Goodbye Spurgeon...

So, a couple of weeks ago I had to say goodbye to my studio. They decided to create a 10PM curfew on the building. 10PM is typically when I would arrive and begin my work, so I knew that I would not be able to stay. It was a little weird to take all my paintings away. The worst was tearing my paper mural off the wall.

Although it was sad to leave, I am so happy for all the experiences that the Spurgeon has given to me. For all the friends I have met, for all the work that was created, for all the nights and music and random adventures.

Come See Our Art Show!

This is going to be a great show! Definitely worth seeing! Many artists all coming together to create and share new works on paper. Paul and I will both be in the show... Paul's name isn't on the flyer.. but he will have a couple sketch books displayed. I just finished my second piece last night. Both of my works are charcoal on paper. It was a lot of fun creating some new work for this show. I think I mostly enjoyed it because I usually work in paint. It felt pretty good to step outside of my box.

Valerie Lewis has a very impressive charcoal that she has entered, and Tisa Pickering is not only doing an amazing job at curating she also has managed to create a piece that may steal the show!

I will be attending around 9:30!.. but the show begins around 7pm! Hope to see you all there!

~Leanne

Painting with Gabrielle

Yesterday my little niece Gabrielle came to my Studio to paint. She was quite intrigued with the medium. She painted the wall, the floor and even herself. ... Oh yeah.. I forget she even painted Paul and I a little too.

Late nights at the studio... creating new things.

Here are a few paintings I have been working on recently. 

                            Nonna and Nonno

                               Self Portrait

The Industrial Landscape

A landscape of gray. A concrete world. A series that I have been working on for a couple of years now. 

Man Vs. Nature. 

I am intrigued by Natures endurance and strength to over come and adapt to man's industrial landscape. When birds do not have trees... they make do. They survive. And I think that is beautiful. 

I use a mixture of paper, acrylic paint, gold leaf, sometimes photographs, and wires or string.

When painting, I very rarely create rules for myself. I let go and give in to my ideas, it doesn't matter how as long as I get there.

Watercolor Painting in Italy

Back in 2006, Paul and I went to Castiglion Fiorentino, Italia to visit Paul's twin brother Eric. Eric was doing study abroad there at the time, and invited us to come stay with him.

Not having much money Paul and I spent many of our days painting and taking photos.

Where My Paintings Rest

This is where I paint. The Spurgeon Building. I love this building.

It is in the Historic Art District of Santa Ana, California.

It is old, beautiful, and plays music on the hour. With each layer of paint that peels off it's wall, I am inspired to add another layer to my canvas.

Valerie Lewis,  Tisa Pickering and I all share a studio.