It's August Already?

I've been catching up on all the things that I'd been putting off, including; small home repairs and gardening. I've been researching rain water collection systems - I'd love to get one installed before the next rainy season starts - in October or November.



I'm signed up to attend a lucid dream workshop this fall. My dreams have been wild since I signed up - but except for one - not lucid.



And, I've been painting of course. TAG will have a group show in October, in addition to the two person exhibit in the West Gallery, the East Gallery will be all work 12 x 12". Currently the piece below is available, and can be found in the North Gallery.

Above and Below Katherine Kean
oil on linen 18 x 24 inches

Afternoon in the Lagoon

This is Malibu Lagoon, a saltwater marsh where Malibu Creek empties into the Pacific. As I understand it this area was previously used as a dump site, but in the 80's was excavated to restore the marsh habitat. The restoration results in a beautiful and very popular place, although it continues to suffer from pollution caused by urban runoff.


We had a great time getting here. Deciding to take surface streets instead of freeways we ended up taking Moomat Ahiko Way to get to PCH instead of the California Incline. We are both long time residents of Southern California and we couldn't remember ever taking this street before. It turns out that the name was changed in 2004. It was formerly Route 187. The new name means "Breath of the Ocean" and is of the Tongva language


Fellow painter Barbara:

Curiously, after finding a spot with a decent view off the main path and concealed somewhat by vegetation we set up to paint only to have two men come along needing to measure a part of the area we were occupying. Fortunately it only took them a few minutes to take their measurements and leave.

Harbor Park

This is the first time I went to explore this location. It's full name is Ken Malloy Regional Harbor Park, or just Harbor Park for short. I was curious after seeing some beautiful photos on a website about the park. I took heed of the warning about not going alone, and brought someone with me, although it seemed perfectly safe, even the geese weren't too menacing. Our goal was to capture images late in the day, but having seen the place I now think it might have more atmosphere in the morning. Maybe next time my dog will want to go with me. I wonder what he'd make of the wildlife.

New Tree

A friend brought me a new tree the other day. It's a Norfolk Pine, the kind that many people have for a living Christmas Tree. They make excellent houseplants or live happily on a deck. However they can eventually outgrow a pot and given the chance will eventually grow to massive proportions.

I haven't picked out a permanent place in the garden yet and given the current heat wave I'll wait until conditions are better for planting.

Distance Close

We had perfect weather for the artist reception at TAG Gallery last weekend. And since the new, cooler lights have been installed it never became too hot in the gallery even with all the people filling the space.

Photo courtesy of Anne M. Bray

It was great to see so many friends and wonderful to have the opportunity to meet some new friends. A couple of people came that I've only emailed with before; it was super to meet them in person.

The exhibition continues through June 14th. The gallery hours are Wednesday - Saturday from 11am until 5pm.

Exhibit, Conversations, Publications

Last week went by really quickly. I hung my paintings on Tuesday on the very freshly painted walls and the exhibit opened on Wednesday with Conversations With the Artists. I really enjoyed this event. We didn't speak at great length - I think I only said about a third of what I intended to say but it felt like the evening went by very quickly. It was a nice turnout - thanks to all who came. I'm looking forward to the reception on Saturday, the 31st.

There is a nice blurb about the gallery in the current issue of Luxury, Life and Style Magazine on page 39.

Upcoming Exhibit: Still Places

Where the Water Goes oil on linen 18 x 24" (c) 2008


May 21 - June 14, 2008 at TAG Gallery in Santa Monica.

Also exhibiting is Danielle Eubank Waterscapes and Anne M. Bray Irwindale.

We will be having a conversation with the artists on May 21st from 6-8pm. The reception is Saturday, May 31st, 5-8pm. Please join us!