My first go at a snow painting (if you don't count one Sorolla study).
This is largely imagined, too, since there's no snow near me (tears). Based off my "Summer Sounds" painting from last year, wondering what it would look like blanketed in sherbet sunrise powder. Here are the two of them.
Blurred Lines
Out Back
When you’re young, there are things in life you take as a given. Because, what reason would you have to second guess them? As I’ve grown, the one thing I long for with an ache that feels like a part of me is missing, is a garden. (Happily, in my current place we’ve worked hard to set up a mini one, but I still dream of acreage.)
This scene is of the first garden in my life, and I’ll always think of who tended to it, what it taught & provided, and how special it is to have a garden.
After the Rains
“After the Rains” gouache on paper, 2023.
An exercise in letting go. Broke my brain a bit, but for the better (I think).
Old Into New
From a time I went out hiking Mission Trails a few years back.
The colors & textures of this field - strewn with decaying logs and fresh sprigs of grass - is a reminder this time of year always brings. Let things change.
Rhythms
“Rhythms” acrylic on clayboard panel, ©2023, all rights reserved.
Vintage architecture being a (lot a) bit of an obsession of mine, it was inevitable I fell into a series focusing on all the magical details. The rhythm of Midcentury Modern roof-lines have my current attention.
I orient my paintings to be a blending of memory and mood rather than a straightforward recording of reality - for me, this one satisfies both so well. I’ll never forget the vibe of this space now that I have it painted exactly as it feels.
Sunset at the Cove
“Sunset at the Cove” acrylic on clayboard.
I have a crush on this place. Expect to see more of it.
Laugh or You'll Go Crazy
Though really, why not do both.
Ten points if you can name who belongs to this rarest of smiles.
Catchup
A few new things. A really fun commission and an idea I’ve had in my head for ages.
Note: permission to use these bookplates are exclusively given to the person (people) they were designed for. As the artist I retain all rights to this original design, they’re not authorized to be distributed, copied in any way, or used in any way other than expressly permitted to the recipient for marking out their personal library books.
Hi Hello
Back from disappearing for a bit.
Fell in love with the simplicity of a no. 2 pencil recently.
Is there anything greater than Toulouse Lautrec?
I didn’t think so before I did this study and I’m more convinced after.
Pages in my sketchbook - two color studies playing around with palettes I don’t naturally gravitate to and this study of ‘At The Moulin Rouge’ circa 1895.
Lautrec has made a solid case for bringing black onto my palette.
Tucked Away
Oil on panel, 2021. Lauren Elyse S.
Balboa Park has a lot of little secrets, but one of my absolute favorites is this lion fountain that you have to wander a bit to find.
Playing Catch-up
A recent one from Balboa Park, I was chased out by a thunderstorm - the thrills of plein air.
Sketchbook Dump
Just a few pages of my current sketchbook as I practice & plan for more plein air sessions.
On A Cliff's Edge
“Cove at Midday” Lauren Elyse S, 2021. Oils on clayboard.
Literally. Finally got out to plein air with my new, lightweight set up yesterday. Could’ve done without the sand wasps about my ankles.
Am Wandering
My love affair with wandering and this cove continues. A few drawings and a painting from today.
Noir
Another custom Ex Libris design, this one for a rad bar owner in LA. There’s so much personal meaning and messages coded into it, it was a real thrill to work out.
Note: permission to use bookplates are exclusively given to the person / people they were designed for. As the artist I retain all rights to these original designs, they’re not authorized to be distributed, copied in any way, or used in any way other than expressly permitted to the recipient for marking out their personal library books.
Far Out
A recent custom Ex Libris tailored to a love of sci-fi, space, and music. Midcentury vibes took hold.
Note: permission to use bookplates are exclusively given to the person / people they were designed for. As the artist I retain all rights to these original designs, they’re not authorized to be distributed, copied in any way, or used in any way other than expressly permitted to the recipient for marking out their personal library books.
Sway
If you’ve never seen a Matilija Poppy in person, I highly recommend searching one out and experiencing it. They’re majestic and dreamlike.
If you’d like a custom Ex Libris bookplate designed for yourself or as a gift - message me.
Note: permission to use this bookplate is exclusively given to the person it was designed for. As the artist I retain all rights to this original design, it’s not authorized to be distributed, copied in any way, or used in any way other than expressly permitted to the recipient for marking out their personal library books.
Sorolla's Alcazar
It feels a bit cliché to have Sorolla as an art hero, but he’s earned that status about twenty-three thousand times over and all you need to do is look at one single piece of his work to understand why.
Digital study of his Rosebush at the Alcazar of Seville.