Monday, January 28, 2019

AN ABUNDANCE OF PINKNESS

Nikka transformed the studio into an abundance of pinkness for her friend Charmaine's Bridal Shower and did those girls ever know how to party!!

I'll show you the very beginnings of the day when signs were posted to guide everyone.




At the door leading to the studio...


Balloons to lead the way...

Needed....more balloons.  Helium tanks to the rescue!



The bride to be needed a special chair!

I was delighted Lovely Marine and Sweet Alyssa could see the studio before the party.  Especially the 'Wall of Love'.

I love the window treatment with the sheer curtains and rose garlands encircling it.

The strawberries in the Champagne glasses was a wonderful touch!

Another nice touch...

And party favors...

Everyone took advantage of the 'Photo Booth'!

Pretty bridesmaids all in a row...

Now this is really sweet...

Let the games begin...
How's this for fashion forward wedding dresses?

Too much fun...

I went to the studio to take a photo with the bride to be at the Wall of Love!

Well into the night, goodbyes were said....

Now it's on to wedded bliss!
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Wednesday, January 23, 2019

I'M SO PROUD OF MY STUDENTS

.....and their current exhibit at the Crain Art Gallery in the Crowell Public Library in San Marino.  Nikka followed my design in helping everyone set up as I was still in Florence.  I was so happy to know that Lynda Lyons, the awesome head of the Crain Art Gallery (seen on the left)  could also be there.  Next to her are exhibitors Clara, Laurie, Kathleen, Dr. Eileen, Colleen and Kc.  The rest of the exhibitors had already finished setting up.
The big day for the reception finally arrived on January 5th...

Tony was a spell binding Brush painting demonstrator...

as was Lynne Sims....

Kc had a delightful arrangement of her original work along with greeting cards...

And so did Violet...







Kc and her beautiful work...

Not quite sure how Laurie Pie managed to photobomb me with Curtis and Yi-Lin...

We made up for it with a photo with dear Carol...

Colleen, Kathryn, Kc and Sandie...

How cute are Cindy and Sandie....

I'm so proud of everyone....my amazing artists!

The exhibit continues through February 15th so if you haven't yet seen it...what are you waiting for!
It's a veritable feast for the soul!!!

Crowell Public Library
Crain Art Gallery
1890 Huntington Dr
San Marino, CA 91108

Gallery Hours:
Monday - Thursday 10 AM - 9 PM
Friday - Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM
Sunday 1 PM - 5 PM
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Location: 1890 Huntington Dr, San Marino, CA 91108, USA
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Introduction

There is no avoiding the pull of the internet, the blogs, the YouTube imaginings. It's as if we're all 'On the Road' with Jack Kerouac each in our own world of meanderings. When we tell someone to 'get a life' it might be a bit difficult when you're dragged into other people's 24/7.

I've come to realize two foundational principals, there are no accidents and everyone has a purpose. More and more I'm desiring everyone to come into a full realization of their purpose as we all find our way on this little jewel of a planet.

For me, as a professional 'Western style artist', I stumbled into Chinese Brush Painting after a trip in 1980 to Monet's home/garden. Seeing all of his collection of Japanese woodblock prints was an ahh haa moment for me and when I returned to the States I started painting in the Chinese manner and never looked back. The first year was extremely painful for me as I felt that I should be able to master the technique since I was a 'trained' artist. Not a chance ... that just gets in your way.

Now, after teaching close to 3,000 students and having my book 'The Ch'i of the Brush' published by Watson Guptill, I can say that every one of my students does better their first day than I did my first year! Why? Because I insist that they leave their critical parent outside and just enjoy the journey, respecting the work that they do. I never let anyone throw anything away because that just ingrains frustration and defeat.

We really only begin to learn when we stop and figure out how to 'save' a painting. It works every time.I am so proud of my students, their receptivity and eagerness to express themselves is a continuing blessing for me.So, back to finding your purpose. Perhaps it starts with realizing 'it's not about me'. It so easy to want our needs met and to filter everything thru this attitude. When we realize that we're here to be of benefit to every life that we touch the universe really provides the ways and means.

The best part is that it's really exciting to not have yourself on your mind all the time!I'm re-reading a wonderful book about authenticity and in my next meandering I'll tell you about it. In the meantime I'd love to hear about your journey and am here to answer any and all questions about Chinese Brush Painting.