NEST I CAGE (Chasing the Dream)

This is my latest painting in the Nest / Cage series title Chasing the Dream.
In this work I am expressing some of what my Dad is going through in his current fight against cancer. His condition and pain medications make it sometimes difficult to distinguish between what is real in the here and now and what is a dream or memory. Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas, 48X60.

REBECCA J. ALEX ENCAUSTIC PAINTING

Look at this beautiful painting I came across while doing some research for the oil and cold wax paintings I am working on. This painting is illuminated from the inside and I think it is really amazing. Who doesn't love a calla lilly? It is wonderful to discover artists for the first time. There are so many wonderfully talented people! Rebecca is a painter and also teacher of art. She works primarily in encaustic, mostly using the oil and cold wax technique. Please visit her website, www.RebeccaJAlex.com to view her encaustics and lovely portraits and figurative paintings.

LAGUNA BEACH ARTWALK

Remember, every 1st Thursday in Laguna Beach is ArtWalk...all of the galleries are open late, 6pm to 9pm (and later!). Come out to Townley Fine Art at 570 S. Coast Hwy. You will find me there every time!

INSPIRED ART CHICAGO!

Seen Unseen is my piece for Inspired Art Chicago 2009. This event is being held through America SCORES Chicago. The Inspired Art Project enlists artists to create and donate original works, inspired by original poetry written by the youth of America SCORES Chicago’s after school program.

MY WINDOW

When I look out the window, raindrops are falling.
Is the sky crying?
Is the thunder talking and cracking on the ground?
Is it going to be the storm of the century?
Or will it be sunlight “ahh”
Shining bright.

Chantrell B. of Johnson School, age 11

GOOD TIMES IN LAGUNA BEACH!

The new Townley Matulich Ball Collection Gallery - let's just say Townley for short was going strong again at this month's Laguna Beach 1st Thursday ArtWalk. With great live music, snacks, wine and all the great art you couldn't ask for a better evening. I am showing 6 pieces including two large coastal inspiredpieces. Thanks to Julie for joining me for mexican food afterwards! Hope to see you there next month.

TOWNLEY COLLECTION IN LAGUNA BEACH

Here I am at the August Grand Opening of the Laguna Beach gallery where I am now represented.
The gallery is Townely Matulich Ball Collection at 570 S. Coast Highway in the heart of Laguna Beach. The gallery features all contemporary work from Southern California artists and I am excited to be a part of it! Stop by any time you are in Laguna, the gallery is open 7 days a week!
Next 1st Thursday is September 3...see you there!

THURSDAYS ON THE COAST IN CARLSBAD!

Come enjoy a great summer evening in Carlsbad this Thursday.
You will find art, music, performances and a great environment !
This event takes place every fourth Thursday in The Village right
on the coast from 5-9pm. I will be at Front Porch Gallery,
2903 Carlsbad Blvd. Maps for the gallery walk will be available..

New York Exhibit

Matthew Rose, Artist/Writer based in Paris has put out an open call to artists to create a piece of work for an unbound book titled, A Book About Death. Each artist then creates 500 postcards and sends to NYC for the exhibition. Visitors to the Emily Harvey Foundation Gallery will be able to view the exhibit of all the artists works and gather the postcards to create their own books. www.abookaboutdeath.blogspot.com

I am honored to participate.

FREEDOM IS NOT NEGOTIABLE

This is my latest painting, an expression of support for the people of Iran who are struggling for their freedom and independence. My belief is that all people crave, deserve and have the right to freedom. The tragedy lies in places where it has to be so hard fought and innocent lives are lost. I trust with time the people of Iran will be free. 48 x 72 on gallery wrapped canvas.

LENA GARDELLI PRIZEWINNER!

Take a look at Lena Gardelli's wonderful large abstract. Lena recently won first place at the San Diego County Fair for the 2009 fair! Lena is a multi-talented artist with many ideas on art, and life! Check her work out if you get a chance at http://www.lenagardelli.com/

MARY BECK AT FRONT PORCH GALLERY

Wow! Take a look at Mary Beck and one of her beautiful paintings currently on exhibit at Front Porch Gallery in Carlsbad, CA where I serve as Assistant Director. Mary has a unique vision when it comes to painting water, she is most interested in capturing the texture and movement in the water. Her work varies from very realistic, some of the pieces are commonly mistaken for photographs to borderline abstract, with most falling closer to a combination between realism with almost a surrealistic quality. Mary is a wonderful artist as well as being a lovely person. If you have a chance her show runs through July 12 at Front Porch Gallery, 2903 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad, CA http://www.frontporchgallery.org/

Recycled Fashion Show!

Take a look at this wonderful dress created by my friend, artist Linda Shaffer. It was recently seen on the runway at the Escondido Center for the Performing Arts as part of Fashion Week. This is one of three pieces in Linda's collection titled "Let's Go Shopping!". The crowd was audible as Linda's first garment, a dress made from recycled Target bags came on to the runway. Her clothes were playful, with imagination and really well executed. Linda was honored by being one of the winners of the evening. Look for a full article about Linda and her work in an upcoming edition of The Reader.

A Room with a View

I love New York City! I love the buildings, all the people, all the action. Mostly, I love the art, all the art - the dance, the museums, the theatre...and the galleries. Everything seem to be about art in NYC. Great food too! I have been fortunate enough to have shown at the Rhonda Schaller Gallery in Chelsea. I look forward to exhibiting there again. I love Broadway, most recently when I was visiting my daughter Alexandra (an NYU student - this is the view from her room!), we saw the recent Tony Award winning play, August:Osage County. It was an amazing, intensely emotional experience with such wonderful writing and acting. We also saw the Tony Award winning musical City Heights which had some really wonderful parts and was really well received by the audience. One night, we had pre-theatre dinner and drinks and one night we had after dinner dessert and drinks.

Visit the Vista Art Foundation's Gallery 204

I am pleased to have been asked to judge the Vista Art Foundation's March members show. There is a lot of interesting art on view, and some wonderful pieces were selected as winners. If you have a chance take a look at their Gallery 204 at 204 Main St., Vista California (North County - San Diego). The Opening/Reception will be Friday March 13 from 5:30 to 8pm. Featured artist for the month is Karen Brake, a wonderful oil painter and art instructor. My painting, City, seen here is on display throughout this month's exhibit.

You can find out more about the Vista Art Foundation on their website, www.VistaArtFoundation.org

Award Winner at the Bonita Museum!

My painting, Traditions has been accepted into the Bonita Museum Juried Fine Art Exhibit Opening March 7 through May 2, 2009 in Bonita, CA.

The juror for the exhibit was John Marciari – Curator, Italian and Spanish Paintings at the San Diego Museum of Art. The painting has been given an award to be announced at the Opening Reception.

This is my second time being included in the venues juried exhibition and I am appreciative of the opportunity!

Nest. This is a new painting which is made up of many, many layers. Worked and reworked it is about a woman's nature to create a nest and to nurture others, her friends and her family.