One thing I love almost as much as art is social psychology. I'll spare you details of how I invented a major in consumer psych so I'd be allowed to take college courses in art, marketing, psych, design, advertising, architecture and communications from six departments in four different schools of the university. Suffice it to say I'm fascinated by how colors and shapes […]
On the muggiest August days I remind myself to enjoy it, because we'll soon have February's cold. Now it's time for vice-versa – winter has its pleasures, too. There's sipping Scotch or a warming Malbec in front of the fire, and enjoying a novel when snowy roads mean no guilt about missing events. Not to mention making stew, […]
People often say the secret to doing something well is having the right tools. For an artist, besides training and quiet time to focus, that includes quality materials and an appropriate work space. So I was thrilled when the holidays brought a surprise gift of an easel. It was the impetus needed to finish several paintings that have been sitting […]
This isn’t a New Year’s resolution about eating better, but take it that way if you prefer. My “produce aisle” paintings are very popular – fruits, veggies, wine bottles, etc. They’re often purchased in multiples for collectors’ kitchens or bathrooms. This doesn’t bother me in the least. In fact, I find it flattering that people want to see my […]
Air travel offers hideous food, ache-inducing seats, bad air directed at your head, and people who don’t cover their mouths for sneezes and coughs. We braved it all for wonderful Thanksgiving visits in CA, returning with airplane-caught colds just as the holiday season kicked into gear. Missing a few events to spare friends, I finally attended a holiday luncheon with some fascinating, accomplished women. […]
The medieval hill town of Roussillon, in Provence, was known as a major production center for ochre, a pigment used in paints, dyes and pastels. Of course I was thrilled to visit a factory museum there to learn about – and see the old equipment used for – the production of pastels. What I didn't […]
Fresh inspiration struck this month during a wonderful visit to France! I’m now reviewing literally hundreds of photos to determine where to begin a new series of paintings. It will be a tough call because we covered a lot of territory. Starting in Paris – my favorite place in the world! – a trip to L’Orangerie reminded […]
Many people have commented on my use of vivid color, and a very observant few have also noticed certain elements that show up regularly in my paintings. Besides city scenes and street fairs (the energy!) and sunsets over water (the colorful energy!) I seem to have a bias for interesting architectural elements. These include impressive arched doorways, ornate […]
No need to choose just one, and I don’t say this simply because of a sign at a recent dinner party saying “silver is the new blond!” Older has given me time and resources to travel more. Better is because I’m healthier (thanks to our CSA farm share) and more fit (thanks to Pilates) than when I […]
First of all, Portugal actually makes Rome look flat. Once I understood that, the challenges became clear for a dedicated walker who wants to photograph and paint the spectacular views. Famously built on seven hills, Rome is filled with staircases and winding streets. Its relatively gradual inclines are nothing compared to Portugal’s hills, which rise almost straight up. Portuguese […]
