#22 of 50 "Moving On"

"Moving On", Watercolor & Acrylic, 500# Paper, 5"x 5" SOLD

"Moving On" You know how it is to have an idea for a long time but it never happens? I have thought of this idea over and over again. Maybe it just wasn't ready to happen until now. I love that it is bright and that the spiral symbol is shown in both watercolor and acrylic. I like to think of the spiral as 'new beginnings'. I also like how the piano keys are 3-D and floating without an interuption to move on at a steady pace. Kinda like these paintings. I think I'm obviously getting inspired by all of the store front window decorations for Valentines Day. I debated about making it all pink but I love how it contrasts with the black keys and dances on stage.   

#21 of 50 "Jazz Quartet"

"Jazz Quartet", Watercolor & Acrylic, 500# Paper, 5"x 5" SOLD

"Jazz Quartet" As you may have noticed, you can now scroll down through the series. I've heard that you want to see all of the paintings vs. clicking on each individual entry. So, I fixed that. I'm also looking into enabling the blog for comments.
I finished "Jazz Quartet" right before lunch today. I feel as lively as this quartet. I have to admit that the past few days I have been a bit off target. Life happens and sometimes can throw you a bit but I'm happy to report that I painted through it. And, as you can see, some bright colors came about! I'm pleased with this one. It's making me want to hear some live jazz soon. I heard we had an earthquake today. I didn't feel it in my studio. I must be back on track as nothing is throwing me off course.

#20 of 50 "Between Acts"

"Between Acts", Watercolor & Acrylic, 5"x 5"    Available

"Between Acts" This idea came from my sketchbook. We were starting a Mole Family Vacation and all met in Arroyo Grande in the Central Valley of California. This place was open for lunch but they had already set up and were anticipating that evening's entertainment. I had to sketch it; it felt like the stool and the music stand were having their own conversation. You can probably tell that I just finished it. The music squiggle in acrylic is still shiny and wet. A painting a day and 30 to go. I have to say it's a great challenge. I received a Congrads card today that says, "Awesome! You're doing great. Keep up the Good Work!" Thank you all for the comments and support. It is most appreciated!  

Tonight: Canvas & Cards

Have I mentioned that I'm the Marketing Director for a Stone Sculptor here in Healdsburg? I took some "Holiday Time" off to get this painting project up and running. This week, I'm back to work. I love what I do; you can see his work at: tbarny.com. Anyway, my painting for tonight didn't get done. I work on Tuesdays & Wednesdays and will have to keep that in mind in order to get these done by March 3. When I was leaving work tonight there was a stack of canvas with my name on it ... how nice T Barny & Melinda. I also received my new business cards that have this blog address. I'm really ready now.

#19 of 50 "Small Plates, Big Sound"

"Small Plates, Big Sound", Watercolor, Acrylic & Ink, 5"x 5"  Available

"Small Plates, Big Sound" My studio is in one of the greatest small towns of Sonoma County. Actually, all of Sonoma County is great but I'm in Healdsburg. I just spoke to a High School friend tonight who had just visited here for the first time. We talked about the wineries, the Healdsburg Jazz Festival, the Bed & Breakfast Inn's and how close it is to the beach. Great area = great restaurants. "Small Plates" are perfect with all the wine tasting and the "Big Sound" comes from the passion behind the instruments. One of my favorite places is the Hotel Healdsburg lounge on the weekends. They have this great fireplace and these big comfy couches so you can really relax and enjoy the jazz. 

#18 of 50 "Mood At Midnite"

"Mood At Midnite", Watercolor, Acrylic & Ink, 500# Paper, 5"x 5" SOLD

"Mood At Midnite" I have a few quotes up in my studio. Most of them, I've had for years. One states, "Who were you before you put yourself last?" Another one is "Make your passion your priority." Here we are at Painting #18 and I'm finally starting to feel at home in my studio for the first time. In the past, I have done my artwork in a shed, a garage, a tiny space in the back of a house, a corner in the guest room that had to be cleared often for out of town business guests. Now for the first time, I have a beautiful studio. I organized it this past Fall labeling my files, bins of supplies and art paper drawers. My "Mood At Midnite" would be to        D A N C E.   

#17 of 50 "Isn't It Grand"

"Isn't It Grand", Watercolor & Acrylic, 500# Paper, 5"x 5" SOLD

"Isn't It Grand" I went to the art store today. I have to admit, I'm like a kid in a candy store. I needed a few supplies and as soon as I got home I had to try the new brush I bought. It's a squared off tip that they call a shader but it's perfect to make piano keys. "Isn't It Grand" to find a brush that works for your needs. I am excited to start my search for a venue tomorrow to show these "50 Paintings Before I'm 50". Time is ticking. I have 40 more days until my birthday and 33 paintings to go. I've allowed a few days here and there to plan the event and frame these "gems". In this piece I used a lot more acrylic. I was thinking I had to change from watercolor to acrylic but now after 17 paintings, I realize that I like using them both.

#16 of 50 "Front Row"

"Front Row", Watercolor & Acrylic, 5"x 5"    Available

"Front Row" Have you ever been in the front row at the symphony, a piano recital or a lounge performance? I can't say that I've sat in the front row but I have stood right in front at a BoDeans concert, Mystic Theatre, Petaluma. The drummer was so intensely amazing that in between songs, he needed a band aid for his bleeding hand. Could he play those drums?! You couldn't even see his hands or the sticks moving - it was so fast it was an incredible blur.
I placed a keyboard splitting apart in the center of the bass to represent perhaps the vibrations of the sound. The repetitve and rich tones that you can feel when you sit that close. Book a concert event for yourself this year. You deserve a treat!   

Pile of Paintings "At Last"

Pile of Paintings, 2012 from "50 Paintings Before I'm 50"

Today, Etta James died. She became very popular in the '60's; I was born in 1962. She is considered one of the most dynamic jazz, gospel, r&b, rock and soul singers in music today. Her song "At Last" spoke to me on so many levels. I bought her 'Millennium Collection' just last year. "At Last" seemed to define that I'm into a new chapter and it is time to paint! I wish I was giving you a new painting to look at tonight. The painting was done and just needed the acrylic 'music squiggle' over the top. There was an air bubble in the acrylic; it blurted out in 2 big blobs and is ruined. You'll see #16 tomorrow. I guess this proves that I am painting these day to day. Thank You Etta James - "At Last" I'm painting. 

#15 of 50 "KRUSH Mornings 95.5 - 95.9"

"KRUSH Mornings 95.5 - 95.9", WC, Acrylic & Ink, 5"x5"  Available 

"KRUSH Mornings 95.5 - 95.9" What's better than starting the morning with a cup of hot coffee, the newspaper & Classic Rock?! The KRUSH here in the Wine Country delivers a variety of tunes from Green Day & Hinder to Journey & Amy Winehouse. And, I love coffee in my "Valerie Mug". She and I met at Wolfard & Co. in 1987. Valerie's way with clay is free flowing and her mugs fit your hand perfectly. You can see more of her work at: http://valerieeuart.com/  Valerie and I have shared a booth exhibiting her ceramics and my paintings at the Mendocino Arts Center. I had done a painting of one of her mugs and titled it COAST Mornings. The radio station in Fort Bragg announced the Arts Festival and highlighted our booth!

#14 of 50 "Tonight's Beat"

"Tonight's Beat", Watercolor & Acrylic, 5"x5"    Available

"Tonight's Beat" The olive ranch where I grew up had an arch between the dining room and the frontroom. Olives and arches both tend to end up in my work from time to time. I like the way an arch becomes an entrance to something new. This painting reminds me of 2 things: The jazz that they have in the courtyard at Montgomery Village Shopping Center where I had my gallery, Wolfard & Co., Santa Rosa. It also reminds me of the great time my Mom & I had at the Quivira Winery during the Healdsburg Jazz Festival. The featured singer was Claudia Villela. She creates songs without words; it is her incredible voice creating sounds that make the song. Here's to 2012! May you find something new beyond your arch.  

#13 of 50 "Encore"

"Encore", Watercolor & Acrylic, 500# Paper, 5"x 5"    SOLD

"Encore" My favorite part of this one is that great teal shadow on the black buffet. I hope you can see/feel the shine that bounces off of the furniture in reflection. I loved putting my own painting on the wall; it was fun masking off the vase to make the acrylic "jump". I have done many still lifes and landscapes over the years. I'm finding that in this new series, those elements are starting to merge with the music. It's quite exciting and opens up my mind to say, "I'm Ready For What's Next"; a classic lyric in the band U2's song Zoo Station. I titled it "Encore" because it seems that the pianist who lives here performed last night and received flowers and, of course, a standing ovation.   

#12 of 50 "Alone Together"

"Alone Together", Watercolor & Acrylic, 5"x 5"    Available

"Alone Together" The musicians must be on a break. It appears from the body language of the curves that the microphone and the bass are communicating. Music is an universal language; it speaks to the world. 
I am overwhelmed at how many of you are following this blog. My folks are getting phone calls, a winery might be interested in my designs for wine labels and artist friends are suggesting venues for the Artist Reception. A few people have mentioned that they are wanting to see all of the images together. You can do so by clicking on January in the Blog Archive. Find which one is your favorite from this first dozen.  

#11 of 50 "SING"

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

"SING" Grandma Moses once said, "Life is what you make it. Always has been. Always will be." I've always been one to packed as much as I can into one day. I'm known for my lists of "Things To Do Today". The one word that I do not use in my vocabulary is "bored". I like to be busy, but busy doesn't always mean productive. I'm finding this new Daily Painting Schedule has moved into a priority place in my life. My new "busy" is changing everything. I'm waking up in the morning thinking about my next painting. They say that after you do something for 30 days straight, it becomes a habit. I have a 50 day countdown to make my new habit stick.  

#10 of 50 "To My Cupcake"

"To My Cupcake", Watercolor & Acrylic, 500# Paper, 5"x 5" SOLD

"To My Cupcake" I'm excited to say that I'm 20% through my process with this project. This is Number 10 out of 50. It is testing my imagination at this point to come up with fresh, new designs. In the past, I tend to do popular instruments and designs over and over in different designs and colors. However, I want all 50 of these to be unique and create a solid body of work. The Music Series has been ready, or I should say I have, to put it to this test of stretching and evolving. I have a quote in my studio that says:

“If you want more time to PAINT,

you have to design your life around it – not design it around your life!”

#9 of 50 "Moonlit Martini Jazz"



"Moonlit Martini Jazz", Watercolor & Acrylic, 5"x 5"    SOLD

                                                                                                                   "Moonlit Martini Jazz" Olives tend to end up in my work from time to time. Have I mentioned that I was raised on an olive ranch? Anyway, full moon, jazz and 2 olives please. Classic for a night out on the town. The Hotel Healdsburg has a great lounge with a fireplace to sit and enjoy the music. I am enjoying a change of scenery today. I've been painting on a beautiful cattle ranch where my boyfriend lives. It's good to get out of the studio and set up shop somewhere else to be inspired. The cows are so comical; one might end up in a future painting if they're not careful.                                                                                     

#8 of 50 "In The Spotlight"

"In The Spotlight", Watercolor & Acrylic, 5"x 5"    SOLD

"In The Spotlight"  Gotta love those trombones! Of course, I think of my brother, Bryan, learning to play this instrument. We would hear musical "trombone" sounds coming from his bedroom, through the whole house and spilling into the orchard! I have to say, I had a time painting this one. I kept trying to make it look lively and like the music is blasting out of the end of the horn. It took several brush techniques to get it to this point. After all was said and done, I declared this "finished". I now admit that of the first 8 in this series, it is one of my favorites.    

#7 of 50 "Our Song"

"Our Song", Watercolor & Acrylic, 500# Paper, 5"x 5"    Available

"Our Song" One bird says to the other, "Yes, the mountains are singing Our Song". This landscape reflects my surrounding Sonoma County mountains on the way to the beach! I love the ocean!! I'm only about 35 minutes to Bodega Bay - you know, where the movie 'The Birds' was filmed. There's just something about the ocean that makes me feel like me. It's like taking your Maiden Name back after all these years - or ... I don't know, maybe it's just because I'm Pisces. When you think back on past experiences or relationships, do you think of one song? Amazing how when we hear that song on the radio, we are instantly transmitted back in time like it was yesterday.

#6 of 50 "Amp It Up"

"Amp It Up", Watercolor & Acrylic, 500# Paper, 5"x 5"  SOLD

"Amp It Up" I have this 60 CD stereo in my studio and I love to put it on 'All Discs Shuffle'. It jumps from Johnny Cash to Vivaldi and then dances over to Dave Matthews, Kenny Chesney and AC/DC. That's called 'mixing it up'! Great for energy and inspiration. You may recognize this guitar. I recently posted an actual photograph of it on Facebook. When I was attending Orland High School, Mike Anderson was in my class and made this beautiful guitar in Woodshop Class. We met again at our 30 year high school reunion. Though we never dated back then; we are now and after all these years I'm painting his guitar. Amazing!   

#5 of 50 "Stage Door"

"Stage Door", Watercolor & Acrylic, 500# Paper, 5"x 5"    Available

"Stage Door" At the Alabama Museum of Jazz I saw booth exhibits that were filled with the 'History of Jazz'. One booth that I sketched was quite stark with a chair and a trumpet. I then added a stage door from Tin Pan Alley. In New York after the theatre shows, the actors come out of the stage door for signatures. So, through my travels this composition came about. I've been painting a "Music Series" since 1992. It isn't just Jazz - though that is one of my biggest requests for special orders. You will soon see more Symphony, Country and, of course, Rock & Roll.