REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS IN VIENNA
The Spanish Riding School in Vienna at The Hofburg, designed in the style of the late Baroque era. If I had a bucket list, this definitely would be number one. I'd say a trip to the lovely city of Vienna is worth it just to see this awesome classic equestrian...
AN ABUNDANCE OF PINKNESS
Nikka transformed the studio into an abundance of pinkness for her friend Charmaine's Bridal Shower and did those girls ever know how to party!! I'll show you the very beginnings of the day when signs were posted to guide everyone. At the door leading to the studio......
I’M SO PROUD OF MY STUDENTS
.....and their current exhibit at the Crain Art Gallery in the Crowell Public Library in San Marino. Nikka followed my design in helping everyone set up as I was still in Florence. I was so happy to know that Lynda Lyons, the awesome head of the Crain...
DECEMBER ADVENTURES
began with Carol Soucek King driving awesome Curtis McElhinney, myself and Suwako, famous authority on the kimono, on a delightful excursion to El Segundo. Why you may ask? Curtis, an award winning documentarian (curtisvision.com), has been filming Carol and her Salon...
REMEMBERING CHARLES LEE PARKER
AI WEIWEI and his WOODEN STOOLS
Over a period of twenty years, 5,929 wooden stools from the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing(1644-1911) dynasties were collected from villages across northern China. I was overwhelmed seeing them and realizing their humble beginnings and the lives they represent. This...
FUN STUFF IN NOVEMBER
Kita welcomes in the fall season. Neighbors just don't get any better than these, hosts Wayne and Izabela (with Kert in-between), Maryam and Kert and Dave and Alexis. We have great fun rotating from house to house for amazing dinners and grand conversation! I'll...
MORE BIRTHDAYS AND CHRISTMAS CARDS
November is always the month for the Brush painting classes to work on Christmas cards and we all had so much fun at the Huntington Botanical Gardens doing just that! Sweet Lulu surprised me with an amazing cake with a design of the mailer for the class exhibit at the...
PLÁCIDO DOMINGO STARRED IN DON CARLO
... a stunning LA Opera performance, which was the perfect way to celebrate dear Carol's birthday. It's always wonderful to hear the pre-concert lecture and this one delivered by brilliant conductor James Conlon was no exception! A lovely time in the Founder's Room...
HEIFER INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL EVENT AT NBC UNIVERSAL
What a great day! After parking the car Nikka and I were shuttled to the event, passing so many interesting buildings on the huge Universal Studio's lot. I've been to these before so I was prepared to go crazy seeing all the animals. The most fun ever was...
WELCOME…
to my personal blog where I’ll be sharing adventures and how I determine each day to live joyfully as an Artist, Teacher, and Author. My latest book “What If… We Have the Power to Change Our Lives” an inspirational book that hopefully will empower you to live your best life! You can find me and my work at nanraestudio.com My hope is that this blog will inspire you to find joy everywhere and in everything and that is what I wish for you!