Just Off The Easel...

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"Washed Away"...

Just added March 2013 Daily Paintings  Page above.  I will be posting my daily paintings of Jesus there. Be sure to check it out.  I am thinking I may add all those that are shared there too. Let's see how many pieces of Christian art we can create before Easter!

Finally Finished!...

"Crewel Intentions"

... I finally finished the piece I started in January, that I thought I was going to finish in April. Click here to read my 1st blog post.  You can see how much she changed from the initial first couple of layers of paint.  I lost track of how many layers there are now but they all show up somewhere or another in the piece.  This is one that I wished I had taken pictures of to do a new video.    I made her "crewel" expression a little less cruel.   This Angel is going to Spoiled Rotten Gallery & Boutique today as part of my show on Friday.  Friday the 13th! I hope it lucky for me!  I wish everyone could see her  in person.  If you are in this neck of the woods please stop by & say hi! Friday 13th, 4 - 9pm Spoiled Rotten Gallery.  I also painted another snail & mushroom painting that had been stuck in my head since I did the first one, both will be at the gallery. 

"Vista View"

"Love At First Sight"

I have been working on mermaids for The Empress shop and I am opening up my own Mermaid shop on Etsy. I have a few things in there now but I'm not at the Grand Opening stage yet.  I have been working on an Indian Maiden Mermaid or Mountain Mermaid. I have a ways to go on her. Again I didn't take pictures that I wish I had. Speaking of copying and mermaids. I also noticed a few Angel Mermaids on Ebay. I was surprised because I didn't know there were Angel Mermaids until I painted them, but at least the artists did their own thing with them. I'll show you some of the fun Mermaid stuff in upcoming posts. Here is my newest Mermaid Painting...

"Circle of Friends"

I have been trying out some fun things I've found on  Pinterest.  I tried out the caramel recipe found in my "Party, Party Party!" Board, it's awesome!  I tried letter painting on wood which you will find in my "Crafty Cravings" Board, it works great! I did a couple of signs which I will show you in an upcoming post.  I also tried the peroxide & dish washing liquid claimed to be a miracle cleaner. wa wah NOT. Don't pin that one when you see it!
Create a beautiful day!

Back to Business

What? It's almost the end of the month. I have been so busy! It's good to be busy but I have been feeling a little overwhelmed the last few weeks. I am listing some paintings on Ebay with low starting bids. I just listed this mermaid with a starting bid of just $20! Click on the picture to make your bid. I am cleaning out my studio so I will be listing a few more.

I finished a few paintings for the gallery class I will be teaching. Simple and easy. More than a few people have expressed an interest in buying a tutorial painting class to see & learn how I paint. So I tried to make a video of myself giving a class. Oh geez!! I can't do it. I want to but unless I stay totally out of the picture or wear a bag over my head it's not going to happen! The unknown artist instead of the unknown comic! hahaha I'm too shy for my own good. I'm going to work on it though!

I am revamping my studio to make room to sew. I used to sew all the time but haven't touched a machine in years. I am having so much fun "painting" with thread. Free-motion sewing using they embroidery or darning part of the machine is so much fun. I'm not really good at it yet. Here is the first thing I have done. It's going to be a pillow cover. I didn't use stabilizer so it puckered more than I thought it would. If you care to try this be sure to use interfacing or stabilizer, or double the fabric so that you won't get the puckers. I love the look of it, like a pencil drawing. I have a long list of pillows like this I want to make.

Time, juggle, juggle, juggle...

Create a great day!

The Empress...

...no it's not me! haha It's an eclectic little shop up the hill from me in Placerville. The Empress is definitely the lovely Carolina Smith, shop owner of 11 years. Her wonderful shop, located at 582 Main Street, is full of unique clothing and whimsical items. Her shop has a style of it's own, the best way to describe it is a little bit steampunk, pirate, gypsy, victorian, mermaid, saloon girl! So me right!?! Whatever it may be, it's a wonderful collection of her handmade upcycled redesigned fashion creations and is truly a reflection of her beautiful spirit. I am thrilled that she is selling some of my cards & art in her shop. We have much in common and I hope that our friendship will grow. She makes me want to put my brushes down and pull out my sewing machines. I'm like the guy in that commercial that is fighting with himself for a cigarette! hahah I have way too much on my plate right now to create another project for myself but Carolina does inspire me. Maybe one day soon...

A few Saturdays ago I wandered the Farmer's Market across the street from her shop before she opened. I bought some huge organic blueberries from Oregon and took them to the Cosmic Cafe next door to eat with a hot soy latte. I sat in a chair so close to the door it was almost on the sidewalk. I people watched and eavesdropped on a few interesting conversations. Honestly I can't remember the last time I spent a few relaxing hours out all by myself.

Carolina must love coming to work each morning. When she opened her shop it was full of the aroma of fresh coffee wafting in from next door, her collection of incense, and the old old building smell. I'd love to wake to that each day! We spent the morning in her magical shop with my camera. It was so fun.

If you would like a one of a kind portrait to be transformed into a beautiful mermaid, a pirate mermaid, a mermaid princess.... all I need is a photo. It's truly a unique gift! Email me for details or click on the mermaid above!