New events and Mandarin Cuties, 12x12

'Mandarin Cuties' 12x12" Acrylic on canvas

Back in the studio after a small Spring Break and I'm so glad to be rested and ready to work. Upon return to my regular routine, I was greeted by 2 acceptance notices; Randy Higbee's 6" Squared show in Costa Mesa, and the Trilogy 2011 Winemakers Dinner and Quick Draw event at the Allison Resort in Newberg Oregon.

The online buzz about submitting art to Randy Higbee's 6x6" show went viral, so viral that he had 1,200 submissions for a show that hosts 300 pieces of art. I'm glad to be included for the second time around, and will be sending 'Passing Point' and 'So. Cal Sentry' down to Costa Mesa for a beautiful frame and a great show. Info on the dates are listed in the 'Upcoming Events' column to the right.

A yearly event, The Allison Resort and Spa hosts a Winemaker's Dinner and Quick Draw with 18 artists from the Northwest area. We begin painting in the afternoon and complete the piece with a beautiful frame before dinner. Then the excitement gets going with the finished pieces on the auction block. Contrast and color are my focus for this event plus a little wine sipping and making new friendships with other artists and collectors. Fun should be had by all!

Today I had my young art student over for her lesson, and while she worked on her piece I finished this piece (above) that I had started last week. It was nice to come back to it with fresh eyes. I kept thinking of those elusive 'lost and found' edges as well as getting some of that internal glow that oranges have. Not sure if I got it, but hey, I'm happy with it. Acrylic is really hard, but it's a nice break from pastels and I'm finding it fun. I somehow found my way with the canvas with a few struggles with the glazing of the paint and trying to keep loose. I'd love to hear what you think of this because I may consider working with acrylic or oils for additional support to my pastel work. What do you think?

Image resource from Wetcanvas Image Reference Library.

Miniature Art Shows

Sauvie Viewpoint, 6x6" Pastel on sanded paper, Randy Higbee Gallery

During the holiday season, many galleries offer miniature works of art at affordable prices for the gift giving season. The Randy Higbee Gallery in Costa Mesa, CA. is no exception to this idea and is hosting a show of 6x6" works of art this coming Dec.

6" Squared Show

Dec 4th~23rd, 2010

The Randy Higbee Gallery

102 Kalama

Costa Mesa, CA

Now a collector or would-be collector can have the chance to grab a painting from their favorite artist at a reasonable price because of the miniature format and price.

Evening Reflections, 6x6" Pastel on sanded paper, Randy Higbee Gallery

Perhaps a small painting is a study, as are my entries, and are blessed for the larger format. Two of these, Evening Reflections and Satin Slopes, were eventually painted in a larger format that I have posted before. Regardless of the size, the smaller renditions or studies often show an intimate process and thought than the larger ones do. I myself like the studies better albeit their size. There seems to be a freshness about them that a large work of art doesn't. This is because the time involved often dilutes the artist's first intentions and excitement. The challenge of working large...keeping the freshness and excitement in the work is just that, a challenge.

Satin Slopes, 6x6" Pastel on sanded paper

I will also have small works for sale during the holiday season at:

Caswell Gallery

Little Art ~ Big Music

Nov 5~Dec 31st, 2010

210 W. Columbia River Hwy,

Troutdale, Or.