Caswell Gallery 'Cityscapes' reception

Discussing with gallery sales, Whitney Layton, the art of framing pastels.

This past week I was in bed with a bad cold topped off with some sort of allergy, so I didn't do any painting for the bulk of this week. I always feel 'odd' when I'm not in my studio creating. Almost a sort of guilt thing going on here. But by Friday I was finally feeling well enough to attend the 'Cityscapes' show at The Caswell Gallery. Artists Gene Gill, Mike Kowalski and Christopher Mooney also had work in this show, all of whom are well known for their city themed work.

Rip (the owner) had wine and some incredibly smooth chocolate tasting along with live music for the First Friday Art Walk in Troutdale.

Gene Gill with a celebratory hug!

You can see the huge space that hosts Rip's incredible bronze sculptures, you can get lost in there! What a gallery! Anyway, I'm still taking it easy resting more than expectedbut hope to produce some work this week. Until then, keep healthy!

Caswell Gallery, Quick Draw

"Lavender Pickers", 9x12" Pastel on sanded paper, Sold

Last night was the Caswell Gallery Quick Draw event in Troutdale, OR. The participating artists Michael Orwick, Pam Flanders, Mary Lou Epperson, Rip Caswell, and Eileen Holzman and myself had 1 1/2 hours to complete a piece as the patrons placed their silent bids and nibbled on goodies and sipped wine. It was a very festive event decked with holiday trimmings and live classical guitar music. When our painting time was up we ran back to Rip's studio to frame them, then bring our framed work out for the conclusion of the silent auction. Of course you can imagine that the oilies had a framing advantage over any pastel, but I must let you know that it only took me a sheer 7 min to frame it all up! I had staged the frame with all it's pieces ready for the final art, and in a jiffy was ready for the bidding war to begin!

Right from the studio with Gallery Director, Kathy Toynbee.

I was sure pleased with the final piece, and later found out it took the highest bid from the show! Now some of you may recognize this painted scene from a prior post because I have painted it a few times over....but let me tell you, it gets better every time. With a pastel in my right and a glass of red in my left, it was plenty fun!