“Big Sur 19”

In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve taken a different direction with my paintings. It is my Big Sur series. And yes, for those who know his work, I am trying to channel the incredible Eyvind Earle. Someone asked me if I had studied with him. No, but I have studied his art.

He lived in Carmel Valley, near my home on the Monterey Peninsula, till his untimely death in 2000. I only wish I had known him. But, no, I wasn’t so lucky to have even met him.

I have studied his work, and been fascinated by it, since I was very young. I watched rapt, as the countryside in the background of Sleeping Beauty unfolded, the lovely inviting town that Lady and the Tramp looked over, and then, the compelling image of the world beyond. I had all the art books on Walt Disney films I could find. I loved the enticing images of somewhere else. I looked at Never-never land and cried because I wanted to live there so badly. I have his gorgeous books, and been lucky enough to purchase several of his serigraphs. They are amazing.

Like many artists I admired, I tired to incorporate elements of their work and style into mine. I’ve actually tried to emulate his work a few times, but gave up discouraged. I walk around my home and admire everything about his art. He was just wonderful!

So, I had another go at them a year or two ago, when I was in need of a bit of inspiration to sit and paint. And, though each one had been a struggle, I am making headway. As always, I learn something new from every painting I do. I’m delighted with the end results so far. I hope you like them too.

As a professional artist, my favorite word is “SOLD”. I love what I do but, it is a business. The point is to sell paintings. I don’t do it as a hobby, or for fun. It is what I do and who I am.

My second favorite word is “commission”. It is when someone sees and painting of mine they like but it’s already sold. So they commission a similar one. I don’t duplicate paintings, and don’t think I could even if I tried. Every painting I do is as individual as the brushstrokes on an otter’s fur. It is impossible for me to do them the same. So I try to get the same feeling in another painting of the size and shape as the one they wanted.

But as they sold, I don’t get to show off a new piece on my Available page, where the new ones land. Of course, putting them on the Otter page is on my list of things to do, but doesn’t usually rise to the top of the list in a timely fashion. In other words, I just thought about it.

So, here is my newest painting, already sold. I may get around to putting it on my Otter page. Until then, enjoy. It’s called, “An Ocean of Otters”, 16×16″ round.

My husband and I have often commented on the fact that we live in Paradise. The Monterey Peninsula is one of the most beautiful places on earth, in my opinion. I grew up an Army brat and so, lived all over the world. But luckily, my father always planned that we would end up back here. I’m glad he followed through on that.

Years ago, my husband and I went on a cruise to the Caribbean. The last stop was a little private island owned by the cruise line. We were sitting on the beach drinking Bahama-rama-mamas, looking out at the water. The couple next to us asked where we were from. We said, the Monterey Peninsula. Startled, they asked us, “What are you doing here?” We looked at each other and answered, “We have no idea.”

We feel lucky and blessed to live here. For me, as an artist, being so close to the artist’s dream location, Carmel-by-the-Sea, it doesn’t get much better. So, in the spirit of living in a place that most folks have to save up for all year, to spend a week in, I created this t-shirt design, to let them know just how much we don’t take it for granted.

If any of you are interested in the t-shirts, you can purchase it from Pixels.

On my previous post, I noted that I was working on a larger painting. I showed a photo with some of the finished bits showing. It is now officially available for sale on my Available For Sale page. But here it is, finished and framed. It is 16″ round, 21″ framed. So, rather than wrack my brains to write something pithy about it, about being an artist in general, here it is, finished.

I usually post images of my new paintings as they come out. I realize it’s been a while. My studio page on Facebook has been scolding me about it incessantly. Oh dear! No views, no new likes, how can I go on. And you know, if you don’t have views and likes these days, you simply do not exist. I figured I’d be content to stay in the background as far at most of it is concerned. I mean, who can compete with a hedgehog? Or a cat with every holiday costume there is? And believe me, I am decades beyond the time I can take off my clothes to get attention on social media! Not that I would have ever…ever!

I turn bright red when I walk into the gallery and meet a client who has just purchased a painting.  I didn’t even realize I tweeted until I saw a plug-in that needed updating. Who knew? Frankly, my favorite social interaction is between me and a canvas, and paints.

But I’ve tackled a new painting. Yes, more sea otters but this time, it’s a rather large one.  It’s 16″ round and it’s going to be another week or two….or so, before an unveiling.

I thought it would be fun to show you a few bits of it along the way. Parts of it are finished so here’s a peek at those bits. But that is all you get to see of it for now. I’ll post it in its entirety when it is done. It will just take a while.