“Under the Bridge”
This was originally a painting about how one lie turns into a lifetime of lies. It was purple and it just never found a place to live. I think, maybe, because people don’t like to be reminded of lying. I always loved the structure of the painting but, wanted to reimagine it. Four years later and I like to think I have had real “growth” (the original name of the painting) since 2020. So, I used tiny brush and did a prayer with each stroke to let go of my anger. A meditation in letting go. And I like to think that by turning the canvas horizontally and adding ultra marine blue over the entire painting we now have water under the bridge. It was a spiritual experience for me. Letting go always is powerful move.
2024 (2020) - 60in x 48in Oil on Canvas - $2400
“Let’s meet in Eugene”
where we learned to trust each other and became friends. Where we ate at Glenwood at 2am and said the next morning we had been studying. Where Frog asked us to buy joke books but, we stood in line for text books or Rennie’s Lemonade or to Mac Court to get good seats. Let’s meet in Eugene where I fell in love with writing, football players and the TV room on Sundays. Let’s meet in Eugene and not play quarters, chase Nutria and take out our last five dollars at US Bank to buy a party top. Let’s walk across the foot bridge and joyfully search for old friends at Moshofsky. Let’s cheer “stick it in, stick it in” with bedazzled granny’s and beer belly uncles. Let’s meet in Eugene to celebrate how far we have come and wish the new Ducks well before we fly home.
Watercolor on Paper 22in x 30in unframed $1200
“Snowed In”
Snow holding down the branches and climbing up to the windows. Fire in the fire place. Playing cards with my family. Watching out the windows and waiting for the snow to stop and the roads to get plowed so we can get back out on the mountain for fun.
Acrylic on Recycled Rental Snowboard
Available at Mona Mia • Lyon Village, Sacramento
12in x 62in • $1200
“Stage 8”
Not just a fluke. And all the other things the announcers said about the 24-year-old from Intermarche-Wanty who made history on the Stage 3 by becoming the first Black stage winner in the Tour de France history. On Saturday’s Stage 8, he proved he was more than deserving. The sprinter from Eritrea showed off his speed, winning a bunch sprint to take his second stage win of this Tour. What a beautiful day for Biniam Girmay in the village Charles de Gaulle called home. 12in x 9in Watercolor on Paper • framed $850
“Keep It Flying”
Summertime is about popsicles, biking, flag flying and (of course) swimming! Nothing feels better than seeing that red, white and blue with a brass band playing during the Summer Olympics. USA! USA! USA!
40in x 60in Acrylic on Canvas • $2100
Available at Mona Mia, Sacramento this Summer
“Reflecting on Warmth”
Even more charming than grass insulating the homes in the Faroe Islands, the prime minister’s phone number is in the phone book and old people serve strangers waffles out of their homes for fun. It’s just too much lovliness for this California girl to take in even now. But cozy is a way of life in The Faroe Islands. The kindness and warmth are contagious. You might just find me one day, painting in a warm, grass covered home after boating in the sea and tending to my sheep. Probably only one. To keep my roof trimmed of course.
Available at Mona Mia, Sacramento
40in x 40in Acrylic in Canvas • $2100
“Ladies Who Launch”
Anyone can drive to lunch. We like to boat up river for our lunch between grocery shopping and picking up the kids. Since most of my friends are gals, I am very impressed that my friends, my sister and aunt trusted me as their captain the first year I learned to boat. The Sacramento River to lunch up at The Alamar, Tahoe to Sunnyside and then, Sam’s in Tiburon...
Each of my brave gals got to witness me harness the magic of the water and have a true power lunch. We left fun in our wake.
Available at Mona Mia, Sacramento
16in x 20in Acrylic on Canvas • $1200
“Knot Hot”
Have you ever met someone so good looking that you couldn’t concentrate? Well, that happened to me the first time I met my boating instructor Wes. He must have thought I was an idiot without the ability to speak. THIS GUY will be giving me life saving tips and tricks every week on the Sacramento River? How could I be so lucky? He had me tie knots, learn about the wing dams and the tide tables and all the safety info I could use as a boater. And while at first I had fantasies about this beautiful man, he started weaving into our instruction his love of guns and conspiracy theories and my fantasy fizzled. This hilarious twist of fate may have saved my life and the lives of all those aboard my boat for years to come.
Available at Mona Mia, Sacramento
16in x 20in Acrylic in Canvas • $900
“WOW 2”
Available at Mona Mia, Sacramento
36in x 36in Acrylic on Copper • $1800 framed
“WOW 1”
Available at Mona Mia, Sacramento
36in x 36in Acrylic on Copper • $1800 framed
“Same Soil, Three Results.”
There are siblings who grow from the same soil. Given the same amount of sunlight and love, and then they use that energy to grow in different ways. As parents, how can we find that sweet spot to love equally but, also give the individual love and care needed to support the different needs of each “flower” to bloom?Maybe it’s just letting go.
Available at Mona Mia, Sacramento
48in x 62in Watercolor on Paper - $2800 framed
“Lazy Daisy”
Spring is starting to bloom. And the energy of Summer is almost within sight. I’m enjoying the lazy moments of early Spring before our days get clogged with busy bee work zipping here and there.
15in x 30in Oil on Canvas • $1200
“Click Clack Bye”
Don’t mistake my bright smile and colorful clothing for weakness. My intuition is on point and so are my heels. I’ve cultivated a sharp sense of self with hard work. There is no time for excuses or bullshit. So, you might hear my shoes walking out before you even knew I was in the room.
30in x 22in Watercolor on Paper • $1200
“WRAP, WALK, WOW”
Just like Anne Lamott’s three prayers,“Help. Thanks. Wow.” In Kyoto last year, my daughter and I were encouraged to experience the formal Kimono dressing. I thought, “This will be fun!” Picking the fabrics, sashing and hair bobbles was fun. But, as each of the 7 layers of silk cinched around my curves, my light started to dim. It was hot and it was hard to breath. I was not even in the dressing room for 45 minutes before I had a slight panic. Will I make it 4 hours? Walking around Kyoto, visiting the temples, while wearing wooden shoes on cobblestoned streets was challenging. Each local I passed gave me the thumbs up of encouragement. The minutes passing like hours, I felt deeper respect for every woman in Japan. The state of grace and zen like calmness the mind and body needs to wear such a harsh wrapping was mind bending. And then, WOW, the absolute freedom of the Kimono coming off. It was a spiritual experience.
36in x 36in Acrylic on Copper • $1800 framed
“WALK 1”
36in x 36in Acrylic on Copper • $1800 framed
“WALK 2”
36in x 36in Acrylic on Copper • $1800 framed
“WALK 3”
36in x 36in Acrylic on Copper • $1800 framed
“Out of the Cold”
Sometimes when I get down, I find myself closing off from my family and friends. I want to go into a cave. Something like the Matterhorn in Disneyland. I want to be left alone in a room cold enough that my goose down blanket can wrap me up warm and I can sleep and sleep and sleep until Spring. My family becomes my net, pulling me out into the warmer world. Forcing me to leave behind the comfort of the nest I would rather be in. Growling like the monster swiping at the bobsled, I emerge. I know I need to get back in line and just put on my ears like the rest of the world to pound the pavement. It’s not healthy to ride the darkness alone. • 40in x 60in Acrylic in Canvas • $2300
“Highway to Hell”
Jen, Suzy and I loved watching the beauty of the Faroe Islands from Instagram for years. We finally made a trip this year and to our delight, it was everything we hoped it would be. Our very first morning we went to look at cliffs of bird colonies by Ribb Boat with Erland. He was the best boat captain we could have asked for. He ended our tour through tight fitting caves by cranking up the speed to 70MPH while playing “Highway to Hell” approaching the oldest church on the islands. This vantage point in the painting is from the puffins looking down at us in our Ribb boat screaming with joy.
16in x 20in Oil in Canvas • $900
“Puffins Don’t Like Music Festivals”
We were told that our Puffin Boat ride to Mykines got cancelled due to weather. So we decided to try and get in a music festival on another island that had puffin sightings reported recently. After a calm and foggy boat ride, we walked and walked and walked on another beautiful green island with beautiful boats and cliffs. No puffins.bInstead, we had some horrible coffee and met two lovely English speaking local men in a pub that knew all about Sacramento. They also were imressed that we had eaten whale the night before. So much for Californians saving the whales.
16in x 20in Oil in Canvas • $900
“Beautiful Defeat”
Jen decided to sit out our hike to the lighthouse while Suzy and I scaled the windy hills of Kalsoy Island.
(Did I mention, Jen is a certified genius?)
The lighthouse where James Bond has his grave was our destination, but we were overwhelmed by the wild in this perilous place; the worst weather of our entire trip. The rain felt like needles on our cheeks. The sheep retreating as we tried to sit and wait out the weather shoving me to the ground. It was visual poetry. Suzy is a very experienced hiker and probably could have pushed on. She realized my good attitude had it’s limits, I am a fair-weather adventurer and so she took mercy on me. We turned around and Jen never said “I told you so.” And that is why we have been friends for 26 years.
24in x 24in Oil in Canvas • $1200
“Suzy Leads the Way”
Very quickly into our adventure we figured out our jobs. I was the driver, Suzy was in charge of our adventures and Jen was in charge of music, directions and fake pumps. Jen and I would consider ourselves travelers. But Suzy is one of the most well-traveled people I have ever met AND she loves to hike. The Faroe Islands are a hikers paradise. So there were times that Jen and I were holding her back. She was leading us at every turn. Looking forward in her bright yellow scarf this was the view for me and Jen most of the trip. We were in capable hands.
16in x 20in Oil in Canvas • $900
“Directions”
Jose, a young artist and charming storyteller, got to be a passenger on my boat one afternoon after a chance meeting through friends. Amy, my friend, asked rapid fire questions on his hopes and dreams over lunch at The Alamar which I delighted in. But we see that he is struggling with his life. And working out a plan right in front of our eyes.
“Which way should I go?” The question most of us have in our twenties. He says, while kayaking high, he had a thought that the Navy might steady his income and take him all over the world. And by the end of our lunch, he was convinced it was his best option. Amy and I were stunned. Not sure if we just witnessed the worst decicion an artist and dreamer could make or the best. But, we enjoyed the day talking to the dreamy Spaniard making life choices while the river slowly rippled by.
16in x 20in Acrylic in Canvas • $900
Faroe Island Night Two
Like stepping into another dimension. A true Never Never Land of wonder for the eyes as the whales go to sleep in the calm cool waters and our adventures begin again tomorrow. I can’t help but feel gratitude for the clear air and a place almost untouched by the modern world. It never seems to get dark. I feel safe in my bones. With so much light reflecting off the pristine waters. I long for a world this quiet, calm and safe.
24in x 24 Oil on Canvas • $1200
“All Calm on the Surface”
“Why don’t you try sailing?” They ask. “Because I like the wind to be calm when I am out on the water.” There is enough adventure in the current. Enough push and pull under the boat. Enough tension under the surface for my soul. Adding another layer of excitement would make the ride unpleasant. There is enough tension under the surface to keep me on my toes.
22in x 30in Watercolor on Paper • $1800 framed
“Paddleboarding to Nevada”
For the Summer head to Tahoe. We invite my family and friends to stay. We eat, we laugh and we cry. I reconnect by the water that heals me. The water that brings me back to my childhood. A couple years ago my sister in law offered to teach me how to paddle board. I have taken to it. Before the teenagers are awake, I slip out on the calm water and paddle board to Nevada. It’s a deep meditation with nature, history and the mystery below the water. And, somehow, before they need me I’m back in California reporting for duty.
22in x 30in Watercolor on Paper • $1800 framed
“Vortex Energy”
Can I harness the easy, breezy time on vacation with my sister and cousin in Sedona and keep it alive in the real world? Will the magical vortex energy follow me home? This net is to remind me to never deny myself the power of female energy, shamans and crystals. Even if I think I am too busy for magic, it’s not too busy for me. And most importantly, if the vortex is serving up Faroese Atlantic Salmon in the desert, magic can happen in the real world too.
40in x 40in Acrylic in Canvas • $2100
“Gold Cross”
Being American if feel like I grew up with Christian values but, there are folks I am friends with that really walk HIS life. Those who really study and follow the teachings of Jesus seem to shine from the inside. The peace and serenity I get from my Christian or Catholic friends makes me want to shine like this gold cross.
2023 - 14in x 10in Acrylic on Paper • $1600 framed
“Floating”
Pink tube on Lake Tahoe to mark my body swimming in the lake each morning. So the boats don’t run me over as I do my freezing cold swim each morning. This Summer has been a deep meditation on how females are floating on a sea of deep blue all over our country. I hope they can keep floating too. Watercolor on Paper 9in x 12in • $475 framed
“The Spiritual Axiom”
This is a reminder from the 10th Step of my 12 Step Program. The Spiritual Axiom: “Every time we are disturbed, no matter what the cause, there is something wrong with us.” When I figure out why I am upset, it usually comes back to a choice that I have made that I now regret. This is a visual reminder that I am the only one in charge of my happiness. I am the only one in charge of my peace. I choose to be upset or not. This is the spiritual axiom. It’s a concept for the spiritually grown up. And I am just a grade schooler.
18in x 24in Watercolor on Paper • $1500 framed
“Miracles in the Mundane”
Golden moments are tucked into the rhythm of our rushed lives. A humming bird in my window while folding laundry. A penny on the cold sidewalk. A friend I was thinking about in the shower calling me out of the blue. Trying to concentrate on one thing at a time allows me to notice the overlooked miracles. The miracles in the mundane start to shine frequently and without end. Then the mundane starts to get exciting. This feels like a breakthrough.
10in x 14in Watercolor on Paper • $650 framed
“Twin Hearts”
Some might call them your soulmate or spiritual partner. Maybe they are a best friend, sibling, partner or lover. They know the good and the ugly and stay by you. You are lucky. They can be hard to find. These teachers push buttons but, also, catch us when we fall short. Just like a tree, you need wind to strengthen your roots. The twin hearts need each other to grow.
16in x 12in • Watercolor on Paper • Framed $425
“Lights Across The Lake”
In the darkness water laps on the shore bringing laughter from the other side. The Tahoe moon watching over boats bobbing on their mooring lines. Like fireflies, the lights across the lake dance in the atmosphere while I dream of tomorrow’s adventures. (Moon & lights might glow in the dark.)
8in x 10in • Oil on Canvas • $525
“Windward”
Growing up boating was just part of our life. My dad would have us wash the boat, wax it and we would take it out on the weekends. Sometimes we would go to Tiburon for lunch. Sometimes we would go to The Delta to waterski and putter around. And every summer we would go to Tahoe. I made a promise to myself this year that I would learn to boat the Sacramento River and beyond. Always dealing with health issues in my home, I have never allowed myself to pull the trigger. Already certified by the State, my lessons start this week as I take the helm of a Chaparrel 21 Ski & Fish OB with my instructor. Ready to learn, I push off into the wind.
Watercolor on Paper 16in x 12in • $650
“Wildfire Light”
As with every harsh emotion, I asked, “Why?” Why do these wildfires need to choke us with the smoke? Why do we need to evacuate from our favorite places in the mountains? Once in safety, I can step out of fear and see what is happening. The world is cleaning itself. We are the ones that are being reminded, again, that we are just a small part of the bigger picture. Mother Nature doesn’t care if camps are canceled and it’s too smoky to swim. Watch it burn, she says, it will come back better.
2022 - 12”x9” Watercolor on Paper - $450
“Slow Down and Look”
Growing up in the hills of the East Bay I would wait for the fog to burn off before we warmed up on the playground or got to swim in the community pool in Berkeley or El Cerrito. I used to hate it. Like a freezing cold blanket dampening my play or making me wear a coat over a new dress. But, after moving to Sacramento as an adult, we have tule fog that lingers in the morning too and, unlike my childhood. I love how it lingers around the rivers. The lower visibility and the possibility of being in a twenty car pile up on the Yolo Causeway makes everyone slow down and pace themselves. Especially during the holiday months. I welcome the 20 mile an hour pace as I hurry here and there for shopping and last minute pick ups. The fog feels like natures way of hugging us busy humans and reminding us to slow down and look.
2021 - 16”x12” Watercolor on Paper - $650
“The Grove”
The deer were eating out of our hands and the light was low in Nara, Japan. I snapped a photo of the grove of trees before we hopped on a train back to Kyoto. Later, looking for the photo, I thought about it... five trees standing alone. The five of us siblings, still standing together in this moment in time. There would only be one more month before the first of us fell. Our grove changed forever.
40in x 60in Acrylic in Canvas • $2300
“She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain”
She’ll be coming ‘round the mountain when she comes (yee-haw) She’ll be coming ‘round the mountain when she comes (yee-haw) She’ll be coming ‘round the mountain She’ll be coming ‘round the mountain She’ll be coming ‘round the mountain when she comes (yee-haw) She’ll be ridin’ six white horses when she comes (whoa back) She’ll be ridin’ six white horses when she comes (whoa back) She’ll be ridin’ six white horses She’ll be ridin’ six white horses She’ll be ridin’ six white horses when she comes (Whoa back) (Yee-haw)
• SONGS WITH MY DAD •
30in x 22in Watercolor on Paper - $1400
“I Don’t Suffer Fools”
One day we were in my Gram’s art studio working on our latest paintings and solving the world’s problems. She could see me struggling with someone and for the 100th time in my life remind me that her peace came from the fact that, “I don’t suffer fools. And you shouldn’t either.” As we cleaned our brushes in the hot water and Ivory soap, the paint going down the drain I felt her wisdom settle in. I needed to move on for my own peace. Taking off her plastic gloves she set them on the sink to dry. She put on her bracelet and took my hand to go to the kitchen for tea and a meringue.
20in x 20in • Acrylic on Canvas - $750
“Don’t Use Black Paint (out of a tube)”
I can pretty much tell you that anything I learned about color science came from my Gram. She would teach me and all her other students how to mix red, yellow and blue together to make our palette. She would always tell me that black from a tube would kill anything it touched. We could mix black only from primary colors. It was a yucky muddy black. When I was charged with cleaning out her art studio, I found a used tube of black oil paint with her name on it. I asked her about it on the phone to memory care. She said, “It’s fun to break the rules sometimes” with a giggle. 20in x 20in • Acrylic on Canvas - $750
“One Day”
When I was one my Gram would give me her gold bracelet to chew on. She whispered in my ear, “This will be yours one day.” Other than sleeping, golfing or painting my Gram never took it off. My grandfather had given it to her in the 1960s. The artist was a wild red head in Berkeley. Alice Shannon would also make my parent’s wedding rings and many other important pieces my family would pull out on special occasions. When I turned forty, my Gram couldn’t come to my party because of her health. She told me, “I have something for you that you will love everyday.” And when I turned forty and one day, she gave me her beautiful bracelet.
20in x 20in • Acrylic on Canvas - $750
“The Rain to Heal Us”
Storm clouds. Heat of the Earth. Flowers waving. Ocean bashing against the sand. The rain falls and we are renewed. It comes from the ocean and falls from the sky. We are in the center of the circle. Here comes the rain to heal us. - 12in x 9in Watercolor on Paper - $425
“Ignorance is Bliss”
It seems I was living in bliss much longer than the average child of donation. My new half brother knew as a child. He didn’t seem better for knowing sooner. He just had the strange knowledge longer. The Doner Sibling Registry was filled with palpable desperation of others looking for unknown family. Because I was born to a loving Spiritual Father my searching doesn’t feel necessary, only interesting. 30in x 24in Oil on Canvas - $1200 (Part of “He’s Not Your Father” Solo Show 2022)
“Proud”
Someone I have loved dearly for many years came out to me this year. There was so much emotion and joy in that moment of trust and sharing. I wonder is there anything more joyful than a person living their truth and feeling safe while they do? I doubt it. We should all be a safe place for the truth to be told.
12”x9" Watercolor on Paper - $625 framed
“Shattering Expectations”
They didn’t know what I was capable of. They forgot about me. I forgot about me. One day I rose up with shaking legs and blurry eyes and said, “This is the day.”
Building my dreams. Day by day I worked. I didn’t ignore my inner voice anymore. And, in turn, they didn’t ignore me anymore. I look at all that I have done and I know what I am capable of. That is all that matters. 22”x30” Watercolor on Paper - $1200 framed
“The Peace Between”
Will I be able to stay on the right and golden path? The seven sins are so delightful. Ready to lure me in. Is it Pride or “Instagram?” Greed or “Toilet Paper?” Lust or “Regé-Jean Page?” Envy or “J Lo?” Gluttony or “Peanut Butter Pretzels?” Wrath or “Brett Kavanaugh?” Sloth or “Netflix?” There seems to be peace between the straight line of righteousness and diving into all the sins within reach. Peace be with me.
30”x22” Watercolor on Paper - $1200 framed
“Lunch with Michael”
Michael was our guide in the Daintree Rainforest. Being Aboriginal, he grew up with this land as his playmate, medicine cabinet and teacher. He took us from beach to forest to river to field and told us the stories his elders told him as a boy. We sat in wonder as he prepared our lunch under the trees holding sleeping bats. Cutting each piece of Dragon and Passion Fruit, his rough hands gracefully placing each before us like precious stones glimmering in the sun.
20'“x14” Watercolor on Paper - $850 framed
“Sweet Satisfaction”
Checking into our darling hotel in Sydney, my 7-year-old daughter squealed with delight. The lobby had a HUGE table filled with confections. Jars of this and bowls of that Everything a child would want to see or taste. When the bellman told her she could have as much as she wanted, her eyes met mine asking for permission. It gave me sweet satisfaction to nod my head, yes. 20”x14” Watercolor on Paper - $750 framed
“Playing Footsie”
Don’t touch me with those hands or lips. This invisible bug sets the rules like the teacher in sex ed hoping we wouldn’t. Let’s be kids again and feel toes against toes. Before we knew where all the hidden freckles were. Tickling and squirming and squealing. Happy slow days. Feelings unfelt for years. 16”x12" Watercolor on Paper - $675 framed
“Santa Maria”
After we ate too many churros to count, we walked to Almudena Cathedral in Madrid (Santa María la Real de La Almudena). A modern cathedral by European standards. Although construction began in 1879, it wasn’t actually consecrated until 1993 because of delays in construction caused by things like the Spanish Civil War. As such, the exterior is traditional Gothic, but the interior is very modern. The late afternoon light filling the space was so spiritual. Sun hitting the main stained glass over the main alter. “Sweet Mother of God,” just popped out. 20”x14” Watercolor on Paper - $650 framed
“Counting Pills”
After my husband had an epic hospital stay, he was sent home with meds. So many that the discharging doctor told me that I needed to be in charge of them all. Fair enough. There was counting, recounting, chopping and sorting. Distributing and restocking. Script filling and transporting. It was a full-time job and I was bad at it. After two months things started to slip. I buckled under the pressure and turned into Nurse Ratchet. I quit. Count your own damn pills. 36”x24” Acrylic on Linen - $950
“Priorities”
I was having a quick lunch with my mom at IKEA, because she is forever redecorating. She has spent hours contemplating building designs, color choices & fabrics. Watching her gave me confidence making design choices on the fly as an art director. But staying home with the kids and not working, I started obsessing over making my home newer and better. It was so important to my mom, therefore, it should be important to me. But when is enough enough? When does it become an addiction and a sieve for money that could be spent somewhere else? Like Sweden? So, I started saving for Stockholm. Deciding against the items in my blue bag. 36”x48” Oil on Canvas - $2100
“Not Fortnite”
That’s what I told my son he was doing on our way to London for two weeks. He took it like a champ. Watercolor on Paper 14”x20 - $225 framed
“Covering White Lies”
How did I get myself into this mess? Telling a white lie to get out of school duty. Exaggerating to make a story better. Telling someone that their behavior doesn’t bother you when it does, to the core. Why am I lying? Even a little bit? When the lie cannot be covered up any more, it becomes bad for all involved. Red hot and much worse than just telling the truth at the start. 22” x 30” Watercolor on Paper - $1100 framed