You are currently browsing the monthly archive for December 2008.
Many artists already use the excellent forum hosted by R&F Paints, but now we have a new blog to look forward to in 2009 as well. Below is a great video they posted recently showing how they make paint and pigment sticks, or visit their new blog.
I meant to share this a while ago but I couldn’t post too early and ruin the surprise, then it got lost in the shuffle of the holidays.
Take a look at what an amazing job Portland, Oregon artist Kellee Beaudry did on the portrait I commissioned of my sister’s sweet little dog, Pikala! I was amazed at how well she captured her expression.
Kellee also has a great video on her web site showing original photos and the paintings she’s made. I hope you’ll check it out and support this talented artist! Thanks Kellee.
I was contacted recently by Robin Urton, an artist in Portland who writes a wonderful blog which she describes as “thoughts on art and creative living — an artist in conversation with herself and the world.”
Robin asked if she could profile my work and I was thrilled to find myself in the company of some very talented botanical artists including Sara Gilbert, Michael Mew and my friend Amy Stoner. I hope you’ll treat yourself to a few minutes exploring her thoughtful posts on artists from all walks of life.
From our snow dogs to you and yours…
Sadie and Jack wish you a Merry Christmas!
Last Christmas we posted video greetings as soon as three snowflakes fell. This year we are totally snowed in with the most snow Portland has seen in 40 years! So far we’ve gotten at least 14 inches of snow over 3 days, with 5 – 8 more expected before Christmas.
Yes, the snow is up to my knees! Doesn't it look like I lost my dog in the snow?
Depending on who you ask, people are referring to this storm as the Snowpocolypse or Stormzilla, but either way it’s a big one. Take a look…
I’m in normally temperate Portland, Oregon where we’ve had snow off and on for about a week. It’s definitely ON now with blowing snow of 5 – 10 inches to the valley floor (unheard of here!)and and ice storm moving in tonight. If you turn on the news it’s clear that lots of folks have it way worse than us, but we’re all still stuck in the house.
Matchbox Ornaments by Bridget Benton
If you’ve looking for something fun to do my friend Bridget Benton of Eyes Aflame has a great project for you. Simple, beautiful matchbox ornaments! Check out her blog of lots of wonderful projects that will keep you busy for days, or take one of her classes when the weather clears up! View the matchbox ornament demo here.
In case you can’t get to Portland to see Andrea Schwartz-Feit’s encaustic show at Butters Gallery (closing Dec. 20), here’s a taste of it through an excellent interview by Eva Lake.
It’s always fascinating to me to hear an artist talk about their work and feel the enthusiasm they have for their subjects, but it’s something I rarely get to experience. Here’s a pretty good substitute!
You can find many more interviews on Eva’s blog or on KBOO radio’s Art Focus program Enjoy!
Join me at 23 Sandy Gallery on February 7, 2009 for Working in Wax. This lecture will be a rich visual introduction to the history, tools and techniques of encaustic painting, along with an overview of contemporary artists working in this ancient medium. I’ll share images of several of my paintings as they were being created, showing some of the steps involved in building up the layers of wax and other media.
There will also be a screening of Sister Bee, a lyrical and beautiful documentary about six women beekeepers who encounter startling beauty and spiritual truth in their work with honeybees (Running time 30 minutes). Tickets are $10 and are available in my studio or by mail. Limited to 25 people.
Bill and Linda at Lanikai Beach in Hawaii, 2008
It’s in the 20’s here in Portland and I’m freezing! My body is seriously resisting winter weather. It’s understandable, because just 10 days ago I was ankle deep in pristine white sand on world famous Lanikai beach in Hawaii.
I can still hear the waves, but the warmth of the sun on my skin has faded quickly. Luckily the sand we inadvertently brought back with us will last for months. My husband Bill and I went to visit my sister for Thanksgiving and take a well deserved (and very rare) vacation in my home town of Kailua on the island of O’ahu. It felt to me like I hadn’t taken a deep breath in a long time and it was long overdue. This is the place to do it.
If you’ve ever wondered what inspires my paintings, view the video below:
Embracing Mixed Media 