Illustration Friday: Cars

My submission for Illustration Friday's "Cars" is a painting of a gas station and the oldest building in Santa Monica, a Landmark building in fact. If you look at these old tanks you will notice the octane is very high. They serviced all the guys that drove hot-rods that require this high octane gas. I took pictures of the place when it was in this condition and when I finally finished painting it they had refurbished it beautifully with three domed pumps, new paint, and they made it look real spiffy. Then there was a struggle over the property and now it is an office and will probably never be an old-fashioned gas station again. But in my world it will always be this place.

Illustration Friday: signs

My submission for Illustration Friday's "signs" is a painting I made for the Special Children's Art Foundation Auction.The family that put on the benenfit bought this for their daughter Kara. She is a child with special needs and "Real Estate" lives in her bedroom now. I added a quote on the back of the roof that sticks up above the frame and it says: Praise a great estate, but cultivate a small one ~Latin Proverb

Artist Profile: Jessie Lavon

It certainly is my pleasure to write about this wonderful artist, Jessie Lavon. She is a folk artist, a mother, a daughter, a friend and a kindred spirit. I was introduced to her by way of blogs and we have enjoyed a nice rapport. One of the things I value most about her is that she is just like her paintings. Once you see her work and read her blog you will instantly know what I mean! Her art is fashioned from her childhood and lifelong memories of living in the south, replete with visions of picking cotton, fortune tellers, shanty's, voodoo, Spanish moss and many curious and appealing oddities to a West Coast girl like me. When I asked her if I might interview her she replied " I would be happier than a tick on a dog to be interviewed by you, sweet pea". I have never met anyone that talks like that but I have always wanted to and now she is my new friend. I also love the name of her blog and it drew me in completely "Purple Cucumbers". Here is what her blog says:

A Southern Folk Artist: My art is in collections and Museums in the U.S.A, Canada and Europe. It has been written up in International Magazines like RAW VISION and SOUTHERN LADY as well as being shown at the Huntsville Museum along with the art of Grand Ma Moses and Norman Rockwell. I have shown at the Atlanta Folk Fest and at Kentuck with international artists like Lisa Cain, Woddy Long, Jimmy Lee Suddeth. On Sept 23, after the death of my beloved Mother who died in my arms, I said goodbye to a 30 year art career as a folk artist on the art circuit to sell and paint as an independent folk artist. So come and travel the road back to my childhood days where the late afternoon drifts into long shadows and where I paint the memories of my days gone by. My family canning, making moon shine, the chain gang, working in the fields.

Jessie has an AVM and I believe she has endured a lot with operations and medications. She so graciously answered my questions in her southern style.

Valgal: How did you find your style?
Jessie: I created my style with the help of my Mama and my children. I wanted to tell my childhood stories and as I worked on the style, Mama and the kids would suggest colors to use. I didn't create this style until after the coma/brain surgery.

VG: What is your creative process?
J: I surround myself with things of beauty, photos, incense, flowers, fudge, love truffles and find my quiet place and in my heart and mind I return back to the cotton fields. There I can hear the sounds, voices and smells of my childhood. The slamming of the back door, the sound of rain on the tin roof, Mama, Nanny and Aunt Bea's voices and the smell of the kitchen while we were canning etc.

VG: Ho do you market/promote yourself?
J: Since I retired from the art circuit I no longer market but I used to do a lot of networking with other artists, see what galleries they used and contacted them. I used to do at least 30 shows a year. Kentuck, folk fest, etc. and when I wasn't at shows I painted to keep a good supply for the next show. I keep my name out in the newspapers and keep in touch with my states art council who put me in shows, museums and galleries. All artists should contact there state arts council with their bio and portfolio.

VG: Did/Do you have an agent/rep?
J: My Mama was my agent. Now I just enjoy my art and friends.

VG: Do you ever have a creative slump?
J: So far no. As long as I have my memories of childhood I think I can keep it at bay. I thought of giving it up after Mama died but then I realised it was my connection to her and if I retired from the circuit then I COULD ENJOY IT MORE.

VG: What do you do for fun?
J: Garden, blog, work on my books, hunt for trash and treasure to make art, enjoy my children and talk/ visit with other artists.

VG: What is the best part of what you do?
J: Living my childhood dream from age 6 of being an artist and glad Mama lived long enough to see it happen.
VG: Do you have any advice for budding folk artists?
J: NEVER GIVE UP AND ALWAYS BELIEVE IN YOURSELF FOR ART COMES FROM THE HEART. GET IN CONTACT WITH YOUR LOCAL STATES ART COUNCIL. Set aside time to paint every day, network with artists you feel comfortable with, if you get rejected move on to another gallery and STAY AWAY FROM VANITY GALLERIES THEY ARE A SCAM.
VG: Do you want to talk about your illness?
J: Yes darling, Brain AVM's are of special concern because of the damage they cause when they bleed. They are very rare and occur in less than 10% of the general population. Mine occurred while I was 4 months pregnant with my 10th child. I was in a coma for 6 weeks and had a 10 1/2 hour brain surgery. All my memories were lost except for the years from age 10-14, everything else I had to relearn except for my art. That's why my art is so important cause it is a way for me to go home again to a time I so loved.

Jessie Lavon is a rare gem from Alabama. If you want to join her in an old-fashioned porch party than pull up a chair and get prepared to be served delicious ice cold lemonade with berries, some truffles and watermelon and you will be glad you did! Jessie my friend, I'm so glad I found you, Thank You for this interview it was a privilege.

Please click on to Jessie's name to go to her blog.

Illustration Friday: Citrus

My submission for Illustration Friday's "Citrus" is from one of my Marisol greeting cards.Citrus is a common theme in California.When I was a little girl there were rows and rows of citrus trees in Orange County, hence the name.Life was slow and wonderful and you could smell the little white blossoms of the orange groves. This picture reminds me of the many missions I frequented as a child, another thread that runs through this state. In this picture I combined two of the highlights I see in my mind when I think of this sunny clime.

So sorry the painting looks so fuzzy it's behind glass.

mini profile on artist Mark Beam

And now for something completely different! I love all kinds of art. I love thinking about art, talking about it, making it, reading about it and writing about it. I love art that makes me think and smile. I love this piece conceived by artist Mark Beam and printed by the Valgal. Mark generates really wonderful art that makes you laugh, smile and remember. I love that about his work. Long ago these pieces had a base that Mark had molded. They were blue. It made the can more of an art statement. But I always saw these in a kitchen, displayed in rows. It would be great if it was a stark environment with gleaming granite counters and rows & rows of canned smut behind glass and chrome shelves. Or maybe a country kitchen with red and white plaid table cloth fabric and Mom serving up a batch of smut. Maybe I see it this way because I printed these labels in the kitchen of my friend Patti up here in a remote area of Topanga. She was out of town and said I could use her place. I had a kick stand on the silkscreen so I didn't require assistance and I printed these babies out in a couple of hours. It was not the most complicated job but when you print something that is recognizable it must be clear, clean and legible to the naked eye so you need to keep the screen real clean. Especially since Mark included a bar code and a nutritional breakdown in a very small text. I remember that we had a discussion about whether to keep the deckled edge on the paper which I loved and felt kept it in an artsy vein. This is beautiful rag paper with a gorgeous torn edge. The date on this project is 1990, 17 years ago! I think this art is fun, clever and very well done and I loved being a part of it. We made an edition of 20 and Mark signed, dated and numbered each one.

Please click on image to view larger.

Illustration Friday: Neighbor

My submission for Illustration Friday's "Neighbor" is one of my signature "Houscapes". My neighbor Michael came to me and asked if I could paint a portrait of Decker his dog. Of course I said yes and mentioned that I paint houses and suggested that it would be great if I could pose Decker in front of his rustic shed (I look at this shed every day and have been longing to paint it). The dog posed happily as if he knew he would be immortalized and idolized for years to come.

Illustration Friday: Remember

My submission for Illustration Friday's "Remember" is from a tea package I made for a tea company called "Three Tea and Tonic". I did a night version and a day version but they chose the night version so this was never used. I will always remember the beauty of Topanga in the spring.

The delay in my post is due to my not having Internet access since Thursday evening. There is something wrong with my dsl. I hope to be back online tomorrow so if you have written to me I will get to you soon. I'm at my neighbors for a limited posting as I have never missed IF yet!

Special Children's Art Foundation Auction

Top Center: Front patio at The Geffen PlayHouse BelowCenter: Model of the Theatre complex

Right: T.P. Mullen and one of his amazing creations /Left: Mark Beam and a few of his pieces. Center a musical interlude of original and classic jazz compositions on the front patio by the Matt K Quartet. The interior of the theatre (they don't allow cameras during the show) I snuck in before to take this picture but it does not do the room justice. Bottom left: Partial exterior view of the front of the building.

Monday night I participated in an auction to benefit the Special Children's Art Foundation. This was an evening filled with art and music at the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood and it was a treat to attend. The theatre is a gift to the public by David Geffen. The building is a landmark from 1929 and it is a beauty! I took a few pictures of this space so you can see it but I also took a shot of the architectural model in the lobby to show how it looks all around. It seems to me that if you are a well to do philanthropist that wants to bring culture to your community a playhouse would be an amazing gem that brings people together to experience the joy of live theatre, music, art , etc. My friend artist Mark Beam and his friend, artist T. P. Mullen showcased their fun and eclectic art and the valgal created a piece just for the auction. Two legendary Disney artists Frank Armitage and Walt Peregoy were featured as well as photographs by Dennis Hopper and Jasper Johal and jewelery by artist Barbara Markoe. Marc Kolodziejczyk and wife, Priscilla Giraldo are parents of a special needs child and their family put together this event and they did a splendid job! My husband John Hartmann was the MC for the night and he was lively and funny and I can't forget to mention he was voted Professor of the Year at Loyola Marymount University a few days earlier so he was still flying high from the award. Musician Jennifer Jester put on the program "A Gypsy Brass Extravaganza Out of This World". It was unique and featured her signature Euphonium and was accompanied by a 20 piece brass orchestra. The music was a rare treat. The night made it possible for the foundation to create more projects to brighten the lives of children in the future.

Please click on images to view larger and click on to links to view artists sites and for Special Childrens Art Foundation.

Illustration Friday: Polar

My submission for Illustration Friday's "Polar" is from some stationary that I made for Marisol. It was created to encourage children to write more letters, especially "Thank You" letters to family, friends and even strangers for their kindness. They sold through the PTA and it was a worthy idea and project. Printed on recycled paper with a matching envelope they can be used with your printer as well, so there is no excuse for not thanking someone. We did another set with Thank You written in every language and of course I did buildings from around the world. I'm sure I will post it in the future. The image shows that a house is a gift . Happy Illustration Friday!

Art Show Opening: Marion Peck

I have been working so hard I needed to get out of the studio so John and I attended the "Soft Paintings for Gentle People" opening last night at the Billy Shire Fine Art Gallery. John will always go up to the artist and ask if they would like to pose for a picture and Marion Peck was gracious and sweet. I asked her if she would stand in front of her most amazing painting "Young Lord Oliver" and she walked to it and suddenly 20 cameras started flashing. It was fantastic and she smiled beautifully. What an amazing painter! I talked to one of her friends, he purchased "Ducky" (the one I love) and he told us the show sold out the day before the opening. Not one painting was available! I can see why as her art is truly inspired. She frames each one creating an elaborate masterpiece, some you view through convex glass, some resin. There was a room curtained off for "Sweet Dreams" a collaboration between Marion and Mark Ryden. It is a big hurdy-gurdy type piece that you view through 2 lenses on the front and inside is a movie going on with full sound and beautiful colour. But the thing I loved most about it was the little theatre they built inside with real lights in the mini chandeliers and sconces. The audience was filled with little people decked out in their finery. You're watching the film along with them, slightly above them and it is magical and nostalgic. Popcorn was served from a cart while you stood on line in anticipation, all the little girls giggling and we LOVED it!

please click on images to view larger

Illustration Friday: Fortune

My submission for Illustration Friday's "Fortune" is from a painting called "The Fortune Teller's Cottage". I painted this because Topanga is filled with gypsy's, physics, story tellers and the like. I do not like my fortune told but I am drawn to the characters that occupy these places in life. You never no what will happen when you enter the Fortune Tellers Cottage but if you want to get lucky the MatchMaker lives right next door!

copyright 1995 Valerie Walsh

Illustration Friday: Green

My submission for Illustration Friday's "Green" is from my 2001 HomeMade calendar and the title is "House Boat". I have shown Green House here so I thought this would do for the theme. This was for the month of June and the quote is: The lovely cottage in the guardian nook... with its own dear brook, It's own pasture, almost its own sky. ~Wordsworth

coppyright 2001 valerie walsh

Artist Profile: Peter Lodato

Another artist profile in my series of artists that I have worked with.

I really enjoyed working with the artist Peter Lodato. I felt a natural ease with him and I attribute it to him being a native Californian. It would usually take us at least a month to make a print for an artist. When you factor in all the components it is at least a month! When you make a fine art print you must proof it first. So we would print the art on just a few pieces of paper and once the artist approves and makes changes that are to his or her satisfaction we begin the process all over again on over 100 sheets of paper. So you know the art intimately by the time you are finished. Most of the time you are happy to be done and you need to not look at it for a while. I didn't feel that way with "Red Room". I love this print! This is a typical silkscreen print and by that I mean it is flat planes of colour that are combined with blends (the blending of two or more inks to create blended skies, etc.) I mixed all the colours on this and I love his colours very much. This is just a feel good piece of art to me and I would hang it in my house if I had the wall space and colour scheme to match. He is a very nice artist and easy to work with and for. I can't stress enough how working at Wasserman Silk Screen changed me as a person and artist and how I feel privileged that I got to work with all of these people in the late 80's early 90's. It was a fun time in LA when people loved to buy hand printed art.

My pix look weird because most of these prints are huge and it's hard for me to photograph them. I laid it on the floor as it would be hard to attach it to the wall without harming the print. Please click on Peter's name and native Californian to read about this amazing artist.

Illustration Friday: Snap

My submission for Illustration Friday's "Snap" is from a painting I made my sister for her birthday. The cold snap prolonged the ski season another week. For dd it was the perfect dream!

valerie walsh 2007

Artist profile/ Lois Keller

I had a whirlwind couple of weekends! Normally I am a reclusive artist who rarely leaves Topanga but my social calendar has been packed with fun activities and exciting people. I have to start my series of posts with an artist profile on Lois Keller. Lois is the cutest and most charming of artists you could want to meet. She has a smile that would light up anybodies heart and she is downright beautiful. These qualities seep into her artwork and create a body of work that glows. I have been blogging with her for a year and a half and we have tried to hook up a couple times without success so when she contacted me personally to come to her show at Aroma in Studio City I didn't hesitate. It was a blast! Aroma is the most charming coffee house I think I have ever seen and the whole vibe on Tujunga in Studio City is appealing and like an old-fashioned neighborhood. I love her paintings that feature oranges because it reminds me of how California used to be, all orange groves, sunny and citrusy. Her poster for the Metro is awesome and her drawings using pastels on thick handmade paper are delectable. Her style incorporates a sense of whimsy with much movement, glorius colour, female spirit and I totally dig it! You can view more of her art here and here.

Illustration Friday: I Spy...

My submission for Illustration Friday's "I Spy..." is from my 2003 HomeMade calendar and the title is "Open House but I originally titled it "Fun House". This was for the month of January and the quote is: A small house well filled is better than an empty palace. I chose this image because it reminds me of the I Spy... books by Jean Marzollo. I spy with my little eye somthing red that grows in your garden, a 4 leaf clover, a heart and a diamond. She even wrote an I Spy book called Fun House!

I also reworked this image for a holiday card here.

copyright 2003 Valerie Walsh

Jerry Wayne Downs

I have been wanting to write some posts about artists that I have worked with in the past and I keep getting deadlines which makes it difficult for me to think about writing. This year I wanted to dedicate a post every other week for a while to some of the more interesting and unique artists that I have had the pleasure of working with and for. Today I am featuring the art work of Jerry Wayne Downs. This is truly an amazing print, not just the subject but the print itself is astounding! That is due to Jeff Wasserman the master printer. Jeff has to channel the artist to paint and see the way the artist sees to totally capture the artists vision. Jeff paints on mylar so that every line and brushstroke is exactly as the artist dictates through the original. Then he exposes the emulsified screen with the mylar separations in a vacumn table to a high powered light. The screens are then washed out and the emulsion washes out of the areas that have been painted on the mylar. I only printed on this one piece for Jerry but the image is so special and impactful that I wanted to share it with all of you. One great thing about being a printmaker for well known and special artists is that you receive a printers proof as part of your pay so my collection of prints is vast, unique and wonderful and I hope to share more with you in the future.

I included 2 views because it is such a large print I couldn't capture the whole thing in one shot. The 1st view is a wider view and the 2nd is more of a closeup view.