So Gifted!

This is the first gift I've wrapped for the rapidly approaching holiday and I did it just to paint it. Shows where my head's at but it's time to get it in the game! December 14, gasp!!! I do work best under a little pressure; just 'gifted' that way, I guess. This little prize was painted this morning for the DPW challenge and a good way to get back to the easel after all the showing/selling activity in recent weeks. "So Gifted" is available here. I may just make this my Christmas card.

Mark Twain Library Art Show

Yesterday was all about assembling a portfolio of work for display and sale, framing and packing up 25 paintings in all to submit for jurying at the Mark Twain Library in Redding, CT. At some point last night, I was pretty close to calling the whole thing off and wondering why I left so much to the last day. The works below won't be available for purchase, except through the MTL, until Dec. 12.

Today I awoke to brighter skies. I rode with a friend and fellow artist through some beautiful countryside to deliver the fruits of our labors. We met a lot of nice and helpful people, looked around at the other (very impressive) art submissions, and hung out in a nearby cafe for a few hours to await the judge's verdict. 

We both got in!

NYBG Cacti

Portland Peony

I, among so many others, attended a Mark Twain Elementary School. Mine was in Lawndale, CA. However, it turns out this particular library really does have a direct connection with Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain. It was a pet project of his near the end of his life. It's not a municipal library and relies on most of its funding from the public so I was happy to donate a painting to the silent auction they will hold during their gala this Friday night. Exciting stuff! Interesting facts re: Twain's library here:

http://www.marktwainlibrary.org/PDF-Files/MTLbro3.pdf

Crisscross

It's been a harrowing week with the election results but it seems to be good for painting. This is a companion piece to the previous asparagus painting, Smoke On The Water. Click to purchase separately or as a pair.

Smoke On The Water

I'll admit to being a little (okay, a lot) disappointed and surprised when these turned a normal asparagus green when cooked. Of course I paused for a photo shoot in the midst of preparing a birthday dinner. I had visions of Deep Purple on our red platter. As a friend points out, they should turn MORE purple! So here they are in their audacious lusty natural state with brushstrokes to match. Click here to own.

Decision

I made up my mind a long time ago and it wasn't difficult. During this particular election time so much hangs in the balance and there is a lot to lose. Vote.
Click to purchase.

Be In The Present

Basic shapes in Tiffany blue. It's good to get back to the easel. I've been away almost a month and in that time was fortunate enough to become a grandma and celebrate a milestone birthday! This little package was only one of these many gifts. Thank you. SOLD.

Coffee and Formica

Same diner visit but a more intimate shot. I don't drink coffee. I never have and probably never will. Although I shouldn't say never...I am now a tea drinker which came as a surprise and rather late in the game. This is the coffee of my husband and I've spent many hours staring at someone else's coffee and waiting for the check.
Click to buy.