Abstract art uses color, shapes and lines to create art independent from visual references in the world. A type of art full of expression and passion. And yes, abstract means something that is not attempting to represent reality but with a basic idea of the history of abstract art, you can apply a method to every painting you see—so when you’re faced with a “what the heck am I looking at” piece, you’ll know where to begin. Artsicle has a great blog to help understand the language of the abstract.

24 x 24, Acrylic, pastel, brass tacks and gold leaf on wood panel

Linus Galleries out of LA, Pasadena and Long Beach California hosts regular online competitions to promote a range of artistic themes and disciplines. I’m please to announce a painting of mine in the ‘Red’ series is a finalist in the international Abstracts competition. Finalists go on to be judged for acceptance in a live show in one of the Linus Gallery locations so fingers crossed, I may be headed to the Golden State.

I’ve got 2 pieces in the Kirkland Performance Center’s NW Cityscapes show through July. Reception Friday, June 6 – 7:00 p.m. Can’t wait to see the Northwest inspiration.

Northwest Life – Land | City Scapes showcases the Pacific Northwest through landscapes and cityscapes. The works celebrate the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest landscapes and the contrasting vibrancy and verve of the architectural beauty of the Pacific Northwest city life with its melting pot of various cultures and ethnicities. Curated by Savita Krishnamoorthy and Deepti Shanka.

8″ x 8″ Acrylic on Wood Panel

The Lodi Community Art Center at the Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Winery in Lodi California is hosting its 54th annual Spring Show and one of my pieces was accepted. The event is one of the largest open-juried art show in Northern California and promises to be a fabulous weekend of wine tasting, art exhibits and a grand costume gala. The art is hung in the winery’s storage facilities and guests wander amid the wine barrels, viewing the art and mingling with artists and friends. The benefit makes make possible the many programs which the art center brings to the community throughout the year. Preview Gala  April 11, 2014 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Open Juried Art Show runs April 11, 12 & 13.

12″ x 24″ Acrylic, printed salmon, pastel, gold leaf and brass screws on wood panel.

Sweetwater Center for the Arts in Sewickley, Pennsylvania hosts a summer-long campaign to increase awareness of the Center’s offerings. Wild Things includes a reception on Friday, April 4, 6:00-9:00 p.m. and the show runs April 4 thru June 21, 2014. I’m proud to have a painting in this amazing show that shows off talent from around the globe. Sweetwater offers art classes, exhibitions, as well as outreach programs and community events. If you happen to be in PA this summer, look for a building engulfed by the giant sea creature created by British street artist Filthy Luker and take a walk on the Wild side.

I’m pleased to say I was accepted to the Spring Obsession show at Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys, California in early March. The much anticipated annual, 2-day event featured Artist Reception and Wine Tasting GALA, live music, cooking demonstrations and of course, the spring art show which displayed work from artists nationwide. Ironstone’s grounds offer visitors a breathtaking array of blooming flowers creating an apt backdrop for the vibrant and eclectic artwork. The exhibition opens Saturday March 1, 2014 and runs through May 11, 2014.

I’m very excited about a new series in the studio based on the fiery color Red. The range and passion of the color inspires imagery and iconography alternating from the cheerful to the sinister. Viewer reactions to the new paintings vary from discomfort to absolute delight. This exciting color is associated with danger, love, power, heat, passion, joy, celebration and ceremony…the list goes on.

The new work focuses on the human relationship with the color. Slivers of thick yellow, blue and white slice into the rich crimson landscape. Treated gold leaf shimmers and then breaks down, decay evoking time and age. The work is passionate yet controlled and architectural. I’m crazy about that kind of juxtaposition. More of the Red series is on the drawing board and I’m excited about the new pieces. See all the new work in the Abstract gallery.

In 2009 I was asked to create an insignia for a group working to bring Women’s Ski Jump to the Olympics. And now for the first time the ladies will thrill us by hurtling down the slope at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. I’m proud to have had a tiny part of the movement that brought these amazing athletes to the games. Check out the events and times at the bleacher report.

Seattle Art Museum and Denver Art Museum bet on their team to win

January 27, 2014 – Seattle Art Museum  (SAM) and Denver Art Museum (DAM) are betting temporary loans of major works of art based on the outcome of Super Bowl XLVIII between the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos.

The Stakes:

A majestic Native American mask reminiscent of a mighty “Seahawk” from SAM’s renowned Northwest Coast Native American art collection is wagered by Kimerly Rorschach, SAM’s Illsley Ball Nordstrom Director and CEO.

The Broncho Buster, a bronze icon of the West by Frederic Remington from the renowned western American art collection at the DAM is wagered by Christoph Heinrich, Frederick and Jan Mayer Director.

The winning city will receive a three-month loan of the prized artwork. All shipping and expenses will be paid by the city that loses the big game.

“I’m confident that we will be enjoying Remington’s The Broncho Buster at SAM. We are already making plans to host it here in Seattle so that the 12^th Man can see it,” said Rorschach.

“We know the Broncos won’t be busted on Super Bowl Sunday,” Heinrich said. “I am looking forward to giving the losing team’s mascot a special place of honor in Bronco Nation.”

Reprinted courtesy Seattle Art Blog.