Dear Friends,

Thank you to all of the friends, collectors, art professionals and family members who came out to the Newport Beach Central Library on January 12th to see my exhibition of paintings done in the sister cities of Newport: Okazaki, Japan; Antibes, France; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; and of course Newport Beach. Hiroko Ito, the lovely lady who hosted me in Japan last November flew out for the show. Ms. Aguilar, the Consul for Orange County from the Consulate of Mexico, was also in attendance along with the Director of the Bowers Museum, members of the Newport Beach Art Commission, and the Director of the Sam Francis Foundation. I spoke to about 150 people and if you would like to see the 30 minute presentation along with the slide show, here is the link . The exhibition is up until March 1st. I walked the show with my iPhone, so if you're unable to see it in person, please take a walk with me around the show with this link . All pieces are for sale; please contact me if you are interested. This link to my website describes the paintings and I've greatly reduced prices for this exhibition.

In other news, I am working in my studio in San Clemente on an upcoming juried submission. The theme will be in what ways Orange County displays water: historical water features such as the Nixon Library; environmental water works that provide fly overs for birds or reservoirs for fire fighting and drinking, such as Irvine Lake; aesthetic water features such as fountains; and of course natural water...the ocean and the single natural lake in Orange County, Barbara's Lake in Laguna Canyon. Included above are two of the new paintings done in anticipation of the submission. There will be more in my next monthly news.

I have a pastel piece in a large group show at the beautiful Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge and just attended the artist's opening last weekend. If you have never visited this amazing garden, find the time to see one of the most rare and exquisite camellia collections in the world. My pastel on exhibit is Yellow Camellias at Descanso, shown below. This show is up until June 9.

Best wishes from California!
Gianne

P.S. Because of the nature of my work as a PUBLIC artist, meaning painting and exhibiting only in public spaces, I am continually asked if my paintings are for sale. Yes! I do sell my work. So, I've decided to feature one painting per month in the Monthly News at at a special sale price for a limited time, which is good until my next monthly news is published. (Shipping is available at an additional cost.) See this month's featured painting at the end of the newsletter.