More photos coming

Hi everyone!  Well it seems I have fallen off the turnip truck and neglected to post anything for a month.  What can I say except it's been a busy month.

The local "Art 4 Paws" was a huge success as far as turn out, weather and fun for all.  Unfortunately it was not a good sale day for me. Thank goodness I wasn't counting on selling.  I was there to support the event as a Madison Arts Council member, artist, and resident of Madison.  I did have a great day :)  Lots of pooches and kitties, and families parading around with their beloved pets.  I loved seeing all of the different breeds & sizes.  My youngest daughter and her friend took our dogs Sandy and Dash and what a fun time they had.

I don't have any upcoming events currently.  So many other things going on right now with Spring, travel, my daughters Graduation from high school, and home improvements.  Just busy busy busy.  I do want to get some photos uploaded.  Photos from Art 4 Paws, and projects I've done for the Huntsville Botanical Garden.  It's just a matter of scheduling time and focus.

I hope you are all planning a wonderful Easter with loved ones, if you are an artist please share what you have been working on.  I would love it!

Until next time....

Art 4 Paws

Here's a sneak peek of a few items I have made for this wonderful event.  

Don't forget to SAVE THE DATE!

ART 4 PAWS

April 5th 2014 - Old Downtown Madison

10am to 3pm

Canvas

Medium - Acrylics & Scribble Paint

Canvas/Wood Picture Frame/Dog Bone Jar

Medium - Acrylics & Scribble Paint

EmmmyLizzzy: Doily lamp tutorial. Finally!

I love this!  how fun.


EmmmyLizzzy: Doily lamp tutorial. Finally!: Well, it only took me three months, but I promised that I'd finally get around to showing you how I made the doily light for Penelope...

February 28

This year is just going by so quickly.  Starting out with a 7 day trip to Oahu with my mom, sister and daughter early in January!  It was sooo nice to relax and take in the beautiful island vibe.  It was my first trip to Hawaii and I certainly hope not the last.

So many other things have happened already in this new year my head has been spinning but I won't bore you with that.  My main art focus has been working with the Madison Arts Council and their Art 4 Paws event.  It is going to a lot of fun this year...many new and exciting events for you and your family to come out and enjoy.  I've been working on some new "Furry Friends" art and craft items as I will have my very first art tent at the event. YAY!!!

The art you will see in my tent is all hand made, hand painted or created by me.  These are not mass produced items, they are all one of a kind offerings at very reasonable prices.  I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the Art 4 Paws event.

Please come out and support the Madison Arts Council April 5th from 10am to 3pm.  Bring your well behaved and leashed dogs, and your family for a "tail waggin" good time!

If you would like to participate as an artist or other vendor there is still time visit artsmadison.org/art-4-paws/

I'll see you there!!!

New Inspiration

Breathe in...breathe out.

Well last week was was such a mental bummer for me when my Mothers trip out here got cancelled.  I fell into a rut of utter depression and could not get back out.  Then on Saturday the gloom started clearing and my mood was finally uplifted by the support and love of my husband. Thank you honey.  Yesterday I was once again lighthearted and giggly and feeling like myself. Let me tell you depression is a !@&!@$!

My brain works in crazy ways.  Ways I do not understand sometimes.  For some reason amidst all the gray I found myself wishing I had learned how to play guitar when I was young. 

I gave my husband a guitar for Christmas back in 2005 (before we were married) when he was overseas in Afghanistan.  That poor old guitar...it has spent it's life in a hard case. Greg has never learned to play it. Of course he still threatens that someday he will.  

My youngest daughter Katie has an electric guitar but she never has shown any interest in learning how to play.  And then there is me.  I have wanted to learn to play a guitar since I was a young teenager, but do I have my very own guitar? Not until Saturday!  Yes, I am now the proud owner of a guitar.  An acoustic Little Martin whose rich buttery sounds will bring a smile to my face for years to come as I learn to play.

I also had Katie drag her Casio keyboard downstairs so that I (we) can get to know it better!!!  It has been collecting dust in a corner of her bedroom for the past few years.  I am so glad it is not broken.  

Cheryl is feeling young at heart :)

Meh...

I'm still sitting here in my rut.  Happiness has gone on vacation and I just don't know when it will be back.  Everytime I try and rev myself up my inner voice starts in with the "what's the point or your really not going to enjoy that so don't do it".  Sometimes I really hate that voice!

"The mean reds are horrible." Holly Golightly - Breakfast at Tiffany's

I just hate it when life and events you've been looking forward to fall apart.

I've been looking forward to a visit from my mom for months. She and her companion John who were just married were supposed to fly from Reno, NV (where I grew up) out to Madison Alabama today.  Unfortunately, John's health has been deteriorating over the past month, and it was decided yesterday he is just too ill to travel.  They are both 70+.

When I got the news yesterday I was not at all surprised, not disappointed...just very concerned for both of them. They both have their health issues (as do most people) and sadly I do not hold much hope that John will rebound.

I am reminded of my fathers fight against cancer and how he lost the battle when I was 20. I still mourn his loss even after all these years.

My husbands father passed unexpectedly this summer.  My (step)daughter Katie lost her grandpa and a week later a friend of hers died in a tragic car accident. My sister lost a friend/co-worker to suicide around the same time and then her beloved cat died too. I other friends who have lost loved ones recently
and I just want it all to stop.

I want to paint but I just don't know how to paint the emotions I am going through.  (sigh, take a deep breath).

This isn't my normal blog update...but it is my blog and I hope anyone who reads this understands I'm just trying to get the bad out of my head so don't just sit here on my couch and stare at the walls or go curl up in bed and ignore the world.

Happy Fall Y'all

Ok.  Well obviously I fell off the proverbial bog wall in April.  But I am here again and doing some updating including Gallery posts - YAY!

I've mostly been tinkering and dreaming about all of the art I would like to make but then something shiny (or dirty as with housework) distracts me and I'm helplessly lost in my sea of thoughts and priorities.  Sigh.  The days I do seem to break away from the voices (just kidding) I escape to my private little art room (studio) upstairs.

This is my happy time.  I have paints and brushes, magazines, books, and patterns.  Lots of empty canvas, papers, wooden objects and mixed media just waiting for me to let loose and color outside the lines.  My 2 doggies and 2 meezers love to hang out with me in my studio!

During the summer I didn't paint much.  I did teach my first adult class which was a lot of fun.  I made a few small artsy pieces for the Madison Arts Councils "Amore' Arts" dinner and fundraiser.  I attended the "HOOTERS" Painted Bra event for breast cancer awareness, attended a paint class, sketched and generally hid from the heat and humidity.

I just became a member of the Huntsville Art Council and look forward to meeting other artists and artsy people, AND I would like to have a workshop out of my house with some friends (anyone want to have a paint day?) and make some holiday items.  My favorite part of fall and winter holidays is presenting a loved one with a handmade gift.  The holidays are just around the corner and already full of events and travel.

OK enough blogging for today...Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by!

I LUUUUUUV SPRING!

Here in Madison, Alabama everywhere you look there is something bright and beautiful jumping out at you triggering spring fever in my heart and soul.  Inspiration is everywhere!

I love springtime in Madison, everyone is busy in their yards planting and cleaning.  The birds are noisily fluttering about and the big ole fatty bumblee bees are buzzing. Springtime rains, bright sunshine and the smell of backyard barbeque's.  What's not to love?

I am still trying to get my gallery updated but with all of the beautiful weather I have been distracted.  Hopefully I will have it up this week!

One thing about being a decorative artist is that you are always thinking ahead and preparing for upcoming seasons.  I have decided it is time to start getting busy on Fall and Winter items.  In the past I usually begin this in July but I am wanting to get a jump on things.  This will be the first time in a long time that I have had the time, opportunity and tools to create and sell my creations and I am very excited!

FUBAR!

Well I don't know how I did it and I can't figure out how to fix it but I have managed to lose the pictures of paintings on my "Some of My Art" page.  (grumble grumble)

I will eventually figure it out but for now...I apologize for them disappearing into cyber space :(

Painting completed

"Butterfly Kisses" 

Dedicated to Hollie, Brandon, and baby Jaelyn in loving memory of their angel baby Aubrie Noelle.  

Remembering an angels birthday.

When my daughter married in 2006 I gained not only a son in law...but I became a part of a lovely extended family. 

I am a HUGE family gal.  Family is the most important thing in my life...I feel like I can never express to each and every one how much their happiness means to me. Nothing could have prepared us for the tragic heartbreak of losing the littlest member in August 2011, she simply went to sleep one night and never woke up.

Little Aubrie Noelle was the light of so many lives.  She was (my grand baby in-law (?) whatever)...a beautiful little girl and although I never got to meet her (they live in Washington) I ooed and awed over every photo and tidbit her beautiful mommy shared with all of us.

This month she would have celebrated her 3rd birthday.  She has a new baby sister who is a miracle in every sense of the word (but that's another story...this post is for Aubrie).  I feel blessed just by having seen what a light shown through her and how much she has made our family closer.  The painting below (which is about half complete) is a gift for Aubrie's mother Hollie, her daddy Brandon and baby sister Jaelyn.  

Happy Birthday Lovely Angel Aubrie - butterfly kisses.

March 1st

I am amazed that it is already March 2013.  This year just seems to be flying by.

I am looking forward to Spring, here in the south daffodils have already popped up and I can't wait to see more green. I grew up in Northern Nevada which is beautiful country but it really is a big cat box. Dirt, dirt and more dirt.  Oh and sage brush.  lol

Well to finish of February, I finally re-upholstered my dining room chair cushions!!! This is a project I first started planning out last Spring so I am thrilled I finally completed.  I am still working the rocker I keep sanding and changing colors on it...maybe it will be a never ending project.  

This months projects:

• rocking chair
• sand big rocking chair and design pattern
• cut spring wood projects
• paint paint paint!

This and That

Hello all,

I've been keeping busy playing in my studio, and now I have a few photos to share.  

The sunflower painting was Java Paint Night at Coffee Tree Books & Brew in Huntsville, instructed by Deborah Taylor.  I've included her website link so you can see more of her art and learn more about my friend.

The butterfly painting is a gift for my neighbor.

The two photo frames were just quickie designs for fun.

I'm still painting the children's rocking chair.  I keep changing my mind on color and accents hopefully I be done soon because I have so many other projects I want to start.

Please leave me comments and don't forget to visit Deborah's website.

Mid Week Post

I have been focused on refreshing my blog, domestic chores and other pressing issues for a couple of days now and need a break.

I was speaking with a friend regarding one of our neighbors who is going through cancer treatment.  This afternoons focus will be creating a little sunshine to brighten her day!

1 art project, 2 art projects, 3 art projects....4

I am so excited to create new things that I never have just one project going.  What about you?

My newest creative love is crochet!  There are so many adorable patterns for the wee ones that I can't help but save them all on Pinterest or Ravelry (or my hard drive).  I bought a couple patterns yesterday that I can't wait to play with.  Check out http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheHatandI for some cute patterns!


And then...upstairs in my studio I have 3 projects in progress and my brain is already thinking about several spring projects to create and market.  

Getting back to those 3 projects: 

1. A small antique rocking chair perfect for a doll or stuffed animal.  I'm getting a little crazy with lots of color and scribble paint.  My inspiration comes from a fellow artisan I have met online http://lauriemillerdesigns.blogspot.com/  I love the whimsy and color in her designs.  
2. A sketch I want to paint.  A tribute to my father who died shortly after he turned 46.  This is my 46th year and it saddens me to think his life ended so young.  I may or may not proceed with the painting...it is very emotional for me.
3. I started a drawing of my son this month. I set it aside to work on the rocking chair. I need to get back to it...it's almost done!

I am also a new member of the Madison Arts Council!  I'm very excited to be getting more involved.  Good things to come.

So that is what's happening in my art world, what's happening in yours?

Hello 2013!

Alrighty, another year and a renewed attitude and focus in exploring my creative side.

Art studio is almost organized (a never ending battle) it never really is all the way together, kind of like me :)

I'm currently working on a drawing of my son from a picture taken when he was about 5.  I can't wait to finish and post a picture but it may take a while.  My inner child is telling me to put it away and get painting two small chairs I picked up last year or was it the year before?

My goal is to get some children's pieces together.  I think the market here is perfect for some heirloom pieces that can be passed on.  I'm just going to fly by the seat of my pants on this and see what happens.  Wish me luck!

New Pics Posted

I came across a couple memory sticks of mine with pics of some paintings I've played with - I believe these were mostly from 2010, and so I thought I might as well post 'em to the "Some of My Art" page.

I'm currently working on a crochet project, home projects and getting ready for my son's wedding in October.  Maybe after that I will slow up enough to spend time making a few pieces of art :)

Butterfly...restoration part 1

I picked up my butterfly this past weekend, she has a lot of damage from being in the garden all spring and summer.  I am glad I outbid everyone.  I would be mortified to have someone pay several hundred dollars for her and find out after the fact that she is damaged.  I wonder how the other butterfly winners feel about the damage on their butterflies?  We looked at a lot of the butterflies waiting to be picked up and most had moderate damage. 

The base on mine has the most damage as she was located in a mostly shady area with lots of humidity and moist soil.  I haven't decided if that part is worth restoring - maybe I will just bury the metal pole that the butterfly sits on in the ground?  Too soon to tell.

The butterfly needs some TLC.  The seal I put on did not weather well.  I'll need to carefully sand and seal with a boat type of lacquer/sealant.  I haven't determined what if any other restoration on her is needed.

Regardless, I'm happy to restore her and give her a grand spot in my yard.

I won my HSVBG Butterfly!

Call me silly but I couldn't resist the chance of owning the butterfly I painted for the Huntsville Botanical Garden earlier this year. 

The garden set up an online auction for all of the butterflies and it has been open for about 30 days now.  Maybe I should have bid on someone else's butterfly, or let my monarch slip through my fingers but I just wanted her back.  That's the thing with creating a piece of art...sometimes the piece speaks to your soul and you just can't let it go.

Regardless I am happy to say my butterfly will be returning home and she will be a permanent piece in my own art collection :)