Landing Pad

"Landing Pad"

This huge sunflower grew outside my window this summer.  The window that is in front of my art table where I paint.  These little, tiny, super-cute finches would land on the giant leaves and seemed to peer into my window. It was a little distracting because I could never resist looking back at them. I do think some distractions are good for the soul ; D

Purple Face, Sore Body!

"Purple Face"

I am on vacation for the month of August.  Not traveling anywhere, but I am stepping off the art train for a bit to catch my breath and get energized for the fall and winter season of shows.  

"Kyle's Senior Parking Space"

I helped my daughter paint her senior parking space at Christopher High.  Down on the ground, bending and kneeling all day, I am sooooo sore! It was worth it though, loved spending the time with her and making art in an unusual space.  She wanted a vintage pattern because, she loves vintage things.  We made it say Robinson and painted it in the McCalls font.  The number is her birthday and you can't read it in this photo, but it is the "Diva Edition".  She also loves music, singing and theatre. Kyle, my daughter also designed and painted two other spaces for her art challenged friends.  I am amazed at how fearless she is when it comes to art or anything really.  I am a very proud mom.

Gilroy's Biggest Party!!

" 2013 GF Cook-Off Gift Painting"

Again this year my art was used to make prints  and given as gifts to the 2013 Gilroy Garlic Festival Cook-off judges, contestants and sponsors.  As a perk my family and I are invited to sit at the cook-off stage and sample all the yummy dishes prepared by the contestants. It's really fun and an exciting event to be a part of.  It's an honor to have them print my art as gifts!

"Sample of  Some New Work"

This is some of the new work I created to sell in my own booth at the 2013 Gilroy Garlic Festival.  It's always an exciting show, hot, but exciting.  If you are attending, stop by my booth and say hi, #350 on the park side :D

It's All Berry Good

"It's All Berry Good"

I have to admit I go to the Farmer's Market more for subject matter, than I do for food, I end up with both so it's really a win-win! This combination of berries together and then inside the turquoise basket is just yummy.

Warm-Up

Warm-Up

I have been back from my vacation for about a week.  I was very inspired by all the beauty I saw and painted a little series on Point Reyes National Seashore, where I went. You can view these little paintings at dailypaintworks.com on my gallery page.

 I have to say I know NOTHING about sports, but I know I liked this figure and I wanted to try and paint his moves.  I drew and painted it very quickly and on gesso board, so it has a very spontaneous feel which is what I like about it.

Gone Fishing!

Gone Fishing!

I am so looking forward to a bit of a break and some alone time with my husband.  I think taking some time off to just be will be just what the doctor ordered.  The plan is to take in new sights and experiences and come back with lots of new material and inspiration for my art.  So see you soon ; D

JoAnne

"The Best Parents Ever"

My dad and mom on their 67th wedding anniversary.  Mike and I took them on a picnic to Asillomar state beach.  I asked them both how it felt to be married to each other for the past 67 years.  Glad that they both have such a great sense of humor, they both replied: "AWFUL!"! then my dad said : "No, I really love this broad!"  They are just the best : D

Goodbye to the Sweetest Month

"Bye February, See you in 2014"

February is the shortest month of the year, but as far as I am concerned it has the best holiday.  So I wanted to say goodbye to the sweetest month... until we meet again in 2014. I love the pinks, reds greens, chocolate browns and most of all... the love.

Black Bird, Blue Sky

"Black Bird, Blue Sky"

The photo of this painting is way darker than it is in person...I tried and tried and the photo  couldn't really represent it.  The colors are deep, but not dark.  The camera does that sometimes.  

This black bird was sitting on top of some boards that were on a roof.  Scoping the area for the droppings left by happy people with picnic baskets.  I seem to see them everywhere in suburbia lately.  I know they are pretty smart as birds go.

Jamming

"Jamming"

I loved the energy this dog had, tearing around the sand like a race car.  That's what the beach brings out in living souls...feelings of goodness and being alive.    I noticed after I painted this, that it has a  scrape on the board, from a sharp pencil mark.  Not too long ago I would have discarded the painting but as I looked at it, I thought,  it enhances the beauty of being created by a human. I am moving forward the longer I paint and I am seeing beauty in things that are not perfect and actually preferring them to not be.

The right Tools for the Job

"The Right Tools for the Job"

I have so much new material from my magical day at Asilomar state beach last week.  It was a beautiful, warm, sparkly day.  Kids, dogs and lovers out in nature and enjoying being alive.  I love the kids especially, having the very best kind of fun, the free kind!  It's great for them to just get dirty and wet and dig in the sand.

Sea Glass

"Sea Glass"

I saw so many little kids, dogs and lovers simply enjoying nature and the beautiful white sand and sparkling water at Asilomar State Beach last Friday.  It really warmed my heart and gave me the nudge I needed to head back to my art room and paint what I saw and what I felt.  It pays to get out and about and be in nature, it just plain makes you feel good!

Wave Dodgers

"Wave Dodgers"

Watching the kids play on the beach the other day reminded me of the wonderful feeling I got as a kid running and dodging the waves.  Sometimes I could run away faster than the water could catch me, but it's fun to get caught ; D  I love seeing the kids on the beach having a blast, with nothing but a bathing suit!

Girlfriends

"Girlfriends"

I am looking forward to the paintings that are going to come out of my day at Asilomar state beach.  These little girls were so absorbed in what they were making with the wet sand.  Everyone comes alive at this beach, it's very sparkly and beautiful!

Asilomar Rocks

"Asilomar Rocks"

Yes it does, I visited this pristine beach for the first time this past Valentine's day weekend.  I had a glorious picnic with Mike, my husband..best man in the world!  I then filled an empty camera card with photos.  This is the first painting to come out.  I am sure there will be many more, it was a glorious day.

Lucy, Doing What She Does Best

"Lucy, Doing What She Does Best"

I find sometimes I don't have to go far to look for a subject.  Lucy my pug is always a willing model.  She loves to nap, and snore.  Anywhere there is a soft landing she will snuggle and make herself cozy.   This dog is asleep in a nano second,  I wish I could fall asleep that fast!

Say the word Love!

"Say the word LOVE..."

Yup, this month is the shortest month of the year, but it sure packs a wallop!  The love month, Valentine's day, it is my favorite holiday, celebrating love, it just doesn't get better than that!

Always Say Yes 2 Love

"Always Say Yes 2 Love"

This is my favorite holiday next to Thanksgiving.  Both of them involve eating a lot of things that you wouldn't get to eat every day.  Besides, what's wrong with love, everything is right with love, just sayin'!

Dutch Iris

"Dutch Iris"

Another still life courtesy of the grocery store floral department!  This time of year all of these little pre-Spring bouquets start popping up in the floral bins.  I'd say we are pretty spoiled rotten this side of the country, it's a sparkly, sunny day...a little crisp for us.  Eastern folks would probably call us whimps and yes we are, warm whimps!

Lean and Green

"Lean and Green"

I just can't help it, the shapes and colors of these green onions inspire me to create a painting!  The farmer's market is still going, even though there isn't as much as there is in the summer, I still find some great subjects.