Happy Holidays!

A Whale of a Time! 30"x48" mix media on canvas



Happy Holidays my friends!

This month has been hectic with many gatherings and goodies to eat.

The reception at the Escondido Municipal Art Gallery for Summation was packed. I so enjoyed looking at all the artwork and also talking to those people who liked my artwork "Blender".

I have been working on abstracts again. After working on a canvas twice, and wiping the artwork because it just didn't feel right, I decided to experiment. I remember how much I loved to create lines in life drawing so I used line, and loved the results so much that I'm going to create a series of them! Above is the first one of the line series.

Enjoy the holiday season!

Love,
Glad

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End of the Year

What's for Dinner? 8"x24" oil on canvas

Dear Friends,

I love December. There is something about the holidays, people in good cheer, the break in the routine, and all the yummy food.

I went to see the movie "The Book Thief" and just fell in love with it. A wonderful story, beautifully filmed, and wonderful characters. I must read the book now.

My newsletter was sent.  You can sign up for it at my home page if you haven't already.  I don't buy Christmas gifts really. I'm more into experiences, so my two young adult (son and daughter) will get a day with me at Disneyland for their gifts.  I know it may be packed with people and cold, but the little kid in me is looking forward to it.

Above is what's on my easel right now, "What's for Dinner?", oil on canvas. Yeap, if you recognize the little papillon, it's our dog "Oliver". He seems to make it into my paintings more often lately.

Just a reminder that the annual sale is still going on until Dec. 21, 2013, if you are shopping for a special unique gift for yourself or others. Everything is marked 50% off!

Wishing you the best Holiday Season yet.

Love,
Glad

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December 7, 2013 - Art Booth Sale

Gladys will have an art booth holiday sale from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm on December 7, 2013 in Escondido, CA, at Harmony Grove.  Join her for her holiday sale of original artwork.

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I'm Buying Art

Darrel McPherson and me with my new acquisition


Dear Friends,

The end of another year is here.  I feel blessed to have had good health, loved ones around me, and being able to express myself through my art and photography.

I just came back from the Publication Party at the Escondido Municipal Art Gallery. I was honored to be part of the talented artists in the publication "Summation 2013."  My painting "Lady in Red" inspired 5 creative poets and I feel grateful to see how my art touched them.

I sold two paintings this month, my abstract work is still on exhibit at 57 Degrees, and having my first art booth sale next weekend.

Perhaps what I loved about this month most was that I was able to contribute to the life of another artist. I feel that where we spend our money is where our heart is, and mine is in the arts, thus I have given my time to children, volunteering in the local school teaching art, and have donated my artwork for charitable causes, but what makes me feel most blessed is buying an original piece of artwork from an artist.

"Fall in Mums" is the painting I purchased from Darrel McPherson. My art collection is still rather small, but each piece I add, is as though I bring more joy into my home to stay for good.  Perhaps you don't understand what I'm trying to explain but if you have purchased artwork you enjoy from an artist, you may have an idea of what is like to contribute to something you believe in.

May the holiday season bring to you as many blessings as you give.

Love,
Glad

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November 30, 2013 - Publication Party!

Gladys Jimenez will be at the Publication Party for the book release of Summation V: The merging of Art and Poetry on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at the Escondido Municipal Gallery from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm, located at 262 E. Grand Avenue.  Gladys' artwork "Lady in Red" is in the publication, and available for sale.

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The Gig is Over

River of Love, 8"x10" Mix Media on canvas



Dear friends,

The photography gig will soon be over. I learned so much, not only some technical things about lighting, camera settings, and computer software, but I learned much about myself and people.

I was surprised by how much people could dislike themselves, be frighten of a camera, and how even little children don't always smile.  I learned to change my messages in hopes of making a difference in little kids by instead of asking them to say "cheese" to "I'm awesome", "I'm beautiful", "I'm handsome" and the like.

I only wish the job didn't required a set amount of time per person, so I could had better connect with each person who sat before me, to be photographed.

Now that this gig is almost over, I'll focus more on art. I have already began a series of small abstracts and I'm having so much fun creating them. See an example above.

November 30, 2013 I'll be at the Escondido Municipal Art Gallery at the publication party of Summation V. My painting "Lady in Red" is published in it and looking forward to the poet's reading their poems inspired by art. I hope to see some of you there.

Love,
Glad

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My 50th Birthday!

Pink Icing Cupcake, 5"x7" oil on canvas

Hello my Friends,

On October 18 I'll be turning 50!  Wow...such number seems to bring so many thoughts.  I don't feel 50, more like 15 in a way, and after my 2012 health ordeal, looking to improve my way of living with more healthy habits.

I have done a series of small 8" x 10" abstracts during the last month. I'll be updating the website at the end of the month with the new work from summer until now.  My photography gig has been interesting, but glad it's winding down so it will give me more time to update my art website, paint, and continue to learn more about creative gigs.

Looking forward to the fall and all of it's vivid colors. As for tonight, I'll be doing my usual 2nd Saturday art walk in Escondido.

With Love,
Glad

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Back to the Basics

Blender, 16"x20" oil on canvas

Hello Friends,

September came by so fast, and so close to the end of the year.

I have been having fun working on my own paintings.  Due to scheduling of my photography gig, I had to drop the oil painting 2 class, but no worries, I continue to paint the creative ideas I had wanted to do for a long time..

Above is a sample of "Blender", first in a series which I intend to do, called "Reflections".

It has been fun to do something different :)

I haven't participated in any art shows lately. It's my intention to work on new works of art and build a new portfolio for my fans.  Perhaps next summer I can do my own show with all the new paintings that have not sold in the meantime.

I've been having a great summer, a bit too hot lately, but nevertheless, we have been having awesome skies with beautiful fluffy clouds, and the clouds that spread all across the sky like cotton balls, reflecting the sunlight. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets!

Enjoy September.

Love,
Glad

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Here We Go Again...

Greek Lady, my first painting in 1985

16"x20" oil on canvas panel

Dear Friends,

Here we are in the middle of August and I just couldn't stay away from signing up for an oil painting 2 class at the local community college. Class starts next week :)

I had wanted to take a break because I wanted to create my own art, and then I realized what I really wanted to do was take a break from figure painting.

Time to paint other things, like butterflies...yes, I started painting butterflies, and look forward to painting still life paintings, and landscapes, and even more abstracts!  The Butterfly Series will be posted on the website in September. At least the first three :) 

I was in Los Angeles last weekend and went to visit Barnsdale Art Gallery (The gallery I first exhibit my art for the first time in 1985).  I also went to the Rose Bowl Flea Market for the first time!!!  I wanted to see what type of art I could find there but sad to say I was not very impressed.  But sure had fun walking around the flea market and seeing all the wonderful treasures people were selling and seeing what people were buying.

I miss going to the art shows in Escondido on 2nd Saturday, but it's been a busy summer with the photography gig going until the end of November and now the new art class starting next week.

Have fun!

Love,
Glad

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Love My New Place

Butterfly 1, 8"x10" oil on canvas

Dear Friends,

It's been over a month at my new place and I must say, I'm surprised how much I like it here. I used to live in this area before I moved to Escondido, and find myself in awe to find myself so much happier here. 

With my new transition, I applied for a temporary gig as a photographer and I was again nicely surprised to get the gig! A big thank you to those of you I asked for recommendations, as this is my first "Job" after many years, as I have always been self-employed with the exception of my first job after high school.  I was really moved by the letters you wrote and the wonderful things you said about me. I will always be grateful for your kindness.  Feel so lucky to have such wonderful friends :)

I did some photography back in my 20's and actually got a few awards and some photographs printed, but dropped it quickly when I discovered oil painting.  I always enjoyed it and since I feel complete with my art classes for now, and not taking any more classes for a year, I was wondering about taking some photography classes at the local community college but then I thought, what better way to learn than working at a studio and getting paid for it.

I am learning so much already, and feel I can expand to different phases of photography in this company if I so desire, after my gig is up in late November...like Photoshop! Yeap, I only know basic stuff when it comes to editing images and it can be rather useful for my art.

I just finished two paintings. I will upload them next week to the website. I sent one to my mailing list with a special sale offer. If you haven't joined my mailing list, you can do so at my home page, at this website.

I am going to work on smaller artwork for the rest of the year. I will be creating a series of butterfly paintings...they seem to be popping up everywhere I go lately, so I take it as a sign that they need to be painted. Perhaps a symbol of my own transformation as I transition through so many changes this year.  Very exciting!

Love,
Glad

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Sold the House and Moved!

My old studio




Dear Friends,

This month was really tough. I moved...yeap, long hours of packing, having 3 garage sales, donating things, and even storing some things, as I down sized. How I had accumulated so much stuff that I don't need is hard to understand. I intend to change this from now on.

It took a lot of physical work, time, and help from friends, but glad it's over.  New changes I'm still adapting too, as well as our dog Oliver, seem to be for the better.

Didn't have much time to paint at all in a month, until today. I missed it so much and found it kind of hard to get back into the level of skill I had before I went on vacation and then the move. But the joy of painting is still there, regardless of the results from my painting.  That is a reassuring feeling.

In keeping with the spirit of down sizing and not keeping anything in my new place that I don't absolutely need, I am participating in the Escondido Art Association Starving Artist Sale.  All the small artwork from my art school studies for the last year will be on sale there, about 23 pieces, from July 29-August 3, 2013.  Get this...are you ready...All original artwork will be priced at $50.00 or less!!!!  If you appreciate art as I do and would like to start or add to your collection, you don't want to miss this event. I'll be at the Gallery most of the day August 3, 2012 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Stop by and say hello.

I hope you are all having a wonderful summer.

With Love,
Glad

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What a Ride!

Yosemite by Gladys Jimenez



Dear Friends,

I hope July finds you well.  Looking back at June all I have to say is "What a Ride!".

I began the month by traveling to Yosemite.  My favorite place on Earth. I was hoping to take many photographs so I could do several studies for my oil paintings of this magnificent place but I was just caught up in the beauty of it instead. Participating in several hikes, the most difficult for me being Vernal Falls, but the most rewarding as well. You just can't beat that constant rainbow and view from the top :)

My daughter also graduated from Stanford. Very proud of her and the things she has accomplished, but mainly of who she has become.  

No time for art competitions this month.  I did meet with two art directors this month, one in Laguan Beach and the other in San Clemente (I just fell in love with this town!). It was interesting to see what they are looking for in art but couldn't shake the feeling that art galleries are not for me.  My collectors like unique different art, and I'm happy to provide them with my art in a more organic way, through my website, Facebook, and through them getting to know me, as I them.

Many changes ahead, for one, I'm not taking any art classes this fall. Time to build up my own body of artwork for my collectors and new fans.  Stay tune, as much is happening :)

Love,
Glad

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July 31, 2012 - August 3, 2013 - Starving Artist Sale Event

 Abstract art on canvas, oil 12"x12'

 





















July 31, 2012 - August 3, 2013 - Starving Artist Sale Event at the Escondido Art Association. The EAA is located on Grand Avenue, in Escondido.  All artwork will be priced at $50.00 or less and you can find about 20 of Gladys' original oil painting studies for sale. Some are even framed!  Gladys will be at the gallery August 3, 2013 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. 

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Time to Slow Down

Life Drawing Final, part one, charcoal on paper


Dear Friends,

The semester is over and I am happy to have a bit of more free time.  I got an A in my figure painting class with Michael Steirnagle, an A from in my head drawing class with Ken Joudrey, and a B in life drawing from Michael Steirnagle.  It brings me awareness of how much I still need to learn and practice on my drawing skills.  I believe the last two weeks I was finally able to understand a little bit more which lines needed to be darker, the straight lines, and how the muscles work.  Specially after the final for life drawing were we needed to do a front and back full figure depicting the muscles of the human body in a creative way.  Happy to report I got an A on my drawings, you can see one of them above.

I have taken a short break from painting and miss it so much. I am traveling this summer so I won't be entering any jury gallery events.  I will be stopping at my favorite place on Earth, Yosemite!!!! I'm so looking forward to painting some scenery from this beautiful place and definitely taking a lot of photographs for references.

I'll be in Palo Alto as well. My daughter graduates from Stanford University and I'm so proud of her. Then I get to spend some time with her and my son...what a treat!

Enjoy your summer.

With love,
Glad

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July 14, 2012 Art Reception

Museum, mixed media on illustration board

July 14, 2012 Art Reception - Gladys will be at the Escondido Municipal Art Gallery Artist Reception. Her artwork "Museum" will be on displayed until August.


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Art Association Memberships

Art, Love, and Travel, color pencils on illustration board



Dear Friends,

Yesterday was a good day for me art wise. I received the following email:

"You have been accepted into the exclusive Laguna ART Group™ by the jury. We have had over 4000 artist submissions to date and have only chosen 10% of those to be represented by the Laguna Beach Art Community (a network of ver 80 galleries) as well as on our iPhone and Android APPs. This APP is downloaded by 1000's of Collectors, Interior Designs, gallery owners as well as visitors to Laguna Beach for the Map of "Everything Art in Laguna Beach."

I am grateful and happy to be part of such a staple in the art industry.  Looking forward to visiting all 80 galleries too :)

Tomorrow is the Boehm Gallery reception and open house at Palomar College.  It's wonderful to see all the art departments exhibiting art done by students. I have several pieces up in the my art room at the college, from charcoals to paintings.  As well as two pieces at the gallery.

There is also a small section where you can purchase great ceramics, glass, jewlery, and art, outside.  And of course, free food provided by the teachers.  Michael Steirnagle will be giving a painting demonstration so I will be there :)

Join me.

Love,
Glad

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May 20, 2013 - Bravura Gala Reception

Self-Portrait, 18"x24" oil on canvas

Gladys will be at the Bravura Gala Reception on May 20, 2013. She will be awarded the First Prize in Visual Arts for her artwork "Self-Portrait".  The reception is from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. It will be held at Palomar College located at 1140 W. Mission Road, San Marcos, CA. 


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Plein Air Painting

I'm the one on the left

Hello Friends

Today I joined the Escondido Art Association Plein Air Painting group at Felicita Park, in Escondido. I have painted landscapes before but this was my first plein air outing.

All I can say is that I was not prepared for plein air painting. I had to do my painting really fast because the light and shadows do change fast.  I had to hold the canvas on one hand, painting with the other while fighting off the bugs climbing on me and my art supplies, as well as the stuff that would fall on my painting and paint from the trees. It was not easy to reach my supplies and the sun was hot.

Next time I will take a TV tray table to put my art supplies on, a stool would be helpful to sit on (instead of a rock), and bug spray.  Hopefully area won't be too far from facilities. I guess I'm a city gal, although I love nature and taking long hikes and even camping, when it comes to painting, I prefer my studio.

Although it took me about 30 minutes to do this artwork, I was going for the impressionist style, I like my little painting under the circumstances it was painted on. My first oil landscape in years :)

I was surprised to see fake trees a long the park. The fake trees are used to cover up cell phone towers at the park. It's my understanding they are all over the place now. It was a beautiful day outdoors and so happy I got to experience plein air painting, as it was something I wanted to do for a long time.

With Love,
Glad

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