This is my first solo art show which is built upon my art practice that started with my grandfather introducing me to paint-by-numbers at age 8. My art story is revealed in detail in my art lecture on YouTube.
I use thick acrylic paint and motion using brush, knife, and nature objects to capture moments of shadow, serenity, and passion. I also include natural objects and water from the scene directly into my paint to capture their spirit. I love to seize the exact moment of the rising or setting sun as it reflects aliveness over the landscape. I paint plein-air style while sitting on the earth.
During a wilderness retreat at Henry Coe State Park several years ago, I met Pablo, who would become a good friend. He introduced me to the Natural History Institute and encouraged me to apply to their art gallery call-for-artists. This organization brings science, nature, and art together, which was a good fit for my first solo art show. Coming out as an artist can be challenging, but I submitted my application and was surprised to be accepted. Then COVID hit, and my show was postponed until October 2022.
Portraits of Gaia Art Show
In preparation for the show, I decided to have a pop-up vernissage showing of my work in San Francisco at the Hunter and Gatherer Gallery on October 8. I wanted to share my work with my local friends. It was a success.
In late October, I drove to Prescot, Arizona, with my canine companion, Kira. We packed over 40 paintings in my SUV and started our journey. We stayed at the historic Hassayampa Hotel, which was dog-friendly, and spent several days learning how to hang my paintings in the gallery. The art committee, Edie, Roger, and Diana, were essential in professionally presenting my paintings.
My opening on October 28 was full of excitement. My husband Lorenz flew in, and I was surprised by my good friends Jeanne and Keith, who drove in from Placerville.
I returned two weeks later to give my art lecture, Portraits of Gaia: A veterinary artist perspective. And I also co-led a Field Workshop: Images From the Source: A Shared Experience with Naturalist Jessie Rack (We met at Thumb Butte, an iconic landmark overlooking Prescott. We had a hike learning about the native flora, fauna, geology, and meteorology. We then had a shamanic journey meditation using a drum, where we each asked the Thumb Butte for any inspiration. Then we used our creativity to paint, draw or write. In the end, we came back together and shared our insights.
Thumb Butte, Acrylic on canvas, Gorczyca
On my drive home, I spent two days in the Grand Canyon painting the sunrises and sunsets.
Grand Canyon Sunset, Gorczyca
Purchasing Artwork
If you are interested in purchasing either an original work, a giclée print, or a print on canvas, contact me for a price list.