two shoes studio

Creekside

2012-01-25T15:26:00.000-08:00

Creekside
oil on cradled gesso board
6 x 8"
lightly varnished + signed
available in the shop soon

The waterway is more likely a drainage ditch, but creek just sounds better.

Yellow Stripe

2012-01-23T10:23:00.000-08:00

Yellow Stripe
oil on cradled gesso board
4 x 4"
in the shop soon

I have been painting, just not very good at blogging! Happy Monday to you. It's finally wet and stormy here in Northern California. I was happy to see brooding skies and misty horizons.

Billowing Cloud

2012-01-13T10:10:00.000-08:00

Finally finished up this one yesterday. We have remained cloudless for this winter--no rain and hardly any fog. Strangely still and dry. Fingers crossed it bodes well for a wet Spring.

Billowing Cloud
oil on canvas
6 x 12"
lightly varnished + signed
in the shop soon

Tule Fog

2012-01-06T10:43:00.000-08:00

It feels so good to be back painting again! This one is an homage to our local Valley fog. When present, it makes driving miserable but it's gorgeous at the same time.

Tule Fog
oil on cradled board
6 x 6"
lightly varnished + signed
wood edges, suitable for immediate hanging
available in my shop here

Pomegranate

2012-01-04T10:36:00.000-08:00

I like pomegranates, yes I do. I like pomegranates, how about you? Happy New Year. This one is going to be awesome. I can feel it.

Pomegranate
oil on cradled board
5 x 7"
lightly varnished
available in my shop here

Hello, strangers!

2011-12-26T10:53:00.001-08:00

Little House in the Trees
oil on canvas, custom order
9 x 12"

I can't believe it's been nearly a month since I've posted. Since my two Holiday shows I haven't had much time for painting. I had these two custom orders to fill and once those were out the door it was *poof!* Holiday overdrive. Now that Christmas is over, I feel like I can share them with you without spoiling any surprises. I now feel like I have been in motion for too long. Time to settle in and get situated before welcoming the New Year.

Junco portrait
oil on board, custom order
6 x 6"

Hazy Day, Downtown Sacramento

2011-12-01T19:47:00.000-08:00

One last painting before the weekend! A bigger one with a more abstract feel. If you've ever driven into Sacramento, you know the downtown sprouts from what seems like golden farmland. It's a bit surreal, this urban cluster surrounded by peaceful horizons.

Hazy Day, Downtown Sacramento
oil on deep canvas
12 x 12"
lightly varnished + signed
contact me for purchase info

Persimmons...eww

2011-11-30T11:57:00.000-08:00

I managed to crank out a few paintings before the week started. Fingers crossed they'll be dry in time for this weekends' show. Truth be told, I think persimmons are pretty horrid tasting. But they are such a beautiful shape and color, especially in the winter when everything's pale in comparison.

Persimmons
oil on cradled gesso board
6 x 8"
lightly varnished + signed
contact me for purchase info

P.S. I have been working on developing a little newsletter for my paintings. Different from my (somewhat) daily blog, it will feature news, upcoming shows and promotions. I thought it would be a good way to stay in touch for those who may not visit my blog or facebook pages regularly. Don't worry, I won't spam you and you can unsubscribe at any time. Sign up is in the right sidebar. Thanks in advance!

Have a Super Monday

2011-11-28T08:47:00.000-08:00

I've extended the free domestic shipping in my etsy shop with coupon code SUPERMONDAY. I know it's really called "Cyber" Monday but that seemed like a lame code. I much prefer my Mondays to be super. If you are an international customer, contact me and I will also give you a discount.

Cactus
oil on canvas paper
6 x 6"
signed + mailed in a rigid mailer
on sale here in the shop

Weekend Sale!

2011-11-25T09:46:00.000-08:00

I have paintings coming out of my ears! They are stacked in window sills and corners of my house. I'm happy to announce a special little sale for those of you who read this 'ol blog, follow me on Facebook or generally just like original art. Enjoy free domestic shipping (insurance included) on all works in my etsy shop with coupon code PUMPKINPIE at check out. I will be listing new works throughout the weekend. I hope you see something you like!

Thank you for your continued support.

Painting above (still wet!)
Blue Hues
oil on wood panel with distressed edges
4 x 6"
lightly varnished + signed

Barn Dance

2011-11-23T08:05:00.001-08:00

I originally painted this on a small laminate chip sample and few years back. I was happy to do it again, this time with blue shoes.

Barn Dance
oil on canvas
4 x 6"
lightly varnished + signed
custom order, *sold

Blue Clog

2011-11-22T08:19:00.001-08:00

I love all shoes, but there's just something about clogs. Maybe because I'm a child of the 70's and they remind me of how I would tromp around the house in my mom's Dr. Scholls, Willie Nelson's "Stardust" playing the background.

Blue Clog

oil on canvas

4 x 6"

lightly varnished + signed

custom order, *sold

Sunflower Field

2011-11-20T18:06:00.000-08:00

I am missing the fields full of sunflowers now that winter has arrived. There is something magical about living somewhere where you can tell what month it is by what's growing (or not) in the fields. When your dinner conversation involves "they harvested the tomatoes today" or "the sunflowers are now gone", you feel a connection even if you're not actually farming the land. For me, it makes the passing of time less jarring..more fluid. A continuum.

Sunflower Field
oil on wood block
4 x 6"
lightly varnished + signed
contact me for availability

Yosemite Meadow

2011-11-18T09:52:00.001-08:00

..Life is too much like a pathless wood

Where your face burns and tickles with the cobwebs

Broken across it, and one eye is weeping

From a twig's having lashed across it open.

I'd like to get away from earth awhile

And then come back to it and begin over.

---Robert Frost

Yosemite Meadow

oil on canvas

4 x 6"

lightly varnished + signed

Spotlight

2011-11-17T10:01:00.000-08:00

I have had a few request for ballet shoe paintings. Because I love all shoes, I'm happy to oblige. Now if I could only get Elton John out of my head. "Hooold me closer tineeeeee daaansuh..."

Spotlight
oil on canvas
4 x 6"
lightly varnished + signed
contact me for availability

Orchard Fog

2011-11-16T09:24:00.000-08:00

Orchard Fog

original watercolor

5 x 7"

matted to fit an 8 x 10" frame

$40

contact me for availability

Converge

2011-11-16T09:05:00.000-08:00

That point where it all comes together. Off in the distance. You can't really see it but you trust that it's there.

Converge

oil on deep cradled panel

6 x 12"

stained wood edges, perfect for immediate hanging

lightly varnished + signed

contact me for availability

Orange Clogs

2011-11-15T08:45:00.000-08:00

I used to think that painting the same thing twice (or more) somehow was cheating. I'm happy to say that I've changed my mind. To return to a subject that's familiar and comforting to paint is a joy. You may remember these in red a while back. This time they're sunny and more sketchy orange ones.

Orange Clogs

oil on wood block

3 x 3"

lightly varnished + signed

perfect for sitting upright in a favorite spot

contact me for more info

Marsh, Winter

2011-11-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

Up and running with my new computer. Still making adjustments and getting my feet wet--colors look different and everything seems HUGE. I have to say this Mac thing is pretty awesome. I did a series of three little landscapes on wood blocks this weekend. This one had an olive green underpainting which gave it a toned-down Old World palette feel. I like!

Marsh, Winter
oil on wood block
sawtooth hanger on back
4 x 6"
lightly varnished + signed
contact me for availability

Nesting

2011-11-09T10:48:00.000-08:00

It's Wednesday, but I don't have a watercolor to show. I do have this little guy I painted yesterday, though. I love seeing little birds with their beaks full of bits for nesting.

Nesting
oil on deep canvas
4 x 4"
painted edges, suitable or immediate hanging
lightly varnished + signed on the side
contact me for availability

Sunset Oak

2011-11-08T10:29:00.000-08:00

This is painted from a really old reference photo taken here along Putah Creek when my husband and I were in college. One of my all-time favorites. I keep coming back to it. It's comforting somehow and each painting turns out differently.

Sunset Oak
oil on wood panel
7.25" x 7.25"
lightly varnished and distressed along the edges
contact me for availability

Summer Rice

2011-11-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

Summer Rice
original watercolor painting
8 x 10"
matted and ready for framing
$50 contact me for availability

Late Afternoon, Co. Road 102

2011-11-01T12:51:00.000-07:00

This stand of trees is along my favorite country road. It makes such a beautiful contrast--the warm glowing fields and the cool green grove along the creek.

Late Afternoon, Co. Road 102
oil on cradled board
11 x 14"
stained wood edges, suitable for immediate hanging
lightly varinshed + signed

Moo.

2011-10-31T10:34:00.000-07:00

California cows do seem to be pretty happy. And happy paintings come from happy cows.

Brown One
oil on cradled gesso board
6 x 6"
lightly stained wood edges, suitable for immediate hanging
varnished + signed
please contact me for more info

Rice Fields

2011-10-28T08:10:00.000-07:00

Right now it's harvest time, but I love painting the little shoots of Spring. The green meandering carpet almost glows.

Spring Rice
oil on cradled gesso board
6 x 6"
lightly varnished + signed
*sold

Fogbank, Ft. Bragg

2011-10-27T12:25:00.001-07:00

A little trip to the cool, misty ocean...at least in my head. Fall is coming, it's just taking its sweet time getting here. I missed my watercolor post yesterday. I had photos on my other computer which up and died two days ago and didn't have any new ones to share. I'll get back on it next week!

Fogbank, Ft. Bragg
oil on cradled gesso board
10 x 10"
lightly varnished + signed
available, please contact me for more info

Sky and Sand

2011-10-26T10:56:00.001-07:00

I'm sorry the colors seem a bit wonky on this one. Our computer died yesterday and I'm fumbling on our old laptop. Fingers crossed the 'ol HP didn't eat all my pictures before going black!

Sky and Sand
oil on canvas
6 x 12"
lightly varnished + signed

Two Up High

2011-10-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

This week has been a little chaotic so far and I haven't been able to park it at the easel like I had wished. But I eeked out this one last night. It started out as a still life but morphed into a landscape...funny how that happens.

Two Up High on a Hazy Day
oil on canvas
4 x 6"
lightly varnished + signed
$60
contact me for more information

Mini Magnets

2011-10-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

Little paintings for magnets. Which one is your favorite? I'm partial to the magpie. Yippity skippity, it's Friday! Happy weekend, wherever you are.

Storm Lifting

2011-10-19T08:59:00.000-07:00

I had fun painting the sky on this one. That moment when the rain stops, the clouds lift and the sun breaks through.

Storm Lifting
original watercolor
8 x 10" , signed
matted +ready for a 11 x 14" frame

Cloudscape No. 1

2011-10-17T09:03:00.001-07:00

I'm hoping to do at least 5 or 6 cloudscapes for upcoming shows. I envision them displayed clustered together like family portraits.

Cloudscape No. 1
oil on canvas
4 x 6"
lightly varnished + signed
contact me for availability

His + Hers

2011-10-13T10:21:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year. Bring out the boots.

His + Hers
Oil on cradled gessoboard, no framing required
8 x 8"
lightly varnished + signed
contact me for price and purchase info

P.S. Someone was asking if my new(ish) paintings will be in my etsy shop. Most of them are being stockpiled for upcoming shows in December and I will probably not list them just to keep inventory simple on my end! But they are available, so feel free to e-mail me if you have any interest or questions. Thanks!

Yellow Mustard at Dusk

2011-10-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

This was my third version of this scene. Sometimes I like to make things hard for myself. Imagine that--an artist hyper-critical and emotional? The fun thing about painting with watercolor is you have the ability to rip it up in a good hissy fit.

Yellow Mustard at Dusk
watercolor, 5 x 7"
matted and ready to pop in an 8 x 10" frame
$40 + $5 shipping and handling
please contact me to purchase

Purple Roses

2011-10-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

I'm happy with the way this one turned out. Painting small scale has its downfalls--sometimes things get muddy very fast. Getting a sense of depth and variety of strokes within a 4 x 6 canvas is challenging. But fun.

Purple Roses
oil on canvas
4 x 6"
lightly varnished + signed
contact me for availability

Chicken Commission #2

2011-10-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

And here's the other one. I believe her name is Winnie. She's been giving me the stink eye all morning.

Winnie
oil on canvas
6 x 6"
lightly varnished + signed
*sold*

Pt. Reyes, Foggy Day

2011-10-05T08:23:00.001-07:00

Pt. Reyes, Foggy Day
watercolor 8 x 10"
matted and ready to put in a 11 x 14" frame
$50 + $6 shipping
please contact me for purchase information

Chicken Commission #1

2011-10-04T10:44:00.001-07:00

My friend bought the other chicken painting I did over the summer...and then the rest of her chickens decided they wanted their portraits painted, too. Here's Ripple in a sassy side view.

Ripple
oil on canvas 4 x 6"
lightly varnished + signed
*sold*

Ocean + Show Recap

2011-09-28T08:26:00.001-07:00

As you may have noticed, I don't paint a lot of seascapes. I tend to concentrate on what's around me..and being land-locked in the Central Valley, that doesn't include the ocean. But I've begun to realize that people here want seascapes for that very reason! So I've committed myself to doing more of them. My horizon line looks all wonky, but that's because I had too much coffee before taking the picture!
Misty Afternoon
watercolor
8 x 10"
matted and ready for a 11 x 14" frame
*sold*

Indie Davis was a great show for me over the weekend. The weather was perfect (after a week of near triple digits, I was worried about sweating through my shirt by noon!) and my community of "regulars" came out in full force. Five paintings made their way to new homes. A very good day indeed. Here's my set up below.

Indie Davis Tomorrow!

2011-09-23T11:29:00.001-07:00

I've been varnishing, packing, printing, labelling--all to get ready for Indie Davis tomorrow. Stop by 10-4 tomorrow and check out the website for more information on the talented folks that will be there.

A little different...

2011-09-21T12:24:00.000-07:00

Hi there. I've started doing a few little paintings in watercolor over the past month. It's great practice for painting with fresh, un-muddied strokes. Plus they dry in a jiffy! I'll share them with you here every Wednesday. Thank you for stopping by!

Spring Break
watercolor 8 x 10"
matted and ready for 11 x 14" frame
please contact me for purchase info

Cheep! Cheep!

2011-09-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

And another one!

Cheep! Cheep!
oil on deep canvas
4 x 4"
lightly varnished + signed
contact me for price/info

Cheep!

2011-09-16T09:17:00.001-07:00

I love painting chickens. They are such funny little critters.
Happy Friday!

Cheep!
oil on deep canvas
4 x 4"
lightly varnished + signed
contact me for price or to purchase

Leading In, Complete!

2011-09-13T08:45:00.001-07:00

I still might make some tweaks here and there, but I'm pretty pleased with how this one turned out. I'm hoping to get a few more of these mid-sized pieces under my belt before the holiday show season.

Leading In
oil on gallery-depth canvas
12 x 12 x 2"
lightly varnished + signed
contact me for availability

Leading In

2011-09-12T14:03:00.001-07:00

I've been working on this one for a couple of days. I really want to paint larger pieces but they can be challenging--both because of the time they require and adapting my technique to still have a spontaneous feel to it. This one is 12 x 12". Not huge by any means, but it's still an adjustment. So far, so good!

Abandoned

2011-09-10T09:06:00.000-07:00

Lonely looking building near the harbor in Eureka, California. Using artistic license, I left out the chain-link fence.

Abandoned
oil on wood block
3.5 x 3.5 x 1"
can rest upright on flat surface, no frame required
lightly varnished and signed

Billowing

2011-09-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

Another wee one on a block. Looking up into a crisp, winter sky through my leafless Sycamore tree. I cannot wait for Fall to get here. These hot days are getting to me..

Billowing
oil on wood block
3.5 x 3.5"
lightly varnished + signed
available in the shop soon or contact me for purchase info

Freckles

2011-09-08T12:19:00.000-07:00

Freckles
oil on wood block
3.5 x 3.5"
lightly varnished + signed

These small wood blocks are actually fancy moulding corners that I found at a barn sale. Flip them over and they make perfect little planes for painting on.

In Shadows

2011-09-06T08:53:00.001-07:00

Yes, another road leading off into the horizon. Surrounded by fields and falling-down fences. I love our Valley landscape.

In Shadows
oil on canvas board
8 x 10"
lightly varnished + signed
in the shop soon or contact me for purchase info

Dusk, July

2011-09-02T17:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I get hung up on painting the sky at sunset and forget to look at the beautiful glow and deep dark shadows it creates. I'm very happy with how this little one turned out.

Dusk, July
oil on wood block
5 x 5"
lightly varnished + signed
available in the shop soon

*sold, thank you Lisa!*

Tumbleweeds in Training

2011-09-01T08:56:00.001-07:00

What do you do when stuck in a car for 8 hours driving back from Southern California? If you're me, you take pictures. Lots and lots of pictures. I happen to love power lines and tumbleweed bushes, so it's all good. I enjoyed painting this in a vertical format to emphasize the sky. Plus, it may be the perfect fit for a special spot in someone's home.

Tumbleweeds in Training
oil on canvas
painted edges, suitable for immediate hanging
lightly varnished + signed
available in the shop when dry

Down the Road

2011-08-30T13:56:00.001-07:00

A little one I managed to whip out today. I enjoyed painting the perspective and the end of summer colors that make me think maybe, just maybe Fall is coming.

Down the Road
oil on canvas panel
5 x 7"
lightly varnished + signed
available in the shop

Finally, a painting to share!

2011-08-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of school. Nobody cried (including me!). To celebrate, I promised myself I'd finish the painting I started, oh, four weeks ago. It's an Alaskan landscape, but I think clouds and sky are universal themes. I'm so happy to be back at the easel.

Because so many people have inquired about purchasing a piece before it is listed in the shop, I've decided to have some of my paintings available for pre-purchase. It allows me to sell them at a discount directly to you. Once the paintings are dry and ready to ship, I will remove the button and put them in my etsy shop. Just a little sneak peak buying opportunity, so you can reserve a piece right away!

Up and Up
oil on canvas
8 x 10"
painted edges, suitable for immediate hanging
lightly varnished + signed
in the shop

Still here!

2011-08-16T11:58:00.000-07:00

Hello there. As summer is winding down, my productivity has dropped. This poor landscape has been unfinished for weeks! This summer has been wonderful but I am looking forward to Fall. I have three shows booked so far...time to get painting! We spent the last week in Southern California and I found inspiration in an unlikely place. The Gallery in Disneyland is featuring artwork from Mary Blair. Her original sketches for early animated features like Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland are amazing, as well as her collage designs for the It's a Small World ride. A ride that I made the whole family sit through. Twice. Read more about Mary here.

Bumpy Stretch, Tuscany

2011-07-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

A motto I live by is if you don't like it, paint over it. Which is what I did. Goodbye fava beans, hello Tuscany. The orange peeking through makes me happy and reminds me that everything's a process..

Bumpy Stretch, Tuscany
oil on canvas
4 x 6"
painted edges, suitable for immediate hanging
available in the shop!

Favas

2011-07-18T17:29:00.000-07:00

I'm a little rusty to say the least. It's probably 80% psychological, but I thought I'd do a little still life in the few free moments I had today. Whenever I take a week or more off from painting, little doubts begin to creep in--should I change my style? should I stick to only landscapes? Having very few sales from my etsy shop doesn't help the 'ol confidence much either. I'm determined to power through it, though. Like I told someone the other day, it's not like I can just stop painting. I have to. The rest will follow, I have to believe.

Favas
oil on canvas
4 x 6"
painted edges, suitable for immediate hanging
available in the shop when dry

Ok...now where was I?

2011-07-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

Sorry to be away so long. We took an amazing two week vacation to Alaska. It was breathtakingly beautiful up there. Words can't really describe it. A place like no other. I look forward to devouring my photos for good shots to paint from. All 684 of them. I just kept snapping..I didn't want to miss anything!

Enlightened

2011-06-24T15:17:00.000-07:00

I painted this on a "wipedown"--what I like to call it when I decide to start over on a piece. I had another landscape on this board which was not cooperating with me. So we parted ways. I love these deep wood cradled boards and wasn't about to waste one on a painting I didn't love. I am much happier with this one--proof that sometimes something better IS waiting around the corner.

Enlightened
oil on extra deep cradled gesso board
6 x 12 x 1.5"
lightly varnished + signed
available in the shop

I still have my paintings available at Haute Again if you are in the area and would like to see them. They'll be there through the first week of July. Thank you (so much) to those of you who have come by and visited them. So many of them have been adopted to happy homes!

Covell Barn, Late Spring

2011-06-20T15:33:00.001-07:00

I've been away from the easel for over a week..funny how rusty you can get. I did this little barn study this morning. Besides being a tad crooked (or it may be my photo..it's been a long day!), I'm happy with it. I look forward to picking up the brush again this evening!

Covell Barn, Late Spring
oil on gesso board, slotted for easy hanging
8 x 8"
lightly varnished + signed
*sold*

Tomorrow!

2011-06-09T21:30:00.001-07:00

I am very excited about being featured by Haute Again for the Downtown Davis Second Friday ArtAbout tomorrow. I'm a little stressed about getting all my pieces (there are fifty-two in all--an all time high!) there and hung. Mostly, I am just looking forward to sipping on a glass of wine, seeing friendly faces and chatting about painting, life and the endless possibilities of summer.

My painting was even on the front page of the local newspaper's website . Hooray!

Pt. Reyes Mist

2011-06-08T10:28:00.000-07:00

I started this painting about three years ago. I was painting in a dark, drippy studio and my mom was dying of cancer. It was awful. After she passed, I moved out of the studio and put this painting away. I couldn't finish it and couldn't even stand to look at it. I'm sure can you understand why. Well, I woke up this morning thinking about it. I could almost hear her telling me, "Just finish it, silly..and get on with it." So I did.
Thanks, mom.

Pt. Reyes Mist
oil on canvas
18 x 24"
lightly varnished + signed
contact me for purchase info

Tallest to Shortest

2011-06-03T09:56:00.001-07:00

Another painting from photos taken at the Sacramento Wildlife Refuge. I loved how these trees seemed to be lining up for something.

Tallest to Shortest
oil on cradled panel
6 x 8 x 3/4"
lightly varnished + signed
stained edges, suitable for immediate hanging

available in the shop

Branch

2011-06-02T14:08:00.001-07:00

Branch
oil on canvas
6 x 6"
lightly varnished + signed
available in the shop

On the Move

2011-05-29T10:52:00.000-07:00

Finished! Woo-hooo. Happy weekend, wherever you may be.

On the Move
oil on canvas
8 x 10"
painted edges suitable for immediate hanging
lightly varnished + signed
*sold*

Red Hen

2011-05-22T13:28:00.000-07:00

This was a lot of fun to paint. I love how chickens can look both sassy and scared to death at the same time.

Red Hen
oil on canvas
4 x 6"
painted edges, suitable for immediate hanging
lightly varnished + signed

*sold--thank you, Marsha!*

Tango

2011-05-20T10:15:00.000-07:00

You don't think that tangerines secretly dance when we're not looking? Guess it's just me.

Tango
oil on canvas
6 x 6"
painted edges, suitable for immediate hanging
lightly varnished + signed

*sold--thank you Lisa!*

Fab Four

2011-05-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

I'm kickstarting my week with little still-lifes. First up are shoes, of course. I'm hoping for a very productive few days. I had two sales last week which fills me with joy and optimism--I am so grateful to those who have purchased my work. Or even just comment on it. That makes me happy, too.

Fab Four
oil on canvas
4 x 6"
lightly varnished + signed
*sold*

On the Easel

2011-05-15T17:30:00.000-07:00

Wacky weather makes for great clouds. Lightning, thunder, hail and 80 degree days all in one week. I am happy with the way this one is coming along. I find that the more confidently I paint, the better the outcome when it comes to skies and clouds. Loose is very very good! I should have it finished up soon. I hope you had a good weekend, wherever you are.

Sketchbook

2011-05-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy few weeks. I've focused on ceramic creations for two shows and now I'm really looking forward to getting back to the easel. Some days I don't have the wherewithal or time to paint in oil and I do some little sketches in watercolor and pencil. A lot of them aren't worth sharing but I've decided to put a few of them in a new shop section called "sketchbook". Just for fun.

I hope you're having a great weekend.

Folsom Powerhouse

2011-05-06T12:11:00.000-07:00

I have a soft spot for historic buildings and places. This power plant in Folsom was one of the first hydroelectric plants in the state. From the California Parks website:

"On July 13, 1895, with only two generators in actual operation, electricity was successfully transmitted over uninsulated copper wires the full 22 miles to Sacramento. Newspapers in Sacramento and San Francisco covered this event in detail on their front pages the next day. Sacramento celebrated this technological breakthrough with a "Grand Electric Carnival" on September 9, 1895, stringing electric lights along its downtown streets, and decorating the State Capitol with thousands of bulbs."

I wish I could have seen that.

Folsom Powerhouse
oil on canvas
6 x 6"
painted edges, suitable for immediate hanging
lightly varnished + signed
available here soon

Happy Weekend!

Blown

2011-05-02T14:18:00.000-07:00

The wind was almost unbearable last week. Zipping through your head and eye sockets, making you feel disoriented and crispy. The air was almost fuzzy and white from all the pollen and dust, something I tried to carry over into my painting. Aaaaah--choo. I'm happy with the movement!

Blown
oil on cradled board
6 x 6"
wood edges, suitable for immediate hanging
*sold*

Shady Oaks

2011-04-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

I love oak trees because no two are ever alike. They grow in such crazy ways--which makes painting them fun. Lots of shadows, strange low-lying branches. I'd like to crawl under this one and take a nap. That's the kind of week it's been. Happy Friday!

Shady Oaks
oil on canvas
6 x 6"
painted edges, suitable for immediate hanging
lightly varnished + signed

available in the shop soon or contact me to purchase

No. 14

2011-04-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

No. 14 for Amy in Sacramento

Tall Mustard

2011-04-22T11:54:00.001-07:00

Tall Mustard
oil on canvas
8 x 10"
painted edges, suitable for immediate hanging
lightly varnished + signed
*sold*

I really wanted to get that mustard to pop, but the colors ended up a little more muted that I like. That yellow can be tricky! Sorry I've fallen behind on my Unlaced Postcards. I promise to catch up next week! I have six more on this first round and then I will take a little break before the next round.

Happy Easter!

Spring Orchard

2011-04-19T18:33:00.001-07:00

I've wanted to do a blooming orchard painting for a while. I had really limited time today, so this one gets a so-so on the love meter. Our blooms were very short lived this year...I miss them already.

Spring Orchard
oil on cradled board
6 x 8"
lightly varnished + signed
available in the shop soon

Pacific Sky

2011-04-19T15:25:00.000-07:00

Being landlocked in the Central Valley, I don't get the chance to paint the ocean much. I painted this (mostly for the sky) from a photo taken ages ago.

Pacific Sky
oil on cradled board
6 x 6"
lightly varnished + signed

Black + Mustard

2011-04-18T17:57:00.000-07:00

Black + Mustard
oil on masonite panel
4 x 6"
lightly varnished + signed
*sold*

Overhead

2011-04-17T16:30:00.001-07:00

I enjoyed painting the sky sagging with the weight of the storm above. I thought the earth was too bright, but that's Spring in the Valley. Almost unreal.

Overhead
oil on canvas
6 x 12"
lightly varnished + signed
available in the shop soon

Sundown

2011-04-14T15:31:00.000-07:00

There's something magical about painting a sunset..almost as magical as witnessing one. Too much work and it gets muddy and loses all the pop. I remember taking the reference photo for this one--running to the end of the street (a good 1/2 mile or so) in flip-flops. I'm lucky I didn't fall and break my camera! Which, if you know me, is quite likely.

Sundown
oil on canvas
4 x 6"
painted edges, suitable for immediate hanging
available in the shop

Slipping into something different

2011-04-08T08:53:00.000-07:00

I know some of you follow me on Facebook and may have seen that I've been dipping my toes into the ceramic world. And by world, I mean it is totally different from painting. There are so many steps and variables. For a (ahem) control-oriented person like myself, it feels good to let it go. Opening that kiln fills me with childlike giddiness and anticipation!

I have been working with simple, organic shapes in porcelain, a nice contrast to my color-filled painting realm. Going between the two has made me more creatively complete and inspired. I look forward to painting each day more than ever..and squishing clay in the in-between times. I'm so lucky to be able to do both.

Feel free to check out more of my porcelain pieces at my new etsy shop.

Work Boot

2011-04-07T15:02:00.000-07:00

No frills. Scuffed and worn. Find 'em by the back door.

Work Boot
oil on masonite panel
4 x 6"
lightly varnished + signed

available in the shop

Red Clogs

2011-04-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

This one's still on the easel--mostly because I love looking at it. It was inspired by the scarlet tulips that are blooming around here right now. That rich orange red that makes you want to go paint your toenails to match.

Red Clogs
oil on masonite panel
4 x 6"
lightly varnished + signed

*sold*

Spot of Sunshine

2011-04-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

From mini-hurricane to mini-heat wave. In a week! I'll take it..as long as we can get a few more days of 70's before summer. I painted this one on a black ground for contrast. Everything was dark except for this patch of wheat lit up through the clouds.

Spot of Sunshine
oil on canvas
6 x 6
painted edges, suitable for immediate hanging
lightly varnished + signed

March Storm

2011-03-29T08:53:00.001-07:00

We had some wet, wild weather last week! Sideways rain and gusty winds that seemed to make all the trees vibrate. Now just a few days later, my tulips are up and blooming.

March Storm
oil on canvas
6 x 6
painted edges, suitable for immediate hanging
lightly varnished + signed
available here

Happy Tuesday!

Something different

2011-03-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

Sometimes paintings do just as I want them to. The end result is what I had envisioned for the piece. Other times, I fail and it's not what I wanted . But still other times, the painting leads me in a new direction. A little scary, but very rewarding. I'm so used to the small horizons and big skies--I didn't imagine I'd paint this today. Huge foreground and small sky. Huh. Well, there you have it.

End of Day
oil on cradled wood panel
6 x 8"
lightly varnished + signed
available in the shop soon
oil

No. 13

2011-03-25T11:40:00.000-07:00

No. 13 for Diana in Davis

No. 12

2011-03-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

No. 12 for Terri in Philadelphia

On the Horizon

2011-03-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

We always crave opposites, right? So while are getting enough rain to flood out all the poor earthworms, I was craving a late summer afternoon with still, hot, air and the gentle sound of dried grasses rubbing together. I thought maybe an orange underpainting would help it glow. I'm pretty happy with it!

On the Horizon
oil on canvas
8 x 10"
lightly varnished + signed
available in the shop

Overcrossing

2011-03-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I really enjoy painting things that are so much a part of my everyday scenery that I don't notice them. This overcrossing that spans the train tracks in Davis is one of them.

Overcrossing
oil on cradled board
6 x 8"
lightly varnished + signed
ready to hang

available in the shop soon

Little Easel Series Hot Peppers

2011-03-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

Don't they look like they're hanging out in a hot tub? Crazy jalapenos. More pictures on the easel to follow. It's a rainy day and I have run out of light.

Little Easel Hot Peppers
oil on canvas
4 x 5"
mini wood easel included
lightly varnished + signed
available in the shop soon

Little Easel Series Black + Blue

2011-03-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

Black + Blue
oil on canvas
4 x 5"
mini wood easel included
lightly varnished + signed
*sold*

No.11

2011-03-15T16:40:00.001-07:00

for Lisa in West Sacramento

No. 10

2011-03-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

for Leslie in Idaho

Turn at the Cypress

2011-03-12T09:51:00.000-08:00

A quick landscape study I did last night. I love me some wonky power poles.

Turn at the Cypress
oil on canvas
6 x 6"
lightly varnished + signed
available here

Little Easel Series

2011-03-11T08:50:00.000-08:00

Blue Velvet
oil on canvas
4 x 5" (6" tall with easel)
lightly varnished + signed
available in the shop

Wow, another week has come and gone. Having jury duty (just for one morning, thankfully!) and a sick little girl at home kind of threw me off my usual rhythms. I hope to catch up on my Unlaced postcards for the week and get a few more things listed in the shop this weekend.

Last night I painted the first two in my new affordable art series "Little Easel". These are mini canvases measuring 4 x 5" that I've painted and come with a little wooden easel. You can display them anywhere, no framing required! The perfect way to have some original art wherever you please.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Dry Spell
oil on canvas
4 x 5" (6" with easel)
lightly varnished + signed
available in the shop

Sparrow

2011-03-10T14:10:00.000-08:00

The last in my trio of Spring bird portraits. I really enjoyed adding some colorful backdrops for these little guys!

Sparrow
oil on wood block
approx. 4 x 4"
lightly varnished + signed
available in the shop soon

Barn Shadows

2011-03-06T12:35:00.000-08:00

Funny how big a 12 x 12" piece can seem when you're used to teeny tiny canvases! I am happy with the shadows on the the barn and the loose sky.

Barn Shadows
oil on canvas
12 x 12"
lightly varnished + signed

available in the shop soon
or contact me for immediate availability

A big thanks to Nina for hosting Davis' only indie artisan show yesterday. It was a lot of fun--and the rain didn't show up until it was over! Gotta love that.

Hummer

2011-03-05T10:14:00.000-08:00

I am having fun painting bird "portraits" this week. I plan on putting metal hanging loops on the back once they're dry so they can be hung as is. I took a week off from Unlaced postcards to recharge a bit, but will be back at it next week...although with jury duty looming, I can't make any promises!

Hummer
oil on wood block
approx. 4 x 4"
lightly varnished + signed
available in the shop

Junco

2011-03-04T08:19:00.000-08:00

Junco
oil on wood block
approx. 4 x 4"
lightly varnished + signed
available in the shop

Straight Shot

2011-03-03T13:25:00.000-08:00

Straight Shot
oil on canvas
6 x 6"
lightly varnished + signed

available in the shop

Staredown

2011-03-02T16:54:00.000-08:00

When it comes to staring contests between me and cows, the cows always win.

Honestly, I'm having a hard time with these cows. I keep coming back to them, fiddling a bit here and there and still not thrilled with the results. It's frustrating when you know where you want to get but can't manage to find your way there.

Staredown
oil on canvas
6 x 6"
lightly varnished + signed

Available in the shop soon!