Painting on Everything!

New piece to share! Here's a girl portrait titled "Tattooed Matilda" that's part of my series painted on an old collection of Encyclopedia's that belonged to by grandfather artist Ralph Johnstone. The books are from the 1930's and lovely! But with such obsolete information! So, just loving the color and texture of the books I've decided to re-purpose them - turning them into paintings. As for now I'm just painting the covers, but as time progresses, I'll start adorning the insides as well.

This one is for sale in my Etsy store!

Paintings Come and Go...

Someone asked me the other day if I found it hard to part with my paintings still. Yes - and - No. For me a piece is never truly finished until it finds the right person. Whether it be someone stumbling into a gallery, one of my open studios, a friend that catches it in the making, or my mom not letting it leave the studio - i always feel that the circle of creation has been completed once it finds it's rightful owner. I do feel a bit rushed in with the art-making process these days. And, I do like to have my fresh and new pieces around me for a while. It's nice to just make friends with them for a few days! This is one of those pieces that comes out of my hands, gets framed, and is off to the gallery - then to a client faster than I can even document it! All I have is a snapshot of the piece... I'm going to have to track this baby down.

Oh, and if you have any of my work in your home, can you send me a picture of it hanging in place? I'm putting together a collection of photos of my art in clients places. You can email them to me at cjmetzger@cjmetzger.com. thanks!

A little bit of Golden Sunshine

This piece lifts my spirits. It's a warmer color palate for me - a departure from the my obsession with blues and greens - those deep forest colors i've been using for quite a while. I added gold leaf to embellish her hair. I have a feeling I'll be using alot more of gold leaf. Something about how it catches the light, pops off the surface, makes things look so precious. I can't help but think of Klimt when I layer on that lovely stuff. Sunshine is the color of honey, softer and sweeter, looking to the future with a hopeful expression.

This piece is at the Wonderful World Art Gallery in Culver City, and measures 12"x12". I'll have more work on display there over the next few months so I'll keep you posted.

Also, I'm working hard to make my prints available. I have HUNDREDS of paintings that I've painted (and sold!). Luckily I've been pretty diligent in archiving these pieces! I'm starting to post them on my etsy shoppe. Right now theres only a few pieces, including new original work and prints (including a print of this piece) for only $20. They are web exclusive! Spread the word!

Many of you already have prints of mine, and I'm so grateful and appreciative of your support in my work! So just to say thanks - Send me an email if you have a print of mine - and I'll send you a discount code for 20% off anything in the shop - along with a FREE mini print. It's my way of saying THANKS!