cowboy

18x18 o/c, head study. John Tucker was our model at the Animation Guild yesterday. Funny, I was thinking Sunday night how much I would love to paint someone that is wearing a hat. Yippee-kayay.

Group Challenge V

Marie Fox chose "something shiny from the kitchen" as this month's Moses Botkin Challenge subject.

Serving Spoon, o/c 8x10 Silvina Day

Press Event, o/c 7x5 (c)2009 Diana Moses Botkin

Flour Scoop and Silver Cup, o/c 8x10 (c)2009 Marie Fox

Face Off, 8x8 o/c (c)2009 Michael Naples

Gravy Boat and Cherries, pastel 8x8 (c)2009 Mike Beeman

Spoons, 6x12 o/linen (c)2009 Robin Cheers

Steel Cut Berries, o/b 6x12 (c)2009 Vicki Ross

Group Challenge IV

The Moses Botkin Challenge subject for May was chosen by Mike Beeman. It is "Pig Party". Mike wanted to see what we would come up with given a concept rather than a specific object to paint. Soon after he announced his idea to the group, the newspaper headlines read; "Swine Flu Pandemic!".

Pig Party, o/c 11x14 Silvina Day

Piggie Party of Five, o/c 4x6 c2009 Diana Moses Botkin

Piggy Bank Picnic, o/c 6x6 c2009 Marie Fox

Swine Barrel, pastel/Cansen paper 5x7 c2009 Mike Beeman

Hog Wild, oil/panel 5x7 c2009 Robin Cheers

Party Ears, oil/panel 7x12 c2009 Vicki Ross

successful first venture

The Studio Tour was a wonderful success! I was told that these sort of things start slow and build up momentum over the years. Anticipating long periods of inactivity, I had set up a still life to paint but I never got the chance to pick up a paint brush.

Thankfully there wasn't an overwhelming crowd of people but a very comfortable, steady stream of visitors. I thoroughly enjoyed talking to artists and art patrons about art all day. I sold several paintings, and I liked it.

Though the Tour was from 10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. the time flew right by. But by the time the Art Auction rolled around, at 5:30 p.m., I was ready to fall flat on the floor from exhaustion.

I promised to take pictures during the event, but twenty minutes into it I forgot that I even owned a camera. So I apologetically submit a couple of pictures of my studio as it was, fifteen minutes before the first visitor arrived.

On the light table are a guest book and refreshments for my guests including; grapes in ice water, roasted almonds, apple cider, mineral water, white wine and of course, Atomic Fireballs (what's an art event without a hefty dose of red food dye, I always say).

Artist Studio Tour

Announcing Acton & Agua Dulce's first 

Artist Studio Tour.

The Acton/Agua Dulce Arts Council is inviting art lovers from nearby communities to come enjoy a day of perusing fine art, tasting good food and fine wine in a peaceful and relaxed country atmosphere.

• Who: local artists from our high desert communities 
  
• Where: private studios & designated local businesses in Acton & Agua Dulce
  
• When: Saturday, May 9th (mother's day weekend, yes, bring Mom)
  
• Time: any time between 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
• Conclusion: 5:30 meet at Agua Dulce Vineyard for wine tasting and art auction. 

12 artists will be in residence with their work in their home studios or a local business. If you wish to attend I suggest you begin at Perkin' Up Coffeehouse and pick up a flyer with directions for the rest of the stops there. 

                        Perkin' Up Coffeehouse 

                           33326 Santiago Rd. 

                             Acton, CA 93510 

                               661-269-0600

There are 7 stops. My studio is #3 on the flyer.

I'll try to remember to take pictures so I can show you guys how it went.