Thursday, September 24, 2009

Calling all Angels....


I'm really looking forward to the opening; and am so thankful to Angel for giving me the opportunity to hang the angels in her shop. It's time for me to extend my portrait drawing beyond the wonderful group of friends who have offered to sit for me as I return to the art world. So, for the month of the exhibit I am offering to draw people at Ladybug, in a warm and casual atmosphere, sipping a drink, and enjoying the music at a special introductory rate.

Angel's Special

Do any angels live on your block? Would you like me to draw you or a special person in your life?
For the month of this exhibit, come here to Ladybug for a special "I love St. Johns" introductory offer until October 24.
You will receive:

an 11 x 14 portrait in pencil
in a 12 x 16 archival mat
in a protective sleeve
a coffee/tea beverage and cookie is included

cost: $100

Ladybug Organic Coffee Company
8438 N Lombard Street
Portland, OR 97203

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Kellogg's Angels are here!

My friend Babs organized the Art + St. Johns Window project. Over 45 artists paired up with downtown St. Johns businesses to display artwork in the windows. The theme for the show was "Inspired by St. Johns". I knew I wanted to do something with the people who live on my street, since they have really made St. Johns feel like home. We have such a great community on Kellogg Street, and the women on my block truly are inspiring to me. So.......I drew their faces and turned them into angels! It was so much fun. On our weekly "craft night" I had one of the mamas bring her beads. I had each mama pick out eight beads, one for each of us, to decorate their angel bodies however they felt fit. My new neighbor Sarah showed me how to make the halos. Another neighbor, Liz helped me with the angels as the show drew near, and my neighbor Christina took care of my daughter while her husband helped me figure out how the angels were going to hang. This took some ingenuity. Now it's time to celebrate! On Thursday, I will have the opening reception at Ladybug Organic Coffee Company, where they are on display. It will be from 4:30-6:00 pm. I can't wait to honor these women and enjoy their company in the best coffee shop in St. Johns...whose owner's name is none other than....Angel!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

The Beginning...

On June 1st, 2009, after over 2 years of a hiatus, I returned to art. My daughter, now 2 years old, is a little artist herself, who loves our St. Johns neighbors. So now, 3 days a week, she plays with them while I get to draw people. What fun for both of us! I sent out an email to over 50 friends, asking for volunteer models. My idea: to start a portrait business. I was not entirely sure what this business would look like, given my classical training in figurative art and my personal departure into abstraction. I wanted my portrait business to be somewhat non-traditional..in the fact that my interest is not so much in drawing an exact replica of a person's outsides...but act more as a mirror of reflection to a person, and draw them as I feel them. Here is one of the first drawings I did, of a friend.