Seattle Skyline in progress

Well, this is a bit of a departure for my usual style, but it's really been fun to do something a little different.

This work is for a show I am entering, "Red, White or Blue" and requires the artists to use a monochromatic palette with only the addition of black and white. Soooo, I selected white. At some point, I decided to add a vertical element to the work and it became a diptych. I mean, who could ignore the Space Needle? The Space Needle is a bit north of the downtown view I used for the skyline, so the diptych just *worked*. Anyhow, this is in progress, and I will post finished work when completed. PURCHASE HERE

"Tomatoes Two, Tomatoes, Three"

These are both 4" x 6", oil on board. $100 each, unframed. I am absolutely nuts over tomatoes, especially tomatoes in summer - fresh from the vine. However, I've found a reasonable replacement, since summer seems to have deserted the Seattle area over the last few years, and at the very least - even when we have a few decent summer days, the growing season isn't long enough. But, I still need my 'tomato' fix. Costco sells tomatoes from a grower named "Campari" and I have to say, they are the BEST tomatoes ever! I am able to have the 'fresh from the vine' taste all winter long and have never been more pleased over store-bought tomatoes. Here's a link to their site. They have some great tomato recipes on the site as well. Try them, you won't regret it, I promise! PURCHASE HERE

"Eagle Point" Oil on board

This is a beautiful little spot on the Oregon coast and while I don't know it's *official* name, I call it that because there was an eagle perched right in that tree. It's from a photo I took at the rest stop. Good place to rest, don't you think? This is 4" x 6" oil on board and sells for $130 framed. PURCHASE HERE

PLEASE VOTE FOR MY STUDENT!!

Here comes the commercial! Please vote for my young student (see all pertinent info below)
She's a Doodle for Google finalist and I am sending out a plea for votes for her. Please help ME help HER win! She's listed on the page under grades 10-12, Mariam - the last one on the page. Voting is open today through the 18th and you can vote daily.
VOTE HERE PURCHASE HERE

Doodle 4 Google Regional FINALIST!

Wow, am *I* ever proud!!!
This is 17 year old Mariam Hovhannisyan and she is my latest pride and joy as she has just been selected as one of the 40 national finalists (and 1 of 10 in her age group) in the "Doodle for Google" contest!! Can you see me beaming??

Mariam had her first solo show last month where she sold 7 prints, 2 paintings and a commission! She's on her way! She has been a student of mine since she was about 10 years old and was taking prizes even back then, when I was the art director for the Boys and Girls Club. She won a regional competition sponsored by L'Oreal and I knew even back then that she was in for a career in the arts. And just last year, she won second place in her division at the Magnolia Summer Festival & Art Show here in Seattle. She'll be entering again this year. I can't wait!

She's been invited to travel to Googleplex in California for an expense paid visit for the finals. In addition, if she becomes one of the final 4, she wins a laptop! The grand prize winner gets a $10K scholarship and a $25K prize for their public school! So, please help me help her WIN and vote, starting Monday the 12th of May through the 18th!

Here's the information from Google's site:
Doodle 4 Google, a competition where we invite K-12 students to play around with our homepage logo and see what they come up with. This year we're inviting U.S. kids to join in the doodling fun, around the intriguing theme "What if...?"

A panel of judges will select 40 finalist doodles, from which the public will help select a favorite to be featured on our homepage on May 22nd, 2008.

So, as of Monday, the 12th of May - I will be asking my loyal blog readers for their support for my young, VERY talented student. Please take a moment to visit her blog and maybe leave her a comment with some congratulations and good luck wishes? She's got the most amazing stylized art!
http://artofmariamhovhannisyan.blogspot.com/

PURCHASE HERE

Maple Leaf Church Art Exhibit

All these works are hanging at the Maple Leaf Church in Seattle through June. They have the wildest walls, and it was uncanny how the art seemed to 'just fit' with the color walls. PURCHASE HERE

"Magnolia Grandiflora" Large Original Oil

This elegant floral is 30" x 30" on gallery wrapped canvas. It is part of a series of six large florals I am doing; sunflower, poppy, Stargazer Lily, Tulip and Chrysanthemum. Almost done with the Lily and then do the Mum - and voila~ ready for a show date! The purchase price is $900 PURCHASE HERE

"A Place to Dream" Miniature Oil

A lovely little miniature oil on board, unframed at just $120. It can be beautifully framed for an additional $20. Wouldn't you love to just dip your toes in this refreshing little stream? As I was painting it, that's about all I could think of. PURCHASE HERE

"Permissive Neglect"

This painting was done specifically for a show whose theme is 'stewardship of our earth' and how we are wasting natural resources, etc. So, I thought this was apropos. It's 10" x 20" on gallery wrapped canvas and not for sale at this time. PURCHASE HERE

"Amethyst Beach" miniature oil

4" x 6" Oil on board - another dramatic sunset of my beautiful Northwest Coast. This just out of LaPush. One of the most gorgeous places to camp and I am looking forward to returning this year.

This painting is also framed in a Bordeaux colored 2" wide frame. Purchase price is $140. Looks gorgeous paired with the other miniature sunset "Ruby Sunset" posted just below. PURCHASE HERE

"Ruby Sunset" Miniature Oil

4" x 6" Oil on board. It must be getting nearer to summer as my mind turns to beaches and sunsets all over again, as it does about this time every year. Here's just one from last year's trip to the coast.
Framed in a beautiful Bordeaux colored 2" wide frame. Stunning. Companion piece next!
$140 PURCHASE HERE

Oasis Art Gallery Show

Here are just two photos from the Oasis Art Gallery Show that was from January to mid-April. Great show, and lots of interest. I had 20+ paintings in this show, but these are the only photos I can find at the moment. The larger paintings and 30" x 30" florals are up above. Jeanne and Alex Strazzanti are wonderful to work with and I look forward to showing at the gallery again soon. Currently, they've asked to retain my miniatures as they'll sell well during the summer months, so they have a home there. Why not take a moment now to visit their fine gallery?
Oasis Art Gallery PURCHASE HERE

If you're in the Seattle area on Sunday, the 20th of January, I hope you'll be able to drop by the gallery for the artists' reception. It's 12-4 PM and features live music and canapes as well as outstanding art in a group show format. I have lovely new seascapes as well as some very large, vivid florals. Hope to see you there.
Oasis Art Gallery
www.oasisinseattle.com
3644 Wallingford Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98103
206-547-5177 PURCHASE HERE

"From the Bluff" Oil on canvas 20" x 24"

Another seascape in prep for the January 4-person group show at Oasis Gallery in Seattle. This has been such a busy time of year for me, as for everyone else. I've 9 small commissions to get finished so haven't posted much of anything else. Although I love the holidays, I won't miss them this year when they are gone. Happy Holidays to ALL. I will post my annual holiday card shortly. Do come back. :) Check out Pandora free internet music - for some very cool jazz holiday music. Just make that a 'new station' and it will search for the most wonderful holiday music - not distracting, and perfect to paint by! PURCHASE HERE

"Mt. Rainier Trio" Oil on board miniatures

SOLD
"Hike to Rainier" (top one) has been sold.

Each of these three images is 4" x 6" and will be shown at the Art Walk in Edmonds on November 15th, 5-8 PM. The venue is Arista Wine Cellars at 320 5th Avenue. Please do drop by for a superb wine tasting event hosted by Ruth and David Arista along with some great art along the route of the art walk. PURCHASE HERE

"Fiore del sole" (Flower of the Sun)

This oil painting (unlike the other recent ones posted is LARGE - 30" x 30" and will also displayed at the fantastic Arista Wine Cellars of Edmonds, during the November art walk on the 15th of this month. Please stop by for a visit and an exclusive wine tasting, hosted by Ruth & David Arista. Credit must go to my friend Stephanie who took this gorgeous photo for me to paint! PURCHASE HERE

"Tempo Della Raccolta" (Harvest Time)

"Harvest Time" is a small oil on board of vineyards during harvest time. This painting, along with the other new ones added to the blog will be displayed at Arista Wine Cellars in Edmonds during the November art walk on the 15th. Please do stop by and see my art and enjoy a fine wine tasting hosted by Ruth and David Arista. PURCHASE HERE

"Gusto dell'uva" Miniature oil on board

Another Vineyard painting, "Taste of the Grape", translated to Italian - "Gusto dell'uva". This is 4" x 6" and will be framed and for sale at Arista Wine Cellars in Edmonds, November 15th, during the Edmonds Art Walk. Hope you'll come in and see it in person! Looking forward to seeing you there. PURCHASE HERE

"Sur la vigne" Vineyard oil painting on board

Here's another small Vineyard painting, "Sur la vigne" ("On the Vine") that will be featured at Arista Wine Cellars, November 15 for the November Edmonds Art Walk. It's frame in a beautiful gold frame and sold with a display easel - all ready to grace your home or gift someone! Please stop in and say hello. PURCHASE HERE

"Sun on the Vineyard" Oil on board

A lovely small treasure to be shown at the Arista Wine Cellars venue for the Edmonds, Washington November Art Walk, beginning November 15th. This little oil painting is just 4" x 6" and is beautifully framed, ready for hanging. See it at the art walk or contact me here for further details. PURCHASE HERE

"The Mountain's Out" 4" x 6"

"The Mountain's Out" is a phrase around here that often is said by newscasters and other residents on days when out beautiful Mt. Rainier is showing on a clear day with crystal blue skies, like this painting. It's 4" x 6" on board, and ready for purchase. It will be framed in a lovely antique colored pewter frame. I love painting these miniatures on board as it allows for more detail. It's for the new gallery's Christmas stock, but if you'd like it for your own Christmas list, contact me here. $125. PURCHASE HERE

"Golden Sunset" 4" x 6"

SOLD
Another small painting to get ready for the new gallery in Tacoma. Fairly typical of some of our gorgeous late afternoon sunsets. It's oil on board and will be delivered framed. Am busy trying to get some paintings ready for the holiday season. Seems these sell very well for gifts and I want to be prepared. So, busy, busy every day. This will be finished in a beautiful bronze colored frame. If you'd like it for your Christmas gift list, just click on the 'buy now' button. Details? Email me here and I will get right back to you. PURCHASE HERE

"Grannies Three"

SOLD
10"x10" oil on gallery wrapped canvas - second of four in a commissioned set. The other three are Delicious apples, Macintosh and Rome Beauties. PURCHASE HERE

"Oh, So Delicious"

SOLD
10" x 10" Gallery wrap canvas, one of a set of four apple paintings as a commission. I've completed two - this one and the one of Granny Smith apples. The other two are Rome Beauty apples and Macintoshes. PURCHASE HERE

3 works accepted into Juried art exhibit

These three pieces were juried into the Kenmore Fine Arts Exhibit. They are size 18x24", 5x7" and 16x20" respectively. They are all offered framed. The show runs through next Tuesday. I'm very pleased, particularly since this was my first time entering this show.

In addition, one of my young teen-age students received 'Honorable Mention' for her beautiful sculptured vase, free form in design with a Raku glaze. very nice, indeed. I'm quite proud of her, needless to say. Last month she and her sister also took 2nd and 3rd place in the youth division of the Magnolia Fine Arts Fair. PURCHASE HERE

"Foreboding" 12x16 seascape oil on board

This stunning painting is fairly typical of our rugged Washington coastline, just waiting out the storm. As you can see, the light is beginning to creep through the storm clouds, just barely highlighting those waves as they crash into the rocks. This painting is 12 x 16 oil on board, just $300, unframed. Use the buy now button to purchase immediately, or email me here for more info. The image can be clicked on to see close up view. PURCHASE HERE

"Currents" 12x16 Oil on board

All framed, wired and ready for hanging at just $325.
This is 12 x 16" on 1/4" board - a nice smooth surface to paint on.
Typical of my beautiful Northwest views! We live (as you probably already know) on one of the most rugged coastlines in the US and I never tire of painting it.

Buy it now?Just click on the button. Other questions? Email me here by clicking on the link. PURCHASE HERE

SOLD - Mt. Rainier Reflections

This lovely little miniature was just sold by my new gallery, Oasis Art Gallery of Wallingford. It's a charming little miniature and shows the beauty of our 'favorite' mountain around these parts. PURCHASE HERE

SOLD - Cerises du rouge en cristal

This 8 x 10" oil painting sold yesterday at the Magnolia Arts Festival, a really fun family oriented event. PURCHASE HERE

Ruby Beach 5" x 5" Oil on Canvas Pairing

I painted a companion piece to the first one posted, and thought I'd post them both here together to show what a beautiful pairing they make. These are each 5 x5" on gallery wrapped canvas, so no frame needed, but can be used if desired. I'm happy to frame for you for a slight additoinal charge. I think they really make a nice statement, side by side. The fog settles in and stays til about noon, then it clears off so beautifully bathing the entire area in sunshine during the summer! Wouldn't these paintings look lovely on your wall? They are each $90 and can be purchased by clicking on the 'buy now' button to use Paypal. Questions? Email me here and I will get back to you with an answer as soon as possible. For those of you unfamiliar with our rugged, gorgeous beaches - here's a link to this area near Forks, WA.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruby_Beach PURCHASE HERE

"The Longest Hike" 4 x 5" oil on panel

A lovely small format piece of a hike I took last year. I've painted this larger, and in fact smaller. It's one of the prettiest views I ever remember on a hike, so the bet is that I will paint it again. Anyhow, I digress. This is available, framed as you see it for $125. Use the 'buy now' button to purchase through paypal. If you have questions I can answer, just let me know by emailing me here and I will get back to you asap. PURCHASE HERE

"Tea for Me" 10 x 20 Oil on canvas

"Tea for Me" is 10 x 20 on gallery wrapped canvas, so no need for framing. However, I love it framed in a gold leaf frame and have shown it here like that as well just so that the difference can be shown. It really seems to call out for a frame, as many works often do. As most of my collectors know, I am 'into' painting lemons and have done many paintings of them - sliced, whole, halved, partially peeled - you name it. Aside from liking to paint them, I also like to eat them, cook with them, squeeze them...any way possible is just fine with me. This painting is for sale at the price of $275, unframed. Just use the 'buy now' button and you will be immediately transfered to Paypal for the transaction. If you would like it framed, please email me here for details on that. PURCHASE HERE

Photos of Recent Art walk at Edmonds, WA

Thanks to all the fine folks at Horizon Bank of Edmonds who so graciously hosted me for the Edmonds Art Walk, June 21. They really went above and beyond to make sure everything went off without a hitch, and made certain that every guest (around 200) truly enjoyed the experience.

A special thanks too to Willis Hall Wines for a superb selection of most excellent wines, and thanks also to the great sounds of Lorraine 'n Thunder for a wonderful evening of music.
http://www.willishall.com/ PURCHASE HERE

"Summer Splendor" 5 x 7" Oil on Canvas

A small format painting of tomatoes, my very favorite summer treat! Just $90 on gallery-wrapped canvas. Email me here for questions or use the buy it now button to purchase through paypal. PURCHASE HERE

"Northwest Currents" 18 x 24 Oil on Canvas

This is what I *often* see of my Northwest when I venture off to the beaches here. The clouds in the skies are grays with hints of blues and teeny splotches that lean towards purples spilling through what everyone calls 'gray'. The deep greens of the water - and depending on the time of day, can vary from a warm to a cool green. The reason I am told, is that we have much more flora growing in the water than further south. Must be true, because our water definitely smells more *oceany* than in California. That's the smell that everyone assumes is a fish smell, but it's not - it's decaying flora. This piece was shown in the Edmonds Art Walk for June and is being entered in a show having to do with the Northwest. If you have questions about this work, please email me here.