Think Small Show

I received word that I had paintings accepted into the "Think Small" show at Lawrence Street Gallery. I entered two watercolor paintings of a beach scene with water splashing on the rocks of the beach. I adhered these 8 x 8 paintings onto claybord and coated them with encaustic.

The Think Small show runs November 30-December 23 with the opening reception December 2 (Friday)from 6-9pm. Lawrence Street Gallery is located at 22620 Woodward, Suite A, Ferndale, MI.

Archeological Dig

My art studio, which is located in the basement, had turned into an overflowing paper mess! I collect photos of things I could use someday for a painting. Well it had gotten really bad. I had tons of supplies that I rarely use. I also have lots of paintings that needed to be sorted through so see what I could use in future paintings or just toss. So it was high time I cleaned out my studio. I am not completely done but I can now use the counter top. And I can walk around without tripping or stepping on anything. I have heard people say that you have to be prepared for success. My mess of a studio was not in any way, helpful on a path to success. So I hope it helps.

Woodcut Roses

I did several small paintings- 6" x 6" that have a rose theme. They are all a little different. I started with tea stained watercolor paper. I then drew the design. On the areas I wanted to preserve the paint I painted white gouache and then I painted black ink over the rest. After this dries thoroughly I scrubbed off the black ink which stayed only in the areas where there was no white gouache. They come out looking like woodcuts. They will be for sale at Paint Creek Center for the Arts in Rochester, Michigan and at Starkweather art center in Romeo, Michigan.

Art Cards Listed

I recently listed my art cards on etsy. They are digital reproductions of paintings that I have done in the past. I am selling them in groups of three.

Coming soon to a store near you

This is one example of the mixed media pieces I will have for sale at Paint Creek Center for the Arts in Rochester Michigan. I made this by using tea stained paper and then drew on the various square designs. I then painted with watercolor until I got the design I liked. When the painting was completed and dried I adhered it to claybord with glue and then layer clear encaustic over the top. I love how they came out and hope the shoppers will too. They are 6 x 6 inches and retail for $45.

Autumn colors

I went to Traverse City last weekend with some girlfriends. It is a beautiful area to visit. We were too late to see the colors but it is peak season here in my own backyard.

Life Lessons

I have been working at a "real Job" for the last year and 3 months. It has been a good learning experience but I knew it wasn't what I was meant to do. What I want to do most is to make art. If I can make money at it then all the better! So I made the decision that I would quit my job. I need to be my authentic self and I certainly wasn't at my job. I found out I am not good at doing 10 things at once and keeping track of it all. I found out I don't like getting up at 5am or earlier and driving an hour plus to get to work. I mostly didn't like feeling tired and uninspired to paint. So it on to new things and new experiences. I can't wait!

Our Town Opening

The opening for Our Town was last night, October 12th. Our Town is at the Birmingham Community House in Birmingham Michigan. We enjoyed appetizers, wine and desserts while musicians serenaded the crowd.

Scholarship Fund

The silent auction to raise money for the Mary McCarthy Anderson scholarship was a success! We raised over $800! The money will go towards an art student's college scholarship from the Paint Creek Center for the Arts in Rochester Michigan.

I would post some photos but my camera is not working. I hope to just need to replace the battery. If that isn't it I could need a new camera. That would be a bummer.

Bubblicious

After much too much time I have added some new paintings to etsy. They have made it much easier to do since I last added anything!

Sister of the Brush Rochester College Show

Upcoming Show at Rochester College. We will be having a closing party with a silent auction. The closing is September 29th from 7-10pm. Details are on our website at www.sistersofthebrush.com

It is good to be accepted!

I found out that I had two pieces of art accepted into the Our Town show at the Birmingham Community House. After being accepted into this show last year it opened the door to be in other shows. The opening party is a lot of fun too! I will post more information when I have it but I know it doesn't open until October.

Who Does She Think She Is?

I just watched a movie titled "Who Does She Think She Is?". I have had it on my netflix account que for a long time and finally got it. It is a fantastic movie! I love it! It is all about the struggle that women go through as Moms and just as females to pursue what you are passionate about, especially art. It is very inspiring and I highly recommend you watch it!

I will

I am going to do my darndest to add one new item to my etsy site a week. I have tons of paintings that I could list. Of course today I don't have time because I have to get ready for work in a little while!

Art Show Extended

The art show at the Birmingham Community House has been extended to the end of June. So if you thought you couldn't possibly squeeze in a visit to the show in May-- well now you have another month! No excuses!

We've lost a sister

We lost a sister this week. A member of the Sisters of the Brush. Mary Anderson (pictured on the far left) who was an attorney, mom, grandma and terrific artist. She had a spark and a sense of adventure that is rare. She painted ala premma, which means with no drawing - just paint on the brush. The opening for our new show at the Birmingham Community House was on Friday May 6th and Mary died on Thursday May 5th. She will be an irreplaceable member of our group.

Upcoming Art Show

The art group that I happily participate in, is having a show starting May 1-May 28th. It is a smaller show than what we have done before. We will have a larger show in September of 2012 at Lawrence Street Gallery. I am including the flier on the art show. The Birmingham Community center is open Monday - Friday from 9am-9pm and Saturday and Sunday 9-5.

Time for wine

Between work and family obligations my art making has taken a back seat. The latest event has been the opening of Thomas O'Neil Cellars! It is my brother-in-law's winery in Washington state. He has dreamed of opening a winery for years and his dream has come true. My husband and I went out to Washington last week for the grand opening. There was lots of last minute preparations-- bottle labeling, furniture moving, learning how to run the cash register-- that kept us plenty busy. The week-end of the opening was Spring Barrel Tasting in the region. The winery was open for tastings Friday, Saturday and Sunday and I poured plenty of wine. They had bands that played Friday and Saturday. Saturday night was Marcus Eaton. He played with a smaller group of musicians than normal but they were terrific! I am hoping to go back another time when I don't have to work as hard and I can kick back have some wine and relax!

Book Making

I took a class this year, from my friend Pat McGraw, in book making. She makes several types of books and adds poems or sayings and copies of or originals of her artwork. They are clever and creatively made. I made my first attempt at bookmaking by making books for my nieces wedding shower. I took copies of photos and put those on the covers of the books. I had to cut many sheets of paper to make them in the size I wanted. I had 6 pages per book. I used copies of my own paintings then cut pieces of blank paper so people could write a note to Lisa and Nat, the bride and groom, and give them some marriage advice. I thought they turned out terrific and Lisa thought they were very clever! If my iphoto will cooperate I will include a picture also.

Roses are blooming

Yes I have been painting just not posting! This is a painting I did using goache and black ink. I first drew my composition on watercolor paper. Then I painted with white goache or you can use tempera paint, in the areas I wanted to keep white. When this was completely dry I painted black ink over the entire painting. This I let dry overnight. Then I wet the paper and scrubbed what I could, of the ink off the white areas. I think it gave the painting a vintage look. I chose to paint the one rose red. I don't know if I am finished with this painting yet.