landscape
Southern Cal Inspired
I am just back from a quick visit to see my two daughters in San Diego. What a nice change of scenery from the cold winter days here in Chicago. We made a point of doing vacation-type activities and a highlight for me was visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. I was surprised to…
Read MoreUpcoming Solo Show
I have been slowly but surely framing my favorite pastel paintings, preparing for a solo show down the road. The opportunity to exhibit this month was unexpected but I jumped at the opportunity because I am ready! I’ve already decided to include 24 pastel paintings. The pandemic became a perfect opportunity to learn more about…
Read MoreSummer at the Lake
I’ve never been much of a beach person, I’ve always preferred swimming in a chlorinated pool! This summer has been different though, I’ve been inspired to be in nature, craving a walk along the beach, looking through the tall grasses and finding art inspiration. These visits to Lake Michigan have led me to a new…
Read MoreGesso and Pastels
Recently I became aware that soft pastel and encaustic aren’t that different! A few characteristic qualities I love about the encaustic medium are the ability to create textures and depth, being able to layer three-dimensional color, and experiencing tactile art making. I feel like using gesso to prepare the pastel surface gives me the same…
Read MoreFlowers in the Air…
… and Art Festival Season is only a few months away! The light at the end of the COVID tunnel, winter’s end and brighter days have inspired me to paint warmer landscapes. I have spent most of the year better learning soft pastels and it finally feels like my paintings are maturing. I continue to…
Read MoreSunrise & Sunset
I have always been drawn toward the colors in the sky, the glow just as the sun is rising or about to set. The yellow- orange- pink- purple- blue- combinations are breathtaking and limitless. I try to re-create a feeling in my paintings rather than what I actually see. There is room for individual interpretation…
Read MoreFinding A Way
A world-wide virus that just doesn’t want to go away, making a resurgence right now, has changed the world forever. I have trouble watching the news, although there are no surprises, it’s just hard to hear about the never ending death and sadness. One of my coping mechanisms is to have a creative outlet and…
Read MoreHeading into Fall
The year of COVID… what happened to Summer? or Spring for that matter?! Next week is the official start of the Fall season and time is just passing. Because I participated in an online workshop with pastelist Karen Margulis end of August I plan to now put into practice some of the underpainting techniques she…
Read MoreMountain Escape
Longer than I ever expected, COVID 19 continues to change the way we are living. Summertime is when I would normally be busy exhibiting in outdoor art festivals, welcoming thousands of patrons and visitors during festival weekends, but we are in some kind of new normal. Large public gatherings have been put on hold indefinitely,…
Read MoreArt Therapy
These are difficult times, and right now it can be a challenge to find understanding, peace, and a better way of life. Surrounding myself with the arts has always been the best way for me to live a full life. I continue to paint, be creative, learn from others, share knowledge, and hope by offering…
Read More