Celebrating Passion for Art!

Lavender Commission Completed!

"Scent of France" was created in a 36 x 48 for David and Barbara Mizes who met me at Celebrations of Fine Art.  It was such a fun piece to paint!  They wanted me to add their dog, "Scruffy," to the lavender field. They sent me a photo of the piece hanging up in their living room and this email:

Jen,

It is perfect! Thank you so much for putting Scruffy in the painting. We just love it. Hopefully we can meet again-maybe in Central Point or Fort Jones.

Barb and Dave

Aspen Painting, "Sunlit Walk"--SOLD!

24 x 36 Aspen painting, "Sunlit Walk" sold today at the Celebrations of Fine Art show.  I loved this piece--lots of great color and sunlight...but I'm glad it will going to a good home.  Collectors intend to place it in their dining room!

"Desert Botanical" 48 x 60, SOLD!

 My 48 x 60, "Desert Botanical" painting sold today to Collectors in Scottsdale, AZ.  This piece looked perfect in their formal dining room! WOW!

The Blind can Feel!

Alberto Guzman is completely blind, but his disability doesn't stop him from traveling around the world and visiting new places.  A native of Tuscan, AZ, Alberto decided to visit Scottsdale and come to the art show.  What an amazing person he is!  I thoroughly enjoyed talking to him.  Unlike most artists, I welcome people to touch my painting.  I want the experience to be tactile as well as visual.  My work is meant to be experienced by all the senses.  Because my paintings are so textured, Alberto was able to "feel" the subject matter with his fingertips.  He felt the trunks of the aspen trees as they wound upwards to the sky, their leaves round depictions of autumn color.  As he felt the painting, I described the scene he was experiencing.  Depending on the color, some paint is more glossy to the touch.  It was a very sweet moment for me to witness a person with no sight still be able to experience my artwork!

"Tuscan Romance" 48 x 60 commission--SOLD!

Steve Young in the Tent!

Yep! It was pretty fun looking up and seeing Steve Young in my studio. I recognized him instantly (my hubby was so proud!) He and his wife, Barb, were quite taken with my Aspen series. A commission is in the works for their home being built in Provo, UT. This show attracts a lot of celebs. Last year it was Stephanie Meyer, author of the "Twilight Series."  You'll never find a better art show anywhere in the world! Ends on the 25th.

Double Trouble!

There are 8 girls in my family.  I'm the oldest followed by 7 sisters!  I love seeing the reaction when I tell people that fact.  Yes, we're all blonde with blue eyes...all on the petite side (the tallest being a giant 5' 5") and most of us wear a size 7 shoe.  There is definitely an unmistakable family resemblance.  So you can imagine my delight when my sister Nikki (#4 in the lineup) booked a flight to visit me in AZ!  We had such a ball hanging out at the show, eating at fun restaurants, and of course...shopping!  No wonder Scottsdale is such a hot tourist destination.  I'm lucky to get to spend 3 months here every year. 

During show hours (10am-6pm) Nikki helped me paint.  She got pretty good at laying in the backgrounds.  Boy that was nice.  I could really use an assistant!  Occasionally she would take break to walk around the show, and everyone just assumed she was me.  It was pretty comical.  I'd forgotten just how similar we look.  Even our mannerisms are the same.  But that's not all we share in common.  We both have 4 children--all the same ages, 5 up to 12.  She has 3 girls and a boy, and I have 3 boys and a girl. We were pregnant with our first at the same time and ended up giving birth (Thanksgiving Day) in the same hospital just hours apart!  Our Mother went from my birth, straight to Nikki's.  The poor exhausted woman!  She's been to all of her daughter's births.  We just couldn't do it without our Mother!  That makes 26 births (two daughters have yet to start their families...so it's 26 and counting!)  And she never forgets a birthday.  Talk about full time job! 

Anyway, sisters really are the best!  I'm grateful my parents kept trying for that boy!  "Michael" just wasn't meant to be! :)  I really loved spending the weekend with my little sis.  It was way too short!  Every year we all try to get together for a "Sister's Trip."  This was kind of like a "Sister's Trip, minus 6!"  Okay girls, who's next?  Show ends March 25th, so hurry!

Aspen Painting SOLD!

Cathie is one of my favorite collectors I met at Celebrations this year.  She and her husband, Bill, visit the show on a weekly basis.  They love art...especially art with lots of color!  Cathie calls my work her "Happy Paintings!"  I'm thrilled that today she decided my 36 x 36 "Spring Loveliness" needed to be added to her growing Vranes art collection.  It couldn't have gone to a better home.  She's suffered tremendously this past year from health issues, and wants to surround herself with positive and uplifting art.  She's off to a great start!