Portraiture :)

Ive always been fascinated with drawing people, especially their portraits. Something about trying to grab a silly quirk, bloodshot eyes, crooked smile or hairy mole that makes me giggle, makes me feel more human, and connected to the people around me. We all have our flaws, our insecurities, our body parts that we aren't the most proud to show off as well as the ones that make us feel beautiful and special. I like to highlight this duality and smash it down on paper as quickly as possible.

Josie

GAGA

Danny 

Dani und Manny

Hedwig 

Someone once told me that artists are the recorders of history...and Im gonna be recording some history today with my $5.00 per portrait booth at the SKI RUN FARMER'S MARKET from 3-8 pm!! :) Sweet Haley Davis drew my portrait last week at her booth but shes tied up with all the celebs today at Edgewood so Im pickin up where she left off. Come see me yall!!

Henri-Marie-Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec-Monfa

I was in the library this morning looking for another Steve Martin novel (talk about a renaissance man!) and got sidetracked in the art section. I found an old book on Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, best known for his posters and drawings of dancers, performers and patrons swirling through Montmartre's Moulin Rouge in the late 1800's as well as his friendship with Vincent Van Gogh. His use of line and color make up his better compositions in a very economical, almost practical, way while also conveying a sense of subtle irony and caricature. Beautiful! Tomorrow, I'll take this book back to my studio and study his work, cold beer in hand, waiting for my gesso to dry.

 Rue des Moulins (The Medical Inspection)

1894. Oil. 32 x 71 in.

One of my personal favorites, this painting shows to prostitutes awaiting their monthly inspections for venereal disease.

Aruba: "Friday I'm in Love"

I am one lucky lady, fortunate enough to be surrounded by friends from all over the world who are doing super cool things. A couple months ago I received an invitation to partake in a week-long wedding celebration in the Caribbean island of Aruba. At the time, I was elated, but unsure if I would be able to attend because of my trip through Europe. Thankfully, I came to my senses and booked my flight home from Switzerland in time to unpack, repack, swoop my Mama and head out for the equator. 

The groom patiently waits for his blushing bride.

The moms lead the way to the beach ceremony.

The groom says his vows in Dutch, the bride in English and the minister in a mix of both with a thick, latin accent. I started crying around the words, "Be sparing with criticism, generous with praise and quick to forgive."

Father and mother of the groom.

Ceremony in Caribbean paradise. Ahhhh, now off to the reception...

First dance under the stars. 

The night Bas and Chrissta said "I Do" was hot, tropical and breezy. I drank fresh juice on ice, ate seaweed salad and danced in the moonlight. It was perfect.