Out of Chaos...

Had 2 shows to get ready for last week (plus the usual and unusual that life had to throw at me) so I hit the 'manic' button. Got a lot done but my studio... well, see for yourself.

I figure it's worth the mess if this can come out of it.

and this.

You can see these new works (and a few more) at the Encinitas City Hall, 505 S. Vulcan Avenue, Encinitas, CA 92024 through October 8, 2012.

Neighbors

I've been working on a series of portraits of people in my neighborhood. It seemed fitting- I have a show at the Encinitas City Hall August 30- October 8 and a few of my neighbors are willing to put up with me taking a zillion photos of them while they go about their business.

I thought that it would be straightforward- a simple portrait of each of these people.

Well... it's an interesting process and a different challenge. I'm having fun and learning something new with every piece.

Reminds me: I need to get my camera and hunt down a few more of my neighbors.

Process

I always try to document the making of a new piece- taking photos at different stages. Often I'm so engrossed with the actual creation that I forget (isn't that how it's supposed to be?). Well, I remembered most of the time. I missed out on a few steps.

Drawing the subject, not once but twice.

Drawing with highlights in white gouache.

Spray painting the plywood using leaves as stencils.

The finished piece (untitled as of yet). 

I submit...

I gave up and gave in, and it shows in my newest piece. Mixed media using stuff I have (old woodblock prints, plywood from the shed) and using techniques I've been tinkering with anyway (that explains the spray paint).

Have no idea how it will hold up, or if it's even any good. But I liked making it... and I still have tons of plywood out in the shed.

Arts Alive Banner

A few months ago, I was asked to paint a banner for the Arts Alive Banner Program 2012. Participants paint a banner that will hang from lamp posts along Highway 101.

The banners are then auctioned off to raise money for the following organizations; 101 Artists' Colony, Cardiff 101 Mainstreet and Leucadia 101. For more info, visit Arts Alive Encinitas

Now, these banners are HUGE (33" wide and 84" tall) so even finding a place to lay it out is a bit of a challenge.

I decided I would do a portrait of my daughter in the back yard. Made sense since the banner is as big as the windows that look out into my garden.



Note the paw prints left by one of our cats after he traipsed through the underpainting.



After planting a few plants last year that are butterfly attractors, I was treated to a profusion of butterflies, including Monarchs, in the garden. It was actually pretty amazing.






A few not-so-great shots of the finished banner. I can't wait to see what it looks like from the street.

Tiger, tiger...

Finally, finally, finally it is done.


I must admit I take a distinct pleasure in cutting up my old woodblock prints (ones culled from the edition- don't worry). It ends up being a mishmash but I've been so damned careful for so long that it feels great to play fast and loose with all these different elements.
Oh yeah, I guess it's call 'play'.

Show of my work at CoCA Seattle

Been working the last few months on getting work together for a retrospective of my woodblock prints (man, that makes me feel a bit long in the tooth). 30 pieces total, with 3 new mixed media works.
Here are the particulars-
CoCA Ballard, Shilshole Bay Beach Club
6413 Seaview Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
On view November 10 – December 11, 2011

For more info, please visit CoCA Seattle

Special thanks to curator Joe Roberts, who sought me out and got me off my duff!