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