Fifi The Wonder Dog - Art2

The Art2 Theme Week is "Circus." I've done Art Squared before, but this is the first time I've participated in the eBay group - Art2.

This is "Fifi The Wonder Dog." She's able to spread love and magic all while doing a balancing act with her busy life.

It is acrylic on 5x5 inch plywood. With lots of glitter and a final coat of acrylic matte varnish. Yeah, plywood is not the highest quality, but I like the way these look hanging on a wall in a group of other art squared. And once painted look very folksy and whimsical.

You can find it here on etsy.

Sweet Scent of Violets

The delicately tiny violets are blooming at my house. They are so cute, and have a very subtle sweet scent. I've got a few varieties. These are the two that have made their appearance. I know that I just posted a bit about my garden. I think I'm so looking forward to the warm months, and the flowers are starting to bloom, so I feel the urge to take some photos of them. I've also got a painting in the works and hopefully tomorrow I can post that.

Now on to photography. Many have probably seen that I don't always take the best pictures. I just can't get the lighting right all the time. I always hear that the best pictures are taken in indirect lighting - like on an overcast day. Well, the first picture was taken in the shade, the second was obviously taken with some sun shining on the flower. I think the sunny one looks better, I guess. But does it caputure the true colors? For now I'll just continue trying to get the best photo that I can, and maybe I'll master photography some day!

A Very Mod Easter Bunny Doll

This is quite a dapper Easter Bunny dresssed in his finest mod-attire. He's a little quirky and lots of fun. And he's ready to hippity hop down the bunny trail.

He's made out of an old dress that just didn't fit me right. Plus I added some cotton polka dot and muslin, some wool-blend felt, ric rac, and a cute checkered bow tie made from a ribbon. I machine quilted his suit, and embroidered his face. He's very folky, not perfect stitching. Meaning you can see lots of stitches. But that's part of his folkiness.

This is part of the VIM Doll Project on ebay. The VIM members were to do a doll in whatever art form they preferred. So as I've said before, I love to partake in challenges and theme weeks. So I gave it a go. I just know he would do better on etsy, but oh well.

I'm going to hopefully make some more bunny cuties for etsy real soon while it's still the Easter season. Stay tuned.

-SOLD-

Spring Ahead with a Crocus

Only in California can you have snow one week, and flowers the next! That's the way these crocus are though. They are the tough little beauties that bloom while the snow is melting around them. They are always the first flower that blooms in my garden, trumpeting the beginning of Spring! It feels like summer now in March, but I know that could very well change any day. Up here at 6200 feet our true official growing season doesn't begin until Mother's Day. After that we can plant tender seeds and annuals. I've also seen it snow in June so I have a feeling this bit of hot weather is just a tease, and only the hardy bloomers will show their faces for now. Still, what a joy to see the flowers return, one by one.

The Frog Prince

My ACEO group's special promotion this week was "Frog". I did a Frog Prince. Is she about to plant a big kiss on this guy? Is it true love?

Can you tell I like to participate in challenges? I love being prompted with some kind of subject. Yes, it's a challenge, but it also motivates me. Lately, I do more challenges than anything. If it gets me to do some art, it can't be bad!

This is an ACEO - 2.5x3.5 inches. It's painted in acrylic. It's here on Etsy.

Studio Friday - Let's Face It!

The subject for Studio Friday this week is "Let's Face It!" ...whatever 'it' is. What have you been procrastinating about and dragging your heels to do?

This is the story of my life. So to find just one topic was the challenge.

I've been putting off cleaning my desk, but not just my desk, the shelf above my desk. My cats have been in the house a lot this winter and they've made a mess of it. It's one of their favorite places to sit and look out the window, safe from the dog. Well, they really thrashed it with their clumsiness. I've also been meaning to paint the shelf, any color. I had to use some old acrylic I had. Not sure if it's the BEST color, but it was available. I even had some Christmas lights that needed to be taken down, how pathetic!

I couldn't reveal how bad it looked without an after-shot to go with it! And now looking at the after-shot I wonder... Did it change at all??!!! Still pretty cluttered (the result of a small house and way too much stuff!), but I do think the paint helped to cheer it up a bit. And definately not my favorite chore, but worthwhile in the end!

Illustration Friday - Hide

"Hide Your Love Away". I'm glad I could participate in Illustration Friday again. The challenges there are so very... challenging! It can really excercise your brain to come up with an idea.

What a coincidence to hear the Beatle song this morning. So this idea was born - a mama and baby kangaroo. Such a cute image of motherly love! This is an ACEO (2.5 x 3.5 inches).

-SOLD-

Later in the night I heard another quote from a song that also gave me some inspiration - "All the things you try to HIDE will be revealed on the other side" from the song, "Hell", by the Squirrel Nut Zippers.I'll have to put that on the back burner til another day.

Art Lesson - Symmetrical Butterflies

This is an art lesson that I did in a third grade class. It's a good one for third grade because they are learning about symmetry in math. So it's always nice to have a little art to connect with math.

First they were to fold a paper in half. Then we drew half of the butterfly. You must watch that they are actually drawing on the fold - there's bound to be a couple that don't. I tried to encourage them to do their own design, and also to keep it large. It seems there's always some kids that draw so tiny. They can use pencil first if they are not comfortable with using oil pastels right away. I usually allow that because someone is bound to make a mistake. Then they traced over their pencil with a black oil pastel. Then I had them fold the paper in back with the drawing on the inside. After that I had them use a paint mixing stick to rub the design onto the other side of the paper. You probably did this at some time in grade school. When I was a kid we would use a pencil and totally color it with pencil to transfer the image. I decided the pencil is just too much pencil lead and is a mess. So I use whatever hard tool instead. I try to use something that's not so distracting - scissor handles, or clothes pins work, but they are distracting too! After the transfer is done (have them check and look at it from time to time) they need to darken the transfer and colored it in. Since I had some time left over I had them paint over the butterfly with watercolor. It wasn't necessary, but it's nice because this group hadn't done a watercolor resist yet this year. It can be amazing how the watercolor doesn't change the oil pastel, and they had some fun with that. When they were done, if they had time, they could do their own design. I was glad when many choose to do more symmetry and came up with there own creatures. That was very imaginative and fun!

Frank is the name of the creature, not the kid!

Lots of Snow and Blue Skies

The sun finally popped out from behind the clouds around noon.



This is a street near my house. My dirt road wasn't plowed, so that made for some difficulties.



Some difficulties, yet such a gorgeous scene!

Tea with the Mad Hatter

This weeks ACEO challenge was "hat". I did "Tea with the Mad Hatter". My Mad Hatter is a dog. I like how the March Hare looks truly mad, and poor Alice is a little freaked at her circumstance.

I was reading about The Mad Hatter and found this interesting info. Did you know that Hatters really did go mad? Mercury was once used in the felting process of making hats. This caused some terrible effects, making them quite mad! Not sure what made the March Hare so mad.

It's always so much fun to draw Alice and her crazy encounters. So yes I hear "hat" and Lewis Carroll definately comes to my mind.

This is an ACEO.
-SOLD-

NibbleFest-Fairy Tales-Thumbelina

The NibbleFest theme this month is "Fairy Tales". My favorite fairy tale has to be "Thumbelina" or "Little Tiny" by Hans Christian Andersen. The first book I remember owning was "Thumbelina." It had a cover that was a venticular (3D looking picture). I hadn't thought of that book in a long time. I wish I had a copy of it now. I always loved the story and the Swallow is definately a favorite. So of course, I had to do this little rendering.
-SOLD-

I listed my card, and then went to list Wesley's NibbleFest. Well, just by accident did I list mine first, I usually do his first. In between the 2 listings, eBay seems to be doing maintenance. Am I going crazy, or didn't they usually always do maintenance at 1am, not 11pm PST? That really messed me up. So I guess I'll have to put Wesley's on a 3 day auction. It will better than having an auction end at 1 am, I think.

I still seem to be fighting off the dreaded sickness. I am having minor symptoms though - nothing like what everyone else has. I'm still taking Airborne twice a day. I'm thinking good thoughts!

Long Fingerless Gloves

I was out of town for a few days. While at my mom's I was able to crochet these arm warmers/fingerless gloves. They look like candy stripes to me- for the girl who like bright colors or pink.

See them on Etsy, here.

We had to come home early since my son got sick. It's a real bummer to be sick when you've got the week off of school. We were planning on going to Disneyland yesterday too. He's got a fever and there's lots of germs at my house right now. My throat was a little scratchy on Monday, so I took some Airborne, and am taking it twice a day. So far, so good. We'll see in a few days if I get sick or not. If not, I'll probably have Airborne to thank for that!

Gung Hay Fat Choy!!

It's time for the Year Of The Pig! In honor of the Chinese New Year, we made dragons in my art class yesterday. This was in my son's 4th grade class, so of course, it was enjoyable. I talked a little about Chinese New Year and how the dragon is the most sacred animal in Chinese culture. They each were given 3 pieces of thick paper to draw and color the head, body and tail. I did a simple example of how to draw a dragon. Many did their own version and that was great. They were to also fold the body into an accordion fold (some did need help with this also). Along with my helpers, I helped them to attach the head, body and tail together using brads, or brass fasteners. I also took the extra time to add hole protectors, which was a good thing because the kids really were playing with them when they were done. We attached sticks with masking tape on the back. It was a fair amount of work for the adults to put the things together, but some kids could do it and they also helped.

This example is from a very talented young lady. She's always one of the shining stars in the class. (Along with my own son-of course! Just my biased opinion!!)

This was very age appropriate lesson. The kids really enjoyed it, no breakdowns, took the whole 55 minutes, and the teacher also agreed and thought it was a wonderful project. Yaaaayyyy!

Happy Valentines Day

These are my son's Valentines that he handed out this year. We printed one of his ACEOs onto paper and wrapped a chocolate bar with the print. He then sealed it with a sticker and wrote on the back. I thought they turned out great and unique.

Most kids had the usual store bought Valentines. There's always a couple that make their Valentines - the same kids each year. I always appreciate the homemade varieties. I hope someone in the class can appreciate my son's as well. He's always made his also, since kindergarten.

It was a very nice Valentines Day for us. I hope you all had a memorable day of Love, too!

Art Lesson - Valentine Fairies

This lesson was inspired by and wouldn't be possible without the pixies created by Laurie at Happy as a Lark Designs.

I made these little Valentine Fairies with a second grader and her 3 year old sister yesterday. They were made with wooden bead and dowel, paper, felt, pipe cleaners, ric rack, glitter and pom pom. I had never used the sticky felt before. It really sticks well and sandwiches the legs and dowel very sturdy. I had to help the 3 year old cut and glue, but the second grader could make most of the whole thing herself. I mainly helped with the hat. The project was more crafty than artsy I think, but the girls loved it. Sometimes the project just has to be fun. Even if the adults think there should be some fancy, elaborate lesson on art, the kids just want it to be fun. I try to balance it and mix it up a bit. So I had to take advantage of Valentines day, and just make a cutesy, girly, heart fairy... just for fun.

W.C. Dog and Mae Kit West

W.C. Dog is quite enchanted with Mae Kit West, giving her an elegant kiss on the hand. The eBay ACEO Enthusiasts group challenge for the week is "kiss". I had to do these two. Nothing cuter than a dog and cat in love!

This is an ACEO - 2.5x3.5 inches, acrylic on 140lb watercolor paper.
-SOLD-
We got some rain yesterday, so I've been enjoying the freshly moistened aroma of the earth. I'm happy it was rain and not snow after our freezing January up here on the mountain. Now if we can get some more and hopefully not be in a drought, that would be wonderful. I'll live with the muddy footprints being tracked in by dogs, cats and kids (both little and big) in exchange for lots of water for the forest.

Potted Plants-ACEO

The ACEO challenge of the week was "pot". I came up with a more serious painting - "Potted Plants in a Row". I love when challenges force me to do a painting that has been in my mind for some time now. Most of these plants are long gone now, lost to freeze, or old age. They were sitting on my deck rail back in 1992. Only the first plant on the left, feverfew, still remains. That was my first feverfew. That plant later moved with me, and reseeded and spread throughout my present yard. But it does make a lovely addition in the summer, even with it's wild appearance.

This is acrylic on 140 lb. watercolor paper. ACEO size - 2.5x3.5 inches.
-SOLD-

Inspire Me Thursday - portrait

This is my first "Inspire Me Thursday" -the theme being "portrait". I've done a lot of portraits through the years. For this portrait I wanted to do this stylized version of my Grandma, Kathryn. I've wanted to do a painting of this photo of her for a long time. So I made a little ACEO with her lovely face, using acrylics. The second drawing is one I did of my other Grandma, Bettie that I did a year ago. Both photos were taken around the same time, while in their 20s. I love vintage women, especially these two.

Find the ACEO here on etsy.

Illustration Friday - sprout

Another entry for Illustration Friday, this week... sprout. This is "Little Miss Garlic Sprout". Everyday she wishes for someone to share her sunset and wine. She has a great personality, but maybe just a bit too much odor.

This may be a bit of a stretch for "sprout". While I was thinking about the subject I saw this garlic going to sprout in my kitchen. What's sad is it was only bought a few days before. That's how fresh our market is up here in this small town. Sad huh?

This is an ACEO, a small art card, 2.5x3.5 inches.

You can find it here on Etsy.

Art Lesson - Underwater

I finally took some pictures of the art lesson from a couple of weeks ago. This was an underwater scene that a class of kindergartners did. First we drew a fish together with oil pastels. Then they added whatever underwater creatures that they wanted to. Of course we talked about what other creatures could be down underwater to spark their imagination. After the scene was drawn with the pastels, we had to switch over to water color. I breifly gave them a mini lesson on the ins and outs of watercolor- kindergartners must be reminded of certain things. They then painted right over the oil pastels with the watercolor, adding water for their creatures.

You must make it clear to press down on the pastels, to give a good, and thick amount of color. And to go ahead and do a lot of coloring in before adding the water. They must also be reminded to not color the background with the pastel, that you will add water later. There seems to be at least one that will try to do that, even with a mention of it once.

If I do this lesson with the first graders, I think I will have them do a larger fish and just a few of the other smaller elements. I think that will give a bolder finished product.

If was a very successfull lesson and the little ones seemed to like it.