Art by Gretha

13th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational

2011-10-14T20:02:00.000-07:00

I am honored and pleased as punch to be part of the 13th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational. Here are a few images from the first day.

Dressed and ready to put pastel to paper in the 2-hour Quick Draw which was the kick-off for the week.

A small bit of Heisler Park right by the Laguna Beach Art Museum, and the location for the Quick Draw.

"Shortcut", my 9"x12" plein air painting from the Quick Draw.

Studio Piece

2011-08-19T15:20:00.001-07:00

"Harlösa Moln", 12"x12" pastel piece from the studio

Grey skies threatened to pour all day long and kept me, a pastel artist, indoors. Here's a piece I did indicating a bit of today's sky-show. The clouds were on the move at a fast clip to create ever changing entertainment.

Greetings from Harlösa

2011-08-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

First pastel painting from Harlösa, 9x12"

Haven't had easy access to the internet for a while so I apologize for the lack of posts. I also hesitate to post images of paintings from this trip because they need a little tweaking (and they will get it) but here the first painting I did here along one of our little hiking trails in town. I'm posting it only because I don't know when I'll have internet access again. Oh, and did I mention the weather? Well, it has been cold, grey, windy and raining for much of my time here. Everyone says they've not had such bad summer weather in about 35 years so it's usually much nicer here in summer.

Eel Lake Revisited as Demonstration Painting

2011-06-18T17:58:00.000-07:00

The Quiet Side of Eel Lake, oil, gallery painting, 9"x12"

I did this as a demonstration this morning at Beaverton's Art On Broadway Gallery during "Breakfast in the Gallery." What fun! Painting and chatting with guests of the gallery during the monthly continental breakfast. If you compare this piece with the pastel version of this view you'll see I used a different color palette. (Please excuse the glare in the upper right hand corner)

It's good to get out and PAINT!

2011-06-18T17:50:00.000-07:00

Lake Passage, plein air pastel painting, 6"x12"

Painted on the way home from Coos Art Museum Expressions West 2011 after attending the artist reception. It was one of the first sunny days in April and I'd been champing at the bit to get out to paint when hubby, Walt, was kind enough to pull off the highway at a beautiful spot called Eel Lake. I promised to paint for only an hour (well, okay it was closer to one and a quarter hours) where I knocked out this little piece. I loved that lake and want to paint there again!

Featured Painting at Art On Broadway

2011-05-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

Inspirational photograph for the painting below

"Along the Way", 18"x18" pastel on sandpaper - SOLD

I painted this piece as part of the challenge Rae Campbell I gave ourselves as featured artists at Art On Broadway for the month of May, 2011. The show is titled "Another's Perspective" and contains work we created inspired by shared photographs, she in fused glass, I in pastel. I'm happy to report this painting "went to a good home!"

Revised Painting

2011-04-30T18:52:00.000-07:00

Canby In Bloom, 6"x9" pastel (redux)

Canby In Bloom, 6x9" pastel (original painting)

There was a lot to like about the original version of "Canby In Bloom" but it didn't quite sing as sweetly as I had wanted. So after looking at the painting for a long time and mulling it over, I decided to unframe it and revamp the piece a bit. It is a stronger painting now and has more to say to the viewer. Can you see all the changes and do you agree with them? If you want to see the revised painting for yourself it will be at Art On Broadway where I'll be a featured artist for the Month of May, 2011.

Sweet Little Paintings

2011-04-29T15:41:00.000-07:00

My pastel paintings of cupcakes are now hanging at Treat Vancouver, a cupcake and dessert shop. Imagine cupcakes that are fat-free and calorie-free! You'll find 'em here at Treat Vancouver, 210 West Evergreen Blvd. Suite 600, Vancouver, WA 98660, phone 360-750-0811. Oh, and they have great edible cupcakes and desserts, too!

Sweet Treats for Your Walls

2011-04-25T22:28:00.000-07:00

Sweet 'n Sour, 6"x6" pastel

You can see this and more of my sweet little pastel cupcake paintings at Treat Vancouver now through Saturday, May 7th. Treat has the best cupcakes and desserts in town and everyone there is friendly. Located at the corner of Columbia & Evergreen, 210 W. Evergreen Blvd. Suite 600, Vancouver, Wa. Phone 360-750-0811. Be sure to stop by and 'Treat' yourself!

Hot Off the Easel

2011-04-24T19:16:00.000-07:00

Three's A Crowd, 6"x6" pastel

Cross My Heart, 6"x6" pastel

Which is your favorite? Three chocolate cupcakes with assorted frostings jostling for attention on the cake stand or a red devil's food cupcake with candy heart fascinator? Tasty little treats for your wall at a bite-sized price. Wide wood frame, anti-reflective glass.

It Keeps Getting Better - more great news!

2011-04-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

Plein air painting at Cultus Lake, Oregon

It's been several days since I learned the following and I still can't get the smile off my face.

I'm thrilled to have been invited to participate in the 13th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Invitational in October, 2011! The event is a benefit for the Laguna Art Museum and includes a Quick Draw and Silent Auction as well as Collector's Soirée and Sale. It is an honor to be invited to paint with such a distinguished group of artists and I look forward to the opportunity.

First Place at Laguna "Best of Plein Air"!

2011-04-12T21:45:00.000-07:00

On The Flyway, 9"x18" plein air pastel - SOLD

I am so excited! Just found out my pastel painting On The Flyway won First Place at the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association 7th Annual "Best of Plein Air" Exhibit and Sale! And I understand the painting has sold. I am twice honored.

Accepted to Randy Higbee Gallery 6" Squared Exhibit

2011-03-24T21:38:00.001-07:00

Morning Riot, 6"x6" pastel painting

What a wild few days I've had! I just learned this piece was accepted into the Randy Higbee Gallery 6" Squared Exhibition and Sale in Costa Mesa, California. That means another trip to FedEx to ship off a painting. But I don't mind a bit!

This piece is based on a field I saw of vivid yellow canola with our grey overcast skies but I wanted to do something different so I took my artistic license and went to work. My husband thought it looked like a riot of color, so that named the painting.

The Gala Artists' Reception will be held Saturday, April 16th. Show runs through May 6th. Randy Higbee Gallery is located at 102 Kalmus Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, Phone 800-506-4624.

Accepted to Laguna Plein Air Painters Association 7th Annual "Best of Plein Air"

2011-03-24T21:17:00.000-07:00

On The Flyway, 9"x18" pastel plein air painting

I'm thrilled to have this painting accepted to the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association 7th Annual "Best of Plein Air" exhibit. It took me two separate painting excursions in order to finish this piece and I love it. As I was painting, the days were warm, the Canada geese were coming and going in huge flocks, the Sandhill cranes were flying overhead and honking their unique sound, and I was having a ball creating.

The LPAPA Exhibition and Sale will be at The Esther Wells Collection, 1390 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, Phone (949) 494-2497 from April 7 to May 6, 2011. Opening Night Celebration and Awards Saturday, April 9, 4pm to 8pm.

Accepted To Expressions West 2011

2011-03-24T20:45:00.000-07:00

Tree Potpourri, 12"x12" pastel plein air painting

I'm excited to have this piece accepted to the Coos Art Museum Expressions West 2011 exhibit. This work was painted en plein air at an old homestead overlooking the Columbia River at the Northwest Pastel Society 2010 Paint-out in Hood River, OR.

Show dates for the exhibit are April 8, 2011 through May 28, 2011. Artist Reception is Friday, April 8, 5pm to 7pm. The museum is at 235 Anderson Avenue, Coos Bay, OR 97420. It's a beautiful museum and everyone there is friendly. You'll like it so I urge you to visit it!

New Works of the Lake

2011-03-12T17:12:00.001-08:00

Mountain Lake, 18"x12" pastel painting

Mt. Adams From The Lake, 16.5"x11.5" pastel plein air painting - SOLD

Lupines At The Lake, 9"x6" plein air pastel painting

Mist Rising, 6"x9" pastel - SOLD

I was commissioned to paint pieces depicting a beautiful lake near Mt. Adams in the Cascade Range. I've got more pieces in the works from this, one of our favorite camping locations.

"C.A.T. On Broadway" benefit for CAT Adoption Team

2011-03-03T19:13:00.001-08:00

Here's Looking At You, 3"x9" pastel

Here's a fun piece I did for the exhibit titled "C.A.T. On Broadway", a benefit for CAT Adoption Team, a no-kill cat shelter, which will be held at Art On Broadway Gallery, 12570 SW Broadway, Beaverton, Oregon. The reception is Saturday, March 5, from 5 pm to 9 pm and will feature cat-themed artwork created especially for this event. Wine tasting by Carlton Cellars. Come sample other whisker-licking good refreshments. Show dates: March 5 - 26, 2011. See you there!

New Little Landscapes

2011-03-03T17:03:00.000-08:00

Roadside Attraction, 6"x6" pastel - SOLD

Morning Riot, 6"x6" pastel

Confetti, 6"x6" pastel - SOLD

These little works are great fun to paint and are small enough that just about anyone can find a spot to hang them or one could even set them on a shelf or tabletop.

Sweet Things for Your Sweetie

2011-02-12T00:03:00.000-08:00

Pretty In Pink, 6"x6" pastel

Out of the Blues, 6"x6" pastel

One For You, One For Me, 6"x6" pastel

Just A Little Off The Top, 6"x6" pastel

Calorie-free and, oh, so delicious! Pick up these goodies at Aurora Gallery in Vancouver, Washington and Art On Broadway in Beaverton, Oregon. Your Sweetheart will swoon!

Gotta give credit where credit is due - my inspiration came from a couple of cute dessert paintings I bought that were painted by Susan E. Roden.

Get Ready for Valentine's Day

2011-02-11T23:57:00.000-08:00

"At The Edge", pastel, 6"x6"

A great little painting based on similar photo of painting posted below. It was easy to turn the yellow flowers into pink ones and I like the effect. Available at Art On Broadway in Beaverton.

Christmas Party & Painting Exchange

2010-12-22T20:00:00.000-08:00

"Canola Field", pastel, 6"x6"

In May one can find the chrome yellow fields of canola blooming west of Portland. And what a sight they are. Vivid yellow flowers thickly blanket rolling hills and make a spectacular subject for a painting.

This is the piece I painted for the Paint-Out Group's Christmas Potluck and Painting Exchange.

Artwalk for Annie

2010-12-08T12:23:00.001-08:00

"Early Morning Risers", pastel, 12"x9" (SOLD)

This is the painting I donated to last night's "Artwalk for Annie". It was a fundraiser to help with Annie's medical expenses. A lot of people turned out for the event and bought beautiful works of art that were 100% donated by many generous artists. Annie is a fantastic artist herself, gorgeous woman and all-around good person. It was particularly gratifying to see her at the event and the progress she has made. You go, Girl!

Gallery Manager's Choice Award at Hood River Quick Draw

2010-11-20T11:10:00.000-08:00

"A Fine Day," 9"x12" pastel painted en plein air

This is my tardy post from a September, 2010 event hosted by the Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River, Oregon. I am pleased to announce this painting received one of three Gallery Manager's Choice Awards. The weather was beautiful and we had a great deal of fun meeting and painting with other artists. The Quick Draw was followed by a lovely reception at the gallery. It really was a fine day.

You can see this painting, and more of my work, at the White Buffalo Wine Bar & Bistro in Hood River, Oregon.

3 Gallery Receptions This Week

2010-10-30T21:59:00.000-07:00

I look forward to seeing you at any of these gallery openings the first week of November! Choose from Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Paint-Out Group presents "Local Treasures"

First Thursday, Nov. 4th, 5:00pm - 8:00pm at ArtReach Gallery

"Tree Potpourri", 12"x12" pastel painted en plein air

This is just one of four beautiful new paintings I have in this exhibit and is included in the group's '12x12 challenge'. Discover my oil paintings and pastel paintings showcasing some of our "local treasures".
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2-person Show "Another Point of View"
First Friday, Nov. 5th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm, at Aurora Gallery

"On the Flyway", 9"x18" pastel painted en plein air

A piece in the new exhibit at Aurora Gallery where I am one of two featured artists for the month of November. In this show you'll find oil paintings and pastel paintings for any room in your home or office. Stop by and see what I've been up to!
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New Show at Amato's Gallery
First Saturday, Nov. 6th, 6:00pm to 9:00pm

"Ripe for Picking", 6"x9" pastel/watercolor painted en plein air

This new little beauty is available at Amato's Gallery in November. And, as its name suggests, it's ready to pick as a gift for a special person or even yourself. This and several more paintings are ready for you to savor right now!

Featured Artist at Amato's Gallery

2010-08-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

"Marie's Palette" pastel, 9"x6" (SOLD)

"Catherine Creek" pastel, 6"x12" (SOLD)

These are two examples of the pastels and the oil paintings I have in the new exhibit at Amato's Gallery. The reception is this Friday. Hope to see you there!

Artist Recognition Award for Oil Painting

2010-06-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

"Morning Reflections" oil, 9"x12" plein air painting (SOLD)

I'm thrilled to have won the Artists Recognition Award for Oil at the 2010 Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts for my painting "Morning Reflections". It was painted "en plein air" at the Gilbert River on Sauvie Island on a cold and damp autumn morning.

Crimson Clover Time

2010-05-24T16:26:00.000-07:00

"Crimson Gates", pastel, 6"x6", plein air painting

Went out with my painting buddy, Brenda, this morning in search of the yellow canola fields. We found 'em and photoed 'em but didn't paint 'em as it threatened to rain. As we wended our way through the countryside toward home we had a bit of an "equipment failure" right by a lovely crimson clover field. After the situation was remedied by a kindly "road angel" we received permission from the farmer to paint on his property where I knocked out this little 6"x6" plein air pastel piece in short order.

Coos Art Museum Expressions West 2010

2010-04-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

The April 23rd reception for Expressions West 2010 at the Coos Art Museum was very nice and well attended. I am pleased to have my plein air pastel painting "Deadline Falls II" accepted into the show. It's exciting having one of my paintings hanging on the wall of a museum!

Accepted to Art & Agriculture show in Hood River

2010-04-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

Afternoon Glow, 9"x18" plein air pastel painting

This piece was painted during the Northwest Pastel Society's paint-out last year at Rasmussen Farms in Hood River. The golden glow of the hills was beautiful.

'Bear Spot' painted during Amato's Gallery demonstration

2010-03-16T15:34:00.000-07:00

Bear Spot, pastel, 6"x12" (SOLD)

Here's the piece I painted at Amato's during "Breakfast At The Gallery" while demonstrating pastel painting Saturday, March 6th . I did most of it at the gallery with just a little touch-up in the studio. It's always fun to show the public how I paint and answer questions all the while.

Painting Accepted Into Coos Art Museum Exhibition

2010-03-08T11:59:00.000-08:00

I'm pleased to announce my pastel painting, "Deadline Falls II," has been accepted to the Expressions West 2010 Exhibition at the Coos Art Museum. Dates of the exhibition are April 23 through July 3, 2010. Coos Art Museum is located at 235 Anderson Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420, Phone 541-26-3901,www.coosart.org.

The 9"x12" pastel painting depicts the short but massive Deadline Falls on the North Umpqua River in Oregon. It was painted en plein air (in the outdoors) on a rather warm day. As I stood observing and painting I was treated to the sight of several salmon jumping up the falls.

Breakfast At The Gallery

2010-03-05T19:53:00.001-08:00

Join us for a complimentary continental "Breakfast At The Gallery" from 9am to 11am each Saturday in March at Amato's Gallery, 12320 SW 1st Street, Beaverton, Oregon 97005. And you can watch gallery artists as they demonstrate and talk about how they work. Artist Chris Helton and I will be demonstrating this Saturday, March 6th. Amato's Gallery is located inside Amato's Floral, Wine & Gifts. For more information call 503-601-3300.

Now Showing At the New Amato Gallery

2010-01-26T15:19:00.000-08:00

Frankly Scarlet II, pastel, 26"x18"

Metolius Moment, pastel, 9"x18"

You are invited to the Gala Grand Opening Reception at Amato Gallery!

Featuring fine art from local artists.

5:30 pm - 9:00 pm, Friday, February 12th

located inside Amato's Floral, Wine and Gifts

12320 SW 1st Street (at SW Tucker), Beaverton, 503-601-3300

28th Annual Visual Arts Showcase

2010-01-18T23:18:00.001-08:00

Rentenaar Reflections, oil, 12"x9"

Beneath The Smoke, oil, 8"x10"

I am pleased to have two paintings selected for Beaverton's 28th Annual Visual Arts Showcase. The Gala Opening Night Reception is Saturday, February 6, 7pm to 9pm. The art exhibition and sale, featuring over 100 works of art created by Oregon artists, runs Feb. 7-20, 2010 at the Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW 5th, 503-644-2197. Open library hours.

Subject To Interpretation #1

2009-11-11T00:49:00.000-08:00

Wandering Ways,6"x8", oil on canvas panel

My first installment of the Subject To Interpretation Portland Plein Air & Studio Painters winter project. I painted over an old painting that had no future so I've ended up with unexpected textures in some areas.

Audubon Society of Portland Wild Arts Festival

2009-11-09T16:38:00.001-08:00

American Robin, 6"x6", india ink and watercolor on papyrus mounted to canvas

Art Media donates canvases to local artists who want to contribute a painting to be sold at the Audubon Society of Portland's Wild Arts Festival, November 21 and 22, 2009. Come out and celebrate our local wildlife!

"Cast Shadows: Pacific Northwest Plein Air Landscapes" at Aurora Gallery

2009-11-09T16:15:00.000-08:00

left: "Light and Shadow II", 12"x6", pastel
right: "Light and Shadow III" 12"x6", pastel

I've two pieces in the invitational juried show at Aurora Gallery, 1004 Main Street, Vancouver, Washington, during the month of November, 2009. Local artists painting at their best. Go see the show.

Celebration Oregon! Oregon Plein Air Painters exhibit

2009-11-09T15:58:00.000-08:00

"Deadine Falls",9"x12", pastel
High Desert Galleries in Bend (October)and Redmond (November) are the hosts of this fabulous juried show celebrating the beauty of Oregon. All of the work was painted en plein air, meaning in the open air. By all means, stop into the gallery if you're in Redmond this month and check it out. Here is my contribution to the show. It's of Deadline Falls on the Umpqua River in southern Oregon. As I painted the piece, I saw several salmon jumping up the fall. Pretty nifty!

Frankly Scarlet II

2009-08-28T01:01:00.000-07:00

This 24"x18" pastel painting was accepted into the 17th Juried Art Show of the Arts Council of Snohomish County in Everett, Washington.

Rolling Pastels - yes, you can!

2009-08-22T19:33:00.000-07:00

I recently spent a non-painting day with my pastel painting buddy, Brenda Boylan, where we rolled new pastels out of broken pastels, small chips and pastel dust. Check out her blog to see how it's done.

Red, White & Blue

2009-07-06T09:22:00.000-07:00

The crimson clover was fabulous this year and just begged to be painted. You'll find these two paintings at Aurora Gallery in Vancouver, Washington.

Crimson Morning I, 12"x9", pastel

Crimson Morning II, pastel, 12"x9"

California Poppies at the Vineyards

2009-06-04T20:53:00.000-07:00

Poppies & Vines, pastel, 9"x12"

I'm 'way overdue to post something so here it is. My painting buddy, Brenda Boylan, and I've been out painting several times in the past two weeks and here's a pastel painting I did at the base of the road up to Tualatin Estate Vineyards. We found a cool spot in the shade to work at the side of the road...a perfect location for a warm spring day of painting.

New Skies Over Beaverton

2009-01-26T20:36:00.000-08:00

Beaverton Evening Sky I, pastel, 6"x9"

Beaverton Evening Sky II, pastel, 6"x9"

After being down and out with a mean winter cold for about a week, I finally put pastel to paper last night and did a couple of fun sky pieces. I don't usually work from photos because I love plein air painting so well but just had to try my hand at these. Again I used only my handmade pastels so my color options are limited but I think the colors hold their own. I'll add these to my stash of unframed work in the bin at next month's Beaverton Visual Arts Showcase.

Artists' Party & Painting Exchange

2009-01-24T20:22:00.000-08:00

South Sister From Hosmer Lake, pastel, 6"x8"

This is the painting I made for our Paint-Out Group's winter party and small painting exchange. Although this was not a plein air piece, it was painted from a photo my husband took at one of our favorite places to canoe camp. And just for fun, I used only the handmade pastels in my kit. (Several of those gorgeous colors were made by my painting buddy Brenda Boylan.)

This was the group's first real party and it was a lot of fun to see all the paintings as they were opened and shown to the partygoers. Everyone did a stellar job and brought a beautiful piece to give away. I am proud to be associated with such a fine group of artists.

Tagged - I'm it!

2008-12-06T21:10:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by TWO of my plein air painting pals. Thanks you two!

Here are the rules for being tagged:

A. In your own blog, place a link to your tagger's weblog. Check out the blogs of my taggers Celeste Bergin and Brenda Boylan.
B. Mention the rules
C. List 6 or 7 unusual things about yourself, or quirky but boring, unspectacular details about yourself
D. Tag 6 or 7 other bloggers at the end of your post and make a comment on their blogs to let them know that they too have been tagged. This is a great way to let others know about you and your work through blogging.

I don't know if these are considered unusual but here are a few things about me...

I've always thought of myself as an artist, even when very young, although I didn't always have the nerve to mention it.

While in high school, I received my first commission. It was a portrait for a family friend. I cringe now to think back on how bad it must have been because I was working from a photograph with a heavy shadow over much of the face. I thought shadows had to be a grey made from black and white. Yikes.

For a couple of years I thought I wanted to be an interpreter and work at the United Nations. But that idea went away when I learned I could become a graphic designer.

During college I spent one summer as a forest fire look-out on Grass Mountain in Washington, in the Cascade mountain range. What a view I had of Mount Rainier!

My future husband-to-be and I met while scuba diving out of Port Angeles, Washington. Well, we actually met on the dive boat, not while under water.

After driving my beloved 1968 Mustang for 22 years, I sold it and moved up to the world of the 90's to a car that had seat belts with shoulder straps, TWO outside mirrors, rear window defroster, and air conditioning!

I am proud of my Swedish heritage and have embraced it in many ways such as participating in a Scandinavian performing dance group for 18 years, painting in the traditional Swedish dalamålning or kurbits style, and traveling to Scandinavia.

To begin, I am tagging the following with more names to come:

Craig Stephens

Karen Phipps

Recent Works at Aurora Gallery

2008-11-16T22:49:00.000-08:00

Fellow pastellist Barb Szkutnik and I have a show of pastel art at Aurora Gallery at 1004 Main Street in Vancouver, Washington. It'll be up until November 29th and we invite you to stop by to see it while you can. Included in the show are a couple of new waterfall pieces painted this summer en plein air, or on location.

Thanks to our collectors, friends and other artist buddies who turned out for the First Friday Artists' Reception. It was great to see all of you.

'Best Use of Color' Award

2008-11-16T22:41:00.001-08:00

I missed the Artist Reception of the Paint-Out Group's October show "In Living Color" at the ArtReach Gallery as I was at Camille Przewodek's workshop. However I received a message that my painting "Frankly Scarlet" won the award for Best Use of Color. That made up for missing the party with my painting buddies!

Workshop in Petaluma

2008-11-16T18:51:00.000-08:00

I had a great time last month with fellow artist Barb Szkutnik at Camille Przewodek's workshop in Petaluma, California. On day one we painted the effect of light falling on colored blocks and colored cloths. On day two we added a round object to the block study. Days three and four found us painting on location using the techniques we learned at the beginning of the week. On the last day we had a live model and painted "mudheads". Camille kept us hopping as she stressed getting the paint on quickly and painting the shapes while indicating light and shadow. Keep in mind that these rough-looking pictures are "starts" and not finished paintings. It was time well spent. And evenings were fun as Barb and I sampled the fare from several fabulous restaurants.

First Post!

2008-08-30T19:07:00.000-07:00

Currently I'm painting new works for two shows this autumn. You'll be able to see my oil paintings at the Paint-Out Group's show October 2-31 at ArtReach Gallery in Portland, Oregon. And my pastels will be displayed during November at Aurora Gallery in Vancouver, Washington.

Back to the easel.

2008-08-30T14:28:00.000-07:00