3 Degrees of Separation - last weekend

3 Degrees of Separation = 3 unique visions offered by Patricia Leeds, Patti Oji and yours truly.

(double click to see large image)

In its final week, this exhibit offers a wide spectrum of creative work: paintings (realism, abstraction), collage, masks and more.

Drop in to the Underground Gallery -at Art Works Downtown - a very cool labyrinth of 40+ studios and galleries. As the name implies - our work is in a gallery is on the lower level.

The show runs through June 3. 10 - 6:00 daily, except Mondays.

Peonies - finally

(Double click to enlarge image).

At UC, one instructor said "Sometimes a canvas seems to be jinxed. After several attempts at your painting, you are ready to throw in the towel. You can even white it out and start anew but, alas, the bad mojo stay" For awhile that seemed to be the case with this crazy painting... but I was determined.

Every day the darn peonies changed shape dramatically. Luckily, I had taken a photo the first day so I had a reference of the original subject blooms.

And the canvas seemed to be fighting the brush. Not sure exactly why but one flower would develop easily--the brush flying through the 'feel' of a zillion fragile petals (e.g. lower right); then the next bloom would be a two day struggle - and end up like mush; I'd have to redo-redo-redo until it seemed right. And the background - it has evolved from a burnt gold to a gray-blue-t0...now this cream/tan. Perhaps part of the problem is that I'm not an impressionist - so while my plan was to work quickly, using values rather than details to give the impression of the flowers, my inner 'realism' voice kept trying to take over. So I guess you can all this a hybrid. To see the original fresh flowers just scroll down.

Impressionism anyone?

(click to enlarge). The De Young museum opens with the Impressionists exhibit this week. Can't wait to see it. While looking at some fresh peonies I bought at Trader Joe's (a splurge - their my favorites!) they called to me - so decided to try an impressionistic painting.

Working with acrylics, since they dry fast, and I felt these blooms would change dramatically in a couple of days. But - whoa- could they be more detailed? So many petals upon petals upon petals.. all almost the same color.

So, here's a glimpse of my first 'impressionist' efforts. I thought I'd share it now because sometimes I get to this point with a new technique - where I like it 'so far' but then before I know it - it goes downhill. (ahrrr)

But either way, I'll be brave and post the final - whether or not I'm satisfied with it. That's only fair ...and anyway it's about the process and learning...AND having fun!

A Rose by any other name....

Roses from Phil's mom's garden - may be the inspiration for my next few paintings. May go realistic - or impressionistic. Waddayathink?

Original vs Prints ....

In the late 90s and early this decade there was a ton of buyers for original art. The stock market was strong, the housing market wild - people were buying big homes and looking for art to fill their walls. Festivals and openings became hot social gathering with art lovers everywhere.

Then, with the 'dot-com' bust and the housing market slump, there just wasn't a lot of 'discretionary' money for the nice-to-have purchases....like ART. Festivals and exhibits are still well attended but visitors are more hesitant to purchase the paintings they love.

Giclee prints are a great compromise. These are not like prints off the home printer. They are high quality images; the color is pigment vs. dye based, i.e. the same pigment that is found in traditional oil paint. They can be printed on archival paper or canvas - just like the original!

I typically select 300 lb. 100% cotton rag paper. Coupling this pigment ink and archival paper, the color and quality of these prints makes it hard to tell the original from the copy. I create a limited edition of most which keeps the buyer's purchase valuable.

The picture here "Pitcher with Fruit", along with"West Marin", have been made into prints and are in my current inventory. If there is a picture on the website that you would like to have a print of, let me know. I can usually have one ready for framing within two weeks.

Any questions?

The morning after...

(double click to enlarge image)

Open Studios was a great, weekend long party! Said goodbye to several of my favorite paintings - happy they are finding good homes.

As I looked around the gallery, it occurred to me that visitors may wonder if I'm not a bit schizophrenic: a photorealistic white tulip, an loosey-goosey landscape - or, like "Just a Whisper" (left ), an impressionistic piece with abstract tendencies, all coming from one painter?

Eventually a couple folks did ask about the varied range of styles and I tried to explain it with music: one day I'll put on something quiet, soft and classical - a strong quarter or acoustic guitar; the next day I could be blasting Brazilian jazz. Viva la' difference I always say....

SO - if you ever have an idea for new subjects that I might want to tackle - send them along!

Thanks to ALL who helped make these Open Studios such a fun experience.

Day 1 - Open Studio (more tomorrow)

Today was a blast! My two painting pals (Patti and Patricia) and I shared the "Underground Gallery" -- part of a 40-studio labyrinth -an amazing space.

Lots of visitors - old friends came by, also met many new people...and made several sales which always feels good. Tomorrow, Mother's Day, we'll be at it again 11-6. Our work stays up through the end of May. Come-on by.

See yesterday's blog for OS details -

OK - another one ready for the show.

White Poppies- 40 x 30. Acrylic.

I need to learn how to photo. In real life, there's no shadow on the bottom of the piece. Very light and colorful white.

See below for time etc. of Open Studios. Come-on-by.

Reminder: May 8 & 9 OPEN STUDIOS Win $2500 worth of art

What's not to like? Open Studios May 8th and 9th. Plus a chance to win $2500 worth of art, food, music and lots of fun - OH MY!

Check out the raffle - http://www.marinarts.org/ then click on the raffle link. GOOD LUCK!

I'll have a few brand new pieces, work from my February show and a special bin of studio staples. Originals and prints. Come-on-down! 1337 4th Street, San Rafael. 11:00 - 6:00 both days.

Thought I'd try something new - here's a sample: "Whisper, II" . The photo is not great; I took it outside this afternoon - so some shadows and darker than the real painting. I need to get a professional image of it soon. But it gives you an idea.