Dusk in Quebec # 12 • 30 x 30

Acrylic on Canvas

My tiny niece, Jessica, tossed rose petals down the aisle on my wedding day. I remember she wore a thin crown of silk flowers and pink ribbons. Today, she attends college in Italy, speaks four languanges, enjoys dancing with her long arms waving in the air and we both think Matt Damon is probably a good kisser.

We spent a week together, families too, in Quebec this summer. As the day cooled, we all tossed on sweaters and decided to go for a walk. She removed the long, thinly woven scarf from around her neck and in a moment, she wove it gracefully around her head and her curls tumbled out over the top, her big hoop earrings shook loose below the wrap as she tucked in the edges. It was a moment movies are made for.

We walked, talked about her new apartment, economics in Dubai and James Blunts’ new album. My, what magical things are happening under that turban. Her sparkling humor comes out like spurts and blossoms. She drinks espresso now and cares about saving old oak trees. Indeed, what a magical time for my once tiny niece with a thin crown of silk flowers - now grown into a turban full of genuine purpose, a kind spirit, carefree giggles and her vivacious colors twisted into a walk at dusk in Quebec.

SOLD Dusk in Quebec # 3 • 24 x 24

• Mixed Media on Canvas to include: Handpainted Silk, Acrylic Paint,

distressed wire, Crescent Board

Dusk in Quebec # 13 • 30 x 30

• Handpainted Silk, Acrylic Paint, on Canvas

Dusk in Quebec # 14 • 24 x 24

Dusk in Quebec # 16 • 30 x 30

SOLD Aqua Eyes • 14 x 22

As an artist, I spend many hours alone. Me, my paintbrushes, some towels and music. And sometimes, I want a challenge. This favorite painting of mine was a personal challenge - it's called a limited palette. I gave myself four colors; white, black, cerulean blue and cadmium red. That's it. And this is how she was born. And she remains, one of my prized.

Lady in Pearls • 8 x 11

The spoltlight is gentle on her face, and despite the pearls, the earrings, her hand gracefully pointing to her chest, nothing, NOTHING compares to the trance-like beauty of an amazing face. Absolutely nothing.

SOLD Klimt-o-maniac • 36 x 48

My art school teacher reviewed my charcoals and said, “Don’t draw; you should paint.” Fearing my rendering skills were weak, she clarified herself, “It means you have too much imagination for a world of black and white.” Yes, there are different sides to every story, symbols we don’t necessarily instantly see, the world isn’t monochromatic. Life is messy.

She taught about Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt, who I grew to admire as artistic risk takers. My husband bought me many books about their art and kidded me that I was a “Klimt-o-Maniac.” (And that was WAY before their art came into vogue - so, forgetaboutit, I’m still cool...)

In a dramatic fur wrap, I painted this Klimt-style portrait. It began as a portrait of a model, but I soon realized it looked more like me than her. But look how protected she (I?) am - what is she (am I) covering up? Why an arm across the heart? Even the body looks disconnected from the head by a fur collar. As provocative as this painting is, it also begs the question, “Why so guarded?” I know - well, now I know. This painting took years to reveal itself to me, hanging in my foyer, looking back at me everyday. What is it saying?

Well, one day, over a cup of hot tea, maybe we can
talk about it.

SOLD Feather Hat • 48 x 30

There's something about a beautiful woman, one eye shielded. Like a wedding veil, sunglasses, a scarf, anything that allows a woman her presence - and hiding - at the same time is nothing short of stunning.

SOLD Arabesque • 12 x 16

SOLD Burst II • 40 x 30

Aghhh! What makes the painting “happen?” Is it careful planning before putting brush to palette? Is it seeing it in your head and then just going for it on canvas? Or do you rely on tried and true rules of composition and see it develop? For me, my best pieces depend on two things; just the right music and comfortable sandals. No kidding. The wrong music clogs up the paint, I swear. And if my feet hurt, the painting really stinks.

The day these pieces came to life must have been a particularly good one - maybe it was just the right lyrical combo of KT Tunstall, Alicia Keyes and something far left of center like Mercury Rev.

These pieces are multi-disciplinary - but all hand-drawn or painted. I might scan some elements into my computer and use Photoshop™ to make the repeat pattern. Then, the canvas and paint come into play; I’ll handpaint silk pieces and use them as echoing accents to the prints.

“Burst,” the series, is an ongoing exploration of sumptuous materials like chiffon, cotton watercolor papers, creamy paints and cashmere. These pieces are meant for nothing more than turning up the music, sipping something good, and slipping off your favorite slippers.

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