Move It, Move It, Move It -- Small Format Animal Paintings

Move It, Move It, Move It 4"x6" Oil on Hardboard

Party Favors

These are a few of the series of small party favors I am painting for my daughter's baby shower.

	Capuchan Cutie 4"x6" Oil on Hardboard
	Butts Up 4"x6" Oil on Hardboard
	Can I Have A Hug? 4"x6" Oil on Hardboard

I have now finished 15 little paintings for a shower which is scheduled for mid-February.  I'm running behind.   Life has gotten in the way again.   I'm sure all of you are familiar with the pulls that happen when a loved one is sick.   The current worry is my Dad.  He has done very well and has reached 93 wonderful years, but right now there seems to be a bump in his road.  I'm sure it will be alright, but I'm here in the hospital with him just because.   For those of you who read my FASO blog, you know he likes to comment fairly regularly so he's a pretty good Dad, friend and supporter.   When he is feeling bad, I feel bad.

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California Art Club Weekend Symposium

I feel fortunate to have spent the weekend up in San Francisco for the California Art Club's fabulous weekend symposium.    I thoroughly enjoyed the first day's panel discussion  about the future of art.  The panelists were Eric Rhoads from Streamline Publishing, Thomas Reynolds who owns the Thomas Reynolds gallery and CAC President, Peter Adams.  Many different opinions were expressed but there was definite consensus on the need to educate the younger generations and the public in general about all forms of art. 

This was followed by a very stimulating marketing talk by Eric Rhoads called "How to Transform Your Art Career".   I enjoyed his realistic and humor filled talk and took copious notes.  This is a man who enjoys people and enjoys what he does.  I hold him high on my list of people to admire because I adore his Plein Air Magazine, one of three magazines his company publishes.  The afternoon was filled with fascinating demonstrations.

After the lunch break, we all spent the afternoon cycling between three excellent painting demos, offered by Nancy Seamons Crookston (a portrait in oil), David Gallup (three quick studies in oil) and  Kim Lordier (landscape in pastel).  People could move from artist to artist or stay in one spot for the entire demonstration.   I have long admired the work of Kim Lordier and although I don't paint in pastel, I found her process fascinating.   Even though I have studied with David Gallup for over a year, I never tire of listening to his stories, learning from his wonderful store of knowledge and watching the ballet of movement as he creates fascinating paintings.  Each artist had something interesting to share and we learned from all of them.

A brisk walk to the hotel, then a rest and my friend Diane Nelson-Gold and I went out for a nice dinner together.

The second day was started by a terrifically motivational speech by Joseph Paquet.  He was well prepared and inspiring.  An artist whose blog I follow was also there and her blog has some wonderful notes.  Check out her post right here:  Susan Fox.  Following Paquet's presentation was an interesting art critique session and then Joe Paquet did a painting demonstration of painting a landscape using his memory and imagination.

All in all it was a great symposium and I thank the Northern California CAC artists who organized and planned this event.  I hope they do it again next year.

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