"Taking A Break"o/c 12" x 12" x 2"

Contact me HERE if you are interested in purchasing this painting.

I have a series of paintings that I've begun recently.   Mostly I paint the scenes that are familiar to me.  I'm surrounded by beautiful landscapes and, of course, I enjoy painting my family when I can.  However, I spend almost every morning at Gelson's coffee shop with a book, a glass of tea and a bagel.  I sometimes walk down the hill to go there and then walk back and sometimes I drive the short 2 miles down.  Over the years I've come to know - at least by face - the people who are "regulars" there.   Sometimes we strike up conversations, and sometimes we just sit reading in the same area.   There are some who use the area as meet-up places with regular friends.  It's a great place to get your day started.

I decided to do a "Gelson's Series".   I painted one scene several years ago and the people who work there seemed to like it.    I used to sit and sketch people, but I think it made people uncomfortable, so now I take photos and paint from the photos.  Two of my series are being shown at "La Galeria Gitana" in San Fernando until March 20 in a show called "Urban Spaces - The San Fernando Valley".  It is a group show and I have 15 paintings in the show alongside some fabulous other artwork.

My most recent of the series, called "Taking A Break" will be showing at Orlando Gallery right here in Tarzana... (not too far from Gelson's!).  It will be part of a Women Painters West show called a "One Foot Show" since all entries had to be 12" x 12".   The reception will be this Saturday, February 6, 2010 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. and everybody is welcome.   Perhaps I'll see you there!!