Upcoming Oil Stick Demo at Artisan Santa Fe

Great news!  I have been invited by Artisan of Santa Fe to do a free art demonstration of my oil stick painting technique.  The demo will be on Saturday, February 4th, 2012, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at their Santa Fe store, 2601 Cerrillos Rd.  I hope lots of people come to share in this fun textural approach to creating almost brush-less oil paintings.

"A Day Like Today" was created with the oil sticks that I use, including some from three brands--Sennelier, Winsor-Newton, and Shiva.  I also added some touches of palette knife applied oil to give added dimension and texture.  The chamisas in the foreground almost glow in low light!

Gala Fun

We had a really fun time at the SpiritBird Studio Holiday Gala Event!  Over 90 people came to enjoy the artwork, wine, food, music and fun!  I now have at least 14 new collectors, some with multiple pieces.  Hooray!  Unfortunately, no one remembered to take pictures (!!) so all I have is a couple of pics of the walls as they were ready for the event.

These are two of my helpers, celebrating our progress!

Fun With Fishes

I had fun painting this 8"x8" companion to my other goldfish!  This one is called "Attitude."  He will be available at my Holiday Studio Gala on November 12th and 13th with a special holiday price.

The photo isn't perfect, but you get the idea.

Thanks for sharing my art and for your comments.

Sara

Picture Editing Program Needed

I need help!  I have been working to find a new picture management program, as I am no longer able to use the one I had for so many years.  It was JASC--very simple to resize, crop and adjust color without having to understand how to do layers, etc.  Does anyone know of one that will allow me to add a square black background around my painting image without a lot of trouble?  That is a requirement now for entering artwork in online competitions, especially CaFE.


Here is another preview for my Open Studio Event:

This one is 7"x5" oil on board, entitled "At the Art Show."  I snapped the reference for the painting at an art show in El Paso some years ago.  I was intrigued by the image of a dancer standing in front of a painting of a dancer.  The "painting" on the right is one that I made up to fit this composition.  I had fun!


Thanks for your comments and input.

Best of Wordwide Charcoal, Pastel & Pencil Artists Vol. II

I am so excited!  I have four pastel paintings being published in the Best of Worldwide Charcoal, Pastel & Pencil Artists Volume II.  It will be available for purchase soon and will be viewable online.  I'll post the link for it as soon as I have one.

This iris painting, titled "Lovely Ladies", 36x24, is one that will be in the book.  It is currently in the private collection  of pianist and composer Barry Tognolini.

Open Studio Event Coming Soon!

I am excited to announce that I will be hosting an Open Studio Event at my studio in High Rolls on November 12 and 13, both days from 2 to 6 p.m.  My event will feature new paintings, paintings from my last New York City exhibit, refreshments, live music, drawings for some of my artwork, and an auction.  I hope many will be able to join me for the excitement!  I will have a holiday discount in effect, plus many smaller pieces that would be very affordable for gifts.  I also have an installment plan to soften any cash-flow problem that might exist!

The macaw at the right is only 6"x6"--perfect for any small space in almost any setting.  The structure is gold metal leaf, with oil painting.  He has a "brother" and many cousins (other birds).

Thanks for your input and comments on my artwork!

Head, Heart, and Hands--Shea Hembrey's Biennial

What would you create if you could be 100 different artists?  Artist Shea Hembrey answered this question, spending two years creating artwork as 100 different artists!  This amazing video shows and explains just some of the creations.  What a stimulus for creativity!  Let me know what you think.