Nature is the source of all true knowledge– Leonardo da Vinci Storms make trees take deeper roots. Dolly Parton I am so fortunate to have a few days in the house of a friend. It sits on a tall bluff over these waves. It has been rainy and brutally windy. Despite the house shuddering and […]
Spring is the time of plans and projects. Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina The bluebirds are already in Santa Fe. They arrive in a fluttering, somewhat pushy crowd, but share the perching places around the rim of the birdbath. I painted this bluebird with oils many years ago. I’ve painted many bluebirds since but this remains […]
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. – Albert Einstein The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness. – John Muir I’m just not the outdoor type. – Liza Myers, age 5 My childish (and untrue) words were spoken after a rainy, mosquito-besieged camping trip in a […]
Don’t hide your light under a bushel. Matthew 5:15 (paraphrased) Good News! Studio Visit, a juried, highly-respected, national publication has included my work in Volume 32! They distribute the book to galleries nationwide. Jurying in was a lengthy process, all on-line of course. First I sent in the jpegs for the jury, then waited eons […]
A ship under sail and a big-bellied woman Are the handsomest two things that can be seen common.” –Benjamin Franklin (Somehow I think only a guy would say that!) A few years ago and a few years apart, two moms-to-be made graceful, sculptural, rotund plaster casts of their bellies in the latter stages of pregnancy. […]
“Nothing is yours. It is to use. It is to share. If you will not share it, you cannot use it. -Ursula Le Guin My painting process is painstaking. I am fascinated by the exquisite light, shadows and detail the world has to offer. Each square centimeter receives individual attention. You wouldn’t think that […]
The biggest risk is not taking any risk… In a world that changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks. -Mark Zuckerberg We’re almost there!!! I am filled with gratitude. We’re down to the wire at 87% with 60 backers!!! But there are only 7 more days to […]
If you are alive, you are a creative person! -Elizabeth Gilbert. Let your muse come out and play! -Liza Myers One of my favorite classes to teach is called Elementary Arts for Art Phobic Adults! It’s really fun for me because I get to help a group of adults play with art materials and in […]
TA DA!!! Announcing AARTZ WEST!!! Here’s to freedom, cheers to art. Here’s to having an excellent adventure and may the stopping never start. -Jason Mraz I am embarking on a new adventure! I’m very excited about opening a new creative haven and teaching studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where I can share creative processes […]
Everything you want is just outside your comfort zone. -Robert Allen. Standing in a public place working on my paintings all day? Making decisions, trying them out, then trying something different? With everyone watching??? (gulp!!!) Art is a conversation. I make a mark, the painting responds. I hear my muse telling me the next step. […]