This inspires paint!

I have spent most of the summer painting family members, most of which look very similar to me; White skin, blondish hair and light eyes. Although I am grateful to have them as my models, I decided it was time to get a little more diversity into my portfolio.

I have had my eye on little Anna since she and her family first moved to California, we attend the same church. She is a charming and sassy little 5 yr-old who you might mistake for an 10-yr-old. I was blown away by her rich brown skin tone, dark eye lashes and cherubic face. She will be my next painting if I can find the time. School starts soon..... We see how it goes..

Fall Classes !

I am so thrilled to be teaching at the Palos Verdes Art Center this fall. I will be teaching two childrens classes. The classes are on Saturdays for ages 7 and up. Here is the information if you or anyone you know is interested:

"Coloring the seasons"-Saturdays, 9/27-11/15 (10-11:30am) Learn the basics of design, color theory and composition while painting landscapes that reflect the different seasons. Learn to paint water, sunsets,clouds and the night sky. Take home a compleated painting each lesson.

"Animals in Art"- Saturdays,9/27-11/15 (12:30-2pm) Learn the basics of proportion and gesture in animals, but most important, learn to draw what you see. Explore different media each day while creating a moody charocoal drawing of an elephant, a vibrant painting of a cheery parrot, pen and ink drawings of bugs of all kinds and watercolor paintings of whales and dolphins. Imaginations wanted!

For enrollment contact the Palos Verdes Art Center at 310-541-2479

Art Nouveau

This painting of my sister Rebecca was done from life in two sittings of about 3 hours. I had sooo much fun painting her and her dreamy deep set eyes. Her angelic face drew me to the style of art Nouveau. A style of painting/drawing led by Alphonse Mucha. Nature and figure seem to become one. Willowy trees and a soft cloudy skys echo the soft difussed window light on her skin. Thanks again rebecca! your beautiful!

Good luck pup

This furry little "Ewok" is my painting buddy. I take him for a long walk in the morning then we head down to the painting room for the day. Its nice to have the silent moral support, I just hope he is not getting silently poisened by the paint fumes. I think everyone needs a shih tzu!