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We had a work table in the center of our studio that we were sharing at the time and referred to it as “the think tank.” Most of the ideas for the paintings began while sitting at the think tank, most often very late at night while looking at books, listening to music, talking about travel and a bottle or two of wine…

Some people ask me if it’s difficult to produce a painting and to let it go. It is not difficult at all. The journey I go through with each painting as it’s created is it’s only purpose for me. Once it’s finished, I have no use for it. It’s the experience of it’s creation, not the finished product that I get satisfaction from. I am grateful when someone feels a connection with my work and feels so strongly about it that they actually want it in their surroundings permanently. I feel it’s a great honor.

Art and music, they are essential to humanity. They connect our souls, no matter what language we speak, where we are from, art and music are universal. To create art, to spread beauty, it is a gift I am truly grateful for.

I wish for a world where everyone follows their destiny and their dreams. Listen to your heart, share your gifts. You never know who you will touch or inspire.

Summer is finally here, and one of my favorite things about Summer in Seattle is having the ability to show art outdoors. It’s a much more organic relaxed way to view art, rather than being stuck in a stuffy, sterile, white walled gallery.

I’ll be in Pioneer Square for the June, First Thursday Art in the Park from 4-8pm. If you can, come down and support the local artists!

I am so happy that spring is on it’s way! After this long grey winter, all I can think about is basking in the sun and the wonderful scent of flowers and fresh cut grass. This has been the inspiration for my new pieces that I will be showing May 1st in Fremont during the Seattle Fremont Artwalk. So even if the weather is still dreary and rainy outside, you can still pick up a painting or a print at the show to brighten up your living or work space.

Also, if you haven’t already, I highly recommend checking out the wonderful exhibit now showing at the Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park. It’s called Garden and Cosmos; The Royal Paintings of Jodhpur. It runs till April 26, 2009.

“This groundbreaking exhibition of 58 artworks will present new facets of Indian painting that flourished in the royal courts of Rajasthan from the 17th to the 19th century. In addition to the exquisite narrative “miniatures” with which we are familiar, the exhibition will include breathtaking monumental images that convey an unsurpassed intensity of artistic vision and religious fervor. Produced for the Rajasthan nobles, these paintings have never been published; most have been seen by just a few scholars since their creation. This is the first time these paintings will be exhibited in the United States.”

I really loved this show. The colors, the detail and the composition were amazing. I didn’t however love the sexist nature of the subject matter. These were “royal” paintings so the king was at the center of most every piece, surrounded by beautiful women. I decided for my new work the female would be focused on. Perhaps I’ll do a piece of a queen surrounded by her hundreds of male servants! Ha!

So I hope you all have a chance to visit the museum. Take a stroll thru the park, check out the koi fish and maybe bring a picnic. Then be sure to check out my work May 1st in Fremont.

Hi everyone! I am very excited to introduce you to my new blog. Here I will be posting updates on my upcoming shows and new work.

My next show is scheduled to open May 1, 2009 at Fremont Jewelry Design in Seattle. This is my 3rd year showing at this fabulous boutique owned by the lovely Ms. Lisa Magetteri who makes her own artist designed jewelry. She is a wonderful supporter of local art in Seattle. I will be showing an entirely new series of acrylic, mixed media paintings inspired by the bright luminous colors of springtime and my travels to Japan.

I plan to document a select few of these paintings on my blog as they progress. Many times people ask me about the creative process. I rarely plan out a painting, they merely take form as I sit at the easel.

I am always intrigued by other artists processes and surroundings in which they paint, yet most of the time those things remain a mystery. We only see the final object in a gallery or museum and not the months, year or years behind it’s creation. I do not know why or where the desire to create art comes from. But what little bits of knowledge I have gained in my years being an artist, I am happy to share with anyone who is interested. Art is never a competition, it is a gift that makes the world a more beautiful, interesting and thoughtful place to live. The more art put out into the world the better! I encourage anyone to pick up a brush, a pen or pencil and see what adventure it takes them on. There are no rules in art, no right or wrong, just follow your heart…

Thank you to all of you who have supported me in my journey. Whether a collector of my work or someone who has blessed me with kind supporting words, I appreciate you all. In those few and far between moments when I have been sitting alone for so many hours painting that I start to wonder what the point of painting silly pictures is, one of you comes along and reminds me. You too are part of the creative process, and for that I am eternally grateful.