Wait For It…. Wait For It…

My rental condo is only a few miles from Tillamook, OR which is home to one of the largest (and yummiest) cheese makers in the USA.  I planned to post my Tillamook Cheddar Baked mac-n-cheese recipe today, but forgot to bring my recipe notes with me to the library (where I can access the internet).

So, here’s more blue sky while you wait for my recipe.  This snapshot is from Monday… it has been raining ever since.  Check back soon for my recipe!

Beautiful view of the Pacific... while you await my Tillamook Cheddar mac-n-cheese recipe!

 

Painting Table and View of “Haystack” Rocks

Here’s a view today of my painting table and my view of the Pacific and the “haystack” rocks off the beach in Oceanside.

My painting table and view of the "haystack rocks".

 

Another Snapshot of my Round-but-Square Trees…

Large study of my new rounded elemental trees (about 40 x 30 inches).

I’m loving this large “study” of my round trees!

 

Curves + Elementals = Round Trees

Just getting started on some round-but-still-square trees.

 

Oregon Coast “Flapjacks”

I’m on my painting sojourn for 2 more weeks… and would love to create more flapjacks for folks.  Just comment or email me with a color or two and I’ll get to work!  I’ll then contact you for payment and shipping info.  Each flapjack is $20 or 3 for $50 (shipping/tax included).  But, only while I’m still on the coast, through 2/10/2010!

Some of my Oregon Coast Flapjacks, about 4 x 4 inches, $20 each or 3 for $50.

 

Fossil Paintings Started…

Just getting some small fossil paintings started with a backwash and my collander of rocks ready to go!

Rocks waiting their turn for a fossils painting...

 

Some Blue Sky Isn’t Bad…

As long as it is just a little bit and no more!

Just a bit of blue sky this weekend... more rain on the way, though.

 

Rock Hunting on the Beach…

The “rock hunting” is really good here on this part of the coast… actually, there are so many that I spent over 2 hours looking before the tide came in to make sure I got the best ones.  These are what I originally used to start my “fossils” series and will be painting some this weekend!

Rocks on the beach.

 

Winter Sunset Over the Pacific

This is one of the occasional winter sunset that inspires me so much.  They only last a few minutes as the sun moves through the small gap between the cloud layer above and the ocean.  Wish I could paint that quickly!

Winter Suset Over the Pacific.

 

Getting What I Wanted in Oregon – Rain and Fog!

Well, I’ve certainly been getting a big dose of what I wanted here on the Oregon Coast!  Lots of rain and wind has kept me mostly in and painting… love it!

Rain and Fog outside my window...

 

Elementals No. 19 in Special Buell Theatre Exhibit

If you’re heading down to the Denver Center for Performing Arts, be sure to stop in the Buell Theatre for a special exhibit of the best artwork from Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe.  My painting, “Elementals No. 19″ was selected for this exhibit which runs through the first week in April.

"Elementals No. 19", watercolor mounted on diptych canvas panels, 26 x 68 inches.

 

New York Cityscape Wins an Award!

My mini New York cityscape painting won a 3rd Place Award at the Colorado Watercolor Society Member Exhibit this month!  The exhibit was at the Firehouse Art Center in Longmont, Colorado – it was a very good exhibit with lots of great paintings by CWS members.  Leave me a comment or send me an email if you’d like to have it for your collection.

"New York Cityscape", watercolor on paper, matted/framed to 12 x 12 inches, $250.

 

Please Vote to Help Choose my “Artma” Donation Painting

I’ll be donating an original painting for the 2010 Artma charity art event coming up on February 6th, 2010.  I donated a painting for this bi-annual event in 2008 and am happy to support them again with a donation.  Artma is quite a premier event in Denver and proceeds benefit The Morgan Adams Foundation for pediatric oncology research.

But, I NEED YOUR HELP to choose which painting I should donate!  Both of these are original watercolors on paper, mounted on stretched canvas.  Please vote by December 29th to help me choose which painting will be auctioned at the 2010 Artma event.

"Jewels - 9", watercolor mounted on canvas, 30 x 30 inches.

"Sacred Heart", watercolor mounted on canvas, 24 x 24 inches.

 

Please Vote For Me – Denver’s ArtDistrict Best Studio Artist of 2009!

Great news!  My new large triptych painting, “Claudia’s Jewels” has been selected for Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe Best of 2009 Exhibition.

This special exhibition recognizes the best individual art works shown throughout the art district on Santa Fe Drive in Denver.  My painting was chosen by Gwen Chanzit, curator at the Denver Art Museum and Michael Chavez, curator at the Foothills Art Center.

I have also been nominated for an award as “Best Studio Artist of 2009″ and would love your vote! It takes just a moment to visit http://artdistrictbestof2009.squarespace.com/ to add your vote for me.  Feel free to forward this to your art-loving friends and ask them to vote for me, too!

"Claudia's Jewels", watercolor mounted on canvas panels (triptych). Selected for special "Best of 2009" exhibit at 910Arts Gallery in Denver.

To kick of this special exhibit and awards, the Best of 2009 – Awards Gala & Opening Night Reception will be held on December 18th and includes live music, holiday art vendors, and a cash bar in addition to the juried art exhibit.

Please join us for this special night at The Event Gallery at 910Arts on Friday, December 18th from 6 – 10 pm.  Tickets to the special Opening are limited and may be purchased at http://artdistrict2009.eventbrite.com/.

The exhibition will run from December 18th until January 11th and may be seen with no admission fee during regular gallery open hours (Tuesday through Friday 11-6, Saturday 12-4).  For more information, please visit http://www.910arts.com.

 

Open Studios: First Friday and Shopping Saturday

I’ll have my studio open as usual today for First Friday (5pm – 9pm).  And while I won’t have hot chocolate, I’ll have lots of newly-framed flapjacks starting at just $45.  Oh – and I’ll have some homemade mocha cupcakes!

I’ll also be open Saturday, December 5th from 10am – 4pm for all of you who will be out and about shopping.  Please stop by!

Lots of newly-framed flapjacks in my studio!

 

More Framed Flapjacks

I’ll have these framed flapjacks and more at my upcoming Open Studios:

• First Friday, December 4, between 5 – 9pm
• Holiday Shopping Saturday, December 5, between 10am – 4pm

Three flapjacks framed in silver, 18 x 10 inches, $150.

Two flapjacks framed in black, 20 x 20 inches, $150.

 

Two Flapjacks – Dramatically Framed!

I tried some larger frames this week for two of my flapjacks and really like the results.  I’ll keep posting more flapjacks as I create them… once I heat up my “griddle”, I can’t seem to stop making them!

Two Flapjacks - 15 x 15 inches framed; $125 each.

Detail - Blue and Green Flapjack

Detail - Pink and Orange Flapjack

 

Oregon Coast Winter Sojourn: Special Art Offer for You!

I’ll soon be on my way to the stormy Oregon Coast for a month of creating art… my 2010 Winter Sojourn!

And since this is such a creative time for me, I’d like to share that by offering special original watercolors that I’ll paint while I soak up the inspirations of the rugged Oregon Coast between January 10 – February 13, 2010.

This year, I’m offering a pre-sale of two painting sizes at 1/2 of my regular prices:

• 10 x 10 inches…………….$100
• 22 x 22 inches…………….$375

Winter sunset over the Pacific from my painting spot in Oceanside, Oregon.

You will choose the style of your painting from my Elemental, Jewel or Fossil styles, as well as the color palette that I will create with.  Each painting will be unmatted and unframed, but I can canvas-mount or frame your painting starting at just $75.

If you’ve been thinking about a larger original painting, I will also be able to create two or three larger commissioned paintings (30 x 30″ or larger) during my Winter Sojourn.

To take advantage of this special offer, please email or give me a call.  But hurry, this offer will expire on January 10, 2010!

Here are more samples of my inspiration:

Cool, rainy, foggy, stormy... these are a few of my favorite things.

View from my painting spot in Oceanside, Oregon.

My painting table in the "turret" room.

Town of Oceanside from the beach.

Another January sunset over the Pacific... how do I get any painting done??

 

More Framed Flapjacks!

I’ve framed a few of my flapjack paintings for folks… here are two in the soft, brushed gold frame and the matte black frame.  I think these look so great – perfect size (6×6″ framed) and price ($45) for gifts.  Email me your color(s) and I’ll create one for you!

Framed flapjacks, 6x6 inches, $45 (one on the left is available).

 

Flapjacks a Big Hit!

I had a great time painting my “flapjack” mini paintings last First Friday to kick off Denver Arts Week and introduce folks to my art.  I ran out on Friday, but I painted a few extra… there’s still time to add your name to the comments of my post here for the chance to get your own free flapjack!

I'll frame your flapjack in black, silver or gold for $20!

Flapjack painting in my studio on First Friday.