What a Week!

Kim VanDerHoek, me, and Dana Cooper enjoying the
Holiday Treasures show at the Debra Huse Gallery.

I mentioned previously that I had opening receptions for three shows last week — and we made it to all of them. We had a blast.

"Lunch at Lola's" hanging behind me. Why aren't I smiling? It was a great evening!

Wednesday evening was the opening of Sara Balough's HOME Art Show, in Palos Verdes Estates. The show is in the Malaga Cove Library, which is a beautiful venue. Sara had it decorated to the nines, of course, and it was filled with wonderful art. As we walked in the door, I saw my entry, Lunch at Lola's on a far wall, with a sold dot on the label. Yippee! A sale is a wonderful way to start a week of holiday shows. I did not get to meet the buyer, but it was fun to talk to people there. It's not on my usual circuit, and it was nice to see work in person that I had not seen before. Sara has put the show paintings up on BeautifulArtOnline — go and take a look! Sara was delightful to work with, and I hope she repeats her show next year.

Basking in the glow of an award! And a bit more of a smile.

On Thursday evening, we drove the other direction — down to Balboa Island, to the Debra Huse Gallery for the opening of the Holiday Treasures Salon 2013. The quality of the artwork in the show was amazing — just so many beautiful pieces. The gallery was packed, and it was fun to see some artists I knew and meet some I did not. I was so honored to receive an Award of Merit from judge Jeff Sewell. "Balboa for Two" sold a few days later, and I hope its new owner enjoys it.

Enjoying the Higbee show. "Winter at Demetria" is just behind my shoulder.

After a break on Friday to rest, Saturday night brought the "big daddy" of local December art shows, the Randy Higbee Gallery Six-Inch-Squared Show. I have two paintings in the show, among the 609 that were hung. It was definitely the largest number of paintings AND the largest number of attendees that I have seen in one gallery at once. Of course it was a huge reunion of local artists, and it was great to see everyone as well as the art. Several friends came, and an extra fun surprise was that two of our daughters drove up from San Diego and met us at the show. Randy and his staff do an amazing job organizing and hanging this show. Paintings are online here, and you can search by artist name or just scroll through all 609 paintings. It was quite a memorable evening.

So now after all that inspiration, I am anxious to get back in the studio and PAINT. Being the middle of December, that time is limited, but I am so anxious. I love the winter light, and hope to have at least a few plein-air painting days while the weather is so beautiful. I also have a commission due by Christmas — better get to the easel!