Utility box art, Eureka CA "Black Cat" after Inagaki Tomoo

Seeing public art around town is uplifting, whether I like the image or not isn't important because not everyone is going like it. Public art messages that we care about having art in our everyday lives and it speaks to who we are on the ground level. We're creative tribal beings that like to shake it up and express ourselves! So thank you everyone involved in this awesome project!

Kitty Girls

Collage and mixed media -sold

Ben

10x12” oil -sold
Stout!  Ben is no longer with us. Commission work of this kind is some of my favorite work because it’s so tied to the heart.

Indian Head

12x14” oil
Indian Head is an amazing mountain in Anza Borrego, CA. During a two week visit I painted it en plein air.

Trooper

11x14” oil
One of the best things about visiting Anza Borrego is staying at Kay Levie’s 9 Mustang Ranch.
The horses always take me to places in painting I normally never go. When I’m around them, their beauty arouses the creative passion within me. I love everything about painting in th desert but, the horses are the icing on the cake.

BFFs

sold
12x12" oil on canvas
I can't always explain why I paint what I paint except to say I like to follow impulses when they're strong. And with that, I'm a witness to my own creative process. It's the good side of being self absorbed.

Painted Cat

10x10” oil on canvas
This painting represents what painting is all about for me. I’m not saying this is something miraculous for  anyone but me. The melding of abstract gesture with representational form is always what I’m hoping for. But for it to be real it has to flow forth purely. The melding has to happen during the painting process, it’s not the result of clever planning, rather it’s a way of painting where this happens spontaneously.

"Addicted to Cats"

A new series is always exciting. All three are sold.
Taking a new approach.
A simple design, or really no design,
just a washy backdrop to support the center stage.
Cats thrive in center stage, who needs props?

Pigeon

6x6” oil on canvas
Pigeons are a joy to paint. Their gray, black and white plumage accented with iridescent colors represent a painting waiting to happen. The fact that they are usually on the street adds another exciting dimension to their beautiful existence.

Daisy in the Studio

24x32" oil
This was the first full day in the studio since I adopted Daisy three months ago. She lay quite still, long enough for me to paint most of her. I photoed her pose so when she did move I could refer to it, which I had to do in the end of the painting. I like the results of working quickly and sketchily.

Days of Future Passed, my homage to a great friend

36x24” oil on canvas
Otis was my first Black Cat. I adopted him from the local shelter. I decided he was the one before I even looked into his big orange eyes. He lay there in the cage snoozing away, while his siblings played all around him. Otis was with us for 14 years. He was like an anchor in our home. The one who was always there, with the loudest pur, and kindest heart. As soon as he saw me, on any given day he would start purring away to let me know he adored me. Otis was always outside the front door around five o’clock to greet Stock when he got home. Stock always entered the house carrying Otis over his shoulder. I’ve painted Otis many times, but finally, I wanted to make something special, and the size definitely expresses importance. I feel there’s love in this work and so very special for that reason.

Oil sketches for Eureka utility art box project

I've been so busy raising my newly adopted four month old puppy that I had to pull an all nighter just to get four 5x7" sketches done by deadline -today. It's crazy how much public art I've been doing. I never expected so much to happen during the second half of 2018!

Sister

12x123" oil on panel
I finished this painting today. It's a commission I was hired to paint in memory of Sister.

Dos Gatos en la Noche

Painted for Eureka Street Art Festival 2018
I chose to work from a design concept by Japanese engraver Inagaki Tomoo.

"Two Cats" after Inagaki Tomoo b. 1902

Acrylic on board 60x36"
One day on my way to the studio...there's an alleyway next to my studio at 208 C street in old town,  as I walk by I see a very large frame leaning against the wall, behind a dumpster and it looks very interesting- I go check it out. The frame's quite weathered but in excellent condition, I mean it's solid redwood, no warping, it's even got a primed board in it. I dust it off and haul it up to the studio where I ask the resident renaissance man, Stock Schlueter what he thinks. His expert opinion confirms it's a score. The subject of my new painting on board would be cats. I began scanning internet images of cat art for inspiration. There I found one of my favorite cat artists, Inagaki Tomoo, and that's when things began to click. Tomoo's style is one I can swiftly merge with. Why am I using Tomoo's art to create from? Because I recognized an opportunity to create from a foundation that works, why reinvent the wheel? Because of the large size, it occurred to me that my painting could hang outside the studios as part of Eureka Street Art Festival and also serve as a lead up to the studios which would be a nice informal addition to the tour and good for studio artists! I called Kathleen, the owner of the studios building with my idea, she liked it, and promptly ran it through official channels. I got the okay! "Two Cats" is #1 on the mural tour map.  I will also be painting live across the street with several other artists during the festival -August 11-18, I'll be working with another Inagaki Tomoo cat art design! Hope to see you!  #ilikeeureka #eurekastreetartfestival

"Let's Have a Garden!"

My first public art project! A Utility Box on Harris and Union in Eureka Ca.

When I signed up to paint a box, I thought "This will be an easy!"
Well, it It wasn't easy and not exactly fun either. I thought it would be fun because painting is fun. Turned out to be more work and frustration than I had anticipated. And isn't that the way with the learning curve and anything that's worth doing well? I was not well prepared. So, if you're thinking of doing a box? Be prepared. Bring fluids to drink and sunscreen and or a hat, and jacket because weather can change in an instant and you don't want to be too hot or too cold. Fill a gallon container with water for washing brushes and clean up, and plenty of rags and brushes, and make sure your paint is not dried up! Bring little containers for mixing color, tuna cans work well. Don't forget to prime the box! When I was painting the box lots of people came by and offered their compliments, critique and advise and personal problems. What a hoot. My favorite interaction was with kids. They loved the art and seemed uplifted by the encounter. I would paint another box, even many boxes! I might even become a "Utility Box Pro" because eventually the process would become streamlined and then it would be fun! #ilikeeureka  Thank you Linda Wise for sponsoring me and thanks to the city of Eureka! Eureka Box Art Program

Thanks for visiting!

Ken Jarvela's cat Wing Wang

11x14" oil on canvas
This cat has the look. Intense male. Nothing wishy washy about this guy.

Cat Art Show LA, The Sequel Returns Again!

Diane Hoeptner, myself and Susan Michals.
The show was amazing! Surrounded by warmth and creativity too much to tell.
Forever grateful for the chance to participate in such a wonderful event!
Thank you Susan Michals!

Otis

Sold
12x14" oil on panel
I couldn't be more thrilled to be participating in Cat Art Show LA, The Sequel Returns Again! 
This will be my third time and it's like pinch me, I must be dreaming. That's how much I love this show. Not only is it an honor but the exhibit is truly world class and a total inspiration to see. Tomorrow I fly to LA to witness once again the miracle and mayhem that only a cat art show of this caliber can offer. Curator, Susan Michals is unstoppable!

On Alert

12x14" oil on canvas
Boy, it's been a busy couple weeks, with North Coast Open Studios, Arts Alive! And gearing up for Cat Art Show LA, The Sequel Returns Again...oh, and three new commissions, it's all I can do to get a shower! When it rains it pours. Checkmeowt! Cat Art Show 3: The Sequel Returns Again