Next up - Miniature Exhibit

It's been awhile since my last post, but I've been tied up at the moment preparing for a small gallery and cranking out a handful of mini-paintings.

Here's another work in progress for an upcoming Miniatures Exhibit. This one measures 2" x 3" and will be framed. I'll be sure to scan the painting when it's complete.

Plein Air - Petaluma, Ca

Last weekend I spent the afternoon painting along the Petaluma Marina. Nice long trails, but not so nice weather conditions. Wearing extra layers, a beenie & some warm gloves were necessary for the first half of the day. As for the natural elements, my main concern were the constant changes in cloud formations... causing lighting along the hills to swiftly move. After about half an hour I decided to paint the view underneath the freeway. Below was a smaller bridge and fueling station.

The first hour was spent applying washes and blocking in the main shapes. But by that time... the sun decided to burst out of the clouds. Not so gloomy anymore?! Personally, this was a challenging paint out and I have to admit I was not happy with the results. I may scan later to post, but I'd really like to make a second attempt at this location.

(photos provided by artist: Janice L-H)

PARK(ing) Day results

(gouache on 7" x 10" watercolor board)

PARKing Day

Here's an oldie....back in September I painted with another watercolor artist during a Park(ing) Day event held in downtown Sausalito.
PARK(ing) Day is an annual, one-day, global event where artists, activists, and citizens independently but simultaneously temporarily transform metered parking spots into “PARK(ing)” spaces: temporary public parks.

Here we have 3 additional tables and 18 chairs spilling into what usually is a 15 minute parking zone.
Anyone can participate in PARK(ing) Day, though it is strictly a non-commercial project, intended to promote creativity, civic engagement, critical thinking, unscripted social interactions, generosity and play.

For more info on the origin of Park(ing) Day: Click here

I wish we could have been out here all day, but Park(ing) day was only approved for a max of 2-hours. Mostly spent my time meeting and chatting with passerby's. I'd have to say I spend just under an hour blocking in shapes and colors.

Not very happy with the results I decided to try and save the painting by reworking it at home whenever the opportunity arose. It's one of those things where I might have been better off starting from scratch again. But I'll be sure to scan the updated painting and share in the next post.

Highway 37 - Sonoma, Ca

(gouache on 2" x 3" watercolor paper)

Here's a closer look....

This miniature painting of Sonoma started off as

a sunset painting, but because the person who
purchased it is an avid cyclist, I thought it was
fitting to include someone bicycling in
the foreground.

San Francisco Inner Sunset Neighborhood

(gouache on 2" x 3" watercolor paper)

"Staying local" This miniature painting of 7th and
Irving in San Francisco has found a new home in
Fairfield, Ca.

San Francisco Chinatown

(gouache on 2" x 3" watercolor paper)

"From the Bay to L.A." This miniature painting of
Portsmouth Park in San Francisco Chinatown has
found a new home in Burbank.

Purrcasso 2009

Artist and Purcasso Co-Chair, Bill Robinson provided this nicely printed poster for all the participating artists to sign & doodle. It would later go up for auction at the end of the night.
Here's a closer look at some of the early signatures and sketches by me, Ikumi Moriya-Presing (graphic designer) and Bill Presing (Pixar).Auction ended sharply at 9:00pm, and a lot of art were purchased that night!!!

SOLD! This little kitty has found a new home in Oakland, CA. Thank you Karen for your support :)

Titled "Morning Stretch"
(Gouache on watercolor paper)

At the end of the night this poster was filled to the brim with signatures from local Bay Area illustrators, WonderHill Studios (Game Co.), Ghostbot Studios (Esurance commercials) and Pixar Animation. It was auctioned off for over $300! I sure wish I had that hanging in my living room.
A big thank you to Bill, Cindy, the volunteers, the participating artists and to all the wonderful people that purchased a painting to help benefit the Berkeley East Bay Humane Society.

Purcasso 2009

Just finished framing my latest studio painting donation. It's my submission for this year's Purrcasso Arts and Craft Gala, and benefiting the Berkeley East Bay Humane Society.

(gouach on 5" x 7" watercolor paper)

Saturday, November 7th 7-9:30 pm and
Sunday, November 8th 12-4 pm
Location: 1809 4th Street, Berkeley CA

The 4th Annual Purrcasso Art and Craft Sale and Gala will be held on November 7th and 8th, 2009 to help benefit the shelter animals at the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society. A wide variety of artwork and crafts from local and international artists will be on display for sale.

To see more artist contributions, visit the Purcasso blog.

Berkeley East Bay Humane Society Donation

Adding the final touches.....

Iron Giant Project

(final touches with digital blur effect)

This is a tribute art show by artists from around the world that are also fans of this fantastic animated film. This illustration was inspired by one of my favorite scenes when the Iron Giant cradled Hogart just before they hit the snow.

If you're in the Ontario, Canada area check out the in-store display of tribute art on November 7th. Then on November 8th, the Iron Giant website will post all the submissions.

Iron Giant Project - gouache

(gouache on 5" x 7" watercolor paper)

Iron Giant Project - Pencil Rough & Inks