how long did it take you to paint that??

Recently, while at Nahcotta, I had the pleasure of meeting one of their clients who has purchased my work on several occasions. Standing in front of one of my paintings, he asked, in a very nice way, “How long did it take you to paint this?” I started with “Well, about twenty years and…then some number of hours.” Immediately, I could imagine him calculating my hourly rate……..and I was really hoping that he was factoring in the twenty years!! It is such a reasonable question. Particularly when one is spending quite a bit of money on artwork, it is reasonable to want to quantify that purchase somehow….in addition to the most important factor of it feeding one’s soul. I have been thinking about that conversation quite a bit of late. As I am exploring a new medium, I find myself remembering my struggles with pastels in the early days….and the feeling of utter elation and surprise when I got one to actually work! Hmmmmm, I would think, “If only I could get that to happen again.” In time, I did develop a better understanding of my materials and a clearer vision for my work. But even today, there are paintings that I am unable to resolve. Every painting, successful or unsuccessful, informs the painting on my easel today. Even when I am not painting, I am thinking about painting. I am looking at light, shadows, reflections, color, values and shapes all the time! Observing. Composing. It is all is part of my creative process.

a few more bits from Cali

A few more things worthy of mention RE: my Cali trip.

In San Francisco, I saw a wonderful show at the SF MOMA. Olafur Eliasson. The exhibit, which is interactive, opens one's awareness to aspects of light, movement and perception. It was truly delightful as well as thought provoking.

While in LA, I had the opportunity to attend the LA Art Show. There were approximately a gazillion galleries represented from across the country, and actually one or two from England. Two artists really stood out for me. One is Rusty Scruby. His works on view were essentially two dimensional, but had undulating surfaces. They almost looked as though they were woven. But the representative explained that his pieces were actually constructed by using a tabbing system which was stable and yet allowed for the variation of the surface. When I looked at his site, I could see that some of his works actually reveal the tabbing system on the front of the piece.

Broken Angel by Steve Yeates really caught my eye. The artist creates sculptures with recycled glass and poured resin. Looked beuatiful in the spotlight.

hey, it's been at least 17 hours! Time for another show!!

Good thing for adrenaline. Julie, of course, had everything well under control, so when I got back to Santa Monica we just needed to hang the work, change clothes.....and away we go! They had removed most of the furniture for the event which really opened up the space and made it easy for people to view the paintings. (Also provided great tumbling space for the little ones) Once again, I had some great conversations with some really interesting people. I was truly honored by the attendance of my ninety -year old Uncle Dan who spends part of the winter with my cousin, Cara and her family in Woodland Hills. It was such a fun night, after which just a small group stayed for a relaxing dinner........PERFECT all around.

It’s hard to convey the appreciation I feel for those who hosted and welcomed me so graciously. I hope it is just the beginning of more such events as I work my way toward becoming ”bi-coastal pastel-girl”.

and now the work begins: LA

After a quick flight to LA, Deb went to stay with friends who had recently moved there and I got to work!! It was great to see my cousin and her family. Julie is a fabulous cook, so once again, I was treated to some amazing meals. I really enjoyed having the chance to visit with her and Paul and their very special son, Flynn. Flynn turned six during my stay there, but I'm pretty sure he has been here before. Thursday night we unpacked the work as one of Julie’s friends had requested a sneak preview. Then Friday AM I packed up the rental-mobile and headed to Huntington Beach, to the home of my friend, Toby. I have known Toby since childhood and she has become one of my biggest collectors.......even though we live 3000 miles apart!! When I first proposed the possibility of going out West to have some small shows, Toby was totally excited to host one. After a little reunion, she and her daughter and I got to work setting up the paintings and getting the food and wine all set up. It was a mad dash, but it all worked out beautifully. Shortly after 7:00 the house began to fill up. Toby was great about bringing me around an introducing me to her guests. It was a great chance to meet a new group of people and many of them seem to feel a connection to my work………which is a supreme compliment. At the end of the evening, we were regaled by one of the guests with hilarious stories of their days working together for Disney. A really fun night with a great group of people. A late night rolled into an early morning and after breakfast, it was time to pack up the work and head back up to Santa Monica fro the Saturday opening. Oh my.

working my way back to Eastern Standard Time

Returned from my FABULOUS West Coast Tour early Tuesday morning and am slowly getting back to real life. It was an amazing trip for me in every way. I had the chance to see some wonderful artwork, drink yummy wine, eat delicous food.....and SHOP!!! And most importanty, reconnect with family and friends AND meet some great new people. Where to begin? Well, oddly enough, the LA pastel tour actually started in San Francisco. I was traveling with my friend, Deb, owner of the way hip Nahcotta gallery, here in Portsmouth. It just so happens that one of the artists she represents, Tjasa Owen, lives and works in San Francisco. I have always admired her work and so we were both thrilled to visit her studio, which is a beautiful space in a quiet little nook, but right around the corner from a thriving neighborhood. Tjasa was so helpful in terms of suggesting galleries we should visit. (Hang was my favorite) And places to eat. At her suggestion, we had breakfast at La Boulangerie, an amazing bakery where everything was freshly made. When you order a large coffee there, they serve it to you in a BOWL!! A bowl of coffee. Yes, indeed, that's the way to start the day. While innocently walking on our way to a gallery, I happened to glance in the window of boutique, Christine Foley. The manager unlocked the door and invited us in. What could we do?? I treated myself to a couple of jackets that are beautifully made........and will serve as a reminder of a wonderful little vacation. Stay tuned for part 2.........LA

Pastel Girl goes to LA!!!!

I am excitedly preparing for my upcoming WEST COAST TOUR!!! The plan was hatched in my studio last Summer when my cousin, Julie, her husband, Paul and their beautiful boy, Flynn all came to visit from Santa Monica, CA. Julie, who I would LOVE to hire as my director of marketing, thought it would be fun to have a little opening reception to introduce my work to her friends in her new home. At first, just the work was going to make the trip to Cali. Then she decided I actually needed to be there to, well, schmooze. (When in LA......) THEN a dear friend of mine, living in Huntington Beach also graciously offered to hold a soiree. So I will be busy with back openings, but it should be a lot of fun. I also hope to do a little touring around and visiting with relatives while there. I have been sorting through the work and getting it packed up and ready to go……….

three steps to guarantee your popularity

1. Move to New Hampshire (preferably a fabulous city like Portsmouth)
2. Register as an independent
3. Wait for Primary season.

It has been an exciting time to be a New Hampshire resident. Candidates have been visiting the area for months! From the planned, well-orchestrated rally, to the spontaneous coffee shop appearance, the candidates and their staff are working hard for the chance to get their message out and win your vote. My phone has been ringing off the hook!!!! I have had the privilege of attending several such events. I love that many of us are able to listen to several candidates and discuss the pros and cons of each with our neighbors as we make our way toward a final choice.