Serena Potter's Painting Progress

Margaret Bowland

2010-02-20T09:16:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I went to Los Angeles to see Margaret Bowland's work at the Thomas Paul art gallery. The above pastel was not included in her work, but I found it on her website and love it. I will admit, now don't chase me out of town, my initial response when walking into the gallery was "I don't like this and don't want to look at it". Well, when Peter Frank arrived I had no choice but to sit and look at her work for an hour and I have to say that in that hour I found I was really becoming comfortable with the work and finding a lot of things I'd like to imitate. I think at first I was put off by the exposed female genitalia, the strange pairing of women, black, white, though bald (model has a disease) and Latina dwarf. However, when you look at the way they are painted, and look at their faces you can really see an empathy between the artist and her models. The gallery owner told us that this little girl will often take her own poses and ask the artist, what am I, or who am I and the work goes from there. I am inspired by her work and will hope to take something from it to put in my own.

Check out Margaretbowland.com

Portraits

2010-02-06T12:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my Critical theory class, with Peter Frank, met at the Scape gallery in Corona Del Mar to view the work of artist Ray Turner. Turner has painted portraits of local art collectors - for the most part on 12 x 12" pieces of glass. He then paints squares of various colors on the wall and arranges the portraits on the squares. The gallery contacts their collectors, invites them to attend a photo shoot, but tells them that just because he photographs them, does not mean he will paint them. Ah , how smart - dangling the carrot, instilling the fear of being left out... The guy knows what he is doing. The buyer chooses the background color and the gallery sends a painter to their home to paint the colored square on their wall. The portraits are very interesting. Each one is painted with colors and brush strokes unique to the sitter. He really seems to capture individual personality. There was one portrait that stuck out as not like the others. It was far too warm in tone and felt over worked - not as spontaneous as the others. The jaw line and neck appeared rubbed out. I commented on this and Peter Frank suggested that the subject may have had plastic surgery and this was the artists way of dealing with that. The gallery owner had over heard, came out and wanted to know which painting we were talking of. Sure enough, the woman painted had loved her portrait and claimed this is what she would look like after her "next" surgery. I was impressed that Frank had such a keen eye as to figure out what it was. The portraits were inspiring. I'd love to give something like that a go. Another student pointed out, that by painting on glass he was probably saving time by blowing up the images and putting the glass on top of the photos and painting directly. Hm. One can only say, why didn't I think of that first?

Perspective

2010-01-29T19:06:00.000-08:00

I had a surprise this semester. I was offered a position as a TA (teacher's assistant) for an undergraduate course on perspective. I laughed, thinking "I wonder who told the powers that be, that I could use a review in perspective"?

Well, my first class was on Thursday. It went well. It is a large class, in a small room, so much of the time I was just trying to figure out where to stand so I was not in the way. Basically the teacher (Scott Settle) demonstrates on the board and I wander through the tables checking to see that the students are putting their lines in the right places. It was tiring as I did not have a chance to sit down and they really don't take a break - for 3 and a half hours. I will get there early next week and try to fit a chair at the back of the room.

After perspective I hauled my stuff up to the MFA building where I met with Joe for our mentor meeting. I really liked Joe. He is very direct and easy to follow. He has a much grander picture for me that I admit I had. I realise that he is right in saying that in trying to figure out how to communicate content I left my style and personality behind. I now have to bring the two together - my work is starting too look too much like a product of LCAD. I spent today journaling, sketching, searching the web looking at other artist's work, images and finally after many hours of this I came up with a seed of an idea that I really like. Let's see if I feel the same way tomorrow!

I am learning so much about process!

New Website

2010-01-18T09:40:00.000-08:00

Hi all and Happy New Year! Well, I had three goals for the break. One was to get a scholarship application ready to go out - it is nearly there, just have to pick up some docs from school and it will be ready to go. Two, is to get one of my thesis paintings repaired and at a state worth showing to my new mentor - Joe Gerges. I am almost there on that one. Will paint at least six hours today and get it there. The third thing was a new website. That is done! It is much easier for me to update and much easier for you and me to remember. Just go to serenapotter.com Please let me know if you see anything I need to fix. One thing I have done is added a section called dailies, where I have put all of the daily paintings from this blog in one spot. They are much easier to view that way.

Above is a painting by Joe. I really look forward to working with him. His work is quite different from mine and I hope I can learn more from him about physiology - painting the figure in such a way that it tells the story through posture, expression and so forth. His work is realistic but not "pretty". I like that too. His web site is joegerges.com

I am no longer officially working with John Brosio. It is a good thing to get input from different sources. I do feel he has helped me immensely in my initial progress and I hope to connect back with him later in this MFA journey. His work is at Johnbrosio.com

School starts tomorrow. I am just hoping I can make it down the mountain! The wind and rain are torrential today and are expected all week.

October

2009-11-01T09:57:00.001-08:00

" Kitchen Talk"

"Abstract"

" Study of Madame Gautreau by Sargent"

This has been a very busy month, but enlightening as well. I feel like my brain is doubling in size. It is crackling with thoughts on Greenberg, Schapiro, Krauss, Benjamine, and others - their thoughts on modernism, what it means to be modern, grids, flatness of picture planes, and so forth. It gives me insight into my own work and why I make the decisions that I do.

I am very busy working on my thesis project -which you will not see for some time. But above are three paintings completed this month. The first - is one I start at the end of summer. I deliberated over how realistic to paint the cupboards and window, but decided I liked them as simple shapes, leaving the two mirrored figures at the center of focus. This painting will be posted on my website - for more information.

The second painting "Abstract" was an assignment given by my mentor John Brosio. It is something I had not really done before and I really enjoyed it. Painting abstract is very freeing. This painting is approximately 8 x 10", oil on canvas and will sell for $200.00 Shipping $5.00

The third painting is a study of Madame Gautreau - copied from John Singer Sargent. I chose this subject because I love how Sargent is able to communicate so much with such seemingly conservative brush strokes - wet into wet - painted all in one sitting. If he was not happy with the outcome, he scraped off all the paint and started over. It could be a long day for the model! It is the exact proportions of the original 12 1/2 x 16 1/8" and is oil on canvas. In another month I can put a varnish on it which will really gloss up the darks and push them back. This too is for sale $300.00. Shipping is $5

Back to School!

2009-10-04T19:07:00.001-07:00

I am now officially an MFA student at Laguna College of Art and Design and am taking a figure painting course from Joseph Todorovich - excellent artist. We are experimenting with different palettes to get the most realistic flesh tones. The Top two are using a limited pallet. The bottom one is a full palette. Each pose is a five hour pose. I am really enjoying revisiting the figure and honing my skills.

All of my course work is available for sale. Contact me if interested.

Little Corona Beach

2009-07-31T16:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my little girl turned eleven so we spent the day at Little Corona Beach. It was lovely. Afterward dinner at Ruby's Diner. Hey, they have a pretty good selection of vegetarian dishes - easy to make vegan.

Title: Little Corona Beach
Medium: Oil on panel - with a little sand
Size: 8 x 10"
Price: $300.00
Shipping: $10

Summer Time

2009-07-29T21:54:00.001-07:00

I noticed these two girls when I was at the Smiley Library in Redlands last week - and had to sneak a few photos. I love books. I grew up in libraries- my mother being a librarian. No summer is complete without uninterrupted reading and trips to the cool and quiet library.

Title: Summer Library Time
Size: 8 x 10"
Medium: Oil on panel
Price: $300.00
Shipping: $10.00

The Eyes Have It

2009-07-20T17:50:00.000-07:00

hat a crazy summer and we are only half way through July. I have been accepted to the MFA program at Laguna College of Art and Design. I start in September and am so excited. They are one of a handful of schools in the country that really focus on traditional methods and will guide on technique rather than just what outlandish message you have to give. Their faculty are all amazing artists, who are exhibiting in major cities around the country. So, I have been very busy filling out scholarship applications!

We have accepted an offer on our house and will be moving to a larger place - to accommodate teen age girl needs and bigger studio needs. We have been dealing with car issues - I hate car issues. Each of my girls have scholarships to Arrowbear music camp this summer so have had fun making music and friends.

This is a fun portrait of MaCall.

Title: The Eyes Have It
Size: 11 x 14"
Medium: Oil on panel
Price: $600.00
Shipping:$ 20.00

Bracken Fern Manor

2009-06-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I did some painting at Bracken Fern Manor - an interesting place in a little canyon near Lake Arrowhead. It was built by Chicago gangster Bugsy Segal in the 1920's - as a private club complete with gambling, booze, brothel and secret tunnels. It was active till some time after WWII and has fascinating gangster history - forced take overs etc.

So, here it is today as a quiet inn.

Title: Bracken Fern Manor
Medium: Oil on panel
Size: 12 x 14"
Price: $600

Angel Study

2009-06-15T18:23:00.000-07:00

This is a study for a painting I have had in my head for sometime now. I will be painting this on a much larger scale.

Angel Study
8 x 10"
NFS yet - if interested please e-mail me at serena@zittaw.com

Crystal Cove on Memorial Day

2009-05-26T10:03:00.000-07:00

We spent a lovely Memorial Day at Crystal Cove Beach with family. Currently on display at the Riverside Community Art Association Gallery.

Title: Crystal Cove
Medium: Oil on Panel
Size: 5 x 7"
SOLD
Plein Air - complete with a few grains of sand!

Another day at Heaps Peak

2009-05-21T17:41:00.001-07:00

I spent another lovely morning painting at Heaps Peak Arboretum - here in the San Bernardino Mountains. Within a mile loop of pathway is such a variety of terrain and plant life - also other life. On my way back up the path, pulling my red wagon behind me, I encountered a beautiful snake making his way across. I did a little research and learned that he is a California Mountain King snake. What brilliant colours he had.

Today I painted a path through some mountain lilac in bloom.

Title: Heap's Path SOLD
Medium: Oil on panel
Size: 14 x 18"
Price: $700
Shipping: $40

Pacific Dogwood

2009-05-19T14:30:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed a lovely morning painting at Heap's Peak Arboretum - here in the San Bernardino Mountains. The dogwood trees are so beautiful right now. After painting I went for a nice hike - admired some springs, the mountain lilacs, lots of lizards and some really big squirrels! I ate my lunch under a tree and contemplated life. This painting is currently on display at the Riverside Community Art Association Gallery.

Pacific Dogwood
Size: 14 x 18"
Medium: oil on panel
Plein Air
Price: $700.00
Shipping: $40.00

Jeni Cat

2009-05-08T18:27:00.001-07:00

This little painting is a commission - a tribute for a good friend now gone - Jeni's cat that is.

Medium: oil on panel
Size: 8 x 10"

Morning Light on Pansies

2009-04-17T16:00:00.000-07:00

As I make my fruit smoothie first thing in the morning I stand at the kitchen window and look out at the pansies in my planting beds. I love how happy they look as the morning light skims across them. Pansies are definitely one annual that is well worth the money spent - coming up the next year in profusion.

Title: Morning Light on Pansies
Medium: Oil on panel
Size: 11 x 14"
Price: $600.00
Shipping: $20.00

Thinking Ahead or Looking Behind?

2009-04-09T18:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is way out of season, but sometimes you just have to paint what strikes you.

Title: Gingerbread House
Medium: oil on panel
Size: 12 x 9 "
Price: $300.00
Shipping: $10.00

Celebrating Spring

2009-03-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

This is the painting followed the warm up. It feels very spring to me...

Title: Celebrating Spring
Medium: Oil on panel
Size: 8 x 10"
Price: $300.00
Shipping: $10.00

Lamb

2009-03-26T20:31:00.001-07:00

Felt the need to paint sheep today. This was my little warm up.

Title: Lamb
Size: 5 x 7 "
Medium: oil on canvas panel
Size: $100.00
Shipping: $2.00

White Water Tree

2009-03-23T14:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday I drove with friend's Wilma and Helga to the White Water Nature Preserve, where the PAAR artists were painting for the day. We found a good spot, got all set up for a few hours of painting. I decided to start with a warm up. Not five minutes in the wind burst through the canyon sending brushes, pallets, canvas and paper towels flying everywhere. I had yellow ochre and sap green on my lap, hands and paint box. Determined to stick it out, I managed to get this little painting done. At which point we decided to eat our lunch (in a more sheltered spot) and seek less windy locations. Not to happen that day. The wind continued to bring in a storm and we gave up. I hope to go back late this week. It is a fun location.

Title: White Water Tree
Medium: oil on canvas panel
Size: 5 x 7"
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $2.00

T and A - In Redlands

2009-03-10T17:33:00.000-07:00

The other day I was waiting for my husband to come out of the bank, when I saw this scene across the street - in Redlands. It spoke to me.

Title: T and A in Redlands
Medium: Oil on canvas board
Size: 9 x 12"
Price: $300.00
Shipping: $ 5.00

Thoughts on the plight of the modern artist by Vic Mastis

2009-03-10T11:10:00.000-07:00

Recipe: How to Make Artists Extinct

Take competent artists and have them enter an art fair.

Ask artists to donate their paintings.

Ask artists to hang their artwork in restaurants and businesses without compensation.

Make artists pay to have their artwork judged, hang art in a booth, and pay an entry fee.

Promote anything but the art at the fair.

It's enough to make any artist lose interest. Artists work long and hard, but are expected to give their art away and pay extravagant fees to show their artwork and have it â€œjudgedâ€. Even art fairs ignore the basic needs of the artist.

Here's an example of a recent art fair I entered. Promoters paid musicians $6,000 to play during this one day event. Meanwhile, the artists only had a $25 first prize to fight over. Not to mention, artists had to pay for their own booth. When very few people showed up to the event, it was the artists who were short changed. The bands got paid no matter what. Talk about being on the bottom of the food chain!

One senator came into a St. Louis gallery and selected two paintings to â€œborrowâ€ for her personal Washington D.C. office for a year. Yes, it looks great on an artistâ€™s resume. But consider this: Senators get stipends to decorate their offices. Why is art work less of a value than the rug on the floor?

Restaurants and businesses are some of the worst. They talk about how they are letting artists display art on their walls. What is it really? Free decorating. Why won't these businesses buy or just rent artwork? Why must they decorate at artists expense?

Yet artists-- including myself-- continue to fall into this trap. The few times I've hung my art in restaurants, it's come back greasy. Not to mention, ignored by the patrons. Artists simply lose the ability to show that artwork or sell it during the duration.

We all like to help causes. We want to help non-profits, but there is a problem with donating a painting to some organizations for an auction. Auctions usually bring in only pennies on the dollar for what artists have worked on for months. One of the medium sized pieces I donated would have sold for $450 dollars. It sold for only $30. I would have rather donated cash.

Do people understand what original art is? Do they know how many years we've practiced? How many classes we've completed? The workshops we've took? The time we spend alone in our studios, pouring ourselves into our passion? Why aren't we respected as our own business?

For the rest of the post go to http://www.fineartbyvic.com/articles.html

Quick Draw

2009-03-06T13:46:00.000-08:00

Okay, not the best of photos, but well, I forgot to photograph this before submitting it to the Riverside Art Museum for an exhibit and a wonderful lady photographed it in situ at the reception for me. This is the painting I did on Saturday for the Quick Draw - where we were given from 9am to 11.30am to paint the Riverside Art Museum - celebrating 80 years since being built. It was originally the YMCA. Anyhow, Franz and the girls helped to get me set up, under a palm tree. We had lovely weather and I enjoyed painting that day. However, by the end of the day my foot did feel like it was going to explode!

Title: Riverside Art Museum
Size: 9 x 12"
Medium: Oil on Panel
To purchase please contact Riverside Art Museum. I can give more details.

Painting with PAAR

2009-02-24T16:20:00.001-08:00

Today I had Franz drop me off at the Coffee Depot in Riverside on his way to work. I knew I would have at least three hours to paint - and with my broken foot would not be getting around much, so chose an indoor scene, a comfy chair and lots of detail. The Coffee Depot is a great place to hang out. It is the old rail way station - the line ran to Salt Lake. The owner and his wife have worked hard to restore it, even uncovered an old fire place which they did not know was there. It is full of cozy nooks to read books in - has a dark room just for people using their lap tops - and has tasty food too. I did not mean to do an advert, but really, I'd go back. I had a great time listening to people's conversations and am pleased with the painting. Technically this is not a plein air painting -as I was indoors - but I did complete it on site, and that is the requirement.

Saturday, as mentioned before, I painted the TACO STATION (top painting).

Both paintings will be on display Saturday at the Riverside Art Museum and possibly again later.

Title: Coffee Depot
Medium: Oil on Panel
Size: 8 x 10"
Price: $300.00
Shipping: $5.00

Title: Taco Station
Medium: Oil on Canvas Panel
Size: 9 x 12"
Price: $ 300.00
Shipping: $5.00

Sick Day

2009-02-23T14:31:00.000-08:00

This was last week's project - based on my daughter Eloise and a day home from school with a fever - though still managed to get in a lot of reading.

The background is inspired by the ornamentation on the inside of a famous piano - though don't ask me which one...I thought it represented her imagination.

Title: Sick Day
Medium: Oil on Panel
Size: 16 x 20"
NFS yet...

Redlands Art Association Mini Show

2009-02-22T16:46:00.000-08:00

Great news! I was awarded the Past President's Choice Award for the painting Posse. It included a cash award and was a very nice surprise. I will say it pays to research your juror before you submit!

Saturday was the start of the Plein Air Painters of Riverside paint out. I had helpers, Franz, MaCall and Eloise, to assist in getting me set up and sorted. Of course after about 45 minutes of sketching the Historic Taco Station I realised that I did not have my brushes. Difficult to paint without brushes. So phoned Franz and the girls who were half way op Mt. Rubidoux and had to come down to scout out brushes for me. I was on my own, on a street corner - no other artists in sight. They did find a store and arrived with three flats (my favorite brush) - of varying sizes. An hour later - they made it 3/4 of the way up the mountain this time, it was time for lunch - at well, you can guess. I'm happy with just about any place as long as it has a salsa bar.

Redland's Art Association

2009-02-20T11:47:00.001-08:00

The above three paintings have been selected for the 40th Annual juried Multi Media Mini Show at the Redland's Art Association's Gallery. There were 380 submissions and 120 accepted. The show will run through March19th. If you are in the area please stop by...215 E State Street, down town Redlands, CA.

Starting tomorrow I will be painting with PAAR (Plein Air Artists of Riverside) at their annual paint out. We will be painting at locations around Riverside throughout the week - ending next Saturday the 28Th with a quick draw painting contest and wet painting exhibit. Franz and the girls will take me down tomorrow, get me signed in, help me find my painting spot and set up, then they will go to the movies. Heaven forbid I need to use the bathroom! With my big boot and crutches, it will be an adventure!

Broken foot!

2009-02-17T11:31:00.000-08:00

Okay, we are snowed in and I have broken my foot - a Jones Fracture. I am pretty exhausted from hauling myself around on crutches but have a goal to work today - rather than just having my family fetch and carry for me! No school as well - that means kids under foot - ha ha.

Little Luxuries

2009-02-12T11:47:00.000-08:00

If you've ever been without it, you'll know how much it can be missed!

Title: Little Luxuries
Medium: oil on panel
Size: 11 x 14"
Price: $600.00
Shipping: $20

Vestiges of Rome; or, The I 10 in Redlands

2009-02-04T14:30:00.000-08:00

The other afternoon we were enjoying some time in the park near the University of Redlands, when in the distance I viewed what I was certain was some sort of decorative colonnade - much like I used to see in Eaton Park in Norwich. I took my camera and walked closer only to find that it was not a Roman folly, but rather the I 10 Freeway. Never the less, it was still beautiful in the fading light.

Title: Vestiges of Rome; or, The I 10 Freeway
Medium: oil on canvas panel
Size: 8 x 10"
Price: $199.00
Shipping: $5.00

Walking the Dog

2009-01-28T16:12:00.000-08:00

Title: Walking the Dog
Medium: oil on canvas panel
Size: 8 x 10"
Price: $199.00
Shipping: $5.00

More Oranges

2009-01-26T10:37:00.000-08:00

We had a stormy weekend with the fire going in the fireplace. These oranges were such a nice warm subject, unlike the M.C. Escher project I'll be doing at my daughter's school today. His work was very linear and cold - though wonderful.

Title: More Oranges
Size: 12 x 16"
Medium: oil on panel
Price: $600.00

Oranges and Cezanne

2009-01-23T13:13:00.000-08:00

Last week we purchased a nice supply of oranges from some gentlemen in the Home Depot parking lot. I knew right away they would be the subject of a painting or two. This is not categorized as a daily painting. It took much longer and is much larger than a daily painting, but I was too impatient to jump right in, so was not willing to start with a daily.

As I was painting I found something emerging in this painting and quickly decided it was Paul Cezanne. I had not looked at any work by or thought of Cezanne in years. I went right to my book shelf, pulled out a volume of his work and immediately found the similarities.

So, for your viewing, I present "Oranges".

Title: Oranges
Medium: Oil on panel
Size: 20 x 24"
Price: $1000.00

Have Joy!

2008-12-09T19:53:00.000-08:00

Here's wishing much Joy to all of you this Christmas season! I am starting to get back on my feet, thanks to a terribly healthy diet and the support of many. I have much to be thankful for.

Title: Joy
Subject: my wonderful girls
Size: 8 x 10
Oil on canvas panel
Not for Sale

2008-10-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

Coming Soon - Off The Wall art exhibit at Riverside ART Museum.

I'll have eight paintings in the show.

Now in its 5th year this event features works of art for sale in $100 increments and priced at $100, $200 and no more than $300. Each artist may submit up to 8 original works of art and all art must be ready to hang at intake. All artists will have at least one piece exhibited during the preview and at the opening event. Art will not be sold until the opening party and sale and the sale will continue for an additional week with new works being continually hung. The sale will culminate with a Riverside Art Museum member Appreciation Sale on Saturday, November 15.
Admission to the public sale is free and entrance will be by numbered pass which will be distributed beginning at 4:00pm and continuing until the 6:00pm sale on Friday, November 7 in front of the Riverside Art Museum.

Back to Basics

2008-10-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

As my health continues to decline and I continue my fight with doctor's receptionists and nurses in an effort to see a specialist, I find I am in bed dreaming of creating. I long to get back to it, but do not have the means just now. I did start sketching in a pad on the couch the other night. It reminded me of how much I love just the basics of drawing. As soon as possible I would like to get back to life drawing. There is nothing so satisfying as successfully completing a drawing of what is really the puzzle of the human body. Training your eye to report to your brain then to hand distance, shape, perspective. It is a rather amazing process. Addictive as well. I find I can physically detect my brain switching gear when I start to draw.

This drawing is one I did while in New Hampshire. I do not recall the exact dimensions. If interested I will get her out of the portfolio.

September Wanes

2008-09-29T16:56:00.001-07:00

As September wanes I find myself still drawn to my bed like a magnet. There are days when I hardly feel human, more like my cat who accompanies me there. This condition of mine was caused by a "harmless" little virus called the Parvo B 19. My daughter brought it home from nursery school five years ago. Unfortunately I was one of the lucky few adults to contract the full force of the virus resulting in permanent damage to my entire system. For some reason the virus likes to recharge at the change of seasons, though this fall is particularly worse than last.

I particularly like this art deco painting of a sleeping woman because she feels so solid, all there. I often feel I am fading away, not so for this sleeping beauty.

Thank you to those who bid on the painting and helped make the auction a success!

Serena

Charity Auction

2008-09-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

This painting is currently being held for auction at www.talesofgooddeeds.blogspot.com The proceeds go to help the Nielson family. (if you're not famliar wth their story click on their name to learn more about them) It is a great cause so bid away!

Not far from Running Springs, in the San Bernardino mountains, there is a place called Daffodil Hill. A woman started planting bulbs nearly 50 years ago and now they sweep over and around a mountain side. Unfortunately the recent fires did destroy some of the bulbs but it is still beautiful.

Title: Daffodil Hill
Size: 6 x 8"
Medium: Oil on panel

This is what I am doing...

2008-09-16T10:01:00.000-07:00

For some reason fall is the time of year I always get hit hard - perhaps the kids going back to school - new germs floating around. I'll be back as soon as I can get myself out of bed!

Snow Valley Reservoir in full colour

2008-09-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

I spent the morning with Helga painting in the Children's Forest - near Running Springs. This is a colorful version of the Snow Valley Reservoir (used to fuel snow making machines during the winter).

Title: Snow Valley Reservoir in Full Colour

Medium: Oil on Panel

Size: 11 x 14"

Price: $300.00

shipping: $20.00

Halloween Vigil

2008-09-09T16:50:00.000-07:00

I could not resist painting some of my garden harvest.

Title: Halloween Vigil
Medium: Oil on panel
Size: 9 x 12"
Price: $ 300.00
Shipping: $10.00
SOLD

PAAR at MALOOF

2008-09-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

A friend sent me this preview photo of the exhibit at at the Jacobs Center at the Maloof Foundation. If you have the time to attend, it is a lovely venue - great gardens and great art.

Plein Air Painting Exhibition Thursdays and Saturdays in September1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Jacobs Center, Maloof Foundation Reception and Awards Saturday, September 13, 4-6 PM R.S.V.P. Appreciated: (909) 980-0412This exhibition features work by PAAR (Plein Air Artists of Riverside), artists from throughout our region who have been painting in the Maloof garden.

For Looks Only

2008-09-04T18:12:00.000-07:00

Several years ago my then eight year old daughter gave me these shoes for my birthday - picked them out all by herself. I came up with all sorts of reasons why I could not wear them - nothing to match, will be walking too far - might give me blisters, too nice - don't want to mess them up. Well, not long ago, without thinking, I bought a cute retro 1950's green madras plaid dress. First thing my daughter says is "wow, that will look great with the green shoes". Out of excuses, I wore them. Not three steps across the church parking lot, I twisted my ankle and had skinned my knee. Blood running down my leg, I sat through church with a wad of paper towels on my knee. So here they are. For Looks Only!

Title: For Looks Only
Medium: Oil on board
Size: 6 x 8"
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00
SOLD

Cat Nap

2008-09-03T16:20:00.000-07:00

Title: Cat Nap
Medium: oil on panel
Size: 6 x 8"
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Nephew Jake Pulls off an excellent exhibition!

2008-09-02T10:12:00.001-07:00

My nephew and his wife Jeni are living in Auckland, New Zealand right now. Two years ago they quit their jobs in Salt Lake, sold their condo, shipped their scooter and went to NZ without any jobs or prospects. They took the plunge and are doing great. What an adventure. Jake just had a one man art show. Check it out. http://www.jacobedwardshirley.com/art/tone.html

I love this one called Crab Fishing on a Foggy Day. Sold of course.

Seed Pods

2008-08-28T17:14:00.000-07:00

I found these under a tree in Redlands. I have no idea what sort of tree it was. Do you? I thought they were interesting though.

Title: Seed Pods

Medium: oil on panel

Size: 6 x 8"

Price: $100.00

Shipping: $5.00

SOLD

School has started. We are nearly done with the studio conversion. I can't wait to have my space!

August Grapes

2008-08-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

Today was a busy day. We had three extra girls at our house. We had High School registration - they got my daughters schedule wrong. My husband was painting the shed- studio. It was rather chaos, but I found by putting on my earphones and painting was a good way to escape!

Title: August Grapes

Medium: oil on panel

Size: 6 x 8"

Price: $100.00

Shipping: $5.00

The studio

2008-08-18T17:48:00.001-07:00

When my husband and I bought our house last year we had talked of turning the back yard shed into a studio/writing space. Well, this week Franz decided the time had come. Not being a handy man by profession, he is after all an English Professor, this is all new to him, but together, and with the help of a friend, it is coming along nicely! It does mean however that I am not getting nearly enough painting done. With school starting next week we also have the renewal of exhibitions. All the call for entries are next week as well. I am busy trying to frame things, fill out forms etc.

We will be announcing a back to school sale soon. Watch this space!

Day Laborers

2008-08-13T22:15:00.001-07:00

I've been wanting to paint the California migrant or day laborers for ages, but never found myself in the right place at the right time. Finally, on my drive around Watsonville I came across this group hard at work. I believe it was some sort of cabbage they were picking. These people are the back bone of the California economy and should not be excluded from exhibits of mission paintings, bougainvillea, fountains, and seascapes.

Title: Day Laborers
Medium: oil on panel
Size: 6 x 8 "
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Pajaro Dunes Watsonville

2008-08-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

While in Gilroy we decided to take some time out at the beach. The closest one is in Watsonville - Pajaro Dunes. I don't know how it got it's name, but the windblown trees on the tops of the dunes are rather bird like. This is genuine plein air - evident by a few grains of sand stuck in the paint!

Title: Pajaro Dunes Watsonville
Size: 6 x 8"
Medium: oil on panel
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Quiet

2008-08-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the quiet. We have been and still are out of town. I do not have any means to upload photos, but will do so when we return. Happy summer!

Serena

Remnant

2008-07-30T06:54:00.000-07:00

On our drive home from Gilroy, we stopped at Camp Roberts, outside of Paso Robles. My husband's Grandfather was stationed there after WWII. We've gone past many times and I've always said, "oh, we have to go in there. I love the old buildings". Well we finally did it. They have a nice little museum - always seeking memoirs and donations of old things...I secured permission to wander about and photograph. The derelict buildings go on row after row. It is very spooky. I had not realised that in 1944 Camp Roberts was the largest military training center in the world.

Title: Remnant - Old Camp Roberts
Medium: oil on panel
Size: 5.75 x 6 "
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Drive Home

2008-07-29T18:49:00.000-07:00

This is scene is at Eagle Ridge - a community in Gilroy. I liked it though, because it could be anywhere.

SOLD

Title: Drive Home
Medium: oil on panel
Size: 6 x 6 "
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Half Light on San Felipe Lake

2008-07-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

As we left the Pacheco Pass and drove down the 152 into Gilroy I looked back at the hills and saw this wonderful lake. The colors were so warm and the sky lit up the water like glass. I insisted we return one evening so I could paint. The mosquitoes were thick! The semi trucks shook the car on the side of the road and sent chills up my spine. I sat in the back seat with the door open to the lake. We artists have to take risks!

Title: Half Light (on San Felipe Lake, I think that is the name)
Medium: oil on panel
Size: 6 x 6"
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Yellow Roses

2008-07-27T22:01:00.000-07:00

While in Gilroy I took advantage of a lovely evening to paint the yellow roses on my in-law's patio. The soil is so rich there. Everything seems to grow three times as big as in our garden.

Title: Yellow Roses
Medium: oil on panel, plein air painting
Size: 9 x 12"
Price: $200.00
Shipping: $5.00

Signing out for a few days

2008-07-19T23:01:00.000-07:00

I'm off to Northern California tomorrow and will be doing lots of painting up there. I don't think I'll have any way to upload photos so may be silent for a week. I will be checking e-mail though just in case someone wants to buy a painting! :)

Monique

2008-07-19T10:23:00.000-07:00

Title: Monique
Medium: oil on panel
Size: 6 x 6"
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Tavern Bay Trees

2008-07-18T19:20:00.000-07:00

Today we enjoyed a lovely picnic and swimming at Tavern Bay on Lake Arrowhead.

Title: Tavern Bay Trees

Medium: oil on panel

Size: 6 x 6"

Price: $100.00

Shipping: $5.00

Evening on Lake Gregory

2008-07-16T20:20:00.000-07:00

Friend Helga and I went down the corner and painted the evening view. It was lovely.

Title: Evening on Lake Gregory
Medium: oil on board
Size: 6 x6"
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Cellist II

2008-07-14T22:49:00.001-07:00

Due to popular demand I have painted another cellist. This one is very similar to the first, but has some slight variations.

Title: Cellist II
Medium: oil on panel
Size: 6 x 6"
ON RESERVE

Storm Passing

2008-07-11T19:31:00.000-07:00

Title: Storm Passing
Medium: oil on panel
Size: 6 x 6"
Price:"$100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Summer Afternoon

2008-07-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

Title: Summer Afternoon
Medium: Oil on panel
Size: 6 x 6"
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Pizza For Two?

2008-07-07T17:36:00.000-07:00

Title: Pizza For Two?
Medium: Oil on panel
Size: 6 x 6"
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Star Theater in Oceanside

2008-07-02T10:29:00.000-07:00

The old Star Theater is still a defining feature of down town Oceanside. I love capturing these remnants of time gone by.

Title: Star Theater
Medium: oil on panel
Size: 6 x 6"

SOLD

Killing Time

2008-06-30T19:02:00.000-07:00

Title: Killing Time
Medium: oil on panel
Size: 6x6"
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Dry Creek near Old Town Temecula by SERENA POTTER

2008-06-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

This is an evening view of the dry creek bed running along side of Old Town Temecula.

Title: Dry Creek
Size: 6 x 6 "
Medium: oil on panel
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Search for Gold

2008-06-24T16:37:00.000-07:00

The inspiration for this painting came from my daughter's 4th grade Gold Rush day. When I suggested to her that this boy might like her she said "Oh Mom! He's so annoying!". Ah well, I thought they made a cute pair.

Title: Search for Gold
Size: 6 x6"
Medium: oil on panel
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Gabby on Cello

2008-06-21T15:56:00.000-07:00

My daughter's quartet was practicing at our house yesterday and I was taken by the back light on the cellist, Gabriella. This is the result. Need a quartet for an elegant occasion? I can put you in contact with Quartetto di Suona.

Title: Gabby on Cello
Size: 6 x 6"
Medium: Oil on panel
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00
SOLD

Gourd Horizontal

2008-06-18T06:52:00.000-07:00

Title: Gourd Horizontal
Medium: oil on canvas paper
Size: 9 x 6"
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Gourd Vertical

2008-06-17T19:49:00.001-07:00

Title: Gourd Vertical
Medium: oil on canvas paper
Size: 6 x 9"
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Thank you Heidi for helping me find inspiration in my own backyard!

Historic Wheeler Farm in Murray Utah

2008-06-16T17:00:00.000-07:00

Wheeler Farm is a wonderful place to visit if you want to get the feel for an authentic pioneer farm. This particular day was very HOT and HUMID! I suggest you go on a cooler day.

Title: Historic Wheeler Farm in Murray, Utah
Size: 9 x 12"
Medium: oil on Masonite
Price: $200.00
Shipping: $5.00

SOLD

Arrowhead Village Dog Walker

2008-06-12T17:02:00.000-07:00

There is an amazing number of Dog walkers in Arrowhead Village. I always think it is fun to see what sort of person goes with what sort of dog.

Title: Arrowhead Village Dog Walker
Medium: oil on canvas paper
Size: 6 x 6"
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Hang in there!

2008-06-11T19:41:00.000-07:00

Hi,

Sorry for the delay. We had my husband's brother visiting this week, so sightseeing, celebrating his birthday, errands to run. Today I taught the last meet the masters class at Eloise's school - we did Michelangelo. tomorrow I have two brunches to go to - one at the school, then one for all the Meet the Masters volunteers. It is a busy time - end of school concerts, field trips. Tomorrow I will paint in the afternoon!

Quick Study of Mat

2008-06-05T22:23:00.001-07:00

Today my neighbour, Mat came over and sat for me. I did some pencil sketches while he worked on homework, also took some photos - did this quick study for a larger painting that will be coming later.
Title: Mat
Size: 6 x 6 "
Medium: Oil on canvas paper
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Desert Bloom

2008-06-04T12:46:00.000-07:00

Title: Desert Bloom
Size: 8 x 10"
Medium: oil on board
Price: $200.00
Shipping: $5.00

Bath Phone Box

2008-06-02T17:36:00.000-07:00

This phone box is near the Assembly Rooms, where Jane Austen's dance scenes are filmed.

Title: Bath Phone Box
Medium: oil on panel
Size: 8 x 10 "
Price: $150.00
Shipping: $5.00
SOLD

Stile and Daisy Chain

2008-05-30T17:41:00.000-07:00

This is Norfolk, UK. On our last trip over we did some walking near Blickling Hall.
Title: Stile and Daisy Chain
Medium: oil on gessoed paper
Size: 5 x 7 "
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Hwy18 San Bernardino Mountains

2008-05-27T18:43:00.001-07:00

Here is the view from the spot on Hwy 18 where MaCall and I had our accident. Isn't it lovely?

Title: Hwy 18 - San Bernardino Mountains
Size: 6 x 8 "
Medium: oil on canvas board
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Dulce

2008-05-27T16:54:00.000-07:00

This is a gift from Dulce to her father. Title: Dulce Size: 8 x 8 " Medium: oil on panel Price: NFS

San Luis Rey Arch

2008-05-22T15:42:00.001-07:00

I love the purple flowers on the inside of this old arch at San Luis Rey Mission. Can you believe it snowed in Arrowhead today?!

Title: San Luis Rey Arch
Medium: oil on panel
Size: 6x8"
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Stopover on Route 66

2008-05-21T12:54:00.001-07:00

This is not a daily painting, but will be the next to upload on my website (if I can get Frontpage to work - it is being difficult). I completed it first this morning, then had to dive right into a commission.

Title: Stopover on Route 66 - Roy's at Amboy, CA.

Medium: oil on panel

Size: 11 x 14"

Price: $600.00

Shipping: $20.00

San Luis Rey Mission

2008-05-20T15:54:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend in Oceanside. It was warm, but beautiful. I've been to many missions, but not San Luis Rey. It has the most amazing bougainvillea!

Title: San Luis Rey Mission
Size: 6 x 8"
Medium: oil on panel
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00
SOLD

Hesperia Airport

2008-05-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went out to the tiny Hesperia Airport, with friends, Helga and Wilma, to take photos to work from for next Saturday's Art/Wine/Jazz festival. I've never seen such a small airport. It really consists of a pink 50's diner - featured here, a motel of similar time period and a hanger, plus various sheds. Everyone there was very nice though. One man did a flyover just for us so we could capture his plane in motion.

Title: Hesperia Airport
Medium: oil on panel
Size: 8 x 8"
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

California Heritage

2008-05-14T14:58:00.000-07:00

I am becoming more and more interested in California's past, vestiges of which are slipping away. This is the Bryn Mawr Citrus Packing house. The citrus industry really made California what it is - the real gold rush.

Title: Bryn Mawr Citrus Packing House
Size: 6 x 8"
Medium: oil on panel
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Hesperia Train Depot

2008-05-13T16:18:00.000-07:00

Hesperia is a little desert town on the opposite side of our mountain. This is the old train depot.

Title: Hesperia Train Depot
Medium: oil on panel
Size: 6 x 8"
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Go Ahead, Have a Cow!

2008-05-09T17:03:00.001-07:00

Some days you just feel like having a cow. Well, go ahead! Have a cow!

Title: Have a Cow
Medium: oil on panel
Size: 8 x 8"
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Blue Cat

2008-05-08T16:59:00.001-07:00

Today's subject is Lucy, my blue cat. If you have a favorite pet, I'd be happy to paint it for you.

Title: Blue Cat
Size: 6 x 8"
Medium: oil on panel
SOLD

Lunch Time

2008-05-07T16:11:00.001-07:00

This one is rather self explanatory. My girls eating lunch at Citrus Park in Riverside. This one took a little longer than planned, so the higher price.

Title: Lunch Time
Size: 8 x 10"
Medium: oil on panel
Price: $175.00
Shipping: $5.00

Child Labor

2008-05-05T17:03:00.000-07:00

This is Elias. He is two. He was very determined to help my husband in the yard this weekend. I had to paint him.

Title: Child Labor

Size: 8 x 8"

Medium: oil on panel

Price: $125.00

Shipping: $5.00

SOLD

Snow Balls

2008-05-02T09:53:00.001-07:00

There was a large snow ball shrub next the the fence in the back yard when I was a girl. I remember picking the blooms, holding them in my cupped hands like new baby chicks, brushing the soft petals against my face. Later, my friend Laura and I would toss them up into the air and whack at them with our badminton rackets, sending white petals everywhere.

Title: Snowballs

Size: 8 x 10"

Medium: oil on panel

Price: $125.00

Shipping: $5.00

Worse for Wear - Milk Can

2008-04-30T16:11:00.001-07:00

Saw this sitting on a wall and just had to paint it. Wonder what story it could tell?

Title: Worse For Wear - Milk Can
Medium: oil on panel
Size: 6 x 8"
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Red Show

2008-04-28T17:16:00.001-07:00

I saw these in a garden in Redlands. Are they Amaryllis? Whatever they are, they are amazing.

Title: Red Show

Medium: oil on panel

Size: 6 x 8"

Price: $100.00

Shipping: $5.00

Posse

2008-04-25T17:40:00.001-07:00

Perhaps I watched too many western movies with my Dad when I was a kid -Glenn Ford being my favorite Dude- but this picture reminded me of a posse - settn' out to catch the bad guys.

Title: Posse
Size: 8 x 8 "
Medium: oil on panel
Price: $125.00
Shipping: $5.00

Sam Maloof Foundation

2008-04-24T18:40:00.000-07:00

Today I had the good fortune to accompany my friend and artist, Helga Batman to the Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts. Sam Maloof is a master furniture craftsman - his work is in the Smithsonian. His home and property are now dedicated to the arts. There is a museum, his works shop tours, beautiful gardens and his new home. I had the good fortune to see him enjoying the lovely afternoon on his patio. Anyhow, here is one of his chairs and my paintings.

Title: Iris and Lemons
Size: 8 x 10 "
Medium: oil on panel
Price: $200.00
Shipping: $5.00

Title: Maloof Path SOLD
Size: 6 x 8 "
Medium: oil on panel
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

"There’s a lot of work being done today that doesn’t have any soul in it. The technique may be the utmost perfection, yet it is lifeless. It doesn’t have a soul. I hope my furniture has a soul to it."

Sam Maloof

California Gold

2008-04-21T21:42:00.001-07:00

This weekend our family visited the Citrus Historic State Park in Riverside. One thing they pointed out in the museum is that the citrus industry was every bit as important to the development of California as the discovery of Gold up North. The park is beautiful, well worth a visit. I photographed this indoors, so is not real sharp. SOLD

Title: California Gold
Size: 8 x 8"
Medium: oil on panel
Price: $100.00
Shipping: $5.00

Anna's Soup Kitchen - Stafford UK

2008-04-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

This painting is based on a photo of a soup kitchen in Stafford England. It was sent to me by my friend Anna who enjoyed a nice holiday there.

Title: Anna's Soup Kitchen

Size: 8 x 8 " SOLD

Medium: oil on panel

Price: $100.00

Shipping: $5.00

Under a Cabbage leaf in Gilroy

2008-04-17T15:33:00.001-07:00

Title: Under a Cabbage Leaf in Gilroy

Size: 6 x 8"

Medium: oil on canvas panel

Price: $100.00

Shipping: $5.00

Evening Stroll - Gilroy

2008-04-16T17:05:00.001-07:00

Franz and I took an evening stroll while in Gilroy. The porch lights had just come on - the sky that intense dark blue. I had to capture that.

Title: Evening Stroll - Gilroy
Medium: oil on canvas panel
Size: 6 x 8 "
Price: $100.00 SOLD
Shipping: $5.00

New Field - Gilroy

2008-04-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

You will have to bear with me. I have a few more Gilroy paintings left in me! Now that we live in the mountains where we have nothing but twisty roads and tall trees, I am enamoured with open spaces and straight rows!

Title: New Field - Gilroy
Size: 6 x 8"
Medium: oil on canvas board
Price: $100.00 SOLD
Shipping: $5.00

Spring Break in Gilroy

2008-04-14T16:15:00.000-07:00

The weather was perfect in California this weekend. Wild flowers are in bloom, produce is in abundance,fields full of cabbages, strawberries, mustard and other greens. We drove up the center of the state to Gilroy - Garlic capital of the Nation and home of my husband's parents. I enjoyed taking time off from visiting with family, shopping with my girls at the outlets and eating very authentic Mexican food, to paint in the fields. Here the poppies dot the green hill sides with Oak trees along the ridge.

Title: Gilroy Poppies

Size: 6 x 8"

Medium: oil on canvas board

Price: $100.00 SOLD

Shipping: $5.00

Title: Sundown Farm Gilroy

Size: 6 x 8"

Medium: oil on canvas board

Price: $100.00 SOLD

Shipping: $5.00