Claudia True's Art

New Print

Claudia True — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 02:33:07 GMT

Rhode Island Chicken - giclee print on canvas

Don't ya just love this cocky little chicken!! Well - it had to have a little attitude, because it goes with a recipe from my friend Chuck Kiven - and talk about attitude!!! (In a good kind of way - ) Chuck - who's from Rhode Island - gave me a recipe for Chicken Liver Pate' for the "Cooking with Friends" calendar. And this painting goes with the recipe! How fun is this!! The original painting has been sold but it's now available in print. I've had lots of "oohs" and "ahs" for this painting - makes me feel good.

Two other little critters from the calendar are now in print - a cow and a pig! These are also available on my shopping cart. I'd add images here, but my software program and I are having a little battle tonight . . . . Check back.

This is my 4th calendar, and I've gotten so many wonderful recipes and have created lots of food art. I didn't really set out to be a "painter of food" but here I am. I wanted to combine my two passions - cooking and painting - and this food/art calendar was a great way to do that. It's been a great journey for me. Hope you enjoy it, too.

Calendar Signings

Claudia True — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 20:51:48 GMT

What a fun day at Olive Tree in Leawood, Ks. This was the introduction of "Cooking with Friends" 2012 calendars in the Kansas City area. And the beginning of several calendar signing events throughout the holiday shopping season.

This is the 4th cooking and art calendar that Holly Bikakis and I have put together. Each month has a recipe from a friend, and a painting I did to interpret that recipe. So that means we've collected a LOT of new recipes, and I've done a lot of paintings of "food!" I never set out to be a "painter of food" - but here I am! It's been fun finding "foodie" places to show this art and to market the calendars. Mindy Riley and others at Olive Tree are great to work with - and they have super delicious olive oils and balsamic vinegars in so many delicious flavors! Delicious combination - food and art - but we knew that . . . .

Watch for future postings of calendar signing events. Also, "like" my Facebook business page for frequent updates: https://www.facebook.com/claudia.true.artist

You may purchase the calendars at several places including my shopping cart, Olive Tree, and Ice House Gallery in Bakersfield, Ca. Great gifts for your foodie pals, co-workers, hostesses, and YOURSELF!!

Grilled Ginger Habanero Shrimp

Claudia True — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 19:57:29 GMT

Tonight, Mike and I are making "Grilled Ginger Habanero Shrimp" - September's recipe in 2011's "Cooking with Friends" calendar.  This is from our "wild and crazy" friend Brian Pitts - who's also a great cook!  We learned a new culinary "trick" (well, new to us) - how to get the juice out of a coconut. Oh how nice to have the internet to research these things. Brian had some ideas - but I wonder - does he really use fresh coconut juice??? I don't think so, but I'd never tell him that . . .

2011 was our 3rd calendar. "Our" refers to me (the painter) and my pal and partner Holly Bikakis (the graphic guru). Each month has a recipe from a friend plus a painting I did to "interpret" the recipe, and Holly puts it all together in a colorful, fun calendar. Our 4th calendar (2012) is at the printers now. So - after 4 years, I've added 52 yummy new dishes to my personal "cookbook!"  (Each calendar has the January of the following year - so a bonus recipe!) And I've built up quite a collection of "food-related" art!!!

You can check out the 2012 calendar on my website. Here's a sneak preview of the calendar cover -



2012 calendars are available ~ Oct. 11. Of course you may order now!! These are in a limited edition of 500 - we sold out last year. Great little gifts, and a collectors item!

Okay - I'm off to paint while the shrimp are marinating. Hope your day is as beautiful as we have here in Kansas City!!! Enjoy -

p.s. in case you're wondering about the flamingo - check out the Pitts front yard!! Did I say "wild and crazy"?

Veggies revisited - on aprons!

Claudia True — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 17:13:00 GMT

I'm really happy to kick off a new part of my art world - "products" with images of my art. There's a great website called CafePress where I've set up a store to sell aprons and tote bags featuring my paintings of veggies and other art. As you know, my other passion in life is cooking and these are a combination of my love for cooking with my love for painting!

The first images I'm featuring are veggies because I think they soooo relate to cooking. And because it's time to start digging in the garden and doing some serious outdoor grilling - wearing an apron of course! I also have these images available on tote bags - perfect for taking to farmers markets opening soon in our area. Here's an example. Can't you see coming home from the market with this bag filled with all kinds of fresh garden goodies!!

If you have a favorite painting that you'd like to see on an apron, bag, mug or lots of other things, let me know. Check out my Cafe Press store to see what's available now and to order if you're interested. It takes about 2 weeks to get an order - fyi.

Here's another fun product with the image of my Chinese New Year Rabbit - dreaming of potstickers!! My friend Cathy Bennet gave me the potsticker recipe for the 20111 Cooking with Friends calendar. And - the rabbit's kinda cute for Easter!!

Oh I can see lots of fun with these new products! I hope you enjoy them too!! Hope you're having a beautiful day!!

Lots of Veggies at Rm 39!

Claudia True — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 22:43:00 GMT

If you're in the Kansas City area, stop by Rm 39 at Mission Farms and see my big yummy veggie paintings! I love this trendy restaurant, known for using fresh and local ingredients. It was so fun painting for this particular space! I wanted my theme to fit in with their "mission" so decided to do these very large paintings of fresh vegetables. Work will be shown through April. Hope you'll stop by to see it!

The weather in Kansas City is finally feeling like Spring. We're working with a young landscape architect to get plans to spruce up our yard. Can't wait to see his ideas. We're still learning about plants that do well in this area. So far we've been cleaning things out in all the beds. Our yardwork last summer was minimal at best - with Mike's two knee replacement surgeries and my broken ankle . . . So we have some pent-up desire to work in the dirt! We'll grown our own veggies - at least some of them. And we plan to do a straw bale planting - something new to try! We're blessed with lots of clay so we're anxious to check out this alternative approach to growing in soil. Will keep you posted. I can't wait to be able to cut fresh herbs again! So far the sage, mint, and thyme are about big enough to pull off a few sprigs, and soon I'll be able to plant basil - and I'll be a happy camper!!

Until I can harvest my own vegetables and herbs, I'll just enjoy painting them. Hope you have fun with them, too! Have a beautiful day -

p.s. - thought I'd end with some funky chili peppers!! Enjoy -

2011- Starting big!

Claudia True — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 18:54:00 GMT

"Carrots" - 36" x 48"                                                      "Onions" = 36" x 48"

Belated Happy New Year everyone!! This time of year is usually very slow in my art life. Not so in 2011.  Several big events coming up in February and I've been painting away getting ready for them.

These two paintings will be in my show at Rm 39 - a great restaurant in Leawood, Ks that shows the works of local artists. My art will be there for 3 months. I've had so much fun building on my "food" series - started when I began my food and art calendars 3 years ago.  This combines my passions for cooking AND painting!! I didn't intentionally set out to be a "painter of food" but I've sort of evolved into that. Fun!   The art will be hung on Feb. 8 - still have 3 large paintings to go. "Stay tuned."

Other places I'm showing:

-   Stoney Broke, Ltd - a beautiful interior design store. 20 pieces of art were delivered last week, including originals and framed prints. These people are so talented in interior design - I'm very honored that they want to display my art in their show rooms.

-  Invitational Exhibit at Art at the Center - Tomahawk Ridge Center - Overland Park.  Reception is Feb. 14 - chocolate and art!!  I'm exhibiting with 10 other local artists who do amazing work and am proud to be part of this group.

- annual art auction at Kansas City Artists Coalition - Sat, Feb. 19. I donated a piece for this annual fundraiser.  I'm also on the board for KCAC and am organizing all the volunteers - whew!!!   This is a fun, fun event - big happenings this year - will post more on that later.

- Ice House Gallery - Bakersfield, Ca. This gallery always has some of my prints and originals. It's also the best framing store in Bakersfield - in my opinion.

So - as I said - this year's starting out in a big way - both in terms of art events and the size of some of my new paintings!! It's been good to upsize to this larger format. I'm anxious to see these in the restaurant - and all the other places. Thanks to all who're representing my art!

I hope your year is starting out "big', too!  Here's to a beautiful and happy 2011!!

Gift Certificate

Claudia True — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 18:42:00 GMT

It's been a LONG time since I've posted to my blog. I don't know how many of you are on Facebook - that's where I'm doing most of my "postings" and I've been seriously neglecting my blog. And here I go with an "ad" for my return - hmmmmm. But I do want to share with those of you who're still shopping. A gift of art is really such a fun surprise!!! If you're interested in giving art but aren't sure which piece to select - you may give a gift certificate and let your friends and family pick something they really love!! These are available in any amount you want - just contact me. I'll make your shopping really easy - will send the gift certificate to you or to whomever you want. AND - for those really into the last minute shopping thing, I can send you a copy of it to print. You may browse my shopping cart to see some of my current work that's available - and to get ideas!

We're almost finished decorating and shopping, and have most of our shipping ready to go - yay!!! Our goal is to have a couple of weeks of quiet time to truly enjoy the spirit of the season.

My wish to all of you is a beautiful holiday!!! Merry Christmas -

Lemons

Claudia True — Thu, 13 May 2010 22:28:00 GMT

Okay - I felt a little guilty when I realized I was painting so many apples. Lemons will ALWAYS be my favorite fruit!!!   So, to make peace with my lemon friends, I did these little paintings. They're on their way to California "as we speak." I'll be meeting them there in just 4 days. Yay!!! A little lemon reunion in such a beautiful state.

Whew -

Crazy Little Apple

Claudia True — Sat, 08 May 2010 14:59:00 GMT

5" x 5" - now showing at Younger Gallery in Bakersfeld, Ca

I've had more fun painting these crazy little apples - and they're finding lots of new homes! Do you think people are looking for a litle "fun?" I know I am!!!

Had this "aha moment" when I was painting more of these little cuties for a show at Graveyard Vineyards . We are soooo influenced by our environments - sometimes we don't even realize it. When I lived in Bakersfield, one of my favorite painting subjects was lemons. I've always LOVED lemons - their tart flavor with a little salt, and especially with Fritos!! (Strange - but true.) When I started painting, the simple shape of a lemon just fit my style. AND - we had a huge lemon tree in our backyard that poduced the largest and most delicious fruit I've ever tasted. Tons of visual inspiration!!! Ocassionally an apple would show up in a painting, but it was not the "main character" by any means. Well - that's changed - and I finally got the connection. We now have 2 huge apple trees in our backyard in Kansas City!!!!! Isn't life interesting -

Speaking of Graveyard Vineyards - I'll be there with my art during the Paso Robles Wine festival - May 21-23. If you've never visited there, you're in for a real treat!! Beautiful setting - top of a hill overlooking miles and miles of rolling hills covered with vineyards. Oh yeah - you pass a tiny, historic graveyard as you turn to head up the hill . . . . Paula and Rob are the perfect hosts! Fun, fun, fun. Stop by if you can - we can visit and you can chill with a glass of their delicious wines and enjoy the scenery. Bar-b-que on Sunday. Reservations required - they do sell out. You'd love it and I'd love the company!

Gotta go paint - and get outside a bit to enjoy this gorgeous Fall day. Oops- it's Spring- but it feels like Fall. Makes my mouth water for some of those beautiful apples . . .

New Miniatures

Claudia True — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:50:00 GMT

White Flower Miniatures - 5" x 5"

Okay - here's something VERY new for me! Some "quiet" paintings!! Quiet in terms of color, that is. I'm doing a few miniature paintings for the show in Bakersfield, Ca next month. These little paintings are a great way to experiment. This time I'm going for almost a "monochromatic" painting - where the interest is in the texture instead of color. Paint is very thick on these little canvases. I felt like I was sculpting the paint to create the flowers. How fun is this!

Most of my art is done for the show. Mike has it boxed and ready to ship in a couple of weeks. Exciting! Now - tax time . .. .

It's kind of a yucky, rainy day outside, but I'm gonna make it a beautiful day for me. Hope you do the same!!!

Claudia True and Friends - Under the Influece

Claudia True — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:17:00 GMT

"Purple Haze" - acrylic on paper

I'm really excited to share information about an exhibit in Bakersfield, Ca: "Claudia True and Friends - Under the Influence." Opening is April 9 at the Younger Gallery.

The idea behind this show is to encourage people to start their own creative journey - by looking at the "paths" taken by me, and by some of my students who also started painting when they were adults.

The painting above was done in 1996, very early in my art career. I'd been painting about 1.5 years, and was "under the influence" of a very kind and supportive teacher at the Bakersfield School of Art - Sharon Epperson. I was also very impressed with JMW Turner landscapes - loved his soft and ethereal style. Sharon had me do a series of "doodles" - I did about 70, starting with the same "doodle' and each turned into "something" - a landscape, floral, or a non-representative abstract exploration of values, color and styles. What a great way to get in tons of painting time, and to learn how he brushes and paints work!

Now - about the "Friends." These are all people who were my students. Many had never painted so I introduced them to this magical world. Some were experienced in the arts, and I was yet another influence for them. They've all pursued painting fairly consistently and have either developed their own style, or are making huge progress on doing that! I must say that I'm often influenced by them - their enthusiasm and the creativity that they exhibit in their own pieces.

Here's a list of the Friends in the show: Betty Blair, Carol Helt, Rose Lester, Terri Murray, Linda Osburn, Joyce Paesano-Chapman, Barbara Reid, Chris Romanini, Cindy Stiles, and Tracy Van Fossen. You can meet them at the opening on April 9 - and I'll be there too. We're all looking forward to the reunion! I'm so anxious to see their new art!

I just know this will be a beautiful show. Maybe some others who've wondered if they can paint will be encouraged to start their own art journeys!!

Fall Splendor

Claudia True — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 17:16:00 GMT

24" x 24" acrylc on canvas

Another landscape! To go with my Kansas Barn painting. I'm really having fun with the palette knife - love the textures and how you just can't get too "tight" and detailed. Of course I'm all into these fall colors - any time of year!!

This piece is currently at the Johnson County Home and Garden Show - in a huge art gallery hosted by ARTichokes, the wonderful place where I teach and sell art. The ladies who put this show together did a terrific job. They have ~ 6,000 sq. ft. of space that they turned into a temporary gallery - 24 artists and a nice variety of art in all sizes. Mike has two sculptures in the show, which runs through tomorrow (Sunday). If you're in the K.C. area, it's worth a visit.

If this doesn't sell, I'll ship it to Bakersfield, Ca for a show there - "Claudia True and Fiends - Under the Infuence." Hmmm . . . . More info to come in the next few days.

The weather finaly cooperated and I got a better photo of the Spring painting. Good photography of art is so important!! And often a challenge. Thanks to my friend and mentor Don Mason - an unbelievable photographer - I'm getting much better at it all the time.

I'm off to paint! Hope you have a beautiful day!!!

White Flowers - help!

Claudia True — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 23:54:00 GMT

White Flowers - acrylic on canvas (20" x 28")

Today was a great day for painting - inside!!! Oh my, this winter is hanging on with a vengence. All day we had a mix of rain/snow/sleet. Right at freezing temps - so the precip couldn't decide what to do!!!

First - please excuse this photo. It's not a good representation of the colors in the painting because I shot it inside with artificial light. My "photography studio" is outside - no way could I use that today! But I'm pretty happy with this painting and wanted to share it with you. I'll replace it with a better image - "someday . . . ." (Soon I hope!!) This is another piece done with a palette knife. I'm just having so much fun exploring this loose/free expressive way to paint. And today I used two new "tools." Woo hoo!!! 1) a much bigger and new palette knife, so I can get some "smoother" areas (especially in the background), and 2) some Super Heavy Body white acrylic paint. Oops - didn't mean to buy that! I found a big ol' jar of white paint and was a happy camper because I'm using TONS of paint with this palette knife technique. I didn't notice this was the SUPER heavy body - and boy is it thick! Hmmmm . . . what to do? I decided to turn this into one of those "happy accidents." You know what? I love the texture in the flowers!!!

Okay - so here's my plea for help. I'm running out of names for my floral paintings. Any ideas for a title for this piece?

Better finish making my chicken soup - perfect for this winter night. I'm gonna think positive thoughts and enjoy a beautiful evening with a delicious bowl of soup - then relax by the fire and watch the Olympics. Hope you have a beautiful evening, too -

When in Kansas . . . .

Claudia True — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:01:00 GMT

Kansas Barn I 2010
acrylic on canvas - 24" x 24"

Okay - when in Kansas, do some Kansas landscapes! I'm painting for an event next weekend - the Johnson County Home and Garden Show . That's where I live in case you don't know. (Johnson Co, Ks - not the garden show.) Big, big show - and ARTichokes is having a big, big space to exhibit and sell works by some of their artists. I'm proud to say that Mike and I will both have art there!! Mike's taking two sculptures, and I'll have 8 paintings - all new!! I'm taking florals - OF COURSE! But decided I should branch out a bit. I've gotten away from landscapes but wanted some paintings with a real local "feel." This was done totally with a palette knife to get the loose and expressive effect I wanted. In the next few days, I'm doing some more "experimental" paintings - trying to push my comfort zone a bit and see what happens. Love this thing called "creativity!"

Gotta cut this short and spend time with my hubby. Mike just got home from Denver where he and his daughter Kristi were with his son Heath and family. Heath's wife Michelle had surgery for colon cancer. Surgery was successful, but they found a few tiny cancer cells in lymph nodes so Michelle will have chemo starting as soon as she can. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. She's a strong and spunky gal - we're expecting that she'll beat this thing. Her 11 year old twin daughters are counting on that - and we are, too! I told Heath that I bet she's gonna be a terrific Grandma - and a beautiful one, too.

Three Fun Flowers I

Claudia True — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:44:00 GMT

18" x 24" gallery wrapped acrylic on canvas

"Three Fun Flowers" - Again??? I know - but I love 'em!!! It's so interesting to see how others perceive your art. In my "early days", I was just painting away and loving what I was doing. Didn't realize how often I painted 3 flowers - until a friend pointed it out. It was SO obvious, and my initial reaction was to stop doing that. But I've become a true believer in "series" of paintings - and in following your heart. Some people may think - how many "variations on a theme" can you create? Oh my - it pushes the thinking process! How to change the composition and colors and ??? to still get fresh paintings? I think in doing series, an artist really has the chance to explore and develop. Often the hardest part of painting is figuring out the subject matter. Hmmmm . . . artists spend a lot of time day-dreaming - thinking about and looking for inspiration. And how to push what you're doing.

You might find this a stretch, but the colors in the painting were inspired by red cardinals outside our kitchen window in a recent snow. Yes - cardinals!! Here's a photo I posted on my FaceBook page. Aren't they beautiful!!! Several friends said I should paint this image. I may - after I finish these 3 flower paintings. I already had 3 canvases sketched and ready to paint. These cardinals switched my thinking on the colors. How fun is that!!!

Beautiful red cardinals. Inspiring red/white floral paintings. And bringing such joy on a cold winter day. Life is good -

Red Sisters

Claudia True — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 23:07:00 GMT

sold - a long time ago . . .

Happy 2010 to all!!! My, it's been a long time. Interesting few months - like all of you.  I'm settling into the new year and - I'm back! I always love hearing your comments so we can really "chat."

What's up with me posting an old painting??? I think this was done ~ 5 years ago. I'm doing some uncluttering, organizing, and looking back - to decide how to go forward in 2010.  Came across a photo of this old painting. What do you think about this old style? Always a creative pull between rehashing what's working and fun, and stretching with new challenges. Hmmmm....

I'm looking to 2010 with great expectations!!! Lining up shows, workshops, travels. Starting new painting series. Enjoying my precious little Jezebel!!! Oh wait - do you know about her? She's the cutest little calico kitten - loves to snuggle and pur and play. She's the "new" - still loving our "old" Baxter and Sam.

One new thing going on is a January promotion.   Every January art sales just STOP! Kaput. Nada. At least for me. But - why not shake things up a bit! On my shopping cart, any total purchase over $100 is 25% off if you use the code JAN2010 at checkout. Never have done a coupon thing before. A new approach for the new year! Maybe the January "freeze" is one old habit to break . . . .

So - looking back on the old with mostly fond memories. Planning the new with a very positive focus. I think it's going to be a beautiful year for all of us! Let's make it that way.

p.s. for Bakersfield folks. My art at Ice House Gallery is 20% off through January if you tell them I said it was okay . . . . Nice folks!

Celebrating 10 years!!!

Claudia True — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:58:00 GMT

"Fizzy Fun" - click here for more information

This week is the 10 year anniversary of my official entry into the art world!!!   Oh my - what a journey this has been!

I'm celebrating with a 10 year anniversary show - online! With virtual champagne for all!!!!!   More about this at the bottom of the post -

Ten and a half years ago I left a pretty darned good position as a geologist/manager in the energy industry - to follow my passion - painting!!!  With the downturn in the oil industry, I had the chance to give this new art life a try.  So I took that chance - to the amazement of many folks. The first six months after I retired, I struggled with what direction to pursue - open a gallery? represent other artists? do my own "thing"?  Eventually I realized that - deep down - I really wanted to paint and this was my chance to see if I could make it work. So much for retirement!!

My memories are so vivid of that first art opening . It was at my studio above Dagny's Coffee Shop in downtown Bakersfield - an area that has since become a thriving art center.  We sent out invitations, a friend catered the event - and I just knew NO ONE would show up!?! Truly - I have NEVER been more nervous about an opening! Who would come to see an "artist" who just recently was a player in the corporate world??? My usually messy studio was transformed into a showplace. As they say "build it and they will come" - and they did!! About 250 people attended - many who continue to be my steadfast supporters. I think some were there out of amazement that I made this major change - they had to see it to believe it. Here we are - ten years later and I'm still an artist and I've never looked back!!  I still feel fortunate that I found my passion that I was brave enough to follow it.

This little journey has had its twists and turns with a few hiccups - as they all do. While in Bakersfield I was in 4 studios - 2 with galleries - so I actually did open a couple of galleries along the way.  I love helping other artists get their own careers going. One huge surprise to me - I LOVE teaching art!!!  I'm so happy when I help someone get "turned on" to painting and am so proud when they become successful painters. I work just as many hours as before, but somehow it just doesn't feel like "work." Well - except maybe when I had to clean the studio bathrooms . . . .  You know how it is - I'm the CEO, Art Dept, IT Dept, Bookkeeper, and all - including janitor!! And I couldn't be happier.

In 2007, Mike and I moved to Kansas. It's sort of like starting all over. Leaving Bakersfield where I was so established was hard to do. I'll never forget my final sale - again, many people attended and took home a piece of my art. It was a great "validation" in an odd way. I felt tremendous support which I'll always cherish.  When one door closes, another opens - and Kansas City has many art opportunities. Plus we have family here including little grandkids . . . . "Life is good!"  With the Internet I stay connected to supporters in California and in many other places.  And the journey continues!!!

Sooooo - to celebrate my 10 year anniversary - I'm having another art show - online!!! With free shipping on any orders by October 1.

Visit both my website and my shopping cart to enjoy the show!!!

And I have 2 prints at a pre-print price through October 1!! The new prints are " Vegas Chick", and "Cambrian Salad" - both available in 8 x 10" ($45) or 16 x 20" ($90). After Oct 1, the small prints will be $75 and the larger prints will be $150.


"Vegas Chick"                                    "Cambrian Salad"

I'm very excited to celebrate 10 years as an artist!!!   I hope you enjoy my virtual show and celebration - including the champagne! Thank you all!

p.s. - putting together this virtual show reminded me of putting together my first studio show - kind of. I spent many hours updating the website and shopping cart, instead of cleaning out the studio and making labels, etc. Lots of changes in 10 years!!!

All prints and jewelry (!) are available at yessy.com/ctrue

Visit myshopping cart for original paintings

Guild House / Ice Cream Girl

Claudia True — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:12:00 GMT

"Little Ice Cream Girl"

Lemon ice cream in February - VERY "seasonal" - if you live where lemon trees grow, as I did in Bakersfield, Ca. We had a huge lemon tree with HUGE lemons!!! I miss that tree so much. When I needed a lemon - and I use lots of lemons - all I had to do was go outside and pick one. It was always a "bummer" when lemon season was over and I had to actually buy some, and remember to do that.

So what does this have to do with the Guild House? Well - G uild House is a most unique treasure. It's a first class restaurant that serves gourmet lunches and special events. The significant thing is that it's run by all volunteers (and it takes many volunters!) and the profits go to support the Henrietta Weill Guildance Clinic - a non-profit, outpatient mental health center for children and families. I was a volunteer there for almost 5 years, and I know how hard these people work!!! Cooking, serving, cleaning, keeping up the old Victorian Home that houses the restaurant - and doing a little bit of partying along the way . . . and providing incredible support to their fellow members.

Sooooooo?? Here's the connection - Guild House has one of their favorite recipes in The Art of Cooking Calendar 2010 - Lemon Ice Cream Melba!! I made the recipe - it's delicious! When thinking of what to paint, I loved the idea of a little girl eating ice cream. And the saying "When life gives you lemons, make lemon ice cream!" The children at Henrietta Weill have had some lemons in their lives. The counselors help turn them into "ice cream." And Guild House folks help to make that possible.

Volunteering at Guild House was one of my most special experiences in Bakersfield - and in my life. That's a beautiful group of people, giving so much to help others. I miss them - and I cherish the memories. You can "volunteer" too!!! Have lunch at Guild House and help make some "ice cream!"

Good News!!

Claudia True — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:10:00 GMT

Cambrian Salad from Spotlight Cafe
16" x 20" acrylic on canvas

Got some good news today - this painting sold at a show that's not even open yet!! "Cambrian Salad" is the 2010 calendar painting for April - to go with a dish by the same name, served at Spotlight Cafe. Jan Fulton created this delicious salad and I was thrilled that she contributed the recipe to our project!! If there ever was an official salad for Bakersfield, this would be it!!

Those of you in Bakersfield should know about the art opening tonight at the Younger Gallery - put on by the Arts Council of Kern. The show is "Food Glorious Food" and I have 3 pieces in it. Part of the proceeds go to support the Gleaners in Bakersfield - a great group that helps to feed the needy. Several of my friends also have art in the show - I'm so excited for them!

Okay - here's another something new for this year's project. I'm making most of the paintings available as limited edition giclee prints. These will be printed on demand - and I'll decide which ones to be in the print group as I get orders. So - if you like a painting and want a print, let me know. I plan to have them in the original size and also a smaller size to offer 2 price points. This is a whole new approach for me to select new prints - my own little experiment.

Better get back to updating my website. I was in heaven doing all the paintings for the calendar and now I'm back to reality with the more business side of being an artist. Luckily I like this part of the "job" too!!

Hope you have a beautiful day!

The Art of Cooking Calendar 2010 - sneak preview!

Claudia True — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:02:00 GMT

2010 calendar - front cover - click here for more information

The calendars are here!!!!! Well - sort of. They should be here next Thursday, Sept. 24 and I'm soooo excited! I'm still working on updating my website and preparing other promotional information - but I'm sharing this with my blog subscribers because you're my loyal followers!   And I do appreciate that.

This calendar has a different twist than last year. Each month has a recipe submitted by a guest chef!!! Wow, did this idea ever "grow." I started with one chef - Ro Fernandez who's now in Las Vegas but I first met him in Bakersfield. My art was displayed in his restaurant several times, and I was proud to be associated with such an inventive chef. Next I asked an artist friend of mine from Kansas City to join in the fun - Kay Tucker, who's also a chef. She not only said yes, but she helped me recruit some other Kansas City chefs. Then I got brave!!! Started asking other folks I've met or whose recipe concepts I love, and I couldn't believe they said yes!!   In fact, most expressed genuine thanks to be included in our calendar. Woo hoo!!! Sometimes - all you have to do is ask. I'll list all of the chefs in another post - and I can guarantee you'll be impressed with their credentials and the recipes.

After I got the recipes, the next step was to get ideas for the paintings! But I explained that in my last blog. It really was a challenge to come up with something creative and appropriate for their delicious creations. And to not repeat the same "theme" - you know - like a bottle of wine and a plate of food for each meal. I do love wine, but that could get to be a really boring composition after a few months . . . . I hope you'll enjoy the paintings that evolved from this fun project.

Have to run now - will post more about the calendar soon. Again - this is a "sneak preview" for my beautiful and faithful supporters!   Hope you enjoy.

p.s. - you can pre-order the calendars by clicking on the front cover image. Never too early to start that holiday shopping!!