The Red Sail

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"The Red Sail"

Oi, 6" x 6" on canvas panel.

$200 unframed.

I am so enjoying my time at home with my four boys. We had lots of sports this weekend and wonderful times with friends. A perfect weekend! I decided to try to paint during the Laker game and this little painting came together pretty quickly. I am surprised it didn't come out purple and gold (and for all you Celtics fans ... those are the official Laker colors ...)!

First Day of Summer - SOLD

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"First Day of Summer"

Oil, 8" x 6" on canvas panel.

$200.00 unframed.

Sold.

Even though the weather was overcast, today officially felt like the first day of summer. Andrew and I arrived last night from Stanford with a car stuffed full of ... well ... "stuff". He is home for ten days and then he will head out of state swim and train all summer. So ... for a short time all three of my boys are home (yeah!) and just having them around the house today left a smile on my face. We started early with pancakes and the World Cup (at 7:00 am) and we will complete the day with a barbecue tonight with the five of us. I feel complete again.

A Great Day - SOLD

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"A Great Day"

Oil, 6" x 6" framed.

Sold.

I am posting this painting because it is one of my favorites and the title is a PERFECT description of my day today! Thanks to all my girlfriends for a wonderful lunch, thanks to my husband and son for a wonderful dinner, thanks to my friends and family for all of the wonderful wishes and gifts and thanks to all of you for the many, many birthday wishes on my blog and facebook! And of course, thanks to the LAKERS for beating the Celtics! A great day all around!
And now ... the big news ... I did the drawing and from all of the comments from the past seven days (119 total) the lucky winner of the painting is Carol DeMumbrum!!!!!!!
I had a blast giving all of these items away this week and I do hope you all will continue to comment on my blog. I will offer a give away on my blog every few weeks ... so keep up your comments ...

Free Birthday Giveaway - Day #7 - SOLD

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"Full Bloom"

Oil, 6" x 6"

Sold.

Today's lucky winner of the $100 gift certificate was Dana Cooper!! Congrats Dana.
Well ... today is the last day of my giveaway. Although I will be very sad because I am afraid all of these many wonderful comments on my blog may cease to exist once I stop giving away freebies ... NOT! This has been a very fun seven days and I think I will sporadically offer free things every few weeks. So don't forget about my blog!
Today's gift is a free painting. Post here and you will be entered in to the drawing along with all of the other folks who commented on my blog this past week. The painting is called "The Calm Before the Storm" and is a 6" x 6" framed original oil painted with a palette knife.

 "The Calm Before the Storm"

I hope you win!!!!

Free Birthday Giveaway - Day #6 - SOLD

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"Full Bloom"

Oil, 6" x 6"

Sold.

Today's winner of the free "Headlines" book is the #5 comment from Kim Rempel. Congrats Kim!
Thanks again for all of your comments. This has been such a great week and I absolutely love giving away gifts every day!
Today's gift is a $100 gift certificate that can be used toward a painting or one of my prints from Imagekind. And then Tuesday will be the big giveaway ...
I painted flowers all day long today and this is my favorite so far. I am not a huge fan of carnations but I do like this painting. And you all know orange is my new favorite color. Who would have thought!
I am also pleased to announce that I am part of a new daily painting group called Daily Painter Originals. Check out the new site as the artists are wonderful. 

Free Birthday Giveaway - Day #5 - SOLD

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"He Loves Me"

Oil, 6" x 6" framed.

Sold.

Lucky #7 was the winning number in today's drawing, so Kelley in Vancouver is the winner! Congratulations!Today's give away is a copy of my "Headlines" book ($50 value). Last month I had a show at the SoPas Gallery that featured 17 paintings inspired from headlines in the South Pasadena Review newspaper from the 1930's, 40's and 50's. The book features all of the paintings and headlines. So make a comment on today's blog to be entered in the drawing. AND don't forget all comments from the entire week will be included in Tuesday's drawing for a free painting!

Good luck and thanks!

Free Birthday Giveaway - Day #4

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"Birds Of A Feather"

Oil, 8" x 8" framed.

Available at Gale's Restaurant

Another great day! Congrats to Claire Beadon Carnell whose lucky number was drawn to win the free one hour marketing consulting session.
Today's free gift is a $50 gift certificate from Leslie Saeta Fine Art. You can use the gift certificate to purchase note cards right away or apply it to a painting purchase. Just make a comment on today's blog post to be eligible for the drawing. Good luck!
The painting for today is another "animal" painting that will be featured at the show at Gale's Restaurant. Of course I am painting the brightest and most colorful creatures that exist on the planet. I just can't imagine  painting a "drab colored" animal!

Free Birthday Giveaway - Day #3

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"Rooster VIII"

Oil, 12" x 12" framed.

Available at Gale's restaurant.

Wow. What a week. I am having so much fun with my daily giveaway and everything else has been incredible. Sales have been simply amazing this week. And of course, the Lakers won! So my paintings are currently 13% off (as they beat the Celtics by 13 points last night!).
Today's giveaway is a free one-hour marketing consultation with ME (valued at $175). If you have been listening to my radio show, "Artists Helping Artists" you will know that I have tons of ideas and suggestions when it comes to selling art on-line. We can discuss new ideas for your website and blog, put together a plan to create marketing materials, get you signed up on facebook, what ever you want! This is your chance for free one-on-one marketing advice! So, post a comment on this blog post today and you will be entered in to the drawing which will take place tomorrow morning.
Congrats, by the way, to Dan who won the free 24" x 24" print of one of my paintings from Vistaprint. He had comment #3 on yesterday's post and that number was selected at random.org. Also, todays painting features Rooster VIII. I love the thick paint and bright colors. He will be in the show at Gale's Restaurant next week also.

Free Birthday Giveaway - Day #2

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"Rooster VII"

Oil, 8" x 16" on canvas panel.

Available at Gale's Restaurant.

Wow. I must say after receiving all of your lovely comments yesterday I am feeling very loved! I went to www.random.org and did my drawing and congrats Kelley Sanford. You have won the notecards!
Today's free gift is kind of fun. Most of you know that I sell prints of my artwork on imagekind.com. My storefront is here. Today's lucky winner will be able to select any print (and there are 103 paintings to choose from!) up to a 24" x 24" size ($60.00 value!). I will order it for the winner and have it shipped directly to you. So, comment on this blog post today to be eligible and the lucky winner will be announced tomorrow morning!

Don't forget to join us for blog talk radio this morning. If you would like to join us live for today's show "Artists Helping Artists", dial (646)915-9243 (every Thursday) at 9:00 a.m. PST.

The painting above was just completed and it will be in the "Animals Show" at Gale's Restaurant in Pasadena which opens next week!

Free Birthday Giveaway - Day #1

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Today officially starts my "birthday week". And I have always believed it is way more fun to give presents than to receive them! Some of you may remember that last year I painted 27 6" x 6" paintings in three days and gave one to each couple attending my 50th birthday party (see photo above). It was really fun, but I wish I would have thought of the idea farther in advance (like maybe even five days ...). Painting twenty-seven paintings in three days was a marathon!
So this year, I have decided to give something away for free for the seven days leading up to my birthday. Today will award two packs of notecards (12 total - value $36.00) to one of you that leaves a comment on my blog. And no birthday wishes ... I have a week until my birthday!
One more thing ... all blog posts this week will be eligible for the free painting giveaway (next Tuesday!) so the more you post ... the better chance you have!

Hope Street - SOLD

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"Hope Street"

Oil, 8" x 16" framed.

Sold.

There's something about this intersection that sums up our wonderful little town ... the beautiful trees, picket fence and of course, "Hope Street". In our wonderful little city, hidden, yet situated in the middle of Los Angeles, you'll see kids riding their bikes and families walking their dogs every day. There are block parties, concerts in the park and volleyball games at the park. Just yesterday I saw a lemonade stand on the street corner.

I am blessed to live in South Pasadena and to have been able to raise my children in such a wonderful town.

The Front Porch

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"The Front Porch"

Oil, 8" x 8"

Available at SoPas Gallery

Memorial is the day we honor the heroes who gave their lives protecting our beautiful country. Although it is a day often filled with barbecues, swimming and spending time with friends, we all should take a moment to remember those who bravely fought to allow us to live in such an amazing place. God Bless America!

The Calm Before the Storm - SOLD

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"The Calm Before the Storm"

Oil, 6" x 6" on canvas panel.

Sold.

I decided that today I would use the same reference photo that I used for my demo last Saturday. I wanted to try a smaller one in my usual "daily" 6" x 6" size. I brightened up the water a bit and also opted for the yellow highlight on the boat on the left. The photograph of the painting could be better but I am in a rush. I need to leave for the airport to pick up my oldest son. He is home for three days for a swim meet ... and then back to Stanford for dead week and finals. The calm before the storm ... perhaps?

Behind the Picket Fence

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"Behind the Picket Fence"

Oil, 8" x 10" on canvas panel, framed.

Available at SoPas Gallery.

Ahhh ... another day when I fully intended to head up to my studio to paint ... and I just couldn't seem to get away from my computer.  I have been uploading new images to my store at imagekind.com which offers prints of my artwork. It is a tedious process but I do think it is an integral part of  the "Selling Art While You are Sleeping" concept, which was the discussion for our "Artists Helping Artists" blog talk radio show today. If you missed the show, you can listen to it here. I think it was on of our better shows. Lots of great ideas and input. So thanks to all of you that participated! And ... I sold five large prints on imagekind today so my hours at the computer were worth it!

In Front of the Golden Gate - SOLD

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"In Front of the Golden Gate"

Oil, 8" x 10" on canvas panel.

Sold.

I almost decided not to paint today. I spent about six straight hours at the computer earlier today ... uploading photos to Imagekind and Fine Art America, updating my website and facebook, and getting ready for the "Artists Helping Artists" radio show that is tomorrow morning. Not to mention the four calls to Dreama (my artist buddy and radio show co-host and soon to be ... Workshop Co-Leader!) and some organizing of my office. Perhaps I was "procrastinating" ... who knows? But I am glad I forced myself up to the third floor (funny how I make it sound like it is so far 'up to the third floor'). Because I thought this painting would be fun to paint and I really am happy with the way it turned out! I need to figure out a way to paint in the morning (before I get stuck on the computer) and see if I can "paint ahead". Now that's a novel idea, right Dreama?

Jacarandas in Bloom

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"Jacarandas in Bloom"

Oil, 11" x 14" framed.

$950.00 at SoPas Gallery.

As I drive around town there are "hints" that the jacaranda trees will be in full bloom soon. the trees are slowly showing signs of purple and I know within a few weeks they will be in full bloom. There are a few streets in South Pasadena that offer a sky of purple blossoms. When my oldest was in high school and I would take him to morning swim practice (at 4:30 am!) we would marvel at how the streets were covered in purple blossoms. The jacaranda trees are messy, but the beauty they offer all of us makes it all worth it!

A Sunny Day

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"A Sunny Day"

Oil, 8" x 16" on canvas panel.

NFS

I gave a palette knife demonstration at SoPas Gallery yesterday and ... it was so much fun! There were wonderful artists and friends in attendance and I do think I might have some new "converted palette knife painters". The painting above is the completed demo piece, and one of the lucky attendees was awarded the painting as my gift!
I used a reference photo that featured a very cloudy day, so it was fun to bring out the sun and brighten up the painting. It only took me about an hour and twenty minutes to complete the demonstration. I will be teaching a palette knife workshop in the fall so let me know if you are interested!

Back In Time - SOLD

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"Old Chevy"

Oil, 16" x 8" on canvas panel.

Sold.

This is another one of my paintings in my Headlines Show. It's an old chevy and the painting is based on a wonderful photo taken by Laurie Alle. Laurie has a great blog titled Glimpses of South Pasadena and many of her photos were inspirations for my South Pasadena Headlines Show. . And ... if you are near South Pasadena today, I am doing a palette knife demo from 2:00 - 4:00 at the SoPas Gallery at 1121 Mission Street. I will be painting an 8" x 16" painting and one of the lucky attendees will win the demo painting. Hope to see you there!

Arroyo Seco Parkway

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"Arroyo Seco Parkway"

Oil, 11" x 14" framed.

$950.00 at SoPas Gallery

Don't forget to join me for my demo this Saturday at SoPas Gallery from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. I will be giving away the painting at the end of the demo so you don't want to miss it!
Now that the "pressure" is off, I need to start pressuring myself again to start painting! I have had such a nice week but it really is time to get back in my studio! Let's hope I spend some serious time at my easel today.
And don;t forget to join Dreama and me on our Blog Talk Radio show. It's live at 9:00 am this morning and call in information is located to the right on my blog page!

Top of the Pavilion

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"Top of the Pavilion"

Oil, 6" x 8" on canvas panel.

$250 framed.

I was having some issues with "blank lines" in my blog posts, especially when I added pay pal buttons. I just figured out what to do. Just click on the other page of my blog called "Artists Helping Artists" and I have posted a link to a video as to how you can delete these blank lines. If there are any other issues or problems you are having with your blog, please post them here!
If you are near the South Pasadena area this weekend, please join my for my demo on Saturday, May 22nd from 2:00 - 4:00. I will be giving away the demo painting so be sure to come! The demo will be at SoPas Gallery which is located at 1121 Mission St. in South Pasadena. You can call me at 626-799-8507 for more information.

Lakers win by 21 so BIG discount on my art ... and a new logo!

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A few things ... the Lakers won tonight by 21 points, so that means all of my paintings are 21% percent off until the next playoff game! Yikes!
My new "art logo" is posted above (and all over my website and facebook). I do think "branding" is important for any business. And even though artists can use their "art" to brand their name I really wanted to pursue a "new look and feel" for my art. Other than my paintings.
So ... my dear friend Dreama Tolle Perry came to the rescue. She suggested an on-line service called www.logotournament.com. Basically, it's a site where you agree to spend $250 (or more) up front to have a log designed for you. They have hundreds of artists that will submit logos to your contest. When you sign up, you provide tons of information about what you want. I included links to my website and blog. Your "contest" is then posted on their site and within a few hours the logo ideas start posting to your "contest page". It's important that you provide feedback and rank the logos as they come in. Because the artists really do listen to what you have to say. And all of the artists will continue to submit new ideas based on your feedback.
Early on, I decided I wanted a palette knife in my logo. Then, one artist pulled my signature from my paintings into the logo. I really liked that. Another saw that I painted reflections and added reflections into the logo design. At the end of seven days, you have the option to extend the contest another week. So I did. By the end of the 14 days, I had over 100 logos submitted. And they were really great. I LOVE my winning logo.

Is it Just Me? - SOLD

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"At the Beach"

Oil, 6" x 6" on canvas panel.
Sold.

I feel like I am back to normal today. For the past three months I have been absolutely crazed with my show at SoPas Gallery and so many other "art related" happenings.  Fortunately, starting this morning, I think my "crazed life as an artist" is behind me. I can breathe and not feel the stress that has been in my studio for the past few months.  I do have some new goals for myself and on top of the list is to get more sleep. And I so hope that this "new life as a less stressed artist" will last more than a week!

So here is my question. Is it always this stressful being an artist? Or is it just me?

Clear Waters

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"Clear Waters"

Oil, 8" x 8" on canvas panel.

$450.00 framed.

I am ready for the Balboa ArtWalk which is this Sunday, May 16th. The Artwalk is held on Balboa Island from the hours of 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. I think it will be a really good show as there are lots of great artists in the show. My booth will be located between Topaz and Turquoise Streets, along the boardwalk. It should be tons of fun!

This painting is a larger version of a daily painting I did a few months back. I love the colors and the bigger size really jumps out at you!

Three on the Bay

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"Three on the Bay"

Oil, 10" x 20" on stretched canvas.

$450 unframed.

Sold.

I am not sure how many of you have had a chance to catch my Blog Talk Radio Show. It's called "Artists Helping Artists" and we basically talk about ways to market your art on-line. It has been a wonderful experience for me and the good news is ... if you can't join the call you can always log on to Blog Talk Radio and listen to a recorded version of the call. Normally we have about 10 artists on the line but we average between 100 - 150 "listens" during the week.

A dear friend (and amazing artist), Dreama Tolle Perry, has agreed to co-host the show with me. Today's call was all about Facebook, and how you can sell art using your Facebook profile, fan page and even advertising. Next week we are going to discuss hosting your own art show, either in your home (or a friend's) or on-line. So stop by and join us. Or listen to past shows. It's fun!

Upcoming Episodes

5/27/2010 9:00 AM - Artists Helping Artists: How to sell art while you are sleeping

6/3/2010 9:00 AM - Artists Helping Artists: Who's talking about you and your art on the internet.

6/10/2010 9:00 AM - Artists Helping Artists: Ten On-Line Marketing Tips that Every Artist Should Know

A Trio Waiting

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"A Trio Waiting"

Oil, 6" x 6" on canvas panel.

$250 framed.

Today was one of those days in which I felt productive but didn't get much done. I kept trying to get up to my studio but was dealing with the "aftermath" of the moth infestation (it's a long story ... but a beautiful oriental rug is now in the trash and a "fogger bomb" has fortunately led to the subsequent death of about 1,000 moths ...). My studio is all clean and and back to normal. And no one was poisoned in the process. Except for the moths of course ...

I am still getting ready for the Balboa Artwalk this Sunday. Still need more paintings so maybe I can have another "four painting" day tomorrow? Not likely!

A Great Day

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"A Great Day"

Oil, 6" x 6" on canvas panel

$200.00 unframed.

A few weeks ago I posted on my blog about how frustrated I was that I was having a bad painting day. After the day I had yesterday, I can honestly say that is behind me! Yesterday was just one of those days that I was in the zone ... and as a result I painted four paintings. Yes four paintings! And the best part, I like them all!
The painting posted above is the fourth one I painted. I started it at about 10:00 p.m. but I was on such a role that I didn't want to stop. Maybe I was afraid that if I stopped I might lose the good painting karma?
All four pantings contain my favorite subject matter (boats!) as I am getting ready for the Balboa Artwalk which is this Sunday, May 16th. I hope to see you there!

The Yellow Boat - SOLD

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"The Yellow Boat"

Oil, 10" x 4"

Sold.

I trust you all had a wonderful Mother's Day. Mine was pretty quiet but sometimes that's for the best. I wish I could have seen my oldest son today but he has another month before Stanford is done for the year. It will be wonderful to have him home.
This week I will be painting a lot of boats and beach scenes as I finish up my work for the Balboa Artwalk. The event is this coming Sunday and although this is my first year, I am very excited to participate in the show. You might have noticed I have added Facebook "Like Buttons" to my blog. Feel free to click on them if you like what you see!

The Best Job in the World

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"Tickets on Sale at Rialto Theatre"

Oil, 14" x 11" framed.

$950.00 at SoPas Gallery

I do have the best job in the world. Being a mother (or "mom" as my boys call me) is the best. I can't imagine any other reason why I was put on this earth, other than to be a great wife and wonderful mother. Don't get me wrong, I love being an artist, but the best job in the world, hands down, is being a mom to my boys. Love you guys!

Sailing Alone - SOLD

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"Sailing Alone"

Oil, 4" x 10" on canvas panel.

Sold.

Wow.  It is so nice to be back in town. I did take the red eye last night so I am painting and typing on zero hours of sleep. I have never figured out how to sleep on planes. But you know me, I honestly believe that sleep is totally overrated and can always be made up tomorrow! After I unpacked my suitcase this morning I went up to my studio and painted this odd-shaped gem. I will have the perfect frame made for it! 

Having Fun in Hawaii

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"High School Steps"

Oil, 11" x 14" framed.

$950.00 at SoPas Gallery

This painting is part of my "Headlines" show. I am in Kona right now and have had an amazing time. I spent a few days painting and enjoying the beautiful scenery. My highlight of the trip was spending the afternoon with Darrell Hill. We met on facebook and I am a huge fan. He was kind enough to meet me at my hotel and he painted on the beach. I was in awe of every brushstroke. I met his lovely wife and enjoyed watching one of my favorite artists at work. His art is amazing!