Winter is upon us, and I like to go hiking in the rain. Winter in Southern California is mild compared to most other places, and all that's needed to stay comfortable is some waterproof clothing on rainy days. Nature is often the inspiration for my artwork, and winter here is when the plants come back to life with the return of the rain. Everything turns green again, and it's a beautiful time of year.

I often get questions on my blog and through e-mail from people wanting to know about my process or specific techniques. I decided to start a new feature in this monthly newsletter called "Q & A with the Artist," where I will answer some of these questions.

Best wishes for the holidays,

Q: On my blog, Anonymous asks, " How do you get this effect?," referring to my miniature paintings.

A: Thanks for asking! I work with reclaimed latex paint, and I don't want anything to go to waste. When I work on a larger painting, I pour the paint onto the canvas, and some of the paint ends up on the plastic covering the floor. This dripped paint forms fantastic patterns on its own, and I also manipulate the paint to get a design that I like. I then press the miniature canvas upside down onto the paint, and it picks up the design.

The painting to the left is one of my latest pieces done in the same technique as the miniatures. Except instead of letting paint drip onto the plastic, I deliberately pour it on. This piece is 24 x 24 inches, and currently untitled -- acrylic latex on canvas. It's much more difficult to press a large canvas onto the paint and get a successful design. The puddle of paint is sticky, and doesn't want to let go of the canvas!

If you have questions about my work that you would like answered, send them to me via e-mail.

I did a show last weekend at Dale Brown's house. This was the first time Dale had shown her work, and she invited four other artists to join her. We hung the show the day before, and were on hand to greet collectors Saturday and Sunday. It's fun to do a show like that where I get immediate feedback on my work.

I'll be doing another show at the home of Sally Kraus on Saturday, December 19th, from 11:00 - 3:00. The address is 326 N. Detroit Street, Los Angeles 90036 -- near La Brea and Beverly. You're all invited! It's the last chance to buy my miniatures, small paintings and Frameable Art Cards before Christmas!

Photos by Pat Parrish

ARTconnectsLA is one year old! We had our first anniversary event at The Rose Cafe, one week before the close of my solo exhibition there. Karen Black, the curator at The Rose Cafe, was there to help us celebrate, and my Frameable Art Cards were on display.

ARTconnectsLA is doing our first placements of artwork at Common Ground in Santa Monica and Children's Bureau in Los Angeles. Our placement directors did a presentation of artwork to a group of staff and clients at Common Ground this week, and they are very excited about receiving artwork for their facility. It looks like some of my work will be placed there, which makes me happy!

Being considered for adoption: Enchanted, diptych, 30 x 44 inches, acrylic on canvas

Group Show 2009
Pierre Paul Art Gallery
3370 Washtenaw Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734.975.1050
www.pierrepaulartgallery.com

The Home Grown Store
5455 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
323.933.5400 
www.thehomegrownstore.com

LACMA Art Rental and Sales Gallery
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323.857.6500
www.lacma.org

Pierre Paul Art Gallery
3370 Washtenaw Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734.975.1050
www.pierrepaulartgallery.com