Diebenkorn Rules

I spent the afternoon at the de Young Museum, totally enthralled by the Diebenkorn exhibit. He has always been a favorite of mine, and when I walked in and was surrounded by his work I felt a total rush and I think I even cried a little. It was so exciting to see his artwork up close as well as from a distance—so very inspiring and a must see!

I was also really struck by his notes to himself on beginning a painting:

1. Attempt what is not certain. Certainty may or may not come later. It may then be a valuable delusion.
2. The pretty, initial position, which falls short of completeness, is not to be valued—except as a stimulus for further moves. 
3. Do search. But in order to find other that what is searched for. 
4. Use and respond to the initial fresh qualities, but consider them absolutely expendable. 
5. Don't "discover" a subject—of any kind. 
6. Somehow don't be bored—but if you must, use it in action. Use its destructive potential. 
7. Mistakes can't be erased, but they move you from your present position. 
8. Keep thinking about Pollyanna. 
9. Tolerate chaos.
10. Be careful only in a perverse way. 

—Richard Diebenkorn

Untitled (Yellow Collage) 1966   Richard Diebenkorn

Cityscape #1, 1963  Richard Diebenkorn

Tree Silhouettes

Looking at the shapes of things against the sky.  

Golden Gate Park

I had such an urge to be in nature for a little inspiration, and I really didn't need to go very far. Just a quick walk around the Chain of Lakes and look at all the beauty I encountered.

Crissy Field

Even on the foggiest, most grey of days, there is lush greenery all around. This is truly summer in San Francisco! 

Summer Solstice

Another beautiful day in the Bay Area.  These colors made me smile.

Knock knock

Weekend in Portland

My friend Margaret and I had a little getaway to Portland a week ago. I loved the industrial vibe juxtaposing with insane greenery everywhere. 

Hay Fever

Despite all the crazy allergy attacks I've had lately, I'm excited to see all the pretty blooms around town. More inspiration!​

Brunch in the Haight

As seen on the street. ​Loved the look of this distressed mural.  

Ornamental SF

​I walk through Nob Hill on my way to work every morning and have recently been struck by the amazing detail on some of the older buildings in the neighborhood. One usually thinks of Victorian homes when mentioning San Francisco, but there is so much more!

Pastel City

​It's that time of year...pink bunnies and yellow peeps. This city lends itself well to the colors of the season. Happy Easter! 

Fruit Stand

I took these photos at a farmer's market in Turkey not only because the fruit looks so delicious, but because the colors are so vibrant! Don't these make you feel healthy just looking at them! Nom nom.

L.O.V.E.

​Had a fantastic day touring around town with my cousin and her daughters today. we had to stop and make our own shadow message. Do you feel it? 

Saturday in the Mission

​I spent the day wandering around the Mission with friends and I barely recognized it. So many new restaurants and shops, not to mention a new slew of ultra hip people. I guess I need to get out of the house more often so I can keep up!  Although things have changed so much over the last few years, the walls and streets are still bursting with color—same as ever!  

Happy Sparkly New Year

I went to the Chinese New Year parade for the first time in 10 years last night. I was especially inclined to go because it wasn't pouring rain as it is most years. With an almost full moon out and a clear starry sky, there were lots of glittery moments. Such a fun night out with friends in the city I love.

Clement Street Walk

Is that on sale? Is this a book store? I don't know what these signs say, but the characters sure are pretty. I love how different neighborhoods exude certain colors—Clement Street has vibrant pops of gold, orange and pink.  

Colorful Sunday

One of my favorite things to do in the city is to get up early and head down to Ocean Beach for a long walk. Who could complain with weather like this in February!  This past Sunday was particularly colorful.  

Shadows

Been a bit obsessed with trees lately.  I couldn't resist snapping these shadows along a wall. They make an interesting pattern, no?

Open sesame!

What a great garage door—seen out by Ocean Beach. Love the coral hues and graphic black & white.

Memories of Mexico

I was going through some old photos and came across these images I captured while in San Miguel d'Allende. I was just blown away by the colorblocked walls and patterned tiles everywhere—they are still so inspiring.