Nan Rae - Brush Painter

www.carolynsee.com

www.glendalecentretheatre.com

www.gaylegarnerroski.com

THE ‘X’ FACTOR ELIMINATIONS…..

2011-11-13T12:20:00.001-08:00

…..were held here at the Pasadena Convention Center but we weren’t there for that. Time for the ‘LEARNING AND PRODUCT EXPO’. I’ve taught each year since it’s inception back when the name was ‘Art Methods and Materials’. It’s been great fun over the years as people travel from all over the country to take classes. In the ‘90’s my class sizes were at least 30 students and I taught for four days. The economy has changed that somewhat but the show is still fun and exciting.

O.K., here’s the brush, here’s the paper…

That’s right, tear the paper…

Now to begin…..

Time to demo painting a Moon Bamboo!

Done!

What great students!!!

I’m now a conductor!

Painting a butterfly.

The next class was the Iris. Christine left early to head on back to Chula Vista. What a talented, fun group.

A special shout out to Gail Fishback who along with Irene Gruen does an amazing job of running this huge undertaking. Gail has been so kind to me over the years, making sure that I have everything that I need and that the logistics are as easy as can be. THANK YOU GAIL!!!

FRITZ COLEMAN COMEDY NIGHT…..

2011-11-07T10:28:00.001-08:00

…..had me laughing so hard for so long along with the rest of the audience. I now know what ‘rolling in the aisle’s means!

What a fun night out thanks to dear Judith Nelson and Eileen Ogle, two of the most generous souls on planet earth. If there is a good cause or person in need anywhere and I do mean anywhere…..they’re in the midst doing good. I’ve told you before they’re my go to peeps as they know just about everyone in every field of endeavor.

Eileen, Dr. Beau Stocking & Miss Judith

This special evening benefitted the Glendale-Crescenta Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross and the stellar event is in it’s 20th year with Fritz Coleman hosting.

Lucky me, I got picked up in style and we went to the opening reception dinner at Phoenicia Restaurant for a yummy dinner with dessert treats by PORTO’s (and you know how I LOVE Porto’s) and then off to the Glendale Centre Theatre. Good thing we had reserved VIP seats as the place was totally sold out and folks were scrambling for seats.

I was so happy it had stopped raining. I had given Yuki a Valium before I left because we had thunder and lightning in the hills and even HAIL!!!

For More Information:

Dr. Beau Stocking, Optometrist

2915 W Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, 91505

818.841.3840

www.Phoenicia.com

www.portosbakery.com

FOODIE ALERT…MAKING WONTONS at VIOLET LEE’S……

2011-11-04T20:02:00.001-07:00

…..was soooooooooooo much fun!

Bonnie Schwartz testing Violet’s beautiful Steinway. Bonnie, a concert violinist along with hubby Charlie, a brilliant writer and all around amazing fellow, went with us to China where one of our stops was to a tea farm. Thoughtfully Bonnie brought along the brick (correct) of tea purchased there and the little knife used to shave off just a bit for brewing the perfect pot of tea. What delightful memories that brought back!

Bonnie, Violet, me and Kc Camp

So much beautiful artwork…..

This calligraphy was written by Mao himself and is all about how wonderful he was!

Tables set, all that’s needed are the Wontons!

Violet explains the filling……

Bonnie was a real assembly line.

Kc did pretty good herself!

Sweet Lynne Sims was late so it was hard for her to catch up.

Into the pot they go…….

We laughed so hard seeing all these remotes lined up.

I love this one. So Zen.

MUSHROOMS. Yummy!

This work is really extraordinary….a close up is next.

Is it soup yet?

Beautiful and soooo yummy in the tummy!

SPACE LOFT SIX…..

2011-10-24T20:21:00.001-07:00

…..is an innovative company that designs unique and creative, visual and verbal media for luxury brands. This web design, marketing and public relations company is the brilliant brain child…& I do mean BRAIN… founded by Kat Podmolik after several years at the top in the corporate world, making full use of her marketing expertise, design aesthetic and keen business sense. Kat decided it was time to branch out on her own with branding her specialty along with a focus on solid internal business operations.

With offices in both Los Angeles and Chicago, Kat jets back and forth to meet the needs of her clients in both cities. I think you can tell by this picture how HAPPY I am to see her! Kat is our’ Renaissance Woman’…wise, witty and totally awesome.

Coincidentally, wonderful Carol Soucek King, award winning author & design journalist came by to pick up her ‘Duchess’ Christmas cards in order to get a head start on her huge mailing list. (Sorry I can’t give you a sneak peek.) Carol writes a beautiful personal message on each card so this is not too early to get started. I was thrilled these two amazing people could meet!!!

In the ‘Can You Believe This?’ department….Carol brought back a box of the most delicious cookies ever from JAPAN. I had to show you the box…it’s so cute!

And here’s the star of the Christmas card….’Duchess’ herself. Is she not the most beautiful dog ever? And sooooo smart!!!

A final hug………..

And off they go!

Lunch time. Kat is so funny….she said I even have my own paparazzi!

Twitter: Follow space: loft: six on Twitter

Facebook: Find space : loft : six on Facebook

Tags: marketing branding

www.claudioabstract.weebly.com

THE BURBANK ART ASSOCIATION….

2011-10-20T17:23:00.001-07:00

…..is a most talented, enthusiastic group of artists so when Marsha Ramos asked me if I would do a demonstration for them I gladly accepted. If you’re on Facebook you know all about Marsha, a former mayor of Burbank, she is at the forefront of every and I mean every worthwhile cause….she’s my hero!

O.K., so I did my introductory talk in which I tried to explain that basically I’m a very shy person. This always gets the biggest laugh! Anyway, it’s important to stress to artists that there’s no such thing as perfection, just the striving after, and our job is to just enjoy the journey.

First a Poppy

How a Peony is just a Poppy on steroids!

Time for a group hug. Sweet and talented Lisa Caddel is seated on the right. Lisa, a talented artist in her own right is President of the Association. Be sure to check out her website www.ArtbyLisaPHC.com

And now the happy winners of my demo paintings:

Left to right:

Marsha Ramos with Bamboo

Claudio Del Carril with Chinese Orchid

Jamie Butterworth and Peony

Nancy Bearce and the Poppy

I was delighted to see Nancy Bearce, President of the Sunland Tujunga Art Association where I happily demonstrated and held two workshops. Nancy was so kind to rhapsodize about my book, ‘The Ch’i of the Brush’.

Can you believe Marsha framed her painting the next day!!!

Claudio Del Carril and Lisa Plemmons Harrison Caddel will have an artists reception on Saturday, October 22nd from 2-5pm and their exhibit ‘UNIQUE & UNEXPLAINABLE FORCES OF NATURE will be at the GEO GALLERY, 1545 Victory Blvd. Glendale through November 11th.

For more information:

www.ArtbyLisaPHC.com

jamie4arts@earthlink.net

nancybearce1@att.net

WOODBURY UNIVERSITY GRADUATES…..

2011-10-16T14:10:00.001-07:00

…..are actually trained to get jobs, amazingly great jobs in their chosen fields after graduation.

Case in point is the current exhibition in the NAN RAE GALLERY showcasing the work of alumni of the Graphic Design Program.

This display case shows off the designs of Steven Everhart, a 2007 grad, and his spectacular work for all things “MONK”.

I’m a huge ‘Lord of the Rings’ fan and here’s 1998 grad Duy Nguyen’s brilliant work for ‘Fellowship of the Ring’.

‘The Reporter’s’ 1st place 34th Annual Key Art Award for DVD/VHS Packaging was taken home by Amy Sowers, a 1997 grad, for her tremendous designs for ‘Schindler’s List’.

Is there a bigger cult favorite than ‘The Big Lebowski’? Probably not and here’s 1998 grad Duy Nguyen’s ‘Limited Edition’ for the book and CD. A must have!

Monica Bucknam (2000) hit it out of the ballpark with this strong graphic design for the movie ‘ de Lovely’.

Another Monica Bucknam…this time for ‘Peter Pan’ and you can see how versatile she is.

Jennifer Logan (1996) designed this poster for LACMA’s Costume Ball.

2007’s Jeff Stevens came up with this riveting image for ‘Reasonable Doubt’.

What’s this? WOW, a book created by Brian Herbst, 1995 Alumni. Book Design Publication: ‘Minimize: Graphic Design in the Age of Sustainability

Wonderful, wonderful………….

With Sue Vessella, Chair & Professor of Graphic Design. Sue is adored ‘den mother’ to all the Graphic Design students.

There’s so much more to see but for now, one last hug and time to go.

For more information:

suevessella@woodbury.edu

mcd.woodbury.edu/graphicdesign

818.767.0888

WOODBURY UNIVERSITY

7500 Glenoaks Blvd.

Burbank, CA91501

Have You Ever Been Sent a Garden?…

2011-10-09T14:09:00.001-07:00

… now I can say I have and it’s truly awesome! When I walked in the door I thought I was in the wrong house, a Four Season’s hotel or the florist had sent the amazing creation to me by mistake. As I stood in the doorway, mouth ajar, Nikka informed me that the beauty set before my eyes was sent by Judith Nelson and Eileen Ogle. So O.K., lets take a poll…who are the kindest, most thoughtful, caring, generous, brilliant people ever? And, smartest for sure… as these two are definitely my ‘go to gals’ for just about everything…helping me out on so many things from hips to furnaces to beyond!!!

Up close….

And more…

More…

How high does this creation go?

Almost forgot this part…

And all this beauty to wish me a wonderful October!

It’s said that ‘gratitude is the memory of the heart’ and I say amen to that!!!

For more information:

John Glebocki

A TOUCH OF ROMANCE Unforgettable Flowers

14325 Ventura Blvd.

Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

818.907.7013

www.aTouchofRomanceFlowers.com

NOBODY DOES IT BETTER…….

2011-10-08T17:46:00.001-07:00

…..than Valerie Foster Hoffman! Think Auntie Mame, Perle Mesta, Martha Stewart and throw in a dash of Cleveland Amory and you’re just beginning to get the picture.

Here she is in the library of the beautiful home she shares with husband Eugene, assorted dogs, cats, birds, fish, oh almost forgot the chickens….and staff galore who are really family for the Hoffman's!

First came the invitation for a simple ‘Autumn Evening’ at the Hoffman's celebrating the fall harvest. The dinner would consist of “the joy, bounty & gifts of autumn”. O.K., so let me set the scene…cocktails and hor d’oeuvres by the pool……

Valerie entranced by Chris Slatoff, a gifted sculptor who in recent years has focused on religious themes. Along with major commissions, Chris teaches at Art Center and conducts a summer workshop in Italy. Fluent in French he could be our renaissance man!

Chris is in the background (right) talking to Paul Rusnak. Hope he got a commission!!!

O.K., I guess you spotted me with Daphne Cates, my miracle friend I blogged about a couple of years ago. Daphne survived a 18 wheeler that ploughed over her car while driving home on the Grapevine. A helicopter flew Daphne out and it was all over the news.

It was difficult for me to tell Yuki she wasn’t invited.

Moving on to the exquisite garden area for dinner. Tables were set with fine china, crystal and such for at least 100 guests. I lost count.

I sat next to Chris Slatoff with Lisa Cavelier and hubby Bruno also at our table. Lisa was Nancy Regan’s travel coordinator and has done an amazing job as the Managing Director of the California Art Club. Her husband Bruno works for Elaine Adams, Peter Adams wife, in her art gallery, American Legacy Fine Arts. Now to tell you what a small, small world it is, I met Peter in the ‘70’s when I studied briefly at the Lukits Academy of Fine Arts…Peter later became personal apprentice to the renowned artist. I thought Peter was just an impeccably fine person at the time and I’m delighted to say my opinion hasn’t changed one bit!

This doesn’t begin to show how magical the garden was with all the twinkling lights and beautiful table settings with flowers galore on each.

Now all you foodies out there, I know you’re waiting…waiting…but suffice it to say there was everything and anything your heart could desire to eat and all delicious beyond description. Special emphasis of course was on the fall harvest. Isn’t the main attraction always the desert? Well, again, there was everything from chocolate cake, to pies, cookies, baklava,…I could go on and on but my fav was the delicious mind blowing Apple Crisp made by Helga Elsesser, Valerie’s amazing assistant. Helga was kind enough to share the recipe…It’s from the the Barefoot Contessa and don’t forget to serve it with gobs of vanilla ice cream!

Remember when I said there were about a hundred guests? Well, as the evening cooled, Helga handed each and every lady present an exquisite pashmina shawl to wear and then to take home! Staggering isn’t it!

Woops, almost forgot…when the valet brought my car I looked inside and said, “This isn’t my car” as there was a beautiful long stemmed rose, a bag of candy and a magazine inside. Hey lady look again..that’s right.more treats!!!

For More Information:

CRYSTAL VALET

213.617.3800

crystalvalet@aol.com

TOO MUCH CAKE?……

2011-10-01T18:02:00.001-07:00

…..NEVER!!!

It all started with Laurie Burton’s B’day that we celebrated during class last Saturday.

Nikka, my super duper assistant, had instructions to bring the cake up to the studio at 12:45 (lunch time). We pulled off the surprise and all sang Happy Birthday to Laurie!!!

Time to cut the cake Laurie…we’re waiting!!!

Mom followed with her B’day on Sunday …..

Awwwwww…………….so sweet!

Time to party…the balloons are here!!!

Hey Vicki, is that slice big enough? (Not really!!)

Then Tuesday it was dinner at the Jonathan Club. A B’day treat of Rose and Ken Nielsen,President of Woodbury University. Although I’m invited, I feel like a fifth wheel as those three spend the evening (same thing last year) jawing about Nebraska. I nod off.

Finally, the CAKE!

Mom in her element.

We thought it would be funny to take a picture of Ken carrying mom’s purse!!!

…..Sir Charles B’day yesterday!!!

Martin & Nikka got the banners and balloons up with Yuki supervising.

More balloons…………..

Where’s the cake?

Oh, presents first.

Finally!!!

Yuki gave up on getting any cake …after much begging she was forced to eat her own dinner.

This was soooooo much fun!!!

IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN TO PINKS on LaBrea in Hollywood…..

2011-09-09T13:23:00.001-07:00

….the only question is….. ‘What’s keeping you’??? For 62 years, Pink’s has been known as the ‘Hot Dog to the Stars’ and it’s impossible to go there and not stand in line for what seems like an eternity….especially when the line snakes around, back and forth as all the while you salivate.

Now it’s a long story why Tomiko and I found ourselves at Pink’s with only $11.50 between us and only broken ATM’s nearby. Don’t panic says I…we can both get a dog if we pick wisely. Order we did and while standing in ANOTHER line to pay,we spied a colossal dog with all the trimmings and started moaning….WOW…what is that! Some fellow had just ordered two and the server said it was no problem if we wanted to change our order. Yes, yes we greedily replied as we decided it was big enough to split.

Once inside we happened to sit down next to that nice fellow and his girlfriend and he proceeded to ask me why on earth didn’t I get 2 Dr. Brown’s Cream Sodas to go with. Oh says I, that’s my very favorite drink of all but we only had $11.50. Now can it get any more pitiful than that? I doubt it….rather like ‘Please sir, may I have more porridge’! Well, you probably figured out the rest of the story…that great guy got up and bought us 2 Dr. Brown’s!!

Note, NO credit cards and they do not have an ATM!!!

See,it’s really colossal and more than enough to share!…..

For more information:

www.pinkshollywood.com

707 N. LaBrea, La.

AMICI TRATTORIA at AMERICANA..

2011-09-02T17:49:00.001-07:00

……was the perfect place to celebrate my assistant Nikka’s birthday. She’s positively the best, best I ever had…...so smart and always one step ahead of me so her new promotion to ‘Office Manager’ is well deserved!!!

Nikka with little ‘sis’ Emma

Vicki and Charles all happy from the yummy dinner.

Charles is crazy for risotto and you can see his plate to the left,enough for any devouring fan of same. I had a taste and it was great!

The birthday girl after blowing out her candle…she felt positively ancient leaving her teens and hitting 20. I mean really! The chocolate volcano made up for it a little.

Nikka, Emma and Vicki

This was pig-a-licions. A perfect brownie with salted caramel ice cream…...heavenly and all MINE!

For more information:

Amici Trattoria

783 Americana Way

Glendale, CA 91210

818.502.1220

www.amicila.com

LABOR DAY…..

2011-08-31T18:57:00.001-07:00

……..can you believe it? Summer’s almost over!!! So, my thoughts turned to SPRING ….how much I love it as it heralds in SUMMER and then of course….. I thought of WISTERIA and how delightful it is to paint!

I’ve painted Wisteria triptych’s twice before and had so much fun that it seemed like just the thing to do to keep the summer breezes blowing. Can you tell which one I painted first?

GILBERT LEONG…..

2011-08-28T11:55:00.001-07:00

…..was the architect of the East West bank and an early patron and dear friend. Among his many stellar credits, he also designed the lovely courtyard at Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena, CA. These beautiful antique chairs belonged to him and as they were all hand made and joined together without nails or glue…they had to be restored.

My ‘go to’ friend for so many things is designer Rosanne Sachson who referred me to ‘ROBERT BURGER ANTIQUE FURNITURE RESTORATIONS’. Debbie Phelps carries on her father’s fine tradition of brilliant restoration.

The workmen said it was like putting a Chinese puzzle together!

Debbie is the greatest gal and I don’t know what I love more, her or the magnificent job she did with my treasures!!!

For more information:

www.robertburgerfurniture.com

818.841.0799

www.sachson-group.com

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

THE BUSINESS RENAISSANCE INSTITUTE…..

2011-08-24T14:40:00.001-07:00

…..was founded in 2004 by Dr. Richard King, Dr. Joan Marques and Dr. Satinder Dhiman with the mission of ‘transforming the workplace by adding more humanity to the bottom line.’

Although I am not a member, my dear friend Carol Soucek King was going to be a speaker so I marked the date down as ‘not to be missed!’

Joan Marques, a staggeringly prolific writer of great substance opened with her talk on our interconnectedness and our place in the universe. It was a sobering yet meaningful discussion on the serious, structural imbalance in the world and what we as individuals can do to shift our paradigm.

For more on this insightful talk:

Here’s a link on Joan’s talk: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B_zAJcX7BQcrM2MzYTRjMzUtNGI0Mi00ZWM3LTkzZjUtNjk5ZGI1OGUzZWQ1&hl=en_US

Carol followed with the most amazing talk that moved the entire audience to their core. The day prior to the meeting she had a life changing experience and I’m not going to spoil it by an explanation. Just do yourself a favor and read her talk on ‘The Interconnectedness of Everything and Everyone’ in the link below:

Here’s a link on Carol’s talk:

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B_zAJcX7BQcrYjdmNTNiYjEtNzAyMC00YWZjLWJjY2MtMGI5ODNlZjgwZTNj&hl=en_US

Richard King had a perfect way of wrapping it all up in a practical, everyday, here’s how to do it style. His great advice is linked below:

Here’s the link to Richard’s talk: https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B_zAJcX7BQcrMDhmMGViMjEtNzBjYi00MGJkLWIxMGItOGY1NDkyNWQ0OTI0&hl=en_US

For More Information:

Dr. Joan Marques:

jmarques01@earthlink.net

Dr. Carol Soucek King: www.CarolSoucekKing.com

Dr. Richard King:

www.bri-usa.com

Porto’s CUBAN Bakery & Cafe…..

2011-08-16T13:48:00.001-07:00

…..in Glendale is ALWAYS swamped. Hoards of people descend on the place from dawn to dusk and I think I’ve now set a record for most times there in one week. Three and counting. Lisa Bowman, then Nikka, and finally Mom who said that she had such a taste for their Medianoche* (Midnight Sandwich) with extra pickles that we had to go there instead of our usual Thursday night at Far Niente!

*Just so you know: Slow roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, butter, mayo, mustard and pickles.

As long as you’ll be going full hog, ask for the sandwich on a croissant….I’m salivating!

The coffee bar where your drink is always prepared just the way you like it!!!

In the bakery section you can count on a very long line……..but worth it as besides yummy treats, the girls are very helpful and PATIENT as one struggles to get just the right things from oh so many choices.

Here’s just a few examples…….

Let’s look at some sweets………

Home of heavenly cakes………..

You have to go upstairs to order that special cake but be warned.they need at least two weeks in advance to do your creation.

For more information:

Porto’s Cuban Bakery & Cafe

315 N. Brand Blvd.

Glendale, CA 90241

818.956.5996

Fax: 818.956.0696

IT TAKES A VILLAGE…..

2011-08-16T13:29:00.001-07:00

…..well maybe at least 3 or 4 people to bathe Yuki! While we await a doggie ramp to help get her into the car there is no alternative but to do the deed ourselves.

Before you call the Humane Society, please know that Miss Yuki doesn’t like anyone near her ‘private area’! Hence the muzzle as we check what’s going on back there.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Note the special ‘Lavender’ soap. Oh, can you tell where a gopher had half of my lovely green shoe for dinner?

Actually I was delight by how well behaved Yuki was considering…..

Guess she’s used to it after all the trips to B-Elegant, the doggie spa on Victory where Von gives her such loving attention.

For More Information:

B-Elegant Grooming

1733 Victory Blvd.

Glendale, CA. 91201

818.241.0260

SCISSORS PAPER ROCK SALON…..

2011-08-06T21:00:00.001-07:00

…..is a very special beauty salon in Pasadena, CA as they are not only in the beauty business but enhance the experience with art and live music on Friday nights. These ‘happenings’ are stellar and I’m so proud of Kathryn Tilley ……she’s been Brush painting for such a short time and has already been asked to show her work there on August 19th thru September 8th.

Here we are in the studio making the difficult decision of which artwork to select from a group of spectacular candidates!

Can you make out the little bird on the Bamboo branch? I love it!

Happily we made our final selections!

For more information:

www.scissorspaperrocksalon.com

Kathryn Tilley: katya32@sbcglobal.com

The FREDERICK R.WEISMAN COLLECTION…..

2011-07-17T20:13:00.001-07:00

…..has been open to the public for years but it took my grade school friend Marsha Weis from Chicago to get me to the Weisman home to view this outstanding eclectic collection. Marsha was always the smartest student and has remained so throughout the years. After retiring from her law practice she became a docent at the Modern in Chicago and is always my go to gal on what to read see and do!

Anyway, Marsha made reservations for us as the Foundation is very strict on the number of people it admits at any given time and also on your arrival time. We’ve both seen a lot of art thru the years but were staggered by the breadth, quality and depth of this man’s collection. Name any important artist in the 20th century and somewhere in the Weisman collection you’ll find them.

Marsha at the entrance as we began the tour.

Getting ready to be a Botero model.

Where better to catch up than the Ivy on Robertson. We seem to always land there whenever Marsha’s in town.

Inside at the Ivy. A beautiful composition.

Oh, one other thing….while there is no charge for the outstanding docent led tour, bring $40. in cash for the Weisman Art Foundation catalog. It’s a bargain and they don’t take credit cards.

For more information:

tours@weismanfoundation.org

www.weismanfoundation.org

www.theivyla.com

THE L.A. Flower Mart…..

2011-07-09T19:34:00.001-07:00

…..has always sounded like the best place to go….especially for an artist…..but I had never been. Imagine! So, when dear Carol Soucek King asked me if I’d like to go with her I jumped with joy. Honestly, for me it was like being in a candy story…eye candy. Can you tell how excited I am?

Here we are with BBG ‘The Orchid Man’ where Carol got the most exquisite 5 stemmed Phalaenopsis orchid for Suzanne Taylor, her guest speaker tomorrow (Sunday the 10th) at her (Carol’s) ‘Salon on the Spiritually Creative Life’. Suzanne is the founder of the non-profit ‘Mighty Companions’ and will be speaking about ‘Crop Circles’ those stunningly beautiful works of land art.

And more flowers……………

What a grand adventure…..how can we ever leave?

For More Information:

www.mightycompanions.org

YUKI’S FAN CLUB…

2011-07-05T12:14:00.001-07:00

….is growing exponentially!

Nicole is on the left, Dana and Madison… the most precious little girls ever!

O.K. now Yuki, CO-OPERATE!!!

Well, Yuki can only take so much so when she decided she had had enough, she trotted off to the office to hide. To no avail, the girls grabbed toys and went about looking for her.

Once found, Yuki went back to the dining room.

Follow me girls!!!!

WONDERFUL BOOKS FOR SUMMER READING…

2011-06-30T11:23:00.001-07:00

I have enjoyed these books so much I wanted to share them with you!

For the legion of Lisa See fans, myself included, the sequel to Shanghai Girls is here. As always, it’s a page turner filled with so many interesting ‘factoids’ that’s you’ll not only be enthralled by the story but learn so much about China under Mao’s rule. Don’t miss these richly drawn characters and Lisa’s vivid storytelling!

This book became #1 on the New York Times Book Review fiction list the week it came out!!!

I am in awe of Diane Ackerman! Her use of metaphor, the sheer beauty of her poetic writing, and her vast frame of reference are inspiring. Author of ‘The Zookeeper’s Wife’,’A Natural History of the Senses’ and so many more, Ackerman writes of the redemptive power of love along the journey she and her husband Paul West, also a prolific writer, found themselves on after his stroke.

Daniel Siegel, MD said of this gem of a book, “Combine the brilliant sensibility of a poet and essayist with the compelling articulation of her mindful wisdom and intense devotion and voila – you have the powerful journey into the many ways love can inspire healing after profound brain damage.”

“A gorgeously engrossing, affecting, sweetly funny, and mind-opening love story of crisis, determination, creativity, and repair.” Booklist

If you’re like me, as you read this page turner by David Brooks, you’ll just about use up your yellow marker. There are insightful thoughts about art and creativity that were especially relevant for me in this brilliant ‘attempt to integrate science and psychology with sociology, politics, cultural commentary, and the literature of success.’ (D.B.)

Brooks has invented two characters and tells their life story at the ‘level of emotions, intuitions, biases, and deep inner longings, where character is formed and the seeds of accomplishment grow.’ (D.B.)

A must read for any ‘Social Animal’!

O.K., get out the Kleenex!!!

Why are we here and what is our purpose are the questions behind this beautifully crafted story by Bruce Cameron, the New York Times bestselling author of ‘8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter”.

Iris Rainer Dart, the New York Times bestselling author of ‘Beaches’ said, “This book is a classic. A beautiful, uplifting, tenderly told, frequently funny, and exquisitely moving story… I am awash in the tears of recognition (that) every dog lover will shed when they read this remarkable book.”

Even if you’ve never had a dog you will love this book!!!

For More Information:

www.rhspeakers.com

www.dianeackerman.com

David Brooks on www.ted.com

www.adogspurpose.com

NAN RAE’S LESSONS’ E-VERSION!

2011-06-27T19:58:00.001-07:00

Here’s talented Lauren Beyeler describing using the new e-version of my lessons.

Thanks to Nikka Carrasco, my wonderful assistant, all of the Brush painting lessons listed on my website www.nanrae.com are now available in an e-version.

THE MONTAGE HOTEL IN BEVERLY HILLS…..

2011-06-26T20:28:00.001-07:00

…..had a champagne reception for their tea designer, the incomparable Lissi Kaplan. Her exquisite hand painted porcelain high tea settings are also at the luxurious Peninsula Hotel. They are so incredibly beautiful and each piece is such a work of art that you scarcely want to use them but go ahead and treat yourself …as using them is like a mini vacation to a precious world. Another must have for yourself and as the perfect friendship gift is Lissi’s book…’The Power of a Teacup’. This charmingly illustrated little book is about art, love and sacred gardens. Lissi’s pieces can be purchased in either hotel’s gift shop. You can also contact Lissi directly at www.lissikaplan.com

Here we are in the Montage gift shop. Carol Soucek King, Lissi and dear Carol O’Toole.

Can you tell I don’t want to let go of the teacup?

I first heard Lissi when she was a guest speaker at Carol Soucek King’s Salon on the Spiritually Creative Life…..her empowering ‘Institute of Philosophy and the Arts.

Stephen McGolden the delightful manager of the Montage gift shop.

Linda just finished wrapping my purchase!

O.K. foodies, let’s get real. Isn’t the French Laundry in Yountville absolutely the most incredible dining experience ever? If you haven’t been, while they say they accept reservations two months in advance, all I can say is…...lot’s of luck! The same is true for Thomas Keller’s Per Se in the Time Warner Center inside Columbus Circle.

However Bouchon, also in the Time Warner Center, is accessible and the duck pate is just about worth a trip to New York! (Sorry vegans.) When I heard that there would be a Bouchon opening in Beverly Hills my foodie heart went pitty pat but I never got there until……………………………

………….there it was, right across the courtyard from the Montage. I was ecstatic!

Oh my gosh.the bar, the Bouchon bar!!!!

The two Carol’s and Lissi

Happy, happy me, the two Carol’s and Lissi

For more information:

www.lissikaplan.com

www.montagehotels.com

www.frenchlaundry.com

www.perse.com

www.bouchonbistro.com

BEST SELLING AUTHOR MARK SALZMAN…

2011-06-26T15:02:00.001-07:00

…..gave a bravura performance at the Chevy Chase Branch Library followed by a book signing. This award winning author (Iron and Silk, The Soloist, Lying Awake), became a stay-at-home parent in 2001. Eight years and three failed manuscripts later he suffered a nervous breakdown. What would have been a very sad story was turned into a life altering happy ending.

Anne Lamott, author of ‘Traveling Mercies’ and one of my favorite writers called Lying Awake ‘one of the most beautiful novels about faith she’d ever read’ and the New York Times Book Review called it “A singularly rich and abundant work.”!

Mark was so kind and interested in everyone he met. I was deeply touched by the generous and personal time he gave to all.

Pamela Tom spearheaded this appearance by Mark and if you don’t already know her, you’re missing out on a world class friendship. Pam is the producer/director of ‘Brushstrokes in Hollywood’* about Tyrus Wong our National Treasure.

For those of you who live in the Glendale or La Canada area, you must visit the Chevy Chase Library! It's a hidden gem nestled in the midst of beautiful and tranquil Chevy Chase Canyon in Glendale. Due to budget cuts, its programs (such as Mark's talk) are curated and produced entirely by a dedicated group of volunteers. If you or someone you know has a talent to share (it could be leading a class, demonstration, or storytime for kids, giving a talk or book reading, presenting a special exhibition, etc.) and want to help support this lovely library, please feel free to contact Pamela at Ptomfilm@yahoo.com. Thanks for helping keep our local libraries open!

* ‘Brushstrokes in Hollywood’ posted 10/13/2008

‘Tyrus Wong is a National Treasure’ posted 10/25/2009

FRIDAY NIGHT WAS THE GRAND OPENING

2011-06-20T16:13:00.001-07:00

of the Hycy and Howard Hill Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint Joseph Hospital in Burbank, CA.

It was truly a red carpet affair.

Speech, speech, speech…..

I even had a delicious strawberry martini to celebrate

Coffee anyone?

Do you know why I’m so excited?

Here’s why!!!

Don’t I know you?

See, my signatures right here!

Donor’s Kay Farquhar and Gerri Dickinson

Me again…with a work I donated in the name of dear Mary Persic, a member of St. Joe’s Foundation Board

I tried to get his phone number as he’d be perfect for parties.

And the band played on.

Oh, did I mention delicious food that didn’t stop coming and the best ever chocolate dipped strawberries…Perfect!

Special thanks to my wonderful assistant Nikka Carrasco for the great photos!

THE LOS ANGELES TIMES TODAY….

2011-06-20T15:26:00.001-07:00

…..had the most moving article by John Glionna about Pastor Lee Jong-rak a pastor in Korea who sees perfection in disabled infants. This journey began 25 years ago when his wife gave birth to a baby so disfigured by cerebral palsy that doctors gave him mere months to live. The child was named Eun-man which means full of God’s grace. Eun-mans birth caused this religious man to question his faith and he asked God why he was given such a handicapped child saying he wasn’t grateful for the baby. Because his son was helpless and beyond hope, Lee says that he witnessed the preciousness of life and this caused him and his wife to work desperately to keep the child alive. Needing constant care the boy brought Lee closer to his faith and he entered theology school to become a Christian minister and now takes in all manner of disabled infants housing 21 at this writing.

Coincidentally, Lisa Bowman who writes www.thereligionnetwork.com wrote the following for this weeks subject…………..

“Rarely is any life without some sort of deep crisis that produces fear or anguish. But some are forced to endure prolonged violence or war, starvation, false imprisonment, torture, and even slavery. When we pray for strength in facing our own crises, we can also include in our prayers those who struggle to survive the unimaginable.”

FRONTPAGE OF THE MACEDONIAN TRIBUNE…..

2011-06-20T11:44:00.001-07:00

…this photo was taken at the “Journey of the Imagination” exhibit. Possibly something was lost in translation as Luben initially got my book the “Ch’i of the Brush” which started his classes with me and his journey in Brush painting. Of course we use more than one brush for the entire painting! I’m soooo proud of Luben having his own line of greeting cards! Watch for great things from him!

WOODY ALLEN’S MOVIE, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS…..

2011-06-06T13:13:00.001-07:00

…was drawing me like bees to clover. I had to see it! So, yesterday (Sunday) being a perfectly delightful, sunny day, I headed off to Americana in Glendale. The movie would start at 2:55 so that meant I had time for a leisurely lunch at Amici where I could watch all the goings on in the square.

Everyone loves the trolley!

I knew time was pressing in so I ignored my favorite place…..BARNES & NOBLE

When I got to Pacific Theatre, I was told the movie was sold out but undaunted, I insisted on purchasing a ticket…. and off I walked to ‘theatre 13’ which was indeed completely sold out. As I scanned the theatre, I noticed a woman slouched over a seat in the middle of the perfect row and asked her if it was taken. “No” she replied and then safely ensconced, I sat with happy thoughts of my good fortune. What a great lesson there.

I’m not going to review the movie save to say I loved it and I will see it again. if you love Paris I suggest you run, don’t walk, to your nearest theatre.

Since I didn’t have the time to buy popcorn I was a tad hungry afterwards so off to ‘Crums Bake Shop’ for a cupcake and then to L.A. Creamery for some salted caramel ice cream. In other words, ‘this little piggy went to Americana and had a perfect day….singing oui, oui, oui all the way home’!

IT WAS STANDING ROOM ONLY….

2011-06-05T19:11:00.001-07:00

…..at Vroman’s Bookstore in Pasadena when Carol Soucek King and I arrived…thinking we were EARLY for Lisa See’s book signing!

We were so happy to be greeted by Elizabeth Gill Lui and Betty Wang. Elizabeth is a true renaissance woman,fine art photographer, author and educator with a graduate degree from Harvard. When she presented me with an exquisite, limited edition of ‘SECOND WONDER’… a jewel of a book written by Keya Guimaraes, her equally brilliant polymath daughter…. I was honored beyond words.

People had been gathering for hours to hear Lisa See, New York Times best selling author talk about her new book ‘DREAMS OF JOY’. As always, it was a joyful event as Lisa’s myriad of fans, myself included, eagerly await her every word. Somehow, Lisa patiently signed close to 400 copies of her book, taking the time to inscribe something personal and meaningful in each. She’s a wonder!

Honestly, I don’t know how she does it as this was only the third in a series of 43 book signings across the country. Aren’t you exhausted just reading that?

Really, the line went on FOREVER!

Receiving an official distinction award from a State Representative.

F.Y.I. Tyrus Wong, another national treasure was there…if you’ve read my previous blogs about him (‘Tyrus Wong is a National Treasure’ posted 10/25/09 and ‘Brushstrokes in Hollywood’ posted on 10/13/2008) you know he’s now 100 and still flying his extraordinary kites once a month on the beach in Santa Monica….another not to be missed event.

I managed to wolf down a humongous slice of the famous fresh strawberry and whipped cream cake from Phoenix Bakery.

For more information:

http://sanmarino.patch.com/articles/huntington-highlight-learn-the-art-of-chinese-brush-painting

www.elizabethlui.com

google Tyrus Wong

www.phoenixbakeryinc.com

www.vromansbookstore.com

A QUESTION FOR ALL YOU FOODIES……….

2011-06-04T10:15:00.001-07:00

………………honestly now, is anything better than a grilled cheese sandwich with bacon, tomato and a ton of butter? If there is…let me know.

EVEN IF YOU DON’T LIVE IN SAN MARINO….

2011-06-02T12:41:00.001-07:00

….you’ll love reading the San Marino Patch. The ‘Patch’ covers all the goings on in San Marino and also features work of writer Grace Farag, who has a column every week featuring events and exhibits at The Huntington Botanical Gardens. Grace phoned me a couple of weeks ago saying that she wanted to do an article about the Brush Painting classes I’ve taught for so many years at the Huntington. We had such a delightful conversation that I invited her to my studio and she was able to visit yesterday when, not surprisingly, we had the best time!

If you have a company or an idea that you want fleshed out, Grace is definitely your person….she is such a talented writer who can make ANY subject beyond interesting….even captivating.

You can contact Grace at grace.farag@gmail.com

You can check out the article she wrote about my Brush Painting classes at the Huntington at

The San Marino Patch can be found on http://sanmarino.patch.com where you can also read about the going’s on in other areas of the country

FRANK ROMERO, ARTIST EXTRAORDINAIRE…..

2011-05-24T16:10:00.001-07:00

…..has set aside 20 silkscreen pieces of his latest work ‘CRUISING WHITTIER BOULEVARD’ pre-publication (the release date is in December.) The original oil painting of this delightful work (seen below) was commissioned by AltaMed Health Services for their corporate offices and the silkscreen of the image was produced by master printer Richard Duardo. The limited edition of 100 was hand printed with the 20 colors separated by Frank.

Frank is a dedicated member of the Los Angeles arts community and a founding member of the influential Chicano art collective, ‘LOS FOUR’. With numerous murals throughout the city, this amazing artist has shown extensively in the States, Europe and Japan as well as being featured at the National Museum of Art in Washington and our own LACMA!

Charles and I are so thrilled to own this original Romero oil.

Looking at artwork

Art everywhere!

Frank and his wife, talented artist Sharon, will be returning to France shortly where they work six months of the year. Their atelier is located in the village of Mirmande, an area rich with wine, fruit and Vahlrona chocolate. Yummy!

Sharon teaches classes on ‘The Art of the Tart’ based on her handmade books of art and recipes. What fun to experience life in Provence and learn to cook like a French home cook.

I plan on taking the class here when they return in six months! Just working at this fantastic stove will transport me to France!

Meet ‘Flocon’ (French for Snowflake) who has his own passport.

Photographs courtesy of Nikka Carrasco!

For more information:

Romero Studio

Sharon & Frank Romero

www.romerostudio.net

romerostudio@aol.com

1625 Blake Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90031

323.226.0356

And coming soon: www.sharonlearromero.net

Atelier Romero

Le Village

26270 Mirmande

France

06 33 26 23 09

Richard Duardo, founder of Modern Multiples, L.A. Fine Art Serigraph/Silkscreen

323.342.1954

info@modernmultiplesinc.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO SUE VESSELLA, CHAIR…..

2011-05-11T12:36:00.001-07:00

…..of Woodbury University’s Department of Graphic Design for the most amazing exhibition of student work. You will be astonished at the range and quality that is being produced by these talented & creative students.

Enter a world of wonder…

This thought provoking installation ‘HOPE’, a degree project by Elizabeth Sweeney will greet you as you enter a world of wonder…..

Me, Sue Vessella, Rose Nielsen, Senior Development Officer and Kenneth Nielsen, President

Senior Sose Ohanjanian (center) discussing her moving installation ‘FREEDOM of SPEECH’.

This lyrical work speaks of the use of poetry to compensate for the lack of freedom of speech.

Sose, who has worked for me is as sweet as she is beautiful and talented. Keep and eye out for her as she’s definitely going far in her career.

Discussing Photography

Getting crowded…...and no wonder!

Lots to inspect!

Some of the work you’ll see:

Typography

Package Design

Graphic Design

Logo & Identity Design

Advertising Design

Entertainment Design

Screen Printing

Professional Practice

If you need a logo for your company or complete identity design you’ll do well to hire any one of these talented designers.

For more information:

sue.vessella@woodbury.edu

BACK at the HUNTINGTON BOTANICAL GARDENS…..

2011-05-04T12:23:00.001-07:00

…..after three very long months that seemed like a year! The Brush painting class is now in the TEACHING GREENHOUSE as the Ikebana House is being restored. This is all in preparation for the Japanese Garden’s 100th anniversary. There will also be a restoration of the pond system, work done on pathways and the installation of a tea house and garden up by the scree slope. Very exciting!

Then after class, it was delightful serendipity to see Kathabela Wilson, poet, artist, jewelry designer extraordinaire and one of the sweetest persons to ever grace our beautiful blue planet. Kathabela with her husband Richard,a math professor at Caltech, have the most amazing special poetry events. So numerous and interesting, I really think you’ll do yourself a great favor by asking to be on their mailing list. The current one has so much good stuff on it that it would take till forever to list it all. One such event is the Poets on Site, The Poetry Tour of the 40th anniversary exhibit, Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena, CA. You will be amazed at how many wonderful cultural events are going on right in our midst! Richard is also a brilliant flautist and gives concerts hither and yon. His website is packed full of interesting info.

Sweet Susan Rogers with delightful Kathabela on the right in her ever present charming flowered hat.

For more information:

kaw@oldflutes.com

www.oldflutes.com

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

www.huntington.org

IF YOU LOVE ARCHITECTURE….

2011-04-10T18:56:00.001-07:00

….and haven’t already seen it, there’s a few more days for the CIDA* Exhibit at Woodbury University of ‘iNTERIOR ARCHITECTURE STUDENT WORK’.

*Council for Interior Design Accreditation (Grand Rapids, MI)

You’ll be knocked out just as I was by the high quality of the students work. They are absolutely amazing!

A private tour with President Kenneth R. Nielsen

This was a first year students work…awesome…everything was so incredible I could have taken 100 photos!

Love the two chairs to the right!

For more information:

Phone Terry La Source 818.394.3361

Woodbury University

7500 Glenoaks Blvd.

Burbank, CA 91510

REMEMBER “IT WAS A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT”?…

2011-04-03T14:53:00.001-07:00

…As promised, here’s the reason I was at Lisa See’s on that eventful, stormy night.

You’re in for a real treat because Lisa has written that much anticipated sequel to ‘SHANGHAI GIRLS’ titled ‘DREAMS OF JOY’ which is also published by Random House. Written in Lisa’s engrossing style with her remarkable scholarship, this book follows the paths of the two sisters, Pearl and May and within it’s pages is a search for the emotion of joy.

Lisa had asked me to be a member of the Empress Book Club because Random House was sponsoring a filming of Lisa which would include a segment of the book club’s discussion with her. Of course, at the time the sun was shinning, but you know I would have said yes in any event. The taping was so much fun and I could hardly wait until it went ‘public’ so I could tell you all about it. Best of all I met two wonderful women…the amazing Kathy Patrick, author and founder of the ‘Beauty and the Book Salon’ and the ‘Pulpwood Queen Book Club’ the largest meeting and discussion book club in the world with more than 400 chapters across the country and over 3,500 members! Kathy has been featured on GMA and OPRAH besides having interviewed just about every famous author you could ever think of! Plus, she’s just a great gal !!!

As if that wasn’t terrific enough, I met Skye Van Raalte-Herzog, the producer of the film and was able to watch her at her most exciting, creative best…a true learning experience.

If you go to www.beautyandthebookshow.com and click on Episodes, it’s #8. You’ll see Lisa at Pacific Asia Museum, Kathy doing a ‘make-over’on Lisa and the Empress Book Club section with yours truly followed by a yummy cooking segment. It’s delightful!

Kathy holding a copy of ‘Shanghai Girls’ with author Lisa See

Getting the audio just right!

Lights, camera…action…..

Here’s the ‘camera’ part……

Skye is on the far right making sure a shot is just right….

In the kitchen ……be sure to write down the delicious recipe you’ll see on the video…

For more information:

www.pacificasiamuseum.org

www.beautyandthebook.com

www.pulpwoodqueen.com

www.randomhouse.com

www.expandedbooks.com

IN THE BEGINNING IS THE CLAY…

2011-03-30T11:32:00.001-07:00

…BUT OH WHAT A TRANSFORMATION IN THE HANDS OF A MASTER SCULPTOR!

But let’s go back to that beginning.

In 2009, Kathryn Sample, USC’s gracious First Lady, conceived of the most fitting tribute to honor her husband Steven Sample when he would retire in May of 2010 as President of USC after 19 years of outstanding leadership…dramatically boosting the university’s academic prestige, financial resources and civic engagement. It would be her commissioning of a life sized bronze of ‘Traveler’, the schools beloved mascot, and who better to award the commission to than world famous sculptor Ron Pekar.

This life sized bronze of the noble steed would be ever alert, looking toward the beloved Tommy Trojan bronze on Hahn Central Plaza at the University Park Campus.

The Tommy Trojan bronze was sculpted in 1930 by Roger Noble and bears the qualities of the ideal Trojan on its granite pedestal: Faithful, Scholarly, Courageous and Ambitious.

The magnificent clay model of Traveler on its journey from the Pekar studio to the Adonis Bronze Foundry in Alpine, Utah.

You’ll be delighted to hear that the ‘real’ Traveler traveled in his ‘HRS LIMO’ to the Pekar studio where Ron did a number of drawings of the famous steed capturing the horse in this pose of heroic stance!

Here’s a better view of the model for Traveler on it’s way to Utah!

Now Traveler is forever enshrined with Tommy Trojan returning his faithful gaze.

This photo courtesy of my dear friend Tomiko Varga whose son Emerick is a first year student at USC. Her darling rescued dog ‘Brownie’ is keeping Traveler company.

A glimpse of Ron Pekar’s studio

And finally, the famous sculptor in his studio. Ron’s works are represented in more than 600 corporate, public, civic, museums, universities and private collections worldwide.

For more information:

www.usc.edu

www.ronpekar.com

www.adonisbronze.com

THE BEVERLY HILLS GARDEN CLUB…..

2011-03-08T11:52:00.001-08:00

…..has the most delightful members and I was recently privileged to speak to over thirty women of this lovely and receptive group. Afterwards my assistant Nikka and I were treated to the most delicious Asian luncheon prepared by ‘The Kitchen for Exploring Foods’.

President Sally Rives, shown to the right, introduced me in such a fine way I could almost become a legend in my own mind! On my left is Jeanne Anderson in whose beautiful home the meeting was set. You’ll be interested to know that Jeanne is also President of the ‘Friends of Robinson Gardens’ as they celebrate the Gardens centennial year.

I thought it would be interesting to the ladies to know how much they have in common with the Gentlemen Literati scholars of ancient China who prized their gardens and were so inspired by them.

On a personal note, I was certainly inspired by Jeanne’s home as I have never seen so many exquisite orchids in a private residence….each one more beautiful than the next and oh what treasures from her travels in the Orient.

Here I am again with Jeanne and you can glimpse her extraordinary garden seen behind us.

As I mentioned, lovely Sally Rives is the President of this charming group and she is as warm and kind as any one could possibly be. It’s a joy and honor to know her and you can probably tell that by the expression on my face!

For more information Google the Beverly Hills Garden Club and check out….

www.robinsongardens.org

www.thekitchen.net

BONO, yes ‘the’ BONO WROTE….

2011-01-22T14:57:00.001-08:00

…..the most moving tribute to Sargent Shriver, one of my true heroes, on Thursday, January 20th in the OP-ED section of the New York Times.

“His faith demanded action…for the Word to become flesh, we had to become the eyes, the ears, the hands of a just God. Injustice could, in the words of the old spiritual,

“Be Overcome”. Sarge sang to Bono:

“Make me a channel of your peace:

Where there is hatred let me bring your love. Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord. And where there’s doubt, true faith in you. Oh Master grant that I may never seek, so much to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love with all my soul. Make me a channel of your peace. Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope. Where there is darkness, only light, and where there’s sadness, ever joy.

Surely this must have inspired Bono, lead singer of U2, to co-found the advocacy group ONE and (Product) RED.

Now today, January 22nd, Bob Herbert wrote ‘THE LOSS OF A GOOD MAN’ also in the OP-ED section of The New York Times saying in part…”R. Sargent Shriver, one of America’s great good men….was the founding director of the Peace Corps and Head Start. He created the Job Corps and Legal Services for the Poor, and gave us Volunteers in Service to America, which was the domestic version of the Peace Corps….affecting more people in a positive way since Franklin Delano Roosevelt.”

Bill Moyers said “a crucial component of the corps was Mr. Shriver’s deep commitment to the idea of America as a social enterprise…of caring and cooperative people.”

“Real courage, idealism, a commitment to service and a willingness to sacrifice – Sargent Shriver had all of that and more.”

Sargent Shriver, my HERO!

A Private Tour…

2011-01-09T22:30:00.001-08:00

…..at the Shumei Hall Gallery.

(Esther) Yating Li, a PCC student from mainland China gives us the interpretation of calligraphy on Clara Yang’s scroll mounted landscape painting.

Tomiko Varga,( Esther) Yating Li, Carol Soucek King, Emma and Nika Carrasco with Elizabeth deClifford

Here’s Tomiko, Esther, me, Carol and Liz

For more Information:

www.shumeiarts.org

www.decliffordinternational.com

THE NAN RAE GALLERY ….

2011-01-06T13:28:00.001-08:00

…dedication day during Founders Week at Woodbury University.

Speech…speech!

Dr. Kenneth Nielsen, President of Woodbury University

Judith Nelson my hero and Eileen Ogle

Standing: Hildegard Lindsay, me, Valerie Hoffman and Carol Soucek King

Seated: Michael Lindsay, Monique Schenk my architect and Mom

Standing: Clara Yang, Laurie Burton, Danielle Rudeen who has been my angel at the Huntington Botanical Gardens since ‘92 with Lisa Bowman and Molly Siple

Seated: Me, Carol O’Toole and Susi McConaghy

Cathy Colloff, Isabel Rosenbaum, Laurie Burton, Clara Yang and me

For more Information:

www.woodbury.edu

What a Joy to Present…

2011-01-06T12:35:00.001-08:00

“JOURNEY of the IMAGINATION”

A group show by my amazingly talented students, now professionals in their own right.

We were privileged to exhibit at the most beautiful site possible, SHUMEI HALL GALLERY

2430 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107

A brief description of Brush painting at the entrance.

Tony Oliver and his painting Chattering Pines (2 red birds/pine branch)

I love this work!

Luben Jordan, all the way from Palm Springs where he is successfully selling his work.

To my left is Eileen Ogel and to my right, Judith Nelson…two of the most brilliant women who somehow always manage to be present in the moment, making the world a better place!

My dear friend Olga Nachev, a brilliant artist who works at Nickelodeon and Martin,her talented and artistic son.

How I love Laurie Burton who after years of acting and teaching directing at USC has now turned her awesome talents to Brush painting.

Dr. Kenneth Nielsen, President of Woodbury University and his truly amazing wife Rose.

We were honored to have them at the exhibit.

For more information:

www.shumeiarts.org

INSTALLATION DAY……

2011-01-04T21:19:00.001-08:00

…..for the ‘Journey of the Imagination’

exhibition to be held at Shumei Hall in Pasadena. What a joy to curate this amazing work by such talented artists.

Kc Camp discussing a technical point.

Will McGaul, noted Interior Designer was a great asset in getting everything placed just right.

Up we go!

Aiming for perfection!

Lauren Beyeler adjusting her work. Note the white gloves!

Inspection time.

Perfection!

The happy but exhausted artists.

From the left rear:Ralph Komai, Kc Camp, Luben Jordan, Violet Lee, Laurie Burton, Will McGaul, Colleen Bresnahan, Tony Oliver and me.

Front row: Dorothy Shepherd, Lauren Beyeler, Sandra Reilly, Lynne Sims and Jane Imai, the Executive Director of the Shumei Arts Council.

IT WAS A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT…..

2011-01-04T21:01:00.001-08:00

…..and I was on my way to Lisa See’s house in Brentwood from the Burbank hillside. For you two people in the universe who may not know of Lisa, she is the most prolific and powerful writer, author of amazing books such as ‘Peony in Love’, ‘Snow Flower and the Secret Fan’ and ‘Shanghai Girls’.

I digress.

When I said ‘stormy’ I meant buckets of rain were pelting my car and as I ventured down the hill I realized that my windshield wipers didn’t work. Narrowly missing a neighbor as he backed out of his driveway, I prayed that the service station down the hill would still be open. Thankfully it was.

Greeted by a friendly “Hi Nan” I blurted out, “My wipers don’t work” as the mechanic reached in, flipped the switch on THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STEERING WHEEL and…………….

It had been that long since I’d used them!

On to the freeway where for over an hour it was bumper to bumper and the drivers were past cranky. Finally off the highway, I was on Lisa’s street and as my GPS was telling me I was approaching my destination, I was delighted to see VALET PARKING! How thoughtful of Lisa….right up to the front door being escorted by the valet with his big umbrella so I wouldn’t get my white Burberry coat wet. (The coat I never wear as I not only don’t want to get it dirty, I don’t want to get it WET! The fact that it’s a raincoat is besides the point.)

Inside I’m warmly greeted… especially by a woman from London who assured me that I was not underdressed as I suspected because I had on the aforementioned coat! Did I tell you everyone I could spy in the rooms ahead was fashionably dressed to the nines and beyond?

Two gentlemen had now approached offering me wine and the gathering crowd asked about my relationship to the hosts.

I briefly told them how Lisa’s uncle, Gilbert Leong, the architect of Pacific Asia’s courtyard and of East West Bank was an early patron, mentor and dear friend. On and on I went until, stopping for air I asked, “And how do you know Lisa?”

Have you figured it out yet?

“Lisa who?” was the reply……………………………..

The best part was they were insisting that I stay (actually it did look like a wonderful party).

So, I’ve decided on a new career…nice neighborhood….on the weekend.just drive about looking for ‘valets’ in front of house’s!

You’ll find out in January why I was at Lisa’s. In the meantime, do yourself a big favor and Google Lisa See!!!

DISNEY ARTISTS FEATURED….

2010-12-09T18:00:00.001-08:00

….in the new Nan Rae Gallery at Woodbury University.

In collaboration with Suspended Animation Gallery, Woodbury University is presenting “Animators as Artists”, an exhibition of non-Disney art by Disney Artists.

The collection was gathered by Terry Chonin, former director of Artist Development at Walt Disney Animation Studios, over the course of her 12 year career there. It was the first exhibit displayed at the new gallery in Cabrini Hall, the first being the work of conceptual artist Cate Roman titled ‘Exquisite Flaws’.

Tomiko Varga visits the current exhibition

For more information:

Nan Rae Gallery Exhibitions at

Woodbury University

7500 Glenoaks Blvd.

Burbank, CA 91510

818.394.3312

EVERYONE NEEDS DIM SUM ….

2010-12-09T17:24:00.001-08:00

….after a hard day’s framing selection! Just for the record the best framer for Brush paintings in L.A. is Agnes at the Magic Dragon Co. Not only that, she will have your paintings mounted beautifully and the price is more than right!

Lynne Sims, Kathy Wong, Ralph Komai, Lauren Beyeler, Sandra Reilly, me and Denise and Donald Hufhines

Another day, another Dim Sum!

Will McGaul, Laurie Burton, Clara Yang and me

Clara Yang with her mounted scroll!

For more information:

Magic Dragon Co.

(on the same floor as the Empress of China restaurant…so convenient!!!)

988 N. Hill Street #209

Los Angeles, CA. 90012-1751

Phone: 213.626.3388

YESTERDAY I HAD A DELIGHTFUL CONVERSATION……………………..

2010-09-01T16:56:00.001-07:00

…..with an Episcopal Chaplain who said that his definition of faith is to be present in the moment/situation. That was an eye opening statement that got me thinking about why I was so very moved at Judith Nelson’s recent birthday bash.

There we all were, over two hundred happy campers who have all been the beneficiaries of Judith’s being ‘present in the moment’ with her friendship. It was humbling and awe inspiring.

This delightful painting greeted us as we entered the grounds of college roomie Marsha Bohr’s ‘French chateau’.

Beginning to mingle and below is guest of honor, our Miss Judith in the middle with effervescent Marsha to the left.

Dr. Charles Rosenbaum is engrossed by wife Isabel who I will love forever and delightful Marsha.

Someday I will have to write a blog about the amazing Min Lush who thanks to Judith has become a dear and precious faith filled friend who continually gives so generously of her time and heart.

Min is the most knowledgeable person on real estate and her lectures throughout the state are continually sold out!!!

This was so amazing…Judith wrote “I regard the people connected to me as treasured gifts’. And ditto to you we say!!! The tree had various branches showing where we all fit in. One from being Chief Counsel at Teledyne,a cute branch for ‘The Tuscany 12’…12 friends who as the title suggest, had a memorable journey to Tuscany. And so on….

See if you can find Charles and me in this (one of two) collection of friends who share in their awe of Judith.

The band was sooooo much fun!!!

Even as a confessed foodie I can’t begin to describe the food….and the impeccable service. Wine? The finest California has to offer, carefully selected and truly running over!!!

We were given free range of the house and ‘facilities’ with the exception of the ‘forbidden room’ which I may be arm twisted to divulge.As each guest left we were handed a beautiful long stemmed rose by “The Girls with Roses”, The Valettes, Ltd.

A PERFECT RESPITE CAN ALWAYS BE HAD….

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at the tea house in The Garden of Flowing Fragrance at the Huntington Botanical Gardens. If you haven’t been to Suzou this exact copy of a scholar’s garden there is the next best thing.

Seen left to right are lovely Carol Soucek King, dear Tomiko Varga, Annie Papreck King, Ph.D., with her mother Sally Papreck from Missouri, and her sister… lawyer Susie Papreck Wine (she and her husband Matt recently moved to the Irvine area) the hostess with the mostest, Valerie Foster Hoffman and yours truly.

This was the first time I had the pleasure of meeting delightful Annie (daughter in law of Carol and Richard King) and her sister and mother. They are all as wonderful as their photographs suggest! Wonderful Annie was teaching English lit(concentrating on George Bernard Shaw, Gilbert and Sullivan (takes me back to my Interlochen days) and Oscar Wilde) at USC where she met Dr. Jeff King, philosophy professor and one of the world’s leading philosophers of language…(WOW) they were married four years ago and now both teach the same subjects at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Aren’t we just in awe of brainiacks!!!

Carol O’ Toole’s SMILE AND LOVING HEART WILL ….

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make your day! What a dear friend she had been since our first meeting when I did a Serigraph for the Pasadena Jr. Phil’s.

Jim & Sandie Reilly invited me….

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To be their guests at Bashan’s for Dr. Jim’s birthday. Hey guys, shouldn’t it be the other way around? But remember, I did say I’m a foodie so I was in heaven. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIM!!!!

I FIRST MET DIANE KARPEL in the ‘90’s…..

2010-09-01T16:33:00.001-07:00

…..when I had three booths at The California ART EXPO and Diane and her husband Jeffrey had a company called ‘Lease Art’. Diane had stopped by my space, we chatted and struck up a friendship. Each year I would send a Christmas card with the notation “we have to get together”. Well, after years of that Diane sent me an e-mail saying…”You keep saying that but we never do”.

Well, I certainly changed that…..Diane came over to the studio, we lunched, caught up on so much and I’m happy to say have stayed in close contact since.

Here’s Diane at ‘Aroma Cafe’ in Studio City with one of her amazing pieces. She has this marvelous series based on their world travels….and I do mean travels…they have been everywhere except the moon and I suspect that’s on the list!

I’VE BEEN DONATING ARTWORK TO PROVIDENCE ST. JOSEPH HOSPITAL IN BURBANK FOR YEARS AND….

2010-09-01T16:31:00.001-07:00

….they always have the most amazing thank you parties for the contributing artists. These two pieces have been selected for the new Stroke Center which will be completed in 2011.

A FITTING TRIBUTE….

2010-08-16T21:22:00.001-07:00

…for Jeffrey Isobe at Woodbury University.

If you haven’t been following this story do read the past blogs titled:

‘On The First Day of Spring’ posted March 22nd and…

‘It’s Been Almost a Year’ posted February 3rd

A grand luncheon was followed by the dedication of a plaque honoring the gifting of the beautiful Ginkgo trees that Jeffrey so lovingly planted on campus.

Dr. Nielsen discussing the historical photographs in the Woodbury Boardroom

Somehow Dr. Nielsen found elegant gold napkin rings in the shape of Ginko leaves for Mrs Isobe

With Jerry Tracy, Head of Mainterance & Grounds who is quite the knowledgeable arborist, Jeffrey Isobe, Dr. Nielsen and Mrs. Isobe

Jeffrey with Dr. Nielsen and the plaque dedicated to him.

The inspiring plaque.

Jeffrey and Jun, his amazing son who is a PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering at UCLA and the finest young man one could ever know!

For more information:

A BEAUTIFUL QUOTE

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“Get a life in which you are generous. Look around at the azaleas and making fuchsia star bursts in spring; look at a full moon hanging silver in a black sky on a cold night. And realize that life is glorious, and that you have no business taking it for granted. Care so deeply about its goodness that you want to spread it around. Take the money you would have spent on beers in a bar and give it to charity. Work in a soup kitchen. Tutor a seventh-grader. All of us want to do well. But if we do not do good too, then doing well will never be enough.”

Anna Quindlen, writer

Excerpt from a lovely little book…GRACE: Quotes & Passages for Heart, Mind, and Soul

Edited by B.C. Aronson

Random House Reference

TRUE HEROES ARE RARE….

2010-06-05T21:49:00.001-07:00

…but John Wooden certainly was one as he lived a life worthy of emulation. Born on an Indiana farm with no electricity or indoor plumbing, he always carried a piece of paper with a message from his father that he lived by:

“Be true to yourself. Make each day a masterpiece. Help others. Drink deeply from good books. Make friendship a fine art. Build a shelter against a rainy day.”

Further, his father always told him: “Don’t look back, don’t whine, don’t complain”.

In Wooden’s book, “Pyramid of Success: Building Blocks for a Better Life” there were 15 conceptual building blocks of traits like industriousness, alertness and poise, held together by faith and patience. As he was a religious man, his strongest exclamation was “Goodness gracious sakes alive!” However, I’ve heard that phrase could make grown men shake.

“Failure is not fatal “ he would say, “failure to change might be”.

More Maxims:

“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”

“Flexibility is the key to stability.” (Doesn’t that remind you of the Bamboo that bends and doesn’t break?)

“Be quick, but don’t hurry.”

Which brings me to a party beautiful Lisa Bowman (creator of www.thereligionnetwork.com ) gave for Kristin Rosendahl, her soon to be daughter-in-law (lucky Stephen…lucky Kristin). I had hoped to go but at the last minute had to phone in my three ‘words/thoughts of wisdom’ that each guest was instructed to supply.

1. Only speak words of love and encouragement as hurtful words, spoken in anger can never be called back.

2. When you’re angry or hurt, remember who you married and always return to that loving place.

3. (And most importantly….)

BEING RIGHT ISN’T WHAT IT’S CRACKED UP TO BE!

SOME RANDOM MUSINGS ON….

2010-05-26T12:13:00.001-07:00

…things I hope you don’t miss now that summer is almost here.

The Peonies at Trader Joe’s…just in season for a couple of weeks and just glorious. Thank you Molly Siple for bringing me such amazing flowers. It’s really an experience not to be missed.

Did you noticed when the birds really started singing? Almost a serenade to us but they’re probably squabbling over land rights. No matter, I love it.

And a must hear is kd langs version of Leonard Cohens ‘HALLELUJAH’ on www.youtube.com Be sure to watch the version with 3,362,333 + views…it’s the best!

For a must watch it’s Elizabeth Gilbert (EAT, PRAY LOVE) on nurturing creativity and Amy Tam on creativity…search on www.ted.com for both.

If you’ve wondered how to paint Butterflies, check out my how-to video on www.youtube.com/nanrae

Wishing you a glorious summer…….enjoy each precious day!!!

ON THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING…

2010-03-22T10:20:00.001-07:00

…Jeffrey began planting the first of 33 trees at Woodbury University.

I first wrote you on April 3rd about our amazing Japanese gardener Jeffrey Isobe and the Ginkgo trees in an older posting titled ‘It’s Been Almost a Year…’ asking for your help in connecting Jeffrey with a city or organization. Since planting 200 Ginkgo trees in West Covina as a beautification gift, he’s looked for another site to carry on this labor of love.

Carol Soucek King made some wonderful suggestions with Woodbury University being at the top of the list.

Now for the amazing part……

Dr. Kenneth R. Nielsen, President of Woodbury University, has long wanted to plant Ginkgo trees on the campus and when he heard of Jeffrey’s offer it was the perfect confluence of desires.

One down and 32 to go!!

Of course Yuki has to supervise.

Back to school for C.L.P. & Yuki

Bye for now.

Nestled in the Burbank foothills, the lovely Woodbury campus will be enhanced by this labor of love.

Woodbury will be dedicating a plaque commemorating Jeffrey’s gift which will be placed near the courtyard fountain on campus. So…to be continued.

For More Information:

www.pasadena.langhamhotels.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING HERE?…

2010-03-16T11:13:00.001-07:00

We just saw ‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND’ and I LOVED it!

Now, here’s the strange part….The very next day, when I was at the corner of Brand Blvd. and Kenneth Road…waiting to turn left…..a WHITE RABBIT ran in front of my car and down the street. REALLY! Now, ever since then, I’m coming across pictures of me with White Rabbits! Please explain.

In any event, while it’s a bit early, I thought I’d wish you a Happy Easter!

I DANCED WITH AN ELVIS IMPERSONATOR BUT…

2010-03-15T09:48:00.001-07:00

…the amazingly talented and beautiful Laurie Burton danced with the real thing. Here she is in the King’s embrace from ‘Tickle Me’.

You’ve no doubt seen Laurie in the countless TV and commercial films she’s done but this amazing woman didn’t stop at that … on the faculty of the University of Southern California’s School of Cinema/Television she taught young directors before starting her own company…Image Development where she brings her intuitive and perceptive passion to redefining corporate culture by her lectures in authentic speaking and training executives of Fortune 500 companies such as XEROX, Twentieth Century Fox and so many more.

A woman of countless talents, here’s Laurie in my studio

If you want a motivational speaker par excellence check out:

www.laurieburton.com

laurie@laurieburton.com

LISA BOWMAN SANG…

2010-03-14T20:03:00.001-07:00

…at our wedding when the Langham Hotel was The Ritz Carlton.

We were married in the garden courtyard and had the guests release butterflies.

Carol Soucek King offered a prayer as she sent hers on its way.

I’m sure I saw descendants of those delightful creatures flitting about the garden when Lisa & I were celebrating her birthday at The Langham.

As always, the flowers in the lobby were breathtaking.

For more information:

www.butterflyworld.com

I DANCED WITH AN ELVIS IMPERSONATOR BUT…

2010-03-14T19:52:00.001-07:00

…the amazingly talented and beautiful Laurie Burton danced with the real thing. Here she is in the King’s embrace from the film ‘Tickle Me’.

(Of course my lips are sealed regarding Laurie’s marriage to a talented cinematographer… being eyewitness to so many Hollywood stories…Jack Nicholson, Warren Beatty…but let’s wait for the book.)

You’ve no doubt seen Laurie in the countless TV and commercial films she’s done but this amazing woman didn’t stop at that … on the faculty of the University of Southern California’s School of Cinema/Television she taught young directors before starting her own company … Image Development where she brings her intuitive and perceptive passion to redefining corporate culture by her lectures in authentic speaking and training executives of Fortune 500 companies such as XEROX, Twentieth Century Fox and so many more.

A woman of innumerable talents, here’s Laurie in my studio

If you want a motivational speaker par excellence check out:

http://www.laurieburton.com/

laurieburton@laurieburton.com

THE INFLATABLE MATTRESS in the studio…

2010-03-14T18:42:00.001-07:00

…was pressed into service yet again.

Charles Jr.was in town from Houston for a financial management seminar…lot’s of complicated stuff…and after a week at his Santa Monica hotel, checked in to the Parker B & B.

Calligraphy class took a break and here’s Kc Camp, Charles, Sandie Reilly and Charles Jr. (and Yuki rear)

Dinner at Cafe Beaujolais in Eagle Rock with Dr James Reilly and wife Sandie. The halibut is incrediable and we love the French waiters.

CHINESE NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION…

2010-02-28T21:17:00.001-08:00

…at the Huntington was the most fun ever! Words cannot express how very proud I am of the wonderful Brush painting demonstrations my students did. They interacted so beautifully with the visitors and a grand time was had by all!

The predicted rain storm never arrived but ‘rainy day’ precautions were made and my amazingly talented students were placed in the Botanical Center. This turned out to be so much better than being outside as originally planned.

Lynne Tucker and Ralph Komai were the first two demonstrators. Ralph is in my class at the Huntington

Here’s Clara Yang, Lynne Sims and Kc Camp

In this cute picture…Lynne with Kc in perfect harmony

Charles and I stopped by and here I am with Lou Jordan who demonstrated later, Leslie, Clara, Lynne & Kc

If you look hard you can find Charles.

Some of the visitors…these two gentlemen had been to see the master calligraphers who were also demonstrating and proudly showed off their work!

Adorable visitors entranced by Leslie Robin

There was no shortage of adorable children

I’m so proud of Dorothy Shepherd…she’s been consistently winning awards… her landscapes are so powerful!

Violet Lee charmed the children

I took three videos – two of students demonstrating to a very receptive audience and finally a talk about Chinese Brush Painting with one of the visitors.

DOING A TRUNK SHOW IS SO MUCH FUN…

2010-02-21T20:50:00.001-08:00

especially when you’re in beautiful surroundings such as the Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino, CA.

There were over 5,000 visitors last Sunday on Valentine’s Day and I suspect as many on that Saturday. It was a grand two day show made memorable by all the lovely people who stopped to chat.

This young man insisted on trying his hand at Brush painting and took it so seriously that I think we have our next Picasso…or should I say Ni Tsan!

Here I am with Tomiko, my precious friend who came by for moral support with an assortment of dreamy cookies.

Can you imagine how delighted I was when this woman came up wearing a T-shirt I designed for the Sierra Madre Wisteria Festival. She told me she only wears it for very SPECIAL occasions!

JOHN BERRY WAS SNOWED IN…

2010-02-19T14:24:00.001-08:00

…at the Dallas airport. His flight to L.A. was cancelled so no weekend visit.

Peggy, John’s wife and Charles’ daughter was here for the annual Food Bank Conference. Peggy is the Development director for the East Texas Food Bank and we’re sooooo proud of the great work she does! After her stay at the conference’s hotel, Peggy checked into the Parker B & B. I’ve already blogged about the inflatable mattress in the studio!

Peggy Berry has served as the Development Director since January 2000. She has a background of over 15 years in donor development and fundraising with nonprofits. Mrs. Berry’s work at the East Texas Food Bank has increased the donor base of support from less than a 1,000 donors in 2000 to over 17,000 donors throughout 26 counties in 2007. In 2005, she led the ‘Freeze Out Hunger’ capital campaign, raising over $4 million dollars to build one of the largest cold storage facilities in the America’s Second Harvest-The Nation’s Food Bank Network. The capital campaign also led to a major gift to establish the East Texas Food Bank Foundation. In addition to her duties at the East Texas Food Bank, Mrs. Berry is a leader in numerous community and professional organizations. Mrs. Berry earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business from The University of Texas at Austin. Mrs. Berry earned the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation in 2007. Individuals granted the CFRE credential have met a series of standards set by CFRE International which include tenure in the profession, education, demonstrated fundraising achievement and a commitment to service to nonprofit organizations. Initially, candidates must pass a rigorous written examination testing the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a fundraising executive.

Contact Peggy at pberry@feedingamerica.org.

THUNDER AND LIGHTNING…

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…right on cue as I reached the crescendo in my talk to the amazing women of ‘The Tuesday Reading Group’! These lovely ladies who continue the congenial tradition of the group that began in the early 1920’s.

Thanks to Daphne Cates, my ‘miracle’ friend for this picture.

You already know the Literati or Gentlemen Scholar’s are one of my favorite subjects…and that I love to rhapsodize poetic about them.

What a privilege to be the luncheon co-hostess with awesome Kathy Rose…recent ‘Philanthropist of the Year’ who most definitely deserves accolades as she understands the true nature of giving back. And what fun we had in planning the luncheon menu! Rain didn’t stop the 30 or so guests…each gifted in their own right.

A truly memorable day made even more so being in the beautiful setting of Kathy’s home.

Vanya Foster Rohner With co-hostess Kathy Rose and Vanya’s sister Valerie Foster Hoffman

Valerie’s lovely guests, Virginia Braun and Linda Bowling

Molly Siple is seated to my left and we were delighted she could join us. The following day was the deadline for the must have book to be published by Rizzoli commemorating the 100th year of the California Art Club…plein air painters all. Molly is the brilliant co-author with Jean Stern of the Irvine Museum!

I’ve already told you about amazing Carol Soucek King whose salons on ‘The Spiritually Creative Life’ are not to be missed.

The wonderful seating area by the fireplace was certainly enjoyed on this rainy day!

Fran Saoud, Kumi Takagi, Virginia Braun & Carol Richards

Heartfelt thanks dear ones for your lovely notes that mean so much. And special thanks to Valerie Hoffman who takes even more photographs than I do and HERS are always GREAT!

Here’s a link to my talk: www.nanrae.com/popup/nan02-2010speech.html

More on Molly Siple at: www.fineartstudioonline.com