WITNESS TO GREATNESS AT DISNEY HALL

During an Invitational Rehearsal at Disney Hall, I watched  Christian Tetzlaff  bring joy from his violin and it was like watching Baryshnikov dance or hear Callas sing!  He was truly one with his instrument and even though it was a rehearsal, he played straight through for an hour without a score!  I’m speechless!
Malcolm Gladwell said that for greatness, one had to put in 20,000 hours.  I’d say double that and then add some.  You could see (and hear) that Tetzlaff had been playing the violin his whole life, that it occupied his every moment.  Google him….You’ll find an inspiring video of one of his master classes at Carnegie Hall.

 After the exciting rehearsal it was time to head to the Patina Cafe for their delicious Chili!

I hope you get to Disney Hall while the Nimbus installation is up.  It’s a series of ‘clouds’ that tower above each section of escalators and they are keyed to the people walking below displaying a fascinating light show with the most interesting sounds emanating from them. 
 Sorry I don’t have a photo of the interior lights that change from golden to magenta with blue and golden hues.

 I can’t believe I took this photo while my car was stopped at a red light!

With all that inspiration it was time to watch two great movies on art from Netflix…...
Everyone should see Herb and Dorothy….It will change your life!
On to painting!  This adorable couple treated mom Beverly to my class at the Huntington….

As always, class at the Huntington was wonderful.  I’m not sure who enjoys it more, me or my amazing students!

 I always love it when David MacLaren, Curator of the Asian Gardens at the Huntington and dear Danielle, Jim Folsom’s #1 Assistant,  stop by to see me.

 I’ve lectured and demonstrated at the Sunland/Tujunga Art Association for years and I so love everyone in this group.  Here’s Sweet Doris Arima who won the raffle for my demonstration painting.

And Louise, who joined the Landscape class that’s on the second Wednesday of each month in the studio, had absolutely no trouble catching up with everyone.


 Nikka brings in our paper order from China,  good thing we have the elevator as the box containing several packets was quite heavy!

Peonies and Poppies in one of this months Saturday studio classes.  I have to show off Colleen’s work…..I’m so very proud of her!
New student precious Angie….We’re all so delighted to have her in class!

Well you know what they say about all work and no play……Lisa Girl is working on hypnotizing Kita into submission. 
 Enough of that….let’s eat!

 A special tea time with dear Maggie at the Langham in Pasadena....

And next it’s Harvard’s Jane Verrill, at the Bistro Gardens.  WONDERFUL!                          

Who doesn’t like Gelato?  The place for the best is Monte Carlo on Magnolia in Burbank.  Be sure to ask for it in a cone, they’re yummy and worth the extra dollar!
Love this place!

 For dinner I used the fresh Burrata to make this yummyness.

Still the work goes on at the deck….

The ‘new’ tile had to be removed and then each level until the framework where additional reinforcement was added.

 Meanwhile the studio has equipment, sealant cans and the deck furniture in it…...


 Tell me you understand any of this…..

 I don’t but I’m certainly grateful that Oscar, my contractor found Georgie who is doing a masterful job.  So happy.

Experiencing the Wisteria blooming has helped a lot.  May you take that extra moment to greet spring!

THE HUNTINGTON BOTANICAL GARDENS is a GIFT

 …..a treasure right in out midst.
This was really brought home to me when Marsha and Stu, my longtime friends from Chicago, were so impressed by all the ‘Gardens’ has to offer, they made a lovely donation after their visit. I wonder, if perhaps because we live here we take it for granted and maybe it’s time to give the Gardens a second look.

Spend a day in the Chinese or Japanese Garden, two of my favorites (surprise?) or really look at all the magnificent artwork the Huntington has to offer.  Did you know that people come from all over the world just to see Pinky and Blue Boy?  While I mention that, 'The Blue Boy' will be restored beginning in the fall of 2018 and we will be privileged to watch as the restoration takes place.  That should be fascinating! Fortify yourself with a delicious lunch in the new café 1919 and continue your exploring.
Be sure to mark your calendar for the amazing Rose Garden display in April and May.
I so hope that a new visit to the Gardens will inspire you to make a donation so that this fine treasure will remain for many to enjoy.  Perhaps you might even wish to become a Huntington Successor... and guess what…..parties and special events will be yours!!!

Of course, you know the foodie part is for me….


I always love seeing awesome Cris Lutz…...
…and I’m in total and complete awe of Laura Skandera Trombley, President of the Huntington Botanical Gardens, who always handles everything with such grace and ease.

You’ll even learn inside info about many art treasures such as 'The Lady with a Plume'.

When I’m at the Huntington and see groups of children able to tour and see things they might never have the opportunity to visit I am always so touched and gratified…..this is something that I hope will never be taken for granted. Just imagine, a tax deductible gift of just $250. and  schools in the San Gabriel Valley can pay for a bus to bring students to the Huntington, many of whom have never been to an art museum or introduced to botany..  Check out huntington.org/education
It’s been a continual joy for me teaching Brush painting at the Huntington these many years and seeing how lives are continually expanded discovering the wonder held within them.
Wishing you a joyful day spent at one of our greatest treasures, The Huntington Botanical Gardens!

Thirty Second Annual WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS LUNCHEON

...and our Miss Judith sponsored a table to honor Janet P. Pregler, M.D., Director, Iris Cantor UCLA Women’s Health Center, UCLA National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health.  Dr. Pregler is seated amongst her fine team.
Miss Judith, Dr. Pregler, Eileen and yours truly.  Miss Judith is on the Executive Advisory Board of the Iris Cantor-UCLA Women’s Health Center and  I’m beyond proud of her! Thank you Miss Judith for including me in such an august group of women.
'Since 1975, the Los Angeles County Commission for Women, a 15-member advisory Commission appointed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, has worked to improve the lives of women and their families in Los Angeles County.’ The hard working and dedicated women honored provide invaluable service for women’s issue, advocating women’s rights and working to bring about social and economic change.  The years of dedication and service by all is staggering and many have toiled for years to serve and make a difference.

It’s always lovely to be serenaded and if there’s a cello involved, all the better! (This fine event was held in the Grand Hall of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.)

It’s both humbling and inspiring to be amongst so many brilliant and talented women who dedicate their lives to service.  Fun to see Paula Devine, Glendale’s Mayor in the group but didn’t get a photo.

Who doesn’t love a Color Guard and the chance to say the Pledge of Allegiance and hear The Star Spangled Banner!!!

Foodies, the lovely lunch was provided by Patina!

This has to be the very  best chicken served at any luncheon and the baby garden carrots were sensational!

Congratulation Dr. Pregler…..you are awesome!


Here’s a chance to make a difference and do something that will affect lives!  Scholarships are given to at-risk young women overcoming hardships such as homelessness, domestic violence and poverty.  For more information: laccw.lacounty.gov
A donation of any size will be so appreciated.  Checks can be made payable to LACCW and mailed to:
Los Angeles County Commission for Women
Attn: Scholarship Program Committee
500 West Temple Street, Room B-50
Los Angeles, CA 90012To feel good, do good!