 |
| The Carriage House (looks great on the outside ... but not in the inside) |
 |
| The "Before" Shot ... too much junk ... |
 |
| All cleaned out ... ready to start ... |
 |
| They started taking out the ceiling in the Carriage House ... this will really open it up! |
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Garriage House Workshop Studio Construction - Day One
Pin It
So ... my summer project has finally begun! A few months ago I suggested to my darling husband that I turn our unused Carriage House in to an art workshop studio. He thought it was a great idea and needless to say I have been planning all summer. Although this post is titled "Day One", I forgot to mention the fact that I have been cleaning and organizing all of the "stuff" aka "junk" for days. So it is really "day three".
There is a low ceiling in the carriage house that we are taking out so that the peaked roof will be featured. I can't wait to see this when it is all opened! I am also paining the dark wood ... this will be such a dramatic change ... I can't wait.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
A Favorite Place
Pin It
Every artist has a certain place that inspires them to paint. For some it's a view out their window or a pond nearby. For me it's four boats in Lahaina on the island of Maui.
A few years ago someone sent me a photo of these four boats docked in the Lahaina Harbor. I subsequently used the photo for a painting of the four boats. I used it again for a painting of two boats. Then I used it for a painting of three boats. Then I took out boats, added boats, changed the time of day and just kept on painting. Needles to say, these boats have been a HUGE inspiration for many of my boat paintings.
So today we were driving along the harbor in Lahaina and I was causally looking for "my boats". And sure enough ... there they were. I felt a little bit like the girl in "Miracle on 34th Street" when at the end of the movie she sees her "dream house" while in the car and yells "Stop!, Stop! There it is!". Fortunately my clients could sense my excitement (and I actually probably did yell "stop, there it is!") so I hopped out of the car to take a few of my very own photos of my very favorite boats.
It was quite a day ...
Boats in Lahaina Harbor
Every artist has a certain place that inspires them to paint. For some it's a view out their window or a pond nearby. For me it's four boats in Lahaina on the island of Maui.
A few years ago someone sent me a photo of these four boats docked in the Lahaina Harbor. I subsequently used the photo for a painting of the four boats. I used it again for a painting of two boats. Then I used it for a painting of three boats. Then I took out boats, added boats, changed the time of day and just kept on painting. Needles to say, these boats have been a HUGE inspiration for many of my boat paintings.
So today we were driving along the harbor in Lahaina and I was causally looking for "my boats". And sure enough ... there they were. I felt a little bit like the girl in "Miracle on 34th Street" when at the end of the movie she sees her "dream house" while in the car and yells "Stop!, Stop! There it is!". Fortunately my clients could sense my excitement (and I actually probably did yell "stop, there it is!") so I hopped out of the car to take a few of my very own photos of my very favorite boats.
It was quite a day ...
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Vintage Charm
Pin It
 |
| Palette Knife Painting by Leslie Saeta |
"Vintage Charm"
Oil, 8" x 10" framed.
Click here to purchase this painting.
I am in Minneapolis at the Junior National Boy's Volleyball championships. This is a really wonderful town and a terrific place to visit. If you recall, I was here in late March but the weather was a bit cooler (ok, that's an understatement) and we didn't get a chance to explore the city. My husband and I are about to head out to visit some art galleries so I am very excited to do more exploring!
I hope you are following my fanpage on Facebook as I am offering a Daily Marketing Tip for Artists that you do not want to miss! Just go to my Fanpage and click LIKE and you can follow the tips!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Break of the Day - SOLD
Pin It
This painting was a painting commission completed today. I painted it kind of as a "demo" for my summer intern so she could understand my style of painting and see how I paint. Later this week we are going to paint together. I enjoy "explaining while I paint" (I guess they call that teaching) and I loved her comment at the end ... "How do you do that and make it look so easy?" All I could do was remember all the times I have struggled and scraped and wiped off paintings ... and it made me laugh.
I made some major progress today on the plans for the Carriage House Workshop Studio remodel. I am getting excited as we are going to remove the ceiling and open up the rafters so that the ceiling is exposed and goes all the way up to the top - which is really high! I came up with an idea to build tiny shelves on the wall for my students to display all of their completed paintings where I can actually take a great photo. I can't help but think of all of the times in my previous workshops when we would put the paintings on the floor (and they would often get stepped on) and then I would have to climb on a ladder to try to get a good photo. I won't miss those days! I have also picked out the pendant lighting and just need to finalize the paint color before we get started on the project.
I was reminded today that my dear friend Dreama is mad at me for the fact that I not only have an intern but also that I am remodeling the Carriage House for a workshop studio. She told me today that she can barely talk to me ... so please try to be nice to her. She is fragile and you never know ... tee hee ... I am just afraid that I might receive a box in the mail one of these days with a "meow" noise inside ... she is threatening to send Eddie to California so he can distract me from my fun projects!
 |
| Palette Knife Painting by Leslie Saeta |
"Break of the Day"
Oil, 6" x 6" on canvas panel.
Sold.
This painting was a painting commission completed today. I painted it kind of as a "demo" for my summer intern so she could understand my style of painting and see how I paint. Later this week we are going to paint together. I enjoy "explaining while I paint" (I guess they call that teaching) and I loved her comment at the end ... "How do you do that and make it look so easy?" All I could do was remember all the times I have struggled and scraped and wiped off paintings ... and it made me laugh.
I made some major progress today on the plans for the Carriage House Workshop Studio remodel. I am getting excited as we are going to remove the ceiling and open up the rafters so that the ceiling is exposed and goes all the way up to the top - which is really high! I came up with an idea to build tiny shelves on the wall for my students to display all of their completed paintings where I can actually take a great photo. I can't help but think of all of the times in my previous workshops when we would put the paintings on the floor (and they would often get stepped on) and then I would have to climb on a ladder to try to get a good photo. I won't miss those days! I have also picked out the pendant lighting and just need to finalize the paint color before we get started on the project.
I was reminded today that my dear friend Dreama is mad at me for the fact that I not only have an intern but also that I am remodeling the Carriage House for a workshop studio. She told me today that she can barely talk to me ... so please try to be nice to her. She is fragile and you never know ... tee hee ... I am just afraid that I might receive a box in the mail one of these days with a "meow" noise inside ... she is threatening to send Eddie to California so he can distract me from my fun projects!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sweaty Palms
Pin It
 |
| Palette Knife Painting by Leslie Saeta |
"Sweaty Palms"
Oil, 6" x 6" on canvas panel.
$200.00 with display easel.
I have spent the last three days doing what I love most and enjoy the best ... watching my kids play sports! This time I have been at a volleyball tournament watching my youngest son compete as well as watching my husband's team play. It's been a blast. And we are heading out today for the last day ...
This little painting was fun to paint. I enjoyed mixing the blues and greens for the water. It worked well to create some depth. You can really see the edges created with the palette knife in this photo.
We have been in Balboa all weekend for the tournament and we took a long boat ride with some friends on a glorious Saturday afternoon. I took 480 photos which were mostly boats. So I am set for paintings ... for a long while!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
No Wind
Pin It
Another busy day today ... but unfortunately it didn't have much to do with art. My youngest son is playing in a four-day volleyball tournament so we are going to be in Anaheim and Balboa for most of the weekend. Balboa Island is one of my favorite places in the world. It's quaint with tons of character and the people are wonderful. Plus there are great scenes to paint absolutely everywhere you turn so it's a "painter's paradise" too!
I have my camera and hope to shoot a few hundred photos tomorrow for more painting inspirations ... I can't wait!
"No Wind"
Oil, 14" x 11" framed.
$650.00
Available at Gales' Restaurant.
Email me if you are interested in this painting
Another busy day today ... but unfortunately it didn't have much to do with art. My youngest son is playing in a four-day volleyball tournament so we are going to be in Anaheim and Balboa for most of the weekend. Balboa Island is one of my favorite places in the world. It's quaint with tons of character and the people are wonderful. Plus there are great scenes to paint absolutely everywhere you turn so it's a "painter's paradise" too!
I have my camera and hope to shoot a few hundred photos tomorrow for more painting inspirations ... I can't wait!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Moving Forward Again ... SOLD
Pin It
 |
| Palette knife painting by Leslie Saeta |
"Moving Forward Again"
Oil, 11" x 14" framed.
$650.00
Available at Gale's Restaurant
Sold.
I painted a small 6" x 6" study titled "Moving Forward" shortly after my mother in law passed away and the response was wonderful. So when I was painting a few paintings for Gale's Restaurant earlier this week I thought it might be fun to try a larger and more finished version. I still love the colors and am very happy with the larger version.
Today's Artists Helping Artists show was a really important one for artists and kind of goes against the advice I have been giving some of you about creating a Business Fan Page on Facebook for your art. After spending MANY hours researching all of the new things happening on facebook I can tell you ... you must listen to this show. A Business Fan Page is really important if you want to increase your visibility and let more people find your art. You can even sell your art (and anything else) by opening a store on Facebook and "brand" your fan page to look more like your website or blog. So do yourself a big favor and listen to the show!
Finally, you might want to LIKE my Business Fan Page as I am offering Daily Marketing Tips for Artists. Today's tip shows how you can link your Profile page to your Business Fan Page as see in the photo here.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Nightime Reflections on the Pavillion
Pin It
I have a last minute opportunity to show some of my paintings at Gale's Restaurant so I have been living in my studio finishing up some new paintings. This is one of the three new paintings just completed and I love it. There's something about the colors that I really love.
I am also excited because as of tomorrow I will have a summer intern helping me with my art business. She attends the same high school as my boys and I am thrilled she will be helping me out three days a week. I have an exhaustive list of what I hope she can accomplish. The good news is we will be documenting her role as Dreama and I hope to discuss how to use interns or "virtual assistants" in your art business on one of our "Artists Helping Artists" radio shows.
"Nightime Reflections on the Pavilion"
Oil, 8" x 8"
$450.00 framed.
Available at Gale's Restaurant.
I have a last minute opportunity to show some of my paintings at Gale's Restaurant so I have been living in my studio finishing up some new paintings. This is one of the three new paintings just completed and I love it. There's something about the colors that I really love.
I am also excited because as of tomorrow I will have a summer intern helping me with my art business. She attends the same high school as my boys and I am thrilled she will be helping me out three days a week. I have an exhaustive list of what I hope she can accomplish. The good news is we will be documenting her role as Dreama and I hope to discuss how to use interns or "virtual assistants" in your art business on one of our "Artists Helping Artists" radio shows.
Friday, June 10, 2011
And The Winner Is ...
Pin It
Sorry it took me so long to select a winner for the free painting. But ... I have been busy with my son's graduation. And a million other things. But thanks for the many birthday wishes and incredible comments. I went to random.org and found a winner.
So ... the winner is Ann Marie from Burbank. She is a mother of three sons so I am thrilled she won. It feels like we have a lot in common!
Thanks again for making my birthday week so wonderful and congrats to the seven of you who won all of the prizes!
"Hawaiian Sun Reflections"
Oil, 8" x 10" framed.
$500.00 framed.
Click here to purchase this painting.
Sorry it took me so long to select a winner for the free painting. But ... I have been busy with my son's graduation. And a million other things. But thanks for the many birthday wishes and incredible comments. I went to random.org and found a winner.
So ... the winner is Ann Marie from Burbank. She is a mother of three sons so I am thrilled she won. It feels like we have a lot in common!
Thanks again for making my birthday week so wonderful and congrats to the seven of you who won all of the prizes!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Free Birthday Giveaway - Day Seven (and it's a free painting ...)
Pin It
Congratulations to Susan Walker. She won the free video featuring her art!
At last. The final day of the birthday giveaway. It has been so fun sharing so many things with you this past week and thanks to all of you for going along for the ride. To win the painting listed above, you don't have to do anything. Well, actually you do have to comment on this blog post so I know that you actually want to win the painting! I'll announce the winner tomorrow, I promise. Good luck. And thanks for letting me celebrate my birthday by thanking all of you for another great year. You guys are awesome.
"Safe and Sound"
Oil, 6" x 6"
This painting could be yours ...
Congratulations to Susan Walker. She won the free video featuring her art!
At last. The final day of the birthday giveaway. It has been so fun sharing so many things with you this past week and thanks to all of you for going along for the ride. To win the painting listed above, you don't have to do anything. Well, actually you do have to comment on this blog post so I know that you actually want to win the painting! I'll announce the winner tomorrow, I promise. Good luck. And thanks for letting me celebrate my birthday by thanking all of you for another great year. You guys are awesome.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Free Birthday Giveaway - SOLD
Pin It
Congrats to Patti Vincent as she is the winner of the Day Five Birthday Giveaway. It's a one-hour consultation on selling your art through Facebook.
It's hard to believe there are only two more days left of my Birthday Challenge. It's been really fun and I really appreciate that so many of you have participated! I spent most of my day doing busy work. I actually lost my sling, and I am not kidding, so I couldn't wear it today either. I just finished a video of the CIF baseball championship win for the banquet tomorrow night. It was a lot of fun and it gave me an idea for today's birthday challenge prize ...
The Day Six Birthday Free Giveaway is a video of your artwork. That's right. I will create a short (up to about 8 minutes) video featuring your art. All you will need to do is provide me with photos of your artwork and I will create the video for you. The process to create these videos is not difficult and it will be one of the first on-line classes I will be teaching in the fall.
To enter, all you have to do is spread the word about my favorite radio show, Artists Helping Artists. You can do that by placing a "badge" on your blog or website. It's really easy to do: Go to the AHA Blog and find the badge that looks like the picture on the left. Then click SHARE and add it to your blog. You can also share our showon your Facebook. Don't forget to go to the Artists Helping Artists page on BlogTalkRadio and sign up as a follower of the show.
Please comment on this post so I know you have let everyone know about the show. That way I will enter you in tomorrow's drawing. Thanks!
"Sunset at Berkeley"
The perfect gift for a CAL grad ...
Sold.
Congrats to Patti Vincent as she is the winner of the Day Five Birthday Giveaway. It's a one-hour consultation on selling your art through Facebook.
It's hard to believe there are only two more days left of my Birthday Challenge. It's been really fun and I really appreciate that so many of you have participated! I spent most of my day doing busy work. I actually lost my sling, and I am not kidding, so I couldn't wear it today either. I just finished a video of the CIF baseball championship win for the banquet tomorrow night. It was a lot of fun and it gave me an idea for today's birthday challenge prize ...
The Day Six Birthday Free Giveaway is a video of your artwork. That's right. I will create a short (up to about 8 minutes) video featuring your art. All you will need to do is provide me with photos of your artwork and I will create the video for you. The process to create these videos is not difficult and it will be one of the first on-line classes I will be teaching in the fall.
Please comment on this post so I know you have let everyone know about the show. That way I will enter you in tomorrow's drawing. Thanks!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Free Birthday Giveaway - Day Five
Pin It
Congratulations to Martha Kisling as she was the winner of the free three day workshop. And thanks to so many of you for sharing my Workshop webpage - wow!
So ... what a weekend ... Matt's team won the CIF Championship baseball game yesterday. The final score was 10 - 0, which was amazing. It was the first baseball championship in school history ... and the school is 101 years old. So I guess it was a long time coming ...
Graduation festivities are gearing up and its hard to believe we will have yet another high school graduate. Must mean I am getting old ... oh gosh ... I forgot that is this week too.
Which reminds me ... my shoulder is a bit better and the sling is nowhere to be found. Seriously, what doctor in the world thinks a very busy mom/wife/volunteer/birthday-girl/mom-of-a-graduate-this-week-who-is-making-a-tshirt-quilt-for-her-son-this-week-too/artist/business-woman/party-planner can wear a sling on her right arm when she is right handed? We had about 60 people over last night after the game for a bbq/celebration and how did my doctor think I could pull that off without my right arm? Anyway ... I kind of forgot to put my sling on this morning at 7:45am on our way to a volleyball tournament. I am sure it will be fine. (Well maybe it will be in a week or so when things slow down.)
Now it's time to get down to business and announce the Free Birthday Giveaway for Day Five! Actually, the truth is I hadn't thought of anything for today's giveaway so I figured if I just kept typing something would actually come to me. So, the giveaway is ... um ... um ... kidding. I actually planned all the giveaways last week and today's giveaway is a one hour consultation on How To Use Facebook To Sell Your Art. I promise this will be one of the most informative hours you will spend and you will learn a lot - especially when it comes to building your fan base!
So, to qualify for the drawing, all you have to do is LIKE my Facebook Fan Page which can be found at Leslie Saeta Fine Art. You can leave me a comment here too ... it makes me feel very loved!
"Garfield Park"
Oil, 11" x 14"
Sold.
Congratulations to Martha Kisling as she was the winner of the free three day workshop. And thanks to so many of you for sharing my Workshop webpage - wow!
So ... what a weekend ... Matt's team won the CIF Championship baseball game yesterday. The final score was 10 - 0, which was amazing. It was the first baseball championship in school history ... and the school is 101 years old. So I guess it was a long time coming ...
Graduation festivities are gearing up and its hard to believe we will have yet another high school graduate. Must mean I am getting old ... oh gosh ... I forgot that is this week too.
Which reminds me ... my shoulder is a bit better and the sling is nowhere to be found. Seriously, what doctor in the world thinks a very busy mom/wife/volunteer/birthday-girl/mom-of-a-graduate-this-week-who-is-making-a-tshirt-quilt-for-her-son-this-week-too/artist/business-woman/party-planner can wear a sling on her right arm when she is right handed? We had about 60 people over last night after the game for a bbq/celebration and how did my doctor think I could pull that off without my right arm? Anyway ... I kind of forgot to put my sling on this morning at 7:45am on our way to a volleyball tournament. I am sure it will be fine. (Well maybe it will be in a week or so when things slow down.)
Now it's time to get down to business and announce the Free Birthday Giveaway for Day Five! Actually, the truth is I hadn't thought of anything for today's giveaway so I figured if I just kept typing something would actually come to me. So, the giveaway is ... um ... um ... kidding. I actually planned all the giveaways last week and today's giveaway is a one hour consultation on How To Use Facebook To Sell Your Art. I promise this will be one of the most informative hours you will spend and you will learn a lot - especially when it comes to building your fan base!
So, to qualify for the drawing, all you have to do is LIKE my Facebook Fan Page which can be found at Leslie Saeta Fine Art. You can leave me a comment here too ... it makes me feel very loved!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Free Birthday Giveaway - Day Four
Pin It
Congratulations to Nancy Laliberte who won the Day Three Birthday Challenge which was a 90-minute marketing consultation. Way to go!
I just finished updating my workshop page and have all of my 2012 Workshops scheduled. (Please note that iweb was acting funny this morning so if you see anything out of place ... it is not me!) I am really excited because my husband and I have decided to convert the Carriage House in our backyard in to a permanent workshop studio. We will be adding french doors and doing a bit more work this summer but the space will be ready for the fall. All my workshops will be held here except for my workshop with Dreama ... as the group is just too large.
Today's Birthday Giveaway is a FREE three day workshop held in 2011 or 2012. It's very easy to qualify for the drawing, just go to my workshop page and click the RECOMMEND link at the top. Also PLEASE leave a comment here to let me know you have done this because if you are not a facebook friend of mine, I won't see your name. Thanks and good luck!
Palette Knife Workshop Demonstration
Congratulations to Nancy Laliberte who won the Day Three Birthday Challenge which was a 90-minute marketing consultation. Way to go!
 |
| The Carriage House Workshop Studio |
Today's Birthday Giveaway is a FREE three day workshop held in 2011 or 2012. It's very easy to qualify for the drawing, just go to my workshop page and click the RECOMMEND link at the top. Also PLEASE leave a comment here to let me know you have done this because if you are not a facebook friend of mine, I won't see your name. Thanks and good luck!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Free Birthday Giveaway - Day Three
Pin It
Congrats to Debra Davies for winning yesterday's giveaway - a Blog Marketing Consultation!
Today's giveaway is one of my favorites. The prize is a private 90-minute on-line consultation that will be custom designed to fit the winner's request (valued at $200.00). We can review your blog, your website, learn how to add LIKE buttons to your site, whatever you want! This prize is based on a new "project" I am going to introduce this fall.
Beginning this September, I am going to start offering on-line classes that will teach artists very specific things .... such as how to create a blog, how to add the Facebook Like button to your blog and website, or even how to create a video from still photos of your art in imovie. The classes will be on-line, which means you will sign-in on your computer and have exclusive access to my computer screen as I teach the class. The classes are cheap (less than $20) and will be very specific to artists.
In order to be eligible for the Day Three Giveaway, all you need to do is leave a comment on this blog with a suggestion for an on-line class topic. I have about 30 ideas already, but I would love to hear your ideas!
P.S. I am now wearing a sling for a week and not supposed to be using my computer ... but it sounds like my shoulder will be ok after some therapy and TLC. Hopefully my doctor doesn't read my blog or I will be busted for using my right hand ...
"UCLA Reflections"
Oil, 11" x 14" framed.
The perfect gift for a UCLA Graduate ...
$850.00 framed. Click here to purchase.
Congrats to Debra Davies for winning yesterday's giveaway - a Blog Marketing Consultation!
Today's giveaway is one of my favorites. The prize is a private 90-minute on-line consultation that will be custom designed to fit the winner's request (valued at $200.00). We can review your blog, your website, learn how to add LIKE buttons to your site, whatever you want! This prize is based on a new "project" I am going to introduce this fall.
Beginning this September, I am going to start offering on-line classes that will teach artists very specific things .... such as how to create a blog, how to add the Facebook Like button to your blog and website, or even how to create a video from still photos of your art in imovie. The classes will be on-line, which means you will sign-in on your computer and have exclusive access to my computer screen as I teach the class. The classes are cheap (less than $20) and will be very specific to artists.
In order to be eligible for the Day Three Giveaway, all you need to do is leave a comment on this blog with a suggestion for an on-line class topic. I have about 30 ideas already, but I would love to hear your ideas!
P.S. I am now wearing a sling for a week and not supposed to be using my computer ... but it sounds like my shoulder will be ok after some therapy and TLC. Hopefully my doctor doesn't read my blog or I will be busted for using my right hand ...
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Free Birthday Giveaway - Day Two
Pin It
The Day One winner of the Free Birthday Giveaway which is a set of my favorite palette knives is the person who has an ID of "Magrit" on my blog. I am just waiting for them to respond so I have their full name and address!
The prize for the Day Two giveaway is a Free Marketing Consultation in which we will review your Blog! Today's Artists Helping Artists radio show was all about ways to improve your blog. Dreama and I looked at five blogs submitted by our listeners and it was so much fun that I would like to do one more! To be eligible for this prize all you have to do is ... you guessed it ... click the LIKE BUTTON on this post to share my blog! Please leave me a comment that you shared this blog post so I don't miss you (if you are not my FB friend your name will not appear ...). Thanks so much and good luck!
"Arroyo Seco Parkway"
Oil, 11" x 14"
$850.00 framed.
Sorry that I don't have any new paintings to post right now but I re-injured my right shoulder and can barely lift my arm. Hence, I can't paint. Or do the dishes ... or cook dinner ... or basically raise my arm above my head. It's a bummer because I have determined you need to be able to use your right arm. Especially if you are right-handed.The Day One winner of the Free Birthday Giveaway which is a set of my favorite palette knives is the person who has an ID of "Magrit" on my blog. I am just waiting for them to respond so I have their full name and address!
The prize for the Day Two giveaway is a Free Marketing Consultation in which we will review your Blog! Today's Artists Helping Artists radio show was all about ways to improve your blog. Dreama and I looked at five blogs submitted by our listeners and it was so much fun that I would like to do one more! To be eligible for this prize all you have to do is ... you guessed it ... click the LIKE BUTTON on this post to share my blog! Please leave me a comment that you shared this blog post so I don't miss you (if you are not my FB friend your name will not appear ...). Thanks so much and good luck!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Free Birthday Giveaway Week Starts Tomorrow!
Pin It
"All Things Nice"
Sold.
Yep ... it's that time again ... seven days of giveaways so I can celebrate my birthday in the right way by sharing some free stuff with all of you! For seven days leading up to the big day (although I have to admit that 52 is a really boring birthday) I will be giving away something free on my blog. And to be eligible for the giveaway you won't have to do much, I promise!
To be eligible for the first (June 2nd) giveaway, all you have to do is leave a comment on my blog! If you feel like it, tell us what you are thankful for. If you don't feel like it, just say hello!
The giveaway tomorrow is a set of my three favorite palette knives. Enjoy!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
An "Idol" Night
Pin It
"Dual Reflections"
Oil, 6" x 6" on canvas panel.
$250.00 framed.
Click here to purchase.
I am so excited! I will be heading downtown in a few hours to attend the American Idol Finale Show! I am a huge fan of the show, even though my favorite singer James, was eliminated a few weeks ago. Regardless, a chance to go to the Finale and watch everything live will be wonderful! The invitation came from a very close friend ... so thank you again!
Apparently I am also going to attend the "After Party". So you better watch for me ... on Fox tonight, in People Magazine, in the nasty tabloids, hah hah hah ...
Monday, May 23, 2011
Happy Hour - SOLD
Pin It
And ... I should probably mention the title of this painting is based on how happy I was for the hour (ok, it was a lot longer than an hour) while painting this one!
"Happy Hour"
Oil, 6" x 6" with display easel.
Sold.
Every once in a while I find a composition that I like and I usually paint the same composition in many variations ... different scenes, colors, light, whatever ... This painting is a newer version of the one I painted in my workshop last week. The larger one, a 12" x 12" sold so quickly that I was bummed. So, I decided to paint a "greener" one and try it in a smaller size. Next up? A ... 24" x 24" canvas ... and I am not kidding!And ... I should probably mention the title of this painting is based on how happy I was for the hour (ok, it was a lot longer than an hour) while painting this one!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Color Reflections
Pin It
I am so glad I did as the art sales were fantastic and I met a lot of great people and artists. This was only my second year in the ArtWalk but I decided to paint a demo while working my booth ... I mean ... why not? It caused a lot of people to stop and watch so in the end it was a very wise decision. I painted this bright but fun painting while talking to hundreds of people that stopped by my booth. It's from a photo I have used before but once again I decided to change up the colors. (The actual boats are white and dark purple.) I actually used this photo for a demo in my Atlanta workshop so there are a few more paintings of this scene out there .... I know!
The day was so sunny that I painted the entire painting with my sunglasses on. That's a big no-no in the art world but I think I got lucky. The hardest part about painting in front of a group of people is the beginning ... when the canvas looks pretty awful and mot much is going on. I tried to paint quickly in the beginning but still had to stop and talk to everyone about my art. I laughed when a couple came back just to see my progress and commented "Wow, you really did make that in to a nice painting!". They did seem a bit surprised ...
"Color Reflections"
Oil, 12" x 12"
I participated in the Balboa ArtWalk last Sunday which is a one day, very high quality art show that takes place on Balboa Island. The weather started out a pretty bad in the morning (as in pouring down rain ...) but by 9:15 the sun was out and we all decided to make it a day.I am so glad I did as the art sales were fantastic and I met a lot of great people and artists. This was only my second year in the ArtWalk but I decided to paint a demo while working my booth ... I mean ... why not? It caused a lot of people to stop and watch so in the end it was a very wise decision. I painted this bright but fun painting while talking to hundreds of people that stopped by my booth. It's from a photo I have used before but once again I decided to change up the colors. (The actual boats are white and dark purple.) I actually used this photo for a demo in my Atlanta workshop so there are a few more paintings of this scene out there .... I know!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Koi Pond
Pin It
I think the exercise was a wonderful one as it really required everyone to "paint loose" and we ended up with some beautiful paintings. Unfortunately my photo does not show how beautiful these paintings really are!
"Koi Pond"
Oil, 12" x 12" on canvas panel.
$550.00
Throughout my painting workshops I find myself always asking my students "What did you like about that exercise?" or "What did you learn and what was frustrating for you?". At dinner most of the class agreed that they wished they could paint "more loose". So ... we painted "fishies" on the morning of Day Two. I think the exercise was a wonderful one as it really required everyone to "paint loose" and we ended up with some beautiful paintings. Unfortunately my photo does not show how beautiful these paintings really are!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
One Plus One Equals ...
Pin It
After finishing two paintings on the first day, I raced home to finish dinner preparations. We all enjoyed a fun dinner complete with homemade crabcakes, seared ahi, steak, homemade cobbler and lemon ice cream/gingersnap pie. Oh, and a few bottles of wine ...
For more information on my workshops, click here. Please note ... there are less than ten spots left in my workshop with Dreama this September!
"One Plus One Equals ..."
Oil, 8" x 8"
$250.00 with display easel
On the first morning of my Palette Knife Workshop I did a quick study to give the students some practice with the "knife". These pear paintings were completed in about an hour and our focus included holding the knife, creating texture and using paper towels to keep your palette knife and colors clean! As you can see, the students did a great job!
After finishing two paintings on the first day, I raced home to finish dinner preparations. We all enjoyed a fun dinner complete with homemade crabcakes, seared ahi, steak, homemade cobbler and lemon ice cream/gingersnap pie. Oh, and a few bottles of wine ...
For more information on my workshops, click here. Please note ... there are less than ten spots left in my workshop with Dreama this September!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Where's the Dock? - SOLD
Pin It
I just finished my "whirlwind" two weeks and although it was a very busy time, it was wonderful. This past week I taught a two-day palette knife workshop. My students traveled from Florida, Texas, Arizona, Nevada and California and we had a VERY productive workshop! In two days we completed four paintings! The painting above is one of my demo paintings and only my students know why the title is so appropriate. (Maybe one of them will leave a comment here and let you know why it is so aptly named ...). The finished paintings from the class are amazing ...
I will post the rest of the paintings this week and also let you know about my experience at the Balboa Artwalk. Hint ... this painting above was one of many that sold at the Artwalk!
"Where's the Dock"
Oil, 12" x 12"
Sold.
I just finished my "whirlwind" two weeks and although it was a very busy time, it was wonderful. This past week I taught a two-day palette knife workshop. My students traveled from Florida, Texas, Arizona, Nevada and California and we had a VERY productive workshop! In two days we completed four paintings! The painting above is one of my demo paintings and only my students know why the title is so appropriate. (Maybe one of them will leave a comment here and let you know why it is so aptly named ...). The finished paintings from the class are amazing ...
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Balboa Artwalk and Workshop This Week! - SOLD
Pin It
"Watching the Sunset"
Oil, 24" x 24"
Sold.
This week is another busy week as I am preparing for my Palette Knife Painting Workshop and the Balboa Artwalk. The workshop is this Friday and Saturday at the South Pas Gallery. It sonds like a great class as I have students flying in from all over. I am cooking dinner once again and will probably make my famous crabcakes on Thursday night as I will be cooking all by myself this time!
On Sunday (May 15th) I am participating in the Babloa Artwalk. It's a wonderful show and if you are near Balboa Island you should really stop by. I will be located at S. Bay Front and Diamond Avenue which can be seen on the map here. The show is from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. I will be painting a demo and anyone who signs up for my mailing list will win a chance to win a free painting. Come by and say hi!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Crazy Days ...
Pin It
Many of you will be surprised to know that I am in charge of a huge school event that takes place this Friday (kidding ... about the "being surprised part"). There are tons of amazing volunteers that are in charge of the events and my big job is the Silent Auction. It's a huge project and for those who have ever been involved in coordinating an auction ... you know what I mean. So ... 94 auction items later and hundreds of hours later ... I am just about ready ... well almost ready ...
Once I survive this event then I move on to next week. And it gets worse. I have a two day workshop on Friday and Saturday, which includes a dinner at my home on Friday night for my students. Then my husband and I are hosting the "after prom" party for our boys on Saturday night. Then ... on Sunday ... I am showing at the Balboa Art Walk which means I need to head out on Sunday morning at about 6:00 am. So ... if I survive the next 10 days it will be a miracle ...
Needless to say, I haven't had a lot of time at my easel this week. The painting listed here will be one of the many paintings I will be showing at the Balboa Art Walk. Assuming I am still awake for the event!
"Sunset Marina"
Oil, 24" x 24" framed
Available at Balboa Art Walk
Sunday, May 15th
Many of you will be surprised to know that I am in charge of a huge school event that takes place this Friday (kidding ... about the "being surprised part"). There are tons of amazing volunteers that are in charge of the events and my big job is the Silent Auction. It's a huge project and for those who have ever been involved in coordinating an auction ... you know what I mean. So ... 94 auction items later and hundreds of hours later ... I am just about ready ... well almost ready ...
Once I survive this event then I move on to next week. And it gets worse. I have a two day workshop on Friday and Saturday, which includes a dinner at my home on Friday night for my students. Then my husband and I are hosting the "after prom" party for our boys on Saturday night. Then ... on Sunday ... I am showing at the Balboa Art Walk which means I need to head out on Sunday morning at about 6:00 am. So ... if I survive the next 10 days it will be a miracle ...
Needless to say, I haven't had a lot of time at my easel this week. The painting listed here will be one of the many paintings I will be showing at the Balboa Art Walk. Assuming I am still awake for the event!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
For the Graduate
Pin It
It's hard to believe it's that time of the year but high school and college graduations are already underway. Graduating is such an important step in a young person's life. The experiences and memories truly do last a lifetime. If you are looking for the perfect graduation gift, I can paint a small painting depicting a high school or college. The collage above shows many of the colleges I have featured. Of course a few of them are from Stanford, but that's because it is the most requested college painting I get! Just email me if you would like me to create a perfect gift for your favorite college graduate.
I am offering a tip in every one of my blog posts and today's has to do with the iphone. If by chance the fonts on your phone seem to be shrinking, there is a setting to increase the font. Just go to settings - general - accessibility - large text and select a larger font. It will make your phone a lot more user friendly, I promise!
And don;t forget my paintings are all 18% off since the Lakers won their last playoff game by 18 points. But the discount changes Monday night as they start round to against the Dallas Mavericks. If they win then I will discount all of my paintings by the point spread. Go Lakers!
College Paintings
It's hard to believe it's that time of the year but high school and college graduations are already underway. Graduating is such an important step in a young person's life. The experiences and memories truly do last a lifetime. If you are looking for the perfect graduation gift, I can paint a small painting depicting a high school or college. The collage above shows many of the colleges I have featured. Of course a few of them are from Stanford, but that's because it is the most requested college painting I get! Just email me if you would like me to create a perfect gift for your favorite college graduate.
I am offering a tip in every one of my blog posts and today's has to do with the iphone. If by chance the fonts on your phone seem to be shrinking, there is a setting to increase the font. Just go to settings - general - accessibility - large text and select a larger font. It will make your phone a lot more user friendly, I promise!
And don;t forget my paintings are all 18% off since the Lakers won their last playoff game by 18 points. But the discount changes Monday night as they start round to against the Dallas Mavericks. If they win then I will discount all of my paintings by the point spread. Go Lakers!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Over The Bridge
Pin It
So back to today's yoga class. It was an advanced class but the time slot worked well with my girlfriends. And I figured, why not? I was a little worried when the instructor started talking about the light and reaching inside our hearts to find the light which somehow had something to do with the Royal Wedding. I am not exactly sure what she was saying because my mind instantly wandered to the huge auction I am in charge of that is next week.
So, once we got past the "touchy feely" talk, the work began. We spent an hour stretching and bending and stretching and twisting and stretching and bending some more. It was hard. But not impossible. And even the cracking in my knees wasn't bad. Loud, but no pain. And that's a good thing.
So, what was my take home? I probably should have started this 30 years ago. But it's never too late and I will go back. I just might want to buy a yoga mat, remember to turn off my cell phone and take three Advil before the class starts.
"Over the Bridge"
Oil, 6" x 6" on canvas panel
$200.00 with display easel.
Today I tried something new for the first time. I went to a yoga class. Now, I should probably go ahead and remind you all that I am 5'11" tall and not really able to touch my toes. I was an athlete in high school ... not a gymnast ... not a cheerleader. I swam, played volleyball and basketball. I will even go out on a limb here and confess that I have never been able to do a cartwheel (and that even includes an evening in which my sisters tried to teach me ... once and for all ... in my front yard ... vodka tonics and all ...). Still no luck. So back to today's yoga class. It was an advanced class but the time slot worked well with my girlfriends. And I figured, why not? I was a little worried when the instructor started talking about the light and reaching inside our hearts to find the light which somehow had something to do with the Royal Wedding. I am not exactly sure what she was saying because my mind instantly wandered to the huge auction I am in charge of that is next week.
So, once we got past the "touchy feely" talk, the work began. We spent an hour stretching and bending and stretching and twisting and stretching and bending some more. It was hard. But not impossible. And even the cracking in my knees wasn't bad. Loud, but no pain. And that's a good thing.
So, what was my take home? I probably should have started this 30 years ago. But it's never too late and I will go back. I just might want to buy a yoga mat, remember to turn off my cell phone and take three Advil before the class starts.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Let It Blow - SOLD
Pin It
So ... the Lakers played well tonight and beat the Hornets by 18 points. That means all of my paintings are 18% off until the next playoff game. I assume that will be sometime early next week. If you would like to make a purchase, just email me and I will calculate the discount for you.
If you missed today's Artists Helping Artists radio show, the recording is available. You can listen to it on-line or through itunes. It's a good show ... lots of good tips. I hope it is clear on the show excited I am about "Evernote". For the first time this year, I actually feel as if my "creative thoughts" are organized. I spend a lot of time on the internet surfing and finding really great ideas and "Evernote" provides a great solution to "organize these thoughts". You should really check it out.
"Let It Blow"
Oil, 8" x 10" framed.
Sold.
So ... the Lakers played well tonight and beat the Hornets by 18 points. That means all of my paintings are 18% off until the next playoff game. I assume that will be sometime early next week. If you would like to make a purchase, just email me and I will calculate the discount for you.
If you missed today's Artists Helping Artists radio show, the recording is available. You can listen to it on-line or through itunes. It's a good show ... lots of good tips. I hope it is clear on the show excited I am about "Evernote". For the first time this year, I actually feel as if my "creative thoughts" are organized. I spend a lot of time on the internet surfing and finding really great ideas and "Evernote" provides a great solution to "organize these thoughts". You should really check it out.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Colorful Reflections ... and the Lakers Playoff Discount is back!
Pin It
I forgot about the crazy LAKER PLAYOFF DISCOUNT I offered last year during the NBA playoffs. Since my team (the Lakers) appear to need all the help they can get, I am offering the same great promotion. If the Lakers win, then I will discount my paintings by a percentge that is calculated by the number of points the Lakers win by. So, if the score of tonights game is Lakers - 100 and Hornets - 75, then I will offer a discount of 25% off my paintings. And the discount only lasts until the next playoff game. Hopefuly this makes sesne ...
Need I remind you that the Lakers won a playoff game last year by 38 points?????
Update ... Lakers won by 16 so all of my paintings are 16% off.
"Colorful Reflections"
Oil, 6" x 12" on canvas panel.
$350.00 unframed.
I spent most of the day yesterday in Balboa and so it was a forgone conclusion that I would end up posting a boat painting today. I took 73 photos which will inspire at least 20 new paintings so I am very excited to start painting Balboa again!
I forgot about the crazy LAKER PLAYOFF DISCOUNT I offered last year during the NBA playoffs. Since my team (the Lakers) appear to need all the help they can get, I am offering the same great promotion. If the Lakers win, then I will discount my paintings by a percentge that is calculated by the number of points the Lakers win by. So, if the score of tonights game is Lakers - 100 and Hornets - 75, then I will offer a discount of 25% off my paintings. And the discount only lasts until the next playoff game. Hopefuly this makes sesne ...
Need I remind you that the Lakers won a playoff game last year by 38 points?????
Update ... Lakers won by 16 so all of my paintings are 16% off.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Just Relax ... - SOLD
Pin It
Just relax ... now that's a new concept. I have decided it is time for a life style change. Yep. I need to relax more. AND SLEEP MORE. I am not kidding.
At some point in my life I decided that "sleep was overrated". If you know me personally, you have heard me quote this a few times. But my oldest son, who took a class at Stanford called "Sleep and Dreams" (I am not kidding ... he really took this class) says it is very dangerous to sleep less than six hours a night. I probably average five. On a good night.
My lack of sleep probably started when I read somewhere that Martha Stewart only gets four hours of sleep a night. Now I do think that her lack of sleep led to some judgement lapses (and four months in jail) but other than that slight problem she is a pretty accomplished woman. Until now I have been able to get a lot accomplished on very little sleep. But I am thinking it is time for a change.
So I am looking for advice on how I should go about getting more sleep. Getting a good night's sleep begins with "going to bed early" ... continues with "actually falling asleep" and ends with "staying asleep once you are asleep". If any of you have any good sleep suggestions then post them here. Please. And all suggestions that include alcohol will be disregarded. I promise.
In the meantime ... just relax.
"Just Relax ..."
Oil, 6" x 8" on canvas panel.
$200.00 with display easel.
Just relax ... now that's a new concept. I have decided it is time for a life style change. Yep. I need to relax more. AND SLEEP MORE. I am not kidding.
At some point in my life I decided that "sleep was overrated". If you know me personally, you have heard me quote this a few times. But my oldest son, who took a class at Stanford called "Sleep and Dreams" (I am not kidding ... he really took this class) says it is very dangerous to sleep less than six hours a night. I probably average five. On a good night.
My lack of sleep probably started when I read somewhere that Martha Stewart only gets four hours of sleep a night. Now I do think that her lack of sleep led to some judgement lapses (and four months in jail) but other than that slight problem she is a pretty accomplished woman. Until now I have been able to get a lot accomplished on very little sleep. But I am thinking it is time for a change.
So I am looking for advice on how I should go about getting more sleep. Getting a good night's sleep begins with "going to bed early" ... continues with "actually falling asleep" and ends with "staying asleep once you are asleep". If any of you have any good sleep suggestions then post them here. Please. And all suggestions that include alcohol will be disregarded. I promise.
In the meantime ... just relax.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Moving Forward - SOLD
Pin It
"Moving Forward"
Oil study, 6" x 6" on canvas panel.
Sold.
There are moments in our lives when we will always remember where we were when the news hit ... whether it was a national event or something far more personal. It was just barely two weeks ago when I was sitting at my desk and the phone rang with the shocking news about my mother-in-law. At the time I never imagined the end result would be her untimely death but life has its way of presenting us with twists and turns. It's been a very emotional two weeks and definitely the time to spend with family. I have been away from my studio, away from painting (and posting on my blog and facebook) but grateful for the kind and comforting messages from so many of you. We hosted a beautiful memorial service here at our home yesterday. It was tearful but a wonderful celebration of a wonderful woman, wife, friend and grandma.
So, as the saying goes "life goes on". And this morning I knew it was time to start painting again. It felt good to head up to my studio and squirt out lots of new paint on my palette and get back in to my "routine" of painting. I had indicated to Dreama that I would "probably paint a boat painting" when I returned to my studio today. But a funny thing happened when I got ready to paint. I had an incredibly strong feeling of contentment and a very strong desire to paint something different. I felt I needed to do something different. I just felt different. So I changed everything ... my approach, how I start a painting, my perspective, everything ... and I just painted. I felt more at peace painting today than I have in months. And I am happy to be back doing what I love so much.
I should also mention this week is the one year anniversary of the "Artists Helping Artists" blogtalk radio show. So ... if you like to win free stuff ... such as original oil paintings, a workshop with Dreama and me, a free marketing consultation ... then you might want to call in live to this Thursday's show at 9:00 am PST, 12 noon EST. Because we will be awarding our live callers with lots of really cool stuff! So don't miss the show. We promise it will be a good one as we move on forward as well ...
Friday, April 1, 2011
Waiting For ...
Pin It
I think I was inspired by our AHA radio show with Carol and David Marine yesterday. If you think about it ... Carol is almost a month ahead with her paintings ... yes ... that means she has an entire wall full of paintings that are drying and just waiting to be posted on her blog. I still don't have any "waiting" to be posted, but at least I have one to post today!
I think I underestimated the response I would have to my private marketing consultations so I have been very busy working with artists to sell more art through their blogs, websites, newsletters and facebook. It's been fun but has kept me out of my studio for too long. Dreama even "threatened" me yesterday. She said if I didn't find something to paint today she was going to pick the subject matter ... and I believe the word "Eddie" was part of the conversation.
One final thought ... one of the good things about being so busy is that I just didn't have time to take advantage of the fact that today is April Fool's Day. Over the years I have been pretty creative and have pulled off some pretty funny pranks ... my favorite was when I put my girlfriends house up for sale. I know this sounds harsh but if you knew the pranks she had pulled on me this was actually pretty tame. Although I advertised a price that was less than half market value so she did get a lot of calls ... for months ...
So to my dear best friend Dreama ... you are safe for yet another year ...
"Waiting For ..."
Oil, 6" x 6" on canvas panel
$200.00 with display easel.
That's right ... what have I been waiting for? It's been so long since I have actually painted in my studio that I was afraid maybe I had forgotten how to paint. I know these "stages" happen, and I had a lot of valid reasons why I haven't been painting ... but ... it was time to get back to what I love most ... painting!I think I was inspired by our AHA radio show with Carol and David Marine yesterday. If you think about it ... Carol is almost a month ahead with her paintings ... yes ... that means she has an entire wall full of paintings that are drying and just waiting to be posted on her blog. I still don't have any "waiting" to be posted, but at least I have one to post today!
I think I underestimated the response I would have to my private marketing consultations so I have been very busy working with artists to sell more art through their blogs, websites, newsletters and facebook. It's been fun but has kept me out of my studio for too long. Dreama even "threatened" me yesterday. She said if I didn't find something to paint today she was going to pick the subject matter ... and I believe the word "Eddie" was part of the conversation.
One final thought ... one of the good things about being so busy is that I just didn't have time to take advantage of the fact that today is April Fool's Day. Over the years I have been pretty creative and have pulled off some pretty funny pranks ... my favorite was when I put my girlfriends house up for sale. I know this sounds harsh but if you knew the pranks she had pulled on me this was actually pretty tame. Although I advertised a price that was less than half market value so she did get a lot of calls ... for months ...
So to my dear best friend Dreama ... you are safe for yet another year ...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
LinkWithin
