dk haas - encaustics

Red Tipped Rufous

2012-02-15T20:41:00.000-08:00

I've begun to play with collage a little. I have so much respect for people who do it successfully - making an interesting composition out of scraps of things is really challenging. In this piece, I dipped my toe in a wee bit just to see how well the additional fabric and paper would adhere just by placing it into the wax. I've prepped a couple of panels but the process has me yearning for acrylics.

Structures

2012-02-04T16:43:00.000-08:00

I was playing around in my studio in December and this little guy emerged. I was hoping for a series - and maybe there's one in me still, but maybe not.

Acceptance

2012-01-24T22:53:00.000-08:00

I like things tidy. I like glassy surfaces worked to perfection by applying an exact amount of heat over the entire surface. I like my images to transfer evenly, perfectly, with no peeled carbon or broken lines.

This is a crazy medium for someone who craves this degree of order. Encaustic image transfers are messy, scratchy, broken, and faded.

For this image, I tried and failed to get the transfer to stay intact and after numerous attempts I discovered that if I did not insist on a perfectly smooth surface, void of any brush strokes, I would be less likely to destroy the image. You may be able to see the brushstrokes even in the photograph. This is my attempt at acceptance.

The Middle

2012-01-18T22:44:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Bloggers! It's hard to believe it's the middle of January already. The studio move is slowing morphing into actual progress. I went from a tiny space to a rather large space and I still haven't moved any of my furniture but the new studio is already pretty full. I've been fortunate that I've been able to take my time with the move, but at some point, I'm going to have to haul the big stuff out of Anderson Street, even if it lands on the side walk. In the meantime, I have a twelve foot table to work on and this is one of the pieces I completed in the new space.

In Search of Balance 16" x 20"

2011-12-06T23:46:00.001-08:00

I have an aluminum Christmas tree with pink lights, pink ribbon, and pink and green bulbs. I nearly squeal with delight every time I see it. I think having a well designed and well dressed tree is something I'll do from now on. I'll keep my collection of mix and match ornaments for now, but I'm ready to toss them all out and start each year with a design challenge and then execute it. I know it's not so "green" but at least my tree will go back in the box and come out again next year.

You may be wondering what that has to do with encaustic painting. Well, it's a challenge to maintain balance in ordinary times, and especially challenging during the holidays. This painting is a little reminder. Here's to all the big and small efforts.

Autumn Flight

2011-12-01T21:52:00.001-08:00

We camped at Manresa in September for Trish's birthday (and our anniversary). On the way home we hit a bunch of beaches along the coast. This was taken by Trish while I ran around the beach trying to get the gulls to fly. They were so accustomed to beach combers they barely got off the ground as I ran around waving my arms in the air. She should have taken a picture of that.

Old Soul

2011-11-20T09:17:00.001-08:00

A couple of years ago we spent the holidays in our friend's home on Westside Road in Guerneville. Trish took photos of trees and grapevines for me. I never used the grapevines until recently - I couldn't quite imagine it working. Now I can't get enough of them.

Encaustic Image Transfer - Willow Flycatcher

2011-11-18T22:03:00.001-08:00

The success of encaustic carbon image transfers is wildly dependent on ambient temperature. In the new studio I need more lighting so choose flood lights because they are big and bright. They are also hot and affect the cooling of the wax. In contrast, I now use an industrial fan to vent the studio and it creates a very cold breeze. I must have tried and failed six times before I was able to complete one piece, too hot and too cold, all at once. My latest experiment is to heat the water used to peel the paper away and move piece away from the flood light. I'll keep you posted.

Flycatcher

2011-11-07T14:33:00.000-08:00

I've been working on this little bird for a few days. The thing is, I drew it on colored paper and it did not scan well. So I futzed with it for a while until I was satisfied. I haven't had a chance to put it into wax yet as I've been fighting a cold for a few days - okay, maybe "fighting" isn't exactly accurate. In any case, I'll look forward to how this little darling looks all coated in wax with some groovy fabric behind it.

Winter Clarity

2011-11-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

I'm putting up a small show at City Art Gallery today. The Opening Reception is Friday, November 4, from 7 - 10 pm. This will be included in the show, along with other small works that I finished recently.

Potrero and 17th

2011-10-26T22:49:00.000-07:00

November 6th from 2:00 - 6:00 is the opening reception for Studio Gallery's Tiny Show. I have quite a few pieces in the show which runs until December 23. Trish Tunney, Catherine Mackey, Wendy Miller, and many others from 1890 Bryant will have work there. Hope to see you at Studio Gallery!

Capp & 26th

2011-10-18T23:10:00.000-07:00

I've noticed the birds in San Francisco seem to change their flight patterns in the fall. I know that migration is related to food availability, and there's plenty of that in the City, year around, so they're not migrating. But they do seem to fly around in big swooping flocks and land in new places. Last year I noticed dozens of birds on the lines around Bernal Heights and promised this year I would carry my camera to capture them. Maybe they're stopping in on the way down South from Canada. In this shot, my neighborhood pigeons are hanging out, where I can count on seeing them year around.

Analogue Ivy

2011-10-16T11:11:00.000-07:00

At some point the power lines will come down and the urban birds will find new places to perch. In this shot, which is a favorite of mine, the ivy has grown around the telephone poll and given them a second option. I went back to Saint Mary's Park to get more images of this scene and the ivy had been cleared away. I wondered by whom. The City gardener? The telephone company? Do they even exist anymore? Hopefully by the time the world goes entirely digital, I'll have moved on to new subjects. In the mean time, I'm working to capture this urban scenario that I can't seem to get enough of.

Another view of the Bakery Outlet

2011-10-12T22:50:00.000-07:00

The Bakery Outlet at 17th and Bryant is a puzzling relic. I know my years in California, along with my innate tendency to be impressed by healthy foods, fads, and happy cows, have taken me a long way from my Midwestern Wonder bread roots - actually it was Gardner bread in Madison, Wisconsin. So I have to wonder (ha!) how does that bread maker that bakes that yummy smelling "bread" survive in the land of gourmet baguettes and vegan, gluten free pastries? I can smell the bread being baked while in my studio up the street, so I know they're not shipping it in from the Midwest. I guess it's good the squishy white bread lovers of the City still have a place to buy day old bread.

Stopping for a Chat

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

An entire week has passed since my Open Studios - three days of chatting about my work to the public. This year, I really want a do-over. It takes so much energy to get the work completed and get it up on the walls, clean and organize the space, paint the walls, buy food, get labels and mailing lists, figure out what to serve and by the time it's all over, I am really sad.

And this year, we were competing with "Hardly Strictly Bluegrass," a huge festival in Golden Gate Park so I didn't feel like I had the usual crowds we're accustomed to seeing at 1890 Bryant Street Studios. Also, now it means I need to get back to work, and prepare for the next show. So you see, I want a do-over so I can hang out in that tension and relief of wondering if anyone is going to come, and oh yay, they came, they bought. Now it's over, until spring.

Looking for Birds

2011-09-29T14:29:00.000-07:00

It's been a very exciting and busy week. Art for AIDS took place Friday and it was, as usual , an incredible event. The new location in the Galleria at the San Francisco Design Center is fabulous.

Trish and I are now the proud owners of a second piece by Sonya Philip.

I also volunteered at SOMArts for ArtSpan on Sunday checking in art for the 2011 Fall Open Studios gallery exhibition. This piece is in the exhibit and the kick off party is tonight.

And...my new studio at 1890 Bryant Street is painted, cleaned and filled with art. I haven't actually moved my studio furniture - that will happen after this weekend - after Open Studios.

Come by if you're in town, Friday, 9/30 from 6pm - 10pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10/1 & 2, 11 - 6.

Crescent Street Crow

2011-09-25T21:38:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to catch a crow on this electrical poll for years. Every Friday after the garbage trucks roll through Bernal Heights, the crows are picking through the truck's path in hopes of some juicy scraps. They pop up to this poll when cars go by and the fly back down to the street when it's clear. I usually don't have enough patience to wait too long, so catching one really means one happens to be up there when I walk by. Thus, it's taken me years to get the shot.

Vineyard Sentry

2011-09-24T18:25:00.001-07:00

I delivered this piece to Collage Gallery for a customer who liked my work but didn't want birds. I used the fabric as the back ground and included more of the ground beneath the tree. Afterward, I found myself reminiscing about the tree shots. Now that my skills in photo shop have improved I've gone back in and worked on some of the wine country oak trees and will make one for Open Studios next weekend.

Rusty Respite

2011-09-10T22:23:00.000-07:00

ArtSpan's Fall Open Studios is nearly here! I'll be showing at 1890 Bryant Street in Studio 311 October 1 & 2 from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm. Our Preview Party is September 30 from 7:00 - 10:00. If you're in town, come by and see over 50 incredible artists, and come up to 311 and see my new studio space! I've wanted to have a studio at 1890 Bryant for a very long time and am very excited that it's finally happening. Hope you can make it!

Holly Park Robin Visits Lynnly

2011-09-02T11:23:00.000-07:00

Often I am surprised by the relationship between the image and the fabric after I've laid down the image. Sometimes it's too busy or two confusing - what is the image and what is the ground? In those cases, I have to scrape the image and put something else down. I originally had telephone poles and bus lines on this ground but it looked terrible. I went for the bird, and now I'm in love with this piece!

Bryant Street in the Mission

2011-08-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

Come to ArtSpan's Funky Flash Friday Mixer at 1890 Bryant Street next Friday, September 2, at 6:00 pm. Mr. Rogers will be our resident dj along with his groovy bunnymatic and friends artworks. Trish Tunney and I will also be on exhibition, so if you're up for some art, drinks, music, and snacks - this preview to Open Studios is for you!

Sunny in St. Mary's Park

2011-08-22T16:31:00.000-07:00

I've reproduced this transfer on other back grounds but this is my favorite, yet. The fabric absorbs the wax medium in a way that adds depth and richness and makes the colors really pop. Set into one of those groovy black float frames - this one found it's way into a new home last week. Farewell, little bird.

Oak Tree

2011-08-18T19:44:00.000-07:00

I'm getting ready for an event at 1890 Bryant Street on September 2nd - ArtSpan is organizing flash mob Friday's and Trish and Mr. Rogers and I will be hosting in Studio 311. Hopefully I'll have enough work completed so that when Open Studios comes around the following month, I'll be ready to go. I'm pretty excited about the new work and I am hoping flash mob Friday is a success.

26th and Mission

2011-08-14T23:01:00.000-07:00

Here's another piece from the San Francisco Show at City Art Gallery. This was taken outside my house in the Mission where the pigeons hang out when the peregrine falcon are not chasing them down for dinner. Every now and then one of the falcons will land in our back yard and it is really something to see them up so very close, just the window between us. All the finches and doves scatter and we hear a big thump - the weight of the falcon landing.

Does This Fence Make me Look Fat?

2011-08-12T21:20:00.000-07:00

This little lovely found a new home today along with "Heather's Flock." An English woman stopped into City Art and asked if I still had any of the work available from last months show. It was one of those serendipitous moments, because I am not ordinarily at the gallery on Friday at noon. Thank you England!

Float Frames

2011-08-08T23:06:00.000-07:00

I ordered some float frames to see if I couldn't bump up my presentation a little. They are having their debut at City Art Gallery for the San Francisco show. I had an idea the frame would look good, but I under estimated just how much it would make the carbon pop. I'm definitely pleased with the effect.

View from Bryant Street

2011-08-04T14:57:00.000-07:00

With my new batch of fabric lined boards, I set out to find images that might make good transfers. I wasn't sure how this one would translate. After taking the photo, I converted it to black and white, took all the clouds away, but decided not to repair any of the missing parts where the sun was shining on the objects, making them disappear during the contrast process. Even after seeing it printed I still wasn't sure about it, and only created a few copies, since I was so unclear if it would look cool or like a big mess. Once I began to peel the paper away I had my first glimpse that it was actually pretty successful.

Heather's Flock

2011-08-01T23:35:00.000-07:00

This has been on exhibit at Secession since the beginning of June - it seems I didn't get around to photographing it before the show went up. Heather Robinson is one of the resident artists there and I think I was channeling her when I drew in the pattern - she does cool stuff with patterns and fabrics. If Trish hadn't pointed it out, I might not have made the connection. I feel pretty lucky to be influenced by so many talented local artists, whether it's conscious or not.

Muni Lines at 17th Street

2011-07-31T21:47:00.000-07:00

City Art Gallery is doing the annual San Francisco show and I decided to go out into the City with my camera to see if I might find something that is distinctly San Francisco for my transfer series. This was taken at the entrance of the Muni bus garage on 17th Street in the Mission. I found some other little treasures and even got some new boards and frames for a whole new look. The opening reception is Friday August 5 at 7:00pm. Hope you can make it.

Bird Named Sue

2011-07-09T21:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, I realize naming is not my forte, but I was having some fun this week while in my studio listening to my pals music on iTunes. She doesn't have play lists so you just hear her music alphabetically: one minute I was hearing Elton John, and the next, Johnny Cash. Apparently the strangeness found its way into my titles.

Boreal Sings like Elton John

2011-07-07T21:37:00.001-07:00

This may be my favorite incarnation of the Boreal drawing. The owl is sporting some new fabric that I picked up and became so excited about I couldn't wait to start applying the wax once the fabric was adhered to the boards. Working with fabric really makes me cheerful!

Polka Robin

2011-06-07T18:26:00.000-07:00

Carbon image transfers can be fickle - if the wax isn't warm enough when I set the image down, the carbon doesn't adhere. If it's too warm, the paper becomes glued to the wax and there's no way to separate the paper from the carbon - when that happens I melt and scrape the whole thing off and start over. The suspense increases the further along I get in the process. This one crackled in an interesting way, and I almost scraped it off but was able to let it sit long enough to decide it's cool.

Cherry Tomato Cluster

2011-06-05T22:36:00.000-07:00

Retro Toast

2011-05-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

I can see now that I didn't get a great shot of this piece, but decided to post it now and then re-shoot it tomorrow. This is part of my kitchen series, such as it is. I'm still working on the French Press, and blender so stay tuned.

Painted Pears

2011-05-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

Originally this was going to be another carbon transfer of the pear drawing but once I put the image down it seemed like it was missing something. I stepped out of my usual style and filled in the pears with pigment (encaustic paint) and am now super happy with the outcome.

May

2011-05-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

This is from a drawing I began last fall but because it was in a sketch book I don't use much, I forgot about it. The initial drawing was very loose but by the time I competed it, it was quite detailed. I think it may be the graphite, or perhaps just a character trait I can't overcome - I strive for loose.

Pink Martini Towee

2011-05-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

Finally, a success, after three attempts, and three failures - this bird just did not want to stick! Now she's off the Antwerp, Belgium to live with someone who came to Open Studios last month - wish me luck with shipping!

Hunters Point Ship Yard Birds

2011-04-29T22:34:00.000-07:00

Last October on our way back from visiting Open Studios at Hunters Point Ship Yard Trish and I came across this lovely flock of birds (pigeons) visiting and doing what birds do. It's taken me until now to process the image - between computer troubles and a tricky bit of image handling. What I mean exactly is that the sky was so deeply blue, it was difficult to pull the blacks out of the pole the wires, and the birds. Eventually a little lesson in Illustrator (which means I watch while Trish does the work) and now I have another fun transfer to play with. Thanks Trish!

Pears

2011-03-28T22:53:00.000-07:00

A Good Froth

2011-03-22T23:46:00.000-07:00

This is one of the drawings I did for the Delicious Show at Studio Gallery. I was out of town and did not get a chance to go to the opening reception, but I heard it is a great show. Instead I was floating in the mineral pool at Indian Springs in Calistoga - wow, was that heavenly. It was raining and chilly outside and we were so happy in the warm pool. Now that was delicious.

Rufous-sided Towhee 12" x 12"

2011-03-21T22:58:00.000-07:00

I didn't know anything about this bird when I began drawing it. I just found an image and thought it looked cool. I don't think I've ever heard anyone utter the name towhee, but definitely not "rufous-sided towhee". It was fun to read that they are every where. Maybe now I'll see one flying about San Francisco.

Eat, Draw, Pray

2011-03-13T20:15:00.000-07:00

I was invited to submit work for the "Delicious" show at Studio Gallery so I worked on some new images that would fit with the theme. I found this little drawing in my sketch book from Catharine's "draw you brunch" party. I'm having fun thinking of new things to draw for my image transfers.

Boreal with Branch

2011-03-09T23:07:00.000-08:00

I am back in my studio but have to offer a R.I.P to my trusty Toshiba who finally died after limping along for oh so many years. I'm borrowing one of Trish's laptops but find that her tools are so up to date, I can hardly process my images. I long for the old Photoshop CS or plain old Elements. I opened the newest version of photoshop and was so entirely lost! Soon I'll bite the bullet and get a new laptop, but either way, I will need to update my image processing skills.

Another View of the Mclaren Raven

2011-02-06T12:07:00.000-08:00

I have not been feeling very inspired lately. It may just be that the beginning of the year is a time to get refueled for the next batch of inspiration. I mostly believe that. Occasionally I find myself thinking, "that's it, I'm done, I have no more art inside of me." But I know that is the voice of fear and this year I'm choosing to look at this time as a time of percolation and enjoy how nice an clean my studio is becoming.

Happy New Year!

2010-12-30T18:06:00.000-08:00

Black-capped Chickadee

2010-12-12T22:39:00.000-08:00

I'm reading Sy Montgomery's book "Birdology" and I am quite riveted. If you read "The Good, Good Pig" then you know Montgomery is a great writer and now she's written about one of my favorite topics - birds. Apparently, birds are direct descendants of dinosaurs. In the chapter on the cassowary (which looks strikingly similar to a dinosaur), Montgomery writes, about the discovery of soft tissue in the femur of a Tyrannosaurus Rex by paleontologist Mary Schweitzer. The DNA was sequenced from the 68 million year old fossil and guess what living creature the DNA most closely resembled, a chicken!

I decided to post this image after reading the following: "the timid titmouse and fluffy chickadee, it turns out, are close relatives of the largest, most powerful carnivores that ever lived. Their direct ancestors were bipedal, meat eating dinosaurs, with three toes, air-filled bones, and wishbones like those from the Thanksgiving turkey."

This black-capped chickadee also happened to be a frequent feeder at Grammy Tunney's bird feeder in Long Island - from Jurassic Park to Long Island.

Persimmon

2010-12-02T21:33:00.000-08:00

Today I walked by IXIA on Market Street and they have, as usual, two beautiful arrangements in the window. One of the wonders today featured persimmon branches filled with gorgeous ripe fruit. This post, is a nod to Gary Weiss, the proprietor, who makes art out of branches, leaves, and flowers, and offers us, the passers-by, a new arrangement every week or so through his dramatic window pieces.

I've only been eating persimmons for the last ten years or so and now they are such an essential part of my fall food habits. I usually begin collecting hachiyas in early November so I can turn the luscious soft fruit into persimmon pudding. But before that, if we are lucky, our fruit bowl is filled with crisp fuyus until they are no longer crunchy, but slightly soft and sugary.

Tea and Sunshine at Saint Mary's Park

2010-11-29T22:33:00.000-08:00

December is starting with a bang with three great receptions to attend: the weekend begins with a great party at City Art Gallery on Friday December 3, then on Saturday, December 4, a fundraiser for Visual Aid entitled "Little Gems" at Underglass where the owner of the shop has donated the framing for all of the work, and finally on Sunday afternoon, the seventh anniversary party for Studio Gallery which is exhibiting their annual "Tiny" show. I have a good feeling about the weekend and about the year ending well. Also, if you happen to be up on Potrero Hill, my work is at Collage Gallery on 18th Street (just up from Plow, my new favorite place to have brunch). This is a great exclamation point to a good year!

Another Judge?

2010-11-17T20:17:00.000-08:00

I was under the impression that Victoria Kolakowski won the Superior Court Judge seat in Alameda County, but I just learned she is up for a run-off election. I'm certainly rooting for her, I love that she is out as a trans woman and running for public office. This month is Kolakowski month for me.

Judge Kolakowski

2010-11-16T23:18:00.000-08:00

I donated this lovely to Big Deal and was pretty excited when it was among the early pieces to get bought up. Visual Aid holds this wild, fixed price, silent and live auction every year and the proceeds go to help artists with life threatening illnesses continue to work. It's a great cause and a really fun event.

Screech Owl

2010-11-05T17:45:00.000-07:00

I drew this little guy in my sketch book but when I photocopied the drawing, all the mid-tones were lost. This is something I have to work on - how to maintain the original drawing but still recognize the limits of a photocopy. I can always go in with oil pigment after the transfer is set into the wax, and yet, I see this as a challenge tackle!

Bryant Street Birds

2010-10-31T23:02:00.000-07:00

Trish caught this coming out of her studio the other day. Now she's begun to recognize what I'm looking for, and send me photos she thinks I'll be able to use in the mixed media pieces. Today, on our way back to the Mission from Hunters Point Shipyard Open Studios she said "stop the car, I have to get that for you!" I really love that. And then the Giants won, too!

Electric Ivy

2010-10-13T20:33:00.000-07:00

I want to thank everyone who came out for Open Studios this weekend. Trish and I both received mountains of love and support, making this one of our most successful Open Studios to date. This piece is now in Lee Cline's home, and now I have one of her amazing water colors. We traded a bird for birds. Yeah!

Up There

2010-10-03T22:08:00.000-07:00

I caught this guy hanging out on my neighbor's roof and managed to get one shot off before he flew away. Have you noticed there are more crows around lately? According to the Birmingham News, crows have begun migrating to urban areas, preferring the luxury of easy pickings on garbage days and the safety of fewer predators. And I was just thinking it's because I've begun to look up.

Berry Picking

2010-10-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

Here's a little preview of what you'll see if you come out to Open Studios next weekend. I'll be showing at 1890 Bryant with Trish and all the other fabulous artists at the 1890 Bryant Street Studios. I'm excited about this show, lot's of new bird images found while wondering around the City as well as some new drawings turned into encaustic mixed media pieces!

From my Sketch Book

2010-08-29T22:53:00.001-07:00

Here's what the one of my drawings looks like after I uploaded and punched up the contrast a bit. Then I print and head down to my local copy center and turn them into Xerox copies. Once they are good and carbon-filled, I set them in the clear wax medium and then remove the paper with water.

More Birds on Wires

2010-08-25T22:32:00.000-07:00

My friend Rob reminded me that the telephone poles are coming down and being replaced underground and that's why he likes these birds on wires so much - nature and analogue mixing it up. Earlier this month I heard a child point to a television set and ask her Grandma, "what is that?" I suspect one day, we'll hear the same questions about these telephone poles.

Paisley Black Bird

2010-08-22T19:22:00.000-07:00

I've been down to Saint Mary's Park watching these birds over the past several months and learned that these plump little sweeties are actually Brewer's Black Birds - like in the previous drawings. There are scores of them living on the south side of Bernal Heights and Friday I got within a few yards of one. There are also Cowbirds and Rusty Black Bird's over there. So really, no telling what this little guy was, other than some sort of Black Bird.

Another view of the Brewer's Blackbird

2010-08-11T20:47:00.000-07:00

12 x 12 Brewer's Blackbird

2010-08-01T15:02:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of different varieties of blackbirds like the Red-winged Blackbird, the Yellow-headed Blackbird, and this one, the Brewer's Blackbird. It's likely you've seen Brewers Blackbird's flitting around the City - they're small with a hint of blueish-green around their heads - at Peet's coffee in the Potrero Center, they'll share your table with you.

Westside Road Oak

2010-07-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

This is one of the pieces at Mom's Pharmacy in the Castro. Visual Aid curates six month shows at Mom's and my work will be there until the end of the year. This is my second solo show in the Castro, the first one was in the lobby of Bank of America. One of these days, I'll have a solo show in a gallery. In the mean time, I like having my work fill the plush golden walls of Mom's.

Cherry Blossom Bird 7" x 7"

2010-07-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

I'm working on creating larger canvases for Open Studios in October. Last week I prepped four new braced boards, one 16 x 20, two 12 x 12 and one 11 x 14. Up until now, the majority of this new work is on small 7 x 7 pieces of poplar. I'm excited to move into the new presentation - now I'll just have to see if I can hold out for Open Studios.

Neighborhood Mascot

2010-07-04T19:54:00.000-07:00

I am frequently caught off guard without my camera when this guy (or gal) is landing on some roof top or telephone pole in Bernal Heights. On Friday, she, or one who looks very similar, landed on a the corner of a roof on Anderson Street. It would have been a perfect shot for a transfer; a brilliant blue sky and a clear, close shot with no obstructions. I try not to lament when this happens, but to take the opportunity to watch the bird, happy that this series has given me a chance to direct my sights upward.

"as above, so below"

2010-06-20T20:58:00.001-07:00

I made this one for the Back to the Picture show last month. I was disappointed in where I placed the tree so the roots were actually an after thought. Now I'm working on a new one, I liked it so much.

Two Strange Birds

2010-06-16T22:54:00.000-07:00

I suppose I should have named this piece, "one broken fence" - that would have actually been more true. The birds were not strange at all, really. There are quite a few of them over in Saint Mary's Park and they are usually flying between the fence, the trees, and pecking their way across the well tended grass of the ball field.

This piece was won by Mom and Dad Tunney, who arranged for some proxy bidding at the Avon Breast Cancer Auction on June 5th. What a blast we had, and raised over $3000 doing it!

Eucalyptus Leaves

2010-05-12T23:28:00.000-07:00

McLaren Park Crow

2010-04-11T13:18:00.000-07:00

McLaren Park has a lot of bird species, jays, hawks, cranes, finches, chickadees, and crows, are among them. It is also a park with some very mature trees. This guy was sitting on the very top of a tree that was three or four stories tall. The rest of the tree was plump with coniferous leaves, but this tallest branch was bare - so much so, I thought it was like that just so I could get a good picture of the bird. It's time's like this that I am grateful for the zoom on my little pocket camera.

Plyboo Owl

2010-03-29T21:09:00.000-07:00

Trish and I had a cabinet built in our bathroom out of Plyboo, the renewable plywood made from bamboo. After the job was finished I ended up with a couple of 4"x 4" pieces which have been laying around my studio waiting for some inspiration. The sides of the wood are striped and are golden honey colored. Finally, this little guy found it's way into the tiny square and is now too adorable...I found myself speaking to the piece in a cooing voice - the kind one might reserve for a pet, or small child...I just do love this little guy!

Clark's Nutcracker Wins an Award!

2010-03-25T22:38:00.001-07:00

Either the jurors at ArtSpan who awarded this little guy a second place award in the category of "representational art" are whack, or this new work is making quite a splash. Every year artists donate to the annual ArtSpan fundraising auction which is taking place tonight. My piece will be among the 140 works up for auction.

Vintage

2010-03-20T15:14:00.001-07:00

This must be pal week in my studio, because, like the wood that Lily found for me, this background was given to me by Louise, who uncovered a roll of this vintage wallpaper while cleaning her basement. I recently went looking to buy more and it is VERY expensive. The thing about ebay though, is once I log on and start searching for cool things to make art with, a whole day can whiz by, I can forget to eat, forget to rest my eyes, and forget to make the actual art.

Lily's Wood

2010-03-18T23:33:00.001-07:00

I have a seven year old friend who brought me this piece of wood because she thought I might like to paint on it. I'm pretty sure her Mom, Jen, was just humoring her by allowing her to bring it to me, but it turned out to be a perfect background for this sparrow. Thanks, Lily

Finches

2010-03-06T20:44:00.000-08:00

I just stumbled across this piece - I made it back in December but had filed the image in a strange place. Lately, I've begun to take my camera with me and look for birds around town. Last week I was waiting at a red light when I looked up and saw a great shot. I pulled out my camera and hung out the window and clicked away. I was awakened by the honking of a horn behind me - I wanted so badly to shout, "hey, hold your horses, I'm making art over here."

Above all That

2010-03-03T19:45:00.000-08:00

Painting, Organizing, and Purging

2010-02-22T21:21:00.000-08:00

I've been busy giving my bedroom a makeover. It's puzzling to me that it is nearly the last room in the house to be painted. When we moved here, nearly three years ago, we were very intentional about decorating every room, but our bedroom seemed to be the default place to store stuff. In our time here, we have painted every room but the little office, which is the next and final room to paint. In my goals for 2009, I wrote that I wanted my bedroom to become a sanctuary. I have spent the last month and half accomplishing that goal - new paint, new bedding, and now new things to donate to Community Thrift. I love, painting, organizing, and purging!

Morning Dove

2010-01-26T22:40:00.000-08:00

Flower Power Finches

2010-01-11T17:37:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking about what my intentions are for this year and talking to people about theirs. I have learned that most people do set some sort of intentions during the new year, even if they are broadly defined like "simplicity" or "adventure." My friend Jane and I set goals for ourselves in 2009 and are planning to do it again for 2010. I use categories, like: finance, travel, spiritual, emotional, adventure, relationship, creativity, intellectual, and physical. I accomplished many of the goals I set for myself in 2009. I had never done anything like that before and really enjoyed looking over the year to see if I had stayed on course. Stay tuned to see how I do in the creativity category ; ).

Bird on a Wire

2010-01-07T12:05:00.000-08:00

Flicker

2010-01-04T22:05:00.000-08:00

It appears the Northern Flicker resembles the "Yellow-bellied Sapsucker." Can you believe there really is a "yellow-bellied sapsucker"? Well, according to my bird book there is! I thought that was just an insult hurled by Foghorn/Leghorn...or was it the Bugs Bunny?

Jay

2010-01-02T01:06:00.000-08:00

Happy 2010! My friend asked me today, "what are you going to call the new year, dk? Are you going to say twenty-ten or two thousand and ten?" I told her I was just going to say "ten". I am hoping that "ten" brings loads of creativity, prosperity, delight, and happiness to all of us, and that we whether the bumps with grace and a sense of humor. Cheers!

Blackbird

2009-12-06T22:55:00.000-08:00

I've had an exciting weekend of art shows and now it's time to start planning the next round of fun - a road trip to Vegas and re-instituting the Christmas Day Brunch. If you're reading this, and in town, you are invited to our December 25th White Elephant Brunch for singles, families, Jews, Christians, Pagans, and non-denominational Christmas loving souls (we will not toss you if you are a hater, though we don't want to hear it). Please come and celebrate with a competitive game of gift steal, hot beverages, eating and possibly even some singing. Email for details.

Cheers!

Bird Patterns

2009-11-27T14:56:00.000-08:00

I've been fooling around with some new techniques while creating work for my December shows. This is an image transfer over encaustic medium and decorative burlap. City Art Gallery will be having the reception on December 4th followed by a one day Craft Sale on Saturday, the 5th from 12 - 6 pm. Look for Trish Tunney, who will be there, taking Green Screen Holiday Portraits in her sidewalk studio in front of City Art Gallery. Tedda Hughes will also be having a reception on Saturday, the 5th. Come on out for some arty fun next weekend!

Poured Pear

2009-11-06T18:46:00.000-08:00

I tried a new technique last week - pouring the wax over a drawing. It didn't work, so I fooled around some more with an awl and some oil pigments and came up with this little guy. I'm now on to something completely different, but I will have to get back to making more like this one.

Exhale and Release

2009-11-03T22:15:00.000-08:00

This is one of the pieces I made before Open Studios. It's hard to believe it's already November and Open Studios was almost a month ago. The best thing about this time of year, is the deep, rich light, and with this weather, it's been great to be in the studio. This Friday City Art Gallery is having an opening reception and both Trish and I are in the show - though you won't see this piece, November is all about mod animals for me.

Gingko ii 20" x 20"

2009-10-11T17:56:00.000-07:00

Took advantage of the overcast sky to capture some of my new work. I did this series in 2007 and then re-did it again this summer. I really like the way they turned out.

Lucky

2009-09-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

I made this picture earlier this summer but never got around to taking the photograph. Then we went to Wisconsin, and on our road trip, and before I realized it, months had gone by without posting to this blog. But I am still happily painting, I've just gotten a little lazy about posting. I'm getting ready for Open Studios which means new work and another year of transforming my house into a gallery. This year Hilary and I are showing together. Stay tuned for invitation.

Gold Spangled Appenzeller Spitzhauben

2009-07-16T15:24:00.001-07:00

For Tedda.

Finches

2009-06-17T21:54:00.001-07:00

We put a bird feeder in our back yard and we are now going through five pounds of sunflower chips every few days. This spring the finches had bunch of chicks and Trish and I call all the babies "peep." We've tried naming them but they flit around much too fast and we have not yet noticed their individuality. The boys are sometimes more or less red and some birds are fluffier than others, but I think that's because they are still very young and downy. This painting is a little nod to the finches and their flitting. I do wonder where they sleep and how long they live and where they go to die.

Reject

2009-05-02T22:49:00.000-07:00

I meant to post this guy next to it's pal, the two rejects :-). Thanks for all your encouragement, I'm over it now. It also helped to listen to this talk by Elizabeth Gilbert- I wasn't crazy about the book, but now I'm a fan.

Warm April

2009-04-30T20:20:00.000-07:00

I did a series of abstract paintings after my roosters were rejected from a fund raising art auction-actually two auctions. It was suggested to me by a curating intern that perhaps the roosters could go on the "non art" table. I was pretty distraught. So I worked on some things that made me feel better, but one could have a pretty lively discussion about what constitutes art.

Angel Chick

2009-04-19T13:16:00.001-07:00

I see that this image is out of focus. I uploaded it a couple of weeks ago and it must have been late at night...I've decided to post it anyway, blurry and imperfect, like me. Or certainly my eyes. Speaking of imperfect, my computer is dying. And for those of you who know I've vowed not to buy anything new this year, you know I am facing a serious dilemma. Oh my goodness, dilemma solved! I think that extended warranty I bought is not up until 2010! What kind of moment of brilliance possessed me to buy a three year extended warranty?

Go-Go (Clean Version)

2009-04-16T12:52:00.000-07:00

When I was a teenager my Mom had a pair of white patent leather platform go-go boots, and a red polyester outfit consisting of hot pants and a floor length jacket. The jacket had one button below the chest and was cut so it flowed open, revealing the sexy hot pants. I borrowed the outfit to go a wedding with my boyfriend. I was 13. All I can think of is what must his family have thought when they saw me arrive in that hoochy outfit.

Stripes

2009-04-09T18:04:00.000-07:00

I am working on a new series of abstracts and I'm pretty excited about how they are turning out... this is not one of them. This is the third in the series, "circles, stripes, and patterns".
On another note, if you want to hear about the adventures of the 7th Child of the 7th Child, I've decided its time to make the blog public. One good sleuth found it on her own after hearing me talk about it. The blog has been my way of processing my Mom's death; it is not for the faint of heart.

Patterns

2009-04-01T18:07:00.000-07:00

This is the second in the series made with found/recycled objects. It's also the last of the wood that was left over from Trish and her Dad's fence building project last year. On another note, did you see the First Lady in England meeting the Queen? Yes, I know Barack was there too, but Michelle Obama is my hero. She's incredibly cool.

Circles for the Green Show

2009-03-30T22:01:00.000-07:00

I did this picture on a piece of scrap redwood and used buttons and patterns I collected over the years. I think of these as offering me a sense of play that I might not normally be able to engage in. It's funny how art is really all about play for me, yet I can so easily attach "shoulds" and "musts" and deadlines, and self ascribed seriousness to creating art. This is a playful piece and it reminds me to make more of them.

Blowfish Chicken

2009-03-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

I learned about labels last week. I've been blogging for over two years and haven't really paid attention to the world of blogging or what bloggers hope to achieve, or any of the ways to drive traffic to one's blog. I do notice that when I google something, I frequently land on someone's blog so it must be working for them. Me, I'm pretty content to post a painting for my pals and have that be that. But Isabelle is another story. Isabelle is a blog I've started and she's hoping to get some serious readership. For now, it's private, but stay tuned for "Stories From the Life of the 7th Child of the 7th Child."

Greta Garbo 24" x 36"

2009-03-16T22:11:00.000-07:00

This guy is much larger than the usual square chicken portraits I paint. I first did the background last year and was never quite satisfied with the painting. Now I know it was just waiting around for the rooster, which is actually called a Phoenix. These birds are bread for the length of their tale feathers, the longer the better.

Peek

2009-03-11T23:16:00.000-07:00

Saturday night Tedda Hughes Boutique and Gallery will be having it's Grand Opening party. Both Trish and I have work up so come on down and have a glass of wine and enjoy a sense of prosperity and possibility with the artists!

Mr. T

2009-03-10T21:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight I spent time on the computer cropping, editing, and saving the images of my paintings. Twice a year I send off slides made from digital images to Visual Aid in exchange for vouchers to buy art supplies. It is also just good practice to have my images sorted by large and small (for printing or for the web).

I've been feeling pretty confident about my software skills lately so I choose to open Adobe Photoshop Elements and do my editing with a more comprehensive tool. I happily busied myself editing image after image. When I went to upload an image to this blog, there were no pictures, only words describing the type of file. I decided to take a chance and try to upload anyway, but no luck.

I've made a decision not to take this as evidence that I should stick to what I know but rather turn to my in-house technical support to see if I, once again, did something to cause this blunder.

Leghorn or Jimmy Dean?

2009-03-07T22:07:00.000-08:00

I just learned that daylight savings time happens this weekend. Now that is really good news, I always feel better when it stays light longer.

I seem to be coming out of the coma/shock/malaise of losing my mother. This week I managed to cook a chicken, roast broccoli, steam asparagus, cook brown rice, and stir fry some red chard. Between the light changing and my return to self care, I'm starting to feel like everything is going to be alright.

Dolly

2009-03-02T22:04:00.001-08:00

Lately I've been having the experience of talking about something totally remote and later having a completely different person brings up the same subject. For instance, last week over brunch, my friends were telling me that people were squatting in foreclosed houses and turning them into "grow houses." Two days later I get a call from an old friend asking if I could write a letter on behalf of his son who was arrested in a grow house.

Another example of this phenomenon is that I was talking to my friend about how my mom called me Dolly and saying I missed hearing it. Later, another friend who was not privy to any of this, was in my studio and she said I should name the elephant Dolly.

I should probably buy a lotto ticket, but instead I'm just going to name the elephant Dolly.