OPTIMISM: One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn’ t pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself. – Lucille Ball
January 23, 2009
October 14, 2008
Recently I found this photographer in San Diego who also produces Giclees. His name is Tom Shjarback. I gave him some challenges with paintings that are very textural. Light bounces off where you don’t want it and metallic paint is even harder to capture. He has a great eye, camera, and skill for taking photos. In addition, he is a master at Photoshop. We sat together to get perfect color matches for printing my Giclees and his hands worked so fast in layer files I couldn’t keep up. His web site is undergoing some reconstruction so when you visit it know there is hidden greatness and you have to meet him to see it all: http://www.Shjarback.com.
July 26, 2008
Digital Drawing
Posted by Stephanie West under Art | Tags: Art, Digital, Portrait, Snake Earrings, Woman |1 Comment

In the Cosmic Bowl
How can an artist’s work be re-invented, re-newed, and viewed just as we hear music we listen to again and again? Somehow the art must be shown differently to be perceived differently. I drew this picture of my sister when we lived in Denver Colorado. It was a time when we dyed our hair in bright colors, smoked clove cigarettes, and had a clothing budget of zero. A few months after making the drawing someone gave me earrings that were near to the ones I drew. Snake earrings from my imagination materialized.
Though this image was drawn years ago, is there anything that is timelessness? I’ve taken the colored pencil sketch and altered it with my digital software, taking out detail of the line drawing.
July 21, 2008
Movie Star Moment
Posted by Stephanie West under Art | Tags: Mission Beach, Movie Star |Leave a Comment
This weekend my son and I went to see my paintings at the Mission Cafe in Mission Beach. A long line of Mission Cafe patrons waited outside the doors. When the Maitre De took our name and I mentioned that I was the artist, he looked around and said he could seat us right away. It was a movie star moment, so V.I.P., and it made me feel great. No one noticed our jump to the front of the line, only we knew. We ordered three dishes for 2 people: Mango and Green Tea to drink, Cinnamon French Toast with blueberries, Jalapeños with black beans, scrambled eggs, and rosemary potatoes. Yummie!
July 19, 2008
When Laziness Called
Posted by Stephanie West under Art | Tags: Add new tag, Expression, Laziness, Southwest Airlines, Yoga |Leave a Comment

When laziness called, I punched it in the face and ran out the door.
I drew this image in my little note book while in flight from San Diego to Albuquerque NM. I used the Southwest magazine as reference working from an image of a guy riding a surf board. This is how I decided to use the expression for my interpretation. This is a passion expression against my own laziness. In Yoga there is a word for stagnation, tamasic.
July 11, 2008
Mission Cafe at Mission Beach
Posted by Stephanie West under Art | Tags: Art Exhibit, Mission Beach, Mission Cafe, Painting, Resturant |Leave a Comment
July 7, 2008
Science and Jewelry
Posted by Stephanie West under Art, Jewelry | Tags: Art, Jewelry, Science |Leave a Comment
Raven is a Molecularmuse, a scientist-turned-artist. With her jewelry you can wear the molecular symbol of feel good chemicals such as Serotonin and other elements. See her PEACE necklace, or this favorite: Creativity necklace – three molecules that rock. This resonates with my interest in connecting with 5 elements and our higher self through: earth, water, sound, scent, and ether / air.
July 3, 2008
Old House Street Fair
Posted by Stephanie West under Art | Tags: Art Exhibit, Fine Art Painting, San Diego, Stained Glass |Leave a Comment
Street Fair in San Diego. Booth on 30th and Beech shared with Peaceful Heart Stained Glass artist Sandy Levin.


June 24, 2008
This past weekend was my exhibit with another artist in an outdoor street fair. The Old House Street Fair took place on a Saturday in 87 degree heat. My son complained the previous day to the extent that all negotiations were off. One more complaint would earn him the privilage to stall all day which is what he accomplished.
Our one day show on June 21, 2008 went well.






