Red Eft Studio

Goldfish As Helium Balloon - 6"x6"

2012-01-28T20:36:00.000-08:00

Goldfish As Helium Balloon

6"x6"

This is another take on the balloon goldfish. Why again? This time I wanted it on canvas, rather than on watercolor paper. It's so much easier to hang that way.

And why helium goldfish? Why not? They're fun to imagine, and fun to paint.

Daily Painting

2012-01-27T07:23:00.000-08:00

I've just joined Daily Paintworks, which is a fabulous art site. There are some truly fabulous artists to be found there, and incredible art bargains. You should check it out.

I'll be posting art there several times a week, as well as here on the blog.

Also, I'm committed to doing my first art festival this year, so I'll be painting a lot of fun, small paintings. Because really, how many art festival attendees can afford to drop several thousands of dollars on paintings? So I'm working on small art that will range from about $35 to $75.

I'm applying to a few shows, and when I know if I am accepted, I'll post the news here.

Because Bunnies Should Come in More Than Basic Black

2011-11-18T09:36:00.000-08:00

Available at my Etsy shop!

Earthquake!

2011-11-05T21:03:00.001-07:00

We just felt an earthquake! Didn't know that was supposed to happen in Kansas. Judging by who else felt it, I'm guessing it was in Oklahoma.

Sulking, In Writing

2011-10-28T19:22:00.000-07:00

When 6 year-olds, who are learning to write, decide to sulk:

"Deer Mom,

I du not lieke yu getting a purpl streeke in yur hare. I am gooing to my ruum. Loeve, Zoe."

I convinced her to wait until December to sulk about it, so she went outside to play on her swing set instead. ;->
But I predict she'll actually like the purple streak, and start demanding one in her own hair. (Luckily, the elementary school rules don't allow it.)

Mosaics

2011-10-25T20:41:00.001-07:00

I've been working on some mosaics lately. (Christmas presents.) And I certainly know glass is sharp, and I take care when cutting and handling glass tiles. But it's still a surprise to look down and find that my hands are bleeding when I didn't even realize I'd cut myself.

Really?

2011-10-24T21:26:00.000-07:00

We're a week from Halloween. It was 83 today. Will probably hit 85 tomorrow. Are we going to cross over into November with the air conditioning running? Why is it that people are still denying global warming?!

Coming soon.... pictures of Zoe in gymnastics class. (Yes, soccer is over, so it's time to try something different.)

Short Post

2011-10-23T18:11:00.000-07:00

As if I didn't have enough reason to love Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, their free samples get Zoe to try any number of new and unusual foods, which she then decides she loves. And yet, if I were to offer them to her, she'd never even taste them.

In Cyberspace

2011-10-21T21:07:00.001-07:00

People tell me that friendships forged online aren't real. And yet, if we've commiserated on the computer, shared our joys and sorrows in cyberspace, when you tell me your devastating news, I'll cry just as hard as if we met for coffee down the street every morning.

Homemade Halloween Costumes

2011-10-20T20:42:00.000-07:00

Still a week and a half before Halloween, but the holiday carnival at the rec center is tomorrow night, so I've been busy (and bleeding) finishing up Zoe's tabby kitten costume. All that's left is picking up some face paint tomorrow.

All day I've been running into local parents scurrying to buy one of the picked-over costumes at Target and Marshalls. There will be lots of princesses, evil stepmothers, and angry birds running around tomorrow night. And something tells me Zoe won't really appreciate the fact that she has a one-of-a-kind, hand-sewn costume.

Well, at least not yet. Give her 20 years, and she'll probably remember it fondly. (I know I remember loving the costumes my mom put together. The witch one year was especially fabulous, with the spiderweb painted across my face. It itched like mad, but it was worth it.)

Brave Kitty!

2011-10-19T05:01:00.000-07:00

I've just gotta share a picture/story from the Boulder Daily Camera.

Brave Cat!

When we lived in Boulder, I got used to the idea of mountain lions being around, even if they were rarely seen. You brought the pets in at dusk, and if you backed to open space, you eyeballed the yard before you went outside at night. When we hiked at night, we did so in large groups. And yet, we rarely saw the big cats, and it's been years since someones been attacked by a lion in Boulder. I think the last one was in 1997 or 1998.

Strangely, this photo makes me homesick. (Though I really wouldn't want such a big kitty that close to my house.)

Goosebumps

2011-10-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

Soccer practice is miserable when it's cold. 45 degrees, windy, and spitting rain. The moms REALLY could have used a coffee shop on the field tonight. (The girls were chilly, too, but the coaches kept them running, so that warmed them up a bit.) I'm glad the final game of the season is this weekend.

Escape!

2011-10-16T14:56:00.000-07:00

After the service at UU this morning, I went to pick Zoe up from her class. She was not in class, and the teacher said she'd never shown up. Nobody else had seen her either, since the kids made their way downstairs. I was starting to panic when someone said he thought he'd seen her go into one of the classrooms. So I went to check.

I opened the door on a seemingly empty classroom. Then I heard the giggling from under the tables. Zoe and her friend L had wandered into the wrong room. Rather than correcting their mistake, they decided to stay there, and spent the hour coloring and playing board games -- under the table, so no one would find them.

This does not bode well for the teenage years.

(And the RE director will now be checking all the "empty" classrooms to make sure everyone is in the right spot. Zoe has also promised not to try that again.)

Forgot Again

2011-10-14T06:57:00.001-07:00

This blogging everyday thing is kicking my ass. My memory is failing me!

But I swear I'll try and find something interesting to blog about later today. Zoe's off school today (end of quarter) so I should have plenty of raw material!

I Really Live In This State?

2011-10-11T21:46:00.001-07:00

Topeka, KS, just repealed the law against domestic violence. Beat your spouse in Topeka, and you will not be prosecuted. The lawmakers consider this a "money-saving" tactic. How many people will have to be killed before they see the idiocy of this move?

Read about it here: Topeka repeals domestic violence law.

Dichotomy

2011-10-11T07:54:00.000-07:00

In Zoe's school folder yesterday there were two notices for me to read.

1: They want me to sign her up for a school-wide health and wellness program, where the kids promise to exercise for 30 minutes a day and eat only healthy foods. No sweets, no junk food, no fast food.

2: Tonight is McTeacher Night! We're all supposed to eat dinner at McDonalds to raise money for the school, and bonus, Happy Meals are only $1.99.

Anyone see a problem, here?

Copper Hopper Chopper

2011-10-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

"Copper Hopper Chopper"

An interesting sculpture at the Overland Park Arboretum.

Danny had the day off today - when you work at a bank, you get Columbus Day off - so we went out for a nice hike this morning after we dropped Zoe at school. A perfect day to be in the woods - cool, damp, and quiet.

Fall, For Real This Time

2011-10-09T17:41:00.000-07:00

It's nearly the middle of October, and yet it was 82 degrees today. It's been in the 80's for the past week, but tomorrow it's finally supposed to cool off into the 70s, with a possible rain shower! We've been really dry lately. I actually can't remember the last time we had rain.

But I do love it when it cools off at night. And with the leaves beginning to turn, evening walks are irresistable. This was what the hill behind our house looked like when I started my walk this evening.

And a mere 20 minutes later, this was the view from across the street. For some reason, once the people are gone for the day, these old stone churches always look haunted and creepy to me. But kind of neat with the full moon floating above.

Happy Fall!

More Pink (and red and gold) Fountain Pics

2011-10-08T18:47:00.000-07:00

Zoe was so excited about the pink fountain picture yesterday that she begged me to take her to see it for real. Luckily, all the fountains in KC are pink this month, so I took her to the more accessible (and more spectacular) fountain at Country Club Plaza. The spray is certainly pink, but the water in the basin looks very red. Throw in some golden autumn leaves, and it's quite dramatic.

Pink Fountains

2011-10-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the fountains in KC have gone pink!

Unfortunately, this one is in the middle of Ward Pkwy, so I couldn't get back far enough to get the whole fountain in the frame without standing smack in the middle of a very, very busy road.

Change of Direction, Again

2011-10-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

I quit! I'll no longer be pursuing art as a career. Hobby, yes. I'm addicted, and will never give it up. But it's time to accept that I'll never make any money at it. (In fact, far less than the cost of supplies.) So it's on to something different... details to be revealed later.

In other news, it's October, and I think we hit 90 degrees today. Global warming, anyone? Maine and NH are starting to look better and better all the time. (Too bad they are not full of web developer jobs.) Ah, well, winter is coming, and with it, some beautiful snow! It's time to start planning a really outlandish snowman. Or snowcreature. Something made of snow, anyway, and of exorbitant size and creativity. I remember the snow sculptures my mom made when I was a kid (creature from the black lagoon, great white shark, etc.) and it's time to introduce Zoe to the concept.

Come on snow!

The Runaround

2011-10-03T20:59:00.000-07:00

The Good: Danny's company switched insurance companies, so we'll have better insurance and save a couple of hundred dollars a month.

The Bad: The new insurance went into effect 10/1, but they can't supply us with any information yet, other than it's BCBS. No id#, no group#, nothing. Danny spent a lot of time on the phone today trying to get info, because Zoe has an appointment tomorrow. And yet, we have no proof of coverage.

The Relief: The doc will wait to file the claim until we have that information, so we don't have to pay for it out of pocket.

Argh. Insurance. Can't live with it, can't live without it.

Day 2

2011-10-02T20:47:00.000-07:00

Day 2 of the blog challenge, and again I have nothing important to say!

But it was a nearly perfect day: Started out cool, then got into the mid-70's. The trees are starting to turn, so there's an abundance of gold and rust leaves. The mosquito population is thinning out.

Danny was at the Chief's game today, so I took Zoe to UU (I have a really hard time calling it "church", because it doesn't relate to the churches that left a bad taste in my mouth for years.) and caught up with friends. Then on to her soccer game, to watch the girls run with abandon - sometimes in the wrong direction - across the field.

The coach of the other team was a bit of a tosser, though. Many parents - of both teams - were muttering about his manner. "Chill out, man," someone said. "He does realize these are first-graders, right?" said another. "Glad MY child isn't on his team."

A coach of elementary school soccer really shouldn't be telling a little girl to "get your lazy ass off the field. Now!"

But questionable coaches aside, it was a fabulous day. And since Zoe doesn't have school tomorrow, I think I shall take her to breakfast, and then a long walk at the aboretum. Let a pleasant Monday commence!

It's October already?

2011-10-01T17:50:00.000-07:00

I guess it is!

I've signed up for NaBloWriMo, or National Blog Writing Month, in which participants attempt to post something on their blog every single day during the month of October.

We'll see how well I do.

We've been releasing late monarch butterflies this week - we raised 3 from caterpillars, and the first emerged from its chrysalis on Monday, one yesterday, and the final one today. They'd better head south quickly... it's getting into the 40's at night, and the trees are starting to turn.

Another sure sign of fall in this area is the Louisburg Cider Mill corn maze. So we headed down today to get lost in the maize (yeah, yeah.)

Zoe grabbed the map from Danny and insisted we follow her (though I don't think she consulted the map at all.) Surprisingly, she actually led us through very quickly. I was truly surprised. But that was the only enjoyable part of the outing - the crowds were horrific, and we actually stood in line for more than half an hour to buy apple cider. Only to discover the Louisburg Cider Mill cider at the grocery store later in the day. Next year I'm going to remember that, and save myself some time.

Still Working

2011-07-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

Acrylics might dry quickly, but doing large paintings with them seems to take a really long time. So very many layers of paint to give them depth. But I promise I'm working on something, and, with a little luck, it should be done in the next few days.

I actually can't wait to finish, because my head is already ready to move on to the next painting.

When Pigs Fly

2011-06-17T10:55:00.001-07:00

Kayaking and Miniature Art

2011-06-11T10:40:00.001-07:00

The weather was beautiful this morning (not too hot, not too windy) so I took advantage and went kayaking at Shawnee Mission Park with a friend. It was the perfect morning to be out. The frogs were everywhere, and not the least bit worried about us. In fact, many of them let us get close enough to touch them, so I got some good pictures.

I'm planning to do some more miniature paintings to enter into juried exhibits this fall, and one of the bullfrogs was just begging to be painted. I may even post it in progress here, as I work on the painting. I love miniature art - it's kind of unexpected, and can be finished relatively quickly. (Though it can be hard on the back and on the eyes.)

Since I'm alone in the house at the moment (a rarity!) I may get started now.

2011-05-26T13:55:00.000-07:00

I have discovered wild grape vines growing in my yard today. (Please excuse the lack of manicured landscaping. I'm much more of a woods girl than I am a lawn and garden girl.)

Will they bear fruit? Will the fruit be edible?

It takes me back to growing up in NH. Mom would pick wild concord grapes and make jam. Mmmmm.... And that makes me homesick for New Hampshire. Must make a point of getting the family up that way this summer or late this fall. Maybe we'll even pick some grapes.

2011-05-26T11:32:00.000-07:00

For Mom, since I apparently failed to post this:

The Amanita (with the slug.)

Crazy Weekend

2011-05-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

Danny's family was in this weekend, and we had some crazy weather for them. Saturday night, after most were tucked up in bed, the tornado warning sirens went off, and most of us scurried to the dank basement to wait it out. For me and Zoe, it was the first time we've ever heard the sirens in use.

At UU the next morning, we learned that most people just turned on the weather report then decided not to go down. Apparently the sirens in all our cities go off if a tornado is spotted anywhere in the county. So there was no real threat near us.

The next day, just about when Danny's family was arriving home in SW Missouri, a huge tornado swept through their area and nearly wiped out Joplin. Their town was spared, and they didn't even hear the sirens, but it was too close nonetheless. (And I can't imagine how the residents of Joplin are feeling right now.)

This weekend, we're going out to get a NOAA weather radio so we can really know what is going on when severe weather hits.

But last night was calm, so I made these mushrooms for Danny's desk. He wanted them to make him feel better when the powers that be treat him like a mushroom. (i.e. - keep him in the dark and feed him sh*t.)

It's a Slug! It's Yellow! It's Proof I'm a Bit Odd!

2011-05-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

I've been missing the NW lately, and tonight I'm going to the barbecue of a friend who, until recently, lived in Olympia, WA. Along with wine and appetizers, I'm taking my afternoon project, a felt banana slug.

I'm becoming rather fond of the little guy, though, and may make another for myself. And perhaps for Danny - he wants one to sit on his desk at work. Who knew slugs could be cute?

ACEOs - Jay and Goose

2011-05-04T15:09:00.000-07:00

2.5" x 3.5" (each)

acrylic on paper

Downy Woodpecker ACEO

2011-04-24T20:50:00.000-07:00

2.5"x3.5"

acrylic on paper

original and limited edition prints will be available on Etsy tomorrow

Chameleon, in Color

2011-04-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

I decided I liked the chameleon drawing I did a few weeks ago, and decided to do it as a painting. Well, maybe more of an illustration.

The Frog Prince

2011-04-14T12:29:00.001-07:00

acrylic ink and watercolor

Spring!

2011-04-12T07:15:00.001-07:00

Spring has sprung!

I'll readily admit that I can't stand Kansas in the summer or in the winter. But spring and fall are glorious. Even if this spring has a split personality. One day it's in the forties, the next day it's in the nineties. But everywhere the trees are green - or purple, or pink, or white. The magnolias and red buds are amazing right now. And grape hyacinths are sprouting up in our lawn.

I've taken Zoe out to the Prairie Center twice recently, and wildlife has been everywhere. Deer, turtles, frogs, birds.... we've even seen a porcupine (up in a tree) and a weasel (crossing the path.)

Got to get out and enjoy the weather before it gets too hot and humid to be outside. (Yeah, I'm still a cold-weather Yankee at heart.)

Contest Winner

2011-03-02T06:55:00.000-08:00

My February contest is over, and Carol Creech won.

She is an excellent artist, and I think you should check out her website!

Garden Party

2011-02-28T10:14:00.000-08:00

5"x5"

acrylic on panel

$28

Forest Mosaic

2011-02-27T20:43:00.002-08:00

7.75"x5.5"

Watercolor on paper

$28

2011-02-27T20:43:00.001-08:00

Monarch Caterpillar

2011-02-26T19:12:00.001-08:00

4"x4"

watercolor and ink on paper

$28

Fantasy Garden w/Columbine

2011-02-25T20:10:00.000-08:00

5.5"x6.5"

watercolor and ink on paper

$28

Just Peachy

2011-02-23T18:48:00.000-08:00

Seahorse in Peach

7"x10"

pen and ink and watercolor

$28

Octagonal Window

2011-02-22T20:02:00.001-08:00

8"x8"

acrylic on canvas

$28

Jack in the Pulpit

2011-02-21T19:49:00.000-08:00

4"x6"

acrylic on paper

$28

Fallen Leaf

2011-02-18T19:57:00.000-08:00

5.5"x7.5"

watercolor on paper

$28

2011-02-17T18:22:00.001-08:00

Red Autumn

16x20"

acrylic on canvas

SOLD

Spring Birches, Green

2011-02-16T21:32:00.001-08:00

4"x6"

acrylic on paper

$28

Ferocactus Macrodiscus

2011-02-15T21:27:00.001-08:00

5"x5"

acrylic on paper

$28

Bonsai

2011-02-14T18:19:00.000-08:00

Orange Bonsai

9"x12"

acrylic on canvas

SOLD

2011-02-13T20:28:00.000-08:00

Chameleon

6.3"x7.3"

pen and ink on paper

$28

Two!

2011-02-12T20:15:00.001-08:00

Floral

4"x4.5"

ink and watercolor on paper

$28

Tabby Cat

6"x8"

ink and watercolor on paper

$28

Birdie

2011-02-10T19:43:00.001-08:00

A little birdie, in pen and ink on paper.

5"x6"

$28

Flower Mandala

2011-02-10T07:24:00.001-08:00

12"x12", acrylic on canvas

$28

2011-02-08T20:04:00.002-08:00

8"x8", acrylic on board

$28

Mandala

2011-02-07T23:58:00.000-08:00

Mandala, acrylic on canvas 8"x8"

$28

2011-02-06T21:11:00.000-08:00

2.5x3"

watercolor and goauche on paper

$28

2011-02-04T19:53:00.000-08:00

4x4", acrylic on board

Pear on Red

SOLD

2011-02-03T19:19:00.000-08:00

5.25x4" Watercolor and gouache.

It's a miracle! School is actually back on tomorrow, the roads are cleared, and we should be above 0 degrees. Tomorrow I may be able to take on something more complicated. (It's amazing how little work I get done on snow days.)

Forest Lantern

2011-02-02T14:04:00.001-08:00

4.5x4.5"

watercolor and goauche

$28

Welcome February - You Can Keep Your Blizzard

2011-02-01T18:45:00.001-08:00

Helium Goldfish. 4"x5". Acrylic on paper.

It's officially February, so now I'll pay more attention to posting one of these every day this month.

Today, like much of the country, we were snowbound. We will probably remain that way tomorrow, judging by the state of the roads. Zoe is going a bit stir-crazy, as it was too cold and windy to go outside for long, and she'll be glad when they open the schools again. (Dare I admit that I will be, too?)

But in the meantime, we're safe and warm and together. I hope you all are, too!

An Oldie but Goodie

2011-01-27T19:16:00.000-08:00

Complementary Parrot 6"x6", watercolor

Today I didn't finish the piece I started, as I spent the evening with my family at the RV show. (Where my daughter was far more interested in the reptile show than the rvs. She even posed for a picture with a python draped around her shoulders.)

But I'm still posting a painting - it's just one I completed a couple of years ago, and found in the bottom of an art storage bin.

Tomorrow I'll finish the owl I'm working on, and get it up here!

Wren

2011-01-26T18:57:00.001-08:00

7"x7", pen and ink and watercolor $28

Summer Snowshoe Hare

2011-01-25T10:17:00.000-08:00

This one, too, is $28. Original watercolor, 7"x8.5"

My daughter has declared this one to be her favorite.

Promotion and a Contest!

2011-01-24T08:31:00.001-08:00

SOLD

I've decided to run a February promotion/contest! What, you say? It's still January? Yeah, yeah. I'm starting early, hoping maybe spring will get the same idea.

In honor of our shortest month, I'll be posting a small pen & ink & watercolor painting each day. Each will be only $28. (Affordable art! Get yourself something nice, or stock up the gift closet!)

Also, on the last day of February, I'll take the names of everyone who comments on my blog during February, put them in a hat, and have my daughter draw one. The winner will get to choose any one of the paintings I paint this month. (It will be matted but unframed.)

So keep checking back, and tell your friends!

Symptom of Parenthood

2011-01-18T11:53:00.000-08:00

I abhor sewing, and yet I just spent the last two hours sewing teeny-tiny finger puppets. A unicorn and a shark. My fingers bear the bloody stab marks to prove it.

And yet the giggles of my daughter adding eyes and glitter and jewels make it all worth it.

Though I have to admit this is the first jeweled, finger-puppet shark I've ever seen.

New Web Site

2011-01-10T08:13:00.000-08:00

As promised, I unveil the new web site today.

Though there was some question about it, as today is a snow day. And there's nothing quite like trying to meet a deadline when school has been cancelled. The snow is supposed to continue through today and tonight, which means school may also be out tomorrow. Oh, joy.

But the web site is up. Red Eft Studio.

Please take a look, and tell me what you think. I'll be adding new artwork all the time, so keep checking back!

Catching Up

2011-01-10T08:09:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I'm just now catching up from Christmas.

On December 23rd, we sent Zoe down with her aunt and uncle to visit her grandparents a day ahead of us. Then, on Christmas Eve morning, we woke up to a dead furnace and a cold house. There was much delay, but we finally got someone out to fix it. The igniter was replaced, the house started to warm up, and we could safely leave the cats to the pet sitter.

Christmas Day was pleasant chaos.

The day after, still at Zoe's grandparents, we woke up to a dead furnace and a cold house. Again. After a few hours, they got someone to come take a look. They needed to replace the igniter.

It was decided that we carried a furnace virus, and were gently discouraged from visiting anyone else's house. Ha.

2010-12-20T05:43:00.000-08:00

Here's this year's Zoe and Santa picture. This was taken at Bass Pro Shop. We waited for at least an hour, after giving up on the 2 1/2 hour wait the day before.

The taxidermy reindeer are a nice touch, if a tad morbid. And if you look closely, it seems Santa should have been more careful with the band saw in the toy factory.

A (small but important) Lesson Learned

2010-12-16T12:01:00.000-08:00

Don't buy off-brand packing tape. Buy the good stuff. Otherwise, once you let it stick to itself, you'll spend the next hour sounding like a bad-tempered pirate while attempting to get it going again.

Trust me, it's worth the extra dollar.

Chaos Begets Blogging?

2010-12-15T05:34:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged since May. So why now, when everything is chaos, am I suddenly moved to blog? (Note that during that sentence I had to get up twice - once to get my daughter a new spoon, and the next moment to clean lime yogurt off her feet.)

I think everyone suffers chaos in December. There's too much to do, too little money, too little time. And seven unexpected things that go wrong. Expensive car repairs. Relatives coming in from the same city on two different flights that land hours apart on the same day. Two colds in a row. Worry about the norovirus shutting down schools. Doctor's appointments. Cats attacking the Christmas tree. Artic weather.

And yet I'm painting every day. I finally joined the local artists group, and will volunteer with their auction in the new year. I'm hopeful that I'll meet some artists, as I don't know any here yet. (Though that will be about when D gets a new job in Seattle or San Fran, most likely. His current contract ends in May, and that seems to be where the offers are coming from.)

It's funny - we look forward to Christmas all year, and then - some of us, at least - look forward to New Year's and the chance to relax, at least a little.

Well, That's Over

2010-05-10T06:25:00.000-07:00

The idea of completing a small painting everyday ended almost before it began. Why? Because a series of really large paintings has taken up residence in my brain, and they're clamoring to get out. (Let's hope that don't hire that angry gnome that occasionally hides behind one or the other of my eyeballs, doing something annoying with a jackhammer.)

But, just to prove that I am still painting every day, I'll be posting studies and sketches along the way. And it's going to rain most of the week, so I'll have no good reason to be outside playing instead of inside, painting.

What to expect? Something in between fantasy and surrealism (Magritte surrealism, not Dali surrealism.) Stay tuned - I'll try and post a sketch or a study today.

Beak Envy

2010-05-03T08:30:00.001-07:00

Beak Envy

4.5"x7"

watercolor on archival paper

Bid for this painting on eBay.

Kingfisher

2010-05-02T10:27:00.000-07:00

Kingfisher

5"x6". Watercolor on archival paper

The actual colors on this one are a bit deeper, but got washed out in the scan. Can't figure out how to fix it in Photoshop without blurring the detail.

Click here to bid on eBay.

WIP

2010-05-01T22:03:00.000-07:00

I tried to do a daily painting today - instead, we have the beginning of a painting.

While the day started well, the afternoon went to hell, and that carried over into evening. It was 9 o'clock before I actually got started.

I'm learning that, while I envy the people who can enjoy painting a flower or a piece of fruit, I get bored easily. I enjoy work that is a little more narrative. This WIP is actually not a drawing - I painted the details with a tiny brush in black acrylic. Tomorrow I'll add some color, and then let you see how it goes.

I'm also going to try listing these on ebay, as I'm not sure anyone is actually reading this blog at the moment, after my long hiatus.

The Mechanics of Flight

2010-04-30T21:46:00.000-07:00

"Believing too much in engineers, some bumblebees consulted dwarven craftsment for mechanical assistance."

Watercolor on archival paper.
6.75" x 7"
$50

Toys

2010-04-29T20:52:00.000-07:00

This one's not my favorite, but I learned a lot from it. Am already looking forward to tomorrow's project.

And judging by the weather forecast - thunderstorms, more storms, and some severe storms - it's a good thing I'm looking forward to being indoors!

Acrylic on paper
5"x6"

Not So Good

2010-04-28T20:39:00.000-07:00

Today's painting was an utter failure. It shall be chalked up to a learning experience, and shall not see the light of day.

Tomorrow - dare I attempt two to make up for it?

Wildlife Drama

2010-04-28T13:42:00.001-07:00

Zoe and I were walking back from the playground today, when I happened to glance up into a tree. An injured squirrel was sitting on a branch, close to the trunk, about 12 feet off the ground. Some sort of injury to his leg - he didn't look good at all. And large red-tailed hawk had noticed, and was sitting on the same branch, trying to decide whether or not this was easy prey.

Every few minutes, the hawk would lunge at the squirrel, and the squirrel would scoot around the tree trunk. The hawk followed, hopping from branch to branch. And every once in a while, another bird would harrass the hawk. A blue jay kept swiping at the hawks head. The hawk ignored it. A robin and a cardinal sat on some outer branches, squawking their opinions.

Once the hawk got close enough to the squirrel to knock it off the branch. Poor thing fell to the ground, then climbed right back up to the tree and climbed back on the same branch with the hawk.

This went on for about 20 minutes, when the hawk finally decided the whole thing was too much like work and flew off.

I felt bad for the squirrel, but I think his days are numbered anyway. And the whole drama was fascinating. I only wish I'd had a video camera with me - that's just not something you see every day.

Helium Goldfish, Dry and Scanned

2010-04-28T05:48:00.000-07:00

Got up this morning (way TOO early, thanks to reality in the form of my daughter and my cats) and scanned in the goldfish as balloons. The scanned quality is much better than the photo quality, thankfully.

These are both done in acrylic, and are approximately 4" x 5". Note the knot of the balloon on the belly of the second goldfish.

(Later today, check back for bumblebees and the mechanics of flight.)

Helium Goldfish, Still Wet

2010-04-27T21:53:00.000-07:00

This is not a neat post, but because I'm trying to do a painting every day, I wanted proof that I finished these two tonight!

The paint is still wet in this picture - I grabbed the camera right after cleaning my brushes. Tomorrow I'll post them individually, neatly cropped and categorized.

Tiger Eye

2010-04-26T09:09:00.000-07:00

Miniature watercolor, now for sale.

2.5"x3"

Original watercolor on archival paper.

Tiny, and highly detailed.

$65

Complementary Pear

2010-04-26T09:03:00.000-07:00

Complementary Pear

4"x4"

Acrylic on cradled board

$50

Autumn Birch

2010-04-26T09:00:00.001-07:00

Autumn Birch

8"x5.25"

watercolor on archival quality paper

$40

Change of Direction, Daily Paintings

2010-04-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

It's time. I will be painting, and posting, a painting a day. (Well, okay. Let's be honest. Most days. Life can get in the way, after all.) It will be mostly small paintings, and I'll post them for sale.

I'm going to start with that here, but am considering listing them on Ebay, as well. Has anyone, other than Carole Marine, had success with that?

Today I'll be listing several, since I have a bit of a backlog.

And this will be more than just an art blog - I'll also post bits of life, and occasional photos.

But to start with, here's a painting.

Harvest Moon

acrylic on cradled board

5x5

$55

I Suck At This

2009-10-15T06:01:00.000-07:00

Apparently, I'm really, really bad at posting everday.

But there's a lot going on.That's not really much of an excuse, though. Look at the Soap Crone. She's a teacher, a publisher, a soaper, a mom, and she still manages it. But not me.

Ah, well.

Zoe has been having nightmares. Multiple nightmares a night, which make it hard for her to go to bed, or to go back to sleep after she's had one. Danny is not very sympathetic in the middle of the night, since he never had nightmares as a kid. I did however,which my Mom will surely attest to. Many, many nightmares. And it was terrifying.

So I'm a bit more sympathetic, but was still getting dragged down by all the being up in the middle of the night all the time. Solution: We're keeping an air mattress in our room. If Zoe has a nightmare, she can come sleep there. And everyone is back to sleep in 2 minutes. Zoe's still having nightmares, but she's not as afraid to go to bed, and we're all better rested.

In other news, Danny has agreed that if I can manage to actuall get regular freelance illustration work, enough to qualify as a 2nd income, we can get out of here and go home. (I'd love to go to the east coast, but he doesn't think it would suit him. And this definitely doesn't suit me.)

So, working on a kick-ass portfolio. Then I'll find an art rep, and hopefully get into the educational illustration market. Textbooks and the like. If I'm lucky. That's the plan, anyway. Wish me luck!

WTH?

2009-10-12T06:37:00.001-07:00

I still can't believe it's October. Also, it seems that we went straight from summer into winter, with only a couple of autumn days in between. It's cold, dark, and rainy. Kind of feels like a Seattle December. But everyone promises me this isn't normal, and we should still have some nice days lurking around the corner.

But regardless of the weather, October is moving fast. There's still a lot to look forward to: Halloween, get-togethers with friends, the new Tinkerbell movie (hey, my daughter is 4, it's better than princess fare.)

Then November. Thanksgiving. Cold weather that sticks around. Nanowrimo. Danny's already working on his plot. I'm debating whether or not I should take part. And I'm leaning towards yes, though it usually drives me crazy. Any of you taking part?

Weekend!

2009-10-09T20:55:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's finally the weekend. Tomorrow will be busy, with a visit to an art studio, a field trip for Zoe, and a pot luck in the evening.

But even with all that, I'm hoping to start a new miniature painting. Perhaps I'll even finish it by Sunday, and can post it here.

I really need to move on to a new animal - I seem fixated on foxes whenever I pick up a brush or a pen. Any good suggestions?

And, yes, Iknow this is dull, but I'm trying desperately to post every day, even when I have nothing much to say. So there.

This Is NOT My Skill Set

2009-10-08T20:41:00.001-07:00

Two days of sewing, two stuffies to show for it. They're not what I think they should be, and they took HOURS. Apparently, sewing is not something I'm good at. ;->
(Sometimes I wish people came with owner's manuals.)

But at least D and Zoe are charmed.

Morning Surprises

2009-10-08T06:09:00.001-07:00

In my quest to master sewing, I've been making a lot of little stuffed animals. Cats, mice, bunnies...
And while I'm not always pleased with the result, Zoe loves waking up in the morning to find a new little stuffie sitting on the couch. And you just can't argue with a happy kiddo.

Stranger Than Fiction

2009-10-07T20:32:00.000-07:00

I heard a great, true story at the playground today.
A family was visiting the zoo in St. Louis. The parents turned around and discovered that their 4 year-old son was missing. They couldn't find him, and much panic ensued. After nearly two hours of searching by parents, zoo staff, and the police, the boy was located. He was just fine - he'd just wandered off and was doing his own thing.
He was soundly scolded and the family got in their car for the 4 hour drive home. Not wanting to get into more trouble, the boy failed to tell them something.
2+ hours into the drive, he asked his Mom if she'd be mad if he told her that something.
That something was... he had a penguin in his backpack. A live penguin.No one figured out how he got ahold of it, but the family turned around and drove several hours back to hand the penguin over to some very confused zookeepers.

It's Still Tuesday, Really

2009-10-06T21:53:00.001-07:00

I'm not going to miss two days in a row! I did forget yesterday. The Campfire Kids Halloween Party made most of my brain into mush, and I just totally spaced it.
Zoe loved the party - and I'll admit it WAS fun - just loud. Nothing like large numbers of preschool kids running around in the dark with glow sticks, screaming, to deafen the adults.

But it was totally worth it - and tomorrow I may even post some of the pictures.

Finally!

2009-10-04T18:41:00.000-07:00

As promised, the pear tart. It's delicious, and super-easy.
I didn't even use an actual recipe. Just your basic lard crust, then I mixed 6 peeled and sliced pears with about 1/3 c. of sugar and maybe a teaspoon of cinammon. (I didn't measure - just sprinkled it on til it looked right.) Put it in the crust and spooned some caramel (the ice cream topping kind, but good quality) over top. Added the leaves and acorns (also easy - used cutters from Williams Sonoma) then baked at 375 degrees for about 35 minutes. Then cool most of the way and serve with vanilla ice cream. Mmmmm....

And if you're in need of a good crust recipe, here's one I always have good luck with.

The Best Intentions Never Put a Tart In the Oven

2009-10-03T19:36:00.000-07:00

I really intended to make a tart. But I know you don't believe me. I wouldn't, either.

I woke up with a nasty case of allergies this morning. I had a fat lip and puffy, itchy eyes. So most of my day was devoted to benadryl and cold compresses, which is never fun.

But I managed to depuff enough to go out with D tonight! Our first date night in months! Zoe stayed with her friend Lily and her family, where she played, watched a movie, had dinner, and did Halloween crafts. She was one happy, tired little girl.

And D and I got to have a dinner where we didn't have to tell anyone to turn around and sit down, and then browsed in a bookstore. Very low-key, but wonderful. It's amazing what a date night can do for your sanity. What little I have left will abide a bit longer, thank the gods.

With a Good Book, Size Does Count

2009-10-02T20:36:00.000-07:00

When reading a fantastic book, it's such a joy to know that it's 1500 pages long.

No Tart

2009-10-02T16:11:00.000-07:00

The day got away from me. After a vet trip with a sick kitten, a fussy daughter, a haircut for said daughter, a papier mache project, and grocery shopping, the pear tart has not happened.

But tomorrow is another day, and a Saturday to boot. Perfect for baking.

It's getting cool here, and Danny's tomato plant is dying off. But it's determined to have a last hurrah - it's ripening small tomatoes like mad,more quickly than it did all summer. Each night, we pull another few ripe tomatoes off, and watch a few more brown leaves fall. The plant is valient, and we're enjoying the early fall fruits.

But I do dream of a greenhouse, to have fresh, homegrown veggies all winter.

October 1

2009-10-01T21:18:00.000-07:00

It's still October. I've got another 40 minutes before I screw up the first day of NaBloWriMo.

Not much to say today. Did some papier mache. Cleaned the house. Dreamed of being in a little cottage in a coastal, New England town. Started a rag rug for Zoe.

The kitten has runny eyes and an almost constant sneeze, so we need to take her in to the vet tomorrow.

Could this be any duller? Tomorrow I'll work harder at actually having something to say. I'm planning to make a pear tart, so maybe I'll post the recipe and a pic.

Goodnight!

Argh. And NaBloWriMo.

2009-09-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

October is National Blog Writing Month, and I've signed up to participate. So expect a new blog post each day in October.

Expect much of it to be frustrated - I've decided to learn a new skill. Sewing. I'm not a complete novice - I can sew buttons, hems, and the like, but I've decided to REALLY learn to sew. Garments, curtains, costumes, stuffed animals.... It seems like a skill a mom should have.

I borrowed a friend's sewing machine, and spent the evening figuring it out. All I have to show for it is a small, slightly lopsided, beanbag cat. With a shorter tail than I'd planned. But it is sewn, from 3 calico parts, 2 felt ears, and a braided yarn tail. I even used embroidery floss to sew a little kitty face. Danny seems charmed by it, so it can't be quite as bad as I think it is.

And, hey. I can only get better, right?

Halloweentime!

2009-09-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe I haven't posted here since May. Shame on me.

But I promise I'm going to go back to blogging. Really and truly. As Jocelyn Jackson would say, "Little pink sock."

Anyway, since it seems the midwest has stolen my ability to paint, I've been spending lots of time with Zoe doing crafts. We recently tackled papier mache, which was, perhaps, not the best idea with a 4 year-old. By the end, she had painted her whole body with paste.

But here's the end result of that session: Halloween Cat! I'm pretty pleased with how he turned out. And yes, there is glitter on the spots.

Welcome to Kansas

2009-05-17T20:13:00.000-07:00

Well, we made it, and are settling in.
The tornado shelter sign greeted us at the entrance to the botanical garden.
The lion sculpture is in the art museum. The museum, btw, is spectacular. I was suprised to see works by Rembrandt, Monet, Cassat, Seurat, etc.
Most of the other pictures are from the children's farm, which is run by parks and rec. Zoe caught her first fish, bottle fed baby goats, hand fed geese, both adults and babies. She also rode a horse and took a hayride, but the pics of those didn't come out so well.

And truly, I promise, tomorrow I start drawing again. Really.