SUSAN'S . . . PLAYING AGAIN!

3 + FOLDS 6" x 6" pastel, glass + gold leaf frame $295 + $15 insured priority shipping May the dawn of the New Year bring  joy . . .. prosperity . . .  and happiness . . .   to one and all! Happy New Year!

BLUE + ORANGE SKY 4 1/2" x 41/2" pastel 8" square archival white matt, glass + gold frame PRIVATE COLLECTOR Crisscross the colorful clouds dashed, interlacing oranges with blues. Electric were the threads  that glowed through the night.  An evening show to enjoy!

SLIVER OF ORANGE 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" pastel 8" square archival white matte, glass + gold leaf frame PRIVATE COLLECTOR Dark the evening rolled with clouds billowing in all sizes. Tumbling and large,  an ink mass rose above slender wisps.  The air would be ominous  if not for the slice of orange at the horizon.  Color.

EVENING . . . OF MEMORIES 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" pastel 8" square archival white matt, glass + gold frame SOLD - PRIVATE COLLECTOR The evening drew near  as remnants of the clouds turned dusky.   Lingering wisps flit through the sky, akin to memories of spirits in my past . . . such a caressing touch to my heart!

MY CUP IS FILLED  7"h x 8"w pastel 14" square archival matt, glass + gold frame $295 + $15 insured priority shipping I was just attempting to write a wonderful little sentiment  about the holidays and family and friends  and then it hit me . .  . OOPS!  I forgot today is Donut War Monday!  Kelley even wrote me she won, but never entered my mind  what she was talking about. Now that is being scattered.  Too much good cheer. In fact, I'm still sipping some wine. Let's see what she posted here . YIKES - a Bismark!

THE ULTIMATE GIFT 8"h x 5"w pastel 11 1/2" h x 8 1/2" w ornate scrolled gold frame PRIVATE COLLECTOR 'Tis the Season! Wishing all a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 

GOLD BALLS + WHITE CHRISTMAS 11"h x 14"w pastel 14"h x 17"w gold frame $650 + $25 priority shippin g Festive and fun!  Are we in the Christmas spirit yet?

NESTLED COMPANIONS 12"h x 16"w pastel 16"h x 20"w archival white matt, glass + gold frame Snuggled and fast asleep.  What ever could she be dreaming about?

THE CHOCOLATE BOMB 4 1 /2" x 4 1/2" pastel 8" square archival white matte, glass + scrolled gold leaf frame $150 + $15 insured priority shipping An oldie but goodie donut for it's a perfect,  huge,  lush chocolate goo to shot-putt  to my foe,  Kelley MacDonald ,  across the States !  Plus, don't you feel a bit like a little piggy  during  the  holidays? Right now I'm feeling plumped  up like this savory, sweet bomb. One in chocolate overload and loving it!

FRIDAY FAVORITES . . . FUN! LAYERS OF THE NIGHT 4" h x 6"w pastel Private Collector This is a past favorite sunset of mine, so decided to roll it out as a Friday Favorites . In fact, since I enjoyed  my little verse so much, am posting again too. Enjoy! At first glance, all was dark . . . subdued and moody tones coating the sky. At second glance, thin ribbons of colors were revealed . . . streaking, as hot flashes.

ALMOST A PARTRIDGE + A PEAR TREE 8" x 5" pastel + gold scrolled frame SOLD - PRIVATE COLLECTOR The Twelve Days of Christmas are approaching quickly.  And do you know of the verse? The twelfth day of Christmas, | My true love sent to me |  Twelve lords  a-leaping,  |  Eleven pipers piping, | Ten ladies  dancing,  | Nine drummers  drumming,  | Eight maids  a-milking,  |  Seven  swans a-swimming, |  Six geese a-laying,  | Five gold  rings,  |  Four colly birds, | Three French  hens, | Two turtle doves,  and | A partridge in a pear tree. The origin of Twelve Days is not known, with claims both  attributed to the French and English. The game, where the verse  is sung between children, was first published in Mirth  Without Mischief   in 1780. The first day falls on December 25  or 26th, depending on the tradition. So my litt...

ARCHIE'S SLEUTH MOVES 6" x 6" pastel, glass + gold frame SOLD - PRIVATE COLLECTOR It's a jungle out there, yet Archie has it under control.

DONUT WAR! CHOC-O-LATE! 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" pastel 8" square archival white matt Oh, oh . . . it's Monday. And that's D-day for Donut War .  Nothing like chocolate to build a defense against Kelley .  And what is her ammunition for the week?

This sunset is a Favorite of mine and felt it warranted  another posting, since it will be featured in  DailyPainters.com's December ad.  Plus, felt many might enjoy seeing some heat  with all the cold weather running amuck. Enjoy! SIZZLE  . . .  SUMMER 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" pastel 8" square archival white matte, glass + gold leaf frame sold Scorch  . . .  Fry  . . . Swelter  . . . Heat!

A STITCH IN TIME 18"h x 14"w pastel Happy to see with the DIY craze, that so many  are hand-sewing again. Is it from eco-minded movement, joy and creativity of the craft or a resurgence from shows like Project Runway ?  Regardless it was soothing to paint the scene. So reminiscent of days passed.

A GREEN DOOR 6" x 6" pastel glass + gold frame $275 + $10 insured priority shipping The day was sunny with clouds floating high  above . . .  a glorious day for an adventure! And what better place to travel to than the Taos Pueblo steeped in history, culture and art? At my destination, I wandered down a dusty path,  with an alley that led to a weathered, green door.  Not permitted to pass, I begun to wonder what  secrets did that door hold? How many lives entered . . . how many smiles glowed . . .  how many tears shed? Only the door knows.

FREIDO 8 1/2" x 6 1/2" pastel SOLD - PRIVATE COLLECTOR Shhh . . . . Freido is a gift, so keep this under your hat. To the memories - rest in peace.

COLOSSAL! CHOCOLATE SUNDAE CUPCAKE 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" pastel 8" square archival white matt, glass + gold frame SOLD - PRIVATE COLLECTOR Watch out . . .  donuts are flying overhead! Sure Kelley MacDonald is up to her jelly gems. I'm just going to hunker down and eat my chocolate  sundae cupcake. Who's got time to retaliate? And a sundae and cupcake all in one! Love the great minds out there devising these wondrous treats.

OPENING RECEPTION AT TIRAGE ART GALLERY HIGHBALL + APPLE 'TINI * 14"h x 11"w pastels glass + gold leaf frames * Courtesy of Tirage Art Gallery Today certainly is a day of festivities and unfortunately  I can not attend all.  But what a way to jumpkick the holidays! The two pastels pictured above are part of my paintings included within Tirage's annual Holiday Salon exhibition. Think you can see I have a drink theme going on here. And man, oh man . . . were my props fun!  If any of you are strolling through Pasadena - or blowing through from the high winds - stop in between 5 - 7pm.  Click here for more information.

FESTIVE FUN! SOLD - PRIVATE COLLECTOR This spadangled brooch, Hang Your Heart , is included  within Next Door Gallery's Brooch the Subject II Exhibit. All brooches are created by artists and make an unique  Christmas gift for someone special. The opening reception is in conjunction with San Diego's  South Park's Walkabout tonight from 6 - 10 pm. That in itself is a festive, fun occasion. Click here to read more.

DROP, BLAST, GLOW 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" pastel 8" square archival white matt, glass + gold frame SOLD - PRIVATE COLLECTOR Swift was the evening as the dark clouds rolled. And the glowing sun dropped, shimmered and shot iridescent rays throughout the sky.  What a blast!

LET THE FESTIVITIES BEGIN! FESTIVE SETTING * 20"h x 16"w pastel 24"h x 20"w, glass + gold leaf frame * Contact Tirage Gallery here for purchase Yesterday was a day of travels, which really signifies  to me the start the holiday season. I drove to Pasadena  for delivery of paintings to Tirage Gallery for their annual  Holiday Salon Exhibit , which kickstarts with an opening  reception Saturday, December 3rd. And drinks is my topic to get into the swing of the holidays! For those of you that live nearby - or feel like a roadtrip - the reception is from 5pm to 7pm  and the gallery's contact information is:  One West California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105.  #626-405-1020 

PISTACHIO ROSE 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" pastel 8" square archival white matt, glass + gold frame SOLD - PRIVATE COLLECTOR Trying desperately to remember a saying but all I have is: A rose, is a rose, is a rose . . . But who needs to remember when there is a  pistachio rose to eat? Thank you Cupcakeology in Albuquerque for the yummy treat!

DONUT + CUPCAKE WAR IS RAGING! BABY, BABY . . . BOSTON CREME! 4 1/2" X 4 1/2" pastel 8" square archival white mat, glass + gold frame SOLD - PRIVATE COLLECTOR Now how could this ever have happened? I checked my opponent Kelley , The Contessa of Donuts , and lo' and behold she threw out a Bismark last Thursday! A big, fat, plumb goodness of frosting.   I think there was too much frosting in my eyes. Well here's back at you girlfriend!  A delectable Boston Creme cupcake I snagged  at Cupcakeology while in Albuquerque. And what will The Contessa whip up for Monday?  Click here to see.

FRIDAY FAVORITES . . . FUN! APPLE SHADOWS 5" x 5" pastel 5" square glass + gold leaf frame $95 + $5 insured priority shipping And I'm eating . . . and eating . . . and eating the holiday away. So here's an apple for your health. A glorious Thanksgiving weekend to one and all!

CLOUDS AT THE TEPEES 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" pastel 8" square archival white matt, glass + gold frame $150 + $15 insured priority shipping Here everyone is thinking of turkey and I still  have my head in the clouds. What can I say? . . . I'm a blonde. To me, the rain on Sunday was so luxurious, that I'm still daydreaming and right back at the Petrified  Forest National Park. Yesterdays post was of a downpour over the Puerco River, where this image is a few miles  past above the Tepees .  The Tepees were created from erosion with each colorful  band indicative of a different era in time. More can be read by clicking here . By the way, I LOVE turkey and am looking forward to the day!

RAIN AT PUERCO RIVER 6" x 6" pastel 6" glass + gold leaf frame $295 + $15 insured priority shipping * *tax inclusive I got caught in a rain storm as I stepped out last night and then it rained throughout the night.  And the evening brought back a sweet memory during  my residency two years ago at the Petrified Forest  National Park.  Standing afar, I watched the downpour as the  rain pelted the Puerco River. Love the sound, fresh  smell and the ripping wind!  Beauty of Nature!

DOT, DOT, DOT . . . RED! 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" pastel 8" square archival white matt, glass + gold frame $150 + $15 insured priority shipping I'm seeing red dots!  Just like little red pellets to attack Kelley , the Donut Queen. She is such a wonderful, playful adversary. So zing . . . bling . . . ding . . . Kelley!

FRIDAY FAVORITES . . . FUN! GREEN APPLE 5" x 5" pastel 5" x 5" gold leaf frame $95 + $5 insured priority shipping I decided to run this precious, petite green apple for my Friday Favorites . Why? Because I just returned from a trip which I ate . . .  and ate . . .  and ate . . . and now I need to start watching what goes into my mouth.  Oh no! Because I love food and Thanksgiving is around the corner! Anyway, I'm throwing the frame in, so this is a grand deal.  Have a happy weekend!

A TABLETOP OF PETITE TREATS Demonstrating and meeting viewers are such a treat.  So much going on while discussing my process, concepts and  any little story behind a work of art takes all of my attention. . . . okey, I agree I'm not good at multi-tasking. . . So while demonstrating at Patrician Design for their Sidewalk  Artists Series November 5th, I barely noticed Patti click, click,  clicking away on her key board. Later I discovered Patti  honored me with a blog article.  Click here to view. Thank you Patti!

WHITE LILY 8" x 10" pastel on canvas 12" x 14" gold leaf frame $550 + $20 insured priority shipping Home and back to a routine.  Now my travels seems as if it was a dream while I slept.  So reminiscent of the day that I created  White Lily .    The day was still, without a noise in the air. Mesmerized I gazed at the murky, dark waters  of the overgrown pond at a cemetery. Not a thing moved, not a sound escaped . . . was  I  truly alone?  Do you count the souls asleep? 

FUN, FAMILY + FRIENDS! GOLDEN 3 pastel + gold leaf SOLD - PRVATE COLLECTOR Where have I been?  Traipsing across New Mexico to visit family, friends and good times.  If you have never visited, this is a place one must go at least once.  I had lived here for 6 years before moving to San Diego  . . .  which is a story in itself . . .   and still marvel over the place.  During my visit, I did a demo at Patrician Design , who represents me.  Here are 2 shots of the interior of the gallery and myself with my daughter, Becca. Just love the support!  And thank you Patti!

kitty 5" x 5" acrylic, cradled wood panel So petite and sweet . . .  everyone loves kitties!