Painting, painting

Passing Lane

My latest painted quilt is over at the Textile Abstractions blog, made in response to the challenge word "contrast."Check out that blog for more description and to see how the others dealt with it. I am way behind on those challenges, but thank goodness we aren't that strict, since we are all so-o-o busy ( hum mantra of the 21st century). Here's a photo though.

Autumn Reflections

 And a quick little (11x14) oil painting of my favorite
season, autumn . Nothing compares to the reflections
 of New England foliage (this is a lake in Acadia
National Park). I tried to express the fall excitement
at the end of the day.
Yep, it's 99 degrees outside and autumn can't come
too soon. Of course we have sunshine
 and not hurricanes so I really shouldn't complain.
Fall social season, however, is already in full swing,
so although I enjoy every get-together, party,
show and event, I am already bemoaning my
time away from the studio.

Art in the Barn

That's the name of the art show that will be part of next Saturday's Concours de l'Artiste, musical entertainment, food, wine, classic cars, and a beautiful setting, a fund raiser for the Northern California Ballet. Tickets are available from the Chico and Paradise Chambers of Commerce, or call us at Avenue 9  gallery to see where else to get them. I'm looking forward to all of it, especially the art of course! Expect to be greeted as you drive in by Mr Personality,  as I've dubbed this inquisitive llama who watched me intently as I painted his portrait (oil, 16 x20).  It will  be on sale along with my ballerina paintings and more than 50 other beautiful works of art by several artists far more talented than me.
 There';s also a magnificent new show on display right now at Avenue 9 Gallery by two very talented photographers. Amazing nature photography.They will be at the closing reception on September 1, but you can see their work before then!
 Along with stuff from the rest of us, the usual suspects. I have a wool felted fiber piece, two watercolors and  various photos for my contribution this month. Several other things in progress but not much to show you yet.
Time to get serious. Open studios is coming up fast.

A blog? I have a blog? oh, Yeah!...

And there it is, right on my to-do list! (Unfortunately anyone who knows me and has seen my to do lists (yep, plural) knows they are about 78 items long. So easy for "update the blog" to get unnoticed). Doesn't mean I didn't want to.

 So, anyhow, still travelling. Last trip to Portland a  few weeks ago we accidentally found a touring group of restored cars from the 1900 to 1920 era. There were about 300 of them and their occupants were all in period clothing too. Looks like there will need to be paintings and quilts from that show. Here are just a few pics

 They were on a group ride down the west cost and were all parked at Fort Vancouver, which was also fun  (recreated buildings, reenacting people and occupations. worth a visit.)



We also went to a nursery full of amazing

water plants, gorgeous lotus blossoms,  with lily pads big enough for
 kids to sit on ( as demonstrated by the
owners' children). More inspiration.

Solitude

Meanwhile I am way behind in work
 for the Textile Abstractions group,
 having finished "solitude", shown here,
but not even in planning for the next two.
 Solitude was inspired by a painting  I did of 
 Bodega Bay a few years ago

The big event at the Chapelle de l'Artiste is coming up soon. It's a benefit for the Northern California Ballet, on Saturday night, august 27. Besides the Art in the Barn show and sale, there will be a classic car show, all over the gorgeous property (which is a reason to come just by itself), good food and drink, live music, etc. I did finish two more ballerina paintings, shown here (one is a quick watercolor sketch I did on site, the other an oil I did from my sketches, memories and photos). I am almost finished with another oil, of the llamas, but I don't think it will be dry on time, we'll see. Naturally, the quilt will NOT be ready this month.  (No, you only think I can work that fast...)
 Tickets are available thru Chico or Paradise Chamber of Commerce i believe

I will be arranging to teach a portrait quilt class and a stained glass quilt class locally. . Let me know if you are
interested in either, so we can take that into account when scheduling which weekends

And the beat goes on

An outfit fit for the queen

Felted abstract

Or maybe it should say, "And the Heat goes on," although we did escape it for three weeks by making trips to Southern Oregon, then to San Jose, then to Portland Oregon, back to SF/San Jose for the Alcatraz swim, then to Eureka, so despite road and jet lag at least the weather was cool! But we are home now, and just took down the show at Avenue 9. I only got a picture of one of the felted pieces, which all sold, so I'm showing that here. The three little girls show where my time was really spent- and gladly!.

I hope to keep up with entries, new work production, learning and practicing more painting, and maybe get in some exercise...(unless it stays hot, which absolutely zaps my  (minimal at best) interest in exercise.)

Do I get a tiara too?

Future ballerina and leading scientist

But enough nonsense. Let's see what's new in the studio.

The Conversation is my contribution to the SAQA auction. Check out all the small works available in September at www.SAQA.com and look for the auction to support the studio art quilters association.

The Conversation

A fun upcoming event will be held August 27 on the beautiful grounds of the Chapelle de l'Artistes Chateau and Retreat, where our group of plein air painters are enjoying the lush grounds, chateau, ponds, pools, waterfalls, and llamas.

classic cars and classic dance

We had a special treat on Saturday. A group of delightful young ballerinas from the Northern California Ballet company came in and cheerfully posed everywhere (the August event, an art sale and classic European car show, is a benefit  for the ballet). More details soon.

first painting

Come to the reception this Friday evening at Avenue 9 Gallery for the Playing with Primaries show. Lots of new talent, and some amazing work, as well as our usual Avenue 9 party atmosphere!

Correct date June 10 Friday Avenue 9 Gallery

Thanks Nitsa for catching that! Two posts ago I typed the wrong date for the Avenue 9 show.
It is this Friday, June 10,  4-8 PM. I hope I didn't confuse anyone.

Here's a show preview. while we were hanging. You can see a few of my quilts, and a few of Doug's big metal fish ( so if you have a fishing enthusiast bring him long too!)
I ended up with way more work than was needed, whew! We hung about 30 quilts and 30 paintings, framed fiberart works, photos etc. And I  think Doug has about 30 fish and other creatures. A wild show. Come join the party.
for those who can't make it, the show will be up Wed-Sat every week through July 10.( I don't want to hear from you later that you wish you had known I was showing in Chico, yada yada yada...:)

Hands All Around, SAQA Sense of Adventure, more for Chico show

Happy to announce that "Native Market" was selected from thousands of entries to be one of twenty quilts from all over the world (they try to find them from everywhere so even less chance of getting in from the US) for the travelling exhibit "Hands All Around." It will debut in Houston at IQA show. Yeah team! Everyone who contributed a segment will be named on the placard and when it is published in QNM.

Sunset Roost

 Also debutting in Houston will be the SAQA travelling show, "A Sense of

Ready for the Show

Adventure." My "Sunset Roost " will be in that show, fresh from its appearance at the Eureka Art Museum in the latest California Fiber Artists  show, where you can also see "Streetlamp"  and the absolutely amazing work of 20 other artists in basketry, silkpainting, fiber sculpture and quilted art.









In the home stretch now for the Chico Avenue 9 show. Here are one last quilt, "Treetop Pair" and one last painting, "New Orleans in the Rain". Now just some more framing, labeling, naming, pricing, etc. We hang the show Monday. I really hope to see you all at the reception. We're throwing quite a party!

New Orleans in the Rain

 If you can't come Friday night, I'll be there Saturday from 2:30-%:00 so I can still talk to you about the work then. Thye'll be up the rest of the month, but I'll be out of town, so you are on your own ( you can of course call or email me with questions or requests for prints etc)

Treetop Pair

Then to start on the SAQA auction piece, and maybe some more portraits, and commissions. And maybe some time to read all the new books,( art, mixed media, digital art and novels) that I keep buying, and haven't had time to read. and some time to go outside and paint.
 I will be teaching a class on easy stained glass quiltmaking. Also one on portraits. Stay tuned for details.

New shows coming up, new stuff

Still working away, still trying new things, deadlines are creeping up and over me...
Spending great times with family lately, so a bit behind on progress, but, well, so what.
Here's the card for my upcoming show (with metal sculptor Doug Rathbun) at Avenue 9 gallery in Chico. Opening reception is June 10, 4-8 PM. I hope to see you all there!
 This next card is for our show at the Eureka CA art museum. Opening reception is June 25, so if you're in that area, we'd love to see you.
Works to be sent to Sacred Threads, SAQA Sense of Adventure. Entries due soon for Chico Art Center, BC Watercolor Society, Houston, Lowell.....
 Did I mention that I practice medicine too?
 Here are a few more pieces for the Chico show, for those of you who are somehow just not going to make it






Tributary is "stained glass" in fabric




Rocky Point is acrylic on paper



Waiting for Snow  (the polar bear) is oil on canvas







I'll also have some watercolor, some stitcheries,
some felted pictures, some photography.

Doug will have big metal fish, strange metal bugs,
prints and who knows what else.

 Dave Pierce will sing his originals and popular songs
We'll have lots of wine and food

It's free, and I'll be available to tell you about all my work

  What more can I say?




Waiting for Snow

Judge's Choice, and something old, something new

Several people have asked me to show which quilt won a judge's choice at the Denver National Quilt Festival. I am pleased to show it to you. It's final name is "Peeper." Sometimes my quilts have a few name changes before they are satisfied. Multiple multiple layers of fabric and tons of  thread pose a challenge to my Innova longarm, but she came through.
My latest piece is actually  more traditional. It's a wedding ring design with the addition of some irises I designed  from the plentiful supply outside my door ( a yard full of 150 varieties, thanks to my friend Mary). Thus, "Something Old, Something New"
Now if life will quit getting in the way, I have some stained glass quilts to make, and some origami journals.

 Thank you to everyone who made such nice comments on this blog. I really do appreciate them, and like everything else, will reply to you all after June 10 show opening!
Meanwhile, the Lighthouse challenge quilts are up for viewing at Back Porch Fabrics in Pacific Grove, CA, the latest CFA show  is still on view at the  Bakersfield (CA) Art Museum, another CFA show will be opening July 2 ath the Eureka  (CA)Art Museum, I think the Yeiser show which has my Lovebirds, is still  up, Sacred Threads will be in DC this summer (  with "Joy; Lovebirds 3), and "Sunset Roost" will appear both at the Eureka art museum and then travel to Houston and beyond with SAQA's Sense of Adventure.
But don't forget! Avenue 9. June 10. please come.

More portraits! More gardens!

This week's portrait is called "Ring of Fire." A tribute to another kind of artist,   a man who sang of deep- held beliefs, and  the stuff that constitute our souls. The gravelly voice of the man in black spoke to something deep within.
Many thanks to those of you who have commented so  kindly on my work.. We work alone, and often don't know if our art speaks to others. Lonely decisions every step of the way, painting, quilting, writing, composing. We must all speak out, affirming, guiding, applauding, correcting and inspiring each other.
And if you think fiberarts is time consuming- try writing a book! My true admiration for those of you  who work so long and hard on  that, with no assuredness of success.
This painting is of the bridge in the rhododendron garden in Portland, an incredible place bursting with flowers, and fountains, and streams, and ducks, and color, color color. Go see it when the rhodies are in bloom. It is magnificent.
Wish I could go to the big shows next week. If you are at the Denver National Quilt show., look for two of my pieces, "Peeper," and "Wetlands". And if you go to Paducah, "Lovebirds " is at the Yeiser."Old Point Loma" is in the Lighthouse invitational opening May 1 at Back Porch Fabrics,
  Instead, I'll be in ...Anaheim, at a medical meeting instead. Bummer.
 But if any of you live around there and want to get together for dinner, that would sure improve my trip!
By the way, I don't know how to link to other blogs, but a must read is Elizabeth Barton's. (www.ElizabethBarton.blogspot.com). Especially March 23, her spoof on entry rules for shows.
OK, back to work. I've got a huge gallery to fill, you know. I'll show you some more soon.

Finally! Some new stuff. People and places

I can't say that I've been very efficient. as a matter of fact it seems to take three hours of futzing around (And maybe another hour or two fooling around with email etc) to every hour of productive work in the studio. But I've got a deadline, well, several, but the main one is my upcoming solo show at the gallery, with opening reception June 10. Mark your calendars, everyone! I'm gonna feel bad if you don't come!
So, here are two more collaged, stiched and quilted fabric portraits. One is of John Steinbeck, whose writing (and politics) I hugely admire. It's called "Man of Letters" and was done for our Textile Abstractions group's challenge this month "Letter."












The other is called "Petting Zoo," using two of my favorite models, one of my sons with one of his daughters.

It's better to see them in person, 

of course, so Come to the show...

Still painting, as well. This oil painting is called "Guilfoss," as that is the name of this incredible waterfall in Iceland











and a preview of the next portrait, loaded here on the longarm, ready for quilting when I can get back to the serenity of the studio

Now to work on the postcards for our latest IJQ swap,
And another painting.
And another 6 or so quilts boefore I have enough to even consider filling that huge gallery space.
You know where to find me.

What with all the remodeling, travelling and teaching, and all, the fabric pieces don't seem to be making it off the wall and onto the quilting machine. Soon, however, very soon (I hope, I hope).
Meanwhile, I did paint some chickens, in oils,  and a few portraits, which I got to do at Paul Milosevich's workshop.. That's Eli Wiesel in charcoal,  I'm holding Maia, the little "angel" with wings and tutu, and Alani  , both in watercolor.

 Making art is great fun but hard work. Don't let anyone tell you different.

Next California Fiber Artists show is in Bakersfield, at the art museum. Opening reception this Thursday 3/24 in the evening. Next Avenue 9 opening this Friday evening. See you there!

Just bloggin' along

 A much better picture of my autumn scene here now that it's come back to the studio and I could shoot it outside

 

The quilt peeking out last post behind my "prisoner" is shown in its entirety here. The polar bear's  name is Snowflake. Without the snowflakes and the hibiscus which has floated in from somewhere this quilt was a lot of black and white which may explain why it remained UFO for quite a while.

Meanwhile, I did finish two sleeping bags for my two older grand daughters. Tops and furry insides are shown here. Lots of family photos transferred onto fabric in between the kid prints and just pure fun to do

.I'm getting out the watercolors again in preparation for a workshop

with Paul Milosevich, an amazing painter from Santa Fe with a show

opening in Chico at Avenue 9.. He will be doing a free portrait demo at

Avenue 9 Gallery tomorow night (Friday 2/17) so come if you can.

My brother is putting his cabinetry and remodeling skills to work

on my studio and already the improved lighting is really making a

difference. It will be quite a showcase, so if you need a more

efficient and satisfying studio, let me know and I'll send him your way.

Photos will come soon.