Precious Patterns

Painted on unstretched canvas, this image explores several of my most valued sources of inspiration: children's portraiture, pattern and color. Master illustrator, fine artist,photographer and film maker,George Pratt, generously allowed me to use an image of his beautiful daughter as a resource for this painting. I am interested in textile design and the integration of other materials and processes with traditional oil painting. The preciousness of painting with oils,is reduced by the free flowing canvas and the use of embroidery floss and waxed linen to join and embellish this work.I wanted to create something more intimate and accessible.
One objective was to abstract pattern so that it appears visually authentic although no attention was given to the "rational" use of light and dark, shadows, contours or space. The lower patterns are disconnected from the upper portrait, aside for the use of a common palette. I like that these two compositions can be viewed as independent and solid works. They are aesthetically strong when separate, but more pleasing and complimentary presented together:)
I am anxious to finish the stitching after the paint is varnished. Another image of little Miss Mary is in the works!

Summer Respite!

The beauty of teaching for me is getting to share what I love most with little people that I adore. But it would be dishonest and almost ridiculous NOT to state the obvious: I live for summer break! It is an artist's dream job!Every sniffling nose,upchuck on my carpet,whimper,whine,occasional pee,sigh of boredom,line cutters and tattle talers:)all of whom I love,are embraced and "endured" more patiently throughout the school year,because of the ever present promise of summer break! Then I have a block of time in which to create, paint,blog, but never be bored. I am trying to quickly finish some paintings for an upcoming exhibit. The beauty is in the details. Have we really been out of school for a week already?

To view my images on Facebook, click here.http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=13942&id=1483745280&l=ae2e112aef
I had an awesome slumber party last night. I celebrated my recent commission!Extra crunchy peanut butter for Kona and me!


And these guys rock! Hello to George, Brent and John and their very fortunate students!
http://www.illustrationacademy.com/new/index.html

In the Presence of Genius: Reflections on NAEA

I just returned from the National Art Educator's Conference in Minneapolis!It was an incredibly worthwhile trip as an educator but even more so as an artist!
Some INVALUABLE highlights were my visit to the Walker Art Center and the adjacent sculpture gardens. Rauschenberg, Rothko,Giacometti and more...Creative inspiration was unavoidable!

Hearing Mark Bradford speak and seeing his wall sized paintings and installations,offered ideas and wisdom that I will consider while creating work this summer at the School of Visual Arts in NYC.Their monumentality and innovative use of materials gathered from the L.A. urban landscape, were edgy,beautiful and thought provoking.

Of course conversing with artists,art educators,colleagues and friends from around the country was rejuvenating as well.

But the encounter and experience that left me most inspired was meeting and talking
with George Pratt,John English and Brent Watkinson. These guys and their colleagues,including the master illustrator, Mark English,have launched a hands on instructional program aimed toward "training the brains" of other talented artists who aspire to achieve a greater level of excellence in their work. That I was able to hang with artists who exemplify inventiveness, talent, skill and discipline, is beyond cool!

Check out their website at:
http://www.illustrationacademy.com/new/index.html
They will be launching a program on June 22nd that will allow individual artists access to their expertise,art,podcats,instruction and more for a reasonable fee.
Think Norman Rockwell,Maxfield Parrish, N.C. Wyeth and imagine a new breed of like talent...They are who wowed me most this week!
Thanks guys and best of luck in your new endeavor!