they would be willing to trade and other artists interested in trading could exchange art. Does anyone have any ideas as to how that might be set up? It would be a good way to begin collecting for those of us who want to but cannot afford it.

I received some nice comments on my blog about the cupcake painting from other participating artists. Click on the Comment link below at the end of today's cupcake post on my blog to read them and feel free to leave your own comments, especially about an artists' trading site. Be sure to click on the artists in the comments section to view their art.

Digital Cupcakes #2 SOLD

2009-09-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

Digital Cupcakes Version #2

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information or to purchase.
Size: 6 x 8
Medium: Giclee

This is the final, framed version of Digital Cupcakes. Next I will be posting the painting.

2009-09-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

Digital Cupcakes Version #1
Size: 6 x 8
Medium: Giclee

Still taking stock and reviewing my situation, but meanwhile here's an update.

I have been in the mood for a camping trip...in a small travel trailer....to an idyllic, country setting, maybe the woods of northern California...where I would set up my paints and enjoy the fresh, tree-filled air. Perhaps it's because my friends Kate and Gerard tell me about their lovely backpacking trips to mountain meadows in Idaho. Perhaps it's all the reading I do on the TinyHouse blog. But alas, such a trip is not a possibility just now. But a field trip, a day of painting in the country, this I can do.

Tuesday in the last few hours of the afternoon and again Wednesday morning, I set out with picnic, canvas, brushes, paint tubes, sketches, container of water, rags and of course, a cup of tea. I was heading for a spot with trees, the sound of a bubbling creek, the songs of birds, the glimpse of wildlife, the scent of the earth and a comfortable place to sit, where I would be undisturbed. In less than 60 seconds I was there....on my own tree-filled-canyon balcony.

The bubbling creek was my water fountain but the rest was actual country. The piece I worked on was in response to a challenge on the Different Strokes painting blog. Not a plein air scene, as you might expect. But cupcakes! The timing was perfect.

Neighbor-friends were recently married and they like cupcakes. Although the invitation strictly forbade gifts, I thought that I would give them some special cupcakes as a "non-wedding present". But when cupcakes served as their wedding cake it seemed redundant. Besides, the new pastry shop I had in mind suddenly closed. A casualty of the times I think. Then came this painting-challenge and I decided to paint cupcakes for them that I would also enter into the challenge.

Looking through all the entries, I wanted to do something different than any I saw and that would also appeal to the newlyweds. I decided to paint two pieces. One in oils on canvas and one digital piece, using only my clumsy mouse as my drawing tool. I am halfway through the painting and I am on my second version of the digital piece. Unfortunately, I discovered later that the challenge is closed to digital art. But as it is a style I like I will continue to work on it.

It has been lovely painting outside and I plan to continue as long as my canvases are small and the weather is perfect.

Blue Moon

2009-09-05T01:07:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.

Size: 10 x 10 x 2 framed
Medium: Papers and paint
Date: 8/28/09

This feels like a secret post. It isn't being sent out to the subscriber list. Just the art and I as I evaluate my situation at the 3 year mark of painting and selling art on line. In a way it feels good to write this way, more like a private diary and personal record of my journey. Something to think about. Update: this piece just returned from the October 2009 Regional Juried Show at MOLA in the 1 foot category.

Reevaluating

2009-08-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

No art to post for today. With the economy as it is I find I need to periodically reevaluate my approach to art as livelihood. For the next few weeks I will be doing just that. If I have anything noteworthy to post, I will. Otherwise I will be back in touch down the road a bit.

Paper Route 2, SOLD

2009-08-20T09:06:00.001-07:00

LDClick image to enlarge. Click title for more views and information.
Title: Paper Route 2
Size: 24 x 18 x 1.5 framed in a contemporary, clear acrylic box frame. Non-directional.
Medium: Assorted papers printed on my inkjet printer: on craft paper; acrylic paint.
Dated: 8/14/09

Continuing the theme from last week, is Paper Route 2. It's been fun taking this detour back into collage work. I am exploring another collage idea now but also another painting.

The painting idea is inspired by a painting I saw of a San Francisco street. It was part of a weekly painting challenge blog I stumbled upon. The blog host Different Strokes from Different Folks posts a photo and artists submit paintings of their interpretation of the photo. At the end of the challenge, selections are posted.

On another note, below is a poster of a collage/painting I finished July 1, 1998 called Pianos. It was made on one side of a brown paper bag. I have never been willing to part with it and have it hanging in my home. But I thought it would be fun to turn it into a poster and list it on eBay.
Pianos for $9.99 on eBay

Paper Route

2009-08-13T15:50:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information or to bid.
Title: Paper Route
Size: 25 x 19 x 3/4 framed. Non-directional
Medium: Assorted papers I printed out on my inkjet printer, on newspaper with acrylic paint.
Date: 8/10/09

It's August. This means it has now been three years since I began painting and listing my art on eBay! Therefore, in honor of the occasion, today's collage/painting is linked to the eBay auction, rather than to the Yessy site.

I seem to be veering further into collage. This one is assorted papers I printed out on my inkjet printer and then pasted onto a collage of newspaper pieces making a sort of collage on collage. The black line circumscribing the colored pieces forms the "route". The title "Paper Route" refers both to the declining newspaper tradition as well as to the playful journey the painted line takes around the papers.

Update

2009-08-06T05:15:00.000-07:00

No painting to post for last week or this. I thought I had an idea for a new collage/painting of the seashore but the sketch didn't quite work and I have been awaiting a new inspiration. Maybe next week...maybe not.

Little Dog, Big Plans. SOLD

2009-07-22T19:01:00.000-07:00

Click image to enlarge. Click title for more information.
Size: 12" x 24" x 7/8"
Medium: Oils and Paper on Canvas
Date: 7/22/2009

I did another collage/painting of a little dog for this week. Not sure what I will do for next week. Dachshunds, aka Wiener Dogs; Hot Dogs; Sausage Dogs are another favorite of mine so I how could I resist a painting?

On another note, unfortunately Little Folk Art Houston was not accepted for the Elder Street Gallery It's a Small World miniatures show. When the show opens I will include a link so you can see what they did select.