New Work and Old Homes

I've been in the studio this week, painting away the day.
And I am paying for it too!
I have my large work table on risers because I like to stand while I work.
After two days of painting (for at least 10 hours a day), my legs and back have had enough. Even if I wanted to paint more, I just can't.

So I'm turning my attention to paperwork.
Ugghhh.

Here's a peek at one new piece.
And yes, it's that cute kitty cat again!

And I have to get back to this also.
I have the sample book pages completed but I am having to go back and re-figure my cover idea.
It was one of those "Hey, this would look good!" ideas that I failed to fully think (or work) through.
Needless to say, it didn't.
Work out, that is.

If things go as they usually do, the next idea will be even better!
Most of my (really good) work happens that way - I screw one thing up and while I am trying to figure out a different way, I hit on a really cool idea...
And that is the truth of the matter.
That is why you should keep on going with an idea or a project when you hit a roadblock (or screw it up). If you do, you will eventually work things out or come up with an even better idea!
(I would put my hands in the air and say "ta da!" here but you can do what you want to)

Now - on to other things...
This evening I'll be joining a few other local artists at the beautiful Greenville Women's Club in Greenville SC.
We're having a holiday art fair and show from 6:00-9:00pm.
I think that they will be serving wine, finger foods and providing music.
The house is just breath taking and especially so with the addition of the Christmas decorations.

Here's a peek of the home that is now the Women's Club.

This is the historic Beattie House.

Join me and other local artists tonight for an art filled evening!

More studio work

Like I said in my last post, I am really loving the project that Kristi and Susan
came up with for this years retreat.
I am continuing to enjoy working on it - it actually has taken on a life of its own...
dictating what I do, where I put things...
how I spend me time...
Isn't that just awesome when it happens?

when your art work leads you.

Here is a collage that I did.
I used an ink jet print (that I did at my buddy Judy's house) of a chickadee that I painted.
Throw in a corner of a page from a book that I'm tearing up - I mean utilizing- in my work.
Mix in a few tiny little buttons from my mom's immense collection... a few twigs from Sally's collection, a scrap of brown bag, a lil' bitty safety pin, vintage paper and a lot of time moving it all around and around on a piece of dupioni silk...

I love the sheer fabric and how it looks on this collage.

Here's a picture of the two pages that I have secured in the book. I'm still working on the other two.

I have a favorite quote that I use from time to time in my art work.

Do you?

I layered the quote, some scrim and a fern frond on a hand made tag (oh and a few teeny tiny crystals).

Jeez - I forgot that I also added some beads that were given to me from a friend that lives in Hawaii. They're made from shells!

The quote is partially covered up but I really wanted everyone to be able to read it in its entirety.

So I added the entire quote on the back of the tag.

I love using all the tiny charms and beads that I have. I suppose that I should confess here that I collect them...

Along with a bunch of other stuff too...

It's a curse but also a blessing.

A curse because I can't seem to throw away much of anything.

A blessing because I see the beauty and potential in each and every thing that I see in this world.

Do you?

Do you really appreciate the things around you?

That feather dropped by a bird,

the little rock that could hold a special place in your art work?

What about your tea bags? The cute little tags they have on them?

Or the buckles on old shoes or handbags?

Have you considered what you can do with items from your junk drawer?

Ha - I know that you have one...

But seriously, try looking at each and every item in a different way -

look at it from a "repurposing" stand point.

You may actually be surprised at what The Universe hands you...