Oregon Friends in Scottsdale!

It was the opening weekend of the show, when Jennifer and Brad Greer walked into my booth. Their first question was, "are you the artist from Central Point, Oregon?" Surprised to find that someone actually knew where "Central Point" was (usually people refer to Medford or Ashland if they are familiar at all with Southern Oregon), I said "Why, Yes! That's where I'm from!" They then explained that they live in Phoenix Oregon, about 10 minutes away from Central Point! They had read in the local newspaper that I was participating in an art show in Scottsdale, and since they were headed that way for vacation, they decided to stop by and see what it was all about! It was so much fun talking to them. It was like meeting new family! I'm so happy they stopped by the show, and hopefully had some fun looking at all the art. That is definitely not an experience you can have in our little town!

Art Show in Scottsdale, AZ

I can't believe the Show is already here! This is the second time I've been accepted into the "Celebration of Fine Art" show in Scottsdale, Arizona. For 10 weeks, 100 artists from all over the world set up "working" studios, and the public (tourists and locals) are invited to come out and watch...and of course purchase art for their homes and office spaces! It's a truly unique event. As an artist, it is a lot of fun, because it's not often that I get to meet the people who buy my work. Usually a gallery will sell one of my paintings, and I never know to whom. So, it's fun to actually get to know my collectors on a personal level, and reconnect with them at the show. Above are pictures of my booth (I got a double this year!). It took us a week before the show opened (Jan. 16th) to get my booth ready. When we arrived, only the bare walls were up. Artists are in charge of putting in their own floor (most do carpet), painting the walls, hanging track lighting etc. I am the only one who does black and white checkered vinyl! I have the same flooring in my studio back home, so it's become a sort of trade mark for me! Plus, I think it gives my work a more "contemporary" flair. Above is the finished result!

Press-Release in the Medford Mail Tribune

Vineyard "Seasons" Series

Dr. John Compagno, owner of "Ardiri Winery" in Portland, Oregon, asked me to paint a series of Oregonian vineyards depicting the four seasons. He needed five 24" x 24" paintings for his home, so the middle panel is a close-up of Oregon grapes. Above is the final result. Just shipped them all out today!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! I'm really excited for the new year. 2009 will be a good one! We rung in the New Year with friends, and ended the night with fireworks.