Painting for My Living Room

I recently finished a painting for my living room containing two of my favorite things to decorate the home--turquoise and flowers!!!  I must say--it looks great and adds a bit of whimsy!!!  I used a mixed media technique where I painted paper and adhered it, then incorporated the paper and canvas with my Golden squeeze bottle acrylics---fun, fun, fun!!!

Hard to Work When the Studio is a Mess

I ordered a number of books from Amazon on how to organize studios and craft areas.  The books are very interesting and have a number of pictures which really helps me to get a better idea do things I can do to "get it together."  I have trouble working when the clutter takes over.  I'm working on it!!!

The "BUS"

I just love a cute VW Bus!  I am planning to do a series of these little cuties--this is my first.  I have included a sketch on a sticky note and a couple photos of the almost complete painting.  I painted the bus on paper and secured it on the canvas.  More to come...  

Happy Artwork Finds Happy Homes

Here are a few photos of a show I did this summer and some of the paintings that found happy homes!!!  I love it when I get pictures of my new art friends and their paintings.

Folk Art, Family, and Fun

FOLK ART -- sold some

FAMILY     --  made some great memories

FUN            -- had tons of it

Jack and I had a great time in Indy--it was action-packed.  Busted out of Mentone when the bell rang Friday and never stopped until we got home.  It is always such a good time visiting family!!!

The arts and crafts show went well, also.  Above is a photo sent to me today from the happy owner of a K.Hayden original.  I will have to agree with her--it looks AWESOME in that spot!!!   Love it when people share photos of their new art in their new homes.

FYI--Lori, you are lucky you got back there when you did...two other, different girls who were looking at your painting, came back for it.  I had to tell them--sorry--it just found a very happy owner!!!

More Field of Flowers

Just love these and so do lots of people!!!  Cats and flowers are my best sellers...

Remembering Summer

Just a happy little painting to help me remember the wonderful summer!!!

Meet Rob, the Art Enthusiast

I have been very busy with summer fun, being creative, and chillin' in the pool, at the lake, and at art shows. My art is about finding inspiration in things you love... I love all of those things. 

One thing I enjoy about the art festivals where I show is meeting and chatting with all the people. One of my new friends is Rob. Rob and his mother were out enjoying an art day together and happened to stroll into my shop at the Charley Creek Artfest. I found out Rob loves art and color.  He was very thoughtful as he browsed every painting in my shop. You know, it just makes me all warm and fuzzy when kids enjoy and appreciate art. And I must applaud the parents who give their kids opportunities to explore, then encourage their children to follow their interests and express themselves.  I am thinking it would be fun to teach a childrens' art class--hmmm...maybe???

On the table are some other painting Rob carefully chose as gifts to his family to decorate their lake house.

Below is a photo Rob's mom sent me to show me the paintings new "home". Looks great!!!!  Thanks!!!!




54th and Monon -- Ready

I have an art show in Indy this weekend. It is at 54th and Monon in Broadripple. Taking my niece and we'll also visit my Mom. Hoping for good weather....but I am ready for the show and ready to "batten down the hatches" as this show is on pavement. My roadie and I are going to try the new tent weights he made -- hope they work since we won't be able to tie down.

Here are few new ones for the show!

Art Show Line-Up 2011

Well I've been a busy little bee getting my art show applications in... and do I have an action-packed schedule this season!!!  Below I have listed everywhere I am showing so far this year.  I hope to see many friends at these events checking out all the awesome art and having fun.  Many of the art venues have numerous other activities to enjoy like music, wine tasting, and festival-like fun.  Hope to see you there!!!

May 7
Celebration of the Arts
A quaint little juried event held on the Carroll County Courthouse Square. 
Delphi, Indiana
Courthouse Square
9-4


June 4
54th and Monon Art Fair 
 A juried art fair that features free hot dogs,  lemonade and lots of fun.
Indianapolis, Indiana
1057 E 54th St - just off the Monon Trail
10-4

June 25
Charley Creek Art Festival 
 A juried fine art show boasting a number of cultural events and wine-tasting in the beautiful Charley Creek Gardens. 
Wabash, Indiana
551 N. Miami St.
10-6
http://www.charleycreekartsfest.org/artists.html

July 2
Art Blast!
An art event sponsored by the Creative Fish Gallery featuring the galleries local artisans.
Syracuse, Indiana
200 E Pickwick Drive
10-5

July 9
Syracuse Summerfest Art Fair
Music, rides, food and art--stop by for some summer fun!!!
Syracuse, Indiana
TBA
10-5

July 30
Dixie Days Art Fair
Take a ride on the Dixie for a guided tour around Webster Lake after a day of art on the "Palace Lawn." 
North Webster, Indiana
St. Rd. 13 on the "Palace Lawn" in the center of town.
10-5

August 27
Arts in Bloom
Two events in one - an art-filled day strolling the Wellfield Gardens and enjoying yummy treats with the Taste of Elkhart.
Elkhart, Indiana
1000 N. Main St. at the Wellfield Botanical Gardens
11-5

September 10
Whitley County Autumn Art Fair
This juried art fair has something for everyone with a number of kids activities, entertainment, and homemade goodies.
Columbia City, Indiana
Courthouse Lawn in the center of town
10-5

September 24
Rocky Ripple Festival in the Park
A family-oriented festival in a hip, eclectic neighborhood. You will enjoy art, food, spirits, and six bands.
Indianapolis, Indiana
840 West 53rd St.
11-6

October 8
Renaissance In Roanoke 
Roanoke, Indiana
More info to come

November 5
Center Grove Holiday Craft Fair
Greenwood, Indiana
Center Grove High School
10-5

November 21
Westfield Holiday Craft Fair
Westfield, Indiana
Westfield High School
10-5

Subdued Works of Late

I've been painting extremely slowly for the past few months--doing more thinking about painting, then actually painting.  However, I am extremely happy with some of my recent work.  These three pieces are all acrylics on stretched canvas.  I used several different palette knives, a fork, various brushes, squeeze bottles, molding paste, gloss mediums, and of course my new favorite tool--the TOOTHPICK.  I just can't believe how you can use a toothpick for so many art purposes!!!  The colors in these pieces are a bit more subdued than much of my work, but I love the blending and texture of them.

Trees "Blue Hue-A Tree for You"

I'm really into trees right now.  I'm always trying new things, new ways, new techniques. Anything nature seems to always makes me feel so peaceful--recreating nature in another form is just very soothing to me.

The bark for this painting, "Blue Hue - A Tree for You" was created using a toothpick for texture.  Forks work well for texturing, too.  I did a great deal of layering in the leaves.  It takes a long time to do a layered painting because of the drying time--but I love the effect and depth you get by having patience. 

Happy Valentine's Day

I always like to create some holiday pieces.  The first painting, "My Shabby Little Valentine," is kind of shabby chic, I guess. The other two of these paintings are bold and bright with lots of layering with the palette knife and used paper towel (my utilitarian side.)  I love using the squeeze bottle, too. I get to go crazy and  be freeeeeeeeeeeee!!! 

                                                           "My Shabby Little Valentine"

"Heartful Garden"

                                                                    "Valentine Mosaic"

Recent Work

 I am doing a lot of layering and bright colors right now. If I am going to be reflective, I might say the layering is representative of the complexity in life. The bright colors represent where I want to be right now--better, brighter weather!!!!

 

The Studio Is Up and Creating Again

As you know, we did some remodeling to the house and my studio was unavailable for a while over the holidays.  Things are going great again.  I have new shelves, changed my works station around, and reorganized a bit.  Here are two pictures of the revamped studio.  It is still a small space, but it works well for me!!!