The Big Wall

This past week, I was one of 15 artists to be selected to paint in the 2nd annual street art festival, “Colfax Canvas”. Seven locations within the arts district of Aurora, CO were primed to be beautified by committee-formed teams of artist collaborators.

I was given a wonky 28’ X 26’ wall, which included a huge garage door, and was paired up with a painter from Montana. Because of the style of each of our work, it was natural that I paint a figure and she the landscape. 

After a long week of hashing out the design, creating my work, minimizing and matching colors and preparing my methods, the painting began on August 31st. Less than a week later, the piece was complete. As my very first big wall, the task was daunting, wrought with challenges and rich with lessons. Hence, the results are oh so satisfying!

Although I didn’t tell you about this soon enough for you to attend the festivities, you can still drive by and check it out at:

1540 Florence St
Aurora, CO 80010

Now Showing

Two of my recent paintings are currently on display at The People’s Building gallery, alongside works by other Colfax Canvas muralists. Unlike my big wall, just across the street, my oil paintings Begin Again and Impenetrable Princess will only be there through Saturday, September 11th. So, don't delay if you want to check them out, in person.

While you’re there, I'd like to recommend the little known goodness of Jubilee Coffee,  Mango House international food hall for lunch or dinner, Third Culture for dessert and Lady Justice for a brewski.

Santa Fe Studies

If I may say so, I’m pretty good at finishing a painting. I just love blending that final layer, and honing in on any little detail I choose to. However, starting them right is hard for me. I tend to rush a bit… maybe because I like that later part so much! To help remedy this, I couldn’t be more excited to be packing my bags to head to Santa Fe, NM for 6 weeks to learn from Master Painter, Tony Ryder.

We’ll be painting color studies daily, from scratch, but without any of my favorite juicy details… like eyes, lips and noses! Focusing on value, color and mass, will help me improve my skills for the foundational work that makes for more successful finished paintings.

I’ll be free in the evenings if you want to catch up and I'll do my best to share my journey on my Instagram page.