Denise R. Brown Fine Art Blog

Room for Improvement

2010-11-26T20:05:00.000-08:00

I've been working with my friend and mentor Ron Pekar again for the last few months, and I am always enriched by his knowledge. I brought in several paintings I thought were 'done', but knew he could provide insight for improvements. Of course, he did. I was pretty happy with my painting of El Matador State Beach done en plein air last summer, but Ron felt it needed more color. Of course, he was right. Now I am REALLY happy with the painting!

Merced Mirror in online gallery

2009-11-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

Just got a nice note from Shelley Macdonald letting me know she has featured my "Merced Mirror" in her online gallery titled The Sierras on My Mind. Thanks Shelley! It's nice to get feedback. The Sierras are on my mind too... :)

Featured on ImageKind today!

2009-11-03T09:16:00.000-08:00

I just found out I am one of the featured member artists today on the ImageKind home page! Check it out!

Plein Air Painting

2009-09-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

This summer I have been enjoying a class I'm taking at the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art--not in figurative art, but in Plein Air Landscape Painting. We have been meeting at various paintable spots around the Los Angeles area, such as Malibu, Pasadena, etc. Our instructor is Rob Sherrill, whose work I like very much. He's a great teacher, too. Completing a painting in one 4-hour sitting is not easy, and it has been a great learning experience. You really have to go for it and not get bogged down in minute details, which can be a challenge for me.

Here's my morning's work at El Matador State Beach in Malibu:

DeniseBrownArt.com

2009-03-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to announce my new website, which I created just for my traditional fine art (i.e., no photography or prints available). I was lucky enough to be able to secure the domain denisebrownart.com. Surprisingly, it was still available! It was hard work, as I had to figure it all out myself, but I like the finished product, as I hope you do. Please comment with any suggestions.

My feeling is that artist's websites are replacing traditional galleries in many instances, so this will serve as my virtual gallery.

SCAA Art Classic

2008-10-09T11:37:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to be participating in the Santa Clarita Artists' Association Art Classic again this year. Here are the details:

What: The Art Classic is our annual Gala fundraiser and professionally judged art exhibit

When: Sunday, November 9th from 2-6pm with a free public viewing on Saturday, November 8th from 10am-4pm

Where: Hart Hall in Hart Park – 24151 San Fernando Rd. (Newhall Avenue), Newhall

Why: Discover the joy of art – celebrate the talents of local artists – enjoy an afternoon of fine art, refreshment and entertainment

Advance ticket price is only $30 ($25 for multiples and $40 at the door).

Tickets are now available for purchase online at www.santaclaritaartists.org.

A Taste of Art 2

2008-04-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

I'm honored to have been invited to the second annual 'A Taste of Art' fundraiser for the AIDS Service Center, at Gale's Restaurant in Pasadena on June 2. Last year was a blast, and I'm looking forward to this year's party! It's great when such a good cause benefits as well.

Hope to see you there!

Little Lakes Valley

2008-02-07T13:44:00.000-08:00

I just added two originals to my Etsy shop, but if I had room to keep them, I probably would! The Little Lakes Valley above Bishop, California is one of my favorite places in the Eastern Sierras, and these two paintings hopefully capture what was a glorious fall day after an overnight storm had blown through. It was truly breathtaking.

Little Lakes Valley Trail:

October in Little Lakes Valley:

Lombardi Ranch

2007-10-30T19:55:00.000-07:00

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

2007-10-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

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

2007-09-11T10:12:00.000-07:00

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

2007-08-21T17:31:00.000-07:00

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

2007-07-17T19:16:00.000-07:00

"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

2007-07-02T17:44:00.000-07:00

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!

2007-06-08T06:27:00.000-07:00

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.

McBean Parkway Oak

2006-12-08T08:57:00.000-08:00

I love to discover little patches of nature hidden in busy urban environments. This gorgeous ancient oak tree in Santa Clarita, north of Los Angeles, is a perfect example. Just below McBean Parkway, past Newhall Ranch Road, is an oak preserve that you can't see from the road (especially Santa Clarita drivers, who practice freeway driving on surface streets). This oak has sat quietly in its place for a century or more, despite the suburban sprawl around it.

Fine Art prints (and other products) of 'McBean Parkway Oak' are available for purchase here.

Merced Mirror

2006-12-03T08:33:00.000-08:00

An amazing rock formation and reflection on the Merced River in Yosemite National Park...this beautiful scene stopped me in the middle of the road! I recently started working in oil paints, and I'm enjoying the change from watercolor painting.

Fine Art prints (and other products) of 'Merced Mirror' are available for purchase here.

Lower Twin Lakes

2006-11-29T11:17:00.000-08:00

Just above Mammoth Mountain in the Eastern Sierra Nevadas is Twin Lakes, one of my favorite places! This is an excellent fishing spot, with a spectacular view. The Tamarack Lodge is a short walk away.

Fine Art prints (and other products) of 'Lower Twin Lakes' are available for purchase here.

Storm in Gorman

2006-11-27T11:48:00.000-08:00

Off the 5 freeway, just before Frazier Park, lies Gorman, California. You may not be familiar with the hills surrounding the area unless you are an off-road enthusiast. A beautiful time to visit the area is during winter, as a cold front blows through and fills the sky with dramatic clouds. You may even encounter some snow on the ground!

Fine Art prints of 'Storm in Gorman' (as well as some new products) are available for purchase here.

Cape Cod Honeymoon

2006-11-26T19:55:00.000-08:00

This painting was a wedding gift for my sister and her husband, who captured this amazing image on their honeymoon in Cape Cod (hence the name). Isn't it romantic???

Fine Art prints of 'Cape Cod Honeymoon' (as well as other nifty products) are available for purchase here.

Big Tujunga Canyon

2006-11-23T09:29:00.000-08:00

Admittedly, Big Tujunga Canyon has a bad reputation. The lower part of the canyon is in a sad state of neglect and pollution. But continue on up the canyon to the reservoir, and you will be rewarded with beautiful views and a remoteness that makes you forget you are about 20 miles from Downtown LA. This little scene was painted in the field, capturing a lovely spring wildflower display.

Fine Art 'giclee' prints of 'Big Tujunga Canyon' are available for purchase here.

Arboretum Cottage

2006-11-22T15:23:00.000-08:00

This beautiful Queen Anne Victorian cottage is on the grounds of the Los Angeles County Arboretum. You may recognize it from the TV show "Fantasy Island." This painting was done 'en plein air,' on-site at the gardens. I highly recommend a visit to this LA landmark!

Fine Art 'giclee' prints of 'Arboretum Cottage' are available for purchase here.

Blue Lake

2006-11-17T09:47:00.000-08:00

Blue Lake is an Eastern Sierra Nevada lake in the mountains above Bishop, California. My first backpacking trek led me to this amazing place (the payoff at the end of a grueling hike). This was one of the first watercolor paintings I created, while under the excellent tutelage of Ron Pekar! I was obviously having fun with salt effects in this painting...

Fine Art 'giclee' prints of 'Blue Lake' are available for purchase here.

Ahwahnee Lawn

2006-11-13T14:44:00.000-08:00

As you may have guessed, this painting is a view from the back lawn of the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park. Always a stunning view, but especially so during my favorite time of the year, autumn. There is a little footbridge to the far right that crosses the Merced River. The trees in their fall color frame the cool colors of Half Dome to a lovely effect.

Fine Art 'giclee' prints of 'Ahwahnee Lawn' are available for purchase here.

Welcome!

2006-11-10T11:04:00.000-08:00

Thank you for visiting my web site. I hope you enjoy my artwork, and the stories behind each piece. If you are interested in purchasing prints of any artwork represented here, please see the link to the right, or click here.