Thea LaVigna, artist

ROMANTIC, FUN SCULPTURES FROM ENGLAND

2009-09-15T09:13:00.000-07:00

Coming to you from Cornwall, England, the husband-wife team of Abbott and Ellwood allow their art to strike up a charming pose of eloquence and good humour. Check out their endearing one-of-a-kind sculptures (the British term for one-of-a-kind is "one-off"). They use found objects and images printed onto metal to create each story laden piece. Whimsical.
for some reason my link-age isn't working....their website: www.abbottandellwood.com

Barbara Padilla * 2nd Semifinal * America's Got Talent 2009 HD

2009-09-09T09:00:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday nights I often indulge in a little TV, and I've got to tell you, this was SO moving last night....I'm so glad I tuned in. This clip is approx. 7 min. long, but it's the prayer she sings for the competition that truly ties it all together. Grab a tissue and enjoy!

Santa Barbara is Beautiful....

2009-09-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

I'm back!...thought I'd gone forever, eh?? Not a chance!! I'm just NOT that good at keeping in touch. I mean, look, I was in Santa Barbara in the beginning of August (Viva La Fiesta!), and I'm just now getting around to telling you about it?! Some blogger I turn out to be!! And a blogger without photos??? See what I mean?? Am I a lazy ass or what?!

Well, you will have to forgive me since I am sans photos....turns out I am handicapped in getting them from my digital camera onto my computer (don't ask). For now, a little description of the trip will have to do....so, here's my adventure all tidied up into one quick (we hope) little nutshell:

First of all, DO NOT travel with your human size (as opposed to Hobbit size) toothpaste, water bottle, or eye makeup remover. Everyone of those things were confiscated from me in the security check. I felt like a criminal as the stout, little man at DIA abruptly shouted "move aside lady, we're gonna have to "frisk" ya." Well, maybe he didn't use the word "frisk" but, they certainly did frisk my durable Swiss Army carry on bag, and there was nothing gentle about it...I felt silly and disheveled as I quickly turned from my normal shade of pale white sophistication into a bright pink little girl.

Next was a quick layover in lovely Salt Lake City....there's something in that place that moved me (and I'm not even Mormon!) Perhaps it's because it reminds me of home. But, I've made a mental note: "road trip to Salt Lake City, some time soon, it's beautiful!"

Onward Ho, I boarded for my destination, Santa Barbara, CA! Waiting for me were two of the sweetest, kindest, and funniest people on this planet; my old best friend from High School (she's my BFF) and her adorable, hilarious, multi-talented hubby.

Lucky me, my friends are entirely welcoming....complete with a banner with my name on it, fresh flowers and amazing food. I meet the animals: Lucy the goat, Rhapsody the horse, Fred the cat, the gold fish, and most of all PK the super-special black Lab companion. We tour their new estate which was a find for this industrious couple: one acre with ocean views, Queen Palms, a lemon grove, a precious California Oak and a private beach entrance. Amazing what these two kids from Littleton have created for themselves. I am moved to tears by their accomplishments, their humility and their sweet love for each other.

Inside my friends house it is warm and inviting....filled with a wonderful collection of meaningful art by family and friends, plus a nice collection of vintage items....we pass by a huge bowl of lemons, to which I ask, "did you pick those from your own trees?" she says "yeah, and if I rub them a bit, they fill the whole room with the essence of lemon". Heaven scent.

And lucky me again, because these two kids have a "guest house". That's right folks, I had my very own little house for the entire visit. In describing the decor inside, I would say it definitely has a "beach house" feel. And surely that's partially because the man of the house is an avid surfer and when he's not using his long-board he stores it in the guest house which when combined with the ocean breeze and smell of the sea and view of the waves, and that perfect Queen Palm, well, what can I say, it was my very own beach house, at least for the time being.

Choosing August for my visit was partially because we wanted to partake in the Fiesta going on in town. We were glad we did when we saw our nations biggest display of show horses in the Viva la Fiesta parade. We all were mesmerized by the dancing horses, the beautiful traditional costumes, and all the flowers! It was truly an event that the locals take great pride in and I can see why. The night before the parade we had to chuckle as State street was dotted with beach towels, and chairs and hand made cards reserving the side of the street for viewing the parade the next morning....this is something the locals take very seriously.

Santa Barbara may be considered upscale, but quite honestly, I saw a very charming, homey and downright "Mayberry" Santa Barbara when I was there. Many times we would run into people my friends knew, or we would be driving around town and they would say our friends live there, and another couple lives over there. Everyone was friendly and warm, not a single snob in sight. So nix on the reputation, you just gotta dig your toes in a bit.

And dig my toes in I did, I'm itching to go back...this Colorado girl has a little bit of the California girl in her after all. Oh, and for the return flight?...DO NOT take your human size sunscreen through Santa Barbara security, even though you passed security with it on both legs of the flight in, this itsy-bitsy, cute little airport will have none of that - AND when the ditsy blonde flight attendant gets on her speaker phone and says in her wispy voice "the Captain has asked if someone from the first 4 rows will volunteer to sit in the back of the plane because we have too much weight up front for take off...", don't be alarmed...it's just the cute town of Santa Barbara beckoning you back for more.

PEARL ESSENCE

2009-06-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

Photographer and artist, Dave Ryan, has asked me to let my readers know that he has a blog now, and a book he is working on titled "Genius is Easy". In the book, Dave explores his thoughts on the creative process and how we can tap into our God given abilities that motivate us to make stuff and inspire others. Space, silence, a deepening of the creative experience, are all things Dave is passionate about and in his blog and his book he shares his own experience in awakening to his abilities for all types of artistic endeavors.

Dave's photo above is "Pearl", and it is just a small sampling of the lovely work he has done and catalogued throughout his blog. I urge you to take a look at his very unique collection.

Living with Art, my house

2009-06-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

I frequent the thrift stores and here's a sampling of some of the things I have gathered over the years. The collage upper left was made from found magazine scraps which I touched up with a bit of my own artistry; you can't see it in the photo, but I made a small paper "bowl" and attached it to the bottom - my first try at 3D collage! The photo of the Venus statue was taken for Christmas 2007; the fake pearls she wears are one of my favorite thrift store finds. The "Island girl" bust has some wonderful rustic chips on her and it was nice to know I rescued her from a certain demise. And last, but not least of all, we've honored the sweet but small vintage bust with her very own bejeweled crown, somehow she just screams "royalty". Call me sentimental. More later.....

Living with Art

2009-04-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

I love to see how other people live with art:

This image below is from House Beautiful magazine and was snipped years ago; I resurrected it from my studio file labeled "inspiring art and artists".

I do not know whose collection it was, nor who the quote is from, or the photographer, but what a cool idea for displaying a collection as sculpture, or as a table-scape. "No matter where I put my Mexican milagro crosses and Italian ex-votos, they work. Keep only what you love when you're starting over...."

The photo above is from the January '09 issue of Architectural Digest. The dandelion sculpture in the forefront right dates from the 1960's; I love it because it is so whimsical, and who doesn't like a dandelion? (artist unknown). The table runner is a Japanese obi; the prints or paintings in the background leaning on a long bench are also by an unknown artist. These paintings remind me of 2 large acrylics that my mother did in 1972; many years later she gave them to me when I moved into an apartment in Boulder, she saw that my new place had vaulted ceilings, and her huge paintings were perfect for that space; big paintings demand lots of space.

The dining room photo above from Vogue Living Australia, is the perfect example, I think, of how much flowers mean to a room. The flowers on the table and in the fabric of the comfy, modern chairs add a live able warmth that the room would be void of without those floral touches. Flowers always make a room homey and cozy, and in this example you would otherwise feel like you were in a conference room of some cold, corporate headquarters. Painting is a fun stunner (artist unknown); the red enamel "wall sculptures" (artist unknown), are wonderful!

Be like a child....

2009-04-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

(This is the first part in a series of short essays about art.)

Children can be such great artists. If a child is allowed to just be, to be free from adult expectation, then what you will get is a picture or painting that is purely that child's expression and it will always be beautiful. What makes it beautiful? It's beautiful because spirit soars onto the paper as the child gets lost in a project with heart felt innocence.

In Colorado Springs recently, I saw an exhibit of abstract paintings by renowned expressionists. At the end of the exhibit they had another collection of abstracts, these were a little bit smaller, all were carefully framed, they were quite impressive. Upon further inspection it became clear that these were paintings by 2 year olds, some 3 olds. The curator was making a point that we (as children) have this art stuff within us from an early age, not because we are genius, but because as children, we were, in most cases, unconditioned and in tune with our natural state of being.

The drawings here by Dale Chihuly illustrate my definition of being child-like and letting your spirit shine in your work. His drawings are brilliant accidents that were intended to show his team of glass blowers his conceptual design for his art glass....but these drawings end up being works of art in themselves. Why? Because they have spirit, he was having great fun when he made them, they actually breathe. Dale has breathed life onto a blank piece of paper, he was in the moment, just being, much like a child expresses himself.

The word "Art" could translate as spirit and in my imaginary dictionary it does. There's lots of art that appears devoid of spirit, but I want to suggest that it is impossible for a work of art to be devoid of spirit. Perhaps, in many instances, the artist's spirit is conditioned, crushed and heavy. The art from this artist can be disturbing for the viewer. When you observe a piece of art you experience the space or conditioned mind of the artist at the point of creation. That's why some art moves you in one direction or another, and why children's art tends to be so delightful.

Original and multiples by Dale Chihuly at Pismo Glass Gallery, Denver, Aspen and Beaver Creek.

Authors@Google: Dale Chihuly

2009-04-02T10:43:00.001-07:00

On June 19, 2008, glass artist Dale Chihuly visited Google's Mountain View, CA headquarters as part of the Authors@Google series.

It's fascinating to hear how he and his team create the installations....I love the "wall of ice" in the desert. Watch when you have about an hour to spare.

New Art - Fabric, Detail

2009-03-26T10:21:00.001-07:00

New Art - Detail

2009-03-26T09:42:00.000-07:00

Super Brain Yoga

2009-03-16T14:56:00.001-07:00

A simple "yoga" position for us all.... Fascinating.

MARKET BAGS....

2009-02-26T14:09:00.000-08:00

Here in Colorado it is warmer than usual. The weather people are calling it "La Nina", they said Coloradoans can expect warm and dry weather conditions for the next 3 months! Hopefully, that won't mean snow in May....but you know Colorado, it could happen.

All this warm weather has me looking for Market Bags (some women look for sandals, I look for market bags) and I found this collection of absolute winners. In the summer, I'll be filling mine with vine ripe tomatoes, eggplants, peaches, basil, scallions and freshly cut blossoms. Take a look and see if you don't agree....these are really cute.

The bags above are from an unlikely source, a guy! That's right, and this guy sure has an eye for beautiful things, and he sews! Brian Vann works from home in San Francisco. Many of his bags are made with Vintage fabrics, so they are one of a kind. I'm crazy for this guys bags.

And here's a really cool example of a humble Market Bag. From Bean Blossom; I can't imagine a better bag, really, it's so user friendly, since it already has a worn look it is very utilitarian....no worries about messing up this bag. And that's my kind of bag, no fuss, no muss.

Okay. I confess I love all things Midwest Modern and this bag really does it for me. This is from a pattern and fabric available on their website....so if you want, you can whip one of these babies up for yourself in no time at all (and maybe one for me, while you're at it?) Though it doesn't REALLY fall under the Market Bag category (it's just not big enough to haul all that stuff around) I thought I'd throw it in the mix because, well, because it's "French".

Do you speak Dolce & Gabbana? This beauty can hang on my door anytime, and I think it would be somewhat practical too....I mean, come on! it's black and very roomy....I'd be able to add a giant baguette, and 2 arm loads of flowers instead of one. Lovely.
The Mexicans have something we don't, color sense that is riotous. These are made in Mexico from oilcloths. They have many more designs to choose from on their website. Very cute indeed.

I'm dreaming of summer even though it's still February!

favorite tear sheets from....

2009-02-04T11:10:00.000-08:00

Vogue Living Australia November/December issue 2008..... Amazing and fantastic bubble designs above.....

I love the sofa here where the owner Pamela Bell let her children decorate with drawings 'a la graffiti'.....total charm! Maybe we should all let the kids write and draw on everything!!

Installation art remains one of my favorite forms of artistic expression....in the installation above, Swedish artists Gerda Steiner and Jorg Lenzlinger brought together found objects for this Venice exhibit in 2003.

The wall in this kitchen is covered with several "samples" of wall paper that the owner had collected for a while. Great idea, huh?!

Big Hair makes come-back....

2009-02-04T10:40:00.001-08:00

Wonder what she's saying? I think it goes something like this: "I found this flower on a bush growing on Mars, stuck it in my hair and now I can't get it off! Oh well, looks like "big hair" is making a come-back anyway....I hope I can eventually get it off - when the trends change. Otherwise, I will have to have it removed surgically!"

Collage credits: big flower and chair, anthropologie. Chanel Spring 2009 Collection. Hawaiian dress and turqoise necklaces, Nieman Marcus. Sunflower Market sales promotional. Angel Sanchez, Flowers.

New Paintings....Abstracts

2009-02-04T08:52:00.001-08:00

What's on your refridgerator door?

2009-01-28T10:09:00.000-08:00

I don't know many people who use their fridge door like I do, but I know you are out there.

My fridge door is a mesmerizing mess and only "I" know how to navigate and find what I'm looking for.

Not only does it double as a bulletin board (art openings, movie listings, sales) but it also holds coupons, restaurant reviews and how to's: get the stain out, open a pomegranate, make the best Risotto (stir in the direction of your heart).

This is a snap-shot of a current "area" on my fridge. The teeny photo is of my beloved niece when she was very little; the Mona magnet holds a price sheet for the local Rec center and you'll see my only fast food splurge of Papa Murphy pizza coupons standing "poised-and-ready" for my next greasy craving.

Nick Vujicic

2009-01-28T09:01:00.001-08:00

Feeling down? Watch this!!

Sub-zero temperatures....some shots from last summer

2009-01-27T09:51:00.000-08:00

I snapped this character because she has a string of Christmas lights wrapped around her. In person it looked really cool. This statue hangs out at a local Italian restaurant chain Buca Di Beppo. I think that it's a signature look at all their restaurants so maybe you have one in your neighborhood too...

This is a decorative iron collar around a tree at the Tattered Cover Book Store in Highlands Ranch. Lots of design thought was put into the exterior finish of the store. Lattices, fancy brick-work, huge windows, decorative gutters and railings send a message that this store is a classic, like many of the books inside.

I found this old map in the Antique Mall a few years ago. It probably hung in a classroom in the 1960's. Clues of the age? Well, the lady is wearing 1960's style eye-liner, and he has on a thin tie and wears enormous side-burns,...need I say more? But, really, it's a treasure map showing coastal towns of France.

Gearing Up....

2008-12-03T14:02:00.000-08:00

For a new year, that is. And in doing so, I'd like to share some new paintings....and some musings about what I'd like to accomplish in 2009.

The Painting below is titled "The Bridge"...... because in 2009 I want to "bridge" the gap between my job as "administrative assistant" (my bread and butter bliss) and that of "the artist" (my weekend bliss). There has to be a way to have the energy to be creative on a work night....to bring my "artist" weekend life into my work week. I'll let you know how this goes, the blending of the two.

For those of you who are also crossing that bridge, check out career coach, Tama Kieves. She is a no nonsense, "you gotta do it!", cheerleader. What a gifted writer she is! She makes making those important life-altering decisions fun, courageous and ultimately essential. I encourage all to read her book "This Time I Dance"....available on Amazon.

The abstract still-life below, of fruit and flowers, reminds me to "see" everyday things with a creative eye. The table clothe in the painting, featuring roses, was one of my inspirations for pursuing my latest venture: hand painting linen table clothes. These clothes are utilitarian, but I like to call them "textile art" because they could also be framed just like a painting can, or they can be used as a wall hanging, or as a sofa throw, etc. There really are so many uses for them. I will be debuting them here on my blog probably sometime in early 2009. In the meantime, I hope you keep an "abstract" eye out for the ordinary things around you...it's really quite phenomenal when you look closely at everyday things and realize how "abstract" they are.

Okay, so, the thing about the pear painting below is that it is somewhat of a self-portrait as I have become quite like a pear lately. For those of you who have known me a long time, I used to be very slender, willowy, even skinny at times. But now I am more like a pear.

I kind of like being like a pear; I like having a dash of "the Marilyn" more than a dose of Popeye's girl, Ms. Olive Oil (although I use enough of the "olive" to be her!). What's cool about a pear is if you look deeply enough into it, you'll see all kinds of lively and interesting things going on. We're all a bit of a pear, aren't we?!

With gusto, here's a few things I'm focusing on as 2009 approaches:

1) A membership to "Curves". That's right, because being a nicely shaped pear is better than being a mushy one.

2) Turn my "tree-house" art studio into a show-case that features my paintings and textiles by appointment....and to quote my good friend, Kristie, "we'll see".

3) Plan that trip to Paris, and go "dammit".

4) Work in my art journal daily.

5) Adopt a doggie, or two, or three, or....

6) Hop on over to Moab this winter to beat the crowds and the heat and see the dusting of snow on the red rock arches.

Happy Holidays to everyone - you are all beautiful pears, inside and out!

Stand By Me - Beautiful International Version

2008-11-10T10:38:00.001-08:00

I love this!....we're standing by each other - Watch a "world" of talent singing this in "unison". Fantastic.

NATURE TABLES

2008-11-06T10:00:00.001-08:00

I can remember when my little niece was a VERY little niece of only 6 yrs old, she had the great fortune of attending a Waldorf School. Being Aunt, I was invited to "afternoon tea" when her 1st grade class hosted a visitors day. For visitors day, each little darling was asked to invite a favorite (we hope!) relative to visit the school, sit in on a class, and be served "tea" by the students them selves. It was an impressive afternoon. One of the things that impressed me most (aside from all the chubby faces smiling back at me) was the Nature Table.

Miss Prairie, the idyllic Waldorf School teacher (don't you love that name!), had created for her students an eye popping, soul stirring Nature Table. In actuality, the students themselves had created the Nature Table because it was an altar of the branches, berries, stones, feathers, bird nests, nuts and more, that they had been collecting for weeks. Miss Prairie had a gift for thoughtfully arranging their collection on the table; the students had hand labeled their specimens (I loved the imperfect letters, the bold statements) and no doubt the research needed to discover just exactly what their treasure was made for an excellent assignment.

The Waldorf early education believes, among other things, in bringing nature indoors to the children and bringing the children outdoors into nature. These students have a "natural" curriculum; they spend a great deal of time communing with the wind, running in the leaves and working in gardens and on local farms. The Nature Table is a winning statement in each classroom. Recently I found out about Country Livings Nature Table Campaign in England where they are proposing a return to the tradition of the Nature Table in the class rooms of the Public Schools. I hope this spills over into U.S. Public Schools.

So, now I am having the thought, "Why are Nature Tables just for the children?" I don't think they should just be for children, do you? We are all kids at heart, right?! Wouldn't it be fun if every home had a nature table - a place where we can gather what we found out in nature that day....things that need to be researched to know them, stuff we can show to family and friends. As I glance around my tiny place my eye catches the smooth black stones I brought back from Lake Tahoe.... the dazzling feathers dropped by the Peacocks in my neighborhood....the acorns from the Shakespeare garden in NYC's Central Park....the chestnuts from an ancient tree in Santa Fe. I do believe I have my very own Nature Table.

P.S. The rule for taking things from nature is that it should be detached from it's source (although a branch or two wouldn't do any harm if it is taken from an inconspicuous place on a tree or bush), as in leaves, nuts, berries. If you are lucky to find a butterfly that has died, by all means include it, but don't kill it or capture it to include it in your collection. When it comes to stones or shells, it's best to be thoughtful before you take it - make sure it is not something that would be missed or that is a rarity.

Hermit's Peak

2008-10-21T11:06:00.001-07:00

Hermit's Peak
Originally uploaded by ToOliver2

Wow. Imagine what we thought when we saw this majestic "rock" jutting out of the New Mexican landscape. It seemed to appear from no where. We'd driven this stretch hundreds of times before and never saw this formation....ever. It made us feel sheepish to know that it must have been there, every time... even though we never noticed it before. We felt we had somehow betrayed the landscape.

But moving on we were awe inspired. This mountain seemed so new, crisp, sudden. A perfect moment in the day had captured its face with sun light dancing up a storm. The sun exaggerated every nook and cranny of the canyons of what we would later find out was Hermit Mountain.

By the way, don't always trust maps. For the longest time our map made us think we were looking at Santa Fe Baldy. For the entire length it was in our view it became known to us as Santa Fe Baldy. WRONG. Maps aren't always that accurate, especially when they aren't listing ALL the possible peaks of interest in the given area. No. We were not looking at Santa Fe Baldy. It took some Internet research the following day BEFORE we realized we had been, in fact, gazing on Hermit Mountain.

Hermit Mountain was named such because it was the home of a reclusive, holy man's cave. Italian Monk, John Augustiani, settled on the summit in the 1800's. Word got out that he would trade "blessings" for food and necessities. His cave "pad" became the subject of many pilgrimages by devout New Mexicans, both before AND after his death.

These New Mexican pilgrims would climb the mountain and be greeted by him - he would work his magic, they would leave their goods and they would be on their way. Unfortunately, one day when he left the mountain he was killed by Indians. To this day, those who climb to the summit will see the cave he made and artifacts left by those who considered him their healer.

Someday I want to climb to the summit and see this for myself. Surprisingly, I found out that my Dad was there in the 1960's on one of his own pilgrimages of sorts. He knew exactly what we were talking about when we said we saw Hermit Mountain. Parents are always full of surprises. I suggest you pump yours for their stories. If their stories are as colorful as my Mom and Dad's are, it's worth every kind of prodding you can think of.

Rabbit Brush in Colorado and New Mexico

2008-10-21T10:14:00.001-07:00

Painted Ladies Love Fest
Originally uploaded by LaVeta Jude

Hi, I am back! and I am in love with Rabbit Brush.

Yes, it's true, and for years now I have admired this native bush or shrub, right here in my own back yard and on road trips throughout the south west. Rabbit Brush turns me into jelly, it sweetens my attitude, it raptures my soul.

My sister thinks it is strange that I love it so much....she always rolls her eyes when I make mention of it or excitedly point out a bush as we are travelling by. She's not in love. She doesn't see its subtle charm, or admire its wild disposition. I almost wonder if she thinks it's a weed, what with all her disinterest and quiet disapproval. But, I wish to make a lover out of her too. I try with all my being to pass on my feverish attraction, always to no avail. Instead I learn to accept this and let it move myself alone, and not expect others to ride by with the same eyes as I do.

My natural place to flourish must be right here in the south western areas where Rabbit Brush thrives. We thrive together, Rabbit Brush and I, on natural vistas, mountain views and wide open spaces. My family did the bold thing when it relocated from our native New York to the south west when I was just 3 yrs old. To think I may have missed all this western-ness, as most of my cousins have, living in "the city", never ever seeing a single Rabbit Brush, ever. How sad I would have been.

I recently decided that if I am going to be married to the stuff then I should at least learn a little more about it. And here's what I found out:

Believe it or not, Rabbit Brush is a form of a wild Chrysanthemum plant, or let's just say, it's from the chrysanthemum family. Also, in the wild, it is a chaparral - which basically means it grows in clumps usually on the side of a hill. And, while I used to think that rabbits like to live in the bushes they instead like to nibble on its leaves and flowers as a midday snack. I also found out that Native Americans (Navajo), long ago, used to use its rubbery stems as chewing gum and its yellow flowers for dye.

Probably the most wonderful thing I learned about my beloved is that, if left to their own devises, hundreds of gorgeous Monarch Butterflies will gather onto its mustard yellow flowers for hours on end.

So, I've decided. We know a good thing, Monarch Butterflies and me.

IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN COLORADO....

2008-08-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

BELLOCCHIO!! If you find yourself in Colorado in the next week or two, you may want to saunter down to The Denver Art Museum where they are featuring an exhibit of 40 Impressionistic landscape paintings thru September 4Th. The show is titled, "Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism" and features paintings like the examples below. Left: Poppies on the Isles of Shoals, 1890, by Fredrick Childe Hassam, Brooklyn Museum, and Right: Dolce Far Niente, 1907, John Singer Sargent, Brooklyn Museum.

And, while you're at it, cruise on down to Colorado Springs (this is a straight shot on I25, about 1 hr South of Denver) to the Fine Arts Center to see the work of one of my all time favorites, Picasso. Picasso Etchings on view thru September 14. I, for one, intend to take in both exhibits.....

Some new paintings....

2008-08-11T11:01:00.000-07:00

This painting of "Le Cool" Sun is my abstract take on our warm friend.....and on the right is a chic vintage scene from Cannes, France, 1929.Below we have "The Good Queen", she's good because she's sweet and even tempered, she cares about her ever grateful people.....and on the right, she thinks she is a Slavic singer, and I have given her the title "From the Choir".

Ladies, ladies, a scarf is your best fashion friend and in the painting below I prove my point as I explore something I call "Scarfology", where each individual taste for wearing a scarf is carefully represented....and on the right, another "Le Jardin", only this time it's a French window box garden bursting with scent.

These fun paintings (and a wide variety of others) are available at Willow in Littleton, CO and Willow, Boulder, CO (formally The Middle Fish) and also through my Etsy shop.....thanks for stopping by!