The CWA Exhibit

My Husband and I drove up to Pleasanton, Ca to attend the California Watercolor Association's 43rd National Exhibition. It was held at the beautiful Harrington Gallery in the Firehouse Art's Center downtown Pleasanton on Saturday, January 19, 2013. What a wonderful show with a large turn out!

I was so proud to receive my CWA Signature Membership at the exhibit!

Kathleen Ballard receiving CWA Signature Membership

"Metal", Kathleen Ballard at California Watercolor Assoc. Exhibit 2013

New work: "Laguna Wave"

I finally finished this little painting! It was started in 2011 and I meant to get on it and get it done last year! It felt great to finish it but I think I liked it better before completion! But the bright colors and summer subject is a breath of fresh air during this winter!

I shot the reference photo during the time my Husband and I spent a few wonderful days at Monarch Bay in Laguna Beach, CA back in the summer of 2009.

"Laguna Wave" is 9 1/2"x14" and painted on Arches hot press paper.

"Laguna Wave", watercolor,  9 1/2'x14" Kathleen Ballard

Celebrating the Holidays with the Traveling Chicken

The Traveling Chicken and her two friends arrived here in Altadena, California on December 8th, 2012. She and her flock flew in from Texas after spending a fun time with Darla having tea and getting her beautiful portrait painted.

The beautifully wrapped Traveling Chicken Package from sent from Darla

Inside the package: T.C. and her entourage

I was so busy getting ready for Christmas and having out of town guests staying with us that I wasn't able to paint Miss T. Chicken's portrait until after the Holidays.

T.C. was thrilled to spend Christmas with us! It was the first one that she could remember. She happily chose a spot on our Christmas tree amongst all the ornaments right next to one of our big red hearts. She loved how bright and shiny it was and spent hours gazing at it. (probably admiring her own reflection)! Miss T. Chicken celebrated the Holidays and was in her element with being an ornament herself!

"The Traveling Chicken with a big Heart", 8 3/4" x 10 1/2" watercolor
by Kathleen Ballard, 2013

After Christmas she watched her first Rose Parade on television and loved seeing all the floats, bands and horses on New Year's Day.

Now she is packing and getting ready for her next adventure flying to Elle's home in Colorado.

It was so much fun having Miss T. Chicken here for the Holidays and painting her portrait! For more information about the Traveling Chicken Blog, click here.

Love, Kathleen