Some of my latest paintings

All of these paintings were started at the Bob Burridge Mentor Workshop I attended earlier this month and completed at home. I like the first one for the vibrant color. The second piece is a new figurative look I am experimenting with, and I particularly like the layers and texture. The third piece is one of those that I think will probably not result in a series, but I just like the feel of it. They are all 12x12 and $225.

ArtSplash

This weekend is ArtSplash, which is an ArtistsConnect show that takes place at ArtWorks in Edmonds. I spent four hours there yesterday being artist-in-action. I will also be there today from 2-5 p.m. doing the same thing. I really enjoy doing this primarily because it always gives me an opportunity to spend time with the other members of ArtistsConnect. They are the ones who are usually observing the artists-in-action. There are, of course, guests observing as well, but more artists. I spent time yesterday getting to know artists that I had not previously spent time with, and also catching up with some I had not seen much lately. So, it was time well spent.

Last night was the grand opening reception at Fraker/Scott, which was another opporunity to connect with old friends and make new ones. The reception was well attended and very entertaining. The high point for me was the short film by Mike O'Day. I believe it was called "A Day in the Life of a Lonely Sculptor" or something along those lines. If you know Mike, ask him to show you this film.

Robert Burridge Workshop

This is where I spent the last four days. I attended a Robert Burridge Mentor Workshop at his studio in Arroyo Grande, CA. There were only 7 students, so Bob was not having to attend to the usual 18 or 20, giving all of us more one-on-one time. His studio is situated on 9 acres and surrounded by open fields, trees, birds, cows and other critters. When the music is not playing, it is completely quiet, except for the sounds of birds. It is fabulous. The studio is surrounded by a deck, the walls are covered with Burridge paintings, and you have good music and good company. I couldn't ask for much more.

I have probably attended about 8 Burridge workshops of various lengths over the last 13 years. I never tire of absorbing his enthusiasm for all things art. He is truly a person who loves what he does. You cannot help but be inspired by him, at least I can't.

I started working on a body of work that is about large women doing things that they don't usually do. So far the paintings contain writing, such as "She used to fly only when she thought no one was looking." It is a series I will be working on for quite some time I think.

One of the most interesting things that occurred during the workshop was watching Bob create the centerpiece for his upcoming show at the San Luis Obispo Museum. It was amazing. He knew exactly what he wanted to do, threw himself at the painting (after organizing his space perfectly for that painting) and created a large painting in about 30 minutes.

I should also mention that Bob's wife, Kate, provided breakfast, lunch and snacks everyday, and they were delicious. They also provided a selection of California wines.

ArtSplash

ArtSplash in Edmonds is coming up next weekend. It begins during Art Walk on July 15 and runs through July 18. Thirty Five artists will be showing their work and there will be artists working on site, including me. You can catch me on Saturday from 10:00-2:00 and on Sunday from 2:00-5:00. For more information on hours go to www.artistsconnect.com and click on ArtSplash.

Fraker/Scott Gallery

I am going to have several paintings in the Vessel show at Fraker/Scott Gallery during the month of August. I hope to see all of you at First Thursday on August 5th. See www.frakerscottgallery.com for information on the gallery.

More New Work

I also have a couple of new entries in the Three Women series. This one is 18x24 and $525. The mother of a friend gave me a bead made of jasper, which I used in the figure on the right. This painting was created specifically to use that bead.

New Work

I am obsessed with painting vessels for the last few weeks. I think this is the last of the series though, as it is time to move onto something else. I may revisit this subject though. The above image is 12x18 and $295, and it is my current favorite.