I support the Arts, Interior Design, Architecture, Literature, Artisans of all kinds; providing Inspiration and Beauty to all who visit.
Tis the Season....I love all of the bright holiday lights. Seas of red and green, bling galore. This year I am feeling the need for some softness though, and the white lights attract me the most. My paintings are lighter and airier. A series of lightness then who knows!
Also arriving at Ghost Ranch was Mary Johnson, a woman who had recently left quite a different career, having served the same twenty years as a nun in the order founded by Mother Teresa of Calcutta. The parish church where she worked sent her to the retreat for a week of continuing education. The first evening Mary announced, “This retreat was my fifth choice. It’s very difficult for me to trust older women, and I’m not sure why I’m here.” Ghost Ranch’s oddest couple had just met. During an evening session focused on midlife possibilities Mary told of her desire to write her story, asking the universe for “a room of my own and the opportunity to write.” At that moment Darlene found her passion, Mary found a benefactor, and A Room of Her Own Foundation found its beginning in the realization of Virginia Woolf’s words, “a woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write.” Recognizing a new calling, Darlene offered to fund Mary’s pursuit of a fine arts degree if Mary would help her create a template for an organization that would offer other women the privacy, finances, and creative support to pursue their work. Just like that, A Room of Her Own Foundation was born. “I decided I would finance Mary’s art, and if I could do it for her, we could do it for other women,” Chandler Bassett said. Together they developed a model for a foundation which would give creative women the money and space they needed to pursue their creative vision.
It is a stormy day in Kansas City. I cannot find the words to describe the abundance of color in nature this time of year. The autumn golds, bronze,orange, rusts, reds, bring brilliance to any drive about town. The burning bushes as I call them are so bright it astounds me. I love the seasons and this is still my favorite!
2) I love the water, I lived in San Diego thirteen years. A lot of my art reflects abstract water and landscapes.
4) I am stronger and more resilient than I appear to most. I have a determination to make my dreams come true and to be an inspiration to my family and friends.
My latest painting . It is 36 x 36 done in mixed media, oils and metallic. It is out the the deck wall, along with coordinating rust orange/ gold cushions and patio furniture refinished in a deep, deep red! One thing leads to another! Enjoy the season of the senses.
This is a time to pay tribute to our loved ones during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Who of us does not have a friend , relative, or co-worker who has fought the good fight against this serious disease. Let's give a smile to every woman we see or meet this month, for we never know what kind of pain one might be living with. Let's make a difference! Be sure to support Back in the Swing!
Last night I was honored to be invited to the exhibit Wyeth: Three generations of Artistry. This special event took place at The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City Missouri. Jamie Wyeth was interviewed by the new museum curater, Barbara Brian. Rachael Blackburn Cozad, Director and CEO was charming as always to all of the guests.
I also was allowed to take a photo of one of my favorite works in the permanent collection at the Kemper by Helen Frankenthaler.
As a colorist and abstract expressionist, you can see why I love Helen's works of art. Bebe and Crosby Kemper are one of many extremely generous families of art patrons in Kansas City.
Such a fun event! Many came to see my art and enjoy the music and refreshments. Much thanks to Art Commissioner George Schlagel, Waynel Gregory, and City Council member Scott Gregory for their help; and to Jessica my granddaughter for assisting with the installation. Isn't she beautiful!? More pics to follow as my daughter in law took many photos.
Vibrant Energy I
Serene Energy I
Event Pic! This is the best one, and I know There is glare on it. I am in the middle with a new hair design! These are friends Karen K and Kris R. There was a great turnout in spite of the heat! If you have never attended First Fridays in the Crossroads Kansas City; it is an amazing way to find unique and unbelievable works of art. Go to Art Bidz to find original oil paintings, sculptures. art glass art furniture and more. Thanks to all of my friends and family for your support!
Two weeks to go for the next art event. Please Join us for First Friday, August 7th in the Crossroads at ArtBidz. The reception is from 5:00-9:00 pm with fun, refreshments, and great works of art from regional artists. There is so much talent from those who create paintings, sculptures, art glass, and more.
This painting came together in a way I just loved! Most of it is in palette knife technique The golden section of the sky is in brushing. It is a small size, however I am looking at it and I think I want to create it in a larger work of art in a similar vein. What do you think?
Fun In the Crossroads tonight! I will be showing at Art Bidz, an exciting new venue on 19th Street just east of Oak. Come and enjoy, the crowds may be a bit calmer because of the fourth weekend, however what a great way to kick off the celebration! 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Refreshments provided for all.
I am excited to announce that June's First Friday Art Exhibit at The Winged Scarab Art Center will benefit Animal Haven KC .It is such a worthwhile cause and a portion of my sales will go directly to them. Click on the link to learn more about this wonderful shelter.
A few images from my art exhibit at The Winged Scarab Art Center. Look for the next event which will be at The Winged Scarab for The First Fridays Art Crawl on June 5th! The support from friends and Family made it a fun evening for all! Plus many helped to hang the show, paint, clean and get the gallery ready for the opening!
Friends of mine have taken over the Rockhill Condominium project which is on the Historic Register and located at 4400 Rockhill Road. I am proud to be featuring four works of my art in the model home, The Grand Opening is Tuesday from 4:30 - 6:30. They are located just north of the renowned Nelson-Atkins Museum and the new Bloch Museum.
I was very honored today. Bruce Hartman, Curator of The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art came to visit my home and studio. We are connected through the art world, though mainly through my sister Cynthia and brother-in-law Michael. It is just amazing where life takes you; this visit is a life changing experience for me and I cannot express enough the validation that came from this meeting with Bruce.
Food Banks are receiving more requests than ever. Many are first time families in need due to the economy and layoffs. We can make a difference, and even a dollar will help! More if you can. Harvesters here in Kansas City benefits from this organization Doing something positive when there has been so much negative news, will help others and start in turning things around for so many people.
This is one of my latest painting projects. It has now turned into a creation of four panels, two of which are on the drying rack at ARTichokes Gallery
This is a painting I am donating to a lucky winner for The Sundown Sunday Giveaway. This is an original oil painting on gallery wrapped canvas that is 8 x 24. I can see this propped on a bookshelf, over a doorway. Think of new places to hang art. It is very interesting to see a work of art, where you do not expect it!
I am often asked where the idea for a painting came from. My answer is that often it is in my mind. Sometimes I will start with a photo from a place visited, or a tear sheet from a magazine. Then at times it will take changes in form and color palette.
Patricia of Pve Design is the winner of the painting below! Thank you so much to everyone who entered and I do plan to do this Giveaway again in the near future. It is a pleasure to give back to those who inspire us everyday! Please check out her site and her beautiful illustrations. Her feature today is on Barbie's 50th! This is the new Judith doll dancing Revelations with the Alvin Auley Dance Company. Don't you love it?!
