Dear Friends, 

This Valentine's Day, I invite you to ignore all the commercial marketing of the season and select a truly personal gift--an original painting--that expresses your genuine affection. I have started early this year creating a series of artwork which especially fits this occasion, paintings that come straight from the heart and illustrate love in its purest, most organic sense.

These paintings are created using acrylic and mixed media, and each one has a particular love story, song or sentiment which inspired it. Paintings are highly textured, containing multiple layers of handwritten love letters, parchment paper and mixed media collage. They are fully wired and painted on all sides so there is no need to frame. 

 


I am also able to create custom commission works featuring any personal handwritten notes, love letters, or lyrics to special songs that you would like to present to your loved one in a truly unique way, as long as you place your order to me by January 31. 

I have several in stock, please email me or visit my website to see more pictures.

Sizes range from 8" x 8" to 11" x 14". My hope is for these paintings to be affordable gifts, so they are priced between $95 and $195. Original 8" x 10" or 10" x 10" love-themed giclee prints are also available online here. 

For more details or to purchase, please contact me at utopiapkwyarts@yahoo.com. Thank you for looking!

From Arts + Culture Magazine...

Things are looking up...the snow has melted (again), kiddos are playing happily at Mother's Day Out until 2, I have the day ahead of me to paint and I just noticed my painting, "Living with Ease" (below) is featured in A+C Magazine.  I hope all my Dallas peeps can make it out to the Cameron Gallery this Saturday from 3-6 or next Saturday from 7-9 to check out the opening receptions for my new show, "Made for Love", just in time for V-Day.

Totally Cool Weekend      Arts Recommendations Arts+Culture magazine informs and enlightens arts patrons and enthusiasts of visual culture, and social events that supportthe arts.  Become a fan onFacebook to have a chance to win tickets to arts events!   Go To FB Page FEBRUARY ISSUE NOW ON STREET  Amon Carter Museum Opens a Classic Show Dallas Stadium Hosts Contemporary Works What Do You Really Know AboutShakespeare? The 'LIFE' of Magazine Lensman Bob Gomel Betty Buckley and Tovah Feldshun on Stage in New Revival Local Opera Star Gets Grammy Nod Most Romantic Music Ever Written Teenage Designer Takes Runways by Storm  Art Reviews Food for Locals Calendar Picks  RESERVE SPACE FOR MARCH 2011 ISSUE NOW! ASK ABOUT PACKAGE RATES FOR PRINT, WEB & RADIO ADVERTISING  CONTACTS Ad Rates & Sales KEN VILLALOVOS Email Ken Editorial Submissions SCOT HART Email Scot    Works by Gina Dunn will be on show this weekend at Cameron Gallery. PLENTY TO LOVE Friday, February 11-March 13 STAGE: Award-winning Broadway legends Betty Buckley and Tovah Feldshuh join forcesin a fresh, new take of the black comic farce, "Arsenic and Old Lace." Dallas Theater Center Friday, February 11-20 STAGE: Shakespeare's classic love story, "Love's Labour's Lost." A king and his lords swear to avoid women but can't keep their oaths. A play full of disguises, poetry, hilarity, and romance.  Stolen Shakespeare Friday, February 11-13  PERFORMANCE: Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra presents Mozart & Brahms. The program includes: Mozart Violin Concerto No. 5 in A Major, and Brahms Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73. Featuring Chee-Yun, Violin. Fort Worth Symphony Friday, February 11-27  PERFORMANCE: Gounod's timeless tale of love, loyalty, romance and revenge brings "Romeo and Juliet" to life on the stage of theWinspear Opera House.  American tenor Charles Castronovo leads an international cast. Dallas Opera Friday, February 11-13  PERFORMANCE: Dallas Symphony performs  Prelude and Liebestod from Wagner's Tristan und Isolde; Richard Strauss' Der Rosenkavalier Suite; the Shostakovich romance "The Gadfly"; and Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 1, performed by pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet. Dallas Symphony Orchestra Saturday, February 12-March 12   GALLERY ARTS: Daniel Dreyer's expression of the essence of line, gesture and geometry as observed in nature and his articulation of the transitions and dynamics of these elements shape this exhibition of abstract paintings and sculpture. Valley House Gallery Saturday, February 12-March 19 GALLERY ARTS:An exhibition of new works by Jeff Kellar, James Marshall, and Brian Moore. Kellar's works combining resin, clay and pigment, Marshall's bold ceramics, and Moore's photography, are compelling minimalist works that belie their complexity while exploring interactions of space, color, and light. William Campbell Contemporary  Saturday, February 12 GALLERY ARTS: A collective art sale with all the works inspired by "love." Highlights include Pop Art from local artist Jonathon Kimbrell, handcrafted jewelry from Sheela Birnbaum, Pat Martin Sara McCabe, and collectible music boxes from Tanner Lawley. The Cameron Gallery Sunday, February 13 FILM: Harlan Jacobson's Talk Cinema is an exciting new film series at the Modern featuring sneak previews of highly acclaimed foreign and independent films. Includes coffee and discussion of each film (only announced at screening.) Modern Museum of Fort Worth For Full Arts Listings, Go To WRR 101.1fm For Stage Reviews+Shows, Go To TheaterJones For Arts Commentary, Go To Critical Rant

A Poem for Wednesday: How to Really Love a Child, by Sark

"Love is the Answer", prints available on Etsy

How to Really Love a Child 

Be there.

Say yes as often as possible.

Let them bang on pots and pans.

If they’re crabby, put them in water.

If they’re unlovable, love yourself.

Realize how important it is to be a child.

Go to a movie theater in your pajamas.

Read books out loud with joy.

Invent pleasures together.

Remember how really small they are.

Giggle a lot.

Surprise them.

Say no when necessary.

Teach feelings.

Heal your own inner child.

Learn about parenting.

Hug trees together.

Make loving safe.

Bake a cake and eat it with no hands.

Go find elephants and kiss them.

Plan to build a rocket ship.

Imagine yourself magic.

Make lots of forts with blankets.

Let your angel fly.

Reveal your own dreams.

Search out the positive.

Keep the gleam in your eye.

Encourage silly.

Plant licorice in your garden.

Open up.

Stop yelling.

Express your love.

A lot.

Speak kindly.

Paint their tennis shoes.

Handle with caring.

New Painting, "I Love You as Big as the Sky"

12" x12"

Watercolor and Mixed Media on Canvas

There is nothing that makes me happier than hearing my children say these words to me.  They inspire me even more than I think I can begin to realize. I always tell my 4.5 year-old that the biggest gift God gives you when you become a mommy is that He helps your heart open and grow in ways you never thought possible and you learn to love more and more each day. I love it when paintings just flow from a happy place, and this was one of them.  

This painting will be on display at The Cameron Gallery in February at their "Made for Love" Exhibition.  Preview for this show is 2/10 and opening reception is 2/19.  The Cameron Gallery is located on Dragon Street in the Design District.

New Painting: Love's Monolith #1

12" x 12" x 1.5"

Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas

From Wikipedia: A monolith is a geological feature, consisting of a single piece of rock placed as, or within, a monument. Erosion usually exposes the geological formations, which are most often made of very hard and solid metamorphic or igneous rock.


This painting is the first in a series of three.  Three is a magic number for me in my paintings, one that surfaces again and again. I think it stands for my children.  The love I have inside me is massive and unchanging, much like a monolith.  I don't think there's anything that can describe the love a mother has for her children, though I try every day to put it into words for them just so they can begin to know.  I think God's biggest gift to me has been showing me the love that can grow in my heart when I became a mother and how it continues to multiply exponentially.


Will post pics of the others in this series soon.  These are available for purchase and will hang at Starbuck's in the West Village in January.

New Painting, "The Beautiful Present"

8" x 10"

Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas

“One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.” -Unknown


This painting is part of a new series that was inspired by a commissioned painting of cherry blossoms from a Collector in D.C.  


The title came from my recent deeper foray into my yoga practice.  Having been a competitive runner for the last 5 years (and a hard-core Katy Trail rat for all the Dallas folks reading this), I am gradually shifting my focus toward running more recreationally and focusing on my yoga practice. It has only been a few weeks and I can already feel my left knee thanking me. With my practice I hope, among other things, to better be able to maintain my presence in the the moment.  To enjoy my life, my blessings, my family, instead of scrambling to get a million things accomplished all in one day. To breathe. To be. It's not as easy as it sounds.

A Joyful Heart

12" x 12"
Acrylic and Mixed on Canvas
SOLD

This commissioned piece was ordered by a dear friend who wanted one more of my heart paintings to hang on her soon-to-arrive daughter's nursery wall. She is actually delivering tomorrow, so to say we were cutting it close is an understatement. She is going to add this one to a cluster of them in the nursery, and I can't wait to see how they all look together.

My original heart paintings have been quite popular since their feature on Daily Candy Dallas back in February, and I am always happy to create more.

I drew the inspiration for this one from Bob Dylan's "Forever Young". The lyrics to this song are collaged in the background under a layer of thick texture. I really can't think of a more perfect wish for a child from their parent, and I wanted this heart painting to be especially for Mrs. R's sweet baby girl.

May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,

Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,

Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,

Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.

I'm featured in Daily Candy!! (insert Happy Dance here)

"If art is indeed the truest form of expression, then I can think of no better way to say 'I love you'. - Unknown Artist

My Valentine's Paintings were featured in yesterday's Daily Candy Dallas "To Do" list. Thanks so much to Brandon Lynch at Artisan Style Gallery for working his magic to get my paintings written up. The exposure was wonderful and it made my day yesterday to wake up and read about myself in Daily Candy. :-) It also reminded me how lucky I am to be represented by such a wonderful gallery.

Valentine's Paintings Series

A Prayer in Spring
11" x 14"
Acrylic and Mixed Media on Canvas

This is the latest of my custom commissioned Valentine's painting series. A client selected the poem, "A Prayer in Spring", by Robert Frost, to be collaged into the background of her painting, as it has a very special meaning to her and her husband. She even chose to handwrite the verses herself which makes the painting that much more personal, a little piece of her heart that she's offering to her husband immortalized on the canvas.

I have had great success with this series and feel so happy to have created so many commissioned pieces over the past month and a half. It's kind of like my own artsy way of playing Cupid. Several paintings from my Valentine's series are available at Artisan Style Gallery Uptown. Brandon Lynch, one of the Owners, recently informed me that they are soon going to be featured in Daily Candy Dallas. Can't wait!

"For this is love and nothing else is love,
To which it is reserved for God above
To sanctify to what far ends he will,
But which it only needs that we fulfill." Robert Frost

Happy Words from a Collector

Love is the Answer
8" x 10" x 1.5"
SOLD

"Gina, the painting is fantastic! I love the textures in it. I will have to find the perfect spot--in our apartment in the Irish Channel! I'll have to send you a picture when the painting has a little home. Thank you so much for creating it. It's amazing how a little bit of paint on a canvas can bring so much joy. Good luck with the rest of your paintings...I love the colors in your newest pieces!"
Margaret Peters, Metairie, LA

I love hearing happy words from people who buy my art! Marg purchased one from my current Valentine's series. Many paintings and velvet giclee prints are still available through Etsy as well as at Artisan Style Gallery Uptown.

This Valentine's Day, I invite you to ignore all the commercial marketing of the season and select a truly personal gift--an original painting--that expresses your genuine affection. I have started early this year creating a series of artwork which especially fits this occasion, paintings that come straight from the heart and illustrate love in its purest, most organic sense.

These paintings are created using acrylic and mixed media, and each one has a particular love story, song or sentiment which inspired it. Paintings are highly textured, containing multiple layers of handwritten love letters, parchment paper and mixed media collage. They are fully wired and painted on all sides so there is no need to frame.

My Valentine's Series at Artisan Style Gallery!

I have had great success with this series, as the timing of my desire to paint hearts and the impending arrival of Valentine's Day could not have worked out better. The paintings make wonderful gifts, and I feel blessed to share the love I feel with so many.

Artisan Style is wonderful and eclectic space in the Uptown area by the Crescent Hotel. The gallery is situated in a lovely Victorian home dating back to the early 1900's and is filled with colorful, energetic art carefully curated by owners Brandon Lynch & Steve Iha. Their goal? To provide a twist on the traditional gallery and offer affordable artwork to everyone.
www.artisanstyle.net

For more info or to purchase one, please stop by the gallery, visit my Etsy site or email me at utopiapkwyarts@yahoo.com

Beautiful Soul

11" x 14"
Acrylic and Mixed Media on Gallery-Wrapped Canvas

"Love is the beauty of the soul." St. Augustine

This painting is one of my series of Valentine's Day-inspired abstract poppies/hearts.

This Valentine's Day, I invite you to ignore all the commercial marketing of the season and select a truly personal gift--an original painting--that expresses your genuine affection. I have started early this year creating a series of artwork which especially fits this occasion, paintings that come straight from the heart and illustrate love in its purest, most organic sense.

Paintings are highly textured, containing multiple layers of handwritten love letters, parchment paper and mixed media collage. They are fully wired and painted on all sides so there is no need to frame.

I am also able to create custom commission works featuring any personal handwritten notes, love letters, or lyrics to special songs that you would like to present to your loved one in a truly unique way, as long as you place your order to me by January 15.

I have several in stock, please email me or visit my website to see more pictures.

web.mac.com/utopiapkwy

Love is the Answer

8" x 10" x 1.5"
Acrylic and Mixed Media on Gallery-Wrapped Canvas
SOLD
Velvet giclee prints of this and all my original artworks are available.

I was working on a looser style of poppies in this painting, and I love how when my sister took a look at this she saw the poppies as hearts. My family and I were listening to one of my favorite Jack Johnson songs, "Better Together", the evening I finished this painting. My favorite line from the song is, "Love is the answer at least for most of the questions in my heart," which is where the title of the painting comes from. That song always reminds me of my sweet husband, who told me he really liked this new work. I think this painting is going to make a perfect Valentine for somebody.


There's no combination of words
I could put on the back of a postcard,
No song that I could sing
But I can try for your heart,
Our dreams, and they are made out of real things,
Like a shoebox of photographs,
With sepia tone loving,
Love is the answer
At least for most of the questions in my heart ,
Like why are we here? And where do we go?
And how come it's so hard?
It's not always easy,
And sometimes life can be deceiving,
I'll tell you one thing, its always better when we're together

MMM, it's always better when we're together
Yeah, we'll look at the stars when we're together
Yeah, it's always better when we're together

I believe in memories
They look so, so pretty when I sleep
Hey now, and when I wake up,
You look so pretty sleeping next to me
But there is not enough time,
And there is no, no song I could sing
And there is no combination of words I could say
But I will still tell you one thing,
We're better together