New Style - I'll Call It "Psychedelic Cubism"

I created this painting of Chicago because I love Chicago and of course it was the first painting to sell at Culver. You will notice that it is kind of blocky. From this concept evolved other paintings I am calling my "Psychedelic Cubism" series. I plan to do several more in this series. Those photos are coming soon!

Culver Lakefest and Recent Work

This weekend was the Culver Lakefest and what a wonderful time I had selling art and meeting new friends. I received tons of great feedback and ideas for new pieces. This is defintely a show I will do next year. The Saturday night festivities included a mind-blowing fireworks show--inspiration!

The great thing about being at the Culver show is there is such a sense of pride in community. Loved it and hope you can join me there next.

Recent Work

Here are a few pieces I have been working on for my upcoming show at the Culver Lakefest. Stop by the Indiana Folk Art Jubilee booth and say, 'hi."

Art Blast was a Blast!

My first big show--at least big for me--was awesome. I had fun, met so many interesting/friendly people, and sold my art. It doesn't get much better than that! Kathy Boyts, the Creative Fish Gallery owner, really knows how to treat her artists. I have three other shows scheduled for summer, and they are listed below. Hope to see you there!

Upcoming shows include:

Culver Lakefest in the park at Lake Maxinkuckee - July 16, 17, 18
Syracuse Summerfest in the park on Syracuse Lake - July 31
Arts in Bloom at Wellfield Botanical Gardens in Elkhart - August 28

Art Blast!!! Saturday

Art Blast is Saturday in Syracuse from 9-5--stop on by! It will be held at the Creative Fish Gallery which is located behind the Dairy Queen just off St. Rd. 13. I'll make sure to take pictures of my booth for those of you who cannot make it!

Below is one of my new mixed media pieces!

Painting on Artists' Acrylic Paper

I am such a canvas person--I love the way the canvas bounces as the brush strokes cross it. It is a tactile thing I guess... Anyway, I decided to try something new and this week I am painting on artist acrylic paper---and I like it. It is a different texture completely, but the palette moves very well across the slickness of the heavy paper. I mocked them up in a frame and they look great. I am not planning to take any to the show (Art Blast on July 3rd in Syracuse) but you never know!

The Martini Bar Is Now Open

This was fun--I love how Melissa turns me on to the best inspiration! No--really what do you think? I LOVE IT and it may become my new series! I am taking orders. How about margarita glasses, too????

Paintings Started and Finished at the Lake

My trip to the lake this week gave me weather was too bad to go out in the boat. I was glad I took my paint supplies. Monday was a washout as I was not 100%, but Tuesday I got up and ripped into it! I also took a trip to Goshen to get a few more BIG canvases--those are fun and challenging. I started three smaller paintings and finished two of them. I tried a peaking technique on the black flower pot with a Golden product. I LOVED IT! I also crackled the inside of the sunflower.

I will soon be starting some mixed media collage paintings--keep checking back!!!

Heading to the Lake

It is a another beautiful day in Northern Indiana. I am heading to lake for a few days of "Karla Time." I am packing my paints and some canvas, so I will have plenty to do. I'll be chillin' and working on some pieces for the my upcoming show, Art Blast, in Syracuse at the Creative Fish Gallery. If you are up this way on July 3rd, stop by the Indiana Folk Art Jubilee booth and say, "Hi."

Inspiration Poolside

So, Yesterday afternoon I am hanging out by the pool enjoying the coolness of the water and the beauty of nature--I look over and a beautiful cone flower was smiling at me. Then, two green-winged dragonflies playfully danced by--inspiration!!!

Summer is Finally Here for Me

Here are a few new paintings I worked on this week! It has been a busy few weeks since school dismissed, with finishing up the reading workshop trainings with Kristen. Now, summer vacation is finally here. I'll be painting a lot more-keep checking back!

Big, Bold and 4 ft. Tall!

So, earlier this week I start my gigantic 4ft. tall flower pot. Here it is in all its glory...and it is lovely. I plan to do a purple and blue one, also (or maybe a big flip flop???) I will be displaying this one at the entrance to my booth at the Art Blast in Syracuse on July 3rd. I thought this beauty would draw lots of attention to my artwork. I think I'll call it "Big and Bold."

I also hung it in my living room and it looks awesome! I may have to trade out the "Pueblo Trees" that now calls that space home.

Let me know what you think!

Been Away from Blogging for a While

It is not that I haven't been painting, I just haven't been posting. I have three shows coming up this summer, so I have been painting like crazy. I am so excited.

The Winona Art Show is this weekend. I plan to check that out Sunday for some inspiration and ideas on how to display my booth for my upcoming shows. I'll post the dates and locations soon!

I'm into cats right now!!! Here are some recent paintings:

My New Puppy Gigi

As you may know, over spring break I got a new puppy at the shelter. She is part Shih tzu and part Yorkie--just the most adorable little thing. Well, she got very ill two days after we got her. She was even admitted to the vet hospital. With the guidance of our wonderful vet, Dr. Shafer, my husband, Jack, nursed her back to health. Now, after three very difficult weeks, I think she is going to make it. However, she is still on antibiotics and weekly trips to the doggie doctor.

Anyway, I saw a dog painting by Kathy Levitt, and I decided to paint a picture of her frolicking in the spring with her sweet little puppy attitude. I also included a cute photo of her.

Fields of Flowers

Spring is the time for me to do lots of flowers. Here are a few in my "Fields of Flowers" series. I hope you enjoy them!!!

Spring Inspiration

I went to the greenhouse this week and all the flowers where so beautiful; it just inspired me to do some new flower vases. I'm mostly using the 6 x 12 canvas, but I have a few larger ones. I like the 6 x 12 size for flower vases. If you notice, I have incorporated the background I have been using on the flip flops. I really like this technique--you never know how it is going to turn out--and then voila'--awesomeness! It is like you just can't get it wrong--that is nice!

Commissoned Pieces

Here are two pieces I was commissioned to do this week. "Pink Fire Hydrant" will appropriately hang in Ashley DuBois' doggie salon called "Bubbles and Bows" in Rochester. I am not sure about "Pink Left in the Sand." That was an odd request...

Update---I know why the flip flop painting was requested--Somebody bought a condo in Florida!!! Woohooo!!!

Meadow Flowers

Flowers in the springtime--lovely! This series was inspired by Indiana artist,Gayla Hodson. Melissa shared her work with me. I searched high and low for the tools for this technique...but that was the easy part. I am still working on actually mastering it!!!

Cityscape - Chicago

Here is my new cityscape of Chicago--I like the thought of doing some cityscapes...but I am still making my way with this. I am collecting photos of major cities and local landmarks. This will take some thought because I am not sure my folky style fits the subject, we'll see. This one was fun, however!!!

Flip Flop Fun - Sunset Series

Okay...I know I say every series I do is my favorite, but this one truly is. Plus, I sold four of them this week. I think people see the paintings and they make them happy with the vibrant colors and the thoughts of summer...soon to come.

I think a really big one of these would look great by a pool, lake porch, or patio!!! I have a 24 x 48 canvas in my studio...Maybe I'll make one for my place at the Webster Lake.