Golden Rays

"Golden Rays"

Oil, 12" x 12" framed.

$625.00

Available at Gale's Restaurant

Believe it or not, I have started my book! I am very excited about the format I am using and so far I have the outline completed and I am starting to create all of the visuals (i.e. pictures). It's still going to take me a long time but I am hoping for a mid year completion. Which isn't bad, considering I originally was "hoping" to have it completed by the end of the year. The book is a "How to" book that is about, you guessed it, palette knife painting. I am also going to write a book about Marketing for Artists but that will be later on (yes ... reality check ...). 

This painting was a demo from my workshop earlier last month and its for sale at Gale's Restaurant in Pasadena. It's hanging along with 20 other paintings by yours truly. The show is up until mid March. If you live in the area, so check it out!

Check out my upcoming palette knife painting workshops at http://www.saetastudio.com/Leslie_Saeta_fine_Art/Workshops.html.

Two Thirds

"Two Thirds"

Oil, 8" x 8" framed.

$425.00

Available at Gale's Restaurant

626-432-6705

I have been so busy this month that I realized I forgot to post two of the demo paintings I completed in my January workshop. I am not sure how I managed to do that as I am ALWAYS posting paintings as soon as they come off the easel. Oh well, it's been a crazy month.

I am buried in my studio finishing a 4' x 6' commission for a new restaurant opening in Pasadena. Plus I have ten small commissions due in mid-February of one of my favorite colleges. And if you read my facebook post last week, I received wonderful news on Friday that images of ten of my paintings were selected by an art licensing company. If you haven't heard the show we did on "Artists Helping Artists" about Art Licensing, you should listen to it. It's called "Pimping Your Art ... Why Art Licensing Makes Sense". Click on the title to listen to the show.

Check out my upcoming palette knife painting workshops at http://www.saetastudio.com/Leslie_Saeta_fine_Art/Workshops.html.

Red Umbrellas - SOLD

"Red Umbrellas"

Oil, 12" x 12"framed.

SOLD at Gale's Restaurant

I just realized I had forgotten to post this painting before I entered it in my show at Gale's Restaurant. I actually started the painting as a demo in one of my workshops in Newport Beach in November. It has been sitting in my studio for a month, unfinished. I quickly finished it, framed it and delivered it but forgot to take a photo of the finished painting! I rarely forget to photograph a painting and this time I got lucky. The buyer wanted a gold frame (instead of a dark one) so I was able to take it home, photograph it and change the frame.

So ... don't forget to ALWAYS photograph your paintings before they leave your studio! You may not get a second chance!

Check out my upcoming palette knife painting workshops at http://www.saetastudio.com/Leslie_Saeta_fine_Art/Workshops.html.

Early Afternoon Sun

"Early Afternoon Sun"

Oil, 8" x 16" framed.

$600.00

Available at Gale's Restaurant

626-432-6705

I had a wonderful opening tonight at Gale's Restaurant. I saw so many great friends and met some really nice art collectors! It was a very successful show as I sold seven paintings. So thanks to all of my new collectors! I really appreciate your support!

If you are in the Pasadena area, the show will be up until March 14th so there is plenty of time to stop by for a wonderful lunch or dinner and a chance to see some art. All of my new umbrella paintings are in the show, although one is already gone ...

Check out my upcoming palette knife painting workshops at http://www.saetastudio.com/Leslie_Saeta_fine_Art/Workshops.html.

Early Morning Sun

"Early Morning Sun"

Oil, 6" x 12" framed.

$475.00 framed

Available at Gale's Restaurant

626-432-6705

As you can tell, I have developed a new fixation with umbrellas. I am not exactly sure why I enjoy painting umbrellas so much, but I am hooked. I am hoping to put together a show of paintings all featuring an umbrella ... ranging from the understated to the obvious (as pictured above). I do seem to want to paint umbrellas that are used on sunny days rather than rainy days ... go figure ... ha!

This painting has a companion that is also 6" x 12". I am working on it and it will also be available at the opening of my show this weekend.

Speaking of my show, if you are in Southern California, please join me this Sunday for the Artists Reception from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. The show is at Gale's Restaurant located at 452 S. Fair Oaks in Pasadena, CA. The phone is 626-432-6705. And for all football fans, the game will be on in the bar, I promise!  

Check out my upcoming palette knife painting workshops at http://www.saetastudio.com/Leslie_Saeta_fine_Art/Workshops.html.

Resting Side By Side

"Resting Side By Side"

Oil, 12" x 12" framed.

$625.00 

Available at Gale's Restaurant

626-432-6705

This painting was painted as a demo at my January workshop. I created a video which shows the environment in which it was created. Enjoy!

Check out my upcoming palette knife painting workshops at http://www.saetastudio.com/Leslie_Saeta_fine_Art/Workshops.html.

A Cloudy Day

"A Cloudy Day"

Oil, 12" x 12" on museum quality canvas panel.

$625.00 framed 

Available at Gale's Restaurant

I definitely have a new favorite subject to paint. Umbrellas! There is something about the umbrella folds, shadows and light that I absolutely love to paint. (So ... if you have any great photos please send them my way!). This is probably my all time favorite and it will be in the Gale's Show (unless it sells today!) which hangs tomorrow. Let me know what you think!

Check out my upcoming palette knife painting workshops at http://www.saetastudio.com/Leslie_Saeta_fine_Art/Workshops.html.

Leaving Pasadena

"Leaving Pasadena"

Oil, 12" x 12" on museum quality canvas panel.

$625 framed.

Available at Gale's Restaurant.

I absolutely love painting scenes from around Pasadena. There is always something wonderful to paint and between the classic architecture and the amazing trees, how can one go wrong?

I just now closed the door to my studio. I have been "locked" in there all day painting and framing. I have 20 paintings ready for delivery to Gale's Restaurant on Saturday. I cannot believe they are framed, labeled and tagged. And I start teaching a three day Palette Knife Painting Workshop tomorrow.

Next week I start on a 4' x 6' commission. 

Check out my upcoming palette knife painting workshops at http://www.saetastudio.com/Leslie_Saeta_fine_Art/Workshops.html.

The Crab Cooker

"The Crab Cooker"

Oil, 12" x 12" on museum quality canvas panel.

$625.00 framed.

Available at Gale's Restaurant.

I have been busy in my studio finishing up some paintings for a show at Gale's Restaurant in Pasadena. The show hangs this weekend and I am fortunate to be hosting the show with another artist, George Scribner. He is really talented! The Artist's Reception is next Sunday, January 22nd from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. If you are local, it would be great if you could join me! Good food and good art, I promise! Here's the info:

Gale's Restaurant

452 South Fair Oaks Avenue  Pasadena, CA 91105-2634
(626) 432-6705

Check out my upcoming palette knife painting workshops at http://www.saetastudio.com/Leslie_Saeta_fine_Art/Workshops.html.

Fun with the video camera

I was inspired after today's "Artists Helping Artists" radio show as artist Ric Nagualero shared some wonderful advice as to how we can use videos to promote our art. As you can tell, I I had fun with this one. And there is more to come including the actual tour of the Carriage House. I also filmed a demo of the painting I completed today but it will take a short while to edit the video. So look for that one in a few weeks.
If you have a smart phone, flip video or video camera you too can film a short video. I used imovie to edit this but there are some great on-line editing programs. Raw footage is good too as there is no need to edit anything!
Now, go out and break a leg. I am kidding, it's just a figure of speech.


Check out my upcoming palette knife painting workshops at http://www.saetastudio.com/Leslie_Saeta_fine_Art/Workshops.html.

Three Thirds

"Three Thirds"

Oil, 8" x 16" on museum quality canvas panel.

$550.00 with display easel.

I know I never paint still life or fruit. But yesterday's painting (titled "Two and a Third") was so much fun that I decided to do just a few more. I am painting for my upcoming show at Gale's Restaurant in Pasadena and thought it might be fun to include some non-landscape and seascape paintings. Now yesterday's painting sold ... so I am still behind ... but please know that I am not complaining! 

I am afraid that 2012 is showing true signs of Global Warming in Southern California. I was actually really hot in my studio today. We have had four days in a row of over 80 degree weather. And ... isn't it January? And yes, please know that I am not complaining!

Check out my upcoming palette knife painting workshops at http://www.saetastudio.com/Leslie_Saeta_fine_Art/Workshops.html.

Two and a Third - SOLD

"Two and a Third"

Oil, 6" x 6" on museum quality panel.

$200.00 with display easel.

Sold.

Having just re-organized my entire studio I found it easy to finish this painting today! I absolutely love the colors and composition. I know the composition different ... but that's what I like about it! I think I might try this one for an exercise in my Palette Knife Painting class next week. I usually never paint fruit because so many other daily painters do it so well, but I like the different look with the palette knife.

Hope your new year is going well.

Check out my upcoming palette knife painting workshops at http://www.saetastudio.com/Leslie_Saeta_fine_Art/Workshops.html.

Sunflower II - SOLD

"Sunflower II"

Oil, 6" x 6" framed.

Sold.

This painting was a commission for the holidays. The owner of the original painting asked me to create a similar one for a gift. Since it's one of my all time favorite paintings, I absolutely loved painting this one.

New Year's Day is quoted as being one of the most "underwhelming holidays". But I think today is a very important day. It's the day that all of us should take a minute to reflect on last year and decide at least one thing we want to accomplish for 2012. It's the day we can step out of our comfort zone and decide to try something different. It's the day we can look back and decide what worked best in 2011 and realize we need to do more of the "good things". It's the day we can set a few goals and put the one, really exciting opportunity at the top of the list. Why not? It's a new year and a great chance to go out there and make this the best year ever in our art careers.

I've got my goals for 2012. The lost is a lot shorter (yes Dreama, I have learned from you!) but I am so excited about my list that I can hardly wait to get started. In fact, I am going to get started right now. Here's to another great year!

Check out my upcoming palette knife painting workshops at http://www.saetastudio.com/Leslie_Saeta_fine_Art/Workshops.html.

The Best of 2011

The Best of 2011 - My Favorite Paintings

(at least according to me ...)

OK. So I realize selecting my favorite paintings of 2011 is completely subjective. I am sure you might disagree with some of my selections and if you want to take a look at the entire collection from the year, click here. But these are my favorites ... and not just because they sold or I like the colors. Some of them were painted quickly, others  took days. Some sold and some did not. In fact, the ones that are not sold are: the "two sailboats" and "rooster" in the top row, the "under the umbrella" painting in the second row and the "yellow umbrellas" and "reflection of the pavilion" in the bottom row. Some are 6" x 6" and some are 11" x 14". The most interesting fact about my choices ... less than half are paintings of boats! So, what do you think? Which is your favorite?

Check out my upcoming palette knife painting workshops at http://www.saetastudio.com/Leslie_Saeta_fine_Art/Workshops.html.

Calming the Soul and Sitting Still - SOLD

"Calming the Soul" - SOLD

"Sitting Still" - SOLD

Technically, the holidays are behind us. I am pretty exhausted as I have been cooking for about three weeks, ever since the day our power came back on. I am planning on taking a few days off to relax and re-energize. I have a lot of big plans for the year as they relate to my art career and January is starting off with a big bang. Eleven commissions, a show opening on January 22nd and sold out workshops in January and February. I can't wait!!!

Check out my upcoming palette knife painting workshops at http://www.saetastudio.com/Leslie_Saeta_fine_Art/Workshops.html.

The Twelve Days of Christms - Day Twelve!

 

Day Twelve giveaway is the free 12" x 12" painting listed above and below.

Day Eleven biz card/postcard/design help winner is Melanie Nogawski!

I am giving away the painting that I used throughout my entire holiday promotion. It's one of my favorites and can be yours! It's a 12" x 12" original oil painting. The drawing for the painting will be held this Wednesday at 12:00 noon PST/ 3:00 EST. To be eligible for the painting, all you have to do is go to my website and click on the "recommend" button on any of the pages of my website or on any of my paintings. Be sure and let me know you have done so (just to make sure I don't miss anyone). Feel free to leave comments when you "recommend" if you want!

This is the painting I am giving away!

Thanks again to all of you who have participated in the Twelve Days of Christmas fun! I can't wait to give out this free painting. Happy Holidays!

Check out my upcoming palette knife painting workshops at http://www.saetastudio.com/Leslie_Saeta_fine_Art/Workshops.html.

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Eleven

Day Eleven giveaway includes the creation, design and printing of marketing materials. I will design and print new business cards (250) and postcards (50) for your art business. 

Day Ten Consultation winner is Kathy Cousart!

Call it Lucky 13, but when the number"13" came up, Kathy was the 13th comment on my blog (I had 41 total comments on my blog/FB profile and FB fan page). It probably helped that she left lots of comments on all three sources! So congrats Kathy.

The Day Eleven giveaway provides you the opportunity to upgrade your business cards and create postcards to promote your business. We'll brainstorm and then I'll design and once we have your approval I will print the items for you. This will be fun!

To qualify just leave a comment on my blog or Facebook fan page and/or profile page with a question or "creative" idea for art marketing materials.

Check out my upcoming palette knife painting workshops at http://www.saetastudio.com/Leslie_Saeta_fine_Art/Workshops.html.

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Ten

Day Ten giveaway is another 90 minute marketing consultation!

Day Nine Workshop winner is Janelle Cox!

I decided to give away another marketing consultation because there were so many of you who wanted it and didn't win. So ... you now have a second chance! Just leave a comment here or on my facebook profile or Fan Page telling your fellow artists which marketing idea you wished you could learn more  about! And you will be eligible for the giveaway. The more times you post, the more chances you have to win!

I shipped two commissions today (in time for the holidays) and spent the rest of the time in the kitchen. Tonight I am cooking homemade Butternut Squash Soup and Spinach Artichoke Tarts. Only three more days until the party ... It's a crazy time of the year but I love it. 

Check out my upcoming palette knife painting workshops at http://www.saetastudio.com/Leslie_Saeta_fine_Art/Workshops.html.

Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Nine

The prize for the 9th Day of Christmas is a Three Day Workshop with me!

Day Eight Winner is Maria Bennett Hock.

I wanted to have fun today with my Twelve Days of Christmas promotion so I thought it was time to give away one of my favorite things - a free three day workshop! You can select any of my 2012 workshops held at the Carriage House in South Pasadena. You just have to select one that is not already sold out! To be eligible for the prize go to my Facebook fan page or Facebook profile page (or both) and click SHARE on the post about the workshop giveaway. Also, feel free to leave any comments about your favorite things you have done at workshops. I am always interested in what others like about workshops they have attended. For information about the workshops at the Carriage House, click here. Good luck!

Check out my upcoming palette knife painting workshops at http://www.saetastudio.com/Leslie_Saeta_fine_Art/Workshops.html.

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Eight

The prize for the 8th Day of Christmas is a set of my favorite palette knives.

Day Seven Winner is Donna Aloia.

To qualify for the Eighth Day of Christmas jut leave a comment here or on my Facebook Profile or Fan Page and let me know what your favorite art "tool" is! My favorite tools are my three palette knives and the lucky winner will be given a set. 

The "survey" I held for the 7th Day of Christmas had some interesting results. First off, there were 64 people who "voted" and 43 different paintings were selected. I guess the results prove once again that different types of art appeal to a lot of different people. Somehow I imagined there would be fewer paintings selected. But I am thrilled with the results. The most favored painting was "Just Waiting" and it can be seen here. Currently it's on display at the Debra Huse Gallery.

Finally, don't forget, my paintings are 20% off until December 15th!

Check out my upcoming palette knife painting workshops at http://www.saetastudio.com/Leslie_Saeta_fine_Art/Workshops.html.

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Day Seven

The prize for the 7th Day of Christmas is a copy of my new book, "A Year of Palette Knife Paintings".

Day Six Winner is Katherine Fleming!

I cannot believe we are already on the 7th Day of Christmas giveaway! Today's prize is a copy of my new book and I just received a box of them so they are ready to ship! And all you need to do to qualify for this giveaway is go to my Available Paintings and let me know which painting is your favorite. I am working on my goals for next year and I would love your input to know which paintings are most liked! Leave your comment here or on my Facebook profile or fan page. Thanks!

Check out my upcoming palette knife painting workshops at http://www.saetastudio.com/Leslie_Saeta_fine_Art/Workshops.html.