Big Oak 2

Big Oak 2
Oil on Wood Panel
9"X12"
After a great evening hearing David Sedaris with a dear friend on Friday, I spent my big birthday weekend in Sonoma alone with my dog, Rosie. Painting, reading, swimming, and just looking at life. I had assured everyone that that was exactly how I wanted it, and it was. But I must admit that while I enjoyed the peaceful solitude there were moments that I longed to have my family by my side.
Then. As evening approached, my husband returned from his travels. With a gift. The only thing I ever wanted. He knows me that well. There stood one of our daughters! Spirited home from 3000 miles away. A complete and welcome surprise.
Savoring this moment with Family. And friends who function like family. I have more than my share. Life is so good.

Woman Contemplating Chester Arnold's Natural History

Woman Contemplating Chester Arnold's Natural History
Oil on Canvas
8"X6"
Amazing paintings, interesting show , inspiring afternoon.

Big Oak

Big oak
Oil on Wood Panel
8"X8"
I'm off to hear Chester Arnold speak at the Catherine Clark Gallery where he is showing his paintings. I heard him last week but I could use another infusion of his no nonsense enthusiasm.
Not only that, but I want to see his paintings in real life. Especially the trees and myriad of little figures. Painted from memory.

Moment in the Meadow

Moment in the Meadow
Oil on Canvas
18"X24"
Bigger isn't necessarily better. But I am intent on trying. This painting may not be finished. It's been a week in the making. But I am used to finishing one and moving to another. I'm not long on patience. Maybe I'll go back and forth between canvases that develop over time.
This morning I picked all the roses blooming in profusion in pots on the deck. Vases everywhere that beckon to be painted. Flowers aren't usually my subject, but maybe I'll just have to do that. Something different. For a change.

Girl in White Straw Hat Contemplates Lady in Black Spanish Scarf

Girl in White Straw Hat Contemplates Lady in Black Spanish Scarf
Oil on Wood Panel
8"X6"
Today was my day to see Masterpieces from the Musee d'Orsay at the De Young Museum.
It was everything it's cracked up to be. And there were lots of people there soaking it all in. (Go first thing in the morning. Get tickets in advance, even if you are a member.) I have to admit that Whistler's "Arrangement in Grey and Black: Portrait of the painter's Mother" (aka "Whister's Mother") has stayed with me all afternoon. I had been studying the vast array of rich grays in many of the paintings, and this one was icing on that cake. Look for grays to turn up in future paintings here.
I couldn't leave without stopping by to see my old favorites in the permanent collection. I had those galleries all to myself except for the occasional girl wearing a white straw hat and ruby slippers.

Another Volunteer

Another Volunteer
Oil on wood Panel
8"X6"
SOLD
Last week I spent a lot of time reading letters that my father wrote to his family who were still in Europe during World War II. They describe the excitement and struggle, optimism, and ingenuity that brought him to America where he landed in 1939, put down roots, and thrived for 60 years. It made me miss him more than usual. His vision, tenacity, and belief in his own intuition. How was it that he who claimed to feel perpetually insecure managed to create a life so brilliant, so imaginative, so spectacular that remnants of his creation are still visible around the world today?
Then this weekend in a sea of golden grass taller than my 5'4" there stood a vermilion red poppy. A seed, dropped by a bird, or blown by the wind just happened to land there and take hold and grow and bloom into fleeting magnificence.

Stalking Gophers

Stalking Gophers
Oil on Wood Panel
8"X8"
SOLD
Last night I watched "Note by Note: The Making of Steinway L1037." Positively invigorating to see craftsmen working together to build a superior piano with pride, in the pursuit of perfection, and reverence for the past. Individuals doing their little thing for years on end. It had a calming effect to see that whatever it is one does in life, the longer you do it, the better you'll be and that in itself is meaningful work.

Sonoma Road

Sonoma Road
Oil on Wood Panel
8"X10"
Feels like summer coming on. Around here fog is spilling over the headlands. Sonoma is heating up. Birds have taken up residence in both birdhouses. And the turkeys are strutting their stuff.
I am wading through a sea of papers on my desk and having the urge to just throw everything away. Everything in the back room. Everything in the files. Everything that needs filing. Everything from the past. Might be a relief to start over fresh.

The Party's Over

The Party's Over
Oil on Wood Panel
8"X8"
Yesterday the last of the family left to return to the other side of the world. A deep sadness took me by surprise. So despite being tired and emotionally spent, I
stepped out to hear John Croizat's band, "Don't Look back," at the new, vastly improved Freight and Salvage in Berkeley. Their goodness and sweet harmonies put some foot stomping spring back in my step.

Flowers from Friends

Flowers from Friends
Oil on Wood Panel
8"X6"
SOLD
Family leaves. A gulf opens up. Friends arrived to fill us up.

First Dance

First Dance
Oil on Canvas
8"X6"
Moving. Beyond words. To witness their love. Belief in one another. And dedication to sharing the future. Like a Bach fugue. Two complete melodic ideas that when woven together create a new, rich, deeply satisfying sound.