Thoughts to share, ideas to ponder

Sterling Beauty

Polonaise

All of my still lifes make me think of music...the composition of a still life is akin to composing music. The painting of a still life is akin to playing the music. And looking at the still life, I hope you hear the music. This composition made me think of peaceful but powerful joy. The latest Chopin piece that lifts me off my feet is Polonaise No. 3 in A, Opus 40, No.1 "Military". Perhaps it was intended as "military". I hear it as unadulterated joy. I invite you to hear your own song.

Festival of Arts Preview 2009

I must confess to feeling tearful as I walked down the beautiful back path toward the Festival of Arts grounds to prepare for the Preview Party. I was thinking of the several times, years ago, when I put down my paintbrush or pastel, got down on my knees in my studio, to ask God "Where is this all going?" I couldn't see at the time what was in store. To be accepted as an exhibiting artist at the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach is a high honor and my cup runneth over with joy and gratitude. Those who have been exhibiting for years are not complacent....they too, continue to be joyous with the privilege.

The Festival of Arts is also extremely competitive....each summer, approximately 26 artists are juried out. They are given the chance to rejury but there are no guarantees. It keeps the show fresh, interesting and dynamic. It keeps the artist on his or her toes to always keep their very best work--and only their best--in the public eye.

I will continue to do my best painting and let the outcome be what it is. In the meantime, I am thrilled with this opportunity and cognizant of all who have made it possible: Namely, my dear husband, children, parents, friends, and the community of volunteers. I wouldn't be here without you!!

Sawdust Festival Preview Party

A fabulous time was had by all at the Preview Party on June 23! It is so much fun to be part of this venue which has roots stretching back 40 years, when a group of artists, rejected from the Festival of Arts, decided to form their own art festival. The only criteria for participating is that the exhibiting artist must be a Laguna Beach resident and slots are allocated by a lottery system. The Sawdust is funky, wacky, serious (most artists who participate absolutely rely on the Sawdust for earning a sizable portion of their income), fun, and interesting. A toe ring and a $30,000 original painting are a few of the choices for the discerning art buyer. Music of all kinds, along with a glass of nice wine and a box of popcorn, round out some of the auditory and gustatory delights. Please come by if you're in town and stop by Booth 230!