Claudia True's Art

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!!

Holy Cow!

Claudia True — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:55:00 GMT

16" x 20" acrylic on canvas
Currently showing at Ice House Gallery, Bakersfield, Ca

Holy Cow for sure! This was the last painting for the 2010 Art of Cooking Calendar - which went to press last week. Woo hoo!!! If you're my friend on Facebook, you've already seen this. So - excuse me for repeating. I'm just so thrilled to have the last painting done - and this one turned out really cute - if I say so myself. But let me share with you that getting the idea was a HUGE challenge! Not sure why, but I had a total mental block on what to paint for this recipe - Grilled Steaks with Bleu Cheese and Chilis. Maybe I was just brain-dead from painting 12 other calendar paintings (we have a recipe for Jan 2011 too.) Maybe I was just clue-less. Maybe . . . . who knows??? I did one painting that I thought would work, but both my husband and my calendar partner - Holly Bikakis - didn't think it went with the recipe. So I pouted a little ("poor me" - thought I was done) and put my "brain" aside for a while, and then thought some more. Finally I decided to have fun with this one! I re-read the email from Cathi Guerrero who submitted this recipe to go with a Graveyard Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon. As she said about her recipe - "It’s very California… what with the grilling, the cheese from our happy cows and jalapenos from our fields." Well how cute is that! So I came up with a happy and colorful little cow in a vineyard with chilis all around!! This painting truly does reflect the recipe. And I'm done painting for the calendar!!! Life is good!

This creative struggle reminded me of something K.D. Lang said on a tv interview at her studio. She said something like - here's my recording studio where I go in and compose a few songs, then I have lunch over here and then take a nap - then go back and punch out a few more songs . . . . Like - uh - nothing to it. You gotta get those ideas!!! Of course that's one of the many challenging and fun parts of being a painter. And I do feel a sense of "got it!" Finally . . . .

Okay - if you're NOT my friend on Facebook - why not??? If you're not afraid of Facebook and want to by my friend, you can join me here: http://www.facebook.com/claudia.true It's an amazing way to keep in touch with lots of folks.

Let me share something else with you: it's an amazingly beautiful Fall day here in Kansas!!! I hope you're having a beautiful day, too! And that you enjoy this fun little painting!!

Farmers Market

Claudia True — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:42:00 GMT

16" x 20" acrylic on canvas
Currently showing at Ice House Gallery, Bakersfield, Ca

Okay - pretend that you went to the most marvelous farmers market and came home with a basketful of delish vegetables - and that you're ready to make a big pot of Tuscan kale and farro soup with butternut squash - and that it's cold outside and you just can't wait for a yummy bowl of hot soup!!!  That's what this painting is all about - it's the October recipe for the 2010 The Art of Cooking Calendar! This year we have guest chefs. The chef who invented this recipe is Emily Goldenberg - a sous chef for Zuni Cafe in San Francisco.  She seems like a totally delightful young lady. You can see why I say this if you check out her blog: http://littlemissgoldenblog.wordpress.com/   If you want a smile, just follow some of her entries - especially if you're into food and cooking and gardening and . . . .   I love young energy!

When Emily saw this painting, she said she has a butterfly flitting around her garden and keeping all the good bugs there. She says she talks to it, trying to keep it hanging out. Good idea - I better start visiting with my own butterflies!

Want to know something totally "weird" - her Mom's maiden name is Claudia True . . . . And it's not me!!!!   Whoa -

I am having SOOOO much fun putting this calendar together, and I'm meeting some amazing chefs. The recipes are delicious - I've made most of them. They're mainly from chefs from California (my most recent old home) and Kansas City (my new home). And I'm ending it with a good ol' Texas recipe - just have to ground it with my own roots.

Speaking of recipes - I better head downstairs and think about cooking up one for our own dinner tonight. We've had a beautiful day here today!   I hope your day is beautiful, too -

Calendar Oops

Claudia True — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:37:00 GMT

I was so happy with this painting for the calendar, until my "calendar partner" pointed out that it doesn't really go with the recipe ??? And you know what - she was right! No garlic in the recipe - and no pepper (Pepe is Italinan for pepper mill). I thought I was sooo clever!!! I still like this painting, but I'll have to go to plan b for the recipe for Short Ribs braised in Sangiovese - served over Polenta. The recipe sounds sooo delicious! I want the painting to looks just as delish - and to go with the recipe! Hmmm. One of those "oops" that's still okay.

We're having a great visit with our grandson from Seattle. He brought some of those low temps with him - and the rain. But today should be an incredible high of 78 and NO RAIN!!! Can't beat that for a beautiful day in August!

Is This Chicken from Mexico - or Las Vegas?

Claudia True — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 16:19:00 GMT

"Mexican Chicken" -
click here to order prints

Isn't this a sassy little gal! Another painting for the 2010 Art of Cooking calendar! And to go with a recipe for Chicken Tortilla Soup, submitted by chef Rogelio Fernandez of Las Vegas - formerly of Bakersfield, Ca where I first met him.

I wanted this chicken to have a Mexican flare - of course! So I put on some Mexican music - Mariachi, etc - to get in the mood, and got out some old photos of Mexico. Didn't want my gal to be too serious. And I thought a crazy "head dress" would be so fun. After I was almost done painting, I thought - this looks like a head dress for a dancer in Las Vegas! PERFECT!!!!! As I said, Ro - the chef - lives in Las Vegas, so why not have a Vegas'y spin for our chicken. Looks like she's resting between shows. And comtemplating life. How fun is this.

Not sure she's completely done - but I do think she's a beaut! Hope you have a beautiful Sunday -

Sunflowers and Peaches

Claudia True — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 22:16:22 GMT

"Sunflowers and Peaches"
clickhere for more information
Hello out there in blog land!! It's been a long time . . . . So today, I was determined to write something and get back in the land of bloggers.

Where has this summer gone? Mine's been filled with travels, house guests, art projects, painting, and hanging shows in various places. Very nice - just lots of distractions. I think I'm home for a while, which is good because it's time to focus on painting -especially for the 2010 Art of Cooking Calendar!!!

So - a little bit about the calendar. We're doing something different this year and I'm sooooo excited! We have several guest chefs who are contributing recipes. Isn't that cool! I think so - because we're getting some pretty special folks involved - and I'm doing paintings to go with their oh-so-delicious recipes! This painting is to go with a recipe from "Chef Kay Tucker" - a new friend in Kansas who's a chef and a painter and wears lots of other "hats." I met her through the painting world - then discovered all her other talents. Kay's recipe: "Pancetta wrapped peaches with basil and balsamic vinegar." I made these, and they're simply divine! And such a nice surprise treatment for peaches. Kay is involved with Somerset Ridge Vineyard and Winery and we'll have a wine pairing with one of their wines. So how "Kansas" is this - peaches and sunflowers!

I have lots to share about some exciting "happenings" - so check back with my next posting.

Summer's been good for me so far - I hope your summer continues to be beautiful!!

"Gold Flowers and Vase" wall hanging - something new!!

Claudia True — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:42:00 GMT

     A little part of our backyard -                                        "Gold Flowers and Vase" wall hanging

Okay - I'm always looking for something new. Here's the latest - outdoor wall hangings!

This came about - as many ideas do - through an interesting evolution. See the little bird painting on the left of the wall? I did that soon after we moved to Kansas. The masks are from Mexico and I wanted something another piece of art to hang with them. So I took an art element of one of the masks and built a bird composition around it. Love all these Mexican-influenced colors!!!! (So - what else is new?) ANYWAY - this bird painting has been outside for over 2 years, and it still looks terrific!! So I thought - hmmm - looks like the weather doesn't damage these acrylic paintings IF they're not in direct sunlight. This spot never gets direct sunlight but it does get the moisture, heat, freezing, etc. It's protected from most of the rains, but I'm sure it's been wet in our many heavy rainfalls. Still looks good!!! Here's another part of the evolution of the wall hangings: so many people say they're out of wall space - but I bet they have a spot outside to add a splash of color in their patios/garden areas!! And often people are willing to have more "fun" art in an informal garden setting. I know I'm loving this big big floral in my own patio area. Get the picture??????

Sooooo - here you go. This is the first of several wall hangings that are my "summer special!" The price is VERY good for a large painting - no stretching or framing involved and I'm doing loose, fast, fun paintings. Of course these may be hung inside, too!  I'll even customize the colors for you. How fun is this!!

After a long stretch of VERY hot and humid weather, it's finally beautiful outside. One more thing about these florals - they don't need to be watered!!! And they stay bright and colorful in any weather!

Hope you're having a beautiful day -

Watermelon

Claudia True — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:10:00 GMT

8" x 10"
Currently showing at Ice House Gallery, Bakersfield, Ca

What's summer without some good, juicy watermelon? This little painting was started as a demo in a palette knife painting class and was buried in one of my many piles. One good thing about piles - they're so full of surprises!! Maybe this is "dreaming" to think of eating watermelon in the hot sultry summer. It's been raining and unusually cool here. But I know those hot, lazy summer days will be here soon, so I'm getting ready!! This painting ended up with a Mexican twist with fun, crazy colors. Lots of Mexican art includes watermelons. They DO have those hot, sultry days in Mexico - and they know how to make the most of it.

Here's a reminder about Art in the Vines this Saturay at Somerset Ridge Vineyard near Louisburg, Ks. Click on their website for details. My husband Mike Driggs and I will be there with our art - along with about 15 other artists. Live music, food, face painting for the kids - and delicious wines. Doesn't get much better than that . . .

Maybe you'll have some beautiful, sweet and juicy watermelon soon. Enjoy!!