Day 1 of Project 100

Day 1 is done! This was a challenge for me - knowing that I had to complete the painting. My nerves were attempting to get the better of me and I prevailed through the fear of not finishing. The constant thoughts of creating 100 paintings in 100 days kept me motivated and excited to finish. I've been told fear and excitement are quite similar energies &mdash I guess it all depends on what I focus on.

Here it is - Painting for Day 1!

Project 100

Welcome to Project 100 — 100 paintings created in 100 days, each available to you for $100! Send in your suggestions. Who knows, you may get that favorite art piece you've always wanted for $100 or better yet &mdash all the pieces are numbered, so reserve your favorite number for an art surprise or buy the painting that will be created on your special day (ie. birthday, anniversary, wedding, cosmic event, first tooth, which ever). This is a fun project. Tune in each evening as I present my daily work of art. See something you like, call or email and it's yours for $100.

Who's On Third?

This past weekend on July 10th to the 12th, I once again participated in McMinnville's "Who's on Third? - Artist Village". This year, the canopies were set up two streets down on Cowls Street. This was a much better spot because we were in the middle of foot traffic as people went from live concert to the next and visiting vendors along the way. The weather was much cooler than last year, as well. No 90+ degree heat to scare art patrons from melting asphalt. Sunrise Rotary, the sponsor for this event, decided to have the public vote on their favorite work of art — The People's Choice Award for First, Second and Third. Over 20 artists participated this year which made it an incredible festival of talent.

It was great to see people coming back from last year and remembering me. More than one occasion I was greeted with "I remember you from last year, I love your art" or "I saw you on tv and I had to see your work". That made this event really special for me. I was thrilled to visit with each of them talk about my paintings. This makes me realize that I am developing a following of admirers and collectors of my art. Thank you to all those that bought art and stopped into my canopy.

Art Walk - Newberg Gallery

This is my third showing at Newberg's First Friday, Art & Wine Walk. For the month of June, I am featured in Sally Dallas' Newberg Gallery. Sally Dallas, master framer & certified picture framer and owner of Newberg Gallery, invited me to showcase my new series of paintings on the I'Ching. For this event, I finished another painting using the I'Ching symbol #7 Shih. Shih consists of two trigrams "earth" and "water", which symbolizes the ground water stored in the earth. I've chosen to depict a mountain reflecting itself onto the water surface surrounded by iris' and the resourceful baby spiders spinning their webs around.

The event was fun and I met lots of great people such as these students from nearby George Fox University. I explained to them about my process of painting and of the I'Ching.

The Art of Dining

Artists create with all forms and various mediums. I particularly am fond of chefs who create magnificent and delectable dishes. Here imagination is paramount, along with fine sensitivity to pairing the many flavors to send your taste buds soaring. The key ingredient to create that superb dish is having the freshest and highest quality foods. North American Import & Export Company has this goal in mind when providing for the premier American restaurant. They have a promo that gives you the opportunity to dine on your favorite dishes on them.

Click Here

Here's a chance to visit your favorite culinary artist and feast on their mastery in the kitchen.

Getting Past the Creative Block

Today, I watched TED talks, featuring Elizabeth Gilbert — author of Eat Pray Love. She had a great take & talk on the creative muse. It made gave me great inspiration to keep creating my art. I've fallen pray to the "creative block" and during those times, I've wondered how to break free. Elizabeth provided an interesting take on where these "divine glimpses" originate and how to create relationship with my muse. Curiously, I have had personal conversations with my muse and yet what she relayed with her talk gave me new insight into working with my muse. I've often heard the messages of creativity urge me to paint, write or draw. Sometimes I listen and sometimes I'm so committed to my creative block that the messages come in as faint whispers walking through a busy work day in downtown San Francisco. I can hardly differentiate the voices coming from every direction and too focused to notice that the faint whisper is a big bus readying itself for a head-on collision with me. Somehow, I manage myself to miss the collision and left with my so called "creative block". These days I keep myself focused on painting and creating — regardless of how I feel. As Elizabeth Gilbert explains, I keep myself occupied with my talent and allow for my muse to flow through in partnership as the painting presents itself. Each time, I am amazed at the finished masterpiece.

Watch the video for yourself and tell me how you interact with your muse?

Nest Art Show Interviews

Here is a video snippet of me from the Nest Show Interviews, aired on McMinnville's local television network - MCM Channel 11. The air times are listed below. Video for The Nest Project was provided by Meadowlake Studios, who create shows throughout the Yamhill Valley exposing the art community to the public.

Cultural Encounter: The Nest Project Part 2
Tuesday, 04-07-2009 8:30 PM
Monday, 04-13-2009 3:00 PM
Thursday, 04-16-2009 11:30 PM

To view the entire 30 minute video (videos loaded into 3 parts), visit here.