May-June 2020

Art news from May.
As my last blog was long, I will keep this one short.
I hope you continue to do well.
My 40% donation to SARA Sanctuary of all artwork and products bought continues this month.

Retama Dusk, oil 11 x14"

 Retama dusk is a study and abstraction of Retama (or Palo Verde) branches. I left a lot of branches out of the picture, for even this relatively simple tree is overwhelming in its complexity.

Remembering a Cat at Mission Espada, watercolor, 5 x 7"

This is a painting inspired by an orange tabby who was always hanging around Mission Espada 15 or more years ago and wanted to get into the church. Around Christmas time, there was even a statue of him in the beautiful Nativity inside the Mission!
 This piece is my contribution to the Say Si (Small Scale) fundraiser this year. The Auction will be from June 12th-26th online. June 26th in the final Auction Night. (www.SaySi.org)  This year the whole event will be online!

Monaco Cats, watercolor, 11 x 14"

Monaco Cats are in the mail to my cousin. I saw the church of Sainte Devote and the statue on an earlier visit. I was impressed by the statue and liked the church. Instead of putting my cats in a San Antonio decor, it seemed fitting to show them in Monte Carlo.

December 2019

Dear friends, so much has happened and it has been a long time since my last blog.

First of all Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year to all of you!

2019 has been a year of growth and reconnecting. It has been a good experience to see how people I used to be close to years ago have been brought back into my life.

These past 3 months, I have been helping a new, small gallery and cafe in San Antonio,TX called Kapej at 415 Camden Street. It was born from the dreams of its owners. Artist, Laura Lopez, always wanted a gallery and Rudy Lopez a cafe - something like the one at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. Since its opening, Kapej has had several successful art shows and more and more people are returning for its great food. It has been an exciting adventure changing the art, working with the beautiful but small space. If you haven't yet had Rudy's delicious food, come try some. Monday-Thursday from 8am -6pm. You can park in the back if there is space. If you want to know about our art events check out Kapej on Facebook. @coffegalleryatcamden

Superheroes, my watercolor commission, has been framed and delivered. It was a challenge I am grateful for.

Superheroes, watercolor on Arches 22 x 30" 

I always enjoy my inner child's adventures in the world of whimsical cats.

Mirror Cats and Alamos, watercolor 5 x 5"

Misty-kin, watercolor 2 x 3"

One Cold Morning in San Antonio, TX, watercolor 2 x 3"

River Twins, watercolor 2 x 3"

Remembering a Cat at Mission Espada, watercolor 5 x 7"

It is with gratitude I remember all the customers I met this year buying cat and other cards, mini originals, prints, mugs, bags and larger originals. Thank you!

 One of them is Kristin who loved my piece at Say Si. Say Si is an organization in San Antonio, TX which in their own words "ignites the creative power of young people as forces of positive change". They do a wonderful job of supporting and teaching high school students. www.saysi.org
Kristin, dressed like in the 1920s, bought my ALAMOndriaan Cat in the Small Works, Big Change fundraiser this December!

ALAMOndriaan Cat, watercolor 5 x 7"

Feb/March 2017

The exhibit at Viva Vegeria closed at the end of February. It went very well: 12 originals were sold! The documentary at the art opening was fascinating, introducing us to women many of whom we had never heard about. Thank you to my family and friends who came despite the weather! Thank you, Fred for your support of artists!

In March, my art is at Twin Sisters Bakery and Café in Alamo Heights and Four Kings in Universal City. Whimsical cats are on display in Twin Sisters and landscapes in oil and watercolor in Four Kings.

Mission Conception Cat, watercolor, 11x18"

Orange Eyes or Connections, watercolor, 9x12"

Mission Espada Cat, watercolor, 11x15"

West Elm in the Quarry gives me space for a pop-up table on weekends. Due to the high volume of commissions, I will be there only one day every other weekend; the next one will probably be Saturday, March 18th from 11 till 3.
 The Say Sí exhibit is going on till the 24th. I have the pencil portrait of Belle in it. It is just great to see so many small scale works together.

Belle, graphite, 7.5x10"

Proust's À la Recherche du Temps Perdu is what I am listening to right now, and it got me motivated to look through my old work. Yesterday, I was asked how I got started with my whimsical cats.

When I was a teenager, I told all my secrets to my kitty Murik (Moerik), and I did a drawing of her.

Murik, First Whimsical Cat

In 2006,  I pulled out the old drawing for inspiration,  added color, and a landscape to the new version. I have been experimenting with the old model ever since, giving the little kid in me all the freedom it wants.

Sold at Twin Sisters so far:

the Orange Alamo Cat, watercolor, 8x9"

Blossoms Tortoise Cat, Thistle Alamo Cat and Siamese Cherry Blossoms, watercolor, 2x3"
Of the three, Blossoms Tortoise and Thistle Alamo sold.

Andy, the Warhol Cat, watercolor, 3x5"
the warhol cats are inspired by Andy Warhol's cats drawings