An Artist's Life

SUNSHINE

2011-05-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

This painting of my daughter, Corrina, is very special to me. We were on vacation together in Cape Cod last year when this photo was taken. We were indulging in Oysters on the Half Shell at the time, my favorite. Yummmm!

It is not for sale, ofcourse.

Sunshine

2011-05-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

My daughter, Corrina. We were having lunch one day at Cape Cod last summer and I was captured by her contemplating look at the view. I knew that I would paint this image some day. I like it and so does she! It is not for sale. See more at WWW.Fineartamerica.com

LATEST WORKS

2008-06-01T19:39:00.001-07:00

And again...

2008-05-29T00:06:00.001-07:00

Okay, I'm on a roll.....this one, also, needed a second look.......there is no shame!

OOPS AGAIN!

2008-05-29T00:03:00.001-07:00

Art Tidbit: Sometimes, ( like always), an artist must sit back a while and take a second look at a piece before thinking it's finished.....I had to correct this one, too.....definately better!

OOPS!

2008-05-28T23:57:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I had to repaint, restore, redo, or whatever, to this one.....is it any better?....just different, I suppose....

Art Tidbit: No artwork is written in stone. You can always change it!

Dockside

2008-05-24T03:43:00.000-07:00

Come join me on my trip to Morro Bay with my other artist friends! I brought back many original works of art to remember the fun. The BBQ'd oysters were an added treat!

Art Tidbit: Don't let other things distract you from your focus on painting! (like BBQ's oysters)

Overlooking Morro Bay

2008-05-24T03:30:00.000-07:00

Some people have all the luck to live on a bluff with a beautiful view of the California coastline. This is such a home. I will live vicariously!

STANDING ALONE 12" x 9" OIL

2008-05-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

Hi gang...time sure flies by when you are having fun! I did manage to get some good painting in from my trip to Morro Bay....Here's a sneak preview.

Tidbit: Paint what you see WITH FEELING!

Majestic One

2008-05-02T13:48:00.001-07:00

An artist must practice every day in order to grow, just like a musician must. This was a study in values in which I struggled with for several days. I ended the musical notes with a palette knife!

Artist Tidbit: Patience is a virtue!

DUCKIES

2008-04-27T18:10:00.000-07:00

Here's a whimsical piece done in plein-air at an outing near Murphy's, California at a beautiful winery called "Ironwood". I was at Kathleen Dunphy's workshop painting this scene when two ducks swam by. Ofcourse, I just had to include them!

Art Tidbit: Paint what's in front of you!

ART WORKSHOP

2008-04-17T07:06:00.000-07:00

I attended Kathleen Dunphy's workshop in Murphy's, California this past weekend. It was exciting, stimulating and challenging! Now I have to get down and finish the five paintings I started.

Art tidbit: An artist never stops growing!

PAINTED IN THE DARK!

2008-04-15T05:41:00.000-07:00

Would you believe I painted this oil, "Sonoma County" 11"x 14", in the dark! I am very excited about this piece. Go figure!

LANDSCAPE STUDY

2008-04-15T05:32:00.000-07:00

For those of you interested in landscapes, here's one of my latest oils..11"x14" painted in the studio, no less!

Art tidbit: When painting outdoors, however, light shifts dramaticly and quickly, so I must paint swiftly and photograph the scene right away before it disappears.

"Old Shasta Homestead" Original oil 11" x 14"

2008-03-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

Art Tidbit:

ALA PRIMA: Definition: A style of painting where, instead of building colors up with layers, the painting is done in one session while the paint is still wet. From the Italian word which literally means "at once".
Ala Prima painting techniques are frequently used by the Old Masters; such as Van Gogh and even John Singer Sargent. These Masters used Ala Prima painting techniques for making studies and sketches mainly from life and for completing a work over an underpainting done quickly. However, many Alla Prima paintings are considered completed works of art expressing the essence of the moment and the “feeling” of the scene.
NOTE On “Alla and Ala” used both ways: Taking their cue from the impressionists, modern plein air artists generally paint "ala prima" laying down a scene with quick broad, colorful brush strokes — foregoing the typical ‘building up’ of the painting. Sessions on location last from a few hours to the better part of a day, depending on the light and weather. It is a generally accepted practice that once back in the studio, the artist will add a few final touches to complete their plein air painting. (Both “Ala and Alla” are used in the same usage.)

2008-03-03T07:45:00.001-08:00

On a Roll Again!

2008-03-03T07:07:00.000-08:00

Hi fellow art lovers out there. I hope you had a great weekend. I had paint brush in hand this week. This piece is called "Disrobing". It's an original oil, 14"x 11" on quality Raymar canvas board. I'm in the process of updating my slide show...Enjoy!

Tidbit for the day: Creativity is in everyone. Just reach out and touch it in one form or another! It is food for the soul....happy exploring...Geri

LAST REDDING ART EXHIBIT

2008-02-16T19:25:00.000-08:00

This painting is my last to be publicly displayed in Redding's Vintage Wine & Bar Restaurant. It will hang through February until the first week of March. The opening reception was fun and well attended. Thank you all for attending!

HOMELESS!

2008-02-08T19:55:00.000-08:00

Well, here I am...HOMELESS....sold my house and building another above Tucson, Arizona! In the meantime, a friend graciously put me up as a guest in her home. Now that the dust has settled, I can get back to work and paint up a storm!....STAY TONED TO THE LATEST CREATIONS!

First art tidbit: Art is like playing an instrument. You must practice every day to become good.

FAREWELL ART EVENT!

2008-01-29T15:36:00.000-08:00

Here's some exciting news! I will be leaving this beautiful area of Redding in several months or so as soon as my new home and art studio in the hills above Tucson, Arizona is completed. I will surely miss all those who have touched me in some special way here for the last 19 years, but alas, it is time to move on to my life's plan. The arts are very strong in and around Arizona. There is so much to see and do and to paint! I hope to meet all the great artists there and to join them in the love of our craft.

I will be participating in one last art show here at the Vintage Wine Bar and Restaurant. The show will be hanging from Feb 3rd through March 2nd. I hope to see you at the special "no-host" gathering to be held on Feb 12 at 6:00 p.m. COME ON DOWN!

ART INTERVIEW

2008-01-28T17:51:00.000-08:00

Being interviewed is always an interesting experience! Connie is a Shasta College student here in Redding, California- a beautiful and gracious lady. She asked for background information and history of how and why I became an artist. She wanted to know how the mind of an artist works. Artists definately have their own way of thinking and seeing, that's for sure, speaking of myself, ofcourse! It was a pleasure to be interviewed; especially since I got to be the center of attention! Thanks, Connie!

Rose Melody

2008-01-21T18:45:00.001-08:00

2008-01-19T05:58:00.000-08:00

"What's With The Roses?!"

2008-01-19T05:43:00.000-08:00

When I showed my latest painting to my daughter, Corrina, she remarked, "Lovely, but what's with the pink roses?!" I wasn't even aware that I have been painting only pink roses lately. Anyway, enjoy! I premiered it on the following art site:

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/geri-acosta.html

I decided to start a little "Art Tip" column for anyone interested.

The first one will talk about complementary colors. Stay toned!

OKAY, TIME TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A STARVING ARTIST!

2007-12-27T11:35:00.000-08:00

Well, it's time to pursue the next phase of my life-long dream: Building a house and studio near Tucson, Arizona, land of GREAT ART and ARTISTS! I have some time here in Redding, California until construction is finished, but I must clear out inventory! Soooooo...."GIVING AWAY" lots of paintings on Ebay this week! COME SEE!

"SNOW WRAPPED" 11" x 14" Original Oil on Canvas Board

2007-12-25T09:05:00.000-08:00

"The world," said Henry David Thoreau, "is but a canvas to the imagination."

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world." (Albert Einstein)

WELCOME TO THE BEAUTY OF WINTER!

2007-12-22T09:26:00.000-08:00

What a glorious way to spend the first day of Winter when the sun is shinning! I was able to take multiple photos of the glistening powdery snow for scenes to paint.

I drove up to my gallery in McCloud to do some business and had the pleasure of thanking the owner and his assistant of the Historic McCloud Hotel for the purchase of the painting of the hotel. It looks just lovely over their fireplace in the lobby!

2007-12-21T18:36:00.001-08:00

DECK THE HALLS!

2007-12-20T18:58:00.001-08:00

HOLIDAY TIME IS HERE!! Time to celebrate....time for peace.....time for giving and spreading joy....... I thought this painting would be appropriate. Look for it in my store on Ebay and also on my new site: http://www.gacostafineart.ecrater.com/

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

LATEST WORK: "Forest Flower" 11" x 14" oil

2007-12-09T13:37:00.001-08:00

Something To Do On A Sunday

2007-12-09T13:30:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon, art lovers....I couldn't think of a better thing to do on a Sunday, but paint....or a Monday.....or a Tuesday....or a.....My favorite place is the Redwood Forests in Northern California coastline.....this painting lies deep in the woods....the ocean comes a very close second to a favorite place........Happy Sunday!

"HISTORIC HOSPITALITY"

2007-12-07T09:42:00.000-08:00

GREAT NEWS! The beautiful, restored and remodeled 100 year old historic McCloud Hotel in the picturesque mountain town of McCloud, in Northern California, has purchased this painting of their Hotel. "We placed the painting above the fireplace in the lobby, and quickly became enthralled with it being there. We are really pleased to have your artwork depicting our Hotel as a part of our permanent display!", wrote Lee Ogden, owner. I couldn't be more pleased and honored. Thank you, Lee!

(see other works for sale on my EBAY STORE or NEWEST SITE: http://www.gacostafineart.ecrater.com/ )

ONE HOLIDAY DOWN!

2007-12-06T18:46:00.000-08:00

Time for Holiday Cheer! As an artist, I like to celebrate by painting! I consider art as an investment as well as an original one of a kind gift....I offer this one to share the holiday: "At Peace With Nature".....You can view more of this image and others on: http://www.gacostafineart.ecrater.com/ ....HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

NEWEST WORK! SPECIAL LISTING ON ECRATER SITE!

2007-11-24T11:15:00.000-08:00

I just love these roses! They are presently decorating my bedside table proudly basking in the sun's warm rays. I couldn't resist painting them!

2007-11-24T10:59:00.001-08:00

NEWEST WORK!

2007-11-19T15:30:00.001-08:00

HEY, HERE'S AN INTERESTING IDEA!

2007-11-16T14:57:00.000-08:00

The holidays are just around the corner, I see. I sent out a newsletter announcing a great idea for holiday gift giving on my http://www.gacostafineart.ecrater.com/ site.

A gift of an original oil painting has lasting value and is an investment that one can cherish for a lifetime. What a concept!

To make it easier to give to that someone special, I am having a celebration special! You may want to check it out!

NEW ART SITE!!!

2007-11-12T08:58:00.000-08:00

Hi all you art lovers....found an excellent new site that discovers new artists and their work...somehow, they found me........you can check it out by clicking on the site below. Comments are appreciated.....thanks:

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/a-rose-garden-geri-acosta.html

TESTING THE WATERS

2007-11-04T18:32:00.000-08:00

OKAY....CALL ME A CRAZY ARTIST.....I HAVE GONE UTTERLY MAD AND LISTED MANY OF MY BEST PAINTINGS AT A GREAT SALE!!.....Ofcourse, perhaps it's because I would like you to take a peek at my latest premier site......

WWW.GAcostaFineArt.Ecrater.Com

Mt Lassen Paint Out, Oil 11" x 14"

2007-11-03T04:01:00.001-07:00

Mt Lassen Paint Out

2007-11-03T03:54:00.001-07:00

"Mt Lassen's First Snow" Orig oil painting 11" x 14"

2007-11-02T19:32:00.000-07:00

I went up to Mt Lassen in Northern California last week with some fellow artist buddies to paint the fall Aspens and ended up being attracted to the first snow on this majestic mountain and had to paint it!

You can view this and more of my latest paintings on my newest site:

WWW.Gacostafineart.Ecrater.com

P.S. There is a sale going on there!

2007-10-14T16:48:00.001-07:00

Photobucket Album

SAMPLE WORK REVIEW

2007-09-08T11:08:00.001-07:00

QUIET SUNSET WITH A BANG!

2007-04-18T19:50:00.000-07:00

How's this for starting my blog with a bang!

"Quiet Sunset With A Bang!"

11" x 14" oil