What is happening?!...

...this year is already 1/2 over already! How did that happen?! I haven't forgotten about you... I have taken pictures of all the things I've been up to and will start posting them!

I haven't been painting much this year while trying to heal my painters/tennis elbow, carpal tunnel and other issues. My doctor has figured out what is wrong with me, so it's upward and onward from here after the next round of tests next week!! I am feeling better and it's uphill from here!  It has become really difficult for me to paint on canvas as I use an easel, then paint for hours on end with my arm up without notice because I'm totally in my right brain. So.... now I am trying to work with watercolors and paper. Its a huge challenge for me and I may give up and go back to acrylic on paper but for now I'm trying!  Watercolors are so different in that you paint light to dark and at times very frustrating. A piece can be ruined in an instant at the end when it's almost finished. I also normally paint on black often just adding color and where the black is there is no paint other than the initial black (or sometimes yellow).  Here is my current work-in-progress...

I hope I don't ruin it because I like her !

I will post the final picture soon...

Peace & Blessings

Spores are Flying...

... to Twitter Art Exhibit. I hope none of my cooties go with it.  Hey a girl can change her mind.  This piece is going.  It's happier and more fun than the other I had planned. Now all the pieces I painted yesterday look sad. Boo.  I think I am taking this one to the printer and going to put it in my kitchen. 
"Oh what a night!" 

Lord knows I have some coffee grounds!! and I love upcycling :)  hum.....

Create a great day!

Blessings

 

 

Roots...

Finished!

A little update on work in progress. Yes this is the same painting that is in the last post.  You can see how it's morphed.  This is a colorful piece! I'm almost finished with it but still have a bit to do before I call Him completed.

I painted today.  My Mom encouraged me to paint. When she asked why I am letting the enemy stop me from painting, I understood what was happening.  Although it was she who bought me unspun wool and got me sidetracked teaching myself to spin yarn (another post),  paint is what I did today! I must admit it felt good. I have lots of paintings in my head, however, these are random, nothing drawn out first.   My Mom and I talk nearly everyday.  I know God loves me because he gave me her as a mother.  She is really my best friend and she is kooky.  She is my root and she keeps me grounded.  Thinking about that I decided to paint on wood today. It's been a few years. I went back to my roots.  Old wood is still my favorite & most humble canvas. I need more wood!

 Right side of her face is Sweet & Compassionate~ the Left side is Strong & Hopeful.  I am not finished with her either.

ACEO size piece of wood

I also did a Whale painting but that's my next post!

Create a great day! 

"Drowning In Yarn"...

... That's the name of my new piece.  This is a painting of one of the pieces I drew in the Little Pages video a few posts back. Click HERE to watch the video. This is the 2nd one I've done and may be the last that I paint on canvas. I may start painting them on paper instead.  I love painting on paper now and I used to be so afraid of it because it isn't very forgiving.  These portraits are quirky,  not as quirky as my clowns but a little quirky. I may not paint all of the pieces I drew in the video but definitely a few more. 

 "Drowning In Yarn"

I painted this one because it was one of my favorite drawings in the group. I sketched it because I recently had to remove all the huge Space Bags full of yarn out of my studio and into my guest bedroom to make room for new sewing machines & room to sew.  I have the big Spaces Bags full, one for reds & pinks, one for greens, one for blues, ... then there are the bags of "UFO's" (un-finished objects) or here's a good one "PIGS" (projects in grocery sacks) hahaha . I have bags of things that are finished, ready for packaging, or some just done to work out patterns, or just for fun, nowhere to go.  Oops I shouldn't fail to mention the human body sized basket trunk full next to my recliner.  I thought I'm drowning in yarn... hey but what a way to go! Could I go buy more yarn? Why yes, yes I could! * In my head as I just typed Why yes,  Anthony Bourdain's voice was resounding in my head as though he was questioned if he could eat more pork. haha My Mom keeps telling, just this morning in fact, of all the things she is knitting and new knitting patterns she is trying with a beautiful soft & delicate yarn.  It's so tempting to stop what I'm doing to pick up some needles, but I am resisting, I'm painting about it instead! 

In addition to painting on canvas I am experimented with paint on fabric. 

Can't wait to show you what I am doing! So stay tuned...

~God Bless & Create a great day~

*Note to self - must have de-stash sale!

Some Clowning Around...

... While painting for the Twitter Art Exhibit that's being held in Orlando, Fl this year, I was reminded of how much I love to paint small pieces on paper.  I am happy to participate again this year. I love painting ACEOs too, I find it more of a challenge to paint on a larger canvas with large brushes, not to mention the cost of supplies & storage for those large pieces.  Click on Twitter Art Exhibit to view all the art that has been submitted. It's all postcards and it's so fun to see all the different pieces.  If you are an Artist the submission deadline to get a postcard piece into the exhibit is Feb 21st.  Click HERE for details. If you are an art lover and would like to buy one of these pieces for collection & charity, the information on doing that may also be there. I know each piece will be sold for $35.00.  Being able to only submit one I went with an Angel.

This week I have 3 new pieces.  I am going to list them on Ebay.  I love my Etsy Shop, I get sales and commissions from that shop, but I do feel a certain loyalty to Ebay, and love Ebay, mostly because of the wonderful people I meet, so I still list things there too. 

It's always a better bargain to buy one of my pieces at Ebay.   

These two "Happy Souls" (clowns) are 4" x 6" acrylic on paper.  

"The Party Starter"

She gets the party started and keeps it going.

"Gertie"

Gertie makes garlands and she takes it very seriously.

"Chillin' Out"

This fun piece is an 8"x 10"acrylic on canvas. I clowned around a little with a stamp. 

This sweet piece was created from the drawing in my video below or click HERE.  

Create a great day!

Home Sweet Home...

...No not just mine but the Hearst Castle as well!  We had a wonderful week with our friends. We went to the Castle 2 days and the weather couldn't have been better!  It was amazing.  This is one of my favorite statues that sat in front of one of the Cottages.  At first I thought it was a deer but nope it's a goat & she is feeding him an ear of corn. So gorgeous, and so art deco, I love it.  I took so much video I ran the memory out & had to use my phone to take some pictures, which includes this one...

 

Here's a little DIY project I did a little while back

 with an aging tv tray.  I have been meaning to post it but...

it disappeared into my son's room.

 Before & After.

 I LOVE PAINT!

I finished the following painting I had been working on for a month or so & listed it in my Etsy Shop. Lots of thin layers of  paint on this one. I'm starting another. I guess I'm in a mushroom mood! Maybe succulents are next. I came home full of inspiration from being at the beach & at Hearst Castle. I was just as impressed with the landscaping as I was all the art.

"A Hidden Happy Place"

 

Some Tasty Tid Bits...

Did you know that Manna from Heaven, spoke of in the Book of Exodus, was a lot like mushrooms but tasted like honey wafers?  Now that is Love!
I painted a few mushrooms on rocks. Yes I did say rocks. Well they turned out cute & will most likely become a gift. I think I should just paint me a garden because of my big purple thumb. haha I had so much fun painting the mushrooms that I had to paint some on paper. 
Here's another Tasty Tid Bit... my favorite mushroom bread recipe.  A friend served this years ago and I begged for the recipe.  I think I will make this for Easter.  Just click on the picture for the recipe. Thanks to BeanTown Baker for sharing the photo & recipe!

Happy President's Day!

"President Lincoln"

 

Daily Devotion

This is a little more pastel than I normally paint. I think my brain is getting a little more used to not painting on a black canvas but it is still hard. 

Finishing What I Started

"Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled"

"Compassion"

 

6 Months ago I started these 3 little paintings of Jesus.  All 3 left abandoned on my easel. I'd see them/Him as I walked right by. I'd stop and pick at one now & then but haven't been able to really sit down and work on them until now. Using the acrylic paint almost like watercolors, I lost track of how many layers there are.  Things so often turn out different than when I start out. 

No Longer Able To Resist...

My first & perhaps last, Frida Kahlo painting. So many artist paint her & finally I could no longer resist the temptation. I recently watched Selma Hayek's "Frida" for the 2nd time and it's just stayed with me. The movie & the artist compel me to look at things in a different light, it demands that I examine my feelings and what I put on canvas. Frida's story teaches me to paint like no one's looking, what's in my heart. She was in my heart the other night. I regret not going to her exhibit when it was in San Francisco. Next time I won't miss it.

"Frida, The Fierce Side"

One side of Frida Kahlo, so colorful, lively, lovely, flamboyant,

...the other...too painful to paint.

So free, yet so imprisoned.

The Crazy Ones...

Here’s to the Crazy Ones

Here’s to the crazy ones.
The misfits. The rebels.
The troublemakers. The round
pegs in the square holes – the
ones who see things differently.
They’re not fond of rules and
they have no respect for
the status quo. You can praise
them, disagree with them,
quote them, disbelieve them,
glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing that you
can’t do is ignore them.
Because they change things.

~ Jack Kerouac

Currently Listed on Ebay

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!

Just Off The Easel...

This ACEO is listed on Ebay. 50% of the proceeds will go to the Red Cross.

These 2 sweet Angel Kokeshi dolls are listed in my Etsy shop. This landscape is not off my easel just yet. It's a work in progress. I hope to have it finished by the end of the week. There are lots and lots of layers of acrylic paint in this piece. The canvas has thick sides, it's a 12 x 36. I am painting a few landscapes on some of the larger canvases I have. I may take these to the wine shop in Placerville or Windwalker Winery. I love the way this one is turning out so it may end up hanging on my mantle. :) I remember when I only worked in oils. I didn't like working with acrylics, yet now I am more in love with acrylics. Today I'll be working on this painting, a few files, and waiting anxiously for the Fed X man, who will be delivering my new knitting machine! Weeeeeeee! Hopefully I will be tangled up in yarn later too.

A few Big Shout Outs to SmallImpressions, StoneSchoolVintage, WorksOnPaperArt and PinkSprinklesPlush for featuring my art in their lovely Etsy Treasuries! Please click on their names to visit their shops.

Create a great day!

Misawa & Me

Some of my most treasured & most terrifying childhood memories were made in Misawa, Japan. The good far out weights the bad. The Japanese people were such kind & gentle people and the experience was so enriching that it somewhat etched me into who I am today. As I say in some of my profiles, it was there that ignited a lifelong quest of crafting and a determined search for the perfect craft. (Those of you that know me, I know are taking a moment to laugh like hell, coz you know, go ahead! lol) It was there that I learned needlework, it there I was baptized, it was there I realized, we are all one, no matter our differences, and it was there I it really sank in that life is fragile, we really aren't in control, and it can be gone in an instant. These are a few photos of the 1968 8.2 earthquake that I went through while I lived there. I know the helplessness & terror that they feel with the earthquakes, however, I know that I can not fully comprehend the horror and uncertainty they are going through with the tsunami and nuclear situation. My heart is bleeding for the Japanese people. I am praying for them all and all of the families of the kind people and their families that touched my life in past.
I have listed these 2 Angels on Ebay and 50% of the proceeds will go to the American Red Cross.

I used the same palette for both pieces. Thalo Blue, Viridian, Crimson, Yellow Ochre, Cad Yellow, Titanium White, and Payne's Gray. I painted the mermaid 1st, using only very little yellow, then painted the sunflower Angel with the same under painting and palette using very little viridian & thalo blue. I think these combinations of colors muted & melded into each other making the pieces moody instead of super bright. About 15 years ago I began making my own perfumes. Most store bought perfumes give me headaches, whether worn by me or someone else. Making my own and removing all the chemicals make it possible for me to wear more scents, there are a few that don't bother me as long as I don't put too much on. So a few years ago, on the weekends, I created a small line of perfumes. Like a little chemist, I was measuring, mixing and smelling, adding, subtracting, reading everything I could find, smelling everything to try & guess what was in it, trying to develop something that was natural, different, yet sophisticated. Not just a combination of a few oils. My guys put up with all "reek-age" leaked in the atmosphere and were generally willing give their opinions which was really sweet. Opening a new shipment of oils were exciting times. Oh what mystery smells that were about to be unleashed into the mix! So exciting! *P.S. Tomato essential oil does not smell like a tomato bush, the scent I was hoping for. I have no clue what it would be good in! P U* I spent innumerable hours in study, learning what makes good top notes, middle notes, bottom notes, mixed endless combinations of oils, designed the packaging, did profit figures and came up with some marketing strategies only to be left to occupy a little corner of my studio. It was impossible to start that business and work at such a stressful job at the same time, but I thought one day.... One day still hasn't arrived, however, I made the most wonderful jojoba lotion bar last night with some of those supplies. I love it so much I may make some to sell in my Shenanagans shop and on this blog just so other people will have to chance to have some. I need to tweek the recipe a little bit but it turned out much better than I expected for first try. We'll see. I'm still trying to find balance with all the other things I have on my plate. Oh but it's so creamy and smells so good. I used a green Irish smelling scent, which is really a unisex scent. I made all the guys put it on their elbows, and I think it made all the wrinkles on my face disappear! hahaha! just kidding. Don't you wish?!
A Big Shout Out & Thank You goes to these fabulous shops for featuring my art in their wonderful collections! Please click on their names to visit their shops. SmallImpressions, BirgittasBridal, AnnaLela, OrangiesAttic, WhatsHerName, AprilCJohnson, MyDreamGarden, and GreyGirlDesigns - Thank you so much!

What's New...

... No I'm not folding paper but I'm painting on it!

I recently went to a Placerville Arts meeting with a friend of mine and I scored some Carson's Oil & Acrylic Canvas Paper. In the past I really had a problem painting on paper. Wood is still my favorite but I have grown to love paper. It's easily stored, easily mailed, easily framed in pre-made store bought frames or mounted on board and I love how layers and layers of paint seem to glow on it. I am painting with acrylics and didn't gesso the paper first, however, I believe it would be wise if I was painting with oils. This canvas paper is coated & doesn't absorb the paint. I am anxious to get into my little studio today and paint some more today. I have listed these on Etsy but plan to auction some on Ebay as well. Listing fees are free until Jan 7th!

What's New?...

"The Light"

11 x 14 Mixed Media

... It was Leonardo da Vinci that said “Art is never finished, only abandoned.” Well I had really abandoned this piece last year and just "finished" it yesterday. So this one is not new to me. Yesterday it just cried out to me to complete it.

I'm a perfectionist in many ways and others not so much. I admit it and know it's not easy being this way. I know I can aggrevate some people to no end! hahaha Procrastination usually sets in too, I can't finish a project, and sometimes don't, just because I don't like how it's going at the time or know that something isn't exactly how I wish it to be, even if it's not noticeable. I know. I have a closet full of abandoned canvases. I could probably fill my whole house with abandoned craft projects that I never finished over the years, because of a tiny problem, some of which were entirely in my head, or because it became too challenging and I didn't think I could do it perfectly, so I gave up & put it down. This is exactly what happened at my previous attempts at jewelry making. I'm even worse when I sew, everything has to be perfect, stitches unwavering, all seams matching perfectly, it has to look like it's off the rack or I won't wear it, sell it, or give it away.

Anyway, there are 2 little defects in the linen canvas on this piece so that has kept me from working on it. I'm glad I picked it up and finished it regardless of the defects, which are not even noticeable from the front of the canvas, because I am happy how it turned out. It has already gotten 5 Stars on OvationTV and a few comments. I have it listed on Ebay. I wished photos did Him justice.
I have enjoyed making beads this week and I made lots of them! I made my first bracelet too! I designed something that I would wear. Something that is "me". A little gypsy, a little bohemian, a little jingley, a little funky yet not too far out. I especially love the faux turquoise beads on the bracelet like the one shown here which I will be listing for sale. I also made the cutest little mushrooms which I will share later because they haven't been baked. I bought big jump rings, which are working out ok with me, like a kid with big fat crayons. hahaha The faux jade was made with a tiny dab of green polymer clay mixed with about 6 times the amount of transparent polymer clay & a sprinkle of ground sage. Yep! Right out of your kitchen. I would advise to add a tiny dab at a time & mix it in a little at a time. It dries darker. I put glue on the eye pins before baking so they don't come out. I may have to open up another Etsy shop!

A Big Shout Out goes to Hannahcreations , CynArt & Mayasideas for including my art in their Etsy Treasuries! Thank you so much! Click on their names to be taken to their wonderful Etsy's Shops.

A Little Word on Wednesday

May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.

Romans 15: 13

Ring Ring!

Who is it? ...Destiny?... I've been expecting your call .... LOL Ok I have been watching too much BOLT lately. I gotta say I am in love with that hamster Rhino! You can see a the little video of him on the left. I've been totally stealing his lines. I may not be ready for Last Comic Standing but I have come up with some pretty good ones lately using his lines. hahaha I am just discovering this movie because of my little JJ.
I'm not a cartoon person. Even as a child I didn't watch a lot of cartoons. As an adult I can appreciate the art of cartoons but still find them hard to endure. It amazes me that The Simpsons have been on as long as it has or is it still on? I can count on one hand how many times I've watched the show. I would have loved the show more if it was real actors but real actors couldn't get away with what a cartoon can. I get it. Are you gasping? What? No Disney movies? Yes that's right. Not into it. If I've watched them it's because the guys wanted to watch, even the oldest guy :) The cartoon world is magically tolerable & disgustingly exciting, "I'm disgusted, I disgust myself", says the cat in the movie Bolt & says me when I'm in Disneyland, the happiest place on earth! hahaha But the minute I snap back to reality buyer's remorse for any "souvenir" purchase quickly sets in. And those tidbits, basically papers *tickets, brochures, etc...* that I have to take home, swear I'll scrapbook, quickly get shoved in the bin or in a stack of stuff that's not to be touched in at least a couple of years. Mikey's lost him charm. Kind of like some of the contents of my purses that I have to lug around, until I switch to a new one, then it's left behind. Sometimes it's cool finding stuff that didn't make the transfer. Am I the only one who does this? Ok I'm gonna clean out all my purses after this post. hahaha So it may seem strange that my love of portraits & my big pushes of artistic encouragement with portraits are owed in part to my dad & an ex-Disney Art Director Walt Sorensen. My dad babysat while I was in Walt's class, and he refused to let me talk myself out of going to his class. Yes that was a big deal! My dad's support of my art has been much more encouraging than he knows and other people may realize.
I actually painted today! Felt good. This weekend I worked on some new bookmarks which I will be listing soon. I listed some Angels on paper on Ebay for a starting bid of $0.99! The first time I've done this. My advise from many was not to do this but I need to make room for new things. I need to paint more and space is limited. So I'm considering it a sale and I am trusting in the Lord. He can do what he will with me & my Angels! I am blessed. Ring Ring! Destiny? Are you waiting for a call? LOL

Space The Final Frontier...

... final alright, finally gone! The outer space bedroom wall that is. My son is turning 21 tomorrow. I couldn't let him turn 21 and still have an outer space wall in his bedroom! hahaha He has kept refusing to have it painted. Maybe because we had so much fun painting it together many years ago or maybe he just didn't want me in there, you know how that goes. hahaha. I have to say the space wall was pretty cool back in it's day. The clouds were at the bottom of the wall so his bed floated in the clouds. The glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling, well they are staying because it's covered in them. He'll have to do that job.

I snuck in there and painted the wall while he was out, then painted these 2 pieces on recycled canvas. One is a 16x20 the other is a 5x5. It was fun painting the different layers of color, scraping and grunging up these colorful heads. After I finished the first one, I wanted to do it again! I may even do some more one day just to experience that freedom again.

The room isn't finished but it's started. The final wall color is not going to be this dark either. I used this left over paint as a primer to cover up parts of the wall that were navy blue. He loves it and I'm sure he has to be feeling a little more mature! hahaha