HOUSE PAINTERS GUARD YOUR BRUSHES…
…because they’re no longer safe! We’ve discovered the true meaning of ‘Action Painting’ with master calligrapher Shantien ‘Tom’ Chow. Using the largest brushes we could find the adventure started by splashing milk onto a large piece of Double Shuen paper...
FIRST THE HUMMINGBIRDS, NOW…
…it’s the deer. Charles is taking to calling himself St. Francis and I’m calling him the ‘Indian Scout’ because he sure can spot them on the hillside in front of our home. We’ve been dubbed the ‘best dining spot on the hill’. Imagine, living in...
All We Have to Say is …
...'do you want to go to Mommie's?' The moment we step off the elevator and unleash her, Yuki's in a mad dash to Mom's door while Charles and I pray no neighbor opens theirs! Why, you're just in time for lunch! Yuki, you just crack me up! Don't just sit...
PLAY DATES FOR ADULTS…
...just think about it...isn't that what everyone needs? And nobody arranges one better than Vallerie Foster Hoffman.The latest hooky (sorry, excursion) was to Palm Desert to see acclaimed watercolorist Gayle Garner Roski's amazing exhibit at the Edenhurst...
“I LOVE ARTISTS”…
...is what I told the 80 some members of the San Fernando Valley Art Club as I began my lecture and demonstration Tuesday evening.Visual artists, writers, musicians et al have so much beauty and expression to bring forth that they desire to share it with the world....
THE WOMAN WE KNOW…
...is how we were identified on the waiting list at Cafe Beaujolais Saturday night. It was a long day, we were tired and wanted a relaxed delicious dinner at one of our favorite Eagle Rock spots where 'everything truly is French, even the attitude'. It's such a casual...
DON’T THROW THAT PAINTING AWAY…..
...must echo in my students dreams. It's so ingrained that I hear them repeating it along with "you can even use it for wrapping paper if you think it's that bad".I feel so strongly about this principle because I know that every artist 'hits the wall' when a painting...
WHAT ARE THE ODDS OF THIS EVER HAPPENING?
I had just left the Ikebana House at the Huntington Botanical Gardens when my cell phone rang."Nan, it's Judy." Judy? Judy from GRADE school in Chicago? Judy now from Iowa wintering in your Newport Beach home? That Judy? Well yes it was!"Where are you?" "At the...
WE’RE HAVING A PARTY…
...and it will benefit the West Valley Food Bank. So said Carolyn Weisz who, with artist friend Denise Hufhines came up with the plan to have a wine tasting, dinner and auction followed by more food and yummy deserts.Carolyn and husband Dr. Jeff hosted and guests were...
WHAT A LOVELY INVITATION…
...to be the guest of awesome Valerie Foster Hoffman for a private tour of 'Masters of the American West' at the Autry led by Curator Amy Scott. Dinner followed at the California Club and was a lovely chance to discuss the art.I hadn't been to the Autry since the...
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!