Spring Has Sprung!

April showers bring May flowers. We have all heard it - and it seems to be true. My flowers are blooming.... everywhere. Iris', wild rose, cala lilies, mums, honeysuckle, daisies, and more. They are beautiful! And what inspiration they are. I can't wait to start painting some flower pictures. I have several in mind as we speak. And the birds! I believe there are nests in every bird house and gourd around here. We have a bird house on our porch with a pair of blue birds nesting. I've been watching them for days. So busy bringing food in for the little ones. They were beginning to look like I feel after the grandkids have been here for a week or two. Harried! I thought to get a picture and show you, so I set up my chair nearby- it never bothered them before for me to be there - got my camera, and waited.....and waited....and waited..... ..... ..... You know I believe they moved out while I was in the house getting that camera! I finally saw Mommy fly out and have not seen a bird near that house since. I have even been working here on my laptop to watch and they are gone. Hopefully on the next go around I'll be ready sooner. I hear they nest a couple times a summer. OH! - I need to go put some food in my humming bird feeder. They should be showing up soon too. YEAAA SPRING!

Slow but Sure

I know, I know.... it has definitely been more that a week. I've been working on a commission mural though so I have been busy painting. There are a few updates here too. As you can see I've changed the sky to make it a little more subtle. I thought the clouds were a bit to uniform and cotton candy like. I wanted a wispy, softer look. Then I blocked in the foreground and added the beach side chairs. I've been looking at and pondering that foreground. I'm not sure I want it as wild and unkempt as in the reference pic and I'm thinking about the trees too. The area this picture was taken in is so beautiful that I would like the foreground to represent that. As you can tell, a reference picture is just that - a jumping off point.

Speaking of reference pictures, it is spring here in the Appalachian Mtns. The trees have leaves, the flowers are blooming, and we are getting our gardens planted. It is beautiful. So I have been taking tons of "reference pictures".... And thinking of upcoming paintings. Sometimes when I'm taking a picture an idea of how I can interpret it, or add to it, comes to me. The majority of the pictures I take are for reference. Paintings are always on my mind as I view my world. We have been so richly blessed by the Creator. A world that works perfectly - spring's renewal, summer's growth, fall's harvest, and winter's rest. Perfect. And with no help from us. Actually better without our help. Yet He placed us here and gave this world to us. His grace is amazing!

Working Again

Hi Every One!

It is good to be back. As you can see it has been quite some time since I last posted. No excuses...life happens and goes on. Praise God for that. I have been working very hard lately at building a website that I do hope you will visit. I have so many plans and connections I'd like to establish and reestablish. If you have and feedback, critiques, or comments, I'd love to hear from you.

I am working on several new paintings but have selected this one to share with you as a WIP. My reference photo is one that I took a couple years ago when I was visiting Mackinaw Island. It was really picture perfect. I had been in Michigan to stay with my sister - who was critically ill in ICU - when my husband and grandson came up for a weekend to see me. We took our boy to the island and had a great day. And praise God!, my sister rallied and is still with us.

This is an 18x24 acrylic on canvas.

I had completed some of the background - sky and water. Then my computer got sick and I lost my reference for a couple weeks. But the computer was revived and I can get back to work now. Since this picture I've basecoated the foreground. Next I'll start working on the sailboat and let you know how it is coming along! See you then.

Choices

This is a picture I recently completed titled "It is finished". This was Jesus' choice.

That's what life is all about - isn't it? Every day and nearly every minute we make them. Either consciously or unconsciously. So what determines our choices....Family, Friends, Upbringing, Environment, Life Stage, Education, .....and Faith. Do you believe in right vs. wrong, black vs. white (not indicating race) or are you more into the "gray" areas and believe in "live and let live". Do you exist by acting or reacting? That too is a choice. There are as many answers as there are questions.

We studied that God gives us that right to make these choices. But to understand that there are rewards, blessings, repercussions, and consequences to them also. That is NOT saying that God will always punish us for poor choices but He will allow us to realize and endure the results of them. But in His grace, as His children, we will never be alone - no matter what. He is always with us...good times and bad. He desires us to make right choices, as any parent does, because through them He can bless us as He wills. His ways are always right and always for our good. If we will open our minds and hearts to His still small voice He will light our paths and make the way clear. Seek Him in His Word and in prayer. He is waiting for you. It's your choice.

This Week's Featured Artist

If you like color and texture, softness and beauty, then visit my new friend and Etsy artist Judy, of JN Originals. She crochets, sews, felts, and recycles. I love how she mixes the old - in her embellishments, with the new - of her creations.

I met Judy through the Etsy street team Boomers and Beyond. We both joined Etsy around the same time and share the journey of learning the art of Etsy. It is turning out that the journey is the real blessing of it all because of all the new friends you make along the way!

This clutch, along with her others, would be a great accessory for any wardrobe. It makes my hands tingle just to just touch it.



These beautiful coasters are made of 100% wool as are many of Judy's items. They were crocheted and then felted, making for very good durability. I'm sure that your guests will be handling these for the pure textural experience as well as using them for drinks!

And when you couldn't stand to wait for the full indulgence any longer, wrap one of her scarfs around you neck and enjoy! These are made from multiple yarns and are 76" long so you will be plenty warm and cozy on those cold, blustery days.

Judy's words are: "Nothing happens unless first we dream," says Carl Sandburg. I would add that dreams are also realized when we ask "What if...?" and "Why not?" Those two questions form the basis of my handmade, one-of-a-kind creations. I love playing with color, texture and pattern--and the journey is just as important to me as the final product.

So Thank You Judy for letting me join you on your journey. I look forward to many more "miles"!

Have a great, blessed day everyone.

Etsy Boomers Blog Ring

Great Day to All!
I have a new page element at the bottom of this page that I'd like to invite you to take a look at. It's for a new blog ring that has been created. If you would like to see some very creative work by some awesome people - browse around. This is a very upbeat, kind, sharing group of ladies who have shops along with me on etsy. We are also members of a street team called Boomers and Beyond or bbest. Yes, that's right, we are all of the "boomer" age, 40 and up. Our craft varies from jewelry, artprints, soaps, quilts, felting, sewing of many things, candles, and more. A very important aspect of these items is that all things are handmade, created with time, talent, and love. You won't find any production line items here! And you definitely won't see yourself coming around the corner either. Very unique. So if this sounds like things you like...ENJOY!

Let it Snow!

Some think I'm crazy - but I love it! As a girl who grew up in Michigan I can remember HUGE snowfalls. Now in Kentucky we're lucky to get 2-4 inches. Let me correct that - "we" don't feel lucky, "I" feel lucky. Everyone else thinks I'm crazy. You should have seen my #1 grandson's face today as he played in the snow. Smiling & red cheeked, just like you would picture a 12 yr old's face. I loved it! #2 grandson didn't get to stay out long because #1 tried to bury him with snow and call him a mummy. They were supposed to go back to school today but around here they close school when it flurries. That isn't very much of an exaggeration either. Tomorrow is called off too.

But I did try to get some work done today - even with them home. I'm working on Valentine's day items. I have a couple of note cards and a necklaces in the works. I'll post them soon. In the mean time, if you would like to check out a great etsy site look at this! www.dontworrybehippie.etsy.com She has fantastic jewelry. I especially like the "Turning over a new leaf" necklace. Check it out!