Treasured

The first thing that I noticed in my e-mail this morning was...Miriam Schulman included my, "Kitty" in her beautiful Etsy Treasury.  Miriam, also, has a very interesting post on her blog about Painting Transformations.  The two paintings that she transformed are wonderful, and have inspired me to go through my, "Closet of Misfit Paintings"...maybe they can become new, again, too!  Click HERE to see Miriam's "Grasshopper", and HERE to see her, "BUTTERFLY".  Have a great weekend!

Morning Walk In The SUN!

Gus and I went for a walk this morning, and it was so beautiful! Just look at those warm rays of sun!

The deer were out enjoying the Sun, too!

                                               

Watching us walk by...

                                                    

Gus is SO HAPPY!

The Creeks are still full and gorgeous

Bella Painting

Happy Friday!!!  I hope everyone has a great weekend!  I decided to start mine off by listing a new abstract Cat painting...on wood.  Still love painting on wood!  I love painting the abstract cats, too.  I never have a plan...just start painting, and it's fun to see who shows up.  This little girl is, "Bella". 

"Fox" painting

Hi!  I've been working on commissions, so not a lot to post about lately, but I did take time to paint a little "Fox" .   The fox started out Day 1 of a "Painting a day, for 10 days" FB challenge, but Day 1 was the only day I had time for.  Hopefully, they will do it again, it looked like fun!  I'd have something to post about everyday, too! 

Nibblefest Time

The Nibblefest theme this month is, Domestic Animals.  I had planned on finishing another painting for this months' theme, but ran out of time, so, "Paris" it is.  All auctions start at $0.99, and will end on February 27th.  I  hope the week is going well for everyone!  My week is going great, but is very busy.  Time to take a break and watch Survivor, American Idol and Modern Family!  If I can stay awake.

Suzette Is Finished

"Suzette" is finished!  In French Suzette means lollipop.  That would be a cute name, too.

"Paris" and "Suzette"

I'm still having fun with the mixed media pieces on wood...in a neutral palette.  I have finished, and listed, "Paris" and the painting in the background, "Suzette" will be finished tomorrow.  I hope everyone has a great weekend!  I will be cleaning house, and painting! 

"Deux Chats"

"Deux Chats" is the last of the four WIP paintings that I started a while ago.  It measures 6" X 12".  I had such a great time working on all four paintings!  I'm looking forward to starting a new group of mixed media paintings soon.  I am, also, working on several commissioned paintings, that I will share at a later date.  Have a great week!

Birthday Cake

Yesterday was my birthday, and my wonderful family made it very special.  My husband fixed dinner for all of us.  Our oldest daughter made a slide show of my life; which made me cry.  Another daughter made me the most beautiful cake!  I am very blessed.   

"Sugar" and Cougar prints

"Sugar" is finished, and I'm almost finished with the "Two Cat" WIP painting.  This morning GusGus and I went for a walk, and we came upon very large Cat prints.  They were as wide as my foot, so I'm thinking the cougar has been around, again.  That, or our neighbor has a very big kitty.  This would explain Jemma not wanting to go out early this morning.  

Monsieur and Be'be' finished

"Be'be'"  (SOLD)

"Monsieur" (SOLD)

 

I just finished, "Monsieur" and "Be'be'"; two of the four WIP paintings I've been working on.  I'm still loving the wood panels!  My husband cut a box full several years ago for me, but I never got around to using them.  I'm so happy that I finally took the plunge.  They are a bit more work to get ready, but the paint on wood...is so much richer.  I love using watercolor pencil, and paper on wood, along with acrylics.   I will be listing them on eBay and Etsy tonight.

4 New WIP Paintings

I hope everyone has a great weekend!  We have a very busy, fun weekend in front of us.  My Dad's 82nd Birthday.  He gets around like he's 40!  All of our girls will be here, and their dogs...we'll have 7 dogs in the house!  We, also, get to meet the newest members of the family...Twin Boys!  I can't wait to hold them!  And, I had fun yesterday preparing 4 new, Mixed Media on wood paintings!  They are ready to start next week!  Here is the before photo!  I can't tell you how much fun I am having with these mixed media paintings on wood! 

Dogs, Cats and Valentines

(SOLD)

(SOLD)

 

"Valentine" is the last of the three WIP paintings that I posted a while ago.  "Randomness" was one of those paintings, too.  I think I forgot to mention that.  I've, also, just finished another Mixed Media piece on wood, "Corgi and Cat".  I love painting on wood.  I'm finding it hard to think about painting on canvas again....

It's Nibblefest Time!

This month's Nibblefest theme is, "5 Random Things".  My offering is, "Randomness", and includes a Cat, a fish, a bird, some stars, and a nonsensical little ditty.   If you would like to see all of the pieces...CLICK HERE! 

"Chat" mini painting

 

(SOLD)

 

I finished, "Chat" this afternoon.  It's a tiny painting, 3" X 3", on wood.  Still working on the other two.  One is going well, the other is not.  LOL!  It's all fun, though.   

WIP and my Helper

I've been wanting to take some time to experiment more with mixed media. So, today, I just sat down and started to tear papers, add watercolor pencil, pencil, marker and paint. It's been so much fun! Here are a couple of Work In Progress photos, and a photo of my helper, Rudy.

 

 

 

Three WIP Paintings Started

I started out by covering three wooden boards with gesso.  I then added torn paper, a paper doily and tissue paper with Matte Medium.  Next came pencil, watercolor pencil, black marker and a little acrylic paint.  I love working this way.  You just start...and see what happens.

A Little More Paint, and Watercolor Pencil Added

 

My helper, Rudy.  He usually sits behind me, and keeps my back warm, but this time he decided to check out the supplies.

 

MORE TO COME........

 

 

"FUZZY" In Counted Cross STITCH

"Fuzzy" is now a counted cross stitch pattern!  I know you're not supposed to have favorites, but "Fuzzy" is my favorite, and I'm happy to see him in a new medium.  He brought so much happiness to those who knew and loved him, and his "painted" memory is bringing happiness and smiles to more people every day.  Meet Fuzzy's brothers and sisters at the  Katnip Lounge . 

"Noctavious" Painting in Cross Stitch

"Noctavious" is now in Cross Stitch!  Vera does a great job creating cross stitch, and needlepoint, patterns from Artists' original artwork.  "Noctavious" is the most recent piece...Click on the link above to go to her eBay store.

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year, Everyone!  I was busy finishing up my last 2012 painting yesterday, (Pit Bull), and didn't get to wish you a Happy New Year's Eve!  I hope everyone had a wonderful evening.  We had a very nice, quiet..except for the barking dogs, (they don't appreciate fireworks),...evening.  Dinner at one of our favorite restaurants; then movies at home. 

2013!  I thought, for sure, that we'd be living like the Jetson's!  No flying cars, but lots of new things to learn, and I'm planning to learn as much as I can.  I'm excited to expand my Art Business, paint new subjects, and have a lot of fun in the process.  Here's to an exciting year for all of us!!!  I feel it's going to be a great one!

 

Barn Owl

Christmas Fun

 I heard someone talking on TV a while ago, and they said, "Nobody remembers the gifts they get for Christmas; they remember the special moments, like baking cookies with their grandmother."  It's true.  I don't remember the gifts, but I do remember the Christmas games my sister-in-law always leads us through. The years, as a young family, walking through the snow to get our Christmas tree. (While the old man, opening the gate, told us about his hemorrhoid surgery).  The Candlelight Christmas Eve service at Church, of course, is the most special part of Christmas.  We all love that time together.  I've been known to run around like a crazy lady getting ready for Christmas.  But, this year I decided that if things aren't perfect...it's okay.  Our family has been focusing on spending more time together this Christmas, and it's been wonderful.  We spent one day at Storybook Land, with the grand kids, and then went out for hot chocolate.  We went to our granddaughter's first Christmas Band Concert...and those kids did not sound like beginners!  They were amazing.  Friday night we went to a Christmas pot luck, and played games, and visited with family and close friends.  Saturday night we played cards and darts with our new son-in-law's parents and friends; which was a lot of fun.  Yesterday we made gingerbread houses, with the grand kids, and had dinner together.  Then we danced, and sang to Christmas music.  Our year old granddaughter is quite the dancer.  We've, also, been enjoying the 6 dogs spending Christmas with us this year.  The new guy, Wesley, is adorable, and is now part of the pack.  It's been the best Christmas ever, and I highly recommend not stressing about the details, and just enjoying each other.

  I hope you all have a wonderful, loving and fun Christmas! 

LET IT SNOW!!!

I LOVE SNOW!!! Rory, GusGus, Rudy and I had a wonderful morning looking at the snow by the Christmas Tree. I just had to take a bunch of pictures...here are a few of them.

My Mom gave me this little Santa when I was 3 years old.  I'm not saying how old Santa is, but he's been around for many Christmases.

Rudy checking out the tree with his tail jingling merrily; GusGus wondering why I'm so excited, and why I'm taking pictures so early in the morning, and Rory still in bed...not quite awake.

 

Gatsby and Wesley

 

Wesley had an appointment at the groomer today, and they sent him home with a new Christmas bandanna.  When he got home Gatsby was so happy to see his brother!  They are having a lot of fun this Christmas!

New Springer Spaniel Painting

New Springer Spaniel Painting

Gatsby in his Moose Bed

Wesley in Gatsby's Moose Bed...Gatsby is good at sharing

 

 

I am practicing painting Springer Spaniels, and this is my first.  They are such sweet dogs.  Speaking of dogs.....Our daughter adopted an adorable little guy, Wesley, a few days ago.  We haven't met him yet...but, hopefully soon.  Gatsby loves his new brother.