A while ago, I was contacted to participate in a promotional video for Santa Barbara tourism. They wanted a painter to “pose/paint” in a beautiful setting. I think the advertising idea was to “paint” a picture of this artistic lifestyle that we all lead, by living in Santa Barbara. Or maybe, it was to reflect our demographics (we are a town that is heavily populated by artists!) Either way, it was a fun project. However, I had to laugh. I think they would have liked it better if I had been barefoot and wearing a long flowing white skirt. They ended up giving me some “props” (no beret, thank goodness)! Little did they realize most plein air painters look like homeless people. We are dressed in our paint spattered gear, trying to stay out of the sun, and are usually hunched over in intense focus, trying to “get it all down” before the sun shifts. In other words, it is NOT glamorous!

Any way, it was a fun afternoon, with a drone, and a sunset. And I do think living in Santa Barbara, and being an artist is pretty awesome. Enjoy the irony👩‍🎨 and sign up for my newsletter so you can join the fun.

Labor Day is our yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. I am so grateful to all the people who are so hardworking, especially during this pandemic. I hope your holiday is filled with sunshine and gratitude.

Thanks to all of you who have seen my show or sent me well wishes and kudos. The Califia exhibit is up until September 21st. Stop by for a visit. Sullivan Goss is open seven days a week!

Bloomin’ Senorita, oil and cold wax on canvas, 30x30”

The River’s Journey project led me to the flower fields of Lompoc where once again I found my Califia muse.

We were greeted by a crew of women yelling "gritos" while blasting Mexican Folk music. It brought to mind the history of the many women who had traveled and worked in the fields of California.