Kennedy at Christmas

Kennedy at Christmas

Oil on Wood

 12"X 10"

The East Wing of the White House is surprisingly intimate and graciously presents our history. Photographs and portraits of past presidents line the walls of the elegant rooms. It was especially so this Christmas, filled with live trees and all the trappings of merriment. But coming upon the portrait of Kennedy, in a quiet corner, with a bowl of red roses placed on a table beneath took my breath away. It is restrained and beautiful, soft and sensitive. It is so alive. People fell silent as they stopped to admire it, struck by the heartbreaking loss and enormity of what might have been. 

Lemon Square on Grannie's Crystal Plate

Lemon Square on Grannie's Crystal Plate

Oil on Wood

10"X10"
After lunch today, as a special treat, I put one lemon square, baked by a friend, right in the center of one of my grandmother's crystal plates and remembered.

Grannie loved sweets, especially ones that reminded her of the old country. These dessert plates were among the few possessions she managed to bring from Europe and were reserved for special occasions; birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries.  It is that time of year. Sweet memories of friends and family and little moments shared.  Brings it all back.

Lunch With Tito

Lunch With Tito

Oil on Wood

8"X 10"

It was a very good time. In the Christmas spirit. And then some.

Lemon Squares Under Wraps

Lemon Squares Under Wraps

Oil on Wood

8"X10"

A wise friend whose advice I value told me this morning to "get comfortable with not knowing." That nugget freed me right up to just keep doing as I please, which this afternoon included memorializing a platter of lemon squares brought over by old friends who joined us for dinner last night. It was one of those evenings full of conversation and laughter and the kind of connection that happens when friendship stretches over decades. Sweet. Rich. Special. I may not know what I am doing, but I know this confection wrapped up for the holidays says it all. 

Ozzie: Newman and Gray Senior Boatyard Dog

Ozzie: Newman and Gray Senior Boatyard Dog

Oil on Wood

8"X 6"
SOLD

Taking a break from Superman today, I turned my attention to a SuperDog. It just felt good to connect with a canine on this cold, crisp December morning. 

Superman - Bigger Than Life

Superman - Bigger Than Life

Oil on Wood

10"X8"

Mel Ramos', "Superman" that hangs in the De Young Museum is 40"X 30" and sits up high on the wall. It is not very big, but it feels monumental, especially if you are a kid passing by. I didn't mean to make a painting exaggerating "Superman's" stature, but that's what happened. A happy accident. Its how we feel when we are in the presence of magnanimity: emboldened, strong, and better than ever.

Christmas is Coming

Christmas is Coming

Oil on Wood

8"X6"

My sweet neighbor showed up at our first Friday breakfast this morning bearing gifts. It's that time of year. Holding on tight to Love and Friendship and Hope and Goodwill, while the world mourns the loss of Nelson Mandela, the man who spoke to our better selves. Or as Obama said, "he bent the arc of the moral universe toward justice." It's that time of year.

Sizing Up Superman

Sizing Up Superman

Oil on Wood

8"X6"

Mel Ramos' "Superman" attracts the best stances known to (super)man. See it next time you visit the De Young Museum. It is conveniently located right outside the rest rooms. I might have to go again this week to stock up on some old fashioned, down to earth art, to counteract the "holiday" hysteria that threatens to get me down.

In the Mood for Mondrian

In the Mood for Mondrian

Oil on Wood

6"X6"
SOLD

Giving thanks. For all who went before. Friends and family who fill my world with love. And all museum goers everywhere who bring art alive with their stance, attire, and quiet presence. 

Into Joan Brown's Kitchen

Into Joan Brown's Kitchen

Oil on Wood

6"X8"
SOLD

Who wouldn't be drawn to Joan Brown's "Noel in the Kitchen?" It's gooey, goopy,  wild, wonderful and real. Recipe for Life, I would say. 

I miss stopping by to see it at SF MOMA which is closed for renovation. In the meantime, 23 of their Matisse paintings and drawings are at the Legion of Honor where I spent the morning. Also there is a magnificent show, "Anders Zorn: Sweden's Master Painter." As Stephen Holden wrote of the film, "Philomena" in today's New York TImes, "...it feels lit from within." He could have been describing Zorn's paintings. I am holding on to that phrase because I think it could spawn an entire series of paintings.

Moving on From Mondrian

Moving On from Mondrian

Oil on Wood

6"X6"
SOLD

Only recently did I discover Mondrian's landscape paintings which are, it turns out, magnificent. I discovered "Tree on the Kalfie" which was posted on Facebook by Grand Artist,  which my friend and fellow artist, Ellis Heyer found and sent my way.  I don't know who or why or how, but Grand Artist posts works of art throughout the day spreading inspiration with unusual frequency. Then I discovered "Beyond Primary Colors, Unknown Mondrian," an article by Souren Melikian published in the New York Times in 1997.  What a revelation. Where have I been? 

Hanging Around Hans Hofmann

Hanging Around Hans Hofmann

Oil on Wood

4"X4"

I have crawled into my short-days-long-nights-cold-weather-is-approaching stance. Hiding away in the studio making minuscule what is in reality colossal. Thinking small. Simplifying. Hans Hofmann's, "Magnum Opus" resides at the Berkeley Art Museum which houses a large collection of his paintings.

Nothing like a little red and wild to warm the chill.

Wedding Dance

Wedding Dance

Oil on Wood 

8"X6"

Oh weddings. The love, the joy, the deep down optimism that fills the room. If only we could hold on to all that and carry it out into the world. We remember the words. "To see with our heart." It takes a lifetime to learn to love. Theirs has just begun. This one's for them. 

Discussing LOVE

Discussing LOVE

Oil on Wood

6"X6"
SOLD

The discussion continues. At Studio Gallery where there is a lot to love.

A Closer Look At LOVE

A Closer Look At LOVE

Oil on Wood 

4"X4"
SOLD

Oh LOVE. Can't get enough of it, despite Robert Indiana's Whitney show, "Beyond Love." The truth is, we need more Love at every juncture. I spent the week filling my studio with these little homages to Indiana. They are headed for the Studio Gallery SF later this week.

Hockney for Halloween

Hockney for Halloween

Oil on Wood

4"X4"

Being immersed in Hockney's green world at the de Young Museum this afternoon was made all the more fanciful by what may or may not have been costumes some of the people were wearing for Halloween. The paintings are huge and they gobbled me up. A bold brew of landscape, line, color, and commitment to paint, paint, paint. 

Mondrian Meets his Match

Mondrian Meets His Match

Oil on Wood

4"X4"

Mondrian and his match will be at the Bolinas Museum's 25th Annual Mini Show,

 November 22, 2013 – January 5, 2014. 

Under Rothko's Spell

Under Rothko's Spell

Oil on Wood

4"X4"

SOLD

October in Paris

October in Paris

Oil on Wood

10"X10"

I've been away. Now that I'm back, everything looks different. I hardly know where to begin.

Walking Away from LOVE

Walking Away From LOVE

Oil on Wood

4"X4"

Hay Barn

Hay Barn

Oil on Wood

6"X6"
SOLD

Old barns appeal to me this Fall. Utilitarian. Low tech. Simple design. In sync with their surroundings. Relics from the past still serving a purpose. Reassuring in this complicated time. Not only that, but they are beautiful.

Kenwood Barn

Kenwood Barn

Oil on Wood

6"X6"

I can't get enough of Sonoma in October. The last gasp of warm air. Storing up sunlight for the winter.

In the Presence of LOVE

In The Presence of LOVE

Oil on Wood

4"X4"
SOLD

This morning was spent with two great friends. Art, books, family, politics. We never run out of subjects of mutual interest. Reminder: Do more of that.
See this at the Studio Gallery SF Tiny Show November 1-December 23.

Oh Say Can You See

Oh Say Can You See

Oil on Wood

4"X4"

Something to contemplate. 

Jasper Johns, "Flag."
See this at the Studio Gallery SF Tiny Show, November 1-December 23.

Walk in the Park

Walk In The Park

Oil on Wood

8"X10"

The Diebenkorn show has left the building, but this"Ocean Park" painting remains, a gem in the de Young Museum's Permanent Collection. Lucky for us. Stroll by any time. No crowd. No hullabaloo. Just a lots of layers of light and stunning silence.

Back to the Barn

Back to the Barn

Oil on Wood

10"X10"

Determined to hang on to summer, I set off for Sonoma early Friday afternoon, taking the long way around looking for farms and cows. Never disappoints. It's home to me, in the deepest sense of the word. Warm and embracing and full of fond memory.
Available from Serena and Lily Art Collection.

Point of View: Woman Viewing Diebenkorn's "View From the Porch"

Point of View: Woman Viewing Diebenkorn's "View From the Porch"

Oil on Wood

10"X10"

More Diebenkorn musing. I have a lot to learn.

My Friend and Musante

My Friend and Musante

Oil on Wood

6"X8"

San Francisco was at its glowing best this morning when I crossed the bridge to meet my oldest friend at Paul Thiebaud Gallery. Sitting in the middle of a room surrounded by Ed Musante's birds painted on old cigar boxes is my idea of a certain kind of cultural heaven.  Then being with a good friend for yet another of our legendary lunches in North Beach where we knew each other as children, that is a gift that can't be replicated. I am always surprised to discover that no matter how many years one knows someone, there is always more to learn. It was one of those days, when I came home grateful for the beauty of my surroundings and the people in my life with whom I can share the wealth.

Family Time

Family Time

Oil on Canvas

16"X20"

They came. They swam. They left, leaving behind a bounty of fun and laughter and love and understanding that only family can provide. 40 years later. So glad we did. September One, 1973.

Deep Into Diebenkorn's Room

Deep Into Diebenkorn's Room

Oil on Wood

12"X9"

There is plenty to contemplate in Diebenkorn's room, and in the room filled with Diebenkorn. Thinking I will go back for more tomorrow afternoon. 

Man Standing with Earphones Studies Seated Woman with Hat

Man Standing with Earphones Studies Seated Woman with Hat

Oil on Wood

12"X12"

More might happen to this painting, but for the moment, this is it. That's Diebenkorn's "Seated Woman with Hat" the white haired man in a maroon shirt is studying. See it at the de Young Museum before it leaves, September 29.  Now I am going to study the sunshine before it packs up for the winter. 

Gabriel on the Rhodes

Gabriel on the Rhodes

Oil on Wood

10"X10"

Old boat. New young owner. A match made in heaven. This is for Gabriel. 

40 Years

40 Years

Oil on Wood

12"X12"

September One, 1973. Time Flies.

Diebenkorn Doorway

Diebenkorn Doorway

Oil on Masonite

8"X10"

The very first thing I did this morning having returned last night from Maine was to go to the De Young Museum to see "Diebenkorn, The Berkeley Years." What a show. Inspiring and up lifting.  Big. Beautiful. Small. Sweet. I could have just looked at color. Or. I could have just looked at composition. Or. I could have just looked and looked and looked some more. And the people. One woman dressed in diagonal stripes milled around looking like she had walked out of one of the paintings. If only photographs were allowed. It would have kept me going for years. Put on your yellow trousers and lavender t-shirt and get there. The show ends September 29. 

August Still

August Still

Oil on Wood

12"X24"
SOLD

Wednesday afternoon time stood still. There being not a breath of wind, big boats from the New York Yacht club floated by the ledge in slow motion reflecting our mood. Going nowhere, getting nowhere in particular. Just being here. 

August Harbor

August Harbor

Oil on Wood

10"X10"

August Race Day

August Race Day

Oil on Wood

10"X10"

August is all about the end. Hurry up. Time is fleeting. That summer would last forever was an illusion. We are already starting to pack and think about what comes next. 

August Glow

August Glow

Oil on Wood

12"X12"
SOLD
Available from Serena and Lily.com

I've been trying new things this week. This painting has been covered over and covered over again. This is where it was left today. But tomorrow is another day. With it will come a better idea.

August Island Tennis

 August Island Tennis 2

Oil on Wood

6"X6"

August Island Tennis

Oil on Wood

6"X6"

One court. In the woods. Surrounded by dark green evergreens on three sides,  bright sky above, and the sound of the sea and fog horns waft up from the Western Way. Generations have learned to play, taught, and played here and the competition can be fierce. Or. Some come for the camaraderie of drop in doubles and to absorb the green and warm light of the island.

August Fog

August Fog

Oil on Wood

12"X24"

After a brief visit from the sailors and a frenzy of activity, they are off again. As they left, the fog settled in, silencing all the busyness, returning me to myself and the beach, and the sweet sound of stillness.

August Beach

August Beach

Oil on Wood

6"X8"

This is for the Cranberry Island Historical Society's Auction Wednesday, 4p.m. Bid early. Bid Often.

August Rain

August Rain

Oil on Wood

22"X10"
SOLD

So much for August bringing dry air. Today it rained in fits and starts accompanied by the most beautiful charcoal grey sky and water. 

August Comes Ashore

August Comes Ashore

Oil on Wood

14"X14"
SOLD

It's now or never for Summer. July was too hot, then it was too cold. It rained, and the fog lingered for days. Life unfolded in slow motion. August has brought dry air and with it frantic activity. There is a constant parade of boats in the harbor, lots of people coming and going. Fast forward, Fall is on the horizon. Soaking it all in before time is up.  

August Air

August Air

Oil on Wood

12"X12"

A big breeze blew the sailors on their way this morning. I retrieved the car from the boatyard and went to the postoffice to mail a painting to Ohio. Then the car wouldn't start, so Rosie and I had a nice walk home, arriving just in time to watch the ICs race right off our beach. It is evening now. The house is quiet and sweet solitude fills every room. The wind has died down, leaving August in the air. 

Dry. Crisp. Clean. And full of possibility.

Island Evening

Island Evening

Oil on Wood

12"X12"

Friendship, food, and fine wine happen here. 

Remnants of a North Wind Roughs up the Shore

Remnants of a North Wind Roughs up the Shore

Oil on Wood

12"X24"

SOLD

Drying Out

Drying Out

Oil on Wood

12"X12"

After a lot of rain, out came my neighbor's sheets and one blue dish towel this morning. Blowing in the breeze adding an air of celebration to our shared back yard.

Sea Glass Sunday

Sea Glass Sunday

Oil on Wood

6"X8"
SOLD

A young family came over from the mainland Sunday morning to collect sea glass on our beach.  It turned cold and the fog rolled in, but their sweet enthusiasm was not dampened. They walked away with a bright orange bucket full of treasures as well as a beached lobster buoy that had come ashore. And I was reminded of the good old days when our children were young, and why we are here on an island. Having it all. Away from it all.

Walk on the Wild Side

Walk on the Wild Side

Oil on Wood

12"X12"

Wednesday morning three friends came over to take a walk. We went down the main road and out to the back shore where waves were crashing on shore. Spray and foam boiled up from the sea, and as the surf retreated, a great roar was made by the water rushing back over the rocks. What a show. A whole new world less than two miles from the one outside our door. Who needs to travel half way across the world to see new sights? It's all right here on this tiny island on the coast of Maine.
Here it is with a collection of rocks on my "desk." Art imitates Life imitates Art.