Parents, please support your artistic children!

I am really blessed to have parents who recognized my artistic talent early on. Even if they didn't always understand my 'artistic' personality, they always supported my desire to further my art education. I had art lessons in third and fifth grade and when I finally decided on an art major, they didn't discourage me from that path! My mom and dad were always quick to encourage my growth in art and never made me feel that I was wasting my time. Probably the biggest leap for them was when I quit my after college design job to paint full time. They were totally supportive! My mom still helps me out in my booth at art shows and is so proud. I know I am fortunate from the stories from my fellow art students. One friend told me his parents thought he was gay based solely on his choice to be an art major. He's not gay, by the way, and is now happily married. I imagine it is scary as a parent to have a child who wants to pursue an artistic field, especially as a career. I will be the first to tell anyone, that I am the exception. However, artistic people need a creative outlet to feel complete, whether it's music, art, literature, dance, or design. To be a career artist takes an organized personality, drive, and low overhead. Or, you are super lucky and get 'discovered.' An artist tends to be a bit sensitive, so encouragement is a must and permission to explore his or her field is important. So, even if an artist works as an accountant, waiter, doctor, teacher, or whatever during the week, knowing that the time spent pursuing their artistic passion is not a waste, is validating. So, on this Mothers Day, 2012, thanks, Mom, for always supporting my love for creating. It changed my life.

New Work in Progress!

Here is the sketch for one of my new paintings.  I will probably be working on this live at Celebration of the Arts May 18-20.
This show the parts of the sketch before it's put together...

I use fancy tools like torn paper and pencils!  After getting the basics done for the idea, I use a window or glass door in my house to transfer the sketch to good Arches watercolor paper.  I have also measured and drawn this sketch to fit a frame I have waiting for it.

Here is the sketch on the watercolor paper.  I draw really lightly so that my sketch won't be very visible when I watercolor it.

Stay tuned to get a sneak peek of this piece before it's seen in public next weekend!

More fun art!

This piece is the third in a series I have done recently on thoughts and stream of consciousness.  I really love the face in this one and her lavender afro!!  So pretty!  I have repeated some imagery from all three pieces to make them more cohesive.
I would love to get these licensed for Barnes and Noble book bags or skateboards or something fun!  If you have any connections with any companies that would use this work, please let me know!

Thanks so much for any comments and don't forget to check out my website for more work and to purchase this piece, or reproductions of it!

Pretending to be a celebrity...

Well, today I got to pre-sign some of the show posters for Celebration of the Arts in May.  I am the distinguished artist this year, so my painting, "Sunflower," is featured.  I am so proud to be chosen, but it amuses me a little to sign the posters like I am a "pseudo-celebrity."  Just enjoying the moment!

For those of you who come to the show May 18-20, I will sign and personalize a poster just for you!  So, please come out and see me!

Fun at the Lubbock First Friday Art Trail

I just got back from spending time with a very good friend and a new friend at the Lubbock Art Trail.  I went out to Lubbock to check out a space that I will be displaying in at the Good Brews Coffee Shop in June.  That night was also the monthly Art Walk!

It's a fun way to get out and see some art.  You start out at one of the gallery or art spaces on the route.  You can ride the trolley for free to any of the spots and there are free beverages at many stops as well as beer and wine for sale!  We at fresh pizza cooked in a brick oven by a vendor and it really hit the spot!

I really enjoyed the art and installations at the LHUCA center.  There were some figurative and conceptual art as well as a potter and jeweler nearby.  At the other stops there was art by the college students as well as some fabric crafters and more jewelry. 

The weather was great and it was quite an adventure!  I highly recommend the experience!  It happens the first Friday of every month from 6:30-9pm!

As I am notoriously bad at snapping pics... I have no images to share.  I will strive to do better next time!

Award!!

I won a second place award in a National Juried Art Show this week!  I am so pumped!! So, now this piece is also an award winner! 

Step by Step Watercolor Process for "Lady in Red"

This piece was completed during my time as the Artist in Residence at the Museum of the Southwest Children's Museum.  It sold while I was still there!  I love the little dog and the metallic teapot in this painting.

First Step:  The sketch.  This is where I lay out my composition and make sure my rendering is the way I want it.  I transfer my rough drawing to Arches watercolor paper and stretch the paper on gator board.

2.  I start with the first washes of color in the layering process.

3.  More layers and depth are added to the face and the dog as well as more work to outer objects.

4. More detail added to the two main figures, shading on her dress collar.

5.  The dark areas are added to the lady's hair and the dog.  I start building the orchid and the red dress.

6.  I start adding the darkest colors last and I am waiting to start the teapot since the reflection is painted from life as if it is really sitting on the painting.

7.  The dark back ground and sleeve are added last to prevent the dominant color from bleeding into another.  The teapot's shiny surface is not created with 'silver' paint but with attention to the colors reflected in its surface.

I appreciate comments and questions!  Please check out my website for more information about the symbols in this piece!

To buy this print:

Sizes

16x20 Limited Edition $70.00 USD 11x14 Limited Edition $40.00 USD