The Only Willing Model in the House

"The Only Willing Model...Me"

The day was very grey, very rainy, very cold,  I had to paint! I decided to try painting a self-portrait just for fun.  I needed to play, especially after all the Christmas commissions I had done.  I decided it would be just for me and I wouldn't post it, that way I could feel loose and free.  Mike, my husband, said he really liked it and urged me to post it.  I trust him the most of anyone, he is kind but always tells me truthfully what he thinks about my work. So, here it is : )

Mike at the Cantor

"Mike at the Cantor"

I thought long and hard about joining the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge with Leslie Saeta  and her  Artists helping Artists blog.  I already do try and paint daily, but I thought January would be a good month to give myself a break.  I have been doing one or more project after the other since last year and I think I need to let up just a bit.  I don't want to feel like a hamster in a wheel. So today I played.  

This isn't the painting that came out but it really felt great to paint and not worry about posting it.  It was a self-portrait and my husband loved it so I think I will live with it awhile and then decide if I want to share.  For today, this is Mike.  The love of my life and the best person in the world to visit a museum with.  He loves to look at art,  he his a great supporter of the arts...I love him.

First Paintings of 2013

 "In and Out"

"1169 Fernside Drive"

My first two paintings of the new year.  The koi fish is a subject I am always drawn to. I love their movement and how their colors are so vibrant, what a sensuous fish!

The house painting is where I first lived until I was five.  I always thought about it and I remembered every room and how it felt to live there.  I always remembered the address.  I think it was drummed into my head when I was little, in case I got lost around the neighborhood.  We were free as kids to play outside in front, go to neighbors houses and run down the sidewalk. The early sixties was a sweet time in the suburbs where I lived.

Happy 2013!

"Braden's Race Car #16"

This painting was my last commission of 2012.  I finished it at about 4pm Christmas eve day.

I have been thinking about all the good that has happened this past year for my art biz, I have been really blessed.  I painted two city traffic box murals, I painted all the gift paintings for the Gilroy Garlic Festival Cook-Off, I painted as close to daily as I could get. I sold my work on-line, in shops and did many art shows. The best part though, is I have met and got to know lots of great people along the way.  I feel very fortunate to be able to do what I am most passionate about, paint and create art.

I have the best ever family/friend support, life is so good.

I hope this year will be a peaceful year for everyone.

Happy 2013!

Carpet Pad

"Carpet Pad"

Avery well cared for pet! Cozy,warm and happy in his pad. 

 Last year I vowed not to take any more commissions.  I tend to stress out over what people expect and what I paint.  I never have had a bad experience in my over 20 years of doing them, so why I feel that way, I don't know.  I always want my clients to be 100% happy with their art purchase and if they buy something already painted I am pretty sure their happy.  The commissions I did this year were all awesome moments and they all had special meaning, so I'm glad I forgot what I vowed and took them on. 

I painted both of the photos given to me for this guy and my client picked the other one, so he is up for grabs ; D

Katie and Rocket

"Katie and Rocket"

I am able to share this Christmas commission since she has already received her gift.  The little girl, Katie, lost her horse to old age recently.  Katie's loving grandmother had me paint this for her.  According to her grandmother, Katie loves all things horses.  I loved painting something with so much meaning.

"Vintage Brides"

Ok, 4 commissions done, 4 to go...I love what I do so it's all good.  I just haven't been able to christmas shop much. 

 I am not caring too much about anything material this Christmas, in light of all that has happened and the horrific tragedy  inflicted on the people back east, I can just feel grateful for my family and my friends and all that is good in my life, for which there is a lot.