October Show at Shenandoah Arts Council

So thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this show!

Swallows and Señoritas

Working on a piece for the Hispanic Heritage show at Shenandoah Arts Council next month.

In the past I've had a hard time capturing the movement and distinctive tails of swallows, but I'm happy with how these turned out.

Reverse glass painting is becoming a favorite medium of mine. Because the first layer of paint will show at the top, it's like painting backwards.

 I like the heavy contour lines, they really make the bright colors pop.

Working on this piece, I've been trying to channel Leo Politi, the artist responsible for the beautiful "The Blessing of the Animals" mural at Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles:

You know what I just learned about this mural that makes me love it even more? The characters depicted in it are inspired by real people (and animals):

Dedicated on April 4, 1978 by Cardinal Timothy Manning, the mural recalls some of the people who participated in the ceremony over the years: a blind harp player who performed the song "La Paloma" during the sparsely attended processions during the 1940's; a tall thin violinist who regularly played on Olvera Street and was the basis for the grandfather in Politi's classic children's book "Pedro, the Angel of Olvera Street"; a lady with poodles who worked in a booth on Olvera Street; and Emmet and Oscar - Politi's own dogs under the stairway.

- www.publicartinla.com

So if you're in LA, be sure to visit Olvera Street and admire Politi's work in person! And grab a churro while you're at it. 

Poppies in the Kitchen and Reverse Glass Painting

While exploring Purcerville over the weekend, Evan and I happened upon a Re-Store on its final day before moving, selling everything at 90% off.  Yes, ninety percent.  

Oh, I was excited.  Especially considering how bare the inside of our new little home is still looking. 

I found this adorable vintage chair with poppy print cushion for one dollar.

I also took home a great window for just $2.50, and proceeded to try my hand at reverse glass painting. 

Golden California Poppies, Naturally :-)

Not a masterpiece by any means, but it was a valuable experiment and will certainly brighten up the kitchen.

I also brought home a second piece of glass from the Re-Store - one that's over six feet tall!  I have something in mind for it, but would like to improve my technique a bit before diving into that project...