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. 

"Sparkly"

It's pretty much guarenteed that if I don't post on this blog, someone visits!  I have been so busy painting I sometimes let the computer work go.  I will make that my New Year's resolution, to focus more on my website and blog.  I seem to always make the same resolution, what's wrong with this picture!  It has been such a great year for my little art biz. I am really gratefull for all that has come my way.  I vowed, about this time last year that I was not going to do anymore commissions, well I have 7.   I can't say no!  All of them are very cool images and I know I will have fun painting them.  They are also for some of my very best collectors : D

Back to the Drawing Board

"Time To Eat"

I haven't written on my blog since my computer decided to crash and burn right in the middle of my busiest time of the year!  I had back to back shows and I was trying to keep up with my inventory and she decided she wanted to pass on to computer heaven.  We had kind of expected it since sometimes she decided, usually when we were in the middle of something, to just turn black and go away. Long story short, we decided to go from having a PC for many years to buying an Apple.  We still don't have all of our files moved over and Apple and Verizon have not helped us figure out why we can't receive e-mail.  I also have not posted any new art on Dailypaintworks.com for about 2 and 1/2 weeks and it's been making me a little crazy.  Especially since I have new art to post!  Well I  finally got the resizeit app and can make my photos small enough to post.  I think I will be taking classes at the Apple store soon so I can learn all I need to know to keep my art biz going!  I had two really great shows in a row and sold many paintings.  it's been a great year.

Now Arriving

"Now Arriving"

The Monarch Butterfly's annual migration to Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz, Calif. is one of nature's wonders.  They blend in beautifully with the landscape and the colors of the season.  They begin arriving in October and their numbers are at the peak about November and December. They are so beautiful and they look so delicate, but they travel so far!  

I posted that I would share my painting of the CHS graduation, but then I wanted to tweek it some more. it's almost there.  I also decided I want Mr. Perales, the principal of CHS, to be the first to see it.  So after I give it to him, I will post it here.