My New Journal

I'm still working on a couple of paintings.  They are getting closer to being done.  In the meantime, I was needing a new idea journal.  I bought a premade journal at Hobby Lobby.  I rather like the paper that is inside.  Most of my journal ends up being pen and ink, not complete pages so I didn't need really heavy paper for this.  First, I sanded the outside covers to rough them up.  Next, I put down a layer of titanium white, not really thick as I wanted a little of the black to show through and then some fluid acrylic color.  The little stripes of black are from a paper napkin adhered with matte medium.  I did the painting of "Sweet Baby's Incident" separately and put it all together using gel medium.

Inside the covers, I adhered some scrapbook paper for a more decorative look.
On the back, I drew the little pen and ink drawings on deli paper and adhered them with matte medium.

The Front Cover

The Back Cover

A Little Peek Inside!

A Giveaway is in the planning!

I am planning to have a giveaway when I reach 100 followers.  So spread the word!!  I haven't decided what the giveaway will be yet (I'll decide in the meantime).  Thank you all so much for checking in!

This week.

I came up with an interesting idea for a new large painting today....it's started but nowhere near ready for you to see!  I did manage to finish a new small painting.  She's a little strange...like me!

Sweet Baby

Next, I went back and looked at my last week's painting.... I decided she wasn't finished.  I added some more color so here she is again.

Pumped-Up Kicks

I also made a couple of cool skirts.  I'll post pics soon!

A Lovely Gift!

I have had a great week so far!  First, my sweet (and gorgeous) friend Kathie Vezzani (Washington State) sent me an amazing "open letter" called Dear Gorgeous Girl.  It was just the perfect way to start the day.  I encouraged her to post it on her blog so everyone else could enjoy it as well.

Next, I went to the mail box and there.....completely unexpectedly....and in a beautifully decorated envelope, was the sweetest little handmade owl from my (also sweet and gorgeous!) friend from Canada, Tammy McGee.

These 2 amazing people are representative of the wonderful, life-changing event known as ARTFEST!  I first went to Artfest 5 years ago.  I went alone but made fast friends immediately (with my Artfest Other-Half, Cheryl McLeod).  It was such an inspiring event that I came home, changed my whole artistic life and by the next year, I was teaching there!  Every year I meet people that stay in my life.  It is so refreshing to have an extended family of like-minded artists who are so accepting and encouraging.  Please look into the event.  It will change your life!

One final thing (really 2 final things!):  Here are 2 paintings from this week.  The first is one of the black and white drawings from last week.

Busy, Busy!

It's been a productive week! 

1.  I am sick and tired of all the holy-crap mess that is my studio and my ceramic/pouring area!  Therefore, I have sold my doll molds to a lucky dollmaker in Georgia.  (I have molds for hundreds of dolls...and I only make originals now!).  She should be picking them up in October so between now and then I have to get all of them cleaned up, taped up and organized for her.  Then I can start to actually get organized!!  Of course, if you know me, you know there's also an ulterior motive.....I really want a potter's wheel so I can make funky bowls, paintbrush vessels, plates, etc. with my own art (and my own weird sense of humor....I have ideas, ideas!) handpainted on them.

2.  I have also been working like crazy.  My paintings are very detailed in person.  I know it's very hard to see all the tiny detail online but it's there.  That being said, I have completed 3 paintings this week.  I am still in the 5.5" x 5.5" square series.  They are below.  I need some opinions, please....do you like them to be darker, like "Little Red" and "Is This Yours"...or do you like them bright like my usual work?  I am torn.  I love the wax overcoat but it definately makes them darker.  I appreciate your opinions!

3.  I also did several pen and ink drawings on board, mounted on wood.  I will be painting them but I wanted you to see them this way first.  I think they would make cool stamps!

I love you all!!!!!  Thanks for reading!

A Quick Post

I have been the studio all week playing with some cool new stuff!  Small Dollandia kids with some amazing handmade glass eyes from Ralph at Nightside Studios.  I'm not ready to post pics yet though so instead here's my Fascination Friday link for the week:  Check out the amazing stitchery of DogDaisy92 aka Jackie Cardy.

More pictures soon!  xoxo