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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

Love Birds

The challenge in the ACEO group this week was "Lovebirds." I took it quite literally and came up with this pair. They are in love and enjoying the sunset together. I noticed some people have done a pair of lovebirds - you know, the little parrot kind. I don't know which interpretation is more literal, mine or the parrots?

I think I'll digitally add some words to this image and make some cards. I've got a couple of other designs, all with the same love or valentine theme. Then I can sell a set of Lover cards. But will someone really buy a set of these? Most people don't need more than one Lover card to give. Unless you're buying a set for a classroom, then they'll need 20 or more. I just like the idea of sets of greeting cards. I guess they can always be used as general greetings for throughout the year.

I think I should do a larger art piece soon. But for now we have an ACEO, 2.5x3.5 inches, watercolor and pen and ink.

SOLD

New wrist warmers-fingerless gloves

I made these cozy wrist warmers, or a longish fingerless glove. They are a very woodsy type of green. They look like forest moss. They're made with an acrylic "mohair" yarn and they are kind of fuzzy. I really love the wool yarn that is hand spun by so many people these days, but I get an itchy feeling sometimes with wool. So this pair of gloves is for the people that are sensitive to wool.

Now that I've figured out this pattern, I will make some more using a variety of yarns. And I like them so much that I must make a pair for myself as well.

You can find them for sale now on Etsy.

They're only $10.00.

Illustration Friday - Red

My entry for Illustration Friday's Red had to be Little Red Riding Hood. This is "Beware of Strangers".

There was bound to be other Little Reds that were done this week. I'm just glad that I had mine pretty much done before I went and looked at some of the other entries. I didn't want to be influenced by the other Riding Hoods, or I would be too intimidated to do my own. There are so many wonderful illustrations on IF. It can really take your time away if you get too involved at looking at all the fabulous art there.

As for Little Red Riding Hood - I don't think I really liked the story all that much. But she does have a cute outfit! I've always been a little upset with the Wolf always being the bad guy. I can understand the damage they do, but I also see so much beauty. But I enjoy all animals really. And to have any become extinct or even to have none in their natural habitat - well that is truly one of the most sad things to me. Having been a German Shepherd owner for so long, I can appreciate wolfs even that much more. My own Ziggy is so wolf-like at times and that adds to my love for the wild wolves.

This is an ACEO, 2.5x3.5 inches, acrylic on acid-free, 140lb watercolor paper. I've listed it on eBay, and as usual for my ACEOs- a $0.99 starting bid.

-SOLD-

Pretty in Pink

Well here's yet another flapper. The theme week for the ACEO Enthusiasts group on eBay was "cosmetics." I have a picture of my sister that I always wanted to do a painting of. She was about 17 in the pix and she is putting on some makeup. I thought that was a good excuse to finally do the picture of her. So I started doodling and soon the image turned into this flapper girl. My sister never was a flapper but I guess I like to draw that kind of girl so much that it just transformed into this. Soon I saw the face in the heart and that became my valentine stamp from the previous post.

This girl had to take a break and go powder her nose. She's surely hiding something very sad as you can see in her eyes. I hope she gets a handle on her emotions and can go back to the party and have a fun time after all.

This is of course another ACEO, 2.5x3.5 inches, acrylic.

Valentines Day Cards - Or any occasion really

I printed some Valentines Day cards with my hand made stamp today. This is the best picture I got of the design. I have some that are printed with 2 colors - black and red or black and pink. Then I added some glitter to the wet acrylic paint. I do like the colored ones but I wanted to show a clear pix of the design here. And if ever something looked better in person, these hand printed cards are it - with each looking a bit different from the next. And the little bit of fine glitter adds a special something.

Why do I use acrylic paint and not ink? Well, I just don't have the ink right now. I've made my Christmas cards for 2 years now in the same way. I'm guessing people like ink better than paint because the paint is very thick on the stamp. It dries fast and if you're not careful it can start to clog the stamp up. And I'm not sure how well the glitter would stick to the ink. The paint makes for an unpredictable outcome, but that also makes each card that much more unique. I've just been happy with how the cards turn out with paint so I haven't gotten any ink to use instead.

They're for sale on etsy right now

I Heart U - carved stamp

I drew and carved this stamp last night. It's carved on a 2 3/4x4 1/2 inch Speedball Speedy-Cut. These are so soft to carve, making for an easy way to make your own hand made stamp. I always seem to forget about making letters backward and that's the only slight problem I had with this.

Froggy Went a Courtin' - NFAC

I joined in on NibbleFest this month. The theme was - music/musician. A familiar subject for me. This is "Froggy Went a Courtin'", and I pretty much love these two.

I was listening to WDVX, which I often do on Sundays, and I heard the Froggy song. This was a very old version from the 30s. My memories of Froggy Went a Courtin, are of Tom and Jerry. Jerry had an old cowboy uncle and he sang that song. It left a big impression on me and I think I must've always loved the song, (and the adorable mouse uncle). Then I heard the song on Wild Hog in the Woods which is on from 6-7 pm PST, on WDVX. That's when I decided to do this cute couple for my nibblefest entry. My son sang the song in music. It's nice to hear there's some culture that is still taught. I don't like to think of what happens to poor Froggy in the end. So I just think of him in this happy way. Enjoying the day out courtin this fair lady.

I'm in an ACEO mood lately, and that's what this is. 3.5x2.5 inches, watercolor and pen and ink.

-SOLD-

Illustration Friday - Super Hero

Here we have "Rocky Raccoon-Defender of the Forest". He's faster than a speeding arsonist, more powerful than a bunch of bark beetles, and able to leap tall bulldozers with a single bound.

I'm not in the habit of drawing super heroes, so coming up with an idea was challenging. I finally thought that it would be great if there only were a super hero to protect the forest and it's creatures. Although I also thought it would be nice to have a super hero to clean my house and make dinner.

This is an ACEO, 2.5x3.5 inches, watercolor and pen and ink.

click here to see it on Etsy.

Three Little Friends

Here are 3 Luv-N-Kitties. I really enjoy these little cuties. So fun to make. All three are on etsyright now.

We woke up to an unexpected couple of inches of snow this morning. It was a blustery, snowy morning and that made for a chaotic time of getting ready. I got a ride to town with a friend for an art lesson at the school. Because of my confusing morning, I forgot my camera so I will post later about that lesson. I will teach the same lesson to the other Kindergarten class next week, so maybe you'll be interested in hearing about it then.

Painting a Day - Illustration Friday-80s

This is my entry for this week's Ilustration Friday. The theme is 80s. This is "MewDonna".

I couldn't make up my mind while I was thinking about the 80s. My interests at that time were so varied, and changed so often. So I just thought of what was very influentual during that time. And, of course, Madonna came to mind. And then MewDonna was born. I did actually buy the first Madonna album, on cassette tape. What's a cassette? Seems so ancient, and more obsolete than records. Because I still listen to records, but rarely listen to cassettes. I did have a lot of fun dancing to Madonna many times, especially to that first album. That was before she had really hit it big and before I got a bit burned out from her. I was a bit anti-mainstream back then. Guess I still am.

Having come of age during the 80s made it a very eventful time for me. But I wouldn't say they were the best of times. Well, maybe some of it was!

It's an ACEO, 3.5x2.5 inches, acrylic.

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Luv-N-Kitties

This is my first Luv-N-Kitty. She's very folky-cute and she even has a heart pocket that holds a special Valentine's Day card (or any special message.) As with all my sewing projects, I used vintage or reclaimed fabrics, as well as a little felt. Her face is painted in acrylic. I've got a couple more just about to be finished, probably today sometime. You can find this cutey for sale on etsy by clicking here.


I really like the idea of "Painting a Day", but I'm discovering it is just impossible for me. I'm finding that it is affecting my blog habits. I only seem to post paintings since I started this Daily painting thing. I don't want the administrator on the Daily Painting site to have extra work by weeding through my non-painting blogs. So because of this I don't post my other creations. And well, I have to do these other things as well as paint. That's the way I am. I like the idea of painting new pieces for the practice and the productivity. But I find the creative deadline daunting. I don't want to paint just anything. I have to have an interesting subject, and somedays I don't have an interesting subject in my mind. I knew that would be a problem for me, and is definately one I need to work on. But I also think it's important for me to make other things besides a new idea on canvas everyday. So I don't know, will I be kicked out of the group?

Well, I've decided to just create, and blog, whatever is naturally happening for me--rather than hindering the creative process with rules that I alone have put on myself!

Painting a Day - Cheers again

I liked my previous painting a day so much that I wanted to paint a sister for her. Well this sister must be the problem child because she took so much longer to paint than the first one. I finally had to just say, "Oh well," and give up on her. Some times paintings just flow and I'm happy with them right away. Other times, well here she is! She's ok, really! I do kind of like her quirky, goofy expression. I just have to accept her for what she is. And stop wasting time on this one painting. Maybe I learned a little something from the endless workings of her face. I don't know! But anyway I had to post a painting since I will leave town AGAIN tomorrow. So as usual I get on a role, then boom, something stops my production. Check back in a couple days, please. I promise I will have a longer stretch of creativity. That's a promise to myself!

This is acrylic on 5x7" canvas board.

click here to see it on Etsy.

Painting a Day - Cheers to the New Year!

This is my new Painting A Day. Finished in the year 2006 - just finished tonight. 5x7 acrylic on canvas board. Cheers to the New Year! 2007 Yahh!! I also had a beer for my New Year's Drink. But I drank mine straight from the bottle. I had a Bavaria from Holland. One of the Beers of the World that I got for Christmas.

Again I say Cheers to the New Year and may your 2007 be happy, healthy and prosperous!

-SOLD-

Where have I been?

I had to take a break to make sure that I got all my Christmas projects done. I made 23 of these little Tweet 'N' Scents. Now I'm trying to post this before the New Year begins!!

Each little bird is made from vintage or reclaimed fabric. They are stuffed with lavender flowers and sweet orange essential oil. Relaxing, soothing, sleep promoter. Freshen a closet, drawer or closet. Put under your pillow for sweet dreams.

I put a couple of Tweet 'N' Scents in my Etsy shop.

click here to see them on Etsy.

You can expect to see me more again, now that the holidays are over. Although I do have plans to leave town again soon.

Painting a Day - 60s Peace

This is "60s Peace in 2006" - Acrylic - ACEO 2.5x3.5 inches.

The theme this week for the ATC/ACEO Enthusiasts Group was "60s". This is what I did. Back in the 80s I did a lot of art like this. So this was fun and very comfortable for me. It's suppose to be based on the 60s, but I find it very appropriate for 2006. Is this deja vu, or does it seem like the 60s all over again? Well, maybe in someways.

-SOLD-

Painting a Day - Daphne Daffodil

Meet "Daphne Daffodil". She's one of the faeries that lives in my garden. Sadly, she's gone away for the winter. I look forward to her return this coming spring.

This painting is 5x7 inches, acrylic on canvas panel.

click here to see it on Etsy.

Painting a Day - Forbidden

Where did this girl come from? Well, first I saw this pix of my sister. I then did some sketches of her in this pose. Then I stylized it to look more big-eyed, and added the apple. My sister is quite the model, so I'm lucky to have her to use for inspiration.

This is acrylic on 140 lb watercolor paper (acid-free). The size is standard ACEO size - 2.5x3.5 inches.

I couldn't make my 9pm deadline for submission into the DailyPainters site. I guess I should start my paintings before 7pm, then I might make it!

-SOLD-

Painting a Day/Illustration Friday - Invention

Today I participated in Illustration Friday-Invention. The title of my illustration is "Radio is the Bee's Knees". This commemorates the invention of the radio. I think it was a truly fabulous invention. The size of this is about 5x7 inches. Watercolor and pen and ink on 140 lb watercolor paper.

I just love the 20s jazz era with it's flappers and such. So this was a lot of fun to do. I've been listening to Radio Dismuke on the internet. It plays 20s and 30s jazz and pop music. I think it's very refreshing to get a dose of that old music once and a while.

Oh, and the little painting on the wall is based on a watercolor I bought at a yard sale. It was painted by A.Rosalie Morrish in 1921.

-SOLD-

Painting a Day - Kitty the Southern Belle

This is today's Painting a Day". It's more like Painting a Week for me though! Again I was out of town. When the kid is on school break, well, I've got to leave town! We had to use our Disney passes, so we went to Disneyland for holiday festivities. We have a lot of fun there amongst all the people. And of course, we got to see my little twin nephews. They are the cutest! And almost one year old. So they take up A LOT of time! But SOOO enjoyable to be around. Then Thanksgiving Festivities, and now I'm back on track - for now. I'm amazed how so many can keep up so well with their Painting a Day. Because now I'm thinking "How will I keep this going with the holidays?" I usually make lots of gifts and I'm feeling the crunch now. So I hope I don't get kicked out of the group because I'm probably going to be skipping more days for the gift making. Oh well, I'll just have to do the best I can!

This painting was thrown together today, again at the very last minute. She is "Kitty the Southern Belle". It is 5x7 inches, acrylic on canvas panel. Not much to say about it. I love cats, I love history, and I love costume. When the creativity is not flowing, I usually create something that fits in that group!

Painting a Day - Edward from Boston

It's been a while since I've done a dog. I was under pressure to think of something to paint, especially since I missed the day before. That's when I decided to do an old stand by for my subject. For any of you that have seen other art of mine, you may know I like to do animals dressed up. I just love them! I started painting animals this way back when I first was on eBay - in the year 2000. So I still go back to them once in a while. Well, as I started painting this, I had 2 hours until the cutoff time of 9pm (that's when you're either in or out on the dailypainters.com site.) I had some distrations along the way so I really had to push it at the end to make it on time. Luckily, acrylic dries so fast! I was waving that thing to get it to dry. Then scanned and luckily posted on my blog in time for the cut. Had any one thing gone wrong, I wouldn't have made it. I had 2 minutes to spare!

This is Edward from Boston. acrylic 140 lb watercolor paper, ACEO. (2.5x3.5 inches)

-SOLD-

Painting a Day - Four Seasons

After painting 2 tedious roses for 2 days, I had to do a more imaginative, folk art illustration. This is the "Four Seasons". My ACEO group's theme challenge for the week is "seasons", so this is my contribution. I put a different bird for every season. These are the birds I think of most when thinking about a season: Winter - Chickadee because I see these little birds out and about all day in the winter even on a snowy day. Spring - Bluebird - these birds return to our mountain every spring and they are such a beautiful blue. Summer - Hummingbird - we have an abundance of these little guys all summer long and they love the red and pink flowers in my garden. Fall - Woodpecker - They are busy all fall storing acorns away, sometimes in the side of my house!

This is an ACEO - 2.5x3.5 inches, watercolor and pen and ink. It can be displayed in any direction, it rotates with the seasons. It's done in an mandala style.

-SOLD-

Painting a Day - peachy white rose 5x5 inch

This is the same flower that I painted yesterday. As you can see, it opened up a little bit. Thus, turning into a slightly different painting. It is acrylic on 1/2 inch thick plywood, 5x5 inches square.

click here to see it on Etsy.

Peachy Pink Rose - 5x5 inch

When I came home yesterday, Brad had a lovely bouquet of roses for me. I needed something to paint today, so here is one of them. I may do another tomorrow since roses are so challenging to me. "Peachy-Pink Rose" is about 5x5 inches, acrylic on 1/2 inch plywood. It has 2 hooks and wire attached to the back, so it is so easy to hang. No frame needed - the 1/2 inch sides are also painted.

I've got a bunch of plywood cut into squares so I'll probably be doing more paintings on this wood. The wood is a imperfect with a few dents. Gives it a shabby-chic look to it. And roses are oh-so shabby chic.

click here to see it on Etsy.

Painting a Day - Kitty Kitty

I just got back into town after being gone 3 days. I had finished this ACEO just before I left but wasn't able to post it until now. This is "Kitty Kitty" - see her name in the grass? I found this sketch and felt like doing a little loose, color technique with a sunny day feel. It's inspired a bit by my long time, childhood cat - Kitty. What an original name, huh. What do you expect from a six year old!

This is another ACEO - 2.5 x 3.5 inches. Acrylic on 140 lb. watercolor paper.

Painting A Day - Dove of Hope

I was inspired by a moment of hope amongst great sorrow. I attended the fallen firefighter's memorial service on saturday. Following the very moving ceremony the family released 57 doves in honor of Engine 57. It was a most beautiful sight.

This is another ACEO - 2.5 x 3.5 inches. Watercolor on 140 lb. watercolor paper.

-SOLD-

Painting A Day - Girl with Afghan

This is a "City Girl With Afghan". It is an ACEO - (2.5x3.5 inches) acrylic. An Aceo group that I'm part of is trying a new thing. They are trying to market ACEOs by listing in other categories on ebay, rather than the usual self-representing artists category. This week the different category is "Afghan Hounds" in the dogs category. I'm always willing to try something new. And I seem to like theme weeks, so of course I had to participate. This is what I came up with. I always like Afghan Hounds. They seem so elegant, at least in looks. I like the idea of city girls taking their dogs on a walk. I did another girl once - she had a chihuahua in a bag.

This is completely from my mind. I must've reworked the colors 20 times. And I think they're different than my usual. But that's good. I don't like to get into any ruts.

-SOLD_

Painting A Day - Ostrich ACEO

We saw this beautifully unusual ostrich on Route 66 near the Petrified Forest. These birds are so very interesting I just had to do a painting that has been in my mind for a couple months. We stopped to see the ostrichs on our way home from Michigan in July. It was a bit intimidating to feed these guys from a plastic cup!

This is an ACEO/Artist Trading Card, size 2.5x3.5 inches, acrylic on 140 lb. watercolor paper.

-SOLD-

I see my painting a day didn't go far. I woke on October 26 with a cloud of smoke looming 8 miles away. The day unfolded into one of the saddest days our little mountain community has seen. The death of the five firefighters from Engine 57 deeply affected many people, near and far. The week was just filled with too much sadness, and busyness that my art suffered. In the midst of this tragic, unusually busy week, I turned 40. I think I'll have more time now, so I should be back again soon.

Painting A Day - "Sunset on Half Dome"

This is my "Painting A Day" - number 2. It is watercolor on 140 lb watercolor paper. 5x7 inches. I'm surprised I finished one on a Wednesday. Today is the day I go to volunteer in my son's class. Fifth year of doing that, every Wednesday. I usually don't get a lot of art done on these days. I'm usually pretty tired after helping in the class. I love the kids, but they really can be mentally draining! But I'm breaking old patterns and doing art in spite of being drained. Yay!!

I thought I would do a vacation-inspired painting on this day. I've done many Half Dome paintings in my travel journals. It's a tradition for Wesley and I to do at least one Half Dome rendering at sunset. So I used this year's journal entry and a photo we took as inspiration for this little painting. Yosemite is such an extraordinary place. I often wonder how so much beauty can be in one place.

I'm offering this painting for sale on eBay - $9.00 opening bid. See the link to the right. Thanks!

Painting A Day - "Peak-A-Boo"

This is my first "Painting A Day!" Oh, the pressure! Can I do it?! We'll see how many days I can go before I don't get a painting done in a day. I know, it's only a general committment - just to be more productive in general with my art. Knowing me, I'll have to go out of town soon, then I won't get 1 done a day. I will try to doodle for some ideas though.

This little watercolor painting is an ACEO - 2.5 x 3.5 inches. I decided to start extra small. I'm still in my ACEO phase. One reason I love ACEOs is because of the easy shipping. Wouldn't anyone?

I did a doodle of this little cat hiding in a pumpkin one Wednesday while at Wesley's school. So I decided to make it into a painting, and make it my first Painting A Day. For me the hard part of doing a painting a day will be coming up with ideas. I guess I need to get past that. The important thing is just to paint, to improve my techniques. But I always feel like my imagination needs to excercise as well. We shall see if my creative well will run dry or not!!

Oh, this is for sale now at eBay. See the link to the right>>>. And as usual, a low starting bid of only $.99!! Also, check out the link to the Daily Painters Gallery. There is some beautiful art there!

October NibbleFest

Time for NibbleFest! This is my entry in October NibbleFest - which the theme this month is "Gnarled Trees". On the 20th of each month there is a NibbleFest Art Contest on eBay. The winner is the person with the most unique bidders - meaning each bidder is counted once, no matter how many bids they put in.

I like NibbleFest. Wesley has participated more than I have though. I love the variety of work that comes out of these contests. Plus, I love anything that gets my imagination moving. The extra exposure to my auctions is also always a good thing!

This gnarled tree is an ACEO (2.5x3.5") done in watercolor. She's kind of a tree faery, I guess. I'm happy with how she came out, and at the last minute, as usual!

Art Lesson - Owl Collage

Today I got back in to the swing of things with a private lesson. I hadn't done a private lesson since June. Busy summer, busy fall! This lesson was with a second grader. I've been doing lessons with this little one for almost 2 years now. This little girl has more focus than most kids, so a lot of complicated lessons can be done with her.

This lesson is a collage of an owl with decorative papers. I saw a beautiful, detailed owl done in a 3-D collage effect on the internet. So I was inspired to make an art lesson like it - like a lot of art I see. I'm always trying to think of new art lessons. I tried to have her see the darks and lights in an owl, then use the colorful, patterned papers in the same way. We cut the paper into "feather-like" shapes. This was where I had to help her the most - because we had to be done in an hour. She glued them on to her owl that she had first drawn. I had her start at the bottom and overlap to the top. I also folded the feathers a little to add a little 3D effect. Then the round eyes, beak, and branch were added. There could've been a little more contrast below the beak to make it show up better. But that's pretty minor. I think it turned out pretty cute and whimsical! Easy for a one-on-one class, but may be too complicated, and expensive for a large class. Any bird could be made the same way. And I think an imaginative, fantasy bird would be really fun.

Wesley's New Skull ACEO

Wesley is getting busy with his art again. This is yet another of his terrifically creepy skulls. This is "Voodoo Skull". He really enjoys making ACEOs. And I think he's very good at thinking of new, crazy ideas. Wesley really does have a prolific imagination. I wish I could tap into it! This card is for sale now on ebay - find the link on the right and it should bring you to it. Half of his profits go to his college fund. He's such an intelligent person that he must go to college. I hope I can afford it when the time comes. I'll just have to make it happen somehow.

Another new thing in Wesley's life is that he's now playing the trumpet. A good thing about fourth grade is you get to learn an instrument at school. Luckily, that wonderful thing hasn't been cut from our school - yet! American schools are so skrewed up now. We have to have an art program completely funded and run by volunteers. And we are one of the lucky schools that has the ability to do this. Most kids don't get any art. It is so sad. I could have an entire blog on the subject of education in our country, but I think I'll stop here for now!

Frankenstein on LP

I finished this last night. It's another painting on a record. I guess I'm thinking a lot about Halloween lately. One of the coolest monsters is Frankenstein. I once did a drawing of Frankenstein's Bride way back when I was in high school. I think I still have it. I'll have to find it to show Wesley that I have done some monster art myself. I think when I did it I was just liking the fact that she was an old movie character. Although I had an interest in fantasy back then too.

I've put a gloss varnish on one of my records, but this time I used matte finish. I guess it's a personal preference of which to like more. It seemed to me that Frankenstein should be matte, not all shiny-like. The glossy one does look good to me. But the record with gloss is a pop girl blowing stars, or snowflakes. So she definately needed a glossy finish.

-SOLD-

Pattern Cats Art Lesson

I had a pretty successful art lesson today with 20 second and third graders. We did pattern cats. In an earlier post you may have seen the "pattern turtles" that I've done with younger kids. This is basically the same lesson except with cats. I needed to change it a bit since 2 years ago I had already done the cats with 2 or 3 of the kids. So we used oil pastels and watercolor instead of the usual markers. I really like the outcome with the paint instead of markers. It also shows them how resists work since you can paint right over the oil pastels and keep the colors intact.

I started doing these cats 2 years ago and it is a pretty big hit so I'm continuing to do them. This group of kids seemed to want to put scars on their cat's faces. When Wesley's group did this 2 years ago, flames were all the rage. Of course, it's the boys that go off on these crazy ideas. There were also "Terminator Cats". And the girls always want to put hearts all over theirs.

First, I do the simple directed cat drawing with them - they are to use pencil. There's always a few who aren't happy with theirs and need to erase. Then they outline in black oil pastel. I then showed them how to section off the cat a bit, and talked about the patterns. You have to make sure to say "designs" more than patterns, because the math curriculum talks a lot about patterns and the kids think about "AB" patterns, etc. Then they fill with some designs - stripes, dots, swirls, etc. They should be told not to color in completely with the pastels since there is always at least one that will do this. Finally, they were to paint with watercolor. I tried to emphasize using different colors because we wanted to make very imaginative, colorful cats. There is usually at least one who wants to do a realistic cat. They don't want to do these cats you might see in a dream. I think it's good for them to stretch the imagination. And they can also see that not all art is just like real life.

So this was a successful day... no tears, no frustrations, little help from me. And I was playfully called "King Kong" by one little energetic, wild, second grade boy. Is that a compliment?!

Aggie's ready for Halloween

Wow, I can't believe I finished Aggie in less than a week! That's good for me since I usually let dolls that I'm making sit around a while before they are finished. I must've enjoyed making this cute witch.

The most time consuming part of sewing something is the picking of the fabric. I have a large collection of assorted fabrics. Recycled, vintage, new. I just love fabric! So once I've got an idea of which I'm going to use it goes much faster. I didn't use a pattern. That's how I usually make a doll. Just figure it out as it comes. I dyed the muslin body in tea. Sewed some wool yarn into her head. Stuffed her, drew and painted her face. Then the next hard part is making her clothes. Aggie has a blouse that is a lot like a corset, some bloomers, a mini skirt, and of course a hat. All are removable so she can change her clothes if wanted.

Aggie really would like to be a creeepy, scarey kind of witch but she doesn't have it in her. She's just too darn cute!

Tissue Paper Collage Lesson

Last friday I did an art lesson with a class of 28 fourth graders. The lesson was using tissue paper in a collage. I had done this lesson before a couple of times with one or two kids. It was a lot harder with the large class.

First, I talked with them about sillouettes. I don't think they all understood just what a sillouette is. I gave a quick run through of just how the whole project was done, while also showing some examples. I only had an hour to have them do this project from start to finish and I knew this project took some time. I felt I really had to get my lecture finished quick so they would have time to finish. I don't like that stress and I felt rushed. Because of that I feel I really didn't explain as good as I could've.

First I had them draw what I wanted to be a simple silouette on black tissue paper. There were some that did just that. There were also some that didn't get it and drew quite detailed little drawings. Much too detailed to cut out. Flaw number 1 on my part. You really need to emphasize to do a SIMPLE outline, and make it pretty large. Not something the size of a quarter! Some needed me to help with their drawing mainly to draw a dolphin or spider which were both ideas I had shown them. If I drew the thing for them I tried to have them draw a little something to go with it. So that it wasn't ALL my drawing.

Then I had them paint a watered down glue mixture onto the paper, and place the black design onto the glue. I had them paint gently on top of the black design. When they were done with that I had them choose 3 colors of tissue. At first I thought it would be best to use only 3 colors, each like eachother. In otherwords no contrasting colors. But many didn't listen to that, and in the end it didn't matter. I guess I was thinking it would make the whole piece too chaotic, and the sillouette might get lost. That wasn't a prob since we only used lighter shades of tissue to put over the black. Next time I will strike the mention of what colors for them to choose. Just keep it to 2 or 3 colors plus black.

Then they were to start making these into strips and gluing. Again having them glue onto the background first - not directly onto the tissue. I think most are used to putting glue on to the small paper, not the background, and they forgot that sometimes. It's also a good idea to mention to try to keep one hand clean of glue. I don't know if many can do this though! Most kids I don't think care about the sticky stuff, but some can get a little frustrated.

Some kids were really able to do the whole thing with no help. Some needed my help from the beginning. I had 5 different sillouette ideas, but some wanted to do there own design. I want to encourage their own ideas always, but it seems the kids that had the hardest time were the ones that had their own ideas. Because the silouette can be hard to make look like you want it, without all the details. This project would probably work better with a little older children - maybe 5th, 6th or 7th grade would be best. I was a very busy helping draw, cut, strip, and sometimes helping glue strips at the end because of the time restraints. It was just so mucher harder because of the amount of kids this time too. Oh well you live and learn.

Kindergarten Art Lesson

I did an art lesson with a class of tiny kindergarteners today. Now keep in mind that these children have been in school for only four weeks now. They are so little, and just attending school is a big feat for them. Many are still learning about the proper way to sit on the rug. Sometimes I forget that they may not fully understand all the lingo and descriptions I give. It can be a challenge but there is much joy in being around these little guys and gals. One little boy gave me a lit up smile because he had drawn his own zig-zag line without my help. Another little girl cried because she didn't get to finish her picture. It's so sad when they cry during art! But I am glad she enjoyed doing art that much and I hope she gets a chance to finish it somehow.

The lesson was a simple directed drawing of a turtle. I first had a little talk and demo about different designs -- stripes, polka dots, shapes, etc. Then they went to their seats and I attempted to have them draw the turtle. I had them draw in pencil, then outline in black marker. They later filled in the turtle with the colorful designs that we had talked about earlier. I tried to fill in my turtle with at least a few of the patterns, but at this age I was needed to help them with their drawings. I emphasized making the turtle large because so many tend to draw these tiny little things. From start to finish it was about 40 minutes. That is pretty long for kindergarteners. And of course there is always the 1 or 2 that could go longer.

One lesson done, and at least 3 more for me until the end of our first session of smARTS. Now I must think about a lesson for 4th graders. This is my son's class so I have to think of a brand new lesson. This is the 5th year I've done art with his class so I always have to have a fresh project for this group. Well I've got a week to think about it. Any great creative suggestions?