Getting Back To It

Sometimes it feels scary when you cannot do the things that bring you peace, and in my case, that is painting. The year began with COVID, then the flu, and then my mom got sick. I have had to accept the things I cannot control, and promise myself I will get back to painting. It is a promise I have always kept.

It is not like I haven’t been making art. When you are self employed as I am, there are cash fluctuations and sometimes I have to spend most of my time making art that will generate immediate revenue. But I never take on anything I won’t enjoy. In our country, being self-employed as an artist is a privilege.

A lot of artists have to make ends meet by doing other types of work and I am no exception. I have done a variety of jobs, from retail to teaching salsa dancing to entering data on spreadsheets, which is why I am savoring every minute I get to make art.

I enjoy painting commissions. Recently I made this small painting of Taquería Gordo for some very dear clients of mine:

Over the next two months I have to finish developing a design for the wall opposite Past Perfect, John Wehrle’s mural on Mcdonald Avenue in Richmond. It is an utopian vision of Richmond forty years into the future, with a dismantled freeway, 3D printed homes and people working to increase food security. Here is a sneak peek of a small section. This was a very early design. It has already changed. We will hopefully begin working on the restoration of John’s murals soon and then I will share photos with you.

In March I spent a few days updating After Mentoring, a mural I had completed three years ago. The mural included a portrait of a beloved Richmond community figure, Detective Orlando Johnson, a man who mentored many and found time to be a basketball coach to many Richmond youth. It was so heart-warming to see his family posing next to his portrait during the unveiling.

Between larger projects I still design flyers, posters and logos if time permits it. This one is the most recent and one I enjoyed a lot, because the client gave me a list of the items that were going to be part of the flyer and digital image. Azucena (white) and flamboyán (red) are the flowers, with deep spiritual meaning for Puerto Ricans. Atabeyra is mother earth for the Tainos. The image of her in this flyer comes from a stone carving.

So my art practice includes lots of applied art. I know that at this time of my life I am lucky to be healthy enough to continue making art. And I hope I can see you, if not at one of my events, around town supporting art made in in Richmond. There are so many exciting events grassroots initiatives happening right now!

Upcoming Classes

I am teaching two classes this summer: An eight session beginning Drawing Class at the Richmond Art Center from 6-8 pm, and a plein air class on Fridays between 11 and 2 pm. But I am also considering teaching a daytime Friday drawing class online this fall. If interested, let me know whether you would prefer morning 10-12 or afternoon 1-3:

An in-person, eight-week Tues eve (6-8 pm) class beginning June 10 and ending Aug 5. There’s no class on July 1st. Absolute beginners will learn how to plan a drawing, how to figure out a composition, and how to measure the proportions of objects. You will learn which media to use, how to create a composition, how to measure and check size and proportions, creating volume though shading, and depicting various textures. All students will receive individual feedback and enjoy access to a treasure trove of online resources curated by your instructor. Summer class registration opens on May 7!

Spend five weeks (July 11, 18, 25, Aug 1 and 8) painting au plein air at several East Bay outdoor locations. Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced painting student, you'll enjoy discovering beginner-friendly painting spots, and improving your technique in the company of new friends. This package of five sessions covers a variety of topics: how to start a painting, choosing and mixing colors for landscape painting, brushwork, use of photos, and thinking in layers. You'll receive much or as little feedback as you desire. Use the media of your choice. We'll spend one session at each painting location, so that students can have sufficient time to complete a painting.