We stopped by Zuni Cafe on Saturday for a martini at the bar (HEAVEN!) and to see my artwork on display in the restaurant -- courtesy of my amazing gallery owner Andra Norris and Gallerie Citi.  A thrill to see my work hanging in such a venerable -- and still vibrant -- San Francisco restaurant!

"Portrait of a Marriage" (two brides on wedding cake)
12 X 12"
Oil on Linen

"Dreaming of O"Keeffe" (calla lily and nautilus shell)
11 X 14"
Oil on Linen

"Allen's Dress Boots" (cowboy boots)
16 X 20"
Oil on Linen

"Portrait of a Perfect Marriage"(martini and glass of champagne)
11 X 14"
Oil on Linen

I was asked to create a "portrait" of a lovely woman and her late husband -- using their shoes.   It took me a while to discover how to compose the painting to capture their relationship.   I finally decided to "pose" their shoes as if they were in an embrace, with his shoes protectively enclosing hers.  I also love that it looks as if they are dancing together.  This had special meaning for the collector, since her husband passed away just before their youngest daughter's wedding -- and these are the shoes they would have worn -- and danced in -- at the wedding.  What an honor to create a memento of someone's love story!

"Portrait of Sally and Donald"
25 X 25"
Oil on Linen

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.