Sherry Loehr

The brushes are washed, the tabletops are clean, paints put away. Time to switch gears. The "making phase" is over. Time to raise the curtain and show what I've been working on. Recently, birds have taken over the center stage. They appear sometimes together in a mixed species chorus, or perhaps as soloists. Stop by my studio and do a little 'birding', Sat. Oct 10 and Sun Oct. 11.

Lately, I have been especially drawn to magpies. They are intelligent, curious, and very social birds. They are not just black and white. No.... some feathers have unexpected blues, greens, or violet art are wonderfully fun to paint. Magpies are associated with luck, happiness, and mischief. In Chinese art, they are an auspicious bird that brings good fortune---- hope so!

Lately, my hands have been covered in splotches of ink, glue, and patterned paper. I've been experimenting with a Japanese-inspired palette-- weathered blues, deep charcoal, and soft, faded earth tones that feel aged by the wind. Each piece starts with raw, natural textures, which I layer slowly. The energy of the work often comes from birds. I'm fascinated by their silhouettes against these weathered backgrounds, a sudden burst of movement in a quiet landscape. East End Open Studios - This Saturday, June 13, 10-5pm map at www.ojaistudioartists.com I hope you can come!

Una, my special assistant cat, decided to lend a paw to help with my studio clean up. We're getting ready for the East End Second Saturday Open Studio. It's coming up...SATURDAY,JUNE 13. The event is FREE and FUN. Hope you can stop by- 10-5 pm. More info. on the website main page.

Artist decorated humming birds will be landing at the Ventura Botanical Gardens in June. Avid birdwatchers will be flocking to the gardens to catch a glimpse of these unique birds. I hope you can join in the fun, stroll in the gardens and see "my" pink spotted hummer.