Susan Shore Studio

This week in the studio...

2012-01-21T11:48:00.000-08:00

we're sealing the floor, so the studio wasn't open for the 3rd Thursday. It rained all day yesterday, and quite heavily at times, so I'm a little nervous about checking to see how well the seal took. Have to wait until Friday before we can paint on a finish. In the meantime, everything is stacked in piles in one half of the studio, so the painting below was finished at home.

Santa Barbara

Concord Gallery Show Opening

2012-01-14T10:12:00.000-08:00

The opening was a success with many attendees, friends, music and food. The gallery is open Thursday thru Sunday and the show will be up thru March, so if you get a chance stop by. In addition to my 3-D works are really wonderful watercolor paintings by gallery members and lovely art quilts by another guest artist.

My corner of the gallery

Oops!

Counting the Minutes

This piece has a working metronome built into it.

Art Dog

The band

Some of the usual suspects...

Judy, Maureen, Michelle, Bruce and Sharon

Jan and Mandy were also there and Jan put up a lot more photos on her blog which you can see @ http://pinkhousepages.blogspot.com/

Concord Gallery Show Opens Friday, January 6th!!

2012-01-01T21:56:00.000-08:00

For Winter 2011, Gallery Concord announces its newest show, "Serenity," which will run from January 5 to March 25, 2012. The opening night reception will be Friday, January 6th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Light refreshments and beverages will be served, and music provided by The Dana St. Jazz Trio.The "Serenity" show will feature Wendy Oliver, a watercolor artist from Walnut Creek, California. Wendy Oliver is a Bay Area native and grew up in Walnut Creek. She always enjoyed Art Classes all through her school years. After her children were grown she decided to return to her passion for painting, signing up for a class as a birthday present to herself from local artists to learn techniques and develop her own style. The mediums she uses are Acrylics, Oils, or Watercolor. She especially loves to create realistic paintings of beautiful landscapes, flowers & wildlife. Wendy always takes her camera with her because she believes that you never know when you are going to see something that will inspire you to paint it. She has taken lots of art workshops and classes for the past 20 years locally & across the United States and Europe with many famous artists. The artists she has studied with include Charles White, Gary Bergren, Leslie Wilson, Myrna Wacknov, Nancy Collins, Sandi Delahanty, Nicholas Simmons, Kathleen Conover, Janet Rogers & Cheng-Khee Chee. She has won many awards at the Contra Costa County Fair, Alameda County Fair, and Art Association Shows. Wendy Oliver is an active member of the Alamo DanvilleArt Association, Blackhawk Gallery, Las Juntas Artists, East Bay Artists Guild, CWA &GalleryConcord,Toll Bridge Tolers & Professional Women's Business Exchange.

Our guest artists for the Winter Show are Nancy Ryan (Fiber Art) and Susan Shore (3-D Art).

December's 3rd Thursday

2011-12-17T09:03:00.000-08:00

The weeks seem to fly by and the 3rd Thursday Art Walks here in Point Richmond get closer together. This month Ann from Santa Fe was here and she snapped a few photos before we opened the doors.

Who's your mommy...?

Me pricing new work

Left at the altar

We'll miss the January walk as the studio will be closed while the cement floor gets painted/sealed.

Skating to Boston

2011-12-13T08:08:00.000-08:00

The Skater is going to a new home this weekend. The shipper is coming to pack him up and take him away to a loft in Boston. Perfect spot for this large, 6.5' x 3' painting. The Skater is a two-dimensional, slightly abstracted, version of the sculpture that was done first. He's painted on a cradled fir support using a palette knife and fingers. Lots of fun to paint. Betsy says he will make her smile when she sees him each morning.

SOLD

Where is everybody...?

2011-12-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

Guess most people are still going to the malls. However a select group of friends and supporters scooped up the best of the handmade gift items and some unique art pieces (along with cookies & beverages) and it was nice to have time to chat with those who stopped by.

Jane and Judy getting things ready.

Thanks to all of you who stopped in.

Holiday Fest

2011-12-06T08:11:00.000-08:00

Arts of Point Richmond is sponsoring a Holiday Fest this Saturday, 12/10/11, from 11am to 5pm. The main venue is the community center, but I'll be in my studio just a few yards away. Other shops, galleries and restaurants will be open as well, so it should be a fun afternoon. There will be all kinds of affordable art and crafty gift and decorative items for sale.

I've been busy making some pretty sachets from vintage laces and trims. Some filled with fragrant, hand picked California lavender, others with lavender brought back from France. Come on out and join us!!

The Last Ones

2011-12-02T13:50:00.000-08:00

I've just completed the last of the recent dog commissions for the holidays. Hoping that the folks getting them are going to like them and think that they look like their beloved pets. That's kind of the nature of the beast with commissions. I say (to myself) I'm not going to do any more, then give in and always end up spending so much more time on them than is reasonable. Now off to the PO. Happy Holidays.

HENRY

PANCHO & CISCO

Third Thursday in November

2011-11-20T13:54:00.000-08:00

A threat of rain was not about to dampen spirits at Thursday's ART WALK. This courtyard outside my studio door filled up quickly this friends, prospective customers and of course other artists.

New Works - Wall Sculptures

2011-11-14T18:37:00.000-08:00

I 've been working on some smaller pieces lately for the upcoming Point Richmond Art Walk - this Thursday - and also for the January show at the Concord Gallery. They are one of a kind wall sculptures and the special embellishments create the individual personalities. So far there is a bride (above), a mermaid, a "Sea Being", a native American, two Red Hat Ladies, and a dowager. Once I form the clay, they pretty much decide for me what they are going to be.

SOLD

Martini anyone?

2011-11-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

This painting was done for my newly painted kitchen. I took down some old shelving which left a blank wall and a perfect reason to do this large, 30 x 40, acrylic on canvas painting.

It was a lot of fun to do and took only a few hours. Some are easier than others.

Back to my sculptures. Doing some smaller pieces for the January show. Still haven't finished "Dancing With The Moon". but hope to have it done by the end of this week.

Point RIchmond Art Walk

2011-10-22T11:25:00.000-07:00

October's Art Walk was a great success. Lot's of sales of dogs and nudes. Still have "Sad Eyes", but...

... "Pinky" is gone to a good home.

Here are some new additions to group.

Thread Workshop

2011-08-29T12:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I attended a great fiber arts workshop at Lisa Kokin's Studio. Lisa is a nationally known
book & fiber artist. I learned how to work with thread and water soluable backing to produce fiber art pieces which can be sewn together to make a quilt (after I make a few more) or displayed on their own. It was great fun. My ultimate goal is to the apply the process in making fabric which I can incorporate into my sculptures.

A NEW STUDIO

2011-08-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

I have rented a new studio space right in the Point, half a block from my house. It's also right next to the Refined by Fire Gallery at 103 W. Richmond Ave. Every 3rd Thursday of the month Point Richmond has an Art Walk. All the Galleries and some of the business and restaurants are open and it's a lot of fun. I took part this month and below are some shots of the gallery section of my studio. The best part is that there's an equally large work space behind the curtain.

Haven't posted in a while...

2011-02-19T07:52:00.000-08:00

.. so I thought I'd put up some photos of my recent trip to Santa Barbara. Did some sketching and water colors - NOT my medium, but it was fun just the same. Weather gorgeous and lots of time to walk the beach, check the tidal pools and commune with nature.

Seagulls in Flight

Hendry's Beach

Sunset viewed from East Beach

Mission Santa Barbara

Dusk

Street Scene

New work IN PROGRESS - Kids on Wheels Series

2010-11-19T19:04:00.000-08:00

People often ask where my ideas or inspiration come from. Well, many different things spark my creative spirit and my imagination. For instance, the skates below that I found in a second hand store struck a note and I knew I wanted to make a sculpture incorporating them. Then I thought I could expand it to a series of "kids" on wheels since I had an old wooden scooter that I purchased many years ago, and a bicycle fender that could be turned into some sort of vehicle. I got to work and did some drawings of possible sculptures.

Below is the work in progress using the skates. This sculpture will also include a dog on a skate board. I'm also doing a painting of this work. I've shown the very start of this with the underpainting. I usually don't show my work in such early stages, but I thought it might be fun to document the process - more or less.

The finished works will all look very different!!! Stay tuned...

2010-10-20T23:55:00.000-07:00

This is my latest work "Cassandra" who is made from recycled puppet parts made several years ago by a wonderful puppet maker named Raven who now lives in London. I was lucky enough to find her (the puppet) at the East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse. I changed her from a jointed puppet to a sculpture by adding stationery arms, legs, hips, etc. made from paper clay and plaster and clothing her in a cut down vintage nightgown which has been treated with fabric stiffener. I also added vintage costume jewelry, clay mules, some graying hair and paint. She's seated on a recycled doll's highchair with extended legs. She is holding a hand mirror and glances wistfully away after seeing the reflection of her aging face.

SCAL figurative show

2010-08-12T17:23:00.000-07:00

This has been a busy week. Got together some pieces for an "Animal" show at the gallery REFINED BY FIRE here in Point Richmond. The show opens tomorrow night.

Also sent my application in today for the Santa Cruz Art League's October figurative show. Two pastels and a sculpture. We'll see what happens.

Solitude in Blue

Solitude in Red

Piano Man

Friday's Opening at Sanchez Art Center

2010-08-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

The opening was amazing. Another enthusiastic large crowd and sooo many wonderful artists and their work. Thanks to my friends who attended the opening and for their support. You guys are great!

Maureen and me

L to R: Maureen Bruce, Sharon & Michelle

Me, Bruce & Sharon pointing out Bruce's photos

Clara from San Francisco

Marge looking for her favorite.

Thursday Night's Preview of 50/50 2010

2010-07-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

The preview opening was a big success. Lot's of folks showed up to see the art work and lots of sales were made. Tonight's free opening reception should be equally good. See you there?

And who's work is this woman looking at? Hmmm.

Sanchez Art Center 50/50 Show 2010

2010-07-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

The photos are hung in the gallery with care in hopes that the viewers soon will be there.

Come see them all up close and personal. There is a lot of great art to see. Show details below.

PRIVATE PREVIEW - Thursday July 29 - 7-9 pm

A limited number of tickets will be sold. Be among the first to see the show in a comfortable atmosphere and reserve your purchases.

Tix: $10.98 advance available online ($20 door) You can purchase tickets from BrownPaperTickets.com

GRAND OPENING RECEPTION - Friday July 30, 6-10 pm Free

GRAND CLOSING - Sunday August 29, 1-5 pm Free

SANCHEZ ART CENTER

1220 Linda Mar Blvd. Pacifica CA 94044 650.355.1894 info@sanchezartcenter.org

The Last of the 50/50 - Monday's Photo #50

2010-07-05T08:28:00.000-07:00

Self Portrait

DIgital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

NFS

I'm done, I'm done hooray, hooray, I'm done. (Dancing feet!)

Sunday's Photo #49

2010-07-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

Dog On The Run

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

100

Saturday's Photo #48

2010-07-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

Bougainvillea

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

100

Friday's Photo # 47

2010-07-02T06:29:00.000-07:00

Five Puppies

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

100.

Thursday's Photo #46 for 50/50 Show

2010-07-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

What? You think it's another wire basket? Uh uh, actually ...

I See Dog Faces

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

100

Wednesday's Photo #45

2010-06-30T10:28:00.000-07:00

Wire Basket #1

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

100

Tuesday's Photo #44

2010-06-29T16:57:00.000-07:00

Chickens

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

100

Saturday, Sunday & Monday's Photos #41, 42, 43

2010-06-28T15:59:00.000-07:00

Milk Crate

Behind the Curtain

On the Road

Digital 6x6 Photos

Mounted on Panel

100 each

Note: Multiple photo purchases of any combination of 50/50 photos

150 for 2

185 for 3

Thursday & Friday Photos #39 & 40

2010-06-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

Nasturtiums 1

Nasturtiums 2

Digital 6x6 Photos

Mounted on Panel

100.

2 for 150.

Number 38, Wednesday's Photo - Underwater

2010-06-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

Underwater

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

100.

Monday & Tuesday Photos #36 & 37

2010-06-22T13:30:00.000-07:00

The Easy Chair

The Uneasy Chair

Digital 6x6 Photos

Mounted on Panel

100 each

150 for two

This Weekend's Photos, #'s 33, 34 & 35

2010-06-20T11:16:00.000-07:00

The Orchid

Window Shade

Homage to Georgia

All photos are 6x6 Digital Prints

Mounted on Panel

100. each

Taking the day off...

2010-06-18T09:42:00.000-07:00

...to go see my friend Bruce Hopkins' show that opens today In The Garden at the Graton Gallery.

Here is a sample of his figurative work.

Untitled #1 2010

Pastel on Paper

Thursday's Photo #32 for 50/50 Show

2010-06-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

Blue Flowers

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

100.

Wednesday's Photo #31

2010-06-16T16:55:00.001-07:00

Nude

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

100.

Tuesday's Photo -#30 OF 50/50

2010-06-15T13:29:00.000-07:00

Adirondack Cactus

DIgital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

100.

Blue Monday - Photo #29

2010-06-14T07:07:00.000-07:00

Blue Monday

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

100.

Sunday, Photo #28

2010-06-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

Thekla as a Petunia

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Board

100.

Saturday's Photo #27 - Adirondack #3

2010-06-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

Adirondack #3

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

100.

Friday's Photo # 26

2010-06-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

Ghost
Digital 6x6 Photo
Mounted on Panel
100.

Thursday's Photo #25 for 50/50 Show

2010-06-10T10:55:00.001-07:00

More Studio Window

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

100.

Hooray! We're half way there. Twenty-five down and just 25 more to go.

Wednesday's Photo #24

2010-06-09T15:39:00.000-07:00

Desk Top

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

100.

Tuesday's Photo -#23 OF 50/50

2010-06-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

Garden Bench with Spade

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

100.

Monday's Photo #22

2010-06-07T12:45:00.000-07:00

Garden Bench

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

100.

Sunday, Photo #21

2010-06-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

Explosion

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

100.

Saturday's Photo #20

2010-06-05T11:18:00.000-07:00

Along Came A Spider

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

100.

I'm really enjoying producing these digital photos for the 50/50 Show, but now that today's is posted I'm feeling the need to do some painting &/or work on my sculptures which I have pretty much abandoned.

Friday's Photo -# 19

2010-06-04T22:33:00.000-07:00

And STILL There (3 0f 3)

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Board

100.

250. for all 3

Canary in the Mine Shaft - #18

2010-06-03T10:29:00.000-07:00

Or oil from a well? Can't get the thought of what's happening to the environment out of my mind.

Wednesday's Photo - #17 of 50

2010-06-02T00:08:00.000-07:00

Do you recognize this man?

Hayward's Fault

aka "Which mouth shall we believe?"

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

100.

Now it's time to play catchup - 50/50 Photos for Sunday, Monday & today.

2010-06-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

Dog Faces (#14)

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

100.

The Neighbors are Still There (#15)

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

100.

Roots (#16)

Digital 6x6 Photo

Mounted on Panel

100.

The rest of the weekend

2010-06-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy few days what with the doggie infirmary at my house and the annual town-wide yard sale that we participated in yesterday. The sale was very successful but introducing Thekla to the foster dog on Saturday less so. Both are wearing Elizabethan collars following surgery. She tolerated his being in her face for just so long, then...

He got the message and they have reached detente.

A True Memorial Day

2010-05-31T18:58:00.000-07:00

Always remembered, always missed EVERY day.

My big brother.

Major David R. Shore, USMC

1936-1974

Friday & Saturday's Photos -#'s 12 & 13

2010-05-28T13:26:00.001-07:00

Since I will be gone all day tomorrow - back up to Davis - I am doing 2 photos today.

Bruce at his Computer

Digital Photo 6x6

Mounted on Panel

100.

Bruce still at the Computer

Digital Photo 6x6

Mounted on Panel

100.

Both for 175.

Thekla having surgery today

2010-05-28T12:22:00.000-07:00

Asleep on the Studio Chair

5/17 /10

Wednesday I took Thekla up to UC Davis to have the cause of her occasional lameness diagnosed. She's a very active pup and loves to run and be chased by other dogs, but sometimes she would be left with a limp. Turns out she has a congenital malformation of her right front elbow which needs to be surgically corrected. So today is the day. I pick her up tomorrow and thus begins a six week period of restricted activity - the hardest part of this ordeal for both of us.

Thursday's Photo #11 for 50/50 Show

2010-05-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

Up on the Roof

Digital photo 6x6

mounted on board

100.

Wednesday's Photo - #10 of 50

2010-05-26T20:50:00.001-07:00

The Buddha

Digital Photo 6x6

Mounted on Panel

100.

Tuesday's Photo -#9 OF 50/50

2010-05-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

Adirondack Chair

Digital Photo 6x6

Mounted on Panel

100.

Monday 5/24 - 50/50 Photo #8

2010-05-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

Garden Studio

Digital Photo 6x6 inches

Mounted on Panel

100.

#7 - Sunday's 50/50 Photo

2010-05-23T10:15:00.000-07:00

Out the Studio Window

Photo mounted on 6x6 panel

100.

#6 Saturday's 50/50 Photo

2010-05-22T08:27:00.000-07:00

The Garden Shed

Digital photo mounted on panel

100.

Photo #5 of 50/50

2010-05-21T13:55:00.000-07:00

Cocktail Hour

100.

Photo #4 of 50/50

2010-05-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

Cat Face

Digital photo, shot through glass block

Printed on high quality photo paper

Mounted on board

100.

First three of 50/50

2010-05-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

UFO

Here are the fist 3 photos for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday a little out of order.

The Neighbors

Blue #2

All photos are printed on high quality photo paper and mounted on board.

100. each

Oh No, Mister Bill ! It's the dreaded 50/50.

2010-05-18T19:26:00.000-07:00

Fifty blank panels are a daunting sight, even if they're only 6 x 6. But after the stack is broken open and the first panel completed we're off and running. Yesterday was Day One of the 50/50 challenge. The last day is July 5th. It will be here before we know it.

Photo #1 mounted and Tuesday's panel ready to go.

Thursday Night FIgure Drawing Group Continued

2010-05-12T11:30:00.000-07:00

This drawing was started two weeks ago. Often there isn't enough time during our group sessions to complete a long pose, so I finish them up later when I have time. This is pastel on grey paper.

Sanchez 50/50 Show 2010; aka Never say Never

2010-05-05T14:48:00.001-07:00

For those of you who are wondering what the heck I'm talking about when I said I had entered photos taken through a glass block for this year's 50/50 Show, here are the three three examples I submitted. The first is "Dark Angel", second is Abstract Landscape #1, and third is Abstract Interior #1.
This is a new medium for me and I imagine this venture will keep me busy for the next couple of months.

What's Happening at the P.O. ?

2010-04-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

Last week my friend Jane and I began an installation of some of our "Dog Art" in the windows of the Post Office building in town. The work will be up for about two months, so if you get a chance, stop by and check it out. Coincidently on April 30th a new stamp will be released commemorating shelter animals.

Some of Jane's work below:

Spring in the Point

2010-03-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

Spring has finally arrived after several cold (relatively for CA), wet months. Everything is blooming and even though my allergies are playing havoc, I'm enjoying the beauty around me.

A Week in Santa Fe

2010-03-09T12:51:00.000-08:00

While visiting my artist friend, Ann Painter, at her beautiful home in Santa Fe this week, I had the opportunity to paint the portrait of a cat belonging to a friend of hers. This handsome male Persian is getting on in years, so I felt privileged to be asked to capture him on canvas.

The week was a lot of fun with wild weather changes - snow, rain, sun, hail, wind, thunder and lightening. We saw it all. Plus lots of art (both viewed and created), good food, wine and friends.

Thinking about doing the 50/50 challenge at Sanchez Art Center again this year, although I swore never again. As anyone who did it last year can attest, it's a lot of work and pretty much consumes your summer. On the other hand, I learned a lot and being part of it was great fun. Ann is signing up and encouraging me to do likewise, so I'm looking at options for what I might want to do this year. No, not kitties.

Point Richmond Window

2010-02-16T00:16:00.000-08:00

For the past few weeks some of my work is on view in the window of a local office building. These photos were taken in the evening when the lighting lends a dramatic appearance to the work but makes it difficult to get a sharp image through the glass. The floral abstract is titled Lilies and Roses. It is acrylic on canvas. The figurative piece is Sabine, also acrylic on canvas. The sculpture is Piano Man and is mixed media/found object.

Recent Thursday Night Drawings

2010-02-16T00:05:00.000-08:00

Above are two recent drawings from our Thursday night group - January 14th and 28th - if I remember correctly. Not all of the longer poses are completed in the same evening, or even after, but these two I especially liked and they came together as hoped. These are both soft pastel on paper.

New Studio Space

2010-01-26T17:05:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd put up some pictures of the studio space I've recently begun sharing with a friend and fellow member of the Thursday night figure drawing group. Since my previous painting partner moved to Santa Fe, I've done most of my creating (other than on Thursday) in isolation, as is the case with so many artists. So it's nice to have another being present to share the creative process, even if it's in total silence.

What's Happening Lately

2010-01-20T17:29:00.000-08:00

Holidays have come and gone, thank goodness. I've been spending time working on a number of different things, but of course haven't taken pictures - duh! Will try to catch up this week and bring my paintings and sculpture up to date.

Today I assembled a "natural" sculpture. Most of the credit goes to Mother Nature or the mommy robin that created the wonderful nest which I have augmented with a branch and attached to a metal stand. The nest even contains the remains of the eggshell from which the new baby bird popped. The nest itself is well constructed for mud, twigs, ginko leaves and long strands of wild onion. When the nest was fresh, the wild onion hung like ribbons with white flowers on the ends. They made for a lovely bridal suite/nursery. This nest is one many that I have found in the the trees and bushes in my garden, and have since preserved.

This piece will be available for purchase this weekend at Room With A Past in Walnut Creek. Check out their website.

AOPR Holiday Art Fest and Sale

2009-12-12T17:40:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday was the one day Art Festival for the AOPR members. Here is a glimpse of my "booth" showing some of my found object sculpture along with acrylic figurative painting and some of my oil dog paintings.

AOPR Holiday Art Fest and Sale

2009-11-24T16:27:00.000-08:00

Venue Sponsored By Jay Betts

2009 Holiday Art Fest

217 West Richmond Avenue

in Historic Point Richmond

Please Join Us For Holiday Gifts & Joy

Saturday, December 5th 11AM – 5PM

Swampy Joe (our Joe Bagley) & Guitarist Steve Morris performing

Art, Crafts, Jewelry, Prints, Cards, Clothing, Hot Cider, Cookies

AOPR funding comes from the generosity of our membership, individuals and sponsors.

Since last week...

2009-11-17T17:11:00.001-08:00

when I was in New Mexico helping my friend Ann move in to her beautiful new home, I have returned and am playing catch up to get ready for the Artists of Point Richmond Holiday Fest and Sale. Hope to have some paintings, both figurative and dog portraits ready to go in time. In addition I'm working on some new sculptures which incorporate my paperclay birds, found objects and figures.

THis work in progress is titled Mother Nature: She's come Undone

...and Sunday I got into my cooking mode and made an apple pie and a veggie enchilada casserole. Called several friends to come and help me enjoy the feast, but everyone was already busy with other things. Hard to be spontaneous in this day and age when our lives are so filled. I think we're really missing a lot by not having more "free" time.

A Day Late and a doggie short.

2009-11-01T19:30:00.000-08:00

This is Carmine in his Halloween Pumpkin costume.

Carmine has many seasonal costumes. He is with us now after his person recently passed away unexpectedly. We are keeping him until and if we can find a loving home for him as he is a very special, well behaved boy. He would do really well with someone who could devote a lot of time and love to him. If you think you might be a match with this wonderful dog, email me at susanshore@mac.com.

HAVEN'T POSTED IN A WHILE...HERE'S WHY

2009-11-01T19:12:00.000-08:00

Since I last posted we had some rain in Richmond and with the second storm came a flooded basement. I won't bore you with all the photos. Let's just say it was a mess and very discouraging. Some losses and lots of work to clean up. And with all we're hearing about mold..yuk! The last photo is of the clogged storm drain... the culprit in why we were flooded.

My Good Mornings with Thekla

2009-10-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

My camera was on my bedside table and I just couldn't resist taking this photo of Thekla this morning. What a cute face to wake up to. Think I should have named her Tudie though, as in attitude. She definitely has one of her own. She's been with me a year and as you can see from our profile photo she has grown into her ears.

Theater of Dreams, Port Costa, CA

2009-10-09T17:25:00.000-07:00

My interest in found object sculpture has made me interested in vintage ephemera. While surfing the web I discovered that there is a well known ephemera artist living in Port Costa, practically in my own back yard, and that this weekend she was having a sale of Halloween items in her studio. The sale continues tomorrow. If you have never been to Port Costa or Wendy's studio, I suggest you check out both. Absolutely magical. If you can't make it tomorrow, check her site for directions and future dates when she'll be open. You won't be disappointed.

More pictures of Port Costa including perhaps the most picturesque post office in CA.

Today's Painting

2009-09-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

I'm in Santa Fe this week visiting my painter friend Ann but promised to have this painting done for a friend in time for her son's birthday. Carson was Jimmy's beloved dog and my Border Collie Dooley's nemesis. Unfortunately both are no longer on this earth but they will always be with us.

Last Night's Drawing

2009-09-18T17:28:00.001-07:00

Another Drawing from our Thursday night group session. Last night's model sat for a longer pose and offered us this costume. Lots of fun with pretty good results. This is a pastel approx. 20 x 26 inches. Price $225. If interested in more information re purchasing, please email me.

Thursday Night FIgure Drawing Group

2009-09-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

Every Thursday evening a group of 5 to 6 of us get together with a model to do a little figure drawing. Here is last night's longer pose. This is a pastel on paper, approx. 20 x 26 inches.

Sausilito Art Festival

2009-09-06T16:04:00.000-07:00

Living in Point RIchmond, it wasn't too hard to get to Sausilito yesterday even with the Bay Bridge closure putting more traffic on the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge. It was a beautiful day, lots of sun, cool breezes, great art, music, food, etc. Here are a few pictures of the fun.

This is NOT my date, but an incredibly lifelike sculpture by Marc Sijan.

Karin Jurick Challenge

2009-09-06T15:34:00.000-07:00

Detail

Oil on Canvas

12 x 24 inches

$100.

This week I completed my painting for the Karin Jurick challenge, Different Strokes from Different Folks, which is posted o her blog approximately every two weeks. Many of you may already be familiar with her work and her blog and web sites. I particularly liked the subject matter of this challenge as it reminded me of Wayne Thiebaud's paintings of cakes and pies, etc. Unfortunately I have a lot more trouble photographing and downloading pictures of my paintings than the actual painting itself. It's still not quite right, but I'm posting it here to see how it looks on a computer screen. The painting is oil on canvas, 12 x 24 inches. The frosting is heavy imposto a la Thieaud's pasteries. Would look great hanging in a kitchen. If interested in purchasing, please contact me at m email address, sshore@lmi.net.

Cleaning out the studio...

2009-08-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

and getting ready to paint. Found this photo of a cat painting that I did as a commission a few years back. The cat's expression explains why I'm a dog person.

Acrylic on canvas

Beautiful Day for an Art Show

2009-08-15T17:51:00.000-07:00

Watercolor by Larry Cannon

My friend Larry Cannon is one of the selected artists exhibiting at this year's Napa Valley Art Festival. Larry's wonderful plein air water colors have received many awards and much acclaim over the past few years. If you can make it to this year's festival, be sure to seek him out.

Friday night's opening...

2009-07-27T16:51:00.000-07:00

was mobbed. It was a little difficult to see all the wonderful works, but everyone seemed to be enjoying the event in spite of the crush. Just means that a return visit will be needed in order to see everything. But don't wait too long as some of the sold works have already been taken home by the lucky buyers.

Some Friends Who Attended

2009-07-27T16:42:00.000-07:00

Marge Healy, Pacifica Artist Friend

Bruce Hopkins, Berkeley Artist

Jack Kurzweil, Berkeley Art Connoisseur

Ann Painter, Santa Fe Artist

Shore Bird

2009-07-23T23:03:00.000-07:00

Found Object Sculpture

Bones, cotton fiber, paper clay, metal, wood, glass.

$375

50/50 SANCHEZ ART CENTER SHOW

2009-07-17T00:22:00.000-07:00

HOPE YOU CAN COME TO THE SHOW. IT SHOULD BE FUN AND EXCITING WITH SO MANY ARTISTS (67) AND DIFFERENT MEDIA. IF YOU SHOULD WANT TO COMMISSION A PAINTING OF YOUR SPECIAL CANINE FRIEND, PLEASE CONTACT ME AT SUSANSHORE@MAC.COM. WITH YOUR INPUT I CAN ACCOMMODATE YOUR PREFERRED STYLE AND CAPTURE THE PERSONALITY OF YOUR PET IN THE PAINTING.

Hanjin Venezia (aka Cosco Busan)

2009-07-10T20:46:00.000-07:00

Found Object Sculpture

This sculpture is made from various objects including bird bones and parts found along the shoreline of San Francisco Bay following the oil spill in 2007 from the Cosco Busan, since renamed Hanjin Venezia. This sculpture is part of a series I am doing re damage to our environment and the effects on birds and other animal life.

50/50 DOGS ON GRID

2009-07-08T11:54:00.000-07:00

Here is the grid of 49 of the 50 dog paintings that will be in the 50/50 Show at Sanchez Art Center July 24th. The 50th painting of Dooley (posted below) will be framed and off to the side along with an artist's statement and bio. It should be an exciting show with 67 artists in all exhibiting in various media. That's 3350 pieces of work!

Other Recent Work - Oil on Canvas, 5' x 6'

2009-07-07T12:59:00.000-07:00

This larger piece was done following a trip to Machu Picchu. All objects and creatures are created from memory or imagination. I call the bird a nor-egret as I experienced altitude sickness, but I'm still glad I went. As for the bubbles, I've always been fascinated by them.

50/50 Finally Finished

2009-07-07T11:49:00.000-07:00

Well, almost. Need to clean up some edges and sign the backs, but other than that done. It's been quite an experience. Hope to see you all at the opening on July 24th.

Dooley #50

2009-07-07T11:46:00.000-07:00

In Memory of the Best Dog Ever

Boarder Collie

Oil on Board

6 x 6 inches

$100

Gracie #49

2009-07-07T11:43:00.001-07:00

Sweet Girl!

Greyhound Mix

Oil on Board

6x6 inches

$100

Clem #48

2009-07-07T11:40:00.000-07:00

Who Me?

Oil on Board

6x6 inches

$100

Jessie #47

2009-07-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

Peering Through the Gate

Mixed Breed

Oil on Board

6 x 6 inches

$100