Friday, November 19, 2010

"Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!" - Dr. Seuss




















Hmm... Taxie what do you think? I think we need to get some of these paintings finished. What's that you say? Yes, you are absolutely correct, stop thinking and start painting!

It's hard to believe it's been a month already since Open Studios. I admit it was a bit of a challenge to get back in my painting groove. I know is has been the same for other artists, the week following was so quiet around the studios.

I continued to work on the billboard painting (12 x 24") and it is coming along. I want to keep the statement very minimal; the focus being the white against the abstract blue of sky. Sometimes it takes longer to do what looks simple than what seems complicated. Here is where it is as of today, with a detail of the bottom corner.





































While waiting for the oils to dry out enough to continue I went back to three paintings; Wiz Burgers (on 18th @ South Van Ness), Terrace Chair and Hill View #3: Corona. Both Terrace Chair and Hill View #3: Corona I had hurried to be ready for Open Studios and after... again that thinking thing, thought, no they are not done. Now they are! (First photos are where I left off and now where they are.)
































































































The weekend after Open Studios we took off for a wonderful extended weekend at Sea Ranch (on the Sonoma/ Mendocino county line). The coast is so amazing and wild along this somewhat remote stretch of HWY 1. Taxie had a blast discovering snakes, skunks and other little critters (I did not completely share all of her enthusiasm).



















This week I have started a new painting of the bluffs at Sea Ranch - so far I have laid in the composition. Photo from early morning walk with high white waves and churn - spectacular!





























I guess that kind of wraps up the Studio 202 news and now to the fun random sightings! I have gotten a bit behind on posting some of this fun stuff... so here goes.

An especially exciting time for me to stumble upon this Italian urban artist I follow, Erica il Cane (his name is actually Erica - the dog part is his tag) in my neighborhood. Anyway, have no idea how Fifty24 Gallery (218 Filmore Street) scored this show, but wow, some of his work is right here in the Lower Haight hood. The show is titled: We were living in the woods. I hope that his murals remain for a long time for all of us to enjoy. Check it out while it's around.

































Here are two that are, well, talk about random, just make me laugh.

The actual pieces of toast are nailed to a garage and the tag above say's; "Make toast not war!".















This one made me really laugh. Kind of self explanatory. Poor wanna be delinquent totally got "yo momma" wrong (please keep in mind that I am such a white girl that I had to google how to properly spell this - came up with two street speak, so I am going with this, but I am still confused). I laugh every time I look at this photo.



















I have been seeing this little guy showing up all around town... don't know who the artist is, but a cool little stencil.



















Recently there was a big re-paint party at Clarion Alley in the Mission, here is a new addition.















I find it interesting, the political statements are not as evident lately, this was also taken on Clarion Alley and it is all pretty much covered up.



















Tail end (no pun intended) of Clarion Alley @ Mission.















And finally, one of my favorite things, more cool car sightings.

A NASH spotted on 24th Street in the Mission.















Morris Minor woody and I forget where I saw it, but how cool! The Morris Minor has always been one of my favorites.



















... and check out this beautifuly restored FIAT 500 spotted on 14th Street - WOW!



















To wrap it up, life and what surrounds us changes everyday, very exciting, do not forget to look!