Summer Art Classes

I stumbled across these affordable art classes for kids, ages 7-12, at the Monterey Museum of Art and, promptly, signed my boys up for one class. We'll give it a shot and see if they like to paint as much as I do. 

Click here for more information about the classes.

Sand City's Street Party: The WestEnd Celebration

And because it's such a lively atmosphere, I submitted an application today to be one of the artists at the WestEnd Celebration in Sand City in August. It's a gigantic street party with music, art, jewelry, dance, and more. All the local shops open their doors and the festivities spill out onto the street.

It should be a blast. And you'll see me, Cam, and the boys there whether I'm accepted to display or not. I'll keep you posted.

Click here for more information about Sand City's 10th WestEnd Celebration.

Art and Wine

Two of my favorite things. Art. Wine.

Art doesn't sell if it isn't seen, right? As I launch into getting my art more visible, I just sent off the reservation form for a booth at the 7th Annual Carmel Valley Art & Wine Festival. Over 60 artists, local wines, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. 

So, if you're in town on June 11, 2011, swing out to the Carmel Valley Village, and say 'hello.' I'll be there, paintings hung and wine glass in hand. Cheers!

Click here for more information about the event, from the Carmel Valley Chamber of Commerce website.

New Doors

A decade ago I fell off a ladder at work and decided then and there - with more than a little nudge from my wife - that rough construction might not be a good long-term career plan.

I transitioned into custom woodwork and have been doing that ever since. But with the economy the way that it is, even the affluent have been affected and jobs are fewer and far between, and the shop through which I've been working is shutting its doors.

So, as one set of doors slams, I'm looking at another opening. Though this change will mean some belt-tightening and better budgeting for the Mann family, but it also means more time for art. I'm looking forward to more paint on canvas, more time in the studio, and - hopefully - a few more commissions. New doors, baby!

Portrait Commission

Last year I donated an 18"x24" custom portrait to my boys' school's auction fundraiser. Good friends, Dan and Denise, won the item.

I did a preliminary sketch from the photograph they selected and we had our first consultation today about the composition. I love that they opted for a candid shot of their two daughters fishing at Cherry Lake.

Making Frames

I'm headed to the shop this afternoon to frame some new paintings. Some abstract. Some not. I'll update my etsy shop tonight. JM

Restful Sea for Rotary International Night 2011 Auction

When my father-in-law asked me to donate a painting to Monterey Peninsula Sunrise Rotary Club's auction fundraiser, I didn't hesitate to say yes. Deciding on which painting to donate was a tougher task. Not being familiar with that group or what they might want to bid on, I wavered between a still life composition or something more abstract. Joe took a poll and it was unanimous: an ocean scene.
"Restful Sea" is an original oil painting on wood.  The cool touch of the moonlight on the still waters of Monterey Bay inspired this painting where the vessels are enveloped in a cloudy embrace.

Hope they like it! 

Click here for more information about the May 7th event.