Ophelias Flowers, art by Tj

Happy Heart!

2012-01-26T16:17:00.000-08:00

Acrylic on 12x12 canvas

Our Lady of Guadalupe

2012-01-04T23:38:00.000-08:00

Acrylic on 18x20 gallery wrap canvas, sides painted black, glossy varnish. Being shown January 2012 Second Saturday show at VOX Sacramento.

January Second Saturday Art show!

2011-12-28T22:35:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T17:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Hannukah!!

2011-12-22T20:04:00.001-08:00

New art pieces...

2011-12-20T11:12:00.000-08:00

New art from over the summer.

Vineyard Sunset, Wine Fairy Picker, and Wine Fairy.

Jenner view

2011-12-17T00:54:00.001-08:00

Painted on my wonderful vacation in Jenner CA. Acrylic on 18x24 gallery wrap canvas. Just love that view!!!

I'm back!

2011-12-14T13:24:00.000-08:00

Where have I been? Not blogging for sure. This last summer I spend working in my "job" at CalPERS. We had a new system going in and I was doing my best to try and help make that transition as smooth as possible. This project has been in the making for the last 6 or 7 years, I was brought on in June 2010. It was a huge project, one web based system to replace 47 legacy systems. Although it had known issues going live, we went forward! Go live was September 19th. Whew... I worked a lot of overtime over the summer leaving little to no time for artistic endevors.

The good news is I am retiring!! My official retirement date is December 31st but, I had some vacation collected so my last day working was the Friday before Thanksgiving!! I am returning to my job part time after the new year, we'll see how long that lasts! For now I am enjoying the retired life. I did actually leave town for 10 days, rented a wonderful little house in Jenner CA. I did a lot of much needed resting, enjoying family, playing some music, sitting in the glorious sun AND did get some painting in! Here are just a couple of photos from that trip.

I plan to update my blog more often, so check back!!

Bridal shower gift

2011-07-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

My friend Carolee's daughter is getting married in October. Carolee and I have been friends since we were 12... I won't say how long that is but, it's been a long time! Her daughter Macie met her fiance Eric in college. They now live in SF and have a cute Beagle named Bandit. So, for her bridal shower I went with something a little different, well different for a bridal shower gift. Probably not so different coming from me! So, here is Bandit! Until next time... Tj.

2011-07-06T20:05:00.000-07:00

A couple of new pieces. Below is Pink Owl. A commission piece for the daughter of a friend. Pink Owl is acrylic on 8x8 gallery wrap canvas, sides painted with little pink hearts! The other new piece I did for my little brother for his 50th birthday. He told me he most wanted to go somewhere tropical for his birthday, although I would love to be able to send him somewhere tropical, not in the budget. So, I painted him his own tropical sunset! That is supposed to be him in the hammock watching the sun go down and the hula dancers celebrating the day! Happy Birthday Tim!!! Tim's Tropical Sunset is acrylic on 11x14 canvas. Be well! Tj.

And a graduation gift for my niece Heather!

2011-06-30T21:59:00.000-07:00

She is jumping for joy!

Some new art

2011-06-17T22:46:00.000-07:00

I completed a couple of presents of recent. One a graduation present for my baby, my daughter Lindsey. Yes you are still my baby! But now a college graduate!!! Congrats honey I love you!! This painting I did for her, cause she's dancin' on top of the world! It is acrylic on canvas, glossy varnished. There is a little glare on the top of the photo. She was one happy girl!

Next a painting for our friend Kathleen, who is not only a good friend but a fabulous and tenacious real estate agent! This is a gift to thank her for helping my son Nick purchase his first house, just in time for fathers day. Kathleen's papa playing the fiddle! Thank you so much Kathleen!!!

Wingnut Adams CD's!

2011-06-10T23:57:00.000-07:00

Get your Wingnut Adams CD now! "Will Work For Groove" Dedicated to the pursuit of the Groove. Funky Monkey Productions. Cover art by me! For more info contact Wingnut through his website WingnutAdams.com

Favorite Color

2011-06-07T12:29:00.001-07:00

I think I have a new favorite color. Raspberry. I guess it isn't new, I've always LOVED dark rich red and also pink, raspberry is kind of a mix of that. So raspberry... oh raspberry I do love you so! Last night I was watching HGTV, a new series called HGTV'd and David Bromstead was the featured designer. I love him. His designs are wonderful and he is an amazing artist! He always creates one piece of art for the people he is designing for and yesterday was a large pansy flower with... yep you guessed raspberry color! Oh and yellow too. The contrast of raspberry and rich yellow was wonderful, I am going to have to try that! But until then, here is my Pink Gerbera Daisy. Be well! Tj.

20/20 Final Friday closing party!

2011-06-02T12:58:00.000-07:00

You are invited to join us for a farewell exhibit party with food, wine tasting and live entertainment. Friday June 3rd from 4 to 7 pm. Kennedy Gallery 1114 20th street Sacramento. Last chance to see this fantastic show! Lots of really wonderful art in a variety of mediums. Beautiful friendly gallery. Come by and say HELLO! Be well... Tj.

Official 20 20 Art Show postcard!

2011-05-07T14:16:00.000-07:00

I am really quite humbled to be part of this exciting show. So many really wonderful artists. This show is not to be missed!

And the final piece for the 20/20 show!

2011-05-04T00:01:00.001-07:00

And to end this series, of course... The Fat Lady Sings!!! Be well... Tj.

Three more... only 1 to go!!

2011-05-02T23:04:00.001-07:00

20/20 show info!

2011-04-29T20:15:00.001-07:00

The 20/20 show!

2011-04-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

It is rapidly approaching!! I have 4 more pieces to finish, will be done this week. Here are 6 that I finished last week and never got posted. Be well... Tj.

A couple of more pieces for the 20 20 show

2011-04-04T22:09:00.000-07:00

With these 2 I have completed 15 of the 25 needed pieces for the 20/20 show at the Kennedy Gallery in May. I am really having fun with these, and I have the next 10 already planned. So here are The Snake Charmer and Petals. Be well... Tj.

One more fat lady and a couple of other folk!

2011-04-01T23:37:00.001-07:00

Here is Clown Flirt, Fat Lady with Blue Balloon, and Clown Busted on Break! All the pieces for the 20 20 show are acrylic on 8x8 wooden panel. More about the 20 20 show to come! Be well...

3 more Fat Ladies!

2011-03-27T22:29:00.000-07:00

A few more Fat Ladies and Other Folk!

2011-03-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

I finished a few more Fat Ladies, and a couple of Other Folk too! I also started another 4. Well on my way to finishing the 25 needed for the show in May. Just keep painting... be well. Tj.

The first 3 "Fat Ladies"

2011-03-17T22:57:00.000-07:00

Here are the first 3 for the 20 20 show in May. My theme is Fat Ladies and Other Folk. Here are the first of them! I have 5 others that I've started... they are fun to do! All will be 8x8 inches, acrylic on wood panel. I am happy with the progress... must keep painting!! Be well... Tj.

I got in!!

2011-02-27T10:17:00.000-08:00

Yay! I was selected to participate in the 20 20 show!! Picked up my 8x8 panels... must get to painting! More to come.... I am so excited and honored!!!!

Anticipation

2011-02-18T18:39:00.000-08:00

I submitted for an art show in May, at the Kennedy Gallery here in Sacramento. The 20\20 show! Each artist is to show 20 small works, 8x8 inches. The gallery is on 20th street... hence 20\20! To apply you had to submit one sample of your proposed theme. I submitted the below piece, and my theme is "Side Show Fat Ladies and Other Folk". I have been intrigued for a while the human interest in side show freaks of the early 20th century. Most of them were birth defects, but the fat ladies not. And they were promoted as beauties. Big Beautiful Betty... or Beautiful Baby Ruth. Whole shows built around them. I hope I get accepted, I'd love the opportunity (reason) to explore this subject further! Well, supposed to find out on Monday, keeping my fingers crossed! Here I give you "I'm Pretty" acrylic on 8x8 flat panel. Be well... Tj.

My piece for the To Write Love show

2011-02-06T12:58:00.000-08:00

I have always loved Michaelangelo's The Creation of Adam and wanted a reason to duplicate the hands. This show seemed just the thing. To Write Love, a show to benefit To Write Love on her Arms. Well, I did just that. Here is my nod to the master with my "Eve". It is large, with the frame, it's about 44X30. Acrylic on canvas and board. The frame was a second hand store find that I painted gold. I give you... Eve. Be well! Tj.

February Second Saturday art and poetry

2011-01-21T23:00:00.001-08:00

I am really happy to participate in VOX Sacramento's February Art Exhibit and Second Saturday event. "To Write Love" a Second Saturday Art and Poetry event benefiting "To Write Love on her arms"; a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, and inspire. February 12th 5-9pm art event and poetry. See flyer for more info! Be well... Tj.

2011 here I come!

2011-01-08T22:05:00.000-08:00

This is going to be a BIG year! My daughter is going to graduate college in June (I am so proud of you Linz!) and I am going to retire... toward the end of the year. My retirement date has been planned for September 14 in 2011 for years... but, I am on this project at work, a big project and it's important. The planned implementation date is of course... September 19, 2011. I feel like I need to stick around, and more, I feel like I don't want to submit my retirement application around then. The project I am on is for the new system that will calculate and pay my retirement. Pretty important! This system is replacing several legacy systems that we use today. Anyway, my retirement may be postponed, slightly.

I have some artistic goals set for the next few months. I have been working on a very large painting for a very good friend, I hope to complete that soon... I hope! I also have a smaller commission to work on and I am doing one piece for a February show. "To Write Love" is the theme. Show at Vox Sacramento. The show opens February 12th. More to follow! I also excited about a childrens picture book I'm working on, I called it Gertrude's Giant Hat!

I came across this painting I did a couple of years ago and wanted to share. Painted while on vacation in La Selva Beach! My "Beach Fairy" is 8x8, on canvas board, has actual shells for her wings and yes, she is floating above real sand...

I am so looking forward to 2011, and hope everyone is well... Tj.

Happy New Year!!!

2010-12-31T22:29:00.000-08:00

2010-12-23T12:31:00.000-08:00

True life story number 1,589

2010-12-20T12:07:00.001-08:00

This all started from a "joke" email I received in which had images from "our youth". One of the images was of Santa in a cigarette ad. So I thought, I wonder how many ads selling cigarettes for Christmas there were... I decided to do a Google search. I mean really, no wonder my parents generation were all smokers... and why so many of my generation got hooked too! Mom's and babies... TV stars... The Flintstones... Santa... and Doctors!! Geeze!!!! They make it look so fun and fabulous don't they? Be well... DON'T SMOKE! Tj.

Second Saturday!!!

2010-12-10T16:33:00.000-08:00

Moonlight Retreat

2010-12-09T17:49:00.001-08:00

What the heck is he running from? I am not sure really... what do you think? What ever it is, he is included in the show this month at VOX! Come out Second Saturday... I'll be offering Moonlight Retreat, acrylic on 12x24 gallery wrap canvas, some of my Pierced Girls, Cottages, and Flowers all starting at $20. All art offered by VOX artist members are under $100. VOX Sacramento is in a new location, in the ThinkHouse Collective at 1726 11th Street, Sacramento CA between R and S. Opening Reception on Second Saturday December 11th from 6 to 9pm, exhibit runs through December 31st!

New Pierced Girls!

2010-12-05T21:18:00.001-08:00

I am doing a show this month with VOX Sacramento and decided I would show my Pierced Girls Series. With that in mind, I wanted to add a few to the mix, so here are Holly, Harriet and Mourine! More on the show to come... be well. Tj.

Trying something different!

2010-11-06T19:26:00.000-07:00

My daughter and I were going to attend a stage version of the Rocky Horror Picture Show on Halloween. And we thought, ok... it's Halloween and it is Rocky Horror, so we wanted to crazy it up! What are the wildest clothes we own? And what else do we need? Well Lindsey said, one of her favorite characters wears a top hat. And we saw these cute small witch hats, on a head band and it gave me an idea! Small top hats on headbands. I did some research, found some different ideas and off I ran! So here they are, made of recycled cereal boxes cut into shapes, covered in felt, a little glue, ribbon, tule, flowers, and glitz! They came out pretty cute and we had a blast wearing them! Oh and Rocky Horror live... was crrraaazzzyyy!!! Until next time... Tj.

Front, back and close up of Lindsey's red top hat and my black top hat:

Giants take it all!

2010-11-01T19:59:00.000-07:00

World Series Champions!!!!! Congratulations!!!

Ok now that the series is over maybe I can get back to some art! Whew... that was fun!

Be well... Tj.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-29T11:10:00.001-07:00

My office is having a pumpkin carving contest today, my unit decided to do a SF Giants theme! I carved this pumpkin for us, I think it came out pretty good!!! I am going to celebrate Halloween by going to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show live at a local theater with my daughter. I've never seen it live before, should be a hoot!!! Happy Haunting! Tj.

Giants Win!!!!!

2010-10-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

On to the World Series Baby!!!!

Just a few pics...

2010-10-15T23:42:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks have flown by... I have been busy at my office, my "real" job, busy making day of the dead pins and art for the Altares Del Mundo show. My hubby and I took a week vacation and drove up to Seaside Oregon. Gosh I sure do love it up there! We had a great time, relaxed, walked, talked, looked at houses, walked, ate, soaked up some wonderful sun shine! And what blue sky they have up there! Not like here in Sac. Our sky is hum... kind of gray most of the time. Bla. I'll post some pics from vacation soon, but here are some pictures of my Altar for the Altares del mundo show! Be well... Tj.

Altares Del Mundo!!

2010-10-07T13:00:00.000-07:00

Exciting art event! I am very happy to be part of this years show. I hope some of you can make it!! Be well... Tj.

Altares Del Mundo sneak peek...

2010-09-27T20:29:00.001-07:00

Just posting a few pics of some of the things I will be offering for sale at the Altares Del Mundo show that opens on October 9th 2010!

Several small altars:

Assorted Sugar Skull pins!

I've been so busy!

2010-09-23T13:40:00.000-07:00

I have been busily working on the October show I'm participatin in, Altares De Mundo. It is going to be a really great show, some day of the dead altars and other altars of the world. I am looking forward to it! We lost our wonderful dog Chester this past spring so my altar is going to feature him. I tried something new! I created a sculpture from wire, newspaper and masking tape. I'll have to share it when I take a photo!

Anyway, this weekend is the KVIE Art Auction! KVIE is Sacramento's local Public Broadcasting station. I have one piece in the auction this year. The auction begins tomorrow night and runs all weekend! There is some amazing art being auctioned. My piece is number 5A and will be on the air between 10 and 10:30 pm tomorrow night!!! Not to be missed! Here is a link:

KVIE Art Auction 2010

Be well... Tj.

Today...

2010-09-14T21:57:00.000-07:00

I celebrated the 25th anniversary of my 29th birthday. (ok you do the math!) Even though I had to work, it was a really wonderful day because of my family and friends! I have been showered with love... So nice! I love you all and am blessed to have you all in my life! I'd like to share a cup of coffee with you all... here you go a cup of love! Yum! Be well... Tj.

True life story #691

2010-09-06T19:05:00.000-07:00

Timing is everything!

My hubby and I drove down to a really awesome cactus nursery today, it was amazing but that isn't the story. The drive takes us down hwy 99 and right by a local sky dive school. Just as we were getting close I spied a couple of divers coming in for a landing then a couple more and then... the sky was full of parachutes making a landing! It was amazing timing, zooming along the freeway, and be right there at that exact time! Yes! This is the kind of parachute... be well. Tj.

Art Bra Show!

2010-08-30T21:49:00.000-07:00

I am very happy to say I finished my art bra!!! I found out about the show just last week, the deadline to turn in my piece is September first! I really wanted to participate so I came up with an idea and ran with it! My sunflowers are created around the cups of a bra. Petals, leaves and stems are a polyester fabric, stiffened by this product I used for the first time call Stiffy! I cut out the petals and flowers, soaked them in Stiffy and let them dry. A little paint on the bra to create the center of the flower, a little hot glue to attach the petals, stems and leaves and voila! The Art Bra 3 show benefits the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services and the Albie Aware Breast Cancer Foundation. A very worthy cause. Here is the poster for the show and my Sunflower Bra! He he he...

For more information go to the Art Bra Blog!

I'm also in 2 other benefit shows for September. Want to know more? Get it on my website ophelias-flowers.com

Photoshop fun!

2010-08-24T22:10:00.001-07:00

October Art Event and Day of the Dead Art!

2010-08-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

I am going to be participating in Altares Del Mundo art exhibition which is loosely based on the "Day of the Dead" celebration. Artists come together to create art installations reflecting traditional and non-traditional interpretations of this celebration of remembrance. Altars reflect a variety of artistic and personal expression and in the past have included such subjects as family, friends, celebrities, social trends, environmental issues, political statements, tragedy, misfortune and war. It was a great show last year and I am glad to be a part of it this year! For more information visit the Altares Del Mundo website.

On the subject, I have completed 3 of the small altars/niches for the Day of the Dead. I am pleased with how these are coming out! I will be posting to my Etsy shop but will also probably offer them for sale at the Altares Del Mundo show, if they don't all sell! Here is a photo of the first 3. The larger 2, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and the Sugar Skull are 4 inches by 3 inches. The smaller Lilly is approximately 1 inch by 2 inches. Wooden boxes, polymer clay flowers and figures, rhinestones, and acrylic paint!

On a more personal note, I had a nice weekend with my daughter Lindsey! We went to see the new Jennifer Aniston movie The Switch. Very cute, absolutely a chick flick! And yesterday we went to a Wizard of Oz sing along! What a hoot that was! The Wizard of Oz is my favorite movie from my childhood and to see it on a big screen in a room full of people singing along? Well… we had a great time!! That's it for today, be well. Tj.

2 new small paintings for this months show

2010-08-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

I did 2 new 8x8 paintings. I had some leftover paint on my pallet and 2 canvas' speaking to me. I have 3 other small 8x8 flower paintings I'm showing so I thought I'd add a couple of others. Here is Yellow Daffodils and Blue Liverwort! Be well... Tj.

New Postcards arriving soon!

2010-08-11T22:23:00.000-07:00

August 2010 Art Exhibit

2010-08-06T12:47:00.000-07:00

I am participating in the August Art exhibit called "Eclectic Art" at the Marco Fuoco Gallery. The show opens with a Second Saturday reception, if you are out come on by! Should be a great show with some wonderful artists participating such as: Chad Lenzi, Jeremy Rathbone, Terrie Rockwell, Bobbi Mercouri, Rachel Radical and others! I will be showing some of my 'flowers' and also a couple of other surprises! Come on by, say hello, support the arts! Mostly, be well... Tj.

Etsy Shop is open!

2010-08-03T07:55:00.000-07:00

Announcing the opening of my Etsy Shop! I will be offering small works of art on Etsy and have opened with a few small paintings. I have more to post and will be adding more all the time so check back often! Here is a link but I've placed it on the right nav also! Thanks for stopping by.

Be well... be creative! Tj.

For inquiring minds! (Sherry)

2010-07-30T12:45:00.001-07:00

Our all too short vacation was nice, it was cold there but we had fun! I don't think it got to 60 degrees the whole weekend! Burrr... but we are having an unusually cool summer here, even in Sacramento we are much cooler than expected for July. The spot in Dillon Beach was beautiful, we could see right down to the beach and watch all the crazy people playing in the surf. The little house was cute, and very user friendly. I'll post some vacation pics soon, they are still on my camera!

I got quite a bit of art done over the weekend, which was my plan. I actually finished (or almost) 3 little altars and started another 10 or so, I'll be putting all on Etsy once I get my shop up and running. It is a lot of work! Who knew. I've created a starting inventory of small paintings. Took pictures of them, got the banner created for my store. What's left is to write up shop description, shop policies, item descriptions... write write write. Anyway it's taking me longer than I anticipated. Hopefully soon! Once I have it set up and opened I'll post it here for the world to see! Here is a sneak peek... I did a couple of different little, miniture painting series. Cottages series, and a series I'm calling the Golden Ring series, kind of tribal art. So here is the Daisey cottage, and the Green Power Woman. Both will be up for sale on Etsy... once I get it open!!! Be well... Tj

True life story number 1543

2010-07-29T17:23:00.000-07:00

My hairdryer broke the other morning. It made a big spark where the electrical cord meets the hairdryer. I panicked slightly and quickly unplugged it. Scared me, and luckily I did not have my hand over that area! But I truly got my monies worth. I purchased it at a thrift store about 12 years ago for $1! It was an old 90210 issue, looked much like this but with a pink 90210 logo on the side. I wish I would have taken a pic of it, for historical records but it went to the trash before I thought of it! Oh well. RIP good old hair dryer!

Almost vacation!

2010-07-20T11:47:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a little weekend vacation with my daughter. I am so happy! We are going to Dillon Beach CA, on the coast so it will be nice and cool and the little house I rented overlooks the beach! Here is a photo from the website... Nice!

I can't wait to sit and watch the waves, ahhh.... LOVE Dillon Beach! This rental company has lots of houses in various sizes if anyone is interested... Dillon Beach Rentals. But we have big plans for the weekend too! We are going to be crafting and making art all weekend. Lindsey has some hair clips and earrings she wants to create out of buttons. She has picked out some vintage buttons from my mom's collection that we are going to make molds from out of with polymer clay. Then we are going to create new buttons from the molds and she is going to use to create! I am also goinng to be making some little roses, hearts, sugar skulls, and other things out of clay. I purchased a dozen small unfinished wooden boxes and I am going to create some day of the dead altar/niche's that I plan to put up for sale. We'll see how it goes, they look beautiful in my mind! I really enjoyed doing my altar last year, so I thought I'd give this a try, this weekend seemed like the perfect opportunity for testing my theories. I'll post some pics next week.

We are taking our 2 little dogs with us, so we'll probably also be going for some walks on the beach and of course doing some relaxing! We also invited my brother Tim and nephew Thaddeus along. We have been taking family vacations for years together. Tim and his kids and our family, but the kids are all growing up and timing was off this year for taking a whole week vacation together. Tim and Thaddeus are really busy with scouts. But, after Lindsey and I booked this house, Tims said maybe they could do a weekend somewhere... well I said, as it happens Lindsey and I are going to Dillon Beach, and you are welcome to come too! The house has a whole downstairs with room to sleep 4 or 5 and we aren't going to use it. So, they are going to join us. We explained we are going to be doing art all weekend, but they are welcome to come and hang out, and they were free this weekend! I'm glad. No family vacation would just be wrong. Even thought it won't be all of us (usually 7), and it won't be a whole week, it will just have to do! Thaddeus is very creative, I'm sure he'll join in the fun.

If you have never been to Dillon Beach, and get the opportunity, GO! It is a beautiful, quiet little beach town, about an hour north of SF. The village has lots of cute little beach houses, the beach is wonderful and you can walk for miles. Just through the town and down near the bay there is a huge campground, Lawsons Landing, and you can go digging for giant clams. See a bubble in the sand... dig dig dig dig dig... grab it by the neck and pull! Ok, I've never actually done it but I've witnessed it a couple of times. Dirty messy work! Well, until next time... be well and be creative! Tj.

I am very happy!

2010-07-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

I received a voice message that my Venice Laundry piece was accepted for the KVIE Art Auction! KVIE is Sacramento's local PBS station. The auction is a very prestigious event, 3 days/ 24 hours/ all art! My piece is tentatively scheduled to be auctioned on Friday, September 24th between 10 and 10:30. Now you might ask, morning or evening? I know right that would be good to know. I'm not sure! But I'll be getting more information as it gets closer. Here is a photo of the painting... I fixed a couple of things before I submitted it, the right wall seemed all wonky to me, and it was... so I straightened it out. I am much happier with this piece now! That's all for today, be well... Tj.

Where have I been??

2010-07-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

Whew... I have been busy! So much to tell you about I don't know where to start... Well at work I was reassigned to a project, it's a huge project and very important. I am on the Business Services team, and we were just last week all moved to the 5th floor of our building. I have a window seat for the first time in years... natural light what a concept! This project is fairly high stress... lots of meetings and discussions of how the new system should function. Lots of documents to review. We are creating one new web based system, and converting data from 48 legacy systems. Quite an undertaking!! Conversion alone has been a challenge. I am so tired by the time I get off work I rarely feel like blogging!

It's festival season! Fun times... Even though it's really hot here in the summer, we always get to do some really fun events! My hubby has been playing a lot and I've attended several Friday night concerts. The first was on June 11th, with the Wingnut Adams band at the first Amador County Arts Council Friday night concert series. It was a magical evening, under the majestic oaks, great music.

Then on June 18th he played the second ACAC Friday night concert with the Bayou Boys Band.

The next Friday was in Placerville for the Placerville Brewfest, again with the Bayou Boys. This time Ron Bombardier's grandson came out and played his accordion! He is so darn cute and so serious about playing!!! Quite the 3 year old!

And on Friday July 3rd he played in Auburn with the great Frankie Lee! Another great outdoor concert, Frankie sure can sing!

I'm still painting, in fact I'm working on one large commission piece. It is coming along, but I get tired or at least my arm does. So I have to work on it a little at a time. In between I've been working on small pieces, I'm going to open an etsy shop soon so I'm creating some inventory! I also did a painting for a girl at work, Karli, that was working as a business architect on the project with me but she is moving back home to Phoenix so we are losing her. :( I did a painting of her dog Ari, when he was a puppy. She loved it! I am really happy she did. She is a very smart, beautiful girl. It was a pleasure to get to know her. I'm happy I could give her something to remember me. I'll miss your bright smile Karli!

Well that is it for now. I promise not to let so much time fly by before blogging again!
Be well... Tj.

Please share if you want!

2010-06-17T18:35:00.000-07:00

Flowers!

2010-06-12T18:38:00.000-07:00

Sweet Peas, Violas, and a Pincushion with a Bee! Just some of my flower photos. be well... Tj.

June Second Saturday

2010-06-09T21:17:00.001-07:00

Well, the best laid plans... I wasn't going to participate for Second Saturday this month, I planned to take the month off and concentrate on the large commission piece I'm working on. But... I had something that would fit with the show they are doing at the Marco Fuoco Gallery. With the big oil spill in the gulf they wanted to do a show to reflect the terrible effects of environment, or more specifically environmental disasters on all living creatures. They asked me if I would participate so I asked if this would fit, and they said yes! Please bring it in! So I am. This is called "Crow Blues". I did it for a show last year for National Bird Day, the focus of that show was the problems with caged birds. I think not quite what they were looking for, but I guess it's ok! So here is Crow Blues and the card for the show. And yes that is my piece on the postcard! Be well... be creative! Tj.

Painting challenge

2010-05-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

This months Virtual Paintout Challenge is in the Czech Republic. The challenge, walk around virtually on google maps and pick a scene to paint. I always enjoy walking around the cities that are picked, places I may never visit. Oh the wonders of the internet! So strolling around the Czech republic I found this woman, with a bucket, in her blue bathing suit and I wondered what the heck she was doing? Any guesses? One of the things that crack me up about this challenge is the people who get caught by the Google maps camera never suspect they are now a painting hanging in someones home! Ha! So, here is the photo from google maps and my interpretation of it! To go to Google maps here and see her zoomed in!

Enjoy... be well... Tj.

More new art!

2010-05-23T22:26:00.000-07:00

I had a nice day with my daughter today, we went out to brunch and then to a matinée to see the musical Cinderella. It was so good! The cast was wonderful, the costumes were magical and shiny, and well just a great production. Lots of kicks and giggles. Great music too! It was good to spend time with my daughter... Love you Linz!

One of my friends at work has been asking about a few paintings I have photos of at my desk. She refers to one of them as the moon painting. It is really a kind of self portrait I did when I first started painting and not a moon but I can see why she would think it was from the small photo I have. So, I decided to copy my self portrait but do a moon! The other 2 paintings she has been asking about were paintings that I have up on my walls at home, but my house is filling up so I am going to take all 3 of them in to show her. She asked about prints, but I failed and have never looked into doing prints. So I'll take the originals!

The first one is the self portrait, next is the moon, sun tattoo and power woman.

Well tomorrow is Monday... insert big sigh here. Until next time... Tj.

I need your help!

2010-05-21T10:52:00.000-07:00

Hello all!! Our local PBS station, KVIE, has an annual art auction and I'm thinking of submitting a piece this year. But which one??? I would want it to be one that appeals to a wide audience, hopefully a bidding war would happen so to raise a lot of money! It is a juried show, has region wide exposure, very established event, who knows if I'd even get in but it's worth a shot! There are awards, $500 best of show, $150 first in each category, and juror's award two in each category. It would be an honor just to be part of it! The art auction is a weekend event selling art 24/7 they will need a lot of art right?

So the help I need is which one?? I'm taking a poll. I was thinking one of these three, what do you think? 1. Red Poppy 20x20, 2. Sunflower Bliss 24x24, 3. Venice Laundry 24x24, below. Or ??

Please leave me a comment here, or message me on face book and let me know... what do you think?? 1, 2, or 3? I so need help with this decision. Thanks!! Tj.

Commissioned piece

2010-05-16T21:19:00.000-07:00

The guy who runs the little sundry shop in my office, John, got me a commission. My "Johns boat" painting was for him, posted below on April 18. He has it hanging in the sundry shop and talks to people about it all the time. He is a really friendly and funny guy, he knows everyone who comes in the store. I guess a woman he talked to about his painting gave him a photo of her very cute little dog, I am not sure who she is, I didn't recognize her name. The very cute little dog is named Dallas. John said she wanted me to paint Dallas. So I did! John is becoming my art broker!! I painted him this weekend. I hope she likes it, and I hope she likes the color green! So here is the photo of Dallas and my little painting of him. It is 8x8. He is a cute little guy!

Well tomorrow is Monday, bla... back to the grind. Just keep swimming... just keep swimming! :)

Be well... Tj.

Checking in!

2010-05-14T11:21:00.000-07:00

I have been reassigned at work to a special project that has been ongoing for the last 3 or so years. It is a huge project, attempting to create one web based system from about 40 legacy systems. It is now on a really aggressive time line. Was originally supposed to implement now, or actually I think it was April, but they didn't meet that date. Implementation is now schedule for September 19, 2011 which is still very quick for what needs to be done. Surprising, I have not been involved with this project. Surprising because I am a business analyst and work with IT, and have been involved with most of the IT projects that have happened for the last 10 years in our division. I some how escaped... until now. I am playing catch up. The amount of documentation is astronomical. And some of the design makes me scrunch up my face and scratch my head. What? How does that support business needs? So now, what we are looking at is making design changes that we can get in, there are 50,000 hours allocated for this, and make our process work with what we have. Ug. Designing the system to support business needs from the beginning would have made more sense don't you think? Anyway, what I'm getting at is... work is exhausting these days!!!

Last Friday night I attended an art show at my nephew Thaddeus school. He attends a junior high and high school combo. It is a new school and is just beautiful! I was blown away by the talent there. Beautiful wonderful art! I thought I'd share a few photos... the first 2 are Thaddeus with his piece that was in the show, and a close up of his art. There are self portraits and flowers and mandalas, sculptures and pottery. And clay rainsticks of many types. What a lucky kid to be able to attend such a creative school! I'm proud of you Thaddeus!!! Be well everyone! Tj.

Honey Bee Art show and benefit tomorrow!!

2010-05-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

Bee art show is tomorrow! I am so excited! There are 60 artists participating in this show, wow! That is quite a response! There is going to be music, food, representatives from the Sacramento bee keepers association, UC Davis Dept of Entomology will have a bee observation hive and will be there to answer questions. There are going to be other educational exhibits and free honey samples. Should be fun!! To read more this is the article from the UC Davis news here!

Here are the little miniature paintings I did for the show. 3x3 miniature canvas with a little easel. Also, I'll be showing my larger paintings, Sunflower Bliss and Beehive Hairdo in earlier posts below! I am very happy to be participation in this show, I hope I sell some paintings so I can help save the bees!!!! That's all for now... Bee well! Tj.

True life story #732

2010-05-01T15:08:00.000-07:00

Driving down 16th street today this guy whizzes by me, black leather vest full of patches, little black half moon helmet, some big biker dude in a big fat hurry. Of course at the next light I come crusin' up next to him. I was looking at his patches on his vest, notice there is a flock of bats painted on the front of his... what... wait a minute... that is a Vespa! Ha ha ha ha, I thought he was on a Harley but it was a scooter! Now that was funny.... note to self, don't judge a book by it's cover! Be well... Tj.

My hubby's blog

2010-04-30T12:08:00.000-07:00

My husband Joe started a new blog called More than a Touch of Gray adventures of a reborn hippie! A Touch of Gray of course is a reference to the so named Grateful Dead song. More than a Touch of Gray, well... I think this photo of him playing makes it pretty self explanatory! :) Anyway, I just thought I'd share.

I love you honey! Happy Friday everyone! Tj.

Pay it forward day!!!

2010-04-28T15:43:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow, Thursday April 29th is the 4th annual Pay It Forward Day. The idea is to do one to three good deeds for others without asking for anything in return. What a better place the world would be if we all practiced this daily. They have free downloadable pay it forward cards that explain the pay it forward concept, and to give out when you do pay it forward! So come on... lets change the world one random kind act at a time!!! For more information go to their website http://www.payitforwardday.com/

More San Francisco

2010-04-27T22:39:00.001-07:00

Just a few more photos from our trip, funny it feels like a long time ago already, :( Anyway, here is a photo of the house,the middle yellow one with my red car and hubby in front of it, our apartment was in the basement. A photo of what was right around the corner, we ate at Henrys, it was yummy! We also went to the movies at the Balboa theater... and of course the Golden Gate bridge!!! That's all for now. Be well... Tj.

Bee here!!!

2010-04-27T17:07:00.000-07:00

I'm in San Francisco!!!

2010-04-26T10:11:00.000-07:00

My hubby had a birthday on Friday and we have been staying in San Francisco to celebrate! And celebrate we have!!! We have had so much fun! We just love it here. We rented a small garden apartment, for less than what a cheap motel would have been, and it has been just right for the 2 of us. Our apartment is about 2 blocks from golden gate park, and about 10 blocks from the ocean. It is right around the corner from dozens of restaurants on Balboa street, so many choices! There is the Balboa Movie theater, a coffee place, our bank, all just around the corner this is urban living! I thought we lived in an urban setting at home, but I've changed my mind! One of the highlights of the trip was our visit to the DeYoung Museum, wow... awe inspiring! We also have been to 2 concerts, a movie, eaten... eaten... walked around, spent lots of time in the park and at the ocean. Here are just a few pics... more to come! Be well... Tj.

Another Bee painting

2010-04-18T23:07:00.000-07:00

I had a vision... for the bee show. A beehive hairdo! This is called "Beehive Hairdo-Bad Hair Day". It is 8x24. Acrylic. She's got attitude. Humph. And yes bees buzzing around her head. This one will hopefully be included in the Bee Show along with my painting "Sunflower Bliss!" (below) Also here is a painting I did as a commission. Johns boat. I don't think it is done, I want to get some details for the boat. Numbers, a name, railing? I am sure there is detail, I just can't see it in the photo he gave me. The painting is 12x12, acrylic. I had a great weekend, heard my honey play at the Marriott in Rancho, out by the pool, very beautiful setting, but it was just a little windy and cold! Happy Birthday and goodbye for now to our friend Mouse! The weather has been perfect! Went to water aerobics twice! Nice weekend, now back to work! Be well... Tj.

Painting for Bee show!

2010-04-16T16:15:00.000-07:00

Well I am quite please with this piece. It is my first for the Honey Bee benefit show I am participating in on May 8th. It is 24x24 acrylic of course. 25% of any sales will go to the Honey Bee research facility at UC Davis. I am thrilled to be part of this show, and very happy with the result of my first piece. The colors aren't exactly correct in the photo, looks a little pinker than it is. But you get the idea, here is a close up of the bee and the whole painting... what do you think? Be well... Tj.

On the feeder!

2010-04-16T10:51:00.000-07:00

It is a beautiful morning! Sitting on my back porch, sipping coffee, watching the birds on the feeder. Goldfinches on the feeder, and the wire... and a Titmouse trying to figure out what all the excitement is about! Have a lovely day... I'm headed to my studio!! Be well... Tj.

RIP our beautiful Chester

2010-04-09T18:13:00.000-07:00

We had to make a really tough decision today. Our dog Chester has been going down hill. The vet told us about a month ago that he had a urinary tract infection, the cause of it could be from many things including liver failure. We put him on antibiotics and he seemed better for a while, but the last few days he had been turning up his nose at food even the good stuff, and he has been losing weight, and his legs and snout were swollen. At times he almost couldn't make it up our steps to come in. Our main living is on the second floor, a lot of steps for an old sick boy. Went back to the vet today and he confirmed Chester has liver failure. What a tough terrible decision it is to make. We don't want him to suffer, and he has been. We will miss you terribly Bubba and love you always. RIP Chester Field Lev 1998-2010, our wonderful dog with a great big loving heart.

Susan G Komen Jammin for the Cure fundraiser

2010-04-08T17:03:00.000-07:00

Last week, I was invited to participate in a fundraiser at my office for the Susan G Komen, Jammin' for the cure CalPERS team. There was a silent art auction, and also I could have a vendor table. So I thought why not! Good cause, and maybe I'll even sell a few paintings. Of course I needed to do some new paintings just for this event, so over the last weekend I painted and of course there had to be a LOT of pink! The piece I donated I called Up a Pink River, it is 12x12. Then I wanted to have some pink on my table, and I'm REALLY into flowers lately, so I did these 3 pink flowers. They are 8x8. Pink Gerbera Daisy, Pink Plumeria, and Pink Hibiscus. I also did some of my mini 3x3 paintings, daisies, palm trees, peace signs. I picked out a garage sale mix of some of my older smaller pieces too, just to have a variety. The event was today and was a grand success! The silent art piece went for $30, and I was giving 25% of my sales to the Komen foundation so I raised $70.00 total! I was very pleased. Thanks to everyone who participated today and special thanks to everyone who purchased one of my pieces. I was so grateful to be able to put some funds to the cause! Be well… Tj.

Another new painting

2010-03-28T19:29:00.001-07:00

I was asked to participate in a show in April at the Kennedy Gallery Art Center, how could I refuse, it's all about flowers! I have always wanted to do a red poppy so I thought this was my chance! So, here is Red Poppy, acrylic on 20x20 gallery wrap canvas. And a close up... does it make you want to sneeze??? :) Be creative! Tj.

Haight Ashbury

2010-03-27T22:27:00.000-07:00

I finished the Haight Ashbury painting that I started a while ago. It was originally for the February Virtual Paintout challenge, but... I didn't finish it. Well until now and it's no longer February!

Anyway... I went back to the YMCA for my water aerobics class today and it felt great! It has been one month since I've gone, that was my flu, cough, cracked rib, era... ! I have been starting to feel like a slug... not having been for so long and I had been attending 4 or 5 times a week! Hopefully it won't take me long to recover!!!

Next on the easel, for the Bee show in May!!

Be well! Tj.

2010-03-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

I do love spring! And I love flowers… particularly daisies and sunflowers. I have not shared any of my art for a while so I thought I'd post some I've painted over the years, below.

I currently have one piece on my easel, it is of the corner of Haight and Ashbury in San Francisco. Coming along nicely and should be able to finish it this weekend, at least I hope so because I have other projects I need to work on.

I took off work yesterday afternoon and took a glass fusing class with 3 of my cousins. It was really fun to spend time with them and interesting learning about the process, and putting together a project! When we left we all had pieces in the kiln, firing away! I can not wait to see the end results.

Future artistic endeavors… I am participating in a show in May, a Bee show. It is a benefit for Honey Bee research at the University of Davis. I hope they get a big crowd and we sell much art. After all, without the Honey Bee we would all bee in trouble! Ha! Bee in trouble… I've been coming up with all kinds of affirmations since I signed up… Bee happy! Bee extraordinary. Bee yourself! Bee inspired! Bee brave… ok you get the idea. I might do some cards or small works of art to take also and incorporate them. We will see!

The other project I am working on is my largest to date! My very good friend Carolee and her husband took a wonderful trip to Italy last fall. The photos they took while there are just beautiful, they were quite taken with it all. Carolee has commissioned me to do a painting for them based on some of their photos. The big blank canvas is 5' by 3'. Biggest canvas I have every attempted but I feel really ready to jump in! I've done some sketches for them, and am almost ready to start slinging paint!

More to come, for now Bee well!! HA! Tj.

Happy Spring!

2010-03-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

Yes spring is in the air! Here are a few photos I took today in my backyard and down at SouthSide Park... Happy Spring!!!

Happy St. Patricks Day!!

2010-03-17T11:42:00.000-07:00

More photos

2010-03-14T23:42:00.000-07:00

Second Saturday was fun. Spent time with family and friends, great art, and interesting moments! But I'm really tired today! Here are some more photos to share. Local wildlife, and some sunsets! Enjoy!!! Tj.

What??

2010-03-12T22:50:00.000-08:00

I took myself to the doctor yesterday. I didn't know this was even something that can happen but... I still have a cough lingering from the flu and because of the cough, I cracked a rib! You can crack a rib coughing??? Did anyone know that? The doctor said it is much more common than you would think. Bla. Am I ever going to get back to the YMCA and my water aerobics classes?? YES I AM!!! I really miss it.

Today I helped (and I used that word very loosely here) hang the show at the Marco Fuoco Gallery. So ok with my sore ribs didn't really help. My friends Carol and Sue did all the real work, I can't sling a hammer right now. But I did use my left hand to fill holes, and I also secured sculptures to pedestals. The place looks great, I am excited about this show. My very first photography show and my photos and my cousin Louise's photos are hanging right next to each other! Speaking of photos, here are a few sunsets that I captured! The last one tell me what is that blue light? Aliens? Ha ha ha ha... be well... Tj.

Second Saturday!

2010-03-11T12:19:00.000-08:00

This month is a little different. No painting, I'm getting back into photography. I will have 5 photos hanging at the Marco Fuoco Gallery. Here is the postcard. The flower photo is one of my cousin Louise's photos! Just beautiful.

The series of photos I will be showing, (in my post below), were taken in the quaint little historic town of Locke CA. Locke was founded in 1915 after a fire broke out in the Chinese section of nearby town of Walnut Grove. The Chinese who lived in that area decided that it was time to establish a town of their own. A committee of Chinese merchants who approached land owner George Locke and inquired if they could build on his land. An agreement was reached. The town was laid out by Chinese architects and industrious building ensued. The founding of Lockeport, later 'Locke', was a reality. By 1920 Locke stood essentially as it is today. In the 1940's restaurants, bakeries, herb shops, fish markets, gambling halls, boarding houses, brothels, grocery stores, a school, clothing stores, and the Star Theatre lined the bustling streets of Locke. Today it is mostly art galleries, museums, gift stores and a couple of bars and restaurants. The whole main street is about 2 city blocks long. On August 2, 1970, Locke was added to the registry of national historical places because of its unique status as the only town in the United States built exclusively by the Chinese for the Chinese.

The photo series was all done in the Dai Loy museum, the former gambling house of Locke. The first is called Pai Gow Tiles, the next I called Lucky Numbers, both of them the photo is 10x8 matted and framed in 14x11 frame. The 3rd image is called Chinese Lottery Balls, this photo is 14x11 matted and framed in 20x14 frame. The 4th image I called Lottery Box, it is 10x8 photo matted and framed in 14x11 frame. And the 5th image is called Lottery room view, this photo is 14x11 matted and framed in 20x14 frame and I think my favorite of the series, might be because I know my hubby is in the background! See him through the cage window? All mats are white and are archival quality, all frames are black wood. Makes for a nice contrast! I am very please with this first photo series that I've done, I hope the crowd who attend the gallery show do to!.

I have always really been into taking photos. As a young child I remember we had one of those Kodak Duaflex cameras that the view finder was in the top and you had to look down into the camera to see what you were shooting. Then I received a Kodak instamatic camera for a birthday I think. It was a back loader with the film in a cartridge so you couldn't really mess up the film, I found this old ad for the very camera! To load it is to love it! HA!!

In the early 70's I moved on to a Kodak pocket instamatic, with the spining cube flash bulbs. 4 flashes in one! It was quite the thing, small easy to carry around in your purse or pocket! I think I used that for quite a while. Look at this photo, I even remember it had the red button! Around that time my cousin Louise was really into photography. She even had a dark room that I loved to go in. I thought she was so cool, she really got me into photography! I got a used 35mm camera that I really didn't understand and it seemed so hard to use and complicated. But I tried! Then my mon got a Polaroid! Wow instant photos, who knew! My first real artistic photo experiences didn't start until the early 80's when I got my Pentax K-1000. With that camera I did lots of creative things. I even had a little side business for a while, I called it "Take a picture it will last longer" Photos by Tj. I had the privilege to photograph weddings, events, bands and even a birth! I had that camera for years but then came the digital age. My very first digital camera sucked, it was really bad. Not good images, not good lighting, things were grainy. I don't even remember what it was but I wasn't very happy with it.
Within a few months I decided to splurge. I bought a very nice very expensive Sony Cybershot with a Carl Zeiss Lens. Just like this! It was a great camera that served me well for about 9 years. But, it was wearing out and I knew I needed a new one. Then it was stolen! So, now I've got my new Cannon Rebel Ti1, digital SLR and I love it! I am retraining myself on how to use an SLR, it's been a long time since I had my Pentax which was an SLR film camera, but I'm remembering! And I'm really enjoying getting back into photography again. I don't think I'll ever photo weddings again, that was so much work, but I am going to get creative and do some artsy fartsy things with it! I love my new camera and will be ever grateful to my fabulous in-laws for such a wonderful gift! Be well… be creative! Tj.

Photography

2010-03-06T23:55:00.000-08:00

My hubby and I took my new camera out today on a small road trip! We took a drive down to the little historic delta town of Locke. The town was founded in 1915 after fire destroyed a Chinese neighborhood of a nearby town. To learn more go to the Locke website.

I took a bunch of photos, we went there so I could get specifically the Dai Loy Museum the former gambling house. It is really cool, almost can hear and smell history! I think these photos are the ones I am going to show at the Marco Fuoco Gallery for the March show. No painting in this show only Photos, 3-D art and video art. I wanted to do something different... I think this works!

I have not yet finished the Haight Ashbury painting, I hope to soon. Next? Well my very best friend Carolee has comissioned me to do a very large painging for her. A compilation from their trip to Italy, I can't wait to get started! It's huge! 60x36. Ok, until next time... be well. Tj

Where have I been???

2010-03-01T12:33:00.000-08:00

Just checking in… I've been sick. The Flu decided to invade, last Wednesday, like a vast little phlegm army marching in 10 x 10 and overtaking me like some foreign country. I woke up achy and my chest felt like someone was sitting on it. Wheezy, coughing, fever… bla. Today is the first day I left the house and I am feeling much better… not healthy yet, but so much better! The last 5 days I did much of nothing but sleep. Thank goodness for my hubby and daughter or I might have starved or drowned... Weeks from now you would have heard "Woman rescued from a pool of her own snot, news at 10..." I just hope they don't get invaded too, my thanks to you both, love you! So geeze aren't you glad you tuned in today! Sorry for the graphics…

I intended to finish a painting I started a couple of weeks ago for the Virtual Paint Out challenge. It was for the February challenge in San Francisco and I LOVE SF! But, it was due no later than yesterday. Well, I did paint yesterday but did not have the energy to complete it. Oh well, it's going to be a good painting, just not part of that challenge.

This is a photo of the google map image that I chose for this challenge, it is the corner of Haight and Ashbury. Please do check out the Virtual Paint Out blog, some great SF scenes by some wonderful artists! I'll post mine to my blog when it's done. Such is life sometimes huh… you just have to give in, rest and get better when it hits. But I missed life! Good to be back!!!

I hope you are all well! Now go create!!! Tj.

Self portrait

2010-02-22T23:59:00.001-08:00

Ok, this is hard! A self portrait? Who knew it would be so hard to paint yourself? Well this is my first attempt at a self portrait, so... Does not really "look" like me... of course I don't do realism very well at all, I need some training for sure! I'm going to call this "50 years ago". Me looking at me. A photo from when I was about 3, with my dog Tinka. It is for the self portrait project at Art House gallery. I am not thrilled with it, but it has to get in so... oh well. 8x10 on wrapped canvas.

Be well!!! Tj.

True life story #99

2010-02-19T23:52:00.000-08:00

I got a new laptop! Wow! This is amazing, clear, bright, colorful!!!!! I am having a little trouble typing... oh well! I will adjust!

Tonight my hubby and I had a date, some of a rare thing, one of us is usually busy with something. We went out for dinner and then to a belly dancing show. It was refreshing to see women of ALL sizes dancing and sexy and fun. Big is beautiful!!!! Nice event and a great evening with my honey! Be well... Tj.

Whew…. What a weekend!

2010-02-16T14:07:00.000-08:00

The Second Saturday shows went great! The Kennedy Gallery had sold several pieces for the benefit before I arrived, I do not know if any of my pieces sold. But… I sold the "He gave her his heart" piece at the Vox Sacramento artist reception on Friday night! Nice!!! The woman who bought them, Tania, was so excited and really loved them. I am still amazed when someone hands me money for my art. I was like, really? Are you sure? And she handed me a check… yes! The reception on Saturday night at Vox was nice. Lots of people came through and great music.

The last stop on my Second Saturday trek was at the Marco Fuoco gallery for the Erotica show. What an interesting event that was! The show was great, lots of wonderful art. They had only a couple of pieces that crossed the line from Erotica to Porn, and they didn't hang them. They did however show them, when they were sure that no children were present, my friend Jen would hold them up and walk around with them… kind of like those girls at a boxing match holding up the numbers. There was a fashion show of a line of clothes Marco designed several years ago. Sexy clothes made of beautiful dyed silks that he designed. And there were dancers, a little belly dancing, a little strip. LOTS of people attended. Oh and I sold 4 little paintings, 3 valentines and 1 other 5x5 painting I had there. Woo hoo! All in all a great Second Saturday!!!

Valentines day my hubby was playing, he has a regular Sunday gig, so I went out and spent some time with him. It was a very nice afternoon, I got to just sit and relax and I love spending time with my honey!

I will be back in my studio, working on a piece for the Virtual Paintout challenge, we are doing San Francisco scenes this month. I started a piece last weekend of the corner of Haight and Ashbury. And I am going to be doing a self portrait for a project with Art House Co-op. Next? Well, I have a commission piece I will be working on for one of my very oldest friends Carolee. Ok, no she is not the oldest person I know, we have been friends for a REALLY long time! Since 6th grade, and we won't mention how many zillions of years ago that was! :) Love you Carolee!!!
Be well, be creative, until next time... Tj.

Valentines!

2010-02-12T11:53:00.000-08:00

I completed 13 small works for Valentines Day. 10 are acrylic on 3x3 mini canvas and come with a little easel, one of them, L&B was a special order! Then there are 3 that are 5x5 deep canvas stand alone. How fun this was!!! They are going to be available Second Saturday at the Marco Fuoco Gallery! Be well... Happy Valentines day! Tj.

Photoshop fun!

2010-02-10T10:21:00.000-08:00

Just a couple of things...

2010-02-05T22:29:00.000-08:00

I dropped of the 4 little paintings at the Kennedy Gallery Art Center today. What a wonderful space! I met Michael Misha Kennedy, very nice man and talented artist. The gallery has a great feel, and they have a pay it forward philosophy, like to support the community. Just a good vibe. They have several really wonderful resident artists. The gallery also does some consignment work, and currently houses a Picasso and a Warhol. Prints I'm sure, but cool none the less! He loved my little paintings and said the daisies may not make it to the wall. His sister loves daisies! Yay!

Did you hear about the current weekly project at the Art House Co-op? In honor of their new space in Brooklyn, they invited people to contribute to their first show. Everyone was to take a photo at the same time around the world. Tonight, February 5th, 2010 at 11:11 Eastern Standard time. Which in California is 8:11. Then print and mail the 4x6 photo to them! You can find more out here. At 8:11, my hubby Joe and I were watching the Sacramento Kings get their butts kicked by Phoenix. Ug. Our Kings are sad again this year, but they have some really good young players, so maybe next year? Here is the photo of us watching, with our feet up on the ottoman. Yes I have sock monkey slippers on!! :) I'm sending in to be part of the exhibit! Ha!!! How fun is that! That's all for today enjoy your weekend! Be well... Tj.

Art With Heart show

2010-02-03T17:47:00.000-08:00

Here are the 4 small paintings I am donating to the Art with Heart charity event. All are small 4x6 inches. Postcard size.

Photoshop fun...

2010-02-03T10:06:00.001-08:00

The artists challenge

2010-01-30T19:54:00.000-08:00

I decided to participate in number 23 of The Artists Challenge. Challenge 23 is called The Butterfly Circus and was based on a short film of the same name. Director /Writer Joshua Weigel brings us a disabled man’s story of hope against all odds. “Butterfly Circus” was The Winner of The Doorpost Film Project 2009. To see this short film, please visit The Doorpost website. Visually wonderful, shot in sepia tones, the costumes and props bring images of the great depression era. Powerfully emotional. I submitted one of the paintings I did for the Vox show to the challenge. Love a Lefty. There are 18 participating artists in gallery 23 challenge, some really nice work. Visit The Artists Challenge gallery 23 and check it out! Be well... Tj.

February Art shows!

2010-01-27T12:31:00.000-08:00

Here are the postcards from 2 of the February art shows I am participating in. The Erotica exhibit at the Marco Fuoco Gallery and the "Let Me Count the Ways" exhibit at VOX.

The 3rd show is a benefit and I am donating 4 small works. The Kennedy Gallery Art Center who is sponsoring the annual "Art With Heart" exhibit. All works from lots of local artists are to be 4 inches by 6 inches, postcard size. 100% of the proceeds go to benefit C.A.R.E.S. the Center for AIDS Research Education and Support, and the Matthew Sheppard Foundation. Both great causes and I am happy to participate. I purchased 4 of the tiny canvas last night, and plan to finish and donate all 4 to the cause. The Kennedy Gallery Art Center is located at 1114 20th Street. When I have the little paintings done I'll post them! Until then, be well... Tj.

Paintings for Vox show and more...

2010-01-24T16:24:00.000-08:00

Here are the 4 paintings I have that will fit for the show at Vox Sacramento. 2 are from the last year and 2 are brand new! First is a piece I did last Valentines day called Big Juicy Heart and is acrylic on 28x22 canvas. Second I did for the Day of the Dead show in October called He Gave Her His Heart acrylic on 16x14 canvas. Then the 2 new paintings are Heart on Fire acrylic on 18x36 canvas and Love a Lefty acrylic on 20x16 canvas. I hope there is room for all of them, I think they all fit and work together great!

They are also having a benefit for Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. They provide financial assistance to career musicians who face illness or disabilities. An organization that hits close to home! I am donating these 2 small pieces, Orange Heart and Pink Heart both acrylic on 8x8 canvas.

2 things I am very excited about! I finally got my new camera, I decided on a Canon EOS Rebel T1i. NOW, I just need to learn to work it! AND, I went to Aaron Brothers today, it was the last day of their 1cent sale. I bought a bunch of canvas... should have enough to last me for well... a while!! We will see. :) Be well... Tj.

February Second Saturday show at Vox

2010-01-21T17:14:00.000-08:00

Here is the flyer for the show I am doing at Vox Studios at the Urban Hive Building. Should be a great show, very worth while charity benefit.

No flyer for the Marco Fuoco gallery yet, I'll post it when I have it! Be well!!! Tj.