Lombardi Ranch

I feel so fortunate to have enjoyed a lovely day painting at Lombardi Ranch, just one day before a wildfire swept through and destroyed much of this local landmark. The people strolling through the sunflower maze enjoyed watching me paint (especially the kids), and I enjoyed chatting with them. It was a gorgeous day, and gave no hint of the next day's events. I will remember it looking like this:

Rather than this:

Here is my painting, in progress:

SCAA Art Classic

Coming up on Saturday, Oct. 13 is the Santa Clarita Artists' Association 18th annual judged art exhibition and gala, the 'Art Classic.' I'm excited to be participating in this event for the first time, and it should be a lot of fun. In addition to the art exhibition, there will be entertainment, complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres, and silent and live auctions of artwork donated by each artist with proceeds benefiting the SCAA Scholarship Program and other SCAA educational programs. Tickets are reasonable, only $25 each, and you can buy tickets here.

October 13, 2007
6 - 9 PM
College of the Canyons Art Gallery
Valencia Campus,
26455 Rockwell Canyon Rd.
Valencia, CA

Here's a map of the gallery location.

If you can't make it to the evening event, the art will be on display at the gallery (free entry!) on October 6, 8-11, and 13.

Mentryville

Finished! Can you spot the major difference between my painting and the photo of the same spot below (taken last year)?

Santa Clarita Street Art Festival

A favorite event around here is the Santa Clarita Street Art Festival, and this year I will be participating in the Art on Canvas contest, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the City of Santa Clarita. I'm submitting an oil painting I recently completed in the historic Mentryville area, on a paint-out with the SCAA. This was my subject:

Wish me luck!

If you'd like to stop by, the Street Art Festival will be held on September 29 & 30 in Old Town Newhall on San Fernando Road.

Summer in the Sierras

I've just returned from a trip to the Rock Creek area near Bishop, California. What a beautiful, rustic place to visit. Even in summer, when you would expect large crowds, it was laid back and relaxed. Granted, there were more visitors than when I was there last October, but not unmanagable.

Speaking of the trip last October, I'm working on three oil paintings from that visit that I hope to have completed soon. Stay tuned!

Craftivism

"Handmade" isn't just a design philosophy anymore, it's becoming a social movement! I am excited to be participating in the upcoming
show of the same name, for the benefit of design education in LA through the AIGA Scholarship Fund. Please stop by and say hi!

Sunday, August 12, 2007
1:00pm - 5:00pm

Santee Village Outdoor Courtyard
716 South Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles, CA 90014

Photography

There is no doubt that art is subjective, and I am constantly reminded of how an artist sometimes views their work as a tool, not a finished product. However, I didn't realize I was guilty of underestimating my own portfolio, until a good friend reminded me that my photography might be considered fine art, along with my paintings. I have always viewed my photos as a tool meant for inspiring my paintings, yet she helped me realize that others might not share my view. As a result, you will now find my photography as well as my paintings represented in my Etsy shop.

Thanks to Quill Avenue Studios for the brilliant idea!

My Etsy shop has launched!

After much work over the last months (1/2 hour at a time after the family is asleep), I have finally launched my Etsy shop! Please visit http://denisebrownart.etsy.com, and let me know what you think. I LOVE Etsy, so it seemed like a natural fit.

Featured on the site (until can list more items) is 'Valencia Summit Park North and South,' a diptych featuring an oak preserve tucked away just north of McBean Parkway behind the YMCA. If you've never seen it, I highly recommend visiting. There is also a huge playground for the kids.