I Wish You a Merry Christmas

For all those who may stumble upon this post, my wish for you is peace and joy this holiday season. Life is a gift, so let's celebrate.

Another ArtStartz Adventure

The latest from our merry band of art enthusiasts.  They were given a complex set of instructions for four different approaches to acrylic painting and each one did a fabulous job.  It's such a privilege to see creativity pour from people when they're given the materials and a safe environment to play.

Pacific Northwest Zinnias

I'm not sure if the calendar says we've turned the corner and are officially into autumn, but things are looking a little crispy.  Zinnias are some of my favorite flowers.  This painting was one of the large acrylics I did for the studio tour.  Such a happy painting.

From Baker to Brew

When a call to artists came out from our local Bellingham Alive magazine to describe our take on "community", my mind raced to the images that popped into my head.  As Whatcom County is notoriously home to a lot of beer and coffee snobs, I knew it had to contain those things.  There just wasn't room in the composition for bicycles, runners and so many other things that make Bellingham and Whatcom County so magical.

2016 Studio Tour Recap

With a second Whatcom Artist Studio Tour behind me now, I can reflect and compare my total experience with the tour.  This year's tour very consistent with last year's, which is a welcome relief.  People are getting out and supporting the arts and finding my little corner of the world.  A painting class was formed and eager new participants met.  New paintings were created and that means new designs for the winter shows.  Down time was used to create cards for upcoming shows and, back by popular demand, a 2016 calendar has been designed (wasn't going to do one this year) and will go to the printers today.  See front and back cover below.  I'd say the tour was very productive time spent and costs were recovered.  Success!!

2015 Whatcom Artists Studio Tour

Six new large acrylics on canvas for the 2015 Whatcom Artists Studio Tour.  Looking forward to talking about art for four days.

I Wonder

The I Wonder book illustration project is finished and off to the publisher.  It was a great project and I can't wait to read it to my own grandchildren.

Magnetic Personalities

I've just listed four new sets of magnets on my Etsy site (see link in right-hand column).  I figured if I was going to have to continue to contend with a metal post in the middle of my Bellingham Farmers Market booth, I might as well make it pay.  It's working out great!

Dog portraits

It seems the more dogs I paint, the more dogs I'm asked to paint.  It always feels like a privilege to immortalize these gentle friends. They all have a sweet story.  This was Maggie.

More oils

My exploration of oil painting continues.  So very different from watercolor or acrylic.  The joy is in the journey, right?  These are done on 8" x 10" canvas board.

The Greening

It's happening once again, the greening of the Ham.  April showers have come early following our unseasonably warm weather of February.  Hence, every tree is turning green.  These acrylic paintings on Claybord are inspired by the spring greening.

March - The In-between month

March has always seemed like an in-between month...Still winter (finding me in need of warm cups of tea), but showing signs of spring and the promise of summer.  These are two new watercolors I did last weekend.  April and the beginning of the Farmer's Market are right around the corner.  This will be my 15th season.  I can't wait.  It's my social life.