Last night we had dinner with friends at the beloved and legendary Zuni Cafe.  Amazing, creative comfort food, stylish cocktails, great conversation -- and the added pleasure of seeing one of my paintings, "Ignition" on display at the top of the stairs.  The curator selected "Ignition" because it is sexy and it is placed in a cozy nook perfect for two lovers.  Here's to cozy food, sensual wine and ROMANCE at Zuni Cafe!

I've just completed this painting "Portrait of a Marriage."  It continues my "marriage" series, which celebrates the privilege and joy and humor and wonder that are part of being married.  Marriage is for me a joy and a privilege and I love illustrating some of the aspects of this state of being.  This painting was inspired by two incredible women -- they are every bit as vibrant, colorful and filled with joie de vivre -- as the painting.  The "brides" are from their own wedding cake -- and the rest was my invention.  It was SUCH a great pleasure creating this painting (and my husband LOVED eating the cake afterwards!).

Last year, I was commissioned by a wonderful family to create a painting in memory of their late father.  He was an extraordinary man -- beloved husband, father, athlete, architect, church leader, friend to many.  The family sent me a box of his belongings -- each one symbolic of an aspect of his life and spirit.

I spent several days searching for a composition that would make a beautiful and pleasing painting -- but would also tell his story in a meaningful way.  After many hours of experimenting, everything fell into place in one moment and the composition sang to me.

On Sunday evening, I presented the painting to the family and a gathering of their friends.  When I unveiled the painting there was at first silence, then a few tears and finally smiles and even laughter.  It was a profound experience to see how one painting can move a room of people and touch them deeply.  And it was a privilege to be able to create this gift in memory of an exceptional human being.

It was a beautiful evening in Sacramento on Saturday night -- at the opening night reception for Elliott Fouts Gallery's Annual Still-Life Invitational exhibition.   Wonderful art, gorgeous gallery, wine, nibbles and a jazz combo.  I have four paintings in the exhibition, and am so grateful to see my work hanging side by side with so much talent!

I have just completed a painting in honor of my dear friend Zheng Cao.  She was an opera singer with a devoted following around the world, and she died tragically young earlier this year.  In addition to her amazing musical talent, she was a sparkling presence who enchanted everyone she met.  

The painting is titled "Portrait of Zheng Cao (with Mozart and Frederica von Stade)."  It is a tribute to Zheng’s artistry and shining spirit.   It is also a tribute to the extraordinary friendship between Zheng and the great mezzo soprano Fredericka von Stade (Flicka).   

The painting features two objects that are emblematic of the bond between the two mezzos.  The score of Le Nozze di Figaro was presented to Flicka when she first sang the role of Cherubino at Paris Opera in 1973.    And the buckle on the shoe is one of a pair worn by Flicka each time she performed Cherubino.  Flicka passed the torch to Zheng by giving her the score and the "Cherubino" buckles, which Zheng faithfully wore in each of her own Cherubino performances.  

The last object in the painting is a ribbon -- symbolizing the ribbon treasured by Cherubino as a memory of his beloved.   It is red for Zheng, and it has no beginning and no end.

I've just received some fabulous news from two unexpected places -- Nacogdoches, Texas and Coos Bay, Oregon -- and couldn't resist sharing it. Two of my paintings were accepted into the Texas National Juried Exhibition (in Nacogdoches, TX), and Dave Hickey, the juror, selected "Portrait of a Romance" for the Second Place cash award.   And two paintings were selected by the juror, Douglas Russell, for Expressions West 2012, a juried exhibition at the Coos Art Museum in Oregon.  He awarded the third place cash award to "Some San Francisco Ballerinas." I'm a very happy artist!

I heard today about a Martha Graham quote that was posted on the wall in a ballet studio. It is this: "Discipline is liberation."

This strikes such a profound chord with me. People often say to me, "You are SOOOO disciplined!" when talking about the long hours I spend in the studio painting. And I always answer, "It's not discipline, it is passion." And that's what the "discipline" of showing up at the easel, or the ballet barre, or the writing desk is for artists. We show up, no matter how we feel that day, knowing that the "discipline" of being there will transform and lead us eventually to the truth and beauty we are seeking.