Greetings & holiday gift giving ideas…

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Circles are fun as there’s no beginning, middle or end. To quote Feist, “the circle married the line” which as a side note is a great song with two different meanings. For me, I use circles as an ontological exploration of life circumstances and being. Here are three paintings – one is included in the online exhibition, Habitual, at Los Angeles Art Association running through December 31, 2022, the other is patiently waiting for a name and the third is Fixated/Freed.

Cookies and holiday reading

Tacos, pizza, guacamole are just a few of my favorite foods. Where does pie fit in? Recently, I was invited to a book signing at my friend’s home and we were greeted with pies…many pies. Beth M. Howard wrote World Piece. This is her memoir of traveling around the world to bring peace with one piece of pie at a time. It’s an inspiring read and she has received extensive media coverage from Forbes, Los Angeles Times, CBS This Morning, CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 and more.

Another book by my friend Robyn Jamison who is an artist in Austin, Texas is on a mission to make modern and contemporary art accessible to everyone in the world. Hip, hip, hooray Robyn. Her book, The Magic of Modern Art, is on my list to complete reading over the holidays.

Lastly, my holiday present to myself is Syllabus by Lynda Barry. All I needed was a little nudge from my dear friend to say “read this” and within minutes, it was purchased. It should be delivered to my doorstep within the next 24 hours.

Wrap up 2022

Sketchbook Freedom workshop is scheduled for December 31, 2022 from 1:30 to 3:30. Cost is $50 and includes sparkling wine and a sketchbook. This is a fun gathering and does not require any art expertise. It’s playful and practical. To reserve your spot in the workshop, please email me.

Happy holidays with much joy and love.

Musings of an artist and mark your calendar...

This blog post is loaded with noteworthy artist info. Enjoy.

First, My Shameless Plug

• I have a work of art, Untitled #2 (blue), in the upcoming group exhibition at San Luis Obispo Museum of Art (SLOMA). The reception is Friday, February 4, 2022 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm and I will be at the reception around 6:00pm so I hope to see you. The museum is located at 1010 Broad St., San Luis Obispo and the exhibit is up until March 27, 2022. My painting was created in 2019 from a lovely, peaceful summer evening in my own backyard.

• I have five paintings, all 16” x 16”, in an upcoming group exhibition with five other artists. Fun fact: Like so many people during 2020 with the pandemic in full swing, the host of this exhibit and participating artist, Larry Stone, renovated his garage/barn into a beautiful gallery to showcase other like-minded artists. The receptions for this exhibition, Acts of Worship, are Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6, 2022 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm and I will most likely be attending both days around 2:00 pm. If you are unable to attend and would like to see the exhibition, please contact Larry at actsofworshipart@gmail.com to schedule an appointment. The gallery is located at 2021 Niderer Road, Paso Robles.

• I have a few art workshops scheduled at Art Center Morro Bay over the next few months. Please note, a minimum of eight participants is required with a maximum of 15 participants. Sadly, we had to cancel two of the workshops previously scheduled due to the Omicron variant. Damn pesky pandemic.

Plugs for Other Artists

• Run, don’t walk. And if you’re speeding in a car, don’t blame me if you get a ticket. There’s an exquisite, breathtaking exhibit of Hilary Brace’s charcoal drawings at Craig Krull Gallery at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica. This exhibit is up until February 19, 2022. Initially, I thought I was looking at black and white photos and then I saw these magical, imaginative cloud formations. I almost cried at the beauty and with charcoal!

• Tic, tic, tic. If you’re lucky to be in NYC, then check out the haunting, realistic paintings of Hannah Lee at Entrance, located at 48 Ludlow St., Manhattan through January 30. I was an armchair visitor by reading the article in Hyperallergic.

• If you are uncomfortable with receptions, travel and yet need an art-fix, then enjoy this virtual tour of the Los Angeles Art Show that happened on January 19-23, 2022 at the Convention Center.

Studio Visits

I think one of the biggest joys is visiting an artist’s studio and a few days ago, I visited Eric Dubnicka’s studio. His work is raw, personal, authentic, tactile, expressive and more. He is actually working in one studio while renovating a run-down horse stable into another studio. The horse stable is amazing, complete with an old drawing of a horse by the previous owner pinned to the barn door. Eric has a super vision of keeping the integrity of the space. It’s also fun to see new art supplies laying around. I might have to try this Gaffrey texture material.