Most of you know me here for my work as a photographer. But in my leisure time I’m also a mixed media artist and painter! I’m mostly a self-taught artist and mostly paint for fun. So it’s always such an honor to participate in art shows as a painter. On February 8th I joined the 3rd annual Heart of Gold fundraiser, contributing my newest painting for the silent auction.
Gold Door Gallery in Hatboro has been hosting Heart of Gold since the gallery (which shares walls with Deleted Scene Tattoo Removal) opened. The annual fundraiser’s proceeds benefit different lovingly chosen organizations and foundations each year. Hannah’s receptions are always filled with nice people and tasty snacks, and I make a few new friends among the artists and art admirers at every show.
If you’re unfamiliar with the idea, Heart Shows are art shows where all the artists work on heart-shaped canvases/surfaces. Heart, get it? Philly has a bunch, hosted by various galleries and orgs. They’re often around Valentine’s Day, drawing artists of all styles, levels, and notoriety. 2025’s only unifying theme was the canvas, so Heart of Gold had a great variety of mediums and moods on display.
This year I picked up canvas blanks for myself and two fellow artist friends. After a few thumbnail sketches I decided to do a pop culture homage. That’s how I started on this Tanya McQuoid art, in honor of the White Lotus character played so impeccably by Jennifer Coolidge. Santa Cipolla, the diva of Palermo!
It’s rare that I’m timely on anything but it was fun to get this finished and hung in time for both the gallery show and The White Lotus s3 premiere! Hannah was also kind enough to include a few of my romantic art pieces on the sale table. If you see anything you like, my Valentine’s cards and other prints are available here.
My piece is one of a dozen still for sale if you’d like to buy art and contribute to a good cause at the same time. The 2025 beneficiary organization is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention! There are some really cool pieces by artists from Philly and the surrounding area available.
And if you love to see behind the scenes videos of the painting process, here you go:
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