the coveted little red dot

Both my email and phone reminded me that art pick up for A Mountain by the Ocean, A Man and a Woman was this past Tuesday. I've been incredibly busy lately and my phone has become, more than ever, an external brain. I've been made fun of for years for setting timers to remind me to pick up children from school but when you have 3 at different schools with different schedules and an addled brain like mine, you need all the help you can get.

So, imagine my surprise when upon arrival I saw the little coveted red dot next to my painting. It sold! How fun this that? I'd no idea. No matter how many of my works I sell, I will never take someone liking my art enough to purchase it for granted. It is always a Sally Field moment. They like me, they really like me.

Of course, they could very well be buying it because they're so offended by its monstrosity that they want to charitably shield the eyes of the world from it by taking it off a gallery wall and later destroying it in a cleansing ritual. Hell, what do I know? In that case, I'm just thankful for the cold, hard cash.

Joke!

San Francisco: Art, Food & Nature

A couple of weeks ago, I took a gorgeous trip to visit a friend in San Francisco. No husbands (hers was away on a business trip, mine was at home), no kids (hers were on Spring Break and away with the grandparents, mine were at home) just us girls exploring her fabulous city and surroundings at our leisure. I was even able to work (by keeping Dallas time) which is such a different experience when you're not juggling kids and home. I loved it. All of it. She was an amazing hostess and NoCal is my jam*!

*I realized on this trip what it is about California that I love so much: it reminds me of an American version of Puerto Rico, my home country: colorful culture, fabulous food, the sea, lovely vegetation and mountains ... seriously, what's not to love?

now showing: Home is Wherever I'm With You

My contribution to the A Mountain By the Ocean, a Man and a Woman show at the Bath House Cultural Center. Original available, prints here.

art blog: missing Charlie

When I was in Paris in 2007, I was surprised to find I didn't miss my little family; not how I thought I would, anyway. It was the first time I had been away from Guy, my girls & Charlie Brown for more than a few days and while I had the time of my life, I was constantly amazed and in awe of the separation. I felt like a grown up and it cemented my belief that the love and attachment that I felt for my people wasn't based on some complex codependency on my part but on the purity of that love. I had a beautiful time and trip without any pangs for my loves because I was so secure in my affection for them. It was a life moment for me, a revelation of sorts. That's not to say that I didn't appreciate little visual reminders of them in my daily travels and surroundings. Signage for a store called "Nataly," the word "elle" all over the place, gorgeous, golden-haired cherubs in the paintings of The Louvre, Tour de France merchandise everywhere. All of these things reminded me of Guy, Natalie, Elle & Anna Sofia. The power of visual art and design, huh?

One day I walked past this window display and as with the other reminders, I felt compelled to take a picture. I titled it "Missing Charlie," in reference to our beloved family dog, loyal friend and longtime companion; my furry son.

For those of you who aren't yet aware, this past weekend, we released Charlie to the stars. As many of you know, he was at a very advanced age, especially for a dog his size (120 lb!). He was blind, diabetic and his mobility had become increasingly challenged. I woke up on Saturday with all kinds of plans other than saying goodbye to Char but it became evident that the time had come. We had a service come to our home and so, on a blanket on the grass in the fresh air and gorgeous sunshine, surrounded by the love of his family, Charlie left this earth.

He would have been 14 today.

Be Mine, Valentine

With Valentine's Day just about a week away, here's a little gift from me to you:

FREE downloadable Valentine cards featuring my Happy Animal series. 

Download a PDF file here.

Enjoy!