January 31, 2013 - Gift (Last Painting)

This is the last painting in this series.  As I look at the past 27 paintings
I've done I realize they could be very much be considered illustrations rather
than paintings.  I wrote about it a bit in my last post, but with this project,
my initial expectation was that in doing it I would transition into something
new.  Now I realize, it was more of an extension- or elaboration of the daily
drawing project.

When I finished that one after 365 days, I wasn't willing to start again but,
I also didn't feel quite ready to end it.  I think this bi-weekly project was
about phasing it out of my system gradually.  I view these two back
to back projects as one.  Now, two years later I realize that I've created 392
pieces of artwork.  When I think of that number I'm surprised at how many
that is- that's a lot!  My goal now is to: (1)Take a break (2) Finally open an
online shop and then (3) Start something new.

Thanks for reading and Happy 2013!

Painting #27
11" x 14"
Mixed Media on clayboard

January 17, 2013 - Chilly

This painting is based on a drawing I did in my daily series- it's called "Chilly".  I decided to do it
for the simple reason that it's been really cold down here in LA.  I know our weather is nothing
compared to other places, but for here it was freezing.  I always talk about how much I like the
cold being from Northern California, but the truth was that I was complaining along with everyone
else.  This is my second to last painting actually, and as I come to the end of this project, I find
myself thinking about what it's been like to do two back to back projects.

This project was an interesting one for me.  I thought it would get me out of the box and help me
start working larger and looser.  It really didn't though.  I found myself doing these paintings like I
did my little drawings- just bigger.  I would consider it in this case, a transitional project rather
than the transformative one I thought it might be.  What I think I need to do now, with all these
paintings and drawings under my belt is take a break, finish my website and get my work out into
the world.   

Painting #26
11" x 14"
Mixed Media on clayboard

January 3, 2013 - Sleepytime

I had a really generously long winter break, but these first couple days back to work have been sort
of intense.  Despite the excitement of a new, fresh year (which I truly love) I'd like just a couple
more days to slowly immerse myself back into the real world.  Oh, and concerning this painting,
it's based on a drawing I did in summer 2011 after a long drive down to Southern California from
the North.

Happy 2013 everyone!  Hope it's a good one for you.

Painting #25
12" x 16"
Mixed Media on clayboard  

December 20. 2012 - Winter Wonderland

I was excited to finish this one because it was one I did with no plan and I was worried it wouldn't turn out.  I'm going to be traveling up north soon and so this seemed appropriately seasonal.  I hope
everyone is having as good a holiday season as I am- it's been a great year.  Now I have to get out
of here and go run last minute errands like I do every year.  Happy Holidays!

Painting #24
12" x 16"
Mixed Media on clayboard 

December 6, 2012 - Starry Night Heart

This is a sister piece to the one I did a couple weeks ago.  Same size, same
starry night.  I wish I could've gotten a better photo of it and come up with
a more interesting title but what can I say?  It's been a long week.

Painting #23
12" x 16"
Mixed Media on clayboard  

November 22, 2012 - Seashell

It didn't occur to me when I started this painting that I'd be posting it on
Thanksgiving.  If I'd thought of it I could've done something that was more
holiday appropriate.  But we did go to the ocean today so I guess that
counts.  This painting is based on a drawing I did in my daily drawing
series.  I liked doing this- it became more intricate and defined in the
painting.  It's fun to take an idea and improve it.  It was tremendously
gratifying.  I might add to this post more later but I need to get back to
cooking!

Painting #22
12" x 16"
Mixed Media on clayboard

November 8, 2012 - Praying Mantis

There was a time- not so far in the distant past, that I would research my posts before sitting down
to write them.  When I started my first drawing project I worked hard to learn about the subject
matter I was writing about.  Now I find myself simply sitting down and beginning to type.  Why
did I choose a praying mantis?  I don't know- primarily because I think they're cool to look at and I
like the way they move.  Nothing profound--I just like them.  Admittedly though, I kind of thought
they were native to exotic locales unknown to me until my dad told me he saw them in our backyard
sometimes.  Really?  How did I miss that!?

Painting #21
16" x 20"
Mixed Media on clayboard