Cherry Pits Art Cards Are In!

September 20, 2016ArtingSusan R. KirshenbaumComment

This is a limited edition set of 4 x 6 inch blank greeting cards. This selection of five images represents some of my favorite works, which I’m currently featuring in several mediums – large prints on silk, fine art paper prints, soft sculpture, and textiles. I’m making cards now because I’ve always loved paper and ephemera. I save and collect cards, postcards, and stamps. I even met my husband while working at a renowned postcard shop in San Francisco’s North Beach. I still live in San Francisco (and we're still married). Each 5-pack of cards comes with a set of brown craft envelopes.

These cards and more will be available for sale at my Pop-Up Art Show at Maker and Moss on October 22 in Hayes Valley and also at my Open Studio at The Laundry on 26th and Mission Streets on November 5 and 6. Stop by either or both between 11 am - 6pm. These cards are available to order online HERE. Hand-signed. Printed in the USA. © 2016 SRKirshenbaum

Red, White, and Blue Series - It's in the Air

August 29, 2016Susan R. Kirshenbaum1 Comment

Wanting to bring attention to the election during my ArtSpan SF Open Studios scheduled the weekend before the election - oh my! I wasn't thinking about that when I registered for November 5-6. Oh well, I hope we are not all too distracted! I'm sure engaged in this campaign.

Here's a little series of drawings in the appropriate color scheme.

"Looking at You" ©2016 Susan R. Kirshenbaum

"Leaning Back" ©2016 Susan R. Kirshenbaum

Silkscreen Intensive Workshop at Kala

August 1, 2016Susan R. Kirshenbaum1 Comment

This past weekend I participated in an intensive workshop to re-learn the silkscreen process and familiarize myself with Kala in Berkeley, which is an excellent printmaking facility! Plus, a great teacher and a small class comprised of friendly, talented artists.

It was a lot of work - messy, sweaty, and a lot of ink under my nails, but now I have a complete edition of 13 silkscreen prints on heavy fine art paper to share with the world. Very satisfying. Here they are laid out on the drying rack in the print studio. My original drawing is on the home page. I simplified the artwork and made it into a two-color print (ballet pink and rich black). The prints are 15 inches wide x 11 inches high.

My silkscreen print edition on the drying rack at Kala.

Just About Exhibition Ready!

July 16, 2016Susan R. KirshenbaumComment

Here are several pieces from one of my new series titled White Silk Scrolls. Most of the finished pieces are around 6 feet tall – human scale. Galleries might ask how these scrolls hang. I've worked out a plexiglass rod system, top and bottom, mounted to the wall with L screws. They are each about an inch from the wall so air and light can pass through and behind. I'll be showing some of these works, along with works on paper, at ArtSpan SF Open Studios the weekend of November 5-6, 2016. Look for updates about my show and sale which will take place at The Laundry, a new exhibition space on 26th Street between Mission and Capp. Photos by David Papas.

Travel Inspiration - Ceilings, Floors, Walls

June 8, 2016Susan R. KirshenbaumComment

This is our friend Miquel's Girona art studio ceiling, which is in an ancient building located on the original Roman road, La Forca. Girona, Spain has a gorgeous, history filled Old Quarter. — This is our friend Miquel's Girona art studio ceiling, which is in an ancient building located on the original Roman road, La Forca. Girona, Spain has a gorgeous, history filled Old Quarter.

These are images in and around Lisbon, Portugal. It's a very beautiful city I enjoyed seeing for the first time last week.

And the Next Dress Will Be...

May 19, 2016Susan R. KirshenbaumComment

Here are a few shots of my new Lycra fabric. I designed this textile using one of my new collages (www.cherrypits.net/portfolio). I plan to make this into a dress prototype, in the same style as the one below (Woman on the Bay Bridge) that my friend/model Kat is wearing. I'm showing close-ups so you can see the layer in the collage which is a photo I took of flowers. Mirroring the artwork abstracts it quite a bit.

I've just started to sell my dresses and my tapestries, in addition to the rest of my work. The tapestries are large single images printed on silk with a built-in hanging mechanism. I'll be posting about those soon. These are all extremely limited editions.

I'm off to get some fresh inspiration now - look for the colors, textures, and patterns of Spain and Portugal. I'll post some photos here for you while I'm traveling.

My last name, Kirshenbaum (Kirschenbaum), means Cherry Tree. Now I’m using everything in my life’s toolbox, the cherries and the pits.

I’m married to Jack, and we have two cats and no kids. We live high on a hill in San Francisco, CA, USA. I write, draw, paint, collage, take photos, sew, cook, entertain, design, and make things. I like to watch films, take classes, walk, dance, and travel – but most of all – I love to draw people.

Read more about me here and take a look at my latest photos below.

A new piece I just finished to enter a show about words. See them? It's a portrait of the Haitian poet/model Karen, entitled "You Can't Go Home Again". #portrait #drawing #collage #figurative #figuredrawing #lifedrawing #poet #artmodel #haitian #digitatart #colorfulart

What a night! A real celebration of the life and work of the artist Randall Sexton @wessling.art See the show throughout September at Wessling Contemporary, 39 Grant Ave (Union Square) SF #sfartscene #sexton #artopening

Wow, we had such a fantastic opening of Randall Sexton's solo retrospective show at Wessling Contemporary last night. I so appreciate everyone who showed up for an emotional and beautiful experience. Likely this is Randy's last big solo show and it's in a stunning new venue. What a thrill to co-curate Randy's show with Tony Wessling and to collaborate with Carol (Randy's widow). If you missed our opening, you can still visit the gallery at 39 Grant Ave (at Geary Blvd / Union Sq) through September 2025. All work is available. Randy's reputation lives on! How wonderful it was to wake up to this feature: https://fineartconnoisseur.com/2025/08/randall-sexton-retrospective-will-the-circle-be-unbroken/ #sfart #sfartists #contemporaryart #oilpainter #pleinair #wesslingcontemporary #wessling #randallsexton #artteacher #artmentor #awardwinningartist #artshow #artopening #downtownsf #unionsquaresf #artgallery

Installation! Randall Sexton: May the Circle be Unbroken: Opening Reception Thursday, September 4, 5:30 – 8:00pm, 39 Grant Avenue, San Francisco, CA, Co-curated by Susan R. Kirshenbaum and Anthony Wessling, this is the first one-person retrospective of Randy’s paintings since he passed away in December 2023. All in one gallery for one month only. Wednesday–Thursday, 11am–5:30pm, Friday, 11am–4pm, Saturday, 12pm–4pm. OR Meet me at the gallery on 9/11 (or you tell us when it’s convenient!). Also, join us for a Curators Talk– this will be scheduled soon. See more: https://www.artsy.net/show/wessling-contemporary-randall-sexton-will-the-circle-be-unbroken More than a half-dozen years after his last solo exhibition in San Francisco and two years after his death, Wessling Contemporary will be exhibiting over 30 paintings by Randall Sexton in a retrospective show entitled “Will the Circle be Unbroken.” This exhibition, featuring selections from his personal collection of landscapes, still lifes, and rare abstracts, will open with a reception on Thursday, Sept 4., 2025, from 5:30pm - 8:00pm, and will be on view through Thursday, Oct. 2nd. Sexton (1958 - 2023) was a master of realism, working primarily with oil paints in his signature loose, expressive brush strokes, a technique which he described as "being in the moment". He captured the splendor and idiosyncrasies of the western landscape in his plein air paintings, his graceful renderings of the human figure, and expressed contemplative calm and a quirky sensibility through his popular still lifes. During the COVID Era Sexton explored abstraction, with several works from that foray being part of this exhibition. Randy held a BFA in Painting from the University of Connecticut and was a signature member of the Plein Air Painters of America; He was also a prolific painting instructor, leading plein air and figurative workshops around the world; Sexton garnered many Best of Show and Artists Choice Awards at national events and festivals including Carmel, Maui, Telluride, and the Laguna Plein Air Invitational; and has been featured in various national journals including American Artist, Southwest Art, and PleinAir.

Digital mixed media collages I’ve been working on this week from my Monday night drawing session with Becky. #collage #digitalcollageart #figurative #lifedrawing #drawing #figuredrawing #beckyhirschfeld #workinprogress

Don't miss! This is a first - a one person retrospective show of paintings by the late artist Randall Sexton. I co-curated the show with Wessling Contemporary, Tony Wessling's new downtown gallery, location at 39 Grant Ave (btw Market St and Geary Blvd by Union Square). Reception on Thursday, September 4th at 5:30pm. Don't miss this important exhibition of work by one of my all time favorite artists and people-he influenced so many of us! This is a rare opportunity to see over 30 of Randy's plein air, abstract, and still life paintings - all in one place and all available for purchase. If you can't make it that night let's make a date to meet there! #artshows #artopening #artreception #sfartgallery #sfartevent #sfartshow #pleinairpainter #artteacher #artmentor #sfartdealers #sfartcommunity #sfartscene #beniciaartist #crockettartists #vallejoartist #stilllifepainter #oilpainter #landscapeart #realistpainting #contemparyart #contemporaryfineart #artworkshops #internationalartworkshop #mentorshipprogram

That's Weekend popup art sale!Happening right now! Stop by my studio for deals I've never offered before -at 744 Alabama Street, Art explosion, studio #209, 12-5 Saturday-Sunday 8/23-34. Get here soon - before I eat and drink all my yummy snacks my self! Aperol spritz anyone? #aperolspritz #artforsale #studiosale #privatesales #sfartevent #sfartist #sfbayareaart

Join me for a private pop up sale today and tomorrow 9/23-24, 12-5, call when you arrive at art explosion 744 Alabama St btw 19-20th streets in SF #artshow #artsale #artforsale #sfartscene #missionart #privatesale #popupartshow

Here’s an assortment of interpretations of the always inspiring model Lorraine, from last night’s drawing session. I have some non-digital drawings from last night too, but these are all done on my iPad. Sometimes the model looks like the model and sometimes she doesn’t. Sometimes she’s heftier and sometimes she’s more diminutive. It’s how the drawings take form. The last one has an added painting (mine, also digital). Which do you like? #figuredrawing #lifedrawing #figurativeartist #figurativedrawing #modeldrawing #livemodel #procreatedrawings #gesturedrawing

A weekend of art outings: Friday evening at Castro Art Walk (mag gallery show and more) then Saturday at Hunters Point Shipyard for historical exhibition and artist’s talk, then to Minnesota Street Projects and Di Rosa parties, and on Sunday at ICA SF (fabulous felt sculptures! A clothing swap!) and lastly a visit to Bernal Heights inclusions gallery for an artist’s talk and demo by Mark Brodie. Whew! #artscenesf #sfartgallery #sfart #sfartevent #sfartdealers #sfartshow #sfartcommunity #sfartists #sfartenthusiast #sfartopening #artiststalks #artdemonstration #figurativeart #printmaking #felting #painting #sculpture #softscupture #artwithfriends #maggallery #castroartwalk #inclusionsgallery #hunterspointshipyardartists #icasf

Here’s one from a small series of mono prints on fabric that I’m working on at GAW. Almost done with this one. It needs to be mounted next. It’s a combo of photopolymer printing, solid plate printing, and chine colle. #printmakingprocess #monoprint #monoprinting #vintagetextiles #printingonfabric #collage #printmakers #graphicartsworkshop

It was a wet, gray summer day. We took a walk through Golden Gate Park’s Rose Garden. Never hot here. #sffog ##sfsummer #wetroses #summerblooms #summerfog

A lively opening reception last night of a figurative show - several of the artists and/or their work pictured here. That's just me first posing with a pink icing-like painting behind me. Tony Wessling describes it as "Visually arresting 2D and 3D figurative works by West Coast artists: Denise Carletta, Lana Fly, Erik Koelle, and Charles Stinson Observing and rendering the human form is one of the oldest acts of artistic expression. The body’s powerful ability to communicate emotion, paired with the artist’s ceaseless mission to capture and convey a message or belief, form a symbiotic relationship, the fruits of which adorn modern canvases and ancient cave walls alike. The exhibition features visually arresting 2D and 3D works from Denise Carletta, Lana Fly, Erik Koelle, and Charles Stinson. These and other California artists have been, and will continue to be, at the forefront of such explorations, and the pieces in this show bear witness to that spirit of innovation." Opening Reception: Th 24 Jul, 5:30p - 8:00p. Exhibition runs through Sa 30 Aug. Gallery Hours: Tu - Th 12p - 6p, Fr - Sa 12p - 5p. 1st Th until 7p. #abstractfigurative #figurativeart #figuresculpture #figurepainting #charlesstinson #josephabbati #adventuregals #pink #wesslingcontemporarygallery #downtownsf #artopening #sfartscene

The first piece you see here is titled Ephesus: ancient city unearthed and the second is Rhodes: deportation of a community #artandtravel #touringgreece #touringturkey #collageart #digitalart #lifedrawing #figuredrawingsession #modeldrawing #historicevents #historyrepeatsitself

Work in progress - a digital collage of a life drawing and my nature photography plus my abstract paintings- it fits in with "head in the clouds feet in the dirt" pieces I've created recently about identity, searching, connecting. #figuredrawing #lifedrawings #draw #drawinggroup #digitalcollageart #procreateartist #ipadartist #womenandnature #headintheclouds

"Gondolas of Lace" Exhibition Tour: Friday, 7/18, from 11-Noon. Please join me at my first NCWCA Member Artist's Tour as the new Professional Development Chair. We are going to Jennifer Ewing's gallery and studio. If you'd like to attend this tour, these events are intended for members but we allow a few non-member guests to join us, so just rsvp to Jennifer (see below). At Developing Environments Gallery, 540 Alabama Street (btw Mariposa + 18th), SF Lunch to follow at Tartine Manufactory - 595 Alabama St, SF RSVP to jennifer@ewinggermano.com Here's what she says: "I have a unique view of Venice, Italy, that is based on my many visits there, each one building my empathy and interest in how this city is staying alive. Venice is frail, as I am too, so I identify with the state of Venice today but with an eye towards the future. I am offering an opportunity to journey with me in a gondola of lace, floating down a Venetian timeline. The art that carries my story is a 32' long scroll executed in ink and paint on frosted mylar. My drawings and sculptures will also invite you to travel with me. These works form a major piece of my on-going theme of Fragility. After working for 20 years with Spirit Boats in their many forms, paintings, drawings, prints and installations, they have evolved into Venetian gondolas of lace. In combining these two Venetian icons I arrived at a new symbol that invites questions around the impossibility of such a vessel. It will be most rewarding for me to share this journey with you." She will include a special live audio element for us.

Here’s a selection of last weeks drawings at our weekly group with artist’s model (and actor / playwright) Becky at the Box Factory. #lifedrawing #ipadpro #procreate #drawings #draw #modeldrawing ##drawinggroup #procreateart #sfartist #abstractfigurative

Here’s a selection of quick sketches from my drawing session this week with Jennifer. #lifedrawing #figuredrawing #figurativeart #modeldrawing #figurative #sfartscene

July 4 weekend - a sunny late afternoon walk in Oakland with friends (before the bbq). #oakland #lateafternoonlight #apricots #artichokes #cathouses #freestuff #july4thweekend #beesinflowers

Walking down the street near Union Square, S.F. Made my day. #yellow #pridesf #stylish #sfscene #downtownsf

Here’s a selection of last weeks drawings at our weekly group with artist’s model (and actor / playwright) Becky at the Box Factory.
#lifedrawing #ipadpro #procreate #drawings #draw #modeldrawing ##drawinggroup #procreateart #sfartist #a

Here’s a selection of quick sketches from my drawing session this week with Jennifer.
#lifedrawing
#figuredrawing
#figurativeart
#modeldrawing
#figurative #sfartscene

Wearing my “Scent of Red” art scarf and art dress made by RedBubble, I’m posed in front of two of my works which were juried into “Hue and Me” at SFWA Gallery, in the Spring 2024.

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