Welcome Lisa!

A holiday treat - the wonderful Lisa Hoffman, True Colorist, artist extraordinaire and cutting-edge trend spotter will be here visiting for the next couple of days. We've promised her lovely weather (instead of Colorado snow) and an abundance of sea life on a visit to the board walk later this afternoon.

Oh! Those Sassy Shoes!

In between book and paper shopping, fine dining and watching the sea lions in Santa Cruz, Lisa and Margot were doing shoes. A quick trip to Payless netted these Timberland look-a-likes that Lisa decided just had to be aqua. I sat and journaled while they had shoe fun.

Back home in Colorado, Lisa will add a second coat of paint, and has plans for some uber cool laces with red stitching. Talk about "Sassy"!

Out on the Wharf

Two wild and crazy gals

Here we are on the wharf in Santa Cruz being serenaded by dozens of sea lions. We had a blast watching their antics and seeing their adorable whiskery faces. Also spotted some huge jellyfish-fascinating to see.

A trip to Hart's Fabrics and lunch at Taqueria Vallarta were added to our original itinerary - and this entire whirlwind Santa Cruz tour in only 4 hours!

Lisa and friend

Don't touch that dial - on Thursday's blog sneak peaks of Lisa's Sassy new boots!

Hittin' the Street!

Pacific Street, Santa Cruz

After spending yesterday afternoon with Lisa doing all things Sassy and shoes, today we plan to hit Pacific Street here in Santa Cruz. A myriad of cool shops including; Paper Vision and Palace Art & Office Supply for all things artistic and paper! And one of the best independent book stores in the state - Book Shop Santa Cruz.
So after a delicious breakfast at Hoffman's Bakery and Cafe, Margot, Lisa and I will be hittin' the street - Pacific Street that is!

Time with Lisa

Spending some time today and tomorrow with the wonderful Lisa Hoffman up in Santa Cruz. Lots of great food, fun shopping and catching up since we were together a couple of months ago.
Lisa makes periodic trips out here to the coast to breath our sea-level air (a bit of a change from living at the foot of the Rockies!) and revel in the coastal fog. Also a rumour that she will be doing a Sassy Feet consult with my lovely wife Margot.

For Lisa

For Lisa

This is a piece I made for Lisa Hoffman, as a big thank you for having me stay these past several days and also for some very inspiring words she told a group of us at the True Colors Workshop at the ARTbar in Santa Ana, California back in June of 2005. Words that spoke of not comparing your art with everyone else, of not feeling less or inadequate, of being true to yourself, of going into every class and workshop eager and excited, not frightened or apprehensive.

I've carried these words with me over the last five years, in my heart and my head. I know I'm a better artist because of what Lisa said to us at that early morning journal gathering. I've learned so much and my art has grown and flowered in ways that would not have happened had I not heeded her wise words.

So this is a very small way to say "thank you Lisa" - an gift from the heart from an artist that your words helped to create.

Color as Catalyst

artwork by Lynne Perrella

Today I'm on a plane on my way to a Lynne Perrella workshop this weekend at The Artist Nook.
My checked bag is full of art supplies. I have a small carry on with a few clothes, and my purse has my journal, pens, camera and books. But not my laptop. I have blogs scheduled to post while I'm gone and will have all kinds of exciting news when I get back next week. Lynne and I will both be staying at the lovely home of the delightful and talented Lisa Hoffman.
What a week this will be!

Lisa and Lynne -such a deal!

Rusted Roots - Lynne Perrella

Lucky, lucky me! This August I will be attending Lynne Perrella's "Color Catalyst" 2 day workshop! Click on the link for details of this exciting new class. And also check out Lynne's website for more info and a full-sized picture of the work above. And in the current (May/June) issue of Somerset Studio Lynne's article features the white version of this printer's tray piece. She has plans to do one in every color - and who better for that task then the "True Colors" founder herself!

And- I will get to spend time with fabulous artist and e-mail & blog buddy Lisa Hoffman! - since the workshop is being held in her neck of the woods. Counting the days - this is going to be a heck of a lot of fun!