Melissa Cole Fun Fine Art

"Garden Octo" Mosaic Concrete Sculpture

2012-01-12T15:52:00.000-08:00

Finally got around to mosaicing my concrete octopus sculpture that I created last fall in Oakland's Institute of Mosaic Art. He was a lot of fun and is covered with all kinds of fused glass bling!

Mosaic Salmon Sculpture in progress 3

2012-01-07T17:28:00.000-08:00

Yay! All of the three salmon are grouted and they look so pretty and shiny! I just need to do minor clean up and then seal them. Each salmon weighs about 25-35 pounds. I also need to figure out how I am attaching the copper tubing together to form a circle. We might drill holes and then bolt them together. It will be fun to see it when it is done.

Mosaic salmon sculpture in progress 2

2011-12-31T13:32:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year's Eve! I am currently working on the third of the three salmon for my concrete salmon sculpture. The sun is shining, so I thought I would take a couple of pictures of how they look so far. The glass has been adhered to the concrete and next I will be grouting them with charcoal grout...all of the black outlines should look pretty cool-I'm excited!

Mosaic salmon sculpture in progress

2011-12-24T13:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas Eve! I have been working away on my first large concrete sculpture (looks a little like a giant salmon wreath!) since I took my classes this summer. This will hang outside underneath the peak of a roof. Each concrete salmon is between two to three and a half feet long and has a copper tube through the center of it. I first sculpted the three salmon from polystyrene foam and then coated each in layers of concrete and fiberglass mesh for strength. After the concrete cures, I will mosaic each fish with a variety of stained and fused glass. I can't wait for that part!

"Rhinestone Rooster" hanging sculpture

2011-12-13T22:30:00.000-08:00

Tis the season for little gifties. This is a fun one..."Rhinestone Rooster" a 6x6 hanging sculpture of acrylic on wood with clay and glass accents for $125. It can be found in Art Spirit Gallery's Small works invitational show

Spokesman-Review Commissions

2011-12-12T19:34:00.001-08:00

After returning from Australia I got to work on a fun little project for a couple of my favorite journalists Jim and Rick who are retiring from the Spokesman-Review. Jim is an avid flyfisherman and loves cutthroat trout and Rick is a salmon guy. Although I had a few ideas to go on...when they opened their gifts at the retirement party last night, the final paintings ,commissioned by the Spokesman-Review, were a surprise.

Link to a nice write up in the Spokesman's outdoor blog

Here are the very nice thank you emails I received from them today. "Just hung the painting and it looks great - toasting it with a Winterfish ale, to be followed by the salmon dinner we deferred from last night since the retirement afterparty went so late. Had lots of compliments on it, one of my fellow retirees who got an iPad said he wished he would have thought of something more creative instead. So thanks again, and have a great rest of the holiday season - Rick"

"I LOVE it. It's perfect. It captures exactly the feeling I wanted. Both pieces were a big hit at our party and you have a few hundred new admirers. I couldn't have dreamed up a better retirement present." -Jim

This is why I love my job!

Australia

2011-11-23T17:25:00.001-08:00

Yay! I am back from Australia...it was an excellent trip. I have my photos posted on face book if you want to take a look at them. Now it is time for all of the gift shows. I have work at the Tinman Gallery "Best of 2011" group show, which opens this Friday December 2nd. I also have work at the "Small works invitational" group show at the Art Spirit Gallery in CdA, ID, which also opens this Friday.

"Garden Fowl" Original 5x7 Acrylic Painting

2011-10-24T23:35:00.000-07:00

Just a rooster among the flowers! This little 5x7 acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas sold, but I would be happy to make another...

"Big Bird" Original 5x7 Acrylic Painting

2011-10-24T23:30:00.000-07:00

A silly plump whimsical bird to brighten up a wall or corner! "Big Bird" a 5x7 Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas for $95.

"Tittle Tattle" 12x36 Acrylic on canvas

2011-10-24T23:27:00.000-07:00

Continuing along my theme of gossip in the pines and rumor mill, this one is titled "Tittle Tattle". An acrylic on canvas for $750. It is currently in the Artisan's Wares Gallery in Spokane

"Looking for Love" Original 10x10 Acrylic Painting

2011-10-24T23:15:00.000-07:00

A fun little piece with lots of found objects titled "Looking for Love"....in all the wrong places. It is an acrylic on wood panel $195. Currently at the Art Spirit Gallery in CdA

"Winter Steel" Original 50x35 Acrylic Painting

2011-10-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

Yeah, today I dropped off my latest commission "Winter Steel" a 50x35 acrylic on wood and canvas with clay and glass accents. It was fun using all of the different media as well as juxtaposing the stark winter scene with the colorful steelhead. Only a few more days until I head off to Australia.

"Choral Koi" Original 20x20 Acrylic Painting

2011-10-17T17:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Kristina! I recently got to do a really fun commission for a birthday surprise. Kristina is an amazing singer who is a member of Spokane Choral Artists and works with the Children's Chorus among many things. Her friends banded together and commissioned this piece "Choral Koi" for her. It is a 20 x 20 textured acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas. She received it yesterday and sent me the sweetest email today (see below)...it just made my day!
I received the most incredible gift last night! Not only a bunch of wonderful friends, but the MOST GORGEOUS 'Choral Koi'!!!!!!! That was beyond any surprise I could've dreamt up. I LOVE LOVE LOVE your painting. I'm sure that i don't have the words to express it correctly, but I adore it! Here's a weird thing that will make you laugh: I thought it was particularly amazing to be able to touch it! I love the way that your paintings have such a lush texture on the canvas and I've always wanted to touch some of them. Of course, I never did because it wouldn't have been appropriate. But, when Sarah unveiled your painting last night, after almost crying and falling in love with it ... darn it, I got to touch it! And, I let other people touch it, too! Is that weird? Oh well. I am delighted and still smiling ... and, I will be for the rest of my life whenever I look at that wonderful work! Thank you!!!!!

Light Concrete Sculpture Workshop

2011-10-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

Finally posting my photos from the Light Concrete Sculpture Workshop in Oakland Oct 1-2. It was great fun and I learned so much from Tracy Broback at the Institute of Mosaic Art. I can't wait to use my new skills in future endeavors.

"Little Green" Original 5x7 Painting

2011-10-08T12:08:00.000-07:00

I'm finally home for a little while-yeah! Had a nice closing reception for "Shape Shifting" at Dean Davis Studio. I'll post photos later. Here is a new little green moray eel (5x7 acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas). He is also going home with the new owner of "Shapeshifting".

Turtle Cement Sculpture

2011-09-22T22:35:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from my cement sculpture class in San Jose, CA last weekend with instructor Brent Sumner. We made metal armatures with wire mesh, then applied a mix of cement and darjit (paper pulp and clay) to outside and then a second sculpted layer, finally glass jewels and oxide color. I learned a lot and it was fun!

Hutton Settlement Acrylic and Inspiration Workshop

2011-09-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

This morning I had five students from Hutton Settlement over to my studio for a talk about finding inspiration and a demo on acrylic texture. They were a lot of fun and learned quickly. Here are a few pictures from our hour together.

Shape Shifting Opening Reception

2011-09-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

Lots of fun was had at the Shape Shifting opening reception at Dean Davis Studio, 216 W Pacific in Spokane. This show is up until Oct 7th and there will be a closing party on that date from 5:00-10:00pm, please come if you are in the area! Here are a few pics from the evening.

Hanging Mosaic Animals

2011-09-06T00:06:00.000-07:00

Here are all my new wooden animals painted with acrylic and accented with glass. They were lots of fun, hope you like them! The size and price for each can be found in the caption border along the bottom. Please contact me if you are interested in any of them.

"Pretty Boy" Original 8x10 Acrylic Painting

2011-09-06T00:04:00.000-07:00

Another peacock...I will never tire of painting them! This is a textured acrylic on gallery wrapped 8x10 canvas for $165.

"Blue Moon Owl" Original 8x10 Acrylic Painting

2011-09-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Don't ask me why I am in a "blue" period! I am feeling rather chipper...so I am not sure why! Here is a little blue owl on 8x10 gallery wrapped canvas for $165.

"China Blue" Original 10x20 Acrylic Painting

2011-09-05T23:58:00.000-07:00

While I was in Seattle recently for my artist mentor training at the Seattle Art Museum, I found a great carved wooden dragon from Oaxaca in the gift shop. He is black and white... this one is blue. Acrylic on 10x20 gallery wrapped canvas for $385.

"401 Klepto" Original 18 x 24 Acrylic Painting

2011-09-05T23:53:00.000-07:00

During these tough economic times many people are having to "steal" from their 401K accounts...this little guy is doing the same thing! An acrylic on wood with various found objects...keys, stones, earrings etc. 18x24 for $750.

"Romancing Poseidon" Original 48x36 Acrylic Painting

2011-09-03T23:29:00.000-07:00

Having too much fun making little stories to amuse myself while I paint! This one is called "Romancing Poseidon" Acrylic on two 24x36 gallery wrapped canvases for $2,795. The last big one I needed to finish for the upcoming "Shape Shifting" show-yeah!

"Showoff" hanging sculpture

2011-09-01T22:58:00.000-07:00

A new hanging sculpture of acrylic on wood with glass and copper accents, titled "Showoff" for $245. More of these to come in the next few days....

"Memories of Moghul Empires" Original 48x60 Acrylic Painting

2011-09-01T22:54:00.001-07:00

Wild title I know! But I saw these amazing deep purple lotus flowers during my trip to India..and they inspired this jewel toned koi painting "Memories of Moghul Empires" an original 48x60 acrylic painting on gallery wrapped canvas for $4,795.

"Kokanee Chaos" Original 48x48 Acrylic Painting

2011-09-01T22:31:00.000-07:00

Just finished this a few minutes ago...getting ready for fall I guess! This will be in my upcoming "Shapeshifting" show at Dean Davis Studio. This is an original acrylic on 48 x48 canvas for $3,875. titled " Kokanee Chaos"

"Icarus" Original 16x20 Acrylic Painting

2011-08-19T21:21:00.000-07:00

Some more new pieces for my upcoming show "Shape Shifting" in Spokane. This one is titled "Icarus", an original acrylic on 16x20 gallery wrapped canvas for $575.

"Nevermore" Original 16x20 Acrylic Painting

2011-08-19T21:18:00.000-07:00

Quoth the raven...nevermore. I think she is thinking the same. Another painting for my show "Shape Shifting" which opens Sept 9th at Dean Davis Studio in Spokane.

This is an original acrylic on 16x20 gallery wrapped canvas for $575.

"Star Diving" Original 10x20 Acrylic Painting

2011-08-19T21:15:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't it be fun to dive through the stars like this? I thought so. An original acrylic on 10x20 gallery wrapped canvas for $385.

"Wet Dream" Original 12x12 Acrylic Painting

2011-08-19T21:13:00.000-07:00

This little kitty is having a good dream:) An original acrylic on 12x12 gallery wrapped canvas for $285.

"Leta Jilted" Original 11x14 Acrylic Painting

2011-08-19T21:10:00.000-07:00

I feel so powerful when I change the myths to suit my needs!

"Poppy Dragon" Original 24x24 Acrylic Painting

2011-08-16T23:11:00.000-07:00

Time to call it a night! I finished "Poppy Dragon" and it looks like it is vibrating with energy...or maybe my eyes are just tired! Have a good night.

"Bubble Bath" Original 24x30 Acrylic Painting

2011-08-16T23:09:00.000-07:00

My newest mergirl..taking a bubble bath with friends. She will be in my upcoming Spokane show "Shapeshifting" which opens Sept 9th

"Paranoia" Original 24x30 Acrylic Painting

2011-08-16T23:05:00.000-07:00

Mighty large rooster on the range! Other such words were used to describe this magnificent bird at my recent show in Park City, Utah...use your imaginations.

"Follow the Rainbow" Original 20x60 Acrylic Painting

2011-08-16T23:02:00.000-07:00

Finished this one before I left for Park City. It will be going into my upcoming show "Shapeshifting" at Dean Davis's Photo Studio in Spokane, opening Sept 9th.

"Huckleberry Crow" Original 16x20 Acrylic Painting

2011-07-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

Last of the Entree Gallery paintings....now on to new ones for the Kimball Arts Festival in Park City, UT next weekend. This one is a 16x20 acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas for $525.

"Midnight Poppies" Original 10x20 Acrylic Painting

2011-07-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

Back to the studio for me...here are some new poppies, the last few paintings for the Entree Gallery show "Northwest Hues", which opens August 1st in Nordman, ID. Reception is from 1-3pm. This painting is an acrylic on gallery wrapped 10x20 canvas for $345.

"Party Time" by Brianna Gonser

2011-07-27T08:03:00.000-07:00

When I returned from my 10 day trip to Oakland/mosaic workshop and my family reunion in Redding, CA, I was delighted to find my new painting waiting for me. Titled "Party Time" by Brianna Gonser, age 9, and represented by the Attic Gallery in Portland. It is a wonderful , wild and beautiful tea party for two and fits perfectly in my dining area-Hooray! Thank you so much Brianna, I love it!

Mosaic Summer Camp Photos

2011-07-21T21:44:00.000-07:00

More mosaic pictures from my week at mosaic summer camp at the Institute of Mosaic Art in Oakland, CA. I have one more day of class and then it is back to reality...too bad, it has been fun living in mosaic la la land!

"Shape Shifting" Original 24x36 Acrylic Painting

2011-07-18T17:08:00.000-07:00

Back from mosaic class and still having lots of fun! Here is the painting I finished right before I left for my upcoming "Shapeshifting" Solo Show at Dean Davis Studio, which opens Sept 9 and closes October 7. I'm really looking forward to it!

This piece is called "shape shifting" and is an acrylic on gallery wrapped 24x36 canvas for $1,675.

Institute of Mosaic Art Class

2011-07-17T20:46:00.000-07:00

Yeah! Finished up my first class at the Institute of Mosaic Art in Oakland, CA. Exterior concepts...it was great fun and I learned a lot. Tomorrow I start "Mosaic Summer Camp" for a week. Here are a few pics from class

"Fit to be Tied" Original 36x36 Acrylic Painting

2011-07-10T22:11:00.000-07:00

Brandon woke me up with this trout brainstorm a few nights ago...so here it is a dream on canvas. It is titled "Fit to be Tied" an original 36x36 acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas for $2,250.

"More than Rainbow" Original 12x48 Acrylic Painting

2011-07-09T15:27:00.000-07:00

Finished this trout painting late last night. It was a fun one! It is an acrylic on gallery wrapped 12x48 canvas for $975.

Brandon came up with a new trout design for me in the middle of the night...so that is what I am working on today-fitting as today is his birthday...Happy Birthday!!

"Breakfast Buffet" Original 30x41 Acrylic Painting

2011-07-06T22:31:00.000-07:00

I continue with my collection for the Entree Gallery Show, August 1st. This one is titled "Breakfast Buffet" and is a puzzle painting with multiple panels of wood and canvas with ceramic, glass and tile accents. It is 30x41 for $2,275. and has a big bellied bear filled with huckle berries, chanterelle mushrooms and other assorted breakfast goodies!

"Sentinel" Original 16x31 Acrylic painting

2011-07-04T23:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July! Even though it was a holiday I spent most of the day in the studio...painting away. I finished my new puzzle painting "Sentinel" a 16x31 on canvas and wood panels with glass accents. for $745.

Seahorses and Mantis Shrimp Original 8x10 paintings

2011-07-03T20:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Simon Walsh in Dominica! He is a fellow photographer and his wife Wendy commissioned these two paintings inspired by two of his photographs. They are acrylics on gallery wrapped 8x10 canvases.

"Summer Picnic" Original 24x52 Acrylic Painting

2011-07-02T23:14:00.000-07:00

Since Brandon recently had knee surgery he is stuck at home for most of the summer. At least he is able to ride a bike now and we have been enjoying summer picnics along the river during our bike rides. That is the title of my newest painting "Summer Picnic" , a 24x52 triptych. Original acrylic on canvas and wood panels with mosaic accents in the rocks. The three panels are attached via hooks and hang as one piece. Price is $2,475 and this painting is also heading up to the Entree Gallery in Nordman, ID for my August 1st show "NW Hues".

"Mama Mia" Original 30x60 Acrylic Painting

2011-06-30T23:40:00.000-07:00

Spent most of the day in the studio working on "Mama Mia" the fierce mama bear and her cubs. Lots of pretty greens and golds in this one. It is an original acrylic triptych on gallery wrapped canvas measuring 30 x 60 for $3,475. It will be heading up to Entree Gallery in Nordman, ID in a few weeks.

"Croc Tock" 12x25 Acrylic Painting

2011-06-29T22:58:00.000-07:00

Time for a new post...just finished my piece for the upcoming Peter Pan theme show at the Tinman Gallery. This is a 12x25 Acrylic on wood painting with glass mosaic accents for $575. It was a lot of fun and the purple and green iridescents in it are really pretty.

Chicken and Rooster Paintings

2011-06-26T19:48:00.000-07:00

SOLD

"Two Pine Crows" Copper Sculptures

2011-06-22T23:04:00.000-07:00

Commissioned copper crows on pine boughs. They will be hanging together with top pine crow above and bottom pine crow below. A new design for me.

"Sweet Kokanee" Original 36x60 Acrylic Painting

2011-06-22T23:01:00.000-07:00

Finished this big one yesterday. It will be heading to Entree Gallery for my August 1 show "NW Hues". It is an acrylic on 36x60 gallery wrapped canvas with textured border extending over the sides for $3,575.

"Angel Fallen" Original 22x30 Acrylic Painting

2011-06-22T22:57:00.000-07:00

Hot summer day...I decided to paint something just for fun and ended up with "Angel Fallen" an acrylic 0n 22x30 gallery wrapped canvas for $975.

"Cardinal Summer" Original 16x20 Acrylic Painting

2011-06-19T10:26:00.000-07:00

SOLD

Back from my whirlwind art conference in San Diego. It was very informational, I'm so glad that I went! So, back to work in the studio. This piece is with our good friend Lena-Rose in mind....sweet remembrances of her parents on Father's Day.

"Cardinal Summer" is an original textured acrylic on 16x20 gallery wrapped canvas for $575.

"Two Little Lovebirds" Original 16x20 Acrylic Painting

2011-06-13T09:40:00.000-07:00

Back from a very nice little jaunt to Seattle...everyone liked their commissions-hooray! This was a surprise for our friends Stuart and Robin who are getting married. She has the cutest little peach-faced lovebird named Rainbow...so I painted this for them as a wedding present.

"Oystercatcher's Garden" Original 24x36 Acrylic Painting

2011-06-09T19:55:00.000-07:00

Spent the day painting away. I finished up my tide pool commission piece titled "Oystercatcher's Garden" It is a 24x36 acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas. It was fun to do all of the little tide pool creatures as well as the octopus (always my favorite) and oyster catcher. This will be traveling to its new home in Seattle tomorrow!

"Going Fishing" Original 32x48 Acrylic Painting

2011-06-06T22:49:00.000-07:00

SOLD

Well, we had great weather for Artfest, lots of people and successful...yeah! I spent the day finishing up my commission "Going Fishing", which is going into a beautiful lake side home in Tacoma area. It is a 32x48 acrylic on canvas panels with wood block, glass and tile accents. I had fun doing all of their fabulous flora!

"Hark Who Goes There?" Original 24x36 Acrylic Painting

2011-05-30T22:33:00.000-07:00

Just finished this one yesterday. I painted it for the post card design for my upcoming Entree Gallery show "NW Hues" which opens August 1st. Titled "Hark, Who Goes There?", it is a textured acrylic on 24 x 36 gallery wrapped canvas with the border design extending over the edges for $1,675.

"Lucky Find" Original 4x6 Acrylic Painting

2011-05-28T18:38:00.000-07:00

SOLD

Had a great day looking at other people's art at Art in the Garden at artist Kay O'Rourke's house. It is always inspirational to see what everyone is up to!

Here is another newbie "Lucky Find" an acrylic on gallery wrapped 4x6 canvas for $75.

"Damsels" Original 5x7 Acrylic Painting

2011-05-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

Lovely damsels...ready to fly away! I finished these up a few days ago. They are part of the miniature collection for upcoming Artfest in Spokane. They are original acrylic on gallery wrapped 5x7 canvas for $95.

"Red Rabbit" Original 5x5 Acrylic Painting

2011-05-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

SOLD

A new rabbit to join my miniature menagerie, it is titled (most creatively I admit!)

"Red Rabbit" and is an original acrylic on 5x5 gallery wrapped canvas for $75.

"Guilt Trip" Original 6x6 Acrylic Painting

2011-05-27T19:29:00.000-07:00

Ever get this look from your cat, when you just aren't performing your tasks to their satisfation or when you shut the door and leave them behind ? Hmmmm. This one is called "guilt trip" an original acrylic on gallery wrapped 6x6 canvas with the borders extending over the edges for $85.

"Partridge and Pear" Original 5x5 Acrylic Painting

2011-05-26T20:56:00.000-07:00

Another funny little painting for the day..."Partridge and Pear" without the tree! It is an original acrylic on gallery wrapped 5x5 canvas with textured borders extending over the edges for $85.

"Applejack" Original 5x5 Acrylic Painting

2011-05-26T20:49:00.000-07:00

What a cold and rainy spring it is! I'm wishing for birds and ripe fruits I guess... Here is new little painting titled "Applejack" an acrylic on 5x5 gallery wrapped canvas with the borders extending over the sides for $85.

"Solito" Original 8x24 Acrylic Painting

2011-05-24T21:32:00.000-07:00

Sweet little nuthatch all by himself! Titled "Solito" an original acrylic on gallery wrapped 8x24 canvas for $375.

"Remember Me Raven" Original 8x10 Acrylic Painting

2011-05-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

This is for my poor husband Brandon, whos knee is so painful from knee surgery last week. He loves forgetmenots...me too! This one is titled "Remember Me Raven" an original acrylic on gallery wrapped 8x10 canvas for $165.

"Hidden Heart" Original 12x12 Acrylic Painting

2011-05-23T21:15:00.000-07:00

SOLD

You never know what you will find in Spring! "Hidden Heart" is an original acrylic on 12x12 gallery wrapped canvas for $285.

"Breakfast Bug" Original 8x10 Acrylic Painting

2011-05-23T21:02:00.000-07:00

So many paintings about food! This one is titled "Breakfast Bug" an original acrylic on 8x10 gallery wrapped canvas for $165.

"Red Bear" Original 10x10 Acrylic Painting

2011-05-23T20:57:00.000-07:00

This bear looks like I did after eating too much strawberry rhubarb pie! "Red Bear" is an original acrylic on 10x10 gallery wrapped canvas for $225.

"Alarm Call" Original 5x7 Acrylic Painting

2011-05-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

My second post today..."Alarm Call" another one just for fun. I don't think you will find this one in the bird ID books! Acrylic on gallery wrapped 5x7 canvas for $95.

"Tortuga" Original 4x6 Acrylic Painting

2011-05-20T13:02:00.000-07:00

SOLD

I'm posting a few more of my mini paintings. This one is titled "Tortuga" and reminds me of when we went to Florida and got to watch the little leatherback turtles hatching from eggs and running across the sand...amazing little things!

This is an original acrylic on gallery wrapped 4x6 canvas for $75.

"Night Watch" Original 4x6 Acrylic Painting

2011-05-19T22:45:00.000-07:00

SOLD

Another little Artfest painting titled "Night Watch" an acrylic on 4x6 gallery wrapped canvas for $75. This reminded me of our new kitty Genghis Khan...who loves running wildly through the night!

"Dinner Plans" Original 5x6 Acrylic Painting

2011-05-19T22:37:00.000-07:00

Nice sunny day...I'm painting some new little cuties for Artfest, which takes place in Spokane 3-5 of June. This little red-eyed tree frog is an original acrylic on 5x6 gallery wrapped canvas for $85.

"Riverswirl" Original 14x14 acrylic painting

2011-05-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

A fun little 14x14 wood piece I made for Kevin, who was part of the convention center commission I worked with to do my "Riverdance" installation. He was really hoping that I could use this impeller from the Riverfront Park fountain, left over from the World's Fair in Spokane. It was too heavy and the installation was up to high to have seen it. So I made him his own piece titled "Riverswirl".

2011-05-10T22:20:00.000-07:00

"Regalito", the little gift I started in my texture workshop at the Tinman. This happy crow has all kinds of jewels, mirrors, beads etc. in her nest. It is a textured acrylic on 10x14 framed board for $325.

"Angel Baby" Original 5x7 Acrylic Painting

2011-05-08T23:03:00.000-07:00

SOLD

Happy Mother's Day! Had a nice chat with my mom this morning and made brunch for Brandon's mom later on. Back to the studio this afternoon to work on this little baby emperor angel. "Angel Baby" an original acrylic on 5x7 gallery wrapped canvas.

"Spring's Sprung" Original 18x24 Acrylic Painting

2011-05-06T14:58:00.000-07:00

Has spring sprung? I think so... I did see balsam root blooming yellow on my walk this morning. Here is a new robin painting "Spring's Sprung" an original acrylic on 18x24 gallery wrapped canvas. This is available for sale in Artisan's Wares, River Park Square, Spokane

Sketches for new commissions May 2011

2011-05-05T15:53:00.000-07:00

Here are a few new rough sketches for upcoming commissions. The tidepool will be an acrylic on 24x36 gallery wrapped canvas, the heron/trout/home will be a 32x48 puzzle. I'll post the finished paintings when I am done!

"Tidepool Prince" Original 24"x52" Acrylic Painting

2011-05-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

Finished "Tidepool Prince" the brother to "Prince of Tides" which sold recently. This one is one its way to the Attic Gallery in Portland. I do enjoy doing these mixed media pieces. This one is a triptych, acrylic on canvas, wood and clay with glass mosaic accents 24" x 52" for $2,695.

"Prancing in Purple Rain" Original 18x36 Acrylic Painting

2011-05-02T16:20:00.000-07:00

Finally getting over this under the weather-ness... whew! Finished a new one titled

"Prancing in Purple Rain" an 18x36 acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas. It will be heading to the Attic Gallery in Portland tomorrow. I figured it has been raining a lot, so it might as well be fun!

"Lakeside Breakfast" Original 16x20 Acrylic Painting

2011-04-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

Ohhh! Finally digging out of my hole after a whirlwind trip to Portland and Seattle and then getting a terrible sinus/cold...feeling better today. I am way behind on posting new work. So here is "Lakeside Breakfast" which I took to the Entree Gallery on Priest Lake in Idaho a few days ago.

"Jasmine Tea Koi" Original 30x48 Acrylic Painting

2011-04-13T12:13:00.000-07:00

On my way to Portland and Seattle tomorrow for a few days. I just finished up this new koi, with soft spring greens and golds in the water. It is titled "Jasmine Tea Koi" and is an original 30x48 gallery wrapped acrylic painting with the textured borders extending over the sides for $2,475.

Texture Workshop at the Tinman

2011-04-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

A good time was had by all at my texture workshop at the Tinman Artworks Gallery yesterday. It is always amazing to me how unique everyone's piece of artwork is. Thought I would have enough time...but there is never enough of that!

"Connected" Original 36x36 Acrylic Painting

2011-04-08T22:54:00.000-07:00

Friday Night, and I just finished "Connected" my mermaid/sea serpent painting. This was a private commission and so much fun to work on. As you can see in the side view, the border extends over all four sides and the bottom corner has glass tile mosaic rocks.

"Nature or Nurture?" Mother Daughter show, Tinman Gallery, Spokane

2011-04-02T23:02:00.000-07:00

Yeah! Last night we had our first mother daughter show together. Titled "Nature or Nurture?" at the Tinman Gallery in Spokane, WA It went very well, and lots of fun to have a show together.

"New Day's Dawn" Original 24x36 Acrylic Painting

2011-03-26T00:04:00.000-07:00

Okay...one last post tonight, well I guess it is now tomorrow! "New Day's Dawn" an original acrylic on 24x36 gallery wrapped canvas. I was having fun experimenting with the background.

"Skating Away" Original 14x18 Acrylic Painting

2011-03-25T23:59:00.000-07:00

Bird crazy I know! Here is a new little cutie "Skating Away" (on the thin ice of a new day) an original acrylic on 14x18 gallery wrapped canvas. Border extends over the edges.

"Fierce Fowl" Original 20x24 Acrylic Painting

2011-03-25T23:53:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to paint a wood duck for awhile...so here he is "Fierce Fowl" an original 20x24 acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas for $825. He'll be going into the upcoming Tinman Gallery show "Nature or Nurture?"

"Ophelia Incarnate" Original 24x36 Acrylic Painting

2011-03-23T23:31:00.000-07:00

This is inspired by our trip to the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon last fall. "Ophelia Incarnate" an acrylic on gallery wrapped 24x36 canvas. This will be in the upcoming Tinman Gallery show.

Herons and Ravens

2011-03-23T07:32:00.000-07:00

SOLD

Good morning! It is sunny and I just went to yoga...had to push myself out of the door as I stayed up too late painting. Here are three new puzzle paintings for my upcoming show "Nature or Nurture" at the Tinman Gallery. "Key to my heart", "Pickpocket" and "Spring Preening"

Dinosaurs

2011-03-22T08:09:00.000-07:00

A couple of dinosaur images (a sauropod and t-rex) for Event Network, who supply many of the aquariums, zoos, botanical gardens, and natural history museum gift shops in the US. It was fun to paint dinos for a change of pace!

"Riverdance" Spokane Convention Center Installation Complete

2011-03-15T20:31:00.000-07:00

Yahooooo! "Riverdance" has been installed in its new home, the Spokane Convention Center. The top of it is more than 60 feet off the ground, and it measures 24 feet by 22 feet high. It was interesting to install such a large piece...I am glad that I am not afraid of heights! It was a joy to work on and so much fun to see it up on the wall.

Exhibition in India

2011-01-25T08:11:00.000-08:00

Okay! I am going to try blogging on the road. I'm currently in India and my show went well, some sales and nice publicity in Hindustani times. My friend Anita and I have been traveling through Rajasthan, riding camels, visiting temples, forts and palaces and enjoying the art that India has to offer.

"Riverdance" Final Stages Progress Report #4

2011-01-04T20:25:00.000-08:00

Hooray, it is finally coming together...that proposal drawing I did six months ago has come to life! I finished painting the final panel and now I just have touch up work to do. We took some pictures using a fisheye lens today to try to include more of the work and to give a sense of how BIG it is! I can't wait to see it up on the wall. Installation is scheduled for mid-March.

"Riverdance" Progress Report #3

2011-01-03T21:34:00.001-08:00

Okay...less than a week left until I leave for India. I am almost done with this Spokane Convention Center commission titled "Riverdance". It is due to be installed in mid-March.

"India Hues" Exhibition Brochure

2010-12-26T11:03:00.000-08:00

Hope that everyone is enjoying the holidays. I wanted to post the layout for the brochure that is being printed for my upcoming exhibition in New Delhi titled "India Hues" Farrago Art Gallery did a great job and I am looking forward to seeing it in person in a couple of weeks.

"Hummer in Trumpets"

2010-12-23T14:25:00.000-08:00

A Christmas copper commission piece I just did last night. It was picked up this morning to go and hide under a Christmas tree-yeah! Patina and acrylic on hand-hammered copper (approx 11 across and 9 high).

Spokane Convention Center Project Progress Report #2

2010-12-11T14:06:00.000-08:00

Hello! I'm back from Baja, Mexico and the Socorro Islands. It was an amazing trip...I got to smooch sealions, snorkel with whale sharks, pet giant manta rays and wild dolphins and bask in the sun. Now I am back to the snow and working on my Spokane Convention Center commission "Riverdance". I have been sculpting the clay fish and herons for the panels and working on the three dimensional trout and ducks (wood, clay and canvas) that will be leaping off the canvases after I paint them. It is difficult to show the different stages during a work in progress...but here is my attempt. Stay tuned for more!

Last India Paintings

2010-11-12T22:05:00.000-08:00

Yeah! third and final shipment is bound for India. I finished the last three paintings. "Morning Tea" -a scene I witnessed one early morning in a tea plantation, "Bullock Cart Art" in South India and "Laxmi" the Goddess of wealth and abundance.