Tonight . 24x30 . 2007

1. artificial lighting

2. uv and artificial lighting combined
3. uv lighting only
4. no light (glow)

I made this painting for two of my best friends, Ryan and Lisa, who got married on July 22nd, 2007. Yay, Ryan and Lisa!

I wanted to symbolize the arrival of a wonderful night designated for spending time with friends. I have spent many nights around Ryan and Lisa, talking and partying and listening to music. I met Ryan over 6 years ago, and then Lisa a while after, though they didn't become a couple until even later. Ryan is part of the wonderful group of boys (+ a few ladies) that I inherited as some of my best friends in the whole world after I met Colin.

Ryan and Lisa were (are) a huge part of Immersion too, which I've always been happy about. In fact, Ryan might even be considered "old-school" Immersion, since he attended periodically from the very beginning nearly four years ago. Lisa became one of Immersion's biggest supporters, and seemed to truly understand what we were (are) trying to do. I always appreciated her comments during the Immersion discussions, and felt she had (has) MUCH to offer the rest of us with her intelligence, insight, and passion.

I love them both, and I'm so happy that they're in love and married. The wedding was awesome! Ryan looked dapper as ever and Lisa made a beautiful bride. She reminded me of a 1920's movie star. They had floating candle duckies as centerpieces! And let's not forget the Streetfighter cake toppers! You guys rule. Even through gypsy curses, the sun exploding, demonic possession, and vampirism. (Although I'm not sure about those vows, since Gypsy Curses are so common nowadays...)

More Gallery Show Pictures

1. Luminary through the window!

2. Me and Chelsea, ever the maid-of-honor, who arrived with Kava in hand to help set up in the (somewhat) stressful afternoon before the show.

3. It begins.

4. It continues.

5. Warming

6. Still going...

7. As the evening winds down, I begin moving paintings in and out of the blacklight room, so those who were interested could see each painting under UV light.

Thanks to Darlene for taking so many great pictures! And thanks to Colin, who couldn't get quite as many since he was so busy talking me up to everyone at the show. ;o) I love him.

Thanks to EVERYONE for being so encouraging for the last however-many-months. I have an amazing group of friends and family who believe in me. I am truly grateful for each of you.

Art Gallery Exhibition

Early, 24x36, Sold

The show was great! I think almost everyone I know turned out for the event. I felt very supported. The feedback was amazing! I will post more pictures soon.

One of the best parts of the evening was answering the question about whether or not black light art can be considered "art" and whether or not it can stand under gallery scrutiny. I think we firmly settled that one, huh? :o)

My paintings were spread out over 2 rooms, the main front room, and the smaller room in the back, which was designated for black lights. We all agreed that no black lights were needed to show off my work, so everything up front was brilliantly bright, showing the vivid colors and textures of each piece. We did, however, have a black light flashlight available for those who wanted to see the UV color on everything in that room.

The UV room was the biggest hit. I loved it when crowds of people all piled into the smallish room to see the different lighting adjustments in action. We were able to "flip" between artificial lighting, UV lighting, and no light (for the glow) really easily, which greatly helped explain what "light reactive" means. Of course, towards the end of the evening, everyone wanted to see all the paintings under UV light, so we began swapping paintings around the windows and rooms so that each piece was able to experience its full UV glory.

Opening night sales were great and many people were very interested in coming back. It was nice to see so many people suddenly look sad when one of the paintings they were interested in sold right in front of them. Heh. ;o) At least I'm not the only one who feels an emotional attachment to a particular painting.

The gallery director told us that an opening had never gone that late before! Hooray for us. We know how to party.

This was a wonderful learning experience, of which I couldn't have gotten somewhere else. I like to think of this sort of education as Art School. I gained invaluable information, and feel more motivated to work hard than even before the show! I can't wait to see what the future brings, and I can't wait to start planning the next event. It's been quite a year so far. I have curated an Art Festival with over 30 artists and now I have participated in my own gallery show in a major art mecca.

This was just one stop. On to the next!

Moonlight Serenade . 30x48 inches . 2007

1. natural lighting
2. artificial lighting

3. combined uv & artificial lighting
4. uv lighting only
5. no light (glow)

I really wasn't expecting to love this as much as I do. I honestly thought I had completed my "best" piece already.

I realized something during the making of this painting. Well, two things. First, I think June is possibly the most beautiful and inspiring month of the year. I felt especially creative last June as well. Second, green was my very favorite color as a child, and now I remember why.

There's this tree by my apartment that shades the balcony and all our windows with a soft, shady, green light. The leaves are at their peak in June. It makes my whole world suddenly private and serene, and I convince myself that I'm just staying at some tranquil retreat in a far away village. Even with last minute show preparations plaguing my concentration, I have felt quite peaceful.

I've been paying great attention to the moon this summer. Moonlight is a much more romantic light than any other, don't you think? Stars float about the sky, and the moon shimmers down a gossamer glow that brightens the whole night out of darkness. God does not associate darkness with the moon. The nighttime we enjoy is a painting in itself. It's just heavenly. :o)

This painting is dedicated to the 2 men in my life whom I have loved more than anything else in the world. They have taught me how to be romantic. They have taught me how to see the moonlight. I love each of them more than I can say. I wish I could express to you how much I adore my husband. He is the greatest friend I could ever wish for. If I was able, I would give him the moon. I am in love.

I wish my Grandpa were here.

MOONLIGHT SERENADE
by Glenn Miller

I stand at your gate and the song that I sing is of moonlight.
I stand and I wait for the touch of your hand in the June night.
The roses are sighing a Moonlight Serenade.

The stars are aglow and tonight how their light sets me dreaming.
My love, do you know that your eyes are like stars brightly beaming?
I bring you and sing you a Moonlight Serenade.

Let us stray till break of day
in love's valley of dreams.
Just you and I, a summer sky,
a heavenly breeze kissing the trees.

So don't let me wait, come to me tenderly in the June night.
I stand at your gate and I sing you a song in the moonlight,
a love song, my darling, a Moonlight Serenade.

Laguna Beach Art Walk

First Thursdays Art Walk tonight!

1294 South Coast Highway • Suites D & E • Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (6 Doors South of the Old Pottery Shack)

Turn east on Cress St. off Pacific Coast Highway / Parking in the Pottery Shack

You should probably carpool. You know, for all those various reasons.

I will be showing this painting, Luminary, tonight. I've added some finishing touches, even though it was already done. I think I'm happy with it. It looks way better in person.

Townley Fine Art

If not, then you *have* to come to the show on Friday, July 13th. Same bat time, same bat channel.

I'm sure I'll see you there. It's gonna be rad.

Happy July. :o)