Sleeping Cat art for Help Japan Challenge DPW

"Dreaming Sweet Dreams" 9x12 inches plus white borders watercolor on paper

This is my painting specifically inspired by the Daily Paintworks's "Help Japan Challenge" Keiko Tanabe's challenge was paint the first thought that comes to you with the theme "home".

I live in Arkansas, but home to me is California. My generic reaction to the word "home" is that it's a place where I can be comfortable to do as I please. Home is sanctuary which is something taken away from thousands of people when the earthquakes and tsunamis hit Japan. When I saw those videos, I wondered how those poor people could convince themselves the world was not ending before their eyes. To most of them, it still must feel as if their world has ended. But they are alive and have to continue to survive and hopefully they will see life blossom again soon despite their loss. This is such a small effort on my part to help them out. But together we can make a difference to one or more people. I have chosen to send all proceeds to American Red Cross. Please click HERE to see my art and other artwork that you might find special enough to bid on and hopefully add to your collection. Thanks so much - Erika

Back from Charles Reid workshop

"Charles Reid en Plein Aire" 9x12 watercolor

Last week I attended a workshop with Charles Reid. The first couple days I worked as model for him and his workshop. I painted this on the 3rd day when I was finally able to participate as a student. It was a great experience and I extensively discussed my take on the week in my blog. Please read more if you're interested http://artbyerika.blogspot.com/

Working the venues

Currently I am preparing for my first one-woman-show in the state I've recently moved into - Northwest Arkansas. It will be at the Fusion Art Center at the famous Bentonville Square in November. I've been contracted to have 25 pieces of various sizes and prices that are no older than 12 months (yikes!). My pieces so far range from the popular ACEO 2.5"x3.5" to 4'x5' acrylic on canvas. It's been a bit challenging to supply works in my Ebay and a co-op gallery I belong to where I work 3x/month. I think it's good to have multiple venues however. In the meantime, I am also offering prints through Ebay.

Shown above is one of my ACEO pieces I've chosen for the show, a watercolor on paper of a (detail) Rembrandt study I've done of one of his self-portraits. Incidentally I've also done a montage of my more favorite watercolors I've painted recently. Click here to view more of my work and hear me sing :)