painting a commission

I'm glad that I've got two commissions to do. Who doesn't need money?
One third done with the one due May 30th.

Gilding demo at the Getty Villa

Sylvana Barrett is the most knowledgeable  person in the old way of painting. She has the history, the science and the ancient artifacts not to mention the technique to teach gilding and much more. Her web site is www.Cennini21.com .

I'm starting to make the slated gesso.That takes 30 days! Together with my framing friends, we'll  learn by practicing how to gild our frames. My inspiration was one look at Eric Merrell's beautiful, gorgeous hand made, hand gilded frames.

Gilding Demonstrationby Sylvana Barrett

Joshua Tree Highlands Artist Residency

     Worked for what seems like weeks refining my application for the artist residency. Finally it is in their hands along with hundreds of others. The process of applying was well worth the effort.and I believe that I have a good chance of going this summer.  Six weeks in which to paint is a dream come true. I paint here in Pasadena every day or in my studio. Yet, to live and paint in that special habitat would be a privilege. Paint, Paint, eat, Paint,sleep during the heat of the day and in the afternoons, I'd hike out to Paint  until the sun sets. At the house, I can paint out on the patio during the star filled nights.
Starry,starry nights will nurture my dreams. Getting out of the urban culture will bring me joy.

Getty Center

At the Getty Center in Los Angeles,Leonardo Di Vinci will demonstrate posthumously how he starts a painting.
I'm going to see that!
Entrance is free. take a bunch of artists and share the cost of parking.

Family from the 50's

Finalizing the tail end of th oil painting,24 x36 of a friends vintage photo.
As I paint it,I'm energized by the fact that this person has meaning to me in life. I have a friendship with him. It means allot to me to do a painting of his mom and dad.
Learning to paint skin is the challenge. Got the book, now get practicing.

After that, on to a fun one. The plan is to paint with fabulous colors.
Pastels ,polka dots, strips and candy colors on a group of sisters from Ohio.
Then on to a small painting of a horse and it's rider. I have always drawn horses.
Finally, I bought one to ride in the Lower Arroyo. Great therapy for the soul.

painting Rod

Kitchen remodeled!

Now, our kitchen is finished and glorious. My husband ,Mark, is fabulous. He put the Ikea kitchen together online. It came on a truck and he assembled each cabinet. The contractors painted moved the water heater, and made my studio a usable space. Thank you, Luke, Chris, Alfredo, & Juan.