Time to do some catch up! Since our last meeting I have simply been trying to recover from my arm injury with physical therapy and recovering from two bouts of the flu. The most recent really kicked my....well, you know...and kept me in bed for over a week. I guess I just needed some overdue rest and, boy, did I get some! Feeling like a new woman again and ready to get busy!
During my time of forced rest, relaxation and antibiotics....I was able to finish a few small pieces. Even when sick, I just can't not create!! Impossible. Mostly pen and ink since I could easily work on them while in bed whenever I felt up to it. 'Wise Owl' was so meditative to create, as well as just plain fun. 'Three Fish' that I did a couple months ago was the same way...fun and meditative to do, fun and meditative to look at....I know there will be many more that follow this style. There are quite a few ACEO's that I did as well, but I still have to prep them. So, 'till next time.....
It's time to do some catch up and there is quite a bit, so lets get started. Before anything else, I would like to take a moment and honor my good friend Christina Marie Coyle
who passed away February 18, 2011 at the young age of 44, from a long and courageous battle with Lymphoma Cancer. She was such a beautiful person and left behind her wonderful husband, Mike and beautiful 8 year old son, Danny. I can honestly say I was truly blessed to know her! I first met her when we were in our 20's, became immediate friends, had TONS of fun together and I was blessed to extend that relationship to her sister, Julie, whom lives in New York. Julie and I, through this horrible tragedy have been able to reconnect again and I am so thankful. Julie and I were very close for many years and I look forward to having her in my life again! We have come to realize the old saying IS true...Life IS too short and you just never know when someone you care about is gone. I do not want to ever regret not having the chance to let someone know how important they are to me. May God bless Mike and Danny and be with them during this most difficult time in their lives! My heart is broken but I know that she is with the Lord and at peace and no longer in pain.
After the emotional funeral, I was a mess and numb. I felt like I needed to stay busy so later that night, I decided to put some boxes in the attic. While I was on the ladder, the ladder gave way, shifted to the right and down I went. Trying to lessen my fall, I grabbed onto the door ledge with my right arm and came crashing down. Bruised from head to toe, I realized I had hurt my right arm pretty bad. No rotator cuff tear, but fluid, bursitis, tendonitis and in horrible pain for a month. I actually couldn't use my right arm at all until about 1 1/2 week ago! I had recieved some amazing prayer 2 Sundays ago at church and Monday morning, I was actually able to put on my clothes by myself for the first time since the accident. God is good! I continue to improve every day, and although not completely healed and still have some pain, God has provided me amazing strength and healing and I am grateful.
Somehow during all of this (and just prior) I have created many new works and many of these have sold. I am just loving every bit of it. It never gets old hearing that someone loves my work and better yet... purchases it...to be loved forever. It is an absolute honor. I was also recently blessed with numerous stories written about me by Tom Hall from the Examiner.com. You can read them here. The press has been wonderful and again, I am more than honored!! I just finished a small art show at the Verona in Naples, Florida this past weekend and it was so exciting. The positive feedback was almost overwhelming for me. My sales were excellent (even though I felt like I wasn't completely prepared due to the recent shoulder injury and my printers' print heads deciding to die out this past week) and looks like there will be an outrageous amount of commission work I can look forward to. My work (I brought a wide representation) appealed to those of ALL ages and many returned to my tables repeatedly. It was a wonderful feeling and I can't wait for the next show!
This coming Friday, I have been honored once again as the Featured Artist for Green-n-Groovy during the amazing Art Walk held in our Fort Myers River District downtown. Although I will be presenting works of all mediums and styles, I will be demonstrating the ACEO using Micron pen and the Zentangle techniques. There was so much interest during the art show from this past weekend for the ACEO card. Viewers were intrigued and curious. They enjoyed picking them up, being able to purchase affordable works of art, and just wanted to know more. I love that!
Along with my paintings and illustrations, I have also been working in textiles, too. Upcycling the shoes are a blast and they are definitely a statement piece! Have had several custom orders for them and am excited about creating an entire line of painted and fabric upcycled shoes.
The handbags are actually from upcycled upholstery fabric swatch books. I absolutely love the fabrics. They are full of texture, color, patterns...and matched with embellishments, leathers, suedes, etc...the purses become an artistic statement piece as well. They spark a lot of conversation and I love that I get to create all of this.
There is much to do still and I have numerous other photos to prepare for posting, as well. I am not certain whether I will complete this before Friday, but I will do my best!! I love where all of this is taking me and look forward to seeing what's around the bend.
Well, I am going to try to catch up a bit. There is so much to share, I am not certain where to start. One of the most exciting event is the solo trunk show (me) next week at an amazing boutique here in town. Barbara, the owner of Mirage Boutique, contacted me after coming across my work and the rest is history! Barbara and the store are amazing. I secretly coveted almost everything in the store! I had a few delays due to health and kids, but it's finally coming together and I am so excited!
It will be just in time for Valentines Day so I am really trying to create accordingly. Lots of hearts and feelings of love and dreams. I am also creating for Green-n-Groovy at the same time and this amazing art filled weekend downtown. Fort Myers Art Walk is tonight and then two days of the Southwest Florida Premier ArtFest Fort Myers which is an event not to be missed!
I also created the new logo for Green-n-Groovy and I have to say, I really love it. And it looks great on the glass doors. The store is amazing! So many great artists, many of them using organic or recycled/upcycled materials....and all of them groovy!
I did have time to do some little pieces, too (ACEO's). They are always fun to do and allows me to experiment without committing to a huge piece. I really enjoyed working with the collage and I know this style will creep into my art more and more.
There really is much more to show but it will just have to wait until next time. Blessings to all!
Happy New Year Everyone!
2011 is already showing itself to be quite busy and among other things, I am really trying to clean up anything 'unfinished' from 2010. I thought I should at least post a few of the most recent ACEO's I did in 2010. December was CRAZY for me (as I am sure it has been for many!!) so the one way I could make sure to always create was to carry my little travel kit with blank ACEO cards and my Micron ink pen...ready to use at any down-time (waiting rooms, taking the kids to the park, really bad traffic, etc) away from my studio. Let's just say there was A LOT of pen-and-ink work in December! Not a bad thing though. I really love pen work and I love ACEO's, so it was a successful month, too.
At the end of 2010, I finished everything that was commissioned and started on several new pieces. The kids and I worked on several artistic gifts for family and friends and I created some random artwork, too. All the while, my mind is filling fast with all that I want to do in 2011. I am really looking forward to all that lies ahead (regardless of what my life looks like right now). Something that I have wanted to do for quite some time is some sort of 'ART A DAY' venture, challenging me to create every single day for an entire year. Well, I was reminded of it recently from another member of the ACEO Etsy Street Team that I belong to. So I decided, what the heck...let's do it! Since I wanted to be as realistic as possible I decided I really needed to work small...for some days are just simply filled to the max. ACEO's are my answer! These would allow me to try new techniques, styles, mediums, etc. and they would be small and hopefully quicker. The problem will be getting them posted, but I'll do my best. I have already created the first 4 (still have to do today's) so I am off to photograph them and get them posted. I will try to do all 4 today and since I often do ACEO's very late at night, each piece will probably be posted the following day. I hope to stay faithful regardless of what is going on each day. I hope.
In the chaos of this day - and believe me, there has been a lot - I forgot to mention some further good news...I recently received an invitation to participate in the Splash Art Festivals outside of Atlanta, Georgia this coming year. These are 'invitation only' festivals and I am so excited I was included!! Looks like there will be over 170 national and regional artists and, of course, me! I was looking at the artists from this year and many were very well known and accomplished artists. So exciting. There are 2 festivals, one in May 2011 (the Dunwoody Art Festival) and one in October 2011 (the Norcross Art Fest). I accepted the invitation for the Norcross Art Fest in October. I thought that October 2011 would give me more time for inventory and I do hope to have a few other art festivals/art shows under my wing by then. Not to mention, I bet the weather will be delightful! Amazing how things are starting to happen! I wonder what's ahead that I don't even know about yet...only time will tell! Stay tuned!
Happy Holidays to all! It has been so busy here in our household, as I am sure it has been for everyone! Finally, it is all starting to settle down a bit...just a bit. One very big gift for me (that I have been trying and trying to find just a few minutes to post) is that I was featured on a wonderful blog, Beth's Artworx in which every Tuesday...
Beth Niquette 'showcases inspiring Artists and provides a forum for all Artists to share their work with one another'.She calls it FAT (Featured Art Tuesday) Artist Spotlight. I just love the name. It was such a special surprise when I received the note and I am humbly honored.
She was especially inspired by 'Morning Song' that I did a short time ago. I really loved all the wonderful things she wrote. And it gave me the opportunity to view other very talented Artists (using all sorts of mediums) and be inspired by them all, as well...just as she wanted it to happen. I look forward to keeping up with this great blog. Here is the link to the Featured Art Tuesday I was featured in. Take a look and enjoy!
With only a few days now 'til Christmas, I really have to wonder where the time went. I know I am probably not the only one who wonders this, every year, for certain! Months ago, while I was making my lists of all to do for Christmas, I thought I would certainly have plenty of time to get it all done and still enjoy the leisure of baking and entertaining. Hmmmm.....well, lets just say, at least the list was done on time!! LOL! Through it all, there have been many new pieces that have been completed this past month or so, many with new homes for them and more art on the way. I have really enjoyed them all, as I always do. Several pieces allowed me to try out some new techniques, and the feedback was more than positive! That is always a plus!
Commissioned 'Pineapple' 24" x 30" Acrylic on Gallery CanvasSOLD TYG
This piece was commissioned for Kim who wanted the whimsy found in my 'Dream' painting, but tamed down and colors changed to accommodate her Tommy Bahama style home...and, well, her husband! Loved the challenge. Thought a pineapple would be perfect and off I went. The fun of this painting is knowing there is an entire painting underneath the finished painting.
This is the under painting of the 'Pineapple' piece. I always get to this part and think, 'boy, this is fun! I could leave it just like this'! Then I have a moment of anxiety as I start to paint over it and then excitement creeps in. Lots of excitement. There's really nothing planned other than the colors and the subject matter. The rest is pure chance really (maybe, a bit of talent, too). Kim - and her husband - really loved the final piece! That's the part that makes my heart sing.
Here are some of the other pieces finished this past month... ' Owl' 5"x5" Acrylic on Gallery Canvas SOLD TYG
There are many, many more pieces that have been finished and sold, so much more to do and the clock is still ticking! Christmas is coming, whether I am finished or not! Guess I'll have to depend on my local bakery to do my baking this year. That's really not so bad.
Well, the Holidays are sneaking up on me...AGAIN! and we are in Handmade Mode here at our house. I am always in handmade-mode because it's what I do for a living, but the kids and I really try to work on some handmade gifts and decorations every year for the holidays. Hannah has a little business she calls Hannah's Sweet Treats in which she makes delicious and easy chocolate covered pretzel rods that she decorates with candies and sprinkles. I started this with her many years ago when she was about 5 to help teach her kitchen skills and how special handmade gifts are. Now her little brother joins in and helps make them. It's great family time. We are all working on several projects for gifts right now and the studio shows proof of that! And every year I am blessed with new ornaments for the tree that are handmade by the kids. I treasure them the most! I really love this time of year and look forward to the many handmade creations that we send out and receive from loved ones and friends.
Painting and drawing and sewing...Oh My!! Boy, has it been busy around here! I realized I had never posted the finished 'Dream' painting, so here it is. (Will come back later to post the many other things I have been working on.)
I really enjoy this style of painting...and for me, it's a way for me to get a bit messy and less restricted! Necessary for a 'Type A' personality such as mine. The toughest part for me is creating this cool underpainting and then having to paint over it. I showed the underpainting in the last post which I think could probably be hung 'as is', if you wanted. Then it's time to block out the background and enhance the images/shapes that are left over to show depth and interest. The best part is adding all the whimsical features. (See final piece at top of post)
Almost anything goes at this point. The main thing is to have fun...and it is GREAT FUN!
Working on a new painted piece with a commissioned piece inspired by this one. Not finished yet, but here is a quick look at the first stage inside the 'Dream'.
And believe me....this will not look the same when finished!
'Wise Owl' 4.5"x6.5" Pen & Ink on 140# Hot Press Fabriano Watercolor Paper
who passed away February 18, 2011 at the young age of 44, from a long and courageous battle with Lymphoma Cancer. She was such a beautiful person and left behind her wonderful husband, Mike and beautiful 8 year old son, Danny. I can honestly say I was truly blessed to know her! I first met her when we were in our 20's, became immediate friends, had TONS of fun together and I was blessed to extend that relationship to her sister, Julie, whom lives in New York. Julie and I, through this horrible tragedy have been able to reconnect again and I am so thankful. Julie and I were very close for many years and I look forward to having her in my life again! We have come to realize the old saying IS true...Life IS too short and you just never know when someone you care about is gone. I do not want to ever regret not having the chance to let someone know how important they are to me. May God bless Mike and Danny and be with them during this most difficult time in their lives! My heart is broken but I know that she is with the Lord and at peace and no longer in pain.
After the emotional funeral, I was a mess and numb. I felt like I needed to stay busy so later that night, I decided to put some boxes in the attic. While I was on the ladder, the ladder gave way, shifted to the right and down I went. Trying to lessen my fall, I grabbed onto the door ledge with my right arm and came crashing down. Bruised from head to toe, I realized I had hurt my right arm pretty bad. No rotator cuff tear, but fluid, bursitis, tendonitis and in horrible pain for a month. I actually couldn't use my right arm at all until about 1 1/2 week ago! I had recieved some amazing prayer 2 Sundays ago at church and Monday morning, I was actually able to put on my clothes by myself for the first time since the accident. God is good! I continue to improve every day, and although not completely healed and still have some pain, God has provided me amazing strength and healing and I am grateful.
Somehow during all of this (and just prior) I have created many new works and many of these have sold. I am just loving every bit of it. It never gets old hearing that someone loves my work and better yet... purchases it...to be loved forever. It is an absolute honor.
I was also recently blessed with numerous stories written about me by Tom Hall from the Examiner.com. You can read them here. The press has been wonderful and again, I am more than honored!! I just finished a small art show at the Verona in Naples, Florida this past weekend and it was so exciting. The positive feedback was almost overwhelming for me. My sales were excellent (even though I felt like I wasn't completely prepared due to the recent shoulder injury and my printers' print heads deciding to die out this past week) and looks like there will be an outrageous amount of commission work I can look forward to. My work (I brought a wide representation) appealed to those of ALL ages and many returned to my tables repeatedly. It was a wonderful feeling and I can't wait for the next show!
This coming Friday, I have been honored once again as the Featured Artist for Green-n-Groovy during the amazing Art Walk held in our Fort Myers River District downtown. Although I will be presenting works of all mediums and styles, I will be demonstrating the ACEO using Micron pen and the Zentangle techniques. There was so much interest during the art show from this past weekend for the ACEO card. Viewers were intrigued and curious. They enjoyed picking them up, being able to purchase affordable works of art, and just wanted to know more. I love that!
Along with my paintings and illustrations, I have also been working in textiles, too. Upcycling the shoes are a blast and they are definitely a statement piece! Have had several custom orders for them and am excited about creating an entire line of painted and fabric upcycled shoes.
There is much to do still and I have numerous other photos to prepare for posting, as well. I am not certain whether I will complete this before Friday, but I will do my best!! I love where all of this is taking me and look forward to seeing what's around the bend.
It will be just in time for Valentines Day so I am really trying to create accordingly. Lots of hearts and feelings of love and dreams. I am also creating for Green-n-Groovy at the same time and this amazing art filled weekend downtown. Fort Myers Art Walk is tonight and then two days of the Southwest Florida Premier ArtFest Fort Myers which is an event not to be missed!
I also created the new logo for Green-n-Groovy and I have to say, I really love it.
And it looks great on the glass doors. The store is amazing! So many great artists, many of them using organic or recycled/upcycled materials....and all of them groovy!
I did have time to do some little pieces, too (ACEO's). They are always fun to do and allows me to experiment without committing to a huge piece. I really enjoyed working with the collage and I know this style will creep into my art more and more.
There really is much more to show but it will just have to wait until next time. Blessings to all!
'Thinking' 2.5"x3.5" Pen & Ink on 140# Watercolor Paper
' Treasure Found' 2.5"x3.5" Pen & Ink on 140# Watercolor PaperClick here...Original ACEO in my Etsy Shop
' Peaceful' 2.5"x3.5" Pen & Ink on 140# Watercolor Paper
'Trees' 2.5"x3.5" Pen & Ink on 140# Watercolor Paper
Amazing how things are starting to happen! I wonder what's ahead that I don't even know about yet...only time will tell! Stay tuned!
Beth Niquette 'showcases inspiring Artists and provides a forum for all Artists to share their work with one another'. She calls it FAT (Featured Art Tuesday) Artist Spotlight. I just love the name. It was such a special surprise when I received the note and I am humbly honored.
She was especially inspired by 'Morning Song' that I did a short time ago. I really loved all the wonderful things she wrote. And it gave me the opportunity to view other very talented Artists (using all sorts of mediums) and be inspired by them all, as well...just as she wanted it to happen. I look forward to keeping up with this great blog. Here is the link to the Featured Art Tuesday I was featured in. Take a look and enjoy!
Commissioned 'Pineapple' 24" x 30" Acrylic on Gallery Canvas SOLD TYG
This is the under painting of the 'Pineapple' piece. I always get to this part and think, 'boy, this is fun! I could leave it just like this'! Then I have a moment of anxiety as I start to paint over it and then excitement creeps in. Lots of excitement. There's really nothing planned other than the colors and the subject matter. The rest is pure chance really (maybe, a bit of talent, too). Kim - and her husband - really loved the final piece! That's the part that makes my heart sing.
' Owl' 5"x5" Acrylic on Gallery Canvas SOLD TYG
'Queen Bird' ACEO 2.5"x3.5" Acrylic on Canvas 
' Fall Leaf' 2.5"x3.5" 2 Layered - Watercolor, Pen & Ink on Watercolor Paper
' Happy Snowman' 2.5"x3.5" Watercolor, Pen & Ink on Watercolor Paper
I am always in handmade-mode because it's what I do for a living, but the kids and I really try to work on some handmade gifts and decorations every year for the holidays. Hannah has a little business she calls Hannah's Sweet Treats in which she makes delicious and easy chocolate covered pretzel rods that she decorates with candies and sprinkles. I started this with her many years ago when she was about 5 to help teach her kitchen skills and how special handmade gifts are. Now her little brother joins in and helps make them. It's great family time. We are all working on several projects for gifts right now and the studio shows proof of that! And every year I am blessed with new ornaments for the tree that are handmade by the kids. I treasure them the most! I really love this time of year and look forward to the many handmade creations that we send out and receive from loved ones and friends. 
I really enjoy this style of painting...and for me, it's a way for me to get a bit messy and less restricted! Necessary for a 'Type A' personality such as mine. The toughest part for me is creating this cool underpainting and then having to paint over it. I showed the underpainting in the last post which I think could probably be hung 'as is', if you wanted. Then it's time to block out the background and enhance the images/shapes that are left over to show depth and interest. The best part is adding all the whimsical features. (See final piece at top of post)
Almost anything goes at this point. The main thing is to have fun...and it is GREAT FUN!
And believe me....this will not look the same when finished!
