These paintings are original, one-of-a-kind pieces of art. Each is painted on quality canvas or wood panel and ready to hang or frame. If you are interested in a particular piece and would like additional photos, please email me. And check back frequently, as I'm always creating new work!

Click on the image for details. If a painting is currently on display, it will be noted in the popup.
The location of all places is listed on the Showings page.

• A Place in the Sun
  SOLD
  

  A Place in the Sun 12 x 12 SOLD

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery wrap canvas. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.

  Painted to the music of Stevie Wonder. Titled after his song, "A Place in the Sun", from his 1966 album, Down to Earth.

  'Cause there's a place in the sun where there's hope for ev'ry one,
  where my poor restless heart's gotta run.
  Theres' a place in the sun and before my life is done,
  Got to find me a place in the sun.

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• She's Only Happy in the Sun — SOLD
  

  She's Only Happy in the Sun 12 x 12 SOLD

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery wrap canvas. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.

  Painted to the music of Ben Harper. Titled after his song, "She's Only Happy in the Sun", from his 2003 album, Diamonds on the Inside.

  Did you find what you were after?
  The pain and the laughter brought you to your knees
  But if the sun sets you free, sets you free
  You'll be free indeed, indeed
  She's only happy in the sun

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• Two Shots of Happy
  SOLD
  

  Two Shots of Happy 12 x 12 SOLD

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery wrap canvas. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.

  Painted to the music of U2. Titled after the song, "Two Shots of Happy, One Shot of Sad", which was written as a gift to Frank Sinatra for his 80th birthday and released in 1997.

  Walk together down a dead end street
  Mixing the bitter with the sweet
  Don't try to figure out what we might have had
  Just two shots of happy, one shot of sad

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• I'll Wait For You
  SOLD
  

  I'll Wait For You 12 x 12 SOLD

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery wrap canvas. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.

  This just seemed like a nice place to wait. And I'm not impatient, so I'll always wait.

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• Negroni al Fresco
  $325
  

  Negroni al Fresco 16 x 20 $325

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery wrap canvas. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.

  Campari has been a spirit mainstay in my family for as long as I can remember, so it's nice to see that this familiar 70s Italian aperitif has made such a comeback (In the US, that is. Pretty sure it hasn't gone anywhere in Europe!). Although I wanted to love it as much as my parents did, it took me a while to acquire a taste for it, but I found the way I like it best is in a Negroni...al fresco if possible. Now, if only I could drink one in Italy!

  On display at Teeter

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• Fashionably Late
  $400
  

  Fashionably Late 20 x 20 $400

  Acrylic & oil pastel on 1.5-inch gallery wrap canvas. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.

  I'm never late for appointments or meetings, but I have to admit that over the years I've gotten worse at being on time for everything else! What about you? Are you known as being puctual, always late...or always fashionably late? Whether intentional or unintentional, it sure is a fun way to say LATE.

  On display at Teeter

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• Les Marchands
  $500
  

  Les Marchands 24 x 24 $500

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery wrap canvas. The sides are painted white; it's wired and ready to hang.

  Les Marchands is French for "merchants or shop keepers" and it's also the name of a fabulous wine bar/shop in Santa Barbara. This piece was painted after a weekend there with girlfriends, where we spent an evening at Les Marchands...a perfect blend of good wine and delicious food in a comfortable and inspiring atmosphere.

  On display at Kiko & Sven

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• Tempted
  $140
  

  Tempted 12 x 12 $140

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery wrap canvas. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.

  This sweet little flirty piece was painted while listening to Squeeze. I had a roommate in college that had the Squeeze Singles casette tape stuck in her 1970 VW convertable bug, that we drove all over San Diego in while singing those songs...over and over. "Tempted" was always my favorite, and I love the idea of being tempted by someone or something...because I'm an adventurous "yes girl" at heart.

  On display at Teeter

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• Let's Run Amok
  $375
  

  Let's Run Amok 18 x 24 $375

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch birch wood panel. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.

  It's May. I'm getting restless to travel, wander, see something new this summer. I love the idea of just grabbing a girlfriend and taking off on an adventure without any plans. Wild and free...no plan or agenda...running amok like toddlers or puppies.

  On display at Teeter

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• Social Butterfly
  $375
  

  Social Butterfly 18 x 24 $375

  Acrylic & pencil on 1.5-inch birch wood panel. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.

  I'm a social butterfly, but I haven't always been one. As a young girl, I was extremely shy and quiet. As the years went on, I gathered many good friends and couldn't get enough social time. As an adult, I do cherish my alone time and being home with my family...but I'm in my element when in groups and social situations.

  On display at Teeter

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< < San Diego Love > >

I have wandered, explored, walked, hiked and loved every inch of this beautiful city. Every time I drive around or explore a new place, I am grateful that I get to call San Diego my home. The diversity, the beaches, the cool urban neighborhoods, the hills and mountains...oh, and that minor detail...the weather!!! We're only an hour's drive to the desert and mountains...and a huge bonus for this Mexico lover, just a fifteen minute drive to the Mexico border! I love San Diego, and this collection is my homage to its beauty.

• I'll Be Next to Tower 4 #2
  $120
  

  I'll Be Next to Tower 4 #2 10 x 10 $120

  Acrylic on 1-inch birch wood panel, framed in natural pine.

  I lived in Ocean Beach/Point Loma for many years before moving inland, and just love the diversity of the culture there. We have so many amazing beaches to plop a chair in the sand, but the most accessible (fastest beach to get to from door to sand!) is OB. I don't get as much beach time as I used to, so if I want to whisk the kids to the beach after school or need a quick "beach fix", I head straight to the end of the 8 freeway and set up camp next to Lifeguard Tower 4.

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• Where the City Meets the Sea — SOLD
  

  Where the City Meets the Sea 10 x 10 SOLD

  Acrylic and paper on 1-inch birch wood panel, framed in natural pine.

  There's no question of my love for San Diego. The city, the sea...and endless places to explore. As this piece evolved, the color palette got me thinking...greens and turquoise of the sea, grays and black of the city, and whites and creams to calm the soul. This is my perfect place. This is where I feel comfortable. Not just San Diego, but anywhere that I have the comforts of a city and nature just as close. It's the perfect combination to energize and inspire. This is where you'll always find me.

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• Day at the Races #2
  SOLD
  

  Day at the Races #2 10 x 10 SOLD

  Acrylic on 1-inch birch wood panel, framed in natural pine.

  Just one more thing that makes our city more wonderful is having the Del Mar Racetrack. Even if you aren't a gambler or horse race lover, a day at the races is such an exciting adventure. Whether it's Opening Day hat contest, weekend concerts or simply an afternoon watching and betting on the horses, the racetrack will not disappoint. And even better is the sweet seaside location, "where the surf meets the turf", of Del Mar. All this, with the ocean right there too? Yes, please!

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• Evening Stroll at the Cliffs #2 — $120
  

  Evening Stroll at the Cliffs #2 10 x 10 $120

  Acrylic on 1-inch birch wood panel, framed in natural pine.

  The stretch of coastline along Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma is one of my favorite places in the world. The earthy colors and rugged texture of the cliffs are exquisite and the panoramic ocean views are breathtaking. I seriously can't describe the beauty in this little piece of heaven. Take a stroll along the top of the cliffs or take stairs down to the sand, rocks, tide pools and caves for even more adventures. Absolute heaven.

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• I'll Be Next to Tower 4
  $500
  

  I'll Be Next to Tower 4 24 x 24 $500
  
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.
  
  I lived in Ocean Beach/Point Loma for many years before moving inland, and just love the diversity of the culture there. We have so many amazing beaches to plop a chair in the sand, but the most accessible (fastest beach to get to from door to sand!) is OB. I don't get as much beach time as I used to, so if I want to whisk the kids to the beach after school or need a quick “beach fix”, I head straight to the end of the 8 freeway and set up camp next to Lifeguard Tower 4.

  

  On display at Teeter

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• Find Me Where the City Meets the Sea — $500
  

  Find Me Where the City Meets the Sea 24 x 24 $500
  
  

  Acrylic and tulle fabric on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.
  
  There's no question of my love for San Diego. The city, the sea...and endless places to explore. As this piece evolved, the color palette got me thinking...greens and turquoise of the sea, grays and black of the city, and whites and creams to calm the soul. This is my perfect place. This is where I feel comfortable. Not just San Diego, but anywhere that I have the comforts of a city and nature just as close. It's the perfect combination to energize and inspire. This is where you'll always find me.

  

  On display at MRH Interiors

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• Day at the Races
  SOLD
  

  Day at the Races 24 x 36 SOLD

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.
  
  Just one more thing that makes our city more wonderful is having the Del Mar Racetrack. Even if you aren't a gambler or horse race lover, a day at the races is such an exciting adventure. Whether it's Opening Day hat contest, weekend concerts or simply an afternoon watching and betting on the horses, the racetrack will not disappoint. And even better is the sweet seaside location, “where the surf meets the turf”, of Del Mar. All this, with the ocean right there too? Yes, please!

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• Evening Stroll at the Cliffs
  $700
  

  Evening Stroll at the Cliffs 24 x 36 $700
  
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.
  
  The stretch of coastline along Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma is one of my favorite places in the world. The earthy colors and rugged texture of the cliffs are exquisite and the panoramic ocean views are breathtaking. I seriously can't describe the beauty in this little piece of heaven. Take a stroll along the top of the cliffs or take stairs down to the sand, rocks, tide pools and caves for even more adventures. Absolute heaven.

  

  On display at MRH Interiors

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• Meet Me at the Del
  SOLD
  

  Meet Me at the Del 12 x 16 SOLD

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.
  
  The Hotel Del Coronado, or “The Del” as locals refer to it, is the star of the show on Coronado Island. This famous hotel is magestic in its appearance and has a history to match. When out-of-town visitors stay there, I always jump at the chance to meet them for a cocktail on their patio overlooking the white sand beach. During the wintertime, they set up an ice-skating rink right on the sand, and we never miss an opportunity to ice skate with the ocean right next to us. Summer beach days? You can't beat the beach and waves right in front of the Del! When I drive over the long span of the Coronado Bridge, all my worries seem to melt away...and whether I'm meeting someone at the Del or exploring the island, I know it's going to be a good day.

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• Cabrillo Hidden Cave
  SOLD
  

  Cabrillo Hidden Cave 12 x 12 SOLD
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.
  
  So it's not really a cave, but it is pretty hidden...unless you know the area. Cabrillo National Monument is at the tip of Point Loma, and definitely worth a visit, but if you like to go off the beaten path (yes!) then this is worth the trek. It's supposed to be “secret” so I'll keep it at that. But I will say it's absolutely breathtaking and as an artist, I so appreciate the texture of the cliffs, the natural colors I love so much and the pure awe that you feel when standing amidst its beauty. This piece is a tribute to this magical place of wonder.

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• Headed for the Border
  SOLD
  

  Headed for the Border 12 x 12 SOLD

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.
  
  What's one of the best things about San Diego? Mexico! I'm a Mexico lover and so thankful for my proximity to a country that makes my heart so happy. I've been traveling all over the beautiful country since I was a young child, and these travels have ranged from our family timeshare, high-end resorts, quaint B and B's, small beach shacks, camping and homes of families that "took me in"...to helping children and families in the poorest of neighborhoods and towns. Whatever the experience, wherever I am, I am loving it. And when I'm headed for the border, I have a sense of adventure and happiness knowing great moments are ahead.

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• Let's Spend the Day in TJ
  SOLD
  

  Let's Spend the Day in TJ 12 x 12 SOLD
  
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.
  
  TJ, local slang for Tijuana, is a bustling city of diversity. If you aren't afraid of driving over the border to this colorful place, you will experience vibrant culture & arts, amazing food, native music, great open markets, the best tacos, excellent shopping, colorful beaches and adventures around each corner...to name a few of my favorite things. I can spend a day indulging in Tijuana, and be back in time to pick up my kids from school. How perfect is THAT?!

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• Sunset at Broken Hill
  SOLD
  

  Sunset at Broken Hill 36 x 48 SOLD
  
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.
  
  Broken Hill is a hiking loop at Torrey Pines State Reserve, where winding trails meet stunning eroded cliffs and the most beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. This is one of my favorite places to hike in San Diego. You are surrounded by wild plant life and our nation's rarest pine tree, the Torrey Pine, as well as breathtaking views of the ocean...then rewarded with a walk on the sand if you decide to trek down the cliffs to the beach. It's always heavenly and watching the sun go down is magical.

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• Cocktails & Airplanes at Mister A's — $800
  

  Cocktails & Airplanes at Mister A's 36 x 36 $800
  
  

  Acrylic and paper on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Colors and images continue around each side; it's wired and ready to hang.
  
  Every year, my husband and I snag a table on the wrap-around patio at Mister A's, and enjoy cocktails and amazing panoramic views one afternoon or early evening around my birthday in June. (And if I'm lucky enough, I go a couple more times during the year with friends or visitors!) There just isn't another place in San Diego where you can see so much of our beautiful city and have front row seats to watch the airplanes cruise into Lindbergh Field. This piece encapsulates the shapes, colors and overall vibe of San Diego's urban landscape, the bay and the sea.

  

  On display at MRH Interiors

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• Bali Hai Mai Tai
  $160
  

  Bali Hai Mai Tai 12 x 16 $160
  
  

  Acrylic and washi tape on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.
  
   There are quite a few classic restaurants in San Diego that have been open for 50+ years, and become landmarks for both locals and tourists. The Bali Hai restaurant on Shelter Island is one of the most popular destinations for their iconic (and super potent) Mai Tai. This world famous drink was created by the original Trader Vic's restaurant in the 40s and the recipe has stayed the same since day one at Bali Hai. The bar even keeps a tally of how many they've served - over two million - and personally I think that's because you simply can't go there without trying one. It's dangerous, but fun...and the perfect way to end a day on the bay!

  

  On display at MRH Interiors

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• Concert by the Bay
  $160
  

  Concert by the Bay 12 x 16 $160
  
  

  Acrylic, washi tape and paper on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.
  
  The San Diego Bay is the center of our city. It's across from the airport, a stone's throw from the ballpark, the boats' passage between downtown and Coronado Island, the gateway to the Pacific Ocean and is the jewel of every downtown viewpoint. Aside from being a year-round water playground, it's also the perfect place to watch a live concert...and pretty much any kind of music too! Two stand out venues that we are so so lucky to have - Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay, which is just down from the Bali Hai on Shelter Island and the San Diego Symphony's Summer Pops on the Bay at the Embarcedero Marina. Music and the sea...swoon!

  

  On display at MRH Interiors

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• Just Waiting, at Scripps Pier
  $140
  

  Just Waiting, at Scripps Pier 12 x 12 $140
  
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch birch wood panel. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.
  
  Scripps Pier in La Jolla is one of the most photographed places in San Diego. And rightly so. The natural beauty of the ocean and the modern lines of the concrete pier make the perfect combination! Sunrise, sunset and everything in between is simply gorgeous from the vantage point at the sandy shoreline. Even more magnificent is when the sun perfectly aligns with the “window” at the end of the pier...which is a mere two times a year. Photographers travel from near and far to capture that moment, when the orange glow of the sun peeks right through the pier's supports, and blue waves lap in the foreground.

  

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• Wandering El Prado
  SOLD
  

  Wandering El Prado 12 x 12 SOLD

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch birch wood panel. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.
  
  El Prado is the main walkway of Balboa Park, and it is so full of life! I just love wandering around and taking in all the historic architecture, picturesque gardens and museums. There are so many places to sit and drink a coffee, have a picnic, listen to music or just relax and people watch. It's one of my happiest places to spend a couple hours.

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• Little Italy Mercato
  $400
  

  Little Italy Mercato 24 x 20 $400
  
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch birch wood panel. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.
  
  Farmers' markets are just pure heaven for me. Fresh fruits and veggies to sample, gorgeous cut flowers to bring home, delicious foods from local vendors, arts and crafts from local makers, live music...it's all the things I love wrapped into one outing. We have many to choose from in San Diego, but my absolute favorite is the Little Italy Mercato. Because of its location in Little Italy, I always feel like I'm wandering around a foreign city. It's also on a Saturday morning, which is a great way to start the weekend...and the little peeks of the San Diego Bay from certain streets is just the icing on the cake!

  

  On display at Kiko & Sven

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• View From the California Tower — $800
  

  View From the California Tower 36 x 36 $800
  
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Colors and images wrap around the sides; it's wired and ready to hang.
  
  Balboa Park is my happy place. I go at least once a month to hike the trails, wander museums, explore the gardens, listen to concerts, visit an art exhibit, watch a show at one of the theaters...or just relax with a coffee and friend. The architecture is full of history and detail, and one of the most iconic buildings of San Diego is here: The California Tower and Dome at the Museum of Man. Even better, after 80+ years of being closed to the public, the California Tower is open to the public! What a treat to be able to climb those stairs and see San Diego from a unique vantage point. Blankets of green from the parks, silhouettes from the city, the sparkly turquoise ocean and mountains beyond...what a view.

  

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• The Desert Beckons
  $750
  

  The Desert Beckons 30 x 40 $750
  
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Colors and images continue down each side; it's wired and ready to hang. Can be hung vertically or horizontally, and pairs beautifully with next image, "I'm On My Way" as a diptych.
  
  Living by the coast is something I don't take for granted. I love the beach. It's so therapeutic for me to put my feet in the sand, watch and swim the waves and smell that ocean air. And sunsets at the beach? They just never get old. But in San Diego we are just a quick drive to Mexico, the desert and the mountains as well. How lucky, right? I love hot weather and the starkness of desert landscape and design. So just like the frequent pull to the ocean and the urge to drive south to the border, sometimes the desert beckons too.

  

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• I'm On My Way
  $750
  

  I'm On My Way 30 x 40 $750
  
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Colors and images continue down each side; it's wired and ready to hang. Can be hung vertically or horizontally, and pairs beautifully with previous image, "The Desert Beckons" as a diptych.
  
  Although this piece was painted to pair with "The Desert Beckons", it can stand on its own and the title brings about thoughts of a meeting with someone or something. For me, I'm ready to take a quick little trip to the desert, so I'm on my way to the warmth and colorful vibe of Palm Springs, CA. But you could be on your way to even bigger and better things...a vacation afar, a new career, a new relationship, a reunion with family or friends, a path to a different life adventure...but whatever it is, hopefully an exciting encounter!

  

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• Something Wonderful is About to Happen — $800
  

  Something Wonderful is About to Happen 40 x 40 $800
  
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Colors and images continue around each side; it's wired and ready to hang.
  
  I like to live life thinking good things are always coming...but it's even better to believe something wonderful is about to happen. Rather than dwell on the bad, or even the monotony of the everyday, it can put a “pep in your step” if you have something to look forward to. And it doesn't have to relate to yourself only, right? Whether on a small scale (a long overdue phone call or message) or large scale (worldly matters!), simply looking ahead with a positive attitude can change your day, year or life! I think the white lightness in this piece evokes a feeling of peace...contentment.

  

  On display at Art n Soul Gallery

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• Afternoon at Park Guell
  SOLD
  

  Afternoon at Park Guell 36 x 48 SOLD

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Painted white on the sides, wired and ready to hang.
  
  I was flipping through my photo album from Spain, a trip I took with my best friend back in the late 90s, and a flood of memories hit me. We spent several months in Barcelona, and there is so much art there - most prominently, art and architecture from the amazing Antoni Gaudi. One day, we had a free afternoon after teaching and spent the entire afternoon at Park Guell. If you haven't been there, it's the most magnificent place of organic structures, colorful gardens and mosaic wonders. We marveled at the intricate mosaic designs, walked and sat for hours, befriended a Spanish guitarist and simply took it all in. What a perfect day. This piece is inspired by the blue, green, aqua and orange mosaic "dragon" fountain at the park's entrance. A magical symbol of Park Guell.

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• Let It Be
  SOLD
  

  Let It Be 12 x 16 SOLD
  
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Painted white on the sides, wired and ready to hang.
  
  I tend to "overwork" things. My mind doesn't stop, and the ideas keep flowing, and the hands keep working until it's too much. I say this little mantra a lot in my head...let it be...so I stop thinking, wondering, second-guessing, fixing, or controlling...things that should just be left alone. I said this to myself when I got to this point in this painting, so I did. I let it be and let it be what it wanted to...this. I love this color palette - it is deep, yet bright and subtle, yet vivid - like a warm evening, turning brisk.

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• The Start of Something New — SOLD
  

  The Start of Something New 12 x 16 SOLD
  
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Painted white on the sides, wired and ready to hang.
  
  I know many people aren't comfortable with change and newness. I completely understand the reluctance to start something new, but for me it's exciting and necessary to keep moving forward and experiencing different things. It's what drives me...the thrill of not knowing what's in store and leaving it up to fate. I'm at a point in my creative life that I need to keep trying new things to push my career to where I want it to be. I love this.

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• Rocket Through the Wilderness — SOLD
  

  Rocket Through the Wilderness 12 x 16 SOLD
  
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Painted white on the sides, wired and ready to hang.
  
  I wanted to name this painting something with the word "roam" because it really took a lot of twists and turns to get to where it is. I felt like it took me on this journey...like I was roaming the canvas. In fact the color palette completely changed from blues and corals and pinks to greens and turquoise with black accents. I kept thinking of the word "roam", which then made me think of the song by the B-52's, "Roam", so I played it. The lines, "take it hip to hip, rocket through the wilderness" repeat...over and over, and there was my title. Even the arrows scratched into the paint seemed like a rocket, just rockin through the wilderness.

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• Side Hustle
  SOLD
  

  Side Hustle 12 x 16 SOLD
  
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Painted white on the sides, wired and ready to hang.
  
  You know...that thing you do on the side...without quitting your "day job"? That's the side hustle. I'm a big believer in doing what you love and following your curiosities (which I happen to have a LOT of!), so my whole life has been a series of "side hustles". I know it sounds cliche, but life really is too short to stay in a job just for the money, if it doesn't feed your soul and make you happy. Delve into something new, something that piques your interest or something you know you're damn good at...and give it a whirl. It'll make your life more colorful...and you may just find your true passion!

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• The Color of Love
  SOLD
  

  The Color of Love 16 x 20 SOLD

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Painted white on the sides, wired and ready to hang.
  
  I was in a particularly mellow mood when I started painting this one Monday morning. I put on Sade, which I hadn't played or heard in ages, and pushed paint around this canvas for a long time. Mellow mood, mellow songs, mellow color palette...all contributed to this sweet and sultry abstract piece. I switched to a larger piece after about an hour, once I got my rhythm, and this piece was finished the next day...while listening to Sade's "Kiss of Life." Such a sweet song that tells a story of love brought to life...and the sky is the color of love after a kiss. This painting looks like the perfect sky to me.

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• Midnight Stroll
  $350
  

  Midnight Stroll 16 x 20 $350
  
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Painted white on the sides, wired and ready to hang.
  
  Dark, calm, still, peaceful...this piece is like the night. A late night stroll is aimless and unhurried...unlike a daytime walk. For me, the perfect stroll is to the light of a full moon on a warm summer night. Rather than my “morning brain” going through all the things I want to accomplish in my day, my mind is relaxed and restful. I hope that's what you see and feel in this piece of art - calm.

  

  On display at Honeycomb Salon

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• Goin Back to Cali
  $325
  

  Goin Back to Cali 12 x 24 $325
  
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Painted white on the sides, wired and ready to hang.
  
  This piece is soooo California - sun, beach, ocean, happy, warm. This canvas started as one of those pieces I wiped my excess paint on...which always builds some great texture, then I was just messing around with this color palette and the piece quickly emerged in a day. I had heard the song by LL Cool J, Goin Back to Cali, with my kids in the car the previous day, and that darn (awesome) 80s song was just stuck in my head. As I finished this piece, the title was already there, waiting for me to write it on the back of the canvas.

  

  On display at Honeycomb Salon

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• Take Me With You
  $325
  

  Take Me With You 12 x 24 $325
  
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Painted white on the sides, wired and ready to hang.
  
  This was another piece painted just after the death of the iconic musicial artist, Prince, so his music brought life to the art and title. A fourth piece in a series of "colorscapes" that were all titled after songs, this one was inspired by a home I drove by one day...a gray house with a peachy colored front door, black hardware/lighting and lots of lush green foliage in the yard. The color palette stuck with me and made its way to my canvas. As with all my abstract colorscapes, it has many layers of paint that have been moved around so much that they form a thick texture. I often get lost in the colors and overall feel, and it becomes a place I want to be. As a lover of travel, new adventures and an insatiable case of wanderlust, the title was just so appropriate..."take me with you!"

  

  On display at Honeycomb Salon

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• Sun-kissed Day
  SOLD
  

  Sun-kissed Day 12 x 12 SOLD
  
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Colors and images continue down each side; it's wired and ready to hang.
  
  No. 1 of my Cabo vacation mini series. Sunshine makes any day sweeter, but when you watch the sun rise and spread its light over the ocean all day, then set beyond the horizon...it's just pure magic. And because of our crazy busy lives, sometimes it takes a vacation to actually enjoy the warmth and energy the sun brings us. Whether sitting on the beach with the sun warming our skin, watching the ocean glisten from the bright sunshine or reveling in the glow of a perfect sunset, the sun makes everything blissful. Like a perfect kiss. (This piece is infused with metallic copper paint in some spots, which shimmers in the sunlight.)

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• No Agenda
  SOLD
  

  No Agenda 12 x 12 SOLD

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Colors and images continue down each side; it's wired and ready to hang.
  
  No. 2 of my Cabo vacation mini series. I'm a planner. I'm a list maker. I'm a do-er. I have a busy life with a family of five, so my calendar is always full and I like it that way. But one of the most wonderful things about vacation is NOT having an agenda. It forces me to just BE and let my thoughts wander and wonder. Sometimes vacations aren't all about lying around and doing nothing, but when I'm in Cabo I never want to plan anything. I just take the day as it comes. I've seen and done it all so it's a time to relax and recharge. No agenda. (The little dots in this piece are metallic gold, which give an unexpected lustre.)

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• Morning Vibes
  SOLD
  

  Morning Vibes 12 x 12 SOLD

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Colors and images continue down each side; it's wired and ready to hang.
  
  No. 3 of my Cabo vacation mini series. Being woken up by the sound of birds chirping is so heavenly. That's my alarm clock in Cabo. I lie there listening as the sun peeks through the foliage and filters into the room. Even though I'm up early every day at home, one of my favorite things about vacation is not setting an alarm and easing into the day. This means being in my pajamas on the patio with a cup of coffee, some fresh fruit and bread, morning sunshine and little birds hopping around me...waiting for some crumbs to drop.

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• Margaritas on the Beach
  SOLD
  

  Margaritas on the Beach 12 x 12 SOLD

  Acrylic and oil pastel on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Colors and images continue down each side; it's wired and ready to hang.
  
  No. 4 of my Cabo vacation mini series. What is it about a margarita that makes it just taste better when you're drinking it on the beach? It could be on any beach, but a beach in Mexico is even better. The warm sun, sand in my toes, a view of the big, blue ocean, and a refreshing margarita in my hand. This abstract piece is small in size, but big in personality. Its many hues of blue and green, along with pops of colors found on the beach, can transport you right to that carefree moment where water meets land and sand meets beach chair. Cheers to beach days!

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< < Ode to the Road > >

A collection of art that celebrates the joy of road trips through abstract colorscapes and whimsical journeys of color.
Click on each piece to read about my road trip adventures brought to life on canvas.

• Take The Day
  SOLD
  

  Take The Day 10 x 10 SOLD

  Acrylic on gallery canvas, with colors and images wrapped around each side.
  
  A favorite life motto applies to road trips in a big way..."carpe diem, seize the day, live for the moment, embrace the present, take the day and steer it in your OWN direction!" Practice this in daily life and especially when traveling, because it will open doors and bring adventures!

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• Just Passing Through
  SOLD
  

  Just Passing Through 10 x 10 SOLD

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Colors and images are wrapped around the sides and it is wired and ready to hang.
  
  This is one of four smalls I painted for my "Ode to the Road" series. The colors and images in this piece give it a whimsical feel, and the markings elude to movement in one direction. Because as tempting as it may be, you just can't stop in every town on a road trip! Sometimes, you just have to pass through and hope you can stop next time.

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• I Like It Here
  SOLD
  

  I Like It Here 10 x 10 SOLD

  Acrylic on gallery canvas, with colors and images wrapped around the sides.
  
  You know when you arrive in a new town and instantly feel happy and content? You think, "hmmm...I could live here." (But then I quickly remember I live in San Diego, and couldn't handle the weather anywhere else!)

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• Farmers Market
  SOLD
  

  Farmers Market 10 x 10 SOLD

  Acrylic and paper on gallery canvas, with colors and images wrapped around the sides.
  
  One of the first things I try to find when I'm in a new town is a farmers' market. It's the perfect way to meet the locals, sample the best locally fresh food and really feel the culture of the area. Three of my favorite things!

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• Crossing the Border
  SOLD
  

  Crossing the Border 12 x 36 SOLD

  Acrylic on gallery canvas.
  
  It's always fun to cross a state or country border on a road trip. There's a certain excitement about entering a different land, with a different name and sometimes even a different culture or language. Here in San Diego, the words "crossing the border" mean Mexico! This, of course, evokes a multitude of thoughts and emotions...excitement, nervousness, fear, joy, freedom, and ugh...the WAIT. Driving into Mexico always means waiting to come back. But regardless of the wait time, you will be entertained with live music, jugglers and artists; offered everything from churros and helado to a car wash or painting of The Last Supper; and given the opportunity to experience all walks of life, right outside your car door.

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• Detour Ahead
  $500
  

  Detour Ahead 12 x 36 $500
  
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Painted dark grey on sides, wired and ready to hang.
  
  Jurors Choice Winner in the "Essence of Summer" Exhibit at Orange County Creatives in Laguna Beach. July 2015
  
  Detours. On the way to work = total pain. On a road trip = adventure! The little iridescent gold dots signify the detour on this piece, as they make their way around the canvas...leading the eyes on a detour. Subtle arrows point upward on the bottom of the piece, both painted and etched into the paint.

  

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• Are We There Yet?
  SOLD
  

  Are We There Yet? 12 x 36 SOLD

  Acrylic on gallery canvas.
  
  Because I'm pretty sure every one of us can remember asking our parents this as a child. And if you have children of your own, you've surely been asked this question multiple times, because road trips can be any length of time, but the unknown is torture for a kid. This piece is soft and serene, with whites, greys and blues, but as you make your way to the bottom, the colors and patterns become more vibrant and noticeable. And "Are we there yet?" is etched repeatedly into the paint on the bottom corner of the canvas...ust like that familiar question in the car!

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• Let's Wander
  $500
  

  Let's Wander 12 x 36 $500
  
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Painted white on sides, wired and ready to hang.
  
  One of the best things about a road trip? You don't have to follow an itinerary! Leaving room for some chance and spontaneity allows for little surprises along the way. Sometimes, you may stumble upon a charming town, or a pathway along a river, or a roadside art display, or a lookout with magnificent views. These are the true gems on a road trip, so just stop and wander around a bit. Take in this new discovery and take your time in doing so. That's the magic of wandering.

  

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• Wide Open Road
  SOLD
  

  Wide Open Road 20 x 20 SOLD

  Acrylic on 3-inch gallery canvas. Painted dark grey on the sides, wired and ready to hang.
  
  Those long stretches of nothing on a road trip. No signs, no people, no buildings, no ocean...just the road, land...and time to be with my thoughts without distraction. Love this. This piece is rich with texture and the colors blur together seamlessly, just as if staring out the window on a long drive...taking in the scenery.

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• Off the Beaten Path
  SOLD
  

  Off the Beaten Path 20 x 20 SOLD

  Acrylic on 3-inch gallery canvas. Painted white on the sides, wired and ready to hang.
  
  For me, the freedom and unexpectedness of taking a road trip is exhilarating. Long or short, new or familiar, near or far...you just never know what you might discover. It's always about the journey, not the destination. So when there's an opportunity to go "off the beaten path", I'm IN. This piece honors that sheer excitement that occurs when you take that road "less traveled" and see where it leads...which is so very much like painting for me, because I'm always trying something different than the day before. For me, same = boring.

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• Weekend Getaway
  SOLD
  

  Weekend Getaway 24 x 24 SOLD

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas.
  
  To me, there is no better weekend getaway than a road trip. Sure, it's nice to fly off somewhere, but I love exploring and discovering new places and being in the car allows for that. A weekend away is the perfect amount of time to de-stress and recharge for the upcoming week...and escape from the work/projects/laundry calling your name at home! I worked on this piece over several months, and it just felt like a weekend when it was finished. So much texture, color and little surprises along the way...just like a "Weekend Getaway".

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• Finding Sacred Grounds
  SOLD
  

  Finding Sacred Grounds 24 x 24 SOLD

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Painted white on the sides, wired and ready to hang.
  
  When I was growing up, road trips almost always included things like National Parks, cultural attractions, culinary adventures, tent camping..and Indian reservations. I didn't know how lucky we were, but as a parent myself now, I sure do appreciate all the effort and enthusiasm my parents had when it came to educating us while traveling. With a little Native American (Chickasaw) blood in my family and a brother who loved all things Indian, we spent our fair share of time watching tribal dances, searching for tipis and totem poles and buying cool moccasins, arrowheads and tomahawks. Not only were we on sacred grounds, but these are sacred memories...and this piece is a reflection of those.

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• Last Minute Trip Up the Coast — $700
  

  Last Minute Trip Up the Coast 40 x 30 $700
  
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Painted dark grey on sides, wired and ready to hang.
  
  As a California native, I've taken many, many road trips up and down the California coastline. It's never boring and always beautiful...even breathtaking in certain spots. Living in San Diego, it's so great that we can jump in the car and take a last minute trip up the coast anywhere in Southern California for a weekend. The feel of this piece is great, as the layers of paint made a thick texture for lots of scratching and etching. It's very easy to get lost in the dreamy color palette...reminiscent of the ocean.

  

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• Five Minutes at the Roadside Stand — SOLD
  

  Five Minutes at the Roadside Stand 30 x 40 SOLD

  Acrylic on gallery canvas.
  
  When I was a kid, we'd beg our parents to stop at the roadside fruit stands on long road trips. Pleeeeease...can we stop! It was always so exciting to see what yummy fruits or other treats we could buy. Now, I always find myself tempted to pull off at those road side stands with my own kids. I really loved how this piece evolved. The colors are so calm on the top, and vibrant on the bottom. There is so much texture, scratches and markings...like the number five, which makes an appearance in a few spots.

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• Route 126
  $900
  

  Route 126 36 x 48 $900
  
  

  Acrylic on 1.5-inch gallery canvas. Painted white on the sides, wired and ready to hang.
  
  CA State Route 126 runs east and west from Highway 101 in Ventura to Santa Clarita at Interstate 5. This route was widened back in the 90s, but was once a rural road that ran between miles of orange groves and avocados trees. Back on my childhood road trips, the many produce stands that lined the road and the smell of oranges lured us off the road to buy fresh fruit and satisfy our cravings. I recently drove this route and it certainly isn't the same as it was years ago, but it's still a lovely farm country laden with century-old orange and avocado trees...and the scent of citrus makes me smile. This piece is my tribute to those beautiful orange groves...miles of green and orange, surrounded by blue skies. Just heaven.

  

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