You're Invited!! Sunday, November 9, 2014

428 Hudson Street, Healdsburg, CA  707-433-2364
I can't believe I'm leaving Sonoma County after 30 years. I love it here and have so many great memories and dear friends. This past July, my folks and I took a little trip to see my brother, Bryan & his wife, Kim and their family. We rarely get to see them as my brother works in Indonesia. Once we got back, we all decided to make a huge change and move to Santa Maria. It's about 7 hours south of Sonoma County, 1/2 hour south of San Luis Obispo & Pismo Beach and about an hour north of Santa Barbara. I have many treasured memories of Santa Rosa and Healdsburg especially with friends I met through Wolfard & Co., Statements Gallery and T Barny Sculpture. See you Sunday!
P.S. Watch for news about my new Santa Maria Art Studio as I get settled.   

de Young Museum to NYC ARTexpo

"Dancing in the Dark" is the title of the piece chosen as part of the "Bouquets to Art" event by the Santa Rosa Garden Club. Marsha Heckman, a de Young Museum, San Francisco floral designer selected 5 Sonoma County artists to inspire her creative arrangements. She interpreted the title of my painting to reflect the couple dancing using tall, blooming pear ("pair") branches with a black and white foreground of hydrangea and succulents complimented with a pair of moss covered heels topped with an orchid bloom. It was quite dramatic and an honor to be a part of this annual March event.

ICONIC - I'm pleased to announce that my "Music Series" has caught the attention of ARTexpo organizer Rick Barnett. He is the Managing Director of ARTexpo, New York and forwarded this Music Blog to the jurors of the show. He is calling it ICONIC and wants me to participate! This April, I will attend as a VIP Guest to check it out for exhibiting there next year. ARTexpo puts emerging artists in the "right spot at the right time" for a crowd of Gallery Owners, Publishers, Art Collectors, Art Consultants and Interior Designers.   



  

"Dancing in the Dark"  18"x36"     Marsha Heckman's Floral Interpretation

 

#50 of 50 Happy Birthday!

"Happy Birthday", Watercolor, Acrylic & Ink, 5"x5"    SOLD

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY" What a 50th Year it has been!! I knew I wanted to do something BIG that was about my artwork and painting music for 20 years. It has proved to be so rewarding to create this series "50 Paintings My 50th Year". The practice of painting daily is so valuable; it's the best gift I could give myself. Celebrating with everyone who came to the 50th Show at the Hudson Street Wineries was a joy. Completing this project has led to a book, bigger ideas and larger commissions. It is a dream come true. I want to Thank You All who have commented, liked it on FACEBOOK, who have called, written, emailed and supported my desire to do this series. You made my 50th Birthday special all year long and always.  

#49 of 50 "My Shining Light"

"My Shining Light", Watercolor, Acrylic & Ink, 5"x5"   SOLD

"My Shining Light" I have to say that this is one of my favorites of this "50" series. It's the first time that I ever painted the piano keys at this perspective. I'm realizing more and more that it is all about the light. That's why I'm proud of this one and the fact that I got the cello to glow. I know it's been awhile since I've blogged. I have to say, I've missed it. A lot has been happening. This series has kicked everything into gear. I'm still 50 at this moment and savoring every moment of it. The year ahead looks grand in projects and scale. It is a year of larger paintings and a new 5"x5" series based on landscapes. I'm very excited to continue the music theme but also focus on landscapes. Stay tuned.     

#48 of 50 "The Red Couch"

"The Red Couch", Watercolor, Acrylic & Ink, 5"x5"    SOLD

"The Red Couch" One of my collectors who came to the "50th Art Reception" invited me over to see their painting. They had a new red couch delivered that day. His guitar looked so dramatic against the red leather yet his request was for a harmonica painting. So of course, I had to put his guitar in it too. I have to point out that even their table has guitar pick shaped flower petals. I don't know if they saw it that way but my paintbrush did. I've sketched or painted almost every instrument and many wine glasses. This is a first! A beer bottle with harmonica's. This is a very musical couple and I've seen their band perform a long time ago at Quincy's in Rohnert Park.You can see them every Wed. at The First Edition in Petaluma for the Blues Jam!

#47 of 50 "For You Daddy"

"For You Daddy", Watercolor, Acrylic & Ink, 5"x 5"    SOLD

I was probably only 8 years old when my folks, my brother and I took a trip to Sacramento to see my Aunt Helen & Uncle Ralph. We were all very excited to see the "BEST" store on Arden Way. Household items were on the list but my Dad decided to buy a banjo. It came with a music book to teach you how to play it and "pick" a few tunes. This painting is very symbolic as it includes "paintings on the wall" of the American flag, his love for fishing, working in the oil fields and being on the tractor day and night to raise many crops plus Bell Carter Olives. It also got printed on his new business cards. He gave one to Robin at the coffee shop saying "This is my life". She was very impressed. This one's "For You Daddy". Thank You for all you do!

#46 of 50 "For You Mom"

"For You Mom", Watercolor, Acrylic & Ink, 5"x 5"   SOLD

Aloha! I love Hawaii. As soon as I step off the plane, I feel "almost" like I'm coming home. My Great Grandma was born in Maui and my Grandma was born in Hilo. Though they came to Califorina when she was only 2, there is still a huge connection to the islands. Mom and I had a great trip there in 2008. We sipped Blue Hawaiian's and Peach Daiquiri's and enjoyed lots of seafood almost every night. The luau was spectacular and the cruise around Diamond Head was beautiful. However, the best memory for me was being under the Banyan Tree in Maui knowing Great Grandma and Grandma had also enjoyed the island breeze in that same spot. This one with the ukelele in it is "For You Mom".

#45 of 50 "Joy"

"Joy", Watercolor & Acrylic, 5"x5"   SOLD

"Joy"  .... to the New Year! The day I painted this in December, it was raining. The sky was cloudy with bursts of blue trying to peek through and the rain would come and go. How do you capture rain or the feeling that it rained in a watercolor? Well, that speckling across the keyboard I hope represents that feeling. It's been a "bird year". Mom and I were in Portland, Oregon in 2010 and we noticed that all the shops had bird designed items. We saw cocktail napkins with birds, notepaper and tablecloths with birds; even bird artwork in the hotel where we stayed. This past Christmas was still carrying on that theme in wrapping paper, gift cards and bags. This bird is happy to bring musical charm and joy to you this new year!  

#44 of 50 "Club 77"

"Club 77", Watercolor, Acrylic & Ink, 5"x 5"  SOLD

"Club 77"  Some paintings just happen the way they are going to happen. Colors work, dimensions work, things come together just right. I'm happy with this one. It has a bit of a theatrical background which seems to set off the sign well. Where is "Club 77"? Well, actually, it was almost titled "A Very Good Year" because it celebrates the year 1977. This was a special commission for a 35th Anniversary. The two wine glasses are sitting upon monogramed cocktail napkins and there is a special heart in the bass. I had to include it in my "50 Series" since it was for such a special couple. It was a surprise special order that became quite a surprise.  

#43 of 50 "1st Date"

"1st Date", Watercolor, Acrylic & Ink, 5"x5"    Available

"1st Date"  Happy New Year! This has been a very busy studio year. I'm proud to announce that I did finish the "50 Series" with a bang. You'll see what I mean after I post the next 7 paintings. I hope you all had a very special Christmas. I'm very excited about a new watercolor/acrylic palette, new brushes and new pens. The best part of Christmas is always spending time with family...especially since it's my Mom's birthday!
Maybe some of you will be out on a "1st Date" this New Year's Eve. Whatever you choose to do to bring in the New Year, may it be with those you love, good food and great music. Cheers!

#42 of 50 "Light & Lively"

"Light & Lively", Watercolor, Acrylic & Ink, 5"x 5"   Available

"Light & Lively"  One thing I always notice at any musical or theatrical event is the lighting. It probably comes from all those years I re-adjusted lights at my gallery. This painting has been in my head since I walked in the sand at Doran Beach, Bodega Bay last weekend. I wanted to do something jazzy with directed light. I really debated about the black background. I didn't want it to get too dark but it actually makes it pop. The stage is highlighted but it's the instruments that are the focus. My month of May focus is to walk up town more often, clean up my patio and finish this series. I made a huge list a couple of months ago of things I wanted to accomplish this year. I then divided them up month by month. What is your focus this month?

#41 of 50 "The Writing On The Wall"

"The Writing On The Wall", Watercolor, Acrylic & Ink, 5"x5", SOLD

"The Writing On The Wall" I was sitting at the Tiki Bar in my patio sketching when I noticed that birds loved landing on these two stretched limbs. First I saw a Blue Jay and then two minutes later a Mockingbird. I immediately recorded it in my sketchbook and then added a little wash of color to bring it to life. I don't usually work from a color sketch unless it is a larger painting. This one just wanted to come to life capturing those inquisitive talking and singing birds. It captured someone's attention as you can see that it has already sold. All of these paintings in the "50 Series" are $100. each. You can scroll through the blog to see what is still available. There's 9 more coming your way when I have a chance to paint again this next weekend.   

#40 of 50 "Choral Bouquet"

"Choral Bouquet", Watercolor, Acrylic & Ink, 5"x 5"   Available

"Choral Bouquet" The hot color this year is suppose to be coral. I woke up wanting to paint something in this color and this is what appeared. I have tried to do flutes before but this is the first that anyone has ever seen. My last attempt was ok until I added the drizzled acrylic over the top and then ... it just didn't work. I always wanted to play the flute. In school I played clarinet for 5 years but the first chance I had, I took a short summer class to learn the flute. At my gallery, Wolfard & Co., I carried an artist who made beautiful flutes. He made them out of exotic hardwoods like Ebony, Zebrawood, Mahogany and Koa. I treasure the Ebony Flute that I have on my piano. The wood makes it have a real grounded earthy tone.

#39 of 50 "Out Of The Blue"

"Out Of The Blue", Watercolor, Acrylic & Ink, 5"x 5"    Available

"Out Of The Blue"  I wish I could of blogged this painting last night. It rained here all day and without sunshine my photo just didn't do it justice. Today's sunshine shows its true colors. It's a happy, cheerful blue, not a depressed rainy blue. Now that I'm back to completing the "50 Series" I find that I'm taking more risks like using atypical colors for the instruments. It was also fun to run the trumpet in and out of the piano keys. You know surprises are a joy to the eye ... and the heart. When was the last time you surprised someone you love? I recently sent a little gift to a girlfriend with a really special card for no reason. She was so surprised and the best part is that it was out of the blue.

First Ever "Jazz Day" is Today!

Kathleen Rose, Watercolor, Acrylic & Ink, 5"x5"  SOLD

25. Concerto, Watercolor, Acrylic & Ink, 5"x5"  SOLD

Well, I have to say that I've missed blogging. Since the show March 24, 2012, I've been painting special orders and dealing with life stuff that just piled up. I'm back on track and happy to be back! "Kathleen Rose" is a Sonoma County Harvest Fair Gold Medal winner. The proprietors of one of the Hudson Street Wineries special ordered #25 Concerto adding the feature of their winning wine and a black and white checkerboard floor. Check out their website:  kelleyyoungwines.com.  Today is the very first International Jazz Day - April 30, 2012. It is being celebrated in New Orleans, New York and Paris. Herbie Hancock, hosting the New Orleans festivities, says that jazz is a form of conversation; a dialogue between players and audience. Music is the universal language. This caught my eye because I say the same thing in my Artist Statement. You can take a look at today's news at: jazzday.com.   I'd like to Thank All Of You who purchased a painting from this series so far. I was very touched when someone in Virginia sent me 2 of their CD's to add to my rotating 60 CD player. He plays bass and his wife plays piano. Great treat and more inspiring music! The wine country is gorgeous in this California sunshine. I trimmed my 3 tiered topiary on the patio but otherwise painted all weekend. #39 of 50 in the series will post next.   

New Paintings Start This Friday!

Lori Mole ART SHOW Sandwich Board

Lori, in red blouse talking with Ed Bible about my work

The second Exhibit Wall after the Reception - a total of 21 sold so far.

The Show Recap: March 24 - April 2, 2012
I just took down the show tonight. I'm just amazed at the response and the amount of people that saw the exhibit. The winery said that people who couldn't make the reception continued to stop in. It was up for two very full weekends with wine tasters and even a 75 member Rotary Dinner that filled the exhibit space in the Barrel Room. After the initial reception, I did go in the next day and rehang the show. I brought in some larger work and placed it all on the first wall and rehung "The Music Series" small paintings on the second wall. Still another 4 sold after the reception. Thank you so much everyone for your support. Thank you to Hudson Street Wineries. They said they were so pleased that they would be interested in doing it again. Thank you to Kathleen of Kelley Young Wines who coordinated the show with me. Thank you to Rebecca of Hudson Street Wineries who rang the sales and assisted in the success. I'm anxious to start painting again this Friday. So keep watching. The last 12 paintings are coming your way via this blog, as well as, any special orders that happened through the show. Cheers! 



Reception Cupcakes

My Dad, Jim Mole, guarding the cupcakes & enjoying the show!

Cupcake Link  I just posted the link to Marcie's Cupcakes and it is coming up wrong. Here's the correct link: marciescupcakes.com Check it out! They are incredible. The frosting is light and airy, the cake is moist and the sprinkles are devine. In the photo is my Dad who attended the reception. The ambiance of the winery with all those barrels was perfect. There were little string lights overhead and the space easily fit the crowd. That vase of Lily's was a surprise from my brother Bryan and his wife Kim. I wish they could of joined us but Bryan works in Malaysia - that would be quite a commute!

Exhibit Wall at Hudson Street Wineries



The 2nd Wall of the Exhibit "The Music Series", Hudson Street Wineries



The Exhibit Continues through Monday, April 2. Stop in to taste up to 20 different wines from 5 "boutique" wineries and enjoy  the art. hudsonstreetwineries.com  I am still so overwhelmed at the reception attendance. All of the paintings have been updated with SOLD signs in their title captions. If you see a piece that catches your eye and it is SOLD, remember I can do a special order for you. The paintings are $100 each (plus tax/shipping). I'm still enjoying a few of the mini cupcakes from the show. They are "little works of art" created by Marcie Anderson. Check it out at: marciescupcakes.com.     

Reception & Exhibit at Hudson Street Wineries

"The Music Series" Exhibit at Hudson Street Wineries  My art reception was amazing Saturday, March 24 from 2-5pm! It was a sprinkling, misty rainy kind of day that shined in attendance. In the 3 hours, more than 75 people enjoyed the ambiance of the winery and my show. I am overwhelmed with the success and support. I'm pleased to announce that at this point, 19 pieces sold and I have 6 special orders pending. These small work "gems" found perfect homes and I'm honored to see how the pieces spoke to their new collectors. The art was "colorful", the Jazz CD piped out lively tunes, the wine was delicious, the hors d'oeuvres were tasty and the cupcakes were devine!! It was a special day filled with family, friends, art lovers and music aficionados. Thank You All. The show is up through April 2. The winery hours are: Thursday-Monday 11am-5pm and Sundays 12-5pm.


   

#38 of 50 "Banjo Love"

"Banjo Love", Watercolor, Acrylic & Ink, 500# Paper, 5"x 5" SOLD

“Banjo Love”  Well, I have to Thank my Dad, Jim Mole, for his constant stream of ideas and ongoing support for me to paint. This painting was sketched from my Dad’s banjo. He bought it some 40 years ago. It came with a songbook so now and then he gets inspired to “pluck” a couple of tunes. This 5 string instrument has a lot of character. Daddy loves the sounds of Roy Clark, Jerry Van Dyke and Johnny Ray.  This is painting #38. Watch the BLOG for the next 12 paintings to emerge. A poster will be created at that time representing all 50 images from this new Music Series. It will then be sent out to all of the major Jazz Festivals throughout the United States. See you this Saturday, March 24 from 2-5pm for my show at Hudson Street Wineries!