Amsterdam...Paris... Rome!...

Well, the time has finally come! I am off to visit Europe for 3 months. Over there I will see friends, visit dance venues, paint and draw statues, frolic through gardens and swim in the mediterannean, all accompanied by my wonderfully sweet boyfriend, Sam.
Those are just a few things I anticipate, not to mention all of the most random magical randomness yet to be discovered. Then I will come back and paint the memories to my heart's content.

Keep watching for new exciting discoveries along the way.

Vernal Equinox, the series is complete

My first time lapse watercolor painting accompanied by acoustic guitar instrumental by yours truly...

This painting completes the series for Winter Solstice, Autumnal Equinox and Summer Solstice.
I loved the time lapse, it really helped my process move along and kept me focused. What a great reward to see it in fast forward after completing it. And now my book is complete...stay tuned for the announcement of it's availability.

Supernatural

When I was a young'un I had perpetual dreams involving alien visitation. They were not always as pleasant as this encounter, (mostly influenced by the tv show x-files) maybe that is why I felt the need to see them in a different light.

This piece will be up at the art opening "Free the Alchemists" at Willow Springs in North San Juan. We'll be throwing a departure art show/dance party/yummy soup night/stargazing through telescopes/bonfire wonderment. This show will be up for one day, so come and bask in the cosmos if you are nearby.

Free Because of Me!

I just finished illustrating my first children's book written by Tamara Venus Star;  "Free Because of Me" is a small book full of common household bugs given a second chance at life by the hands of a little girl. The pictures are lovingly painted and the story is very simple. I will update this page with an announcement as soon as it is ready to buy!

Livin' the Dream: Europe Art Tour

This is going to be a very exciting year in our lives. So much is changing so quickly, so many people are becoming aware of the need to make improvements in this world and are educating themselves about global policies and where they fit in the big puzzle.

So what better time to spread awareness and ideas, and to have a kick ass life and do what you have always dreamed of doing, its 2012! So to this I declare my partner, Sam and I, are traveling to Europe for 3 months, to immerse ourselves in all things art.



This has been my dream for a long time. To see great works of art throughout history that paved the way for so many artists who thrive in my generation.

I traveled to 12 European countries in 2010 with The Pleasant Revolution Tour, on a schedule with other musicians. This trip is all being negotiated by myself, where I will be free to roam and absorb more art than I could during those years.

We'll also be checking out mystical gardens, apothecaries, fantastical architecture, toy stores, absinth bars, dance parties--as much eye, ear and tongue candy as possible and at a nice pace without rushing it.

Everything is going towards this trip, every moment, every thought. Stay tuned for more cool updates!

What I have been up to...

Painting on the new deck, my dream studio with natural bright light from all angles, nestled in the woods. I am working on a special new watercolor, the final piece to appear in my first BOOK.


Using acrylic paint to decorate Bolete mushrooms on a sign going up at the Fungus Foray and Mushroom Exposition in downtown Nevada City.


Mushroom Exposition at the Miners Foundry! You can see the poster I designed for the event up on the projection screen.


Painting mushrooms. I did three separate watercolor studies, and sold all three the same day!


Here I am displaying a variety of prints, postcards, greeting cards, amigurumi's and hats all made by me. I'm standing next to Bill. He is a huge fan of my work, and is a very good friend!


A commissioned portrait of a beloved lost friend.


Practicing violin and posing for a photo.


Ahhh yes, back inside the fishbowl, or as Sam calls it, "the incubator"

Autumnal Equinox

I have had the idea of illustrating the four seasons for a while now. Summer Solstice and Winter Solstice can be seen in the archives of this blog, and now I have completed Autumnal Equinox. Here it is in process...

I began this painting at the Ridgestock festival and examined my environment around me to get inspiration for the tree in the foreground and the landscape farm scene.

The tree in the foreground is a black locust, btw. They have sharp thornes.

Yes, he is indeed some sort of squirrel cat creature, a spirit as tall as the tree, riding a pimped out fancy old bike. Spreadin the golden glow in the leaves, gently beckoning them to fall. Yup, this was a fun one alright.

Video of me in ACTION! Woot! Thanks for lookin.

July in Pictures

Quick Post Awesome Find

Stephen Mackeys website...seems like I could find much inspiration in the structure of this website. It is so clean and fun to click through. Someday I shall have such cleanliness with my paintings, drawings, music and photos compiled in one digital treasure chest. Way to go awesome guy

Trapped! On the Other Side

This painting is a bit twisted, I admit. You see, the little quail has passed on from his earthly existence. His experience of death did involve seeing a bright light and walking towards its heavenly glow. He climbed the stairs to enter an enclosed glass case glorifying a small wood. The keys on the trees begin to turn and their leaves fell gently. His eyes scanned around a room filled with niches filled with terariums, all adorning creatures passed on, now to find that the afterlife is some kind of display case for a higher being.

Cracked egg and spilling guts is all symbolic of the release of the life cycle. Something more mysterious now awaits.

Star Oracle Tryptic and Process

A long time waiting, this tryptic is finally up at the Fix Gallery in Nevada City.


Sit below the oracle and ask any number of questions. You are sure to swirl your eyes around in circles for a while as you contemplate through stars scales and gold.





Artist, and shrine.







I began the set back in October, and intended to extend the work throughout my experience at Willow Springs for my artist in residency.

Here, we see Brian Bach, helping me display the work. He looks slightly Jesus-like in this photo.

5/8 of the way through...

Beginning linework on purple dragon. Stage two (after sketching directly to canvas)

Which color do I chose? Seems to change a few times before I get it right, but fortunately not too many times.


Coating in gold, (or really, metal leaf) Reflective light is so nice.

Well, it was a long and fun process, and so rewarding to see complete. Stop at the Fix in Nevada City CA for a preview, it will be up at that location for 6 weeks.

Now on to the next....

Beautiful weather

And I've been stuck on this computer all week! But, one must sacrifice, after all working freelance is indeed work, and work I enjoy. This is a photo of my digital workspace, a lovely spot I am grateful for.

Huge Tryptic awaiting return in April.

Hey y'all. Here is a process photo sneak peek of one painting that will be part of a show at The Fix in April. I have been working on this acrylic tryptic since October when I started my artist in residency at Willow Springs. It's a big'in and I will announce very soon the show opening reception, most likely occuring 3/4 through April. I am gathering musicians for a small party for the opening...one big happy family.

Japan is wonderful

Today I would like to direct you to an awesome cartoonists blog, who has posted lush vectorized backgrounds for the show Samurai Jack. He features a showcase of the show's artists and their sparklingly beautiful and yet simple illustrations. I am feeling so sad for Japan, and honor their amazing influences in the art world.



Click here to see the Showcase

Versions

I completed the original Benjamin Bunny one month ago, and exhibited it at the Briar Patch in Grass Valley. Several days later I left to visit family in Colorado, and my mom bought the painting from me through my etsy shop. When I came back home, I received a call inquiring about the painting on display, and in the moment I said it was still for sale. Knowing of course, that I could try to reproduce one just like it for my mum. Well, here is the first Benjamin....



And here, the second.



I glanced at the original a few times, and tried to recall the colors I used. I learned a few valuable lessons about documenting my colors (for future reference, and bizarre unpredictable situations) and how my freehand drawings compare to each other.

I suppose I could have replicated it perfectly, but it would have taken forever, and I really like the variations of the two paintings anyhow.

Which one do you like best?

First night of internet in warm room...

Drawing class starts in 2 days...a studio dedicated to instructional and demonstration projects is being set up as I speak. Willow Springs is feeling more and more like an art warehouse similar to many I have envied in the city. Only at a peaceful country pace what with all the sculptures, paintin', construction, seed planting, cabin hoppin, food cookin, and music playin goodness you can handle.

For your enjoyment...a self portrait done to promote my class


And for your further enjoyment,
This too cool picture of sonic youth looking really dreamy...

in random honor of fellow South African music blogger and friend Nate.

Cafe Drawings

I set up a drawing table at the Ridgestop Cafe on Sunday afternoon.
My lovely kitten cat Avery, was the subject.

15"x 20" drawing done in black and white charcoal, india ink and gouache on Mi-Tientes pastel paper.

Peek in...

I am in the process of making this monster...

Acrylic tryptic paintings

Exhibition at the Briar Patch

This month, if you pass by the Briar Patch, (biggest grocery co-op in Grass Valley, CA)
do stop in the gallery/cafe to see original watercolors exhibited.

Show goes from February 5th - March 4th

Moom Alchemist framed up at the BP


Weeeee!!