The Amazing Value of Friends

I don't know why just this minute I am feeling all emotional and thinking about the value and support of friends but I am going to post about that very subject in relation to myself and my art right now.
I have many amazing, supportive friends, both here and on Facebook.  I can always count on you all to comment, support and respond and I am so very grateful.  Thank you all.

I have 2 people that I really want to shine a spotlight on right now.  The only order of value is a timeline.  About 6 years ago I went to Artfest for the first time.  Before the trip, I posted a random little blurb about having a rental car if anyone wanted to share.  2 people answered.  One of those people became my absolute right hand for anything on the west coast from that very day forward!  Cheryl McCloud has been my support, the person I depend on for everything from "when to shut up" to "how to answer any given question"!!!  She has helped me in classes and on every crazy-wild vendor night ever since then.  I have often called her "my boss" since whatever she tells me to do, I do it!!!   Cheryl, I love you so much.

The other person is Mindy Lacefield.  I met Mindy at Artfest 2011, quite by accident.  Someone at my table said something about "Tim's Sally" and I said "OH!  Is she here?!"   She was sitting right beside me!  In talking we realized that she was born literally 30 miles from me in Arkansas (albeit 10 years apart, she's the younger although I'll only say that ONCE!  LOL).  We had an immediate connection and I felt blessed to have her visit my family cabin that summer.  We painted, hung out on the porch and visited my crazy family.  I have come to find out since that time what an absolutely amazing person (as well as a phenomenal artist) she really is.  She has supported me in ways that really only a sister would.   I have met very few people in my life that are as giving as Mindy.   I often call her and ask what she thinks about certain issues or how to handle something (such as recording for this class I am trying to put together).   Mindy....you are a blessing and I love you.

Again, I don't know why this "sappiness" at this moment but I wanted to do this post while my wonderful friends were on my mind (as they OFTEN are!).  If you are like me, you think of your friends and family and your appreciation of them quite often but we forget to tell them as often as we should.  I hope this will inspire you to tell the people you love how much they mean to you.

I have started the editing for the online class.  It will still be awhile.  I am trying to learn the editing and make sure it will be a good class!  Here is the painting that I did while recording.  In case you can't read the text, it says "'Shall we literally have nothing to eat?', asked Mr. Peterkin, helping himself to another sausage".

Again, I want to thank you all for the constant love, support and comments.  Without all of you, I would only be making art for myself....I would never want that.  xoxo

Summertime, Summertime, Sum Sum, Summertime!!

I have had SOOOOOO much going on this summer!  I'm not complaining.  I have had some wonderful trips with my family and great fun with friends but I need to get back to work!!  Haha!  I've been trying to work "on the road" and I've tried to make the most of limited studio time but honestly, I get a little crazy when I don't get enough unbroken creative time.

Last weekend, I spent almost 3 days painting and recording for a possible online class.  I say possible simply because I have NO idea how to edit!!  I'm sure my amazing techie daughter will be HAPPY to help me!  (I'll put her latest video at the end of this post.  Not only is she an amazing singer/musician, her editing skills blow me away!  She makes these videos right here in her room!)

Here are two of the paintings I did in preparation for the class.  The third one is a little more "secret" for now since it will be the main painting used for the class.

Here's a little preview of the main painting.  Can you see the little doggie nose poking his way in at the bottom right corner?!

Next up, I worked on bags.  I managed to get 6 done.  They have all left for new adventures but I will be making more as soon as I can.

I spent a little time sculpting.  I have been firing various items for about 17 years and I STILL sometimes have to re-learn lessons!  Here's a BIG one:  don't try to hurry up the drying time!  I spent a full day sculpting these pendants only to have them totally blow up in the kiln!  There must have still been some moisture inside although they had been drying for 2 days.  Urg!!

I did a couple of small pieces to abandon.  If you haven't heard of this group, go over to FaceBook and search for Art Abandonment.  This is the group started by Michael DeMeng just a short time ago, maybe about a month.  It has already grown to over 4,000 members!!  The purpose of the group is to make a piece of original art and leave it in a public place for someone to find.  I left a note on mine explaining that it is "free art" and how to contact the group.  Here are the ones I left, the first one at The Wildflower Restaurant in Mentone, AL and the second one at Pirate's Cove (the bar/grill where Jimmy Buffet wrote "Cheeseburger in Paradise") near Gulf Shores, AL.

Finally.....one of my closest friends has been wanting me to paint a mermaid for her beach house for over a year.  Since I get to GO to the beach house (with my family and with her!) every summer, it was time to do what she wanted!  Here is the mermaid, (as yet unnamed).  She is happily hanging in the spot reserved for her.  She's large (by my standards!), 36" x 42".

Thank you so much for checking in and taking a peek at my summer artwork!!  I hope you are enjoying your summer and doing a few creative things along the way!  Here is the link to Bailey's new video.  I hope you enjoy it.  More soon!!  Bailey's New Direction Video