My Little Paint Box

Pear Deconstructed II

2012-01-29T08:59:00.001-08:00

"Pear Deconstructed II" 10.5"x 8" watercolor

I'm not so much into painting fruits and veggies but I had painted a green version of a cut up pear a couple of years ago and really liked the idea so I had to try it again. I may have to try more food items and see if I can't come up with a twist like this.

(It's been said before but the painting is much better than this picture. .. .. for some reason, the darks and nuances aren't translating as well. I'll have to take another photo and see if I can't get a better shot.)

If you'd like to purchase this one, please email me at:

pvlara@sbcglobal.netcut

Kachina

2012-01-22T17:00:00.000-08:00

"Angwusnasomtaqa" 7"x5" watercolor

Just a little "Crow Mother" kachina to start out the new year of painting.

If you'd like to purchase this painting, please contact me at:

pvlara@sbcglobal.net

En La Sombra

2012-01-21T09:06:00.001-08:00

"En La Sombra" 29"x 19"

Back in the days before scans and digital cameras were available, at least to me, I painted this watercolor. Long sold, I wish I had it around to take a new images so you could see the nuances in the shadows. I have to say this was one of my favorites because it was one of the first paintings that I learned how to give life to the cast shadows.

Thanks Giving / Harvest Challenge!

2011-11-22T15:04:00.001-08:00

"Give Thanks" 20 x 15 1/2" watercolor by Jane Freeman

"Mi Abuelita" watercolor by Guy Magallanes

"Acorn Harvest" 8 x 10 1/2" by Pablo

I'm so pleased and honored to be joined by Jane Freeman and Guy Magallanes for this new challenge. I've been long time admires of their work and they continually inspire me. Make sure to visit their blogs and see some pretty incredible work! (just click on their names :0)

It's Acorn gathering season here in California, a staple diet of native people for centuries. So, in honor of a most traditional time, I've painted Acorns and Color.

If you'd like to purchase "Acorn Harvest" Please email me at pvlara@sbcglobal.com

Diablo Hills III

2011-11-11T13:07:00.000-08:00

"Diablo Hills III" 10"x8" oil

Yup, another oily painting. . .thanks to the uh, "encouragement" of some pushy sisters, I'm posting my oils. More to come! :o)

If you'd like to purchase Diablo Hills III, please email me at:

pvlara@sbcglobal.net

Dia de los Muertos

2011-10-31T09:23:00.001-07:00

"Vigilence" by Marcia Molnar

"Day of the (Dead) Drunk" 6"x6" oil by Jelaine Faunce

"Skullz" 13"x17" watercolor by Pablo

My favorite time of year also includes one of my favorite holidays. . . Dia de los Muertos. I'm so honored to have the UBER talented Marcia Molnar and UBER talented Jelaine Faunce (I think uber is French for mega creative and fabulous) join me in the celebration!

I feel like Marcia has exemplified the spirituality and heart of the celebration and Jelaine the humor and irony, I've sprinkled mine with symbolizm and whimsy. Please make sure to visit Marcia and Jelaine's blogs and enjoy their mega talent!

Marcia Molnar

Jelaine Faunce

Halloween Challenge!

2011-10-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

"Trick or Peep!" 8"x10" watercolor by Pablo

"The Usual Suspects" 8"x8" watercolor by Chris Beck

It's Challenge time! The wonderful Chris Beck and I just couldn't pass up a good challenge especially when it deals with whimsy, candy, wonderful artists, candy, a good theme, candy, painting some of our favorite trinkets, candy.. . .

This time there are several artists involved so please take time to visit everyone's blogs and let them/us know what you think of our Halloween Tricks! Chris has a great slide show of all the work. We are joined by :

Janet Belich

Debbie Cannatella

R. Garriott

Jeanette Jobson

Ron Morrison

Diahn Ott

Suzy Pal Powell

Terry Rafferty

Kay Smith

Deb Ward

Brenda York

Witch Peep?

2011-10-28T19:19:00.000-07:00

It's my favorite time of year and I've recruited some help from a little mummy to introduce my newest painting "Witch Peep?"

Totally unscripted and original Eric idea for this video. I love it! Hope you enjoy it as well.

If you'd like to purchase "Witch Peep?" Please email me at: pvlara@sbcglobal.net

"Witch Peep?" 7"x5" watercolor

Hills

2011-10-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

Hills II 10" x 8" oil painting

Yup, another oily painting :0) These are the hills around our area

Watercolor Portrait Workshop

2011-10-13T22:07:00.000-07:00

This week I had the honor and absolute pleasure of working with the wonderful ladies of Watercolor Connection. I am so grateful to be able to share my creative energies with them all. I had a blast and so pleased everyone got something positive out of my instruction.

Cup of Flower IV

2011-09-28T16:36:00.001-07:00

"Cup of Flower IV" 10"x 8" watercolor

When my daughter mentioned her favorite cake is Red Velvet Cake, I thought, hmmm, how could I translate that into one of my paintings without actually having to make one or buy one. . . . . So, red flowers and measuring cups was an interesting take on the idea.

Hills III

2011-09-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

"Hills III" 6"x6" oil on canvas board

Blogger has changed things since I last logged on! (way too long) so I'm trying to figure out how to work this thing. . . hope it works!

Me? oil painting? yup, trying to get the feel for painting in oils to. I like it! Note to self, stop looking for the water container every time you go to clean your brush!

Summer Fun

2011-08-20T09:19:00.001-07:00

Since I last posted, I've beeh here. . .

Lake Tahoe,

and here. . .

Eagle Lake.

and I'm revived, inspired, and ready to get back to making some artwork. Stay tuned! :0)

Plus, a visit to my favorite place in the world, Mt. Lassen! When I win the Mega Lotto, I'm going to buy Mt. Lassen :0)

Honor Song II

2011-07-13T08:33:00.001-07:00

"Honor Song II" 12" x 16" Watercolor

I love the textures and images on these pre-columbian flutes and plate. Just some of my treasured items I've acquired along the way.

Taffy Two

2011-07-09T07:40:00.000-07:00

"Taffy Two" 10" x 8" Watercolor

For medicinal purposes! :0)

This one is also available at Gallery Concord. Had a great opening last night and met some wonderful people.

Cup of Flower III

2011-07-07T18:30:00.001-07:00

"Cup of Flower III" 8"x10.5" Watercolor

Still exploring my culinary talents (still standing by my motto: burn it till it's done!) and trying to incorporate them into some paintings. I love kitchen stuff especially because they are a vehicle to making delicious food, at least my wife makes delicious food and I try my best.

This little painting will be at Gallery Concord for the next three months unless someone just has to have it for their very own :0) So if you're in the area, come on by and check out a gallery devoted to watercolor.

We The Peep-L

2011-07-03T22:15:00.000-07:00

We The Peep-L" 10" x 8" watercolor

Happy 4th of July! The peeps really wanted to wear Uncle Sam top hats but since I couldn't find any in their size, we settled for some flags lent to us by our hero neighbor (its true, I didn't have any flags either)

Enjoy the holiday!

Evening Sky

2011-06-25T20:38:00.000-07:00

Look ma, no water! I have not painted with oils in about 25 years [I started when I was 6 months old! ;0) ] Let me just say this. . . . . they're oily in a good way! More to come :0)

Pomo Girl

2011-06-14T12:52:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm just going to say it! I love my little Pomo Puff! :0) one of the best models I've ever had. I know I annoy the heck out of the kids when I have them pose and do photo shoots but I just can't help myself! ha ha ha ha

(Pomo tribe from Ukiah northern California in case you weren't sure why I call her that)

Artist Interrupted :0)

2011-06-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

Has it really been over a month since I last blogged! Yikes! Well, all I can say is that it's been a flurry of activity here with end of school stuff for the kids, UC Davis graduations (so very proud of my niece!) and surprise visits from family down south. Exhausting and wonderful at the same time. Don't get me wrong though, I have been painting but the interruptions haven't let me finish most of what I'm working on. Not to worry! I'll be posting something new within the next few days once I get them photographed and get the house back in working order! :0)

Shaker Portrait 1

2011-04-30T10:06:00.001-07:00

"Shaker Portrait 1" 12"x16" watercolor

Eric was so pleased when he created his own topping for his pancakes out of a little sugar and cinnamon and I happened to have noticed him looking lovingly into a shaker he filled with his creation. :0)

Peeps Challenge ! ! ! ! ! !

2011-04-19T18:26:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again!

Chris Beck
Jelaine Faunce
and I had so much fun last year creating paintings with these cute little marshmallow treats that we just had to do it again. :0)

Enjoy our Peep Paintings and don't forget to check out their blogs to get the story behind their paintings!

"Bunz" by Pablo, 8"x10" watercolor

This year, my peeps are ready for a hostile Easter take over, thinking that bunny ears are the perfect camouflage, they are riding in on blocks with their street gang colors and collective rapper names yo!

"Spring Peepers" by the fabulous Chris Beck

"Jackrabbit" 6"x6" oil on hardboard panel by Jelaine Faunce

Show Reception Tonight!

2011-04-01T13:19:00.000-07:00

"Ka Cha Nak II" 20"x14" Watercolor

All 20 paintings are done and hanging and ready to be viewed! Now to figure out what to wear :0)

www.galleryconcord.blogspot.com

Just Three More Days! :0)

2011-03-29T13:40:00.001-07:00

I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of work I had to choose from for the show! Either I've put in a lot of hard work to have enough paintings or I haven't sold a thing in a long time!

ha ha ha ha ha

Work in Progress

2011-03-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

So far so good! Tricky tricky skin! It's so easy to turn skin tones into corpse tones or just plain old people of a wrong color! Over the years I've learned not to use cobalt blue as a toner for Shadow skin, I understand cooling down warm tones by using blues but too much cobalt turns into corpse! ha ha ha (in fact, I rarely use cobalt)

Countdown begins!

2011-03-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

Only one week till the show opening and I'm getting nervous, I'm not much of a social person especially when eyes are on me, but it's exciting that I'll get to show lots of my work at once. :0)

I'll slowly reveal what's been going on in my "studio" :0) As I work on this one, I've been having empty nest syndrome and the kids aren't even old enough to leave! Our oldest will be a teen way too soon and that's got me thinkin', I'd better paint them while they'll still let me!

Pink Cloud's Grandkids

2011-03-20T22:20:00.001-07:00

These are my Chumash sister's grand kids, so beautiful and cute! I love their regalia and the fact that they don't mind wearing it. This is one of the paintings that will be in the show.

Featured Artist!

2011-03-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to announce that I will be the featured artist at Gallery Concord! The show will run from April 1st (no foolin! ) through June 26th.

Opening reception will be on April 1st from 6:00pm - 8:00pm.

I'd love to meet you if you're in the area.

Gallery Concord

1765 Galindo Street

Concord, CA 94520

(925)691-6140

Sneak Peek :0)

2011-03-14T20:59:00.000-07:00

Hello again! It's been way too long since I've posted anything here but I have been painting steadily and getting some new paintings ready for a show. Here's just a hint of what I've been working on. . . . no I haven't gone rogue on my realistic style and converted to expressionism, I just thought it would be fun to show what goes on behind the scenes so to speak on a painting.

These are areas of a new painting I think are beautiful and something I absolutely love about watercolor, washy, runny, free :0) I've been asked in the past to loosen up so I tell them to step closer to my paintings and this is what they usually say "It looks so real but up close I see how much like a painting it really looks like!"

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-13T23:58:00.001-08:00

"Beso" 11"x8.5" Watercolor

22 years ago on Valentine's day I summoned up the courage to tell my friend I was in love with her. 22 years later she's still the first person I think of when I wake and the last person I think of before I fall asleep.

Valentine's Challenge!

2011-02-13T12:24:00.001-08:00

"Dulce" 8.5" x 11 " Watercolor by Pablo

"My Victorian Valentine " Acrylic by Cynthia

I'd like to introduce a friend of mine, she's been creative all her life and thanks to my gentle nudges (ha ha ha ) I've finally gotten her to share her work with the world! I'm so excited to do this challenge with her so please take a moment to visit her blog:

"Cynfullthings"

As for my little painting, I was at the store looking for veggies (that's right, I said veggies :0) ) and found the Sweethearts in Spanish! I also discovered that I had these heart shaped measuring spoons and had to use them in a painting, what better day to show them off!

Love is love in any language!

Rosy

2011-01-11T21:36:00.001-08:00

"Doña Rosy" 17 x 13 watercolor

Doña M.

2011-01-08T15:31:00.001-08:00

Here's another drawing, this is Doña M. These sketches were made on a Canson's Classic Cream Drawing pad with my favorite all time pencil. "Prismacolor Ebony jet black extra smooth"

Another drawing

2011-01-07T22:23:00.001-08:00

Little Shell. I'm having fun drawing just to draw.

2011-01-07T10:28:00.000-08:00

Now that the kids are back to school, I'm exploding with ideas and trying to keep up with actually getting them done. Here's a sketch I did while watching highly intellectual TV programs (things like "Dude, what would happen" and "Wipeout") I love drawing and am really getting it more and more. More to come! :0)

Amaryllis

2011-01-04T15:41:00.000-08:00

I can never remember how to spell Amerilluseseses! Amerilly, Amarilis, Amarillus . . . . . Spell Check says: Amaryllis

That reminds me of a story of our little girl saying "I will Himp-lo-tize you!" and mom trying to correct her saying "It's Hipmo-tize!"

2010-12-26T12:33:00.000-08:00

SOLD

These flowers are so big and bright with color. . . . they have to be one of my favorites. I think this year I'll be doing more flowers, they are just so full of color and shape and are perfection! I hope the holiday cheer continues throughout the coming new year!

Thank you for stopping by and seeing what's going on in my neck of the artist woods. More to come!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

2010-12-25T08:20:00.001-08:00

Here's to wishing you a wonderful holiday, I wish you peace and many blessings!

Molcajete Madness!

2010-12-20T15:16:00.001-08:00

"Three Pairs and a Pom"

This little piggy just can't stay away from the market! This time he's with his friend Mudhead from the Southwest, I hear they caused quiet a stir strolling down the stands! ha ha ;0)

So as you can see, we have a new computer! Yey and Ug! It's not all up to speed but we are finally online and ready to post. More to come soon!

Our Poor Computer!

2010-12-01T10:36:00.000-08:00

Our little computer caught a virus that wiped pretty much everything out! :0( As soon as we get it back up and running I'll have some new things to show and tell!

Thanks for visiting and I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season.

My work space

2010-11-06T08:52:00.000-07:00

It's been a very busy October but I'm still working and can't wait to show you some new paintings! (here I am painting at Canapo Gallery)

Here's some pictures of my studio. . and by that I mean the corner of the kitchen room where I work my magic :0) You might recognize my brush holders from the painting "I Scream!" Love those things! especially when they're filled with strawberry ice cream and lots of chocolate sauce!

Yup! That's an ice tray I use for my colors :0)

I love what you can do with yellow, pink and purple!

Eh Kneek

2010-10-12T21:57:00.000-07:00

"Eh Kneek" 20"x 14" Watercolor

A big thank you to my Chumash sister Pink Cloud for the name of this new painting! Eh Kneek pronounced eh-nee-k means blossom and truly fits this wonderful and spirited young lady. To say that she is a bundle of energy is a big understatement! Sleep is barely in her vocabulary and there's no such thing as sitting still. Even so, I knew there's a calm inside of her somewhere and that's what I was able to see the day I asked her to try on this headdress. There's something about traditions that bring up a certain quality in people. After all the America's Next Top Model posing and peace signs and double thumbs up, I had her breath in the evening light and voila, there she was blossoming into a soon to be teen.

If you'd like to purchase "Eh Kneek" please email me at:

pvlara@sbcglobal.net

Carmel by the Sea!

2010-10-05T17:33:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to announce that I am now represented by CANAPO ART GALLERY in Carmel by the Sea. I will be painting "in house" this Saturday 10/9, starting at 11am. Please come by if you're in the area, I'd love to meet you!

Kiss Kiss Kiss

2010-10-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

"Kiss Kiss Kiss" 8"x 10" watercolor

I thought that this old medicine bottle would be fun to put with the kisses, chocolate is good medicine! :0)

If you'd like to purchase "Kiss Kiss Kiss" please email me at:
pvlara@sbcglobal.net

Ka-cha-nac

2010-09-29T10:01:00.001-07:00

"Cha-ka-nac" 17"x 13" watercolor

I love when light has that sense where you can almost hold it in your hand, when it's something you can breath in and feel it cleansing your spirit. Just like drinking water or breathing air or feeling mother earth beneath your feet. That's what I was thinking of painting this portrait.

If you'd like to purchase "Ka-cha-nac" please email me at:

pvlara@sbcglobal.net

Little Tuketuk

2010-09-28T10:44:00.001-07:00

"Tuketuk" 10"x 8" watercolor SOLD

Me leave well enough alone? I just couldn't stay away from this little study I posted a little while ago so I fussed a little more trying to keep the study feel to it. I think I'll leave it alone now, I'm happy with the way it came out. I'm working on the more finished and larger painting of Tuketuk and I'm liking the way it's turning out. Can't wait to show you!

If you'd like to purchase "Tuketuk", please contact me at:
pvlara@sbcglobal.net

Did Someone Say Chocolate? ! ! ! !

2010-09-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

"Chocolate Kisses" 8"x 6" Watercolor by Pablo

"Bouquet Bonus" 8"x 8" Oil on cradled wood by: Diane Hoeptner

Here's our latest Challenge Painting! The premise was simple, a Hershey's Chocolate Bar. This was a challenge come down from heaven to me, I love chocolate! I won't tell you about the millions of ideas that lead me to my final image (or the six chocolate bars that it took for me to eat, uh, set up just to get the right composition)

I could go on and on about chocolate but I'll just leave you a few truths I've come to know about my beloved cacao which I consider nature's perfect health food. . . Chocolate comes from the cacao bean hence, it's a vegetable, when you add peanuts or almonds, you are getting protein, milk chocolate takes care of your dairy, dip fruit in melted chocolate for your fruit allowance and so on and so on! :0) Even Mr. Hershey himself saw the beneficial properties, did you know that his slogan was “a palatable confection and a most nourishing food.”

Oh! about our paintings? Well, the lovely and super talented Diane joined in the fun so please visit her blog to find out about her chocolate painting and check out her other fantastic paintings. My Lily provided the kisses and Milton Snavely provided the chocolate bar for "Chocolate Kisses". This was by far one of most delicious challenges on all levels!

If you'd like to purchase "Chocolate Kisses" please inquire here:

http://canapo.net/

Taffy Spill

2010-08-25T17:02:00.001-07:00

"Taffy Spill" 12" x 16" watercolor

Taffy always reminds me of my wife's Grandma who simply loved salt water taffy. This painting was inspired by Jelaine Faunce's "Color Therapy" series. I loved the whole idea and the paintings she came up with.

For my therapy, I decided to paint with a lot of blue, now blue isn't my favorite color but the combination of blue and green (not turquoise) is! I love it! I enjoyed painting glass again and since I hadn't painted colored glass before, I truly enjoyed the challenge.

If you'd like to purchase "Taffy Spill", please email me at:

pvlara@sbcglobal.net

The dog ate my homework!

2010-08-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

So, this is what's left of a full sheet painting after Angel, our new-ish pup decided to chew on it. They are both about 9"x13" or so, I haven't had the courage to really measure! In a way, I like them better this way but dang! that was a full sheet painting!, and I thought baby proofing days were over long ago!

She also chewed up a full sheet portrait I've been working on which will now be smaller close up. I am working hard on finishing some new paintings so stay tuned! Thanks for visiting every once in a while.

Is Summer Really Almost Over? ! ! ! !

2010-08-04T11:59:00.000-07:00

Hello and thanks everyone for stopping by and leaving comments. I've been away for vacation and keeping the kids busy lately, can you believe summer is just about over? ! wut happened? !

I have been painting, finished a private commission and a couple of small paintings I'll reveal soon, can't wait to show you! I hope everyone has been creative and healthy this summer, I look forward to all your posts and stories of your adventures!

Some Kind of Fruity Drink

2010-07-05T16:42:00.001-07:00

"Some Kind of Fruity Drink" 7"x5" watercolor

I'm not going to say this too loud but I think I'm getting the hang of these smaller paintings. . . . I think it's all about appropriate scale of subject matter and size of image. I will keep at it because It's nice to be able to finish a painting in a day including interruptions! Stay tuned!

If you'd like to purchase "Some Kind of Fruity Drink", please contact me at:

pvlara@sbcglobal.net

Portrait Study

2010-07-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

Portrait Study 8"x10" watercolor

This is a little study for an upcoming larger portrait. I love that the kids will still go along with photo shoots in their regalia. Not too many eye rolls or goofy faces this time! I love it!

If you'd like to purchase this painting, please contact me at:

pvlara@sbcglobal.net

Shadow Frog

2010-06-29T19:24:00.000-07:00

"Shadow Frog" 12"x16" watercolor

Cute little wooden frog and wonderfully textured Zapotec blankets. . .some of my favorite things to paint! Trying to push myself, I finished this one in about a day and of half (including cooking, cleaning, running back and fourth with the kids for play dates, walking two dogs, bbq with neighbors, hosing the kids down when it was 102 degrees!) Barely enough time for chocolate! no wonder I'm so grumpy! :0) Note to self, the kids would be much happier with me if I ate more chocolate!

If you'd like to purchase "Shadow Frog" please contact me at:

pvlara@sbcglobal.net

Chuchy's Brother

2010-06-22T16:48:00.000-07:00

"Chuchy's Brother" 18"x 24" watercolor

Such a quiet soul, always listening, thinking, watching the world around him. "L" is one of the most beautiful boys you'll ever meet! Blessed with honey colored eyes, amber skin and golden hair. He's truly an amazing looking young fellow but I'm more impressed with his spirit.

So it's been a longer journey than I anticipated finishing this one and I love the way it finally came out! That hair was almost ready to do me in with the sheer volume, trying to balance between wanting to paint every little strand and making sure to let the paint be paint. I really learned a lot about technique and patience . . . . . . I'd say more technique than patience! :0)

If you'd like to purchase "Chuchy's Brother", please contact me at:

pvlara@sbcglobal.net

Work In Progress . . . almost done.

2010-06-02T20:51:00.001-07:00

I'm almost done and so ready to polish off the rest of the chocolate! woo hoo!
The bulk of this painting has been mostly yellows, pinks, orange and burnt sienna colors so it was time to cool things down. I whipped up a batch of purple using Alizarin Crimson and scraped the last little bit of Ultramarine I could find from my palette, kinda reminded me of licking the plate after finishing chocolate cake. . . .uh, I mean watching the kids do that!

Next on the menu is to clean up edges, even out the skin tones in areas that dried a little blotchy, and give the hair that wispy effect. Then I'll be ready to show you the finished painting in all it's glory! I can't wait cause I have another one I'm working on that is feeling left out! I'll show you that one soon!

More work in progress

2010-05-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

The eyes are just about done, I've added more color and details being careful not to give too much visual information, enough to make things believable but not enough to spell it all out for you. I'll come back to those eyes later for finishing touches but for now I have to get to the hair and define more of the nose and mouth. I'll also work on the skin tone and punch up the shadows to really let that sun lit area to shine.

More work in progress

2010-05-26T18:18:00.001-07:00

Doesn't this look creepy! The kids think I'm painting a zombie mwa ha ha! So, I'm back from a self induced chocolate coma. . . . ready to do more work on this painting.

I've started on a few of my favorite things. . . eyes, nose and mouth! (ok, not really the nose but I guess I'll have to paint it!) I've started defining the eyes with some yellow so they have that "inner glow" when I finish up the details later on and I've started defining the nostril and mouth with some permanent rose and a little blue and burnt sienna.

The eye brows can be tricky and end up looking like they're painted on if your not careful, so I started lightly with burnt sienna and will keep defining them with some other colors as I go, I don't want to over do it just yet!

Ok, back to my chocolate!

Next Step

2010-05-16T21:42:00.001-07:00

And I thought Chuchy's hair was a workout! So, now I've started on the hair. . . . again, just straight forward painting, it's good to know your brushes and what they can do for you, which ones will hold lots of water, which ones are more stiff and will "draw" with paint for you. I'm keeping one thing in mind . . . as soon as I finish this step, more chocolate! ! ! ! Ok, not really but it's great incentive! Oh, technique? um, I put water down in the area then float some color into it, push it around, remember shape, lights and eventually darks.

Colors I'm using for the hair is New Gamboge, Permanent Rose, Burnt Sienna, accidentally dipped into the last bit of Ultramarine Blue (you may notice some grayish tone in the upper left area) and some Burnt Umbar.

I also did some work on the skin tone, punching up some of the warm areas with New Gamboge, cooling down the shadowy area with Permanent Rose (I stayed away from the Cobalt Blue this time) and a little more Burnt Sienna.

Now it's time for Chocolate! More soon!

Work In Progress

2010-05-12T20:09:00.001-07:00

I haven't really done a full blown "wip" in a long time but I keep getting asked about my process so I thought I'd show you how I do what I do. You may or may not be surprised or disappointed that I paint very straight forward, no tricks, no masking fluids, no white, no stretched paper, not even taped down onto a board, just good old fashioned "brush, paper and water" oh, and I guess paint helps! :0)

The first step is to draw out the image, now drawing to draw is much different than drawing for a painting, I try not to add every little detail because I want to do that with paint. I definitely don't shade anything because the graphite makes colors look dirty. I also try to stay on the lite side with the pencil pressure so I don't have any ghost lines or have the lines show through the pigments where I don't want them to show.

The colors I'm using for this stage is New Gamboge, Permanent Rose, Permanent Blue (because I ran out of Ultra Marine) and a little Burnt Sienna, oh and lots of water! I'm painting on Arches 140lb coldpress paper.

The technique I most like to use is wet into wet because I like watching the colors move around and mix together and also to drop other colors into the wash. I like to say "slop it on and make it work!" and the most important part of any painting for me is to have chocolate while I'm waiting for things to dry! yum!

Stay tuned for more!

Chuchy

2010-04-24T09:10:00.001-07:00

"Chuchy" 20"x14" Watercolor

M. refers to himself as "Chuchy" which is such a cute and totally him thing! He is so beautiful and mischievous and full of boy energy! I hear he's got a great ear for music and it doesn't surprise me, he has that rare sense of creative energy around him. I feel like he's another one of my ever growing clan of kids, it will be a joy to watch him grow. On this particular day his hair was somewhat tame which turned out to be a good thing for me painting wise! I can't wait to do another painting of him!

Here's a close up

If you'd like to purchase this painting, please contact me at:
pvlara@sbcglobal.net

This Little Piggy

2010-04-21T20:33:00.001-07:00

"This Little Piggy Went To Market" (again) 8"x10" Watercolor

I love my little molcajetes. . . they are one of my fondest memories of my Grandma. I don't know why but I would ask her every single day "what is that and what is it for?" and she would tell me every single time I asked without getting annoyed (that I know of) "it's for making things!"

I've been working on some portraits and can't wait to show you, in the mean time, I painted this "little" one so I could post something new. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed hearing my granny in the wind.

If you're interested in purchasing it, please contact me at:
pvlara@sbcglobal.net

Peeps Challenge!

2010-03-31T21:19:00.000-07:00

"Me and My Peeps" 5"x7" watercolor by Me SOLD

"What did you expect from marshmallow eggs?" 6" x 8" Watercolor by Chris Beck

"Late Bloomer" - 6" x 6" oil on cradled hardboard panel by Jelaine Faunce

IT'S REVENGE OF THE PEEPS! that was my first choice of titles for my painting which is actually the second one I did for this challenge, I had a mishap on the first one, serves me right for calling them yellow belly marshmallows! (the other title being "one of these things is not like the others")

Actually, this his was pure bliss. . . not only did I get to do a challenge with two of my favorite artists (my peeps) but I got to work with candy! I'm always amazed and so pleasantly surprised when I get the images sent to me, such wonderful takes on the challenge theme and this was no exception, these paintings make me happy!

Please check out their blogs: Chris Beck & Jelaine Faunce

If you'd like to purchase "Me and My Peeps" please contact me here:

pvlara@sbcglobal.net

Broadface Kachina

2010-03-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

"Broadface Kachina" 7"x5" watercolor

So I'm trying hard to get a handle on these small paintings, I don't know why I have such trouble painting small, maybe I should use smaller brushes or use less water?

One of my favorite times was to spend a couple of week with friends down in the Southwest. What a great adventure, what wonderful people I met and what a spiritual experience!

If you'd like to purchase it, please email me at:

pvlara@sbcglobal.net

Best Of America Watermedia Artists Vol. II.

2010-03-10T20:28:00.001-08:00

Great News! My painting "Story Teller" is on the back cover of "Best Of American Watermedia II" ! Two other of my images are included in this volume and I can't wait to see! It should be out very soon so I'll keep you posted.

Please check out Best of Artists website

In the mean time, here's "Story Teller".

SOLD

Spilled Flower

2010-02-26T18:31:00.001-08:00

"Spilled Flower" 13"x17" watercolor

Here's another one of my food inspired paintings. I don't have much to say about this one other than I'm really glad it worked out, it was quite a task to work on the glass! Oh yeah, I ran out of Ultramarine Blue a couple of paintings ago and had to use Permanent Blue which I've never used, I didn't know what was going to happen but that was just another surprise that worked out.

If you'd like to purchase it, please contact me at:

pvlara@sbcglobal.net

1&1/4 Cup of Flower

2010-02-11T12:28:00.000-08:00

1&1/4 Cup of Flower 13"x17"

I realized that being Mr. Mom for the past 7 years has crept into my art in such an unusual way. . . these last few paintings that I thought were my enjoying the Food Network Challenges are really about me painting my surroundings, making food that I hope the kids will eat, cleaning, laundry, taking care of to create a good environment that nurtures caring, loving, creative kids. I've learned so much about being a good parent especially when I thought I was doing it all wrong.

So, I look at these new paintings in a new light and have found that they really do reflect just another part of who I am. In addition to my culturally identifying images, it's just another facet of my evolving life. I hope you enjoy them as much as I've learned from them.

If you're interested in purchasing this one, feel free to contact me at:
pvlara@sbcglobal.net

I Scream !

2010-01-26T13:48:00.001-08:00

"I Scream!" 17"x13" Watercolor

I've been on this food kick since we've been watching the Food Network challenges and that inspired me to challenge myself with the past few paintings that had something to do with food or kitchen stuff. Of course I couldn't do the typical fruit in a bowl or ice cream in glassware so I borrowed the kid's finger puppets and voila! It was quirky enough for me!

I was nervous about painting this one with all the reflected light and shiny ceramic cones, but it was refreshing to do something that was new for me. I love the challenges of watercolor (especially when it works out!)

If you are interested in purchasing it, please email me at:

pvlara@sbcglobal.net

Purple Tomatillos II

2010-01-16T12:21:00.001-08:00

"Purple Tomatillos II" 8"x10" Watercolor

Finally a new painting finished! Can I just say that I've decided to celebrate Chinese New Years and start my year over again! This has been one unusual, exhausting and frustrating beginning to 2010! I'm now channeling my energies to create a better and more creative year, this painting being the

start of it all.

If you'd like to purchase it, please contact me at pvlara@sbcglobal.net

Pear Deconstructed

2009-12-10T17:55:00.001-08:00

10"x 8" watercolor

Well, here's another first! I've never painted a pear before but I just couldn't paint any ordinary pear. . . . I was making pear "donuts" for the kids and it looked so nice stacked like this. The camera is acting a little funny these days so this image looks a little washed out for me, the painting is more colorful.

Interested in buying it? contact me at: pvlara@sbcglobal.net

Fish Out Of Water Challenge

2009-12-08T19:13:00.001-08:00

"Chuey" 16"x12" watercolor by me

"Fish out of Water" 6"x6" watercolor by Chris Beck

So the challenge was called "Fish out of Water" I loved this challenge because it was wide open to interpretation. For me it meant that I would be the fish out water. I never paint animals and I never paint commissions and this painting is both! Talk about nerves! What I love about these challenges is that they push me to paint things I wouldn't normally paint, try new techniques and thought processes. It all goes toward becoming a better artist so I am thankful for the nervousness.

Chris Beck's says she'd been looking for some way to include the fish fabric or the vintage ceramic fish planter in various still-lifes, but she just wasn't inspired by anything she came up with. When the challenge title came along, that was all she needed to come up with this wonderful still life. Check out her blog to get the scoop!

Ofrenda 2

2009-11-15T16:21:00.000-08:00

"Ofrenda 2" 20"x14" Watercolor

These objects were part of our Dia de los Muertos celebration. The pot is an old precolumbian three footed bowl and I've been dying to paint it. I'm going to use it in some more paintings later.
The flowers are from our garden, I can't say that I really love to garden but I have do a green thumb. Maybe it's just that I hate to weed but I love making things grow.

Dia de los Muertos Challenge

2009-11-01T12:12:00.000-08:00

They say that Halloween is a night of mischief and mayhem. . . that certainly held true in both Chris' and my house to say the least! Now on to Dia de los Muertos! A night of remembering the ancestors and honoring those that have passed on this year. This one was a challenge that I've been wanting to do for a long time and was a perfect distraction from the Halloween chaos surrounding me! It's a miracle that it was finished in time! Chris Beck really out did herself this time and I'm so in awe of her painting!

"Morty" 9"x11" Watercolor by Me

Dia de los Muertos 12"x 12" Watercolor by Chris Beck

More Work In Progress again

2009-10-28T13:33:00.001-07:00

I've passed the "ugly duckling" stage of this portrait and thank God cause I was worried that I'd lost my touch! . . . . .Not really but it's a good story ;0)

I love seeing the layers coming together. I've said it before and I'll say it again (till I change my mind) that I don't care for working with too many layers. For those who had asked about hair a while ago, you can see the different colors I use before I finish with the details. One eye is almost done and the other one still looks creepy. Can't wait to finish this portrait! (and to show you something else I've been working on).

More Work In Progress

2009-10-06T18:00:00.000-07:00

I tried to get a better picture of this but the the full moon must be effecting my camera. I'll try again when the moon's a little less full.

I'm doing more layers than I usually do (or like) but I think it's going to work out fine. Foundation colors for the skin are done, now it's time to work on my favorite things. . .details!

I also usually don't work on the background till I've finished the main focal point because I tend to change my mind on the background depending on the colors of the portrait. I often change original tones to the skin or color of shirts and such. This time since I'm impatient, I just want to get the background in and work on my favorite part. (it still may change a little)

Sketch

2009-09-27T13:26:00.001-07:00

Just working out colors for a couple of new paintings coming up, and doing a lot of thinking. Fall, my favorite time of year always gets me reflecting on stuff, lots of stuff, maybe too much stuff.

Work In Progress

2009-09-18T17:06:00.000-07:00

I realized that I've never put a post on how I do what I do! So, here's one of the new paintings I'm working on. I will say that my process is very straight forward, no tricks, no stretching of paper, no masking fluid, just good ole fashioned paint, brush and paper. . . oh, and lots of water.

First comes the drawing on Arches 140lb coldpress paper.

Next I paint in wet into wet washes colors to create the beginnings of light and shadows.

Stay tuned for more!

Add another Cup of Flower

2009-08-29T00:14:00.000-07:00

"Cup of Flower 2" 8" x 10" watercolor
SOLD

Froggy

2009-08-27T19:34:00.001-07:00

"Froggy" 8"x10" Watercolor

If you would like to purchase this painting, please click on the Paypal link below.

Interestedin buying it? Please contact me at:

Contact me for international shipping at: pvlara@sbcglobal.net

Xiuhtecuhtli

2009-08-09T11:50:00.001-07:00

Xiuhtecuhtli 20"x14" watercolor

I met X. about three years ago and knew right away I needed to paint his portrait. He's an amazing young man on the verge of change. His eyes really are the color of turquoise and has a spirit of youthful fire and true depth. May you remain good and kind and discover your history and depth of soul as you grow.

Is summer really almost over? ! ! !

2009-08-07T14:10:00.001-07:00

I was very honored to do a demo for the California Watercolor Association on July 15, what a great experience and I will say that I pushed through my nerves to have lots of fun and meet some great people.

This is the one I started that eve and haven't been able to paint that much since then, I'm determined to finish it within the next couple of days (providing the kids will untie me and let me get to my table)

I hope every one's having a great time and out in the fresh air rejuvenating themselves and preparing for what I think will be an unusual fall coming.

No Name Frog

2009-07-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

No Name Frog 8"x10" watercolor

Summer is in full swing here, lots of kids around so I've been working on these little ones, you never know when a stray ball will hit you in the head or land in your water container! I'm not sure I have the hang of small yet but I'm working on it! I hope everyone is enjoying the summer weather and able to get outside a little.

Add another Cup of Flower

2009-06-24T10:44:00.001-07:00

"Cup of Flower 2" 10" x 8" watercolor

SOLD

I've been doing lots of portraits lately so I needed to mix it up with a little still life. I had lots of nervous fun painting glass last time with "Cup of Flower" that I wanted to do another one. There's more to come!

Yellow Hammer's Brother

2009-06-07T13:59:00.000-07:00

Untitled 20" x 14" Watercolor

Well, I thought I had a name for this one a couple of days ago but it wasn't the right one so it's untitled for now. This is Yellow Hammer's brother, truly a remarkable young man on the edge of change. Everyday he becomes stronger in character and spirit. An amazing thing to witness.

Peekaboo!

2009-06-01T17:46:00.001-07:00

End of the school year madness and birthday season has hit us and we are all exhausted but I've managed to keep painting. Here's a sneak peak at a new portrait I'll be finishing very soon. I'm waiting for a name to come to me so for now, it's just details details.

Crop Till You Drop!

2009-05-21T22:42:00.000-07:00

This time the challenge was actually the challenge of having time to do a challenge piece so Chris and I decided to take a snippet from a much larger painting and create an image from that. We discovered that both our paintings reminded us of our Grandmothers so this ended up being a tribute to them as well.

A lot of Chris' work comes from memories of her grandmother's things as she explained to me " My grandparents built the house I grew up in -- my parents moved in with my grandfather after my grandmother died -- so there were lots of her things around when I was a young child. She loved her flower gardens and vases and pretty tablecloths. Even though the elements in my painting never belonged to my grandmother, they remind me of her."

I received a lot of positive feedback on the hair in "Xochitl" (pronounced So-Shee-tl which means Queen of Flowers) but I was really more interested in painting the embroidery because not only was it challenging, but it brought me back to days of watching my grandma creating magical flowers with her needles and colorful threads. I could go on and on about Little Shell and all the magic she did, from healing babies to her famous tamales, but I'll save that for future paintings.

"Xochitl" by Me

"Red Anemone" by Chris Beck

The most courageous person I know

2009-05-10T21:28:00.000-07:00

Imagine the courage it takes to send your 5 year old to a new country to live with people you've never met, having faith that they would be safe and taken care of with the promise of getting medical attention needed. I remember well the night my mom told me what was going to happen and feeling safe in her strength and belief that everything would be fine and in her wisdom and connection with God, it did turn out just fine and hopefully so did I.

This is a very special mothers day thank you to my mom Rosy who saw into the future.

Cross Challenge Challenge!

2009-03-31T17:03:00.000-07:00

This month I am honored to be a part of a Cross Challenge Challenge. Last month, Jelaine Faunce contacted me to see if I'd be interested in joining her challenge buddies in the March challenge of painting an ordinary white paper envelope and I enthusiastically said yes before I realized how challenging it would be.

After a few days of wracking my brain on how to do the envelope justice, my pet rock snatched it from my hands and insisted on creating his own costume and I just happened to have my paints ready to capture the moment. So this is my challenge painting "Ghost Mail"

Please make sure to check out everyone else's blogs for their story behind their challenge painting! I've had so much fun with this one, thank you Jelaine and cohorts for including me in your challenge!

"Ghost Mail" 6"x6" Watercolor by Me

"Saumons en Papier Avec Le Romarin" 6"x6" Oil on canvas by Jelaine Faunce

"Snail Mail" 6"x6" Watercolor by Chris Beck

Container Challenge

2009-03-05T15:58:00.000-08:00

This time the challenge was containers. It's safe to say that Chris and I are both fans of whimsical cute little critters! I know we both have lots and lots of little things to keep us amused around our work spaces, maybe for me to the point of one of my favorite movies "Misery" with Kathy Bates he he he. .

There were lots of ideas in my head for this one but ultimately, I went another direction with it.

They say in southern Mexico that frogs contain the power to make it rain. So that's what I went with.

"Singing in the Rain" 8"x10" watercolor by me

"Colonel Mustard" 6"x6" by Chris Beck

Apprentice

2009-02-24T21:56:00.001-08:00

Apprentice 19" x 30" watercolor

Didn't I say I was never painting this shawl again? Another "what was I thinking" moment for me but am so glad I did because it fits the idea of the painting so well.

Apprentice is about this young woman learning the old medicine ways, the shawl full of traditions and symbols wrapping her up in her new way of life. The colors are bright and shiny just like the young ones who are full of hope and life starting to take on the centuries of wisdom and magic.

I am honored to be the featured artist on "BRUSH-PAPER-WATER" . A blog by the wonderful artist Chris Beck that celebrates watercolor, highlighting some of the best watercolorists around. Please stop by and take a look at some of the finest watercolor artists and also at Chris' own work on what is one of my favorite blog names:

"I'm Painting As Fast As I Can"

Sneak Peek

2009-02-18T09:42:00.000-08:00

I have a lot of catching up to do! It's been a little crazy around here but this painting is almost finished so I thought a sneak peak was in order just to let you know I'm still kickin'! I've been tagged about four times within the last week too so as soon as I muster up some fun facts, I'll post them too.

Purple Tomatillos

2009-01-25T21:52:00.001-08:00

"Purple Tomatillos" 8"x10"

SOLD

Did you ever see a purple tomatillo? I've seen them but never have cooked with them. They have the most beautiful deep purple fruit (?) and that husk was so papery and textural I just had to try painting some. I guess my green salsa won't be green huh!

Food that begins with P

2009-01-16T08:40:00.000-08:00

Well, Chris really conjured up some magic on her Asian Pears (I mean Pears Asian) when I think of the beautiful purple under painting she did. You must take a look at that sneak peek because it looks like the finished painting to me!

This really was a challenge for me painting soooooo small! (and not eating the pan dulce before I could paint them) I don't know what it is about painting small that I can't seem to get the feel for. For all the details I tend to put into a painting, I really do love to slop on the paint and push it around and watch it do it's thing.

"Pan Dulce" 6" x 6" watercolor done(and eaten) by yours truly

"Asian Pears" 6" x 6" gouache & watercolor by Chris Beck

Happy New Year!

2009-01-04T11:45:00.000-08:00

I feel like I haven't picked up a brush since last year! he he he. and that's the truth with all the holiday stuff. I did however manage to finish this one just before the madness hit. I have no title yet, just blurry memory of painting it.

I wish you all a very blessed and prosperous year full of change and adventure!

Doña M.

2008-12-29T14:31:00.000-08:00

Doña M. 20" x 28" Transparent Watercolor

Phew! I worked up a sweat on this one! Finally it's done and I like the results! I had really wanted to call this "What wuz I thinking!" because the dress was a lot of work! Trying to make sure the black was not flat but not too contrasting and still a part of the overall area.

I had been wanting to paint Doña M. for a few years now. When I first met her I thought what a beautiful person, her smile was angelic, her walk was deliberate and respectful. Then I heard her speak with a voice that was course and tough and I liked her even more. I've found that with traditional people, the tougher they are, the more compassionate the are.

Just finishing the final touches

2008-12-22T19:56:00.001-08:00

I'm really pleased with the way this one is turning out although I need to be careful not to over do it now. It's easy to overwork things isn't it? !

This is one of the first in a new series I've started called "Healers, Dreamers, Travelers" People who have that magic about them, their touch healing, their stories intriguing and their nature, spiritual.

California Watercolor Association's 40th Annual

2008-12-15T17:36:00.000-08:00

SOLD

I just recieved notice today that my painting "Yellow Hammer" has been accepted into the CWA's 40th Annual Exhibition! I am very honored to have been chosen as these national exhibitions are tough to get into and very proud to be a part of what I'm sure will be an outstanding exhibition.

Challenge ! ! ! ! !

2008-12-01T09:00:00.001-08:00

I met the amazing watercolor artist Chris Beck a little while ago on Brushspace and have been enjoying becoming cyber friends since then. Chris actually lives not toooo far from me and after a while of emailing and sharing our respect for watercolor thought it would be a good idea to do a "challenge" in order to increase the visibility of watercolor in the world of art blogs. So here's the first of what I think will be some exciting and fun blog posts. The inspiration was something from the kitchen.

"This Little Piggy Went To Market" 8"x10" Transparent Watercolor

(by yours truly)

SOLD

"Sliced With Salt" 6"x6"

Watercolor & Gouache by Chris Beck

Happy Birthday!

2008-11-25T10:37:00.001-08:00

OK, she's going to kill me for posting these pics here but I just had to write a special Happy Birthday note.

Truly I've been trying to summon the right words for this very special lady and find myself speechless. The only words that keep resounding in my mind are compassionate, loving, healing, strong willed, and uniquely gifted, talented spirit.

This world (and my world) is infinitely better for you being here.

Jugetes

2008-11-22T15:03:00.001-08:00

Jugetes

These are toys I had as a kid in Mexico. The object is to hold the stick part and swing the barrel part to land onto the stick. If you were good at it, you could do it in one swing, if you weren't, you'd have sore knuckles for days! My knuckles were usually bruised.

Untitled

2008-11-18T14:03:00.001-08:00

Untitled

I'm not sure what to call this one, I really love the textures and earthy colors in the more traditional Mexican ceramics. It was fun pulling out the hints of colors I saw. I have been wanting to paint this tri-footed pot but could never quite figure out how to compose it, there's more of this one in the works.