Early in November I received a basket filled with dark earth.  The instructions said to

Winter Surprise

water regularly in a well lit room.  Before Christmas, I had a beautiful floral bouquet.  I wanted to capture the blooms before they disappeared.  I painted a piece of wood black for the mystery of earth.  I then painter the Winter Surprise my granddaughter had sent me.

At the local home improvement center, on their 50% discount rack, there was a beat up box with a ball of earth covering some bulbs.  I rescued these orphans and planted the bulbs in a pot.  A few weeks later, I had glorious red tulips standing tall and proud.  Against a black canvas, the bright red blooms and green blades appeared as if by magic from my hands.  Hope you enjoy!

Almost Abandon Tulips

Sometimes when I start a painting, believing I have a clear flow and direction, I am often surprised by the little voice that says, “stop, take a break, and look again.”  Over the years, I have learned to listen to this voice.  Sometimes, after taking a break from a painting, I will literally approach the canvas from a new direction.  Perhaps the light has changed, or even the music on the CD player is different.  A range of variables come into play.  When I created the work you see here, “Woodland Spring” I found the painting that was waiting to be discovered by completely changing the direction of the canvas.  I hope you like what I have created for you.  Feel free to comment

Woodland Spring

I am so pleased that one of the paintings I created earlier this year was sold during my recent open studio event.  When I finish a painting, its journey is just beginning.  It leaves my studio to become part of it’s new owner’s art journey.  The work is called, “Sirocco” which is the word that is used to describe the hot deserts winds found in North Africa.

Sirocco

Even though the holidays were very busy for me and my family, I still found some time to spend with my paints and my canvases.  As I mentioned in previous posts, sometimes a painting needs more time to get settled and to truly expose itself.  This new work, which I call “Plumes and Booms” is another example.  It began life as a contrast study in black and white.  I hope you like what you see now.  Please feel free to comment.

Plumes and Blooms

The  San Diego Museum of the Living Artist recently sold one of my works, The Unfolding.  This wonderful museum is located in the heart of Balboa Park.  Click here on this link to learn more about the museum.  http://www.sandiego-art.org/

The painting sold is called, “Unfolding.”

During the holidays I had the great pleasure of hosting an art salon which allowed for many of my friends and fans to come see my work in person.  Here is one of the paintings, called, “Blue Streak”

A Blue Streak

Hello.  I recently had some of my work selected for the Ramona’s Artists Guild 2011 Show.  There is a reception this weekend and I hope to see you there.  Click on the link “Power Center for Performing arts” to get directions.  Cone out and find a treasure for your holidays.

Jonno by Karen Cohn

Artists Showing: