I created a painting for the GAGA (Gentileschi Aegis Gallery Association www.gagaart.org) exhibit, called My Story. This exhibit is going to be virtual because of present circumstances. My Story is the brainchild of Sylvia Benitez (GAGA's founder and president) in response to the centennial of the 19th Amendment which finally allowed women to vote in the US.
My painting will be part of a triptych called My Roots. I wanted to explore women and diversity in my own background. My grandmother was of mixed Dutch and Javanese heritage. Like for many people who lived in the Dutch Indies when she did, the Dutch heritage and a European education were everything to her. They allowed her to be treated with more respect by Europeans and in the Netherlands and to have a better future.
It was an eye opener for me, when I learned in New Zealand how proud people were to have indigenous ancestors. I realized that that is the way it could be everywhere!
My grandmother, Adrienne; oil 24 x 24"
My latest commission is a double pet portrait of Peggy and Maya. The assignment was a whimsical portrait of the cats with Mission San Jose in the background. It sounded fairly easy. But as I was progressing, I found that whimsical cats and a likeness, especially of striped Maya, was something I could not do. So, I limited my playful patterns to Peggy and made the likeness my focus. Peggy and Maya's parents have been wonderfully supportive throughout!
Peggy and Maya, watercolor, 11 x 14"
Except for that, we have been busy picking, delivering and preserving figs in July as well as enjoying our kittens.
Adopted daughter, Tochka, up high.
It was easy to get up there, but she could not figure out how to get down.
Stay safe!
