The art has been hung, the lights have been strung and the alcohol has been purchased...

All that's missing is you!

Can't wait to see you all tomorrow night!

...or at least I hope that you will!!

A few (awesome!) friends are helping me string lights and hang art tonight for Friday's Holiday Open Studio!

And I'm taking cocktail suggestions.

This looks good:

Also dreaming of some sort of spiked hot chocolate...

Any personal favorites? Do share!

Did I Mention the Monotypes?

I adore printing! I do. Especially when it comes to monotypes. I wish I had access to a press all the time. Sadly, I do not. BUT! You, my friends, can help yourselves to the infrequent fruits of my labor at the Holiday Open Studio on Friday!

Also, there will be large sketches for a whole lot less than a you would spend on that lame sweater for your brother. SOooo...stop by the studio and pick your poison!

Two More Reasons

In case you need a little more convincing to stop by my Holiday Open Studio, here are two more little reasons in oils and thread:

ONE

TWO

 Are you coming now? Say yes!!

Here is the deal in case you missed it the first time around: If you are a supporter of my art practice (which of course you are as a reader of this blog) I am inviting you to my studio for a little party to celebrate the successful launch of my Urban Portrait Project, AS IS. There will be paintings, sketches, prints and cards for sale at a steep discount by way of a big THANK YOU for your friendship and support! So come stop by 3838 Northampton Street, DC on November 30th from 6-9 PM for a cocktail or two!

Dark Beauties

Here are two more little paintings that that I've been working on for the Holiday Open Studio on the 30th. I used think, glossy, dark oil paint to cover the top of the gessoboards. Then I carved and wiped away sections of the surface as I started laying in the lighter, brighter colors. The contrast between the fragile subject matter and the deep, heavy background feels very Victorian to me. It's a total departure from my usual work, but I'm kind of digging it!

Don't Give Up the Ship!

Friends, if you are in the area please stop by on Friday, November 30, for a Holiday Open Studio! I am celebrating the successful launch of AS IS as well as the awesomeness that is your friendship with some seasonal cocktails and affordable art! All sketches, prints, studies and small paintings on display will be available for $10-$100 by way of a thank you for your support over the years. 

The two little paintings above will be there. They are the result of a little experimenting that I've been doing for my next project. Can you tell where the paint ends and the string begins?

I'll be mixing up the spirits from 6-9 PM! Pop in for a a minute to say hello-- I'd love to see you!

3838 Northampton Street

(Top Floor of the Circle Yoga Building)

Washington, DC 20015

Holiday Commission Season

How on earth is it already mid-November?? Friends, I apologize for leaving you in the lurch here with the blog. I finished installing my urban portrait project, AS IS,
 just in time to jump into my first scheduled holiday commission and I haven't stopped running! This beauty above is a detail shot from a series of reference photos for the piece that I am currently painting. Aren't the textures amazing?

While it was incredibly exciting to watch AS IS unfold, and while I certainly plan to push my work in new directions, I have to say that I really enjoy the seasonal challenge of these commissioned projects. When someone commissions a portrait, cityscape, house portrait, etc. they are essentially asking me to see with my own eyes what is so special about that person or place, and to produce something which they intend as a family treasure. These paintings mean more than a new tie or ipad because they represent something personal and beloved, and because they are intended to be passed down from one generation to another. I am grateful both for the challenge of really seeing the beauty in what others value, as well as the opportunity to play a part in that legacy.

If you are interested in commissioning a painting in time for the winter holidays, you can contact me by email or phone as listed on my website. I have two spots remaining on this year's calender.

Happy Fall, Friends!