Art Lesson - Easter Egg Humpty Dumpty

Today's art lesson with 3rd grader.  This is a very fun little project perfect for Easter time.  Draw a large egg, cut out with a hat on.  draw and color face and clothes.  Draw and cut out arms and legs and color them, then attach with paper fasteners.  Be sure the legs and arms are not too thin for the hole to be punched into.

This lesson was inspired by my own illustration that I did in 2006.  It was for a theme of "egg" that I joined in on for an online challenge.  Whimsical fun for Easter!

OWL Love You... Forever

I have been on an Owl Overload! But I enjoy Overloads sometimes!  What first started, last year with these Owl Pillows has led to more and more Owls!  Maybe I'm a sell out, capitalizing on the Owl Craze, but I don't think so. I'm remembering in the 70's, during the last Owl Craze, even my own Step-Grandmother was an Owl Freak... I liked her a lot and wish she could've stayed by Step-Grandmother... not to be.

So first I crocheted these Owl Pillows. There have been many colors, and they were sold, and also became Christmas presents last year.  That led into the Owl Hats (which I have been very busy making, many colors and sizes!)

Soon following the Owl Hats, I had a custom order for an Owl Pin/Brooch. This is what a developed for that request.  I will be making more of these in many colors, which will be available soon, straight from me, or maybe on Etsy.  These are my own design, as all my crochet works are.

All of that dreaming of Owls, and Valentine's Day was also approaching. I was inspired by own Luv-N-Kitties and my dreams of Owls, which developed into these Luv-N-Owls!  I made 3 for my weekly sale, the week before Valentines Day, and soon had an abundance of orders, which needed filling in a week's time! I didn't know these would be so popular, and had the dream of them not come so late in the season, I maybe could've made even more money from them!

They are fun and ever so LOVEly, and include a hand-drawn little card that fits into the Owls Heart Pocket, with an Owlish Love Quote, such as "How Loves Ya Baby", "You're a Real Hoot", "Owl Love You", etc. These are also my own idea and pattern, as usual.  Look for their return next year, and HOOOOO knows, maybe they will reincarnate as another HOOOTY Creation! You never know with OWLS!!

Leo ~ Astrology Sign

I've finally continued with my zodiac series. Here is Leo the Lion. Five down and seven to go! Hopefully I won't wait as long for the next one which will be Virgo!!!

heartbreak again

recurrence.....

Grandma Turns 90!

I am pretty lucky to have not one, but both of my Grandmas turn 90 this year!

So my mom's mother just had her 90th birthday this weekend. This woman has everything she could possibly need, so I have to say she may be the hardest woman to find a present for. So my mother suggested I do a rendering of this famous photo. My Grandma has always loved this, as many from her generation I'm sure have. It always reminds her of her husband (who died in a car accident when my mom was only 18 months old... very traumatic). Raymond was also a sailor in WWII.

Anyway, there ya have it.

Drowning in You

I started this painting a couple of weeks ago. Its title is "Drowning In You". I'm drowning in love, reaching for the light. It was inspired by Grateful Dead's "Black-Throated Wind". Well, that and my own life. Drowning is never healthy.

Astrological Signs - Cancer

This is the latest in my Astrological Signs series.... Cancer the Crab. Some of the traits of a Cancer are emotional and loving, intuitive and imaginative, shrewd and cautious, protective and sympathetic. Some of the "dark side" of a Cancer is that they can be changeable and moody, overemotional and touchy, clinging and unable to let go. My own son is a Cancer, and he seems to exhibit many of these traits.

Life and Death

I never wrote about the exhibit I was part of at the end of the year. It was at
Gypsy Treasures in Long Beach, CA.

It was a Dia De Los Muertos and/or Catholic theme. Here is the original record painting that I did. The title is "Life and Death". I also had a small print on wood. The print was of another skull of mine, the Head's a Spinnin print.

Gila Monster Challenge

I couple weeks ago my son bought a book that helps you to expand your creativity and imagination by drawing different characters. The book is Fantasy Genesis A Creativity Game for Fantasy Artists by Chuck Lukacs. You roll dice and receive different animals and elements etc, and you are to make a creation with what is given to you.

The elements that I was to use were a Gila Monster, a Shell, a Vine, Bolts, Lava and an Old Village. This is what I came up with. I used pen and ink, markers, watercolor and india ink and acrylic ink. It was done in my sketchbook, which isn't really meant for painting, and a warping occurred from it. It doesn't bother me because it gives it the appearance that it's a tie die on fabric.... Gotta see the positive! I'm just such a person that loves putting drawings into some kind of book, rather than let it float around and not get viewed, and possibly lost.

Astrology Signs - Gemini

This is the 3rd in my series of Astrological Signs, with the Gemini. I didn't really have an idea for this one, then came up with one I thought would work. It was mediocre. My son suggested a set of twins emerging out of one tree. It was a far more clever idea than my first original plan. Yes, as a friend commented to me, it is helpful to have an art director. My collaborations with my kid do always make the best creations!

The Gemini sign is associated with the Summer Solstice, that's why I have the sun shining bright. It's also an air sign, so I made some clouds, although my clouds seem to be heavy on the water-side. And I think I was successful at making the two "trees" appear to be twins. I thought it would be hard to duplicate them to look alike. Yeah seems with a lot of things, it's the anticipation of something that is usually far harder than the actual doing!!

Astrology Signs - Taurus

Here is my 2nd in the Astrology Signs series, Taurus. I was trying to represent the stubborn side of many Taurus, well at least a lot that I know are stubborn! One in particular!! The sign is associated with the fresh new growth of spring. The background should look more dark brown, but on screen it appears to be black. Oh well.

I'm making them straight from the list in a book. I guess I don't want to put off the hard one, just want to take them as they come. So next is Gemini, and so far, no ideas... stumped! Need some inspiration instead of heartbreak.

Astrology Signs - Aries

A couple weeks ago, Wesley and I began drawing the Zodiac Signs. His first design was Capricorn and I chose Aries.

I really enjoyed using our new markers, and I think I'll be doing more (well already have done one that I'll post soon). I may make into prints, but for sure some magnets will be created.

New Year, New Me???

I'd love to say I could be happy in this New Year.

I'm in love, but it's not good.

This drawing is a result of the toxic relationship brought on by alcoholism.

I've neglected my blog for too long, instead doing online journaling on Facebook. Well Facebook is too exposed also. Too many people that I really don't want to know my business. So I'm coming back here, no one that I really know reads this, well maybe a couple, and I can deal with them. If they want to research me, then I guess they can know the true me.

This is a doodle I did while drowning in the middle of someone's alcohol abuse. Someone that has said they would stop drinking and the hurt that goes with it, for too long now. I would love to be happy with him, but don't know if it's possible for this booze love affair to end.

There you have it, there's a real juicy bit of info about me.

Half Dome Thru the Years - Yosemite Art, part 2

Here's another look at the progressions of my plein air paintings while in Yosemite.

Our tradition from when we first started these journals we have made a point of going to paint Half Dome at sunset. This is why these pieces may be slightly more bright and saturated with color, it's the sunset glow.

Unless stated otherwise, these were painted from the bridge by North Pines campground.

2001


2003 from Sentinel Bridge


2004


2005


2008


2011 - from bridge by North Pines campground... This year we were extra ambitious and not only painted from the usual spot at the bridge by the campgrounds, but in another spot as well....


2011 - view from meadow by Curry Village

Progression of Yosemite Plein Air Art

I just returned from my trip to Yosemite! I'm most inspired when I'm there! I just want to paint constantly. Always seeing something beautiful everywhere you look can do that to a person.

I've been making our own travel journals for every trip we go on since 2001. There have been 6 trips to Yosemite since then. I've painted many scenes more than once, so I thought I would put them all down to compare from year to year.

My first group of scenes is from the North Pines campground, along the river, looking west, viewing upper Yosemite Falls.

It's interesting to see the progressions.... do you have a favorite?

2001


2003


2004


2005


2008


2011

more pendants

I ordered some more cabachons for my pendants a few weeks ago, and have put a few into my Etsy shop. Little prints of my art work art encased in resin on the antique brass cabs. I also purchased some vintage glass pieces to put onto the necklace with the pendants. They are also made with antique brass chain. Kind of Steampunk lookin.

So far I have the Perplexed Little Flapper.



There's also my older little Martini Cat, (also known as "Roses and Martinis." I'll be adding more as I get them finished and pix taken. Find the jewelry section of my shop here.


This last week while watching American Idol, my friend calls me to say "Is Steven Tyler wearing one of your pendants?" I cracked up! So now I find this pix of him, not from last week, but another night. Not my pendant, but same type, different art. And now you too can be like Steve, how cool is that?!!!

hello there

Today I saw this creature, not in a wind swept meadow, but in the Stater Bros parking lot at the bottom of the hill. I sat waiting in the car and doodled it out in my little journal. What a perfect expression the tree gave to us!

Heads a Spinnin

This is what happens when you've got only one thing on your brain. Love of course. Lovin til Death.

More Valentines Day art for a show that never happened. As I said, it's all good, I've got love on the brain anyway.

6x6 inch, acrylic on plywood

Catching Love Like Fireflies

Sometimes you're lucky enough to catch one if you really try.

Another Love painting. Got one thing on the brain, seems.

Acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas, 11x16 inches.

no broken hearts for me this Valentines Day

the broken heart

A friend wanted me to do some art for her valentine's day night at a local bar. Well not sure if it's happening, some kind of problems with the co owners. I don't get it really, it's all hush hush. Weird, eh???

Well, I don't care about the showing anyway, Not the art buying crowd!! But I'm happy that it motivated me to think of and do some love art. I have some others underway, I really probably couldn't get them done in time anyway. I guess had she made more of an effort in talking to me about it, I would've made sure to get them done!!

This little vixen has someone's broken, yet mendable heart in her hands. Some see it that it's her heart that is broken, but I'm wondering if she may have stolen someone's heart and done a little damage herself.

I'm also very happy that I have experienced love again, gotten my heart broken, maybe cracked someone else's just a little, but more importantly fallen in love and actually have a real valentine this year. A REAL ONE! Three years ago, I thought true love in my life was over. I thought I was to live a love-less life, never to be truly happy again. After living a certain way for a couple of decades, it truly makes you know what you want in life and in lovers. It makes you want to change your patterns to make your love work out. It's all about being a grown up, I guess.

Happy Valentines Day to you, and I hope you can experience true love too.

9x12" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas.