Well, all the commissions are done for now! I've been juggling a couple of commissions and everything else that's been coming up, and I'm happy to say they're all wrapped up. Going forward, I'm going to be a little more selective about taking on new commissions. I want to make sure I leave myself time for my own projects, a bit of exploring, and the opportunity to stretch myself with some larger work.
I'm starting to think about what next year's feature show at Columbia City Gallery might look like, and I'm excited to see where that takes me. More on that in January!
For now, I'm enjoying a little bit (just a little bit!) of downtime before the holiday craziness kicks in. There are a few pop-ups coming up, retail partners to keep stocked, and, of course, re-prints to have on hand at home for all those website orders. It's going to be a busy few months!
Rosellini’s 6”x8” Giclee (fine art reproduction) printed locally using archival inks on German etching paper. Buy me
First up, Rosellini's!
Tucked away at NW 70th and 14th in Ballard, Rosellini's sits on a quirky little stretch of the neighborhood that has a story of its own. Back in Ballard's early days, these little pockets of commercial activity meant that folks living away from Market Street still had access to their own corner grocery store and neighborhood amenities. This block is one of those little holdovers, and I'm glad it is.
Rosellini's is surrounded by a handful of neighborhood favorites, making this one of those great little Seattle pockets where people actually hang out. And then there's the baking. They're a destination for their cakes and pastries as well, but that's a whole other dangerous road I'm not even going to go down! Personally, I think they have the city's best croissants. I simply cannot have a substandard croissant. I'll wait and go to Rosellini's!
A huge thank you to the kind-hearted soul who commissioned this painting as a gift for a friend. Of course, I had to take photos for Instagram when it was finished, which meant a little field research was in order. Naturally, that involved a croissant.
I told my daughter about it, and then, of course, I had to take her there for a pain au chocolat AND a croissant. What kind of mother would I be if I didn't teach her what a proper croissant should taste like? And just to be clear, it's a pain au chocolat, not a chocolate croissant. We're learning the important things here!
It's a good thing I'm writing this at night. Otherwise, I might need a croissant in the morning.
Tarasco 6”x8” Giclee (fine art reproduction) printed locally using archival inks on German etching paper. Buy me
Another commission, and one that's been on my list for a while. I tend to gravitate toward the really hyper-local spots, the places that have a loyal neighborhood following, and I'm happy to see that this little micro-neighborhood loves its Tarasco.
Tarasco has been a Ballard fixture since 1980, tucked away on NW 70th as part Mexican restaurant, part dive bar, and longtime karaoke headquarters. Keeping colorful company with Rosellini's, Delancey and Essex, this unassuming little stretch of 70th has become one of Ballard's best accidental gathering places. Just the kind of place I love to paint!
The Kite Cafe at the historic Golden Gardens Bathhouse, a Ballard landmark built in 1929. Back in the day, city folk could hop on a streetcar for a weekend escape to the beach, and this was the place to change, shower and get ready for a swim. In the 1970s, Golden Gardens was even considered as a possible site for Seattle's aquarium. Today, the bathhouse still hosts celebrations and gatherings, while the cafe serves up coffee, sandwiches and beach-day treats. Not a bad spot to watch the sailboats drift by over Shilshole Bay.
It's a tricky spot to run a cafe, with the very seasonal crowds that come with being right on the beach, but what a treasure to have it there! I was absolutely thrilled to paint this one for the owners. Wishing them all the best and hoping lots of you continue to discover this little Golden Gardens gem.
And, in other news...
If you're in West Seattle, please stop by C&P Coffee to check out my current show! I've brought together all my West Seattle paintings along with a few select pieces from some of my favorite travel destinations: Lisbon, Porto and Granada, Spain.
I've also stocked the space with reproductions, making it an easy-peasy stop for a little holiday shopping. Something for yourself, your hard-to-buy-for brother, your parents, or a few friends. I promise there's something for everyone on your list!
And if you're in Ballard, come find me next Thursday at Sabine, from 5–9 pm, for my first holiday pop-up of the season.
Lots happening over the next few weeks. Hope to see some familiar faces along the way!
