Whidbey's Sunset

On this beautiful warm evening, when the Super Moon 2013 is spilling its cooling, indigo light upon us I wanted to pay tribute to Gabriel Garcia Marquez by posting his last letter. Don't wait until it's too late - LOVE YOUR LIFE and LOVE PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE!

The Puppet

If for a moment God would forget that I am a rag doll and give me a scrap of life, possibly I would not say everything that I think, but I would definitely think everything that I say.

I would value things not for how much they are worth but rather for what they mean.

I would sleep little, dream more. I know that for each minute that we close our eyes we lose sixty seconds of light.

I would walk when the others loiter; I would awaken when the others sleep.

I would listen when the others speak, and how I would enjoy a good chocolate ice cream.

If God would bestow on me a scrap of life, I would dress simply, I would throw myself flat under the sun, exposing not only my body but also my soul.

My God, if I had a heart, I would write my hatred on ice and wait for the sun to come out. With a dream of Van Gogh I would paint on the stars a poem by Benedetti, and a song by Serrat would be my serenade to the moon.

With my tears I would water the roses, to feel the pain of their thorns and the incarnated kiss of their petals...My God, if I only had a scrap of life...

I wouldn't let a single day go by without saying to people I love, that I love them.

I would convince each woman or man that they are my favourites and I would live in love with love.

I would prove to the men how mistaken they are in thinking that they no longer fall in love when they grow old--not knowing that they grow old when they stop falling in love. To a child I would give wings, but I would let him learn how to fly by himself. To the old I would teach that death comes not with old age but with forgetting. I have learned so much from you men....

I have learned that everybody wants to live at the top of the mountain without realizing that true happiness lies in the way we climb the slope.

I have learned that when a newborn first squeezes his father's finger in his tiny fist, he has caught him forever.

I have learned that a man only has the right to look down on another man when it is to help him to stand up. I have learned so many things from you, but in the end most of it will be no use because when they put me inside that suitcase, unfortunately I will be dying.

translated by Matthew Taylor and Rosa Arelis Taylor

Whidbey's Sunset 

Fresh Air Art Festival 2013

I'm finally back to Seattle from Fresh Air Art Festival! I returned full of happy moments shared with my dear artists-friends and impressions of Majestic Nature. Both are essence of my inspiration. I'm so excited, happy and humbled to receive 2 awards! I brought back 10 paintings , a Second Place and The Best of Show Awards ! Thank you so very much to an incredible group of people: High Country Artists association, Dianna Shyne , a juror, Charlene Kauzlarich and Ginger Stogdell for tirelessly organizing and promoting this event. We will back!!!

Fishing Spot , oil on linen , 9x12

Teanaway River , oil on linen, 9x12 

Sweet Spot, oil on linen, 9x12 

Murmur of River - Second Place Winner 

"Green Miles' Best of Show Winner 

Riding Buddies 

"Oriental Wind" oil on linen, 20x16

It's hard to acknowledge, but I was struggling with this portrait and almost give up. Nevertheless  following my own credo "Never give up" and remembering how much I wanted to paint this model , I  finally nailed it . Rachel is an incredibly talented student of mine, beautiful, smart and sweet kid . The Haiku I wrote is on Russian. Approximate translation will be something like that :
Oriental Winds bring aromas of exotic spices - Smell of Cinnamon and Lilies waken sensation of dry  warm  and sweet air  on my lips ...It's premonition of first Love"..
This painting is for sale, and as always free shipping available.

"Oriental Wind" oil on linen, 20x16

"Gentle Summer" oil on linen

I got into plein air still lifes .And must admit - this is one of my favorite genre now .  I still do love to paint plein air landscapes , as it's reall joy to paint on different location, to see gorgeous places , to meet new people and share such experience with dearest friends - fellow- artists .
 But painitng  still life out side  , the constant shifts in temperatures,  light/shadow playful chase is exciting and challenging and that;s why is so attractive . A Challenge! Is it just me? lol

"Gentle Summer" oil on linen, 11x14 

Upcoming Art Show - July 13 - September 15, 2013

"Sun Lit Delights" oil on linen , 16x20 SOLD!!!

Ok, folks - If I don't post on the blog for a couple of days - just know :  it's because I'm painting like mad lady...and loving it!
 I'd like to answer some of my students questions  right here on the blog - The most frequent  question asked is about galleries .
What kind of strategies must artists come up with in order to be accepted into good, reputable galleries .
Before I answer this, I must ask - are you positive you want to be shown at a gallery at the expenses of your sales ?
Yes, most of the galleries nowadays have strict requirements and exclusive contracts - If you can successfully sell online - think twice before you sign anything that may cut your profits!!!
Plus, How often have you've been rejected (as an artist) and felt discouraged and
confused presenting your work to a gallery?
As artists, we really want to feel as though we have the freedom to create and
paint whatever we want. Guess what? If you are still, after my warning, seriously considering seeking
out gallery representation, you need to think about creating a unified and

cohesive body of work to demonstrate your consistency and creative maturity.
To do this, try to find a focus and create a body of 30 works of one style and
medium. Ideally, even the framing should be harmonious and unified.

Make sure your portfolio is delivered in a convenient format to the gallery. To
avoid mistakes, simply call the gallery to set up an appointment and ask what
their expectations are ahead of the show.

It’s important to price your art with confidence and consistency.

Before approaching a gallery, make sure it’s reputable and appropriate for your
type of work.

Lastly, make sure your portfolio actually reaches a suitable representative of the
gallery. The best way to do this is to call and set up the appointment with the
owner or manager.

So here is my lates painting, still fresh on the easel :
" Sun Lit Delights" oil on linen , 20x16

"Sun Lit Delights" oil on linen, 20x16