'Enormous Tiny Art' Show Returns To New Hampshire

I've participated in this show before and even got to go to the opening in Portsmouth New Hampshire (just happened to be on the road back in that part of the country). They find a lot of fun 'tiny' art that I think is ALL way to cheap but there you have it. Even I couldn't resist and bought something and may find myself supporting the arts again if I find that piece I have to have.
 Anyhow these are all there now along with a few other nifties. You can do that fun shopping cart thing were you just press buttons and wammo it's yours!
 The link is: http://www.enormoustinyart.com/Artists/a-c/Brennan,-Christine.aspx

 This little guy with the gold halo and polka dots is the only one that opted out at the last minute. He formed a bit of a crack down the front when I hammered in the hanger. (I didn't even flip out- how's that for personal growth)

                                              Happy Surfing. (Tell them Chris sent you)

Jim's Latest Light Fixture

I wanted to share the photos below of Jim's latest light fixture. He made this one below for our kitchen years ago. I helped with the rice paper, and a bit of painting, but it's mostly his handy work. His son James' has always been fond of it so Jim made him a similar one for Christmas.

 James' even comes with a little removable dingy with sale on the back. Jim designed it so it can hang from a hook and be and go with him whenever he may leave his rental place.

                This is when we first showed it to him (we hung it up in the studio for photos)

New Paintings

Seems like I'm using a lot more gold leaf lately. I guess I was tired and too lazy with the process there for a while but now I'm back to it. It takes an extra bit of balance when painting. The gold leaf has such a brightness it's like putting your composition in front of a bright window. -It takes a bit of fineness to make it not seem to dark and back lit. (think of taking a portrait photo in front of a bright window)

          These bottom two pieces are recent commission pieces that were both easy and fun.

Some New(ish) Paintings

It's been some time since I've posted, but way back when I started posting I promised myself I would never make excuses or feel bad for not posting often enough. I have been successful with the first part but I'm always fighting a bit of guilt.

Anyhow here are some paintings completed in the fall that are either here or in nearby galleries. Hope this finds friends and fans happy and healthy with something to be grateful for in the new year. Cheers

Desk by Jim McCarthy

A few months back Jim offered to do a desk as a gift for his two son's Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for their writing app called WEWRITE. (click to check it out) He donated a writing desk. Turns out the person who donated to get the desk was Jim's step sister Emma and her new husband Jim (Jim#2). It was a nice surprise for everyone and as a special little addition I decided to add a painting as a sort of wedding gift for them both. It came out great. Thanks to everyone.

Latest Paintings

It has been a while (if anyone out there is looking) since I last posted some paintings. So here is the latest batch. Finished a week ago or so. I got them ready for the show near the Mission in Santa Barbara. I sold the second down and the fourth down. (Thank you kind buyers). I have decided I am not so good at sitting at shows. I'm not thick skinned enough or something. Anyhow at least during Studio shows I am in the comfort of my own little nest, people have at least come to see me, and there is usually lots to keep people around a bit. (Gardens, koi pond, chickens, etc.)

And when you need that extra special love there are always our animal friends who will understand.

                                                         Happy Summertime friends.

Guest visit

Bernadette Dipietro has been mentoring a local young artist as part of a new program the Ojai Arts Council has begun. Bernadette has been paired with Charlie Bird and they have been visiting local artists in the valley and doing work based on on whatever may inspire them about where they've visited.

 Charlie is pretty bright and was fun to chat with. She seemed interested in what I do and also asked great questions. I showed her a couple of artists I like and lent her a book of my paintings.

 Thanks for stoping by you two and enjoy whatever gets you inspired. Kind of makes me wish I was being mentored........

Brumfield's Gallery Show in Boise

Well back for a week now from my little trip to Boise Idaho where I had a solo show open at a great gallery in the little historic Hyde Park District right outside of downtown.
  I'm proud of how the show looks and thrilled with the gallery and what a nice job they did with everything.

 Flying there as is often the case from the sky I am so in awe of the landscape from the window of an airplane. (Here are a couple coming into San Francisco airport)

 Arriving downtown Boise my hotel was just down the street from the capitol. - And near this great sign.

 I'd never been to Boise. It was hotter and dryer than I expected. The sun set at 10:pm. It was a mix of neat old two and three story brick buildings and then a fair amount of new skyscrapers of mirror and glass that I can't say are enhancing the feel of the town but as my cabdriver pointed out on the way out, it is a sign that the local economy is finally growing again.

Having all of Saturday before the gallery opening I decided to rent a bike and do the Boise River Greenbelt. - Boise is rated (per capita) the third top most 'bike user' city. They sure were everywhere. The river path (paved) goes on an on. I biked for solid 3 hours and didn't see it all.

The Gallery owner's who had put me up in a great hotel picked me up at the airport and the next day drove me to the gallery. Having never been there I was very impressed by how beautiful everything looked. (and not just my work). It felt like exhibiting in a museum. I have had solo shows in the past few years but it has been quite a while since I have been in such a nice space. The art the owner Jane Brumfield loves and displays is also a good fit with mine.

 A couple of fun favorites.- This artist from England does these little critters with just shells.

  And artist Lisa Kaser who I've always been fond of. (these are wax and wool felt)

And my ego is not immune from the thrill of seeing my name in big letters on a wall. (Look Mom and Dad!)

                                                A few shots of the special exhibition room.

And the sweet owners.  Mike and Jane Brumfield. Thank you guys (and Rebecca behind the desk who ran when she saw me try to take her picture). Just a beautiful space, and I appreciate your help in getting me up there to see it all and meet some great people. If you are looking for some great art check out: http://www.brumfieldllc.com/galleryathydepark/exhibition_program.html

(note to self: if you are ever feeling insecure in anyway do not stay in a hotel jammed packed with triathletes in for the weekend Iron man competition.)