artpippin

New Beginning

2012-02-03T13:32:00.000-08:00

Spring Blossom
Encaustic

Yesterday I was laid off at my job where I work in graphics for a publishing company. I was relieved about the news, because I was thinking about leaving in the fall to concentrate on other rewarding projects. Such as starting my own massage business, and my artwork. The nice thing about getting laid off, is I have no guilt, where as if I left on my job on my own terms I would have some small ounce of guilt.

So today, I feel free. Kinda like I dropped some suitcases, and am walking towards something great, beautiful and peaceful. I did the encuastic painting above last week, and feel in love with the image of the cheery blossom picture. Spring blossom to symbolize a new beginning.

Excited about all the endless possibilities, and living my life on my terms!!!

Ah 2012 Is Here

2012-01-09T14:43:00.000-08:00

Pink Label

Happy New Year everyone! Glad the holidays are over, and now I can think about what I would like to bring into my life for 2012. The year was off to a rough start with a very bad sinus infection/cold. No fun.

On the mend, and this Sunday I will be hosting my first vision board party, with a two of my new friends in St. Louis. I got the vision board party idea from Louise Gale. Thanks Louise! I haven't done a vision board in years, and feel it's just what I need to help ground and focus me. Needless to say just feel like I am free floating, which does not sit well with me.

Loving this painting that I did last month. I got the french label from Marisa of Creative Thursday, when I attended one of her workshops at Squam of fall '10. It was a great class on book making, and Marisa was kind enough to share some of her paper scraps. Think I want create more paintings with the french label theme.

Hope everyone is happy and healthy!

Matryoshka Christmas Card

2011-12-10T05:38:00.000-08:00

Matryoshka Christmas Card

Last year my mom brought back a set of the Matryoshka dolls from Russia, and of course I feel in love with them. I think she is a real beauty, and fits into the folk Christmas theme that I love so much. The card is for sale over in my etsy shop.

Dala

2011-11-22T14:32:00.000-08:00

Dala

Just getting in touch with my Swedish roots, and painted this little Dala horse. It's a Swedish icon, and has been around for many centuries. It was created by Swedish woodcutters in the province of Dalarna, and during the long winters, men would spend their evenings carving little toys for their children.

Getting ready for the holiday season, and will release my Holiday card this year next week. It's similar to the Dala horse folk-art-theme. Also, getting ready to be a vendor at the Skinker-DeBaliviere wintermarkt Saturday December 3rd 11-4. If you live in the area, stop by and check out the local artist of St. Louis.

Ocean Blue

2011-10-31T14:31:00.001-07:00

Under the Sea

This is one of my recent paintings. I call it Under the Sea, because I am missing the SD beaches. Some days the ocean would look green and then other days very blue. It was comforting knowing the ocean was just a couple miles west of me. But, now I have the great Mississippi river just a couple miles east of me...but it's not the same.

Experimenting with some new techniques that I learned from Mary Beth Shaw's new book. Check it out, it's pretty cool.

Plan to post some of my encuastic paintings that I have created from Judy Wise's hot wax workshop.

Wax On, Wax Off

2011-09-27T14:18:00.000-07:00

Cherry Blossoms Balboa Park 2011

Enrolled in Judy Wise's Hot Wax workshop. It's gonna be a hoot. This workshop is what I need to keep me on my creative path. Can't wait to work with hot wax, and my studio has the right kind of ventilation to work with the medium.

Been a while since I posted anything at all. Working on some cool art projects, and will share when they are finished. Settling in out new surrounding in Saint Louis. Really like this city, and feel it is the jem of the mid-west.

Ta Da

2011-08-23T14:21:00.001-07:00

Here are photos of my seven year project. Finally got around to posting photos of the dang thing. It took seven years to complete, because I would go six month without working on it. This is my third needlepoint project, and thinking I may do another bag. They are super fun, but very time consuming.

Bag with Strap

Inside Bag and yes hand stitched the lining.

Now it sits in my closet dying to go out with me.

Snippet of the Wedding

2011-07-14T15:47:00.001-07:00

My wedding day was fantastic. Everything went well, and truly was one of my more happier days. Just got back from my honeymoon, and was unplugged for almost three weeks. A nice break.

Check out the flower tissues in the background. My mom and her crafty friends made them for us. They were super cheap and easy to make.

We are packing up are home and moving to St. Louis the end of the month. Thus, all art supplies are packed up and in storage. Sniff sniff. Not like I have that much time these days to paint. Just the thought of my tools packed up and lonely....

So Charlie and I are starting the next chapters of our lives. More wedding photos to follow.

Oh yeah, the seven year project photos will be loaded before the end of the summer.

2011-06-16T08:43:00.000-07:00

Imperfect

Almost a week from now will be my wedding day, and god willing I make it through this week of work. It's really been the worst week ever at my current job. Difficult to keep things in perspective, and realize that work is not my life. I often think work is over rated...well that is if you have a job that is not your passion. In any case, I feel the title of my painting above suits that way I feel work. Imperfect....why should I care?

On to more important news.....

we are moving to St. Louis the end of July. Charlie got a professor job at Washington University in St. Louis teaching ethics. It's an awesome job, and we are excited about that change, and to finally live in a city that we can afford a house with a yard and storage! I love California, but housing ain't cheap, and you don't get very much for your money.

While we were in STL last month we met up with very talented Mary Beth Shaw and her husband John. Mary Beth was my cabin mate last year at Squam, and I enjoyed sitting by the fire drinking wine, and talking late in the night with her and Judy Wise. I was so blessed to have such wonderfully cool cabin mates! Mary Beth and John have been very kind to offer a place to stay while we get settle in STL in August.

Gotta run to pack for my wedding...next time I write I will be all grown up and married!!

A Month Away...

2011-05-25T13:57:00.001-07:00

"Late Summer"

until I get married. Hard to believe the big day is around the corner. I will have some big news to break next week.

Really enjoying this woman's blog entry. It's really speaking to me and what's going on with my life, and some big changes ahead.

Spring Time

2011-05-01T18:49:00.000-07:00

This is a card I created this past week for my friends who got married recently. It was quick and fun. I am out of canvas so I re-used some watercolor paper. Trying not to buy any art supplies until after my wedding, because I know I won't be able to paint until it's over.

Really felt like summer here today, and even got a little sunburn. I promise to post photos of my 7 year project before the wedding which is less than two months away!

Time Standing Still

2011-04-14T11:23:00.001-07:00

Me at Anza Berrgo

I wish time was standing still these days. Many changes will take place in the next 3-4 months for me and my boyfriend. I can't tell yet, but a big change is coming up in August. All very exciting stuff, but time is passing quickly and we have much to do until August. In the midst of the final months to our wedding, we have a lot going on and we are trying to stay focused and not get into arguments.

My creative juices are stirring again, and have many paintings I want to get done. No time to create, so when the creative energy pops up I do a quick sketch. Got a lot of sketches these days, and my hope is to create later when all is a bit calmer this fall. I don't think I can wait until fall to get these projects started, so in the mean time, knitting seems to help feed the creative hunger, as well as baking cookies.

Oh yes, I did finish my 7 year project, and will post photos after I return from our trip to San Francisco.

Spring Time

2011-03-30T16:35:00.000-07:00

Been lacking big time with all creative projects. My energy is focused upon you guessed it, the wedding. Charlie and I had every intention to keep it simple, but somehow it's taking up more time then I expected. It's all very good stuff, and I am not complaining at all. I had a nice rhythm of painting, and spending time in my studio before the wedding took over.

My creative goals don't even exist right now. Little discourage with the way some of my dreams have turned out or not turned out. Sometimes I don't think the universe wants me to excel as an artist. So maybe that's why I have not picked up a paintbrush in a while.

My seven year project has been delayed a bit, and will have it finished by the end of this week?

Purple Bloom

2011-03-01T14:30:00.000-08:00

Purple Bloom

This past month I participated Louise Gale's Creative Color Challenge, and the painting above is what I created for my partner. The creative color challenge task this time around was to create a piece with a flora them using complementary colors only. You could use whatever medium you liked, so it was pretty wide open. I struggled with this piece, and had to start over several times. Once I was able to let go and not be so much in control - I was able to create a piece that I was satisfied with.

On the wedding front - I picked out a dress and simply love it. I purchased it used from recycle bride, but the bride-to-be never wore it! Lucky me! I would post a photo of the dress, but Charlie does not want to see my dress until the big day. So everyone will have to wait until the end of June.

Still working on my seven year project, and hope to have it done by the end of this month. It's gonna great!

2011-02-11T12:46:00.001-08:00

I have been lacking big time on painting projects the past month. My creative mojo is just not flowing. I think it's because there are big changes taking place in our home. All very good changes, but none the less very draining on my energy. The only creative project I am working on is a seven year project, and I can happily say I am in the final stages and can't wait to share it you. It's gonna be great!

I realized my wedding is five months away and I still have not bought my dress. I can't decide, because there are too many options. However, Valentine's day Anthropologie will launch BHLDN which is their own wedding line . BHLDN pronounced “Beholden,” and is inspired by the Dutch word for “to keep.” I can't wait, and hoping I find a dress from there.

Happy Friday to all, and I send warm 70 degrees weather from San Diego to all of you suffering from bitter cold winter weather.

Make Good

2011-01-21T14:33:00.001-08:00

I did it!! I got 8 of my paintings into one of my favorite stores in San Diego called Make Good, which sells handmade art jewelry, clothing and other recycled goodies. I can't believe how confident I was when I was presenting my work to the owner of the store Sophia Hall. The paintings she did not select did not hurt my feelings. This was a huge step for me on so many different levels. After all I am a very sensitive person, and am hesitant to share my art with others. It's been a slow process to let go of any attachment I have to my work.

If you are in the San Diego area stop by the store and check it out. There is a lot of eye candy! Thanks to Sophia Hall for support local artist in the San Diego area!

January Goals

2011-01-04T12:06:00.002-08:00

Rose Buds

December Goals

Finish large painting for my art show at Ray at Night Art Walk Dec 11th Yup did it!
Make enough money at the Art Walk to pay for my entry and then some - Yup did it!
Try not to get sick again until next December (Caught the flu in November) - Did get sick for the third time this winter. Anyone else suffering the never ending cold?

January Goals

Create new banner for blog and Etsy shop.
Approach two stores in San Deigo to see if they will sell my art. (Gulp)
Not get sick for a month!

As per usual keeping my list simple. There has been some stress on the home front, so best not to add to it. Plus I don't to push myself too much and get sick again!

Good health to all!

Christmas Cards

2010-12-16T09:48:00.000-08:00

Peace Birds

Christmas Hearts

Christmas Hug

I was a little slow posting my Christmas cards to my etsy shop, but at last I did it! Three holiday designs are for sale, and I really love each design, especially the little girl hugging the snowman. I was preoccupied with my art fair last weekend, that I completely forgot about listing my cards. Any-hoo, the cards are for sale set of 10 for $15. They make great stocking stuffers.

As for my art fair last weekend, it went okay. I was a bit discouraged on my sales, but many people did not sell anything. There was a lot of foot traffic, but not a lot of people buying. At least I did make some sales, and met new people. I have to figure out what to do with all my paintings, because I am running out of space. Maybe in the new year I will hit up some coffee shops.

Off to eat more cookies!

December Monthly Goals

2010-12-02T13:27:00.000-08:00

'Lolli Pops'

It's been a while since I posted my monthly goals. Can't believe the end of the year is in site. 2010 has been a fantastic year for me!

I am really in love with this painting above. I used a stencil and wood icing texturam, which I received from from Mary Beth Shaw (she was my cabin mate at Squam, and is a fantastic artist!). You can purchase her stencils at here.

Goals for December:

Finish large painting for my art show at Ray at Night Art Walk Dec 11th
Make enough money at the Art Walk to pay for my entry and then some
Try not to get sick again until next December (Caught the flu in November)

Goals for September two items crossed off my list.

Participate in my first art fair. (huge success)
Attend Squam Art Retreat and not get sick before I leave. (fantastic time!)

Happy Creating!

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T14:41:00.001-08:00

Pie I made last tday.

Heading out to Joshua Tree for the holiday weekend, and plan to do some rock climbing and eat some pie. Oh, how I love this holiday! Something about the crisp cold desert air and playing hard all day puts a lot of perspective on my life.

Got some cool paitnings to share when I return. Been busy painting for my next show.

Be well everyone!

Another Art Show

2010-11-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

Newspaper Dress

It's been a while since my last post, but busy here in our house fighting colds and recovering to health. Sleep has not been easy, as the heat from last week kept me awake at night. It was over 100 degrees last week, which was so unusual for San Diego!

On the art front - I was accepted to the Ray at Night Art Walk for December, and this is a huge deal for me, because it's a juried art show. Which means to me that someone liked my work! It's a monthly event in San Diego, and is very well attended. So it's time for me to start painting more, and must must must paint at least one large piece. I have one large piece half completed by not so happy with it.

Will have Christmas cards available to buy in my Etsy shop the end of the month! Finished my xmas design this weekend and will share later. Off to take a nap. Hope there are naps in your future!

Hard Work and Dreams

2010-10-21T16:43:00.000-07:00

My fiancee defends his thesis tomorrow, and by Friday night he will be a Doctorate in Philosophy!!

It only took him 7 years to achieve this huge goal. I admire Charlie's drive and focus to stay with something so long. He left a secure job on wall street to do something meaningful with his life. Wall street was not that interesting, and the hours we very long. He told me stories of sleeping underneath his desk! I could not imagine. Charlie left NY to work in a fly fishing shop and to get his brain back. He also traveled alot, and it was during his travels he decided to become a professor.

So tomorrow Charlie will have a dream come true. I realize that some dreams just don't happen, you have to work at them. This is a hard lesson for me. Isn't it a enough I know what I want to do?

Peace Birds

2010-10-15T09:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday everyone!

I am excited about several things today. First, this weekend I am participating in my second art fair sponsored by craftmafia. If you are in the area stop by a take a break from Sunday football and support your local artists. I Feel ready and excited about this art fair.

The second event is tomorrow I shop for my wedding dress. A little nervous, because I am not a brides bride. Luckily My girlfriend will be there to help me stay calm. I pretty much know what dress I will buy.

Lastly, I received Christine Mason Miller's book ORDINARY SPARKLING MOMENTS: Reflections on Success and Contentment yesterday in the mail, and wow what a beautiful book. I plan to start reading it this weekend. If you have not picked up a copy of Christine's book, I highly recommend it.

October is here...

2010-10-07T16:37:00.000-07:00

doodles from my sketch book

and it's hard to believe September is long gone. Still reflecting on my wonderful art retreat at Squam. Making the transition to the so called 'real world' has been a struggle! Luckily I took a class from Jen Lee at Squam, and she had a great blog entry titled What You Need to Know When You Come Home from the Lake. I highly recommend those who attended Squam to read this blog entry.

On the art front, I was accepted to another craft show on October 17th in North Park. So I guess it's time for me to start creating and organizing for another show. So if you are in the area stop by and support the handmade movement!

Projects From Squam

2010-09-29T12:19:00.001-07:00

Here are two paintings I made in Sarah Ahearn's workshop at Squam. I enjoyed Sarah's class very much, and was surprised I was able to complete two paintings during the class. The top painting is me (belly sticking out) and sister (tow head) when we were little. I love this photo and learned how to make a photo transfer in the class. Super cool technique Sarah taught us. Second painting was a game Sarah had us played, and please with how the painting turned out in the short amount of time we were allotted.

Can't express how much I enjoyed squam, and how much I miss everything about it even the drafty cabins. Will post what I made in Christine Mason Miller's and Marisa Haedike's class Make a Book in A Day later.

The Magic of Squam

2010-09-22T16:48:00.001-07:00

Back from my first art retreat at Squam, and still sorting out what I learned. It was an amazing retreat, and met so many interesting, caring, funny, and creative people. I really can not find the words to express my experience at Squam. It's just such a magical place with filled with magical experiences. Thank you to all of those people who were a part of it.

First Art Show Success!

2010-09-13T16:56:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who stopped by my booth yesterday at my first art fair. It was a huge success! The day went by fast, and there was never a dull moment. I loved talking to the patrons, and other artist during the day. It really fueled my creative energy, and made all the hard work worth it. I could not made it through the day without the help of my fiancee Charlie! Wow! He is a keeper, and I am so lucky to be marrying him.

Off to Squam tomorrow for my first art retreat. I can't wait!
Pippin

September Monthly Goals

2010-09-02T16:57:00.001-07:00

My main goal last month was to get ready for my first art (www.uharts.org) show on September 12th, and I can happily report I have completed most of the major tasks. It's been very fulfilling creating/organizing pieces for my show, and it amazes me how much energy I have had to focus on it. It's been a huge amount of work, but enjoyed every minute of it. I have no expectations of what will happen, but I plan to to have fun and support the other artists in show. Above all this has been a huge boost to my confidence!

The second goal is to pack for Squam Art Retreat and not get sick before I leave. I leave two days after my show. I have been pushing myself a bit too much these days, and luckily my beau reminds me to take care of myself.

I look forward to reporting to the group how the show goes.
Thanks to everyone who has supported me in this huge, huge, huge endeavor.
Pippin

Under the Sea

2010-08-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

This is my creative piece for Found Art Friday and for The Creative Color Challenge, and the theme this month is "To the Sea". I got the idea of painting a mermaid when I found a map I of San Diego (which is where I live), and incorporating the Sea Green color (which is the color for creative color challenge). I painted the mermaid with big long hair, because I always wanted long beautiful hair.

Did not think I would be able to finish this piece in time, due getting ready for my first art show Sept. 12th. I realize having a deadline like this show, has been a real kick to my creative juices, which is what I really needed!! I actually am painting before and after work!! Bonus plus is that I am happy with all my paintings, and decided that even if I don't sell a piece, totally happy that I created all these paintings for myself. I can't wait for the show, and already looking forward to doing another one.

Thanks again to the talented artist Cathy Nichols for organizing Found Art Friday, and the energetic Louise Gale for organizing the Creative Color Challenge. I really had fun this month with the themes.

Garden Project - Transformed Water Fountain

2010-08-09T06:54:00.001-07:00

I was going to toss this fountation, but after looking at the pots, I realized I could use them as planters. I drilled holes in each bottom of the pots in order for the water drained.

Drilling the holes were a bit tricky, because the pot may have shattered. I guess I had good luck with that not happening.

I filled the pots with dirt, and planted clippings from my succulents , and not I have a nice set of garden pots.

Monthly Goals - Lost and Found

2010-07-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

Monthly Goals for August:

Get ready for my first art show September 12th. I will have my own booth at the University Height Arts Open September 12th I just signed up yesterday, and there is much to do! In some ways think who do I think I am thinking I can pull this off in 6 weeks? But really I should think what do I have to lose? NADA! If anyone has any tips they would like to share, please do. I need all the help I can get.

June Goals - All finished!

Set up my Etsy shop
Finish One painting
60 cards of my design professionally printed, and list them on Etsy

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This is my creative piece for Found Art Friday, and the theme this month is "Found". I recently got engaged, so this piece represents my future husband (Charlie), and the right corner says 'at last'. Which sums up how we both feel, we found each other at last. Only 10 more months before we tie the knot!

Thanks again to the talented artist Cathy Nichols for organizing Found Art Friday.

Summer Time

2010-07-22T16:46:00.000-07:00

Old Kayaks in Salida, Colorado

Columbine Flower

These photos were taken on my most recent trip home to Colorado. We finally picked a wedding date and a site. The wedding will take place by a river in Colorado next summer. Still can't believe I am getting married.

In the mean time I have been trying to keep up with my creative goals. Finally Got my Etsy shop up, after months of putting it off. It was super easy to set up, and realized I freaked myself out by thinking it was going to be super hard. I think the hard part will be selling work.
I just wish there was 36 hours to a day!

We won!

2010-07-08T11:16:00.001-07:00

I was named the winner from Young House Love giveaway for wedding invitations from Two Paperdolls and Louella Press. We are thrilled we won. Swing by and check out Two Paperdolls and Louella Press sites. Their work is beautiful. I love all their designs, and not sure which one we will pick. We first need to select a date and venue! Some things we are a little slow at.

Thanks again to Sherry and John Petersik of Young House Love for selecting us.

No Beach Time Here

2010-07-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

Back from vacation, which is why I have not update my blog in a long time. I did not have access to a computer. My mom has dial up at her house in the mountains, but why bother when the connection so slow? So I decided to give myself a break from my computer, and all the responsibility that goes along with it.

Working on some cool projects over in my neck of the woods, so will have more to share soon.

For the time being, it's very cool here in San Diego - like high around 65. It's still June gloom! I dream of warmer days where I can take a dip in the ocean.

June Gloom

2010-06-15T12:51:00.001-07:00

If you live in California June is the worst month for weather. It's called June Gloom, because it's cloudy, cool and windy all day. I feel sorry for tourist who come here in June expecting it to be sunny and warm, and are surprised they need more clothes. Ha! Mark Twain once said "The coldest winter I ever experience, was a summer in San Francisco." Well put. So if you are coming to California to get warm, the best months are July to October are the best months.

Not painting much these days, but creative in other mediums. Busy knitting, sewing, and gardening. I need to hop to it with my monthly goals. This weekend will catch up.

Monthly Goals - Laundry is Ordinary

2010-05-26T15:02:00.000-07:00

Here are my goals for June, and once again keeping it simple. I barley completed one goal for April. Where did April and May go? Wedding plans seem to consume most of my time and it's a year away!

June Goals

Set up my Etsy shop
Finish One painting
60 cards of my design professionally printed, and list them on Etsy

April Goals

Set up my Etsy shop
Finish three paintings - completed two out three
60 cards of my design professionally printed, and list them on Etsy

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It's been a while since my last post, due to some computer technical difficulties. I am back with a new painting, and this one is for Found Art Friday hosted by Cathy Nichols. The theme this time around was 'Ordinary', and to me laundry is ordinary...and not to mention endless. Just when it's all done, a new pile appears! I am one of those strange people who finds solace in house chores, especially when things in my life are not going well. Maybe it's because I am in control, and everything gets put in it's place.

Enjoy the holiday weekend!

Golden

2010-04-29T16:57:00.000-07:00

She stands in the golden light of spring.

This is my creative piece for Found Art Friday hosted by Cathy Nichols. The theme this time around was ' Golden'. I had a fun time creating this piece.

Thanks Cathy for being the spearhead of this group. Happy Weekend everyone!

Nature in Bloom

2010-04-26T16:12:00.001-07:00

Much to my surprise, these beautiful orchids bloomed in my garden this spring. I can't believe I have the capacity to grow such a beautiful flower. I guess I sell myself short, and don't give myself enough credit. Which is why I have yet to set up my Esty store. I am afraid that I will fail, and I will be back where I started. But I will never know until I try. Fear (I keep telling myself) is all made up in my head. It's a slow process for me to face my fears. Kinda like growing this orchid. It took a lot of time to get these flowers to bloom in all their beauty.

Got a new painting to share with everyone on Friday. Check back then.

One last item, just signed up for Kelly Rae Robert's first e-course Flying Lessons: Tips + Tricks To Help Your Creative Business Soar. I am super excited to take her class. She is such an inspiration to me, and love, love to get lost in her blog.

Feeling Blue

2010-04-16T10:49:00.000-07:00

This painting fits my mood today. A bit blue for situations that I can not control. I wish I was not so emotional, because it would make my personal relationships easier! Trying to be kind to myself today, and not beat myself up for things I did and said.

One a happy note I accomplished one of my goals this month, by finishing two paintings. Two down two to go.

Monthly Goals

2010-04-06T20:40:00.000-07:00

Here are a list of my monthly goals. Since this is my first time doing this, I am gonna keep it
simple.

Set up my Etsy shop
Finish three paintings
60 cards of my design professionally printed, and list them on Etsy

On a side note, got engaged this weekend! Which explains why I did not post my goals earlier this week.

Looking forward to making some huge leaps this month. So far April has been a very fulfilling month.

First Day of Spring

2010-03-20T13:53:00.001-07:00

It is the first day of spring, and the weather in San Diego is very spring-like. Luckily we had lots of rain, which has made everything green as the pacific northwest.

My 13 year-old niece is visiting me for 5 days, and I have lots of fun things planned. She will like the warm weather since she is coming from Colorado. A bit nervous about entertaining a teenage, and hope she won't be bored. We don't own a TV. Hopefully she likes playing board games late in the night.

Audrey...

2010-02-27T07:41:00.000-08:00

My good friend mailed me a letter from Canada, and this Audrey Hepburn stamp was used for postage. I do think Audrey Hepburn was a beautiful woman. When I saw this stamp, I knew I had to use it in a art collage.

Goal this weekend (like every weekend) is to paint. Itching to finish one this weekend.

I would like to sign Mondo Bondo class, but money is a bit short right now. If anyone has thoughts on this please comment.

Here is the painting I submitted for Cathy Nichols Art Found Friday group. It's an old one, but a good one. This was painted during my watercolor phase. Off to enjoy my weekend!

Nothing New

2010-02-22T18:32:00.000-08:00

Struggling these days with organizing and achieving some of my goals. It seems my day job sucks all of my energy, and have nothing left when I come home. It's very frustrating, because I am working for the man and not myself.

On a happy note, I am attending the Squam Art Workshop in September. I can hardly wait to meet fellow artists who I can share my dreams and struggles with. I have a small amount of fear that I won't fit in, or all my projects will look like crap. But these fears are not real. Just thoughts made up in my head. Working on some cool paintings, and need to post them. I have a bit of creative block, which I am certain I can work out.

We are heading out again this weekend for rock climbing in the desert. It's so refreshing to be in nature. Revives my soul.

Big Love

2010-01-28T13:25:00.000-08:00

This is my creative piece for Found Art Friday by the talented artist Cathy Nichols. She picks a theme every month and people create pieces based on that theme. I think it's a brilliant idea and it's free to join! This month the theme is Big Love. Thanks Cathy for organizing this!

Loading up on Vitman C

2010-01-21T12:45:00.000-08:00

Feeling a bit under the weather today, which means I need to load up on my vitamin c. Fighting off a cold, and hope to be healthy for my 40th bday party on saturday. It's storm in San Diego, which is good weather to stay in bed and read.

Look Who is 40!

2010-01-07T08:59:00.000-08:00

That's right - today I officially turn 40! Where did the 30's go? I welcome the 40's and look forward to a new decade! Today the sun is shiny and it's a balmy 70 degrees in San Diego. I plan to have lunch with my co-workers, meet Charlie for the movie 'Single Man' (love Colin Firth), and eat mussel with a yummy bottle of wine afterward. Can't wait. Taking tomorrow off to pamper myself, which will include a long nap. Life is good!

Let There be Peace...

2009-12-24T20:04:00.000-08:00

and let it begin with me. Warm wishes to all this holiday season!

Party Dress for the Season

2009-12-18T15:29:00.000-08:00

It's the holiday season, which means lots of parties. I am a bit partied out, and it's not even xmas. Luckily no parties this weekend, so I can relax and paint before I head back to Colorado to visit my family. No cookie baking which means no stuffing my face with butter and sugar. I feel I need to eat salad for every meal the rest of the weekend. Making my list of goals for next year, but don't feel ready to share it on my blog. Once the list is posted, I feel I must accomplish each goal. It's the Capricorn in me.

Frosty

2009-12-08T16:42:00.000-08:00

I painted these little guys about ten years ago and sold them as cards. They were a big hit. I adore snowmen and sad I live in a place (San Diego) and can't make them. I remember in college my friends built a snowman on top of my car, and it was so cold it stayed there for a week! I got a lot of double takes when driving around town! Finished a couple more xmas paintings and will post them soon.

Pretty in Pink

2009-11-30T16:43:00.001-08:00

I love dresses. In the summer I live in dresses, and the winter makes me miss my collection that collects dust in the closet. I have painted a whole series of dresses, and hope to paint one for the Holiday season. So far all the red dresses I have painted have not turned out well. However I still enjoy the process.

2009-11-22T20:18:00.000-08:00

Had a great weekend. Very productive. Painted all day and baked apple pies for Thanksgiving. I finished one painting
and started another one. I call that a wonderful Sunday.
These flowers were painted a while back. I used part of the design for my banner. I need to start posting current projects. Promise after the holiday.

Set My Spirit Free

2009-11-16T18:53:00.000-08:00

This past weekend my boyfriend and I went rock climbing in Joshua Tree, and I found the camping and crisp clean air do my soul good. I find everything about the desert beautiful. I feel it cleanses my body, mind and spirit. In nature I feel free and happy. I think it's my natural way of being. Amazing how work and the every day grind can take it's toll. There was little down time, so I was unable to do any sketching. Plus my hands fingers were tender from climbing! I am ready for the week and hopefully I can finish up a painting or two!

Bubble Fish in the Fish Bowl

2009-11-06T11:14:00.000-08:00

I just finished up Marisa Haedike's (owner/artist of Creative Thursday) e-course In the Fishbowl. I am sad the six week course is over, because it really motivated me to set clear goals as being an artist and the path I want to take. Also learned a plethora of information as marketing myself as an artist on-line, and connected with other artists. The creative wheels are turning, and it's been a while, so there are a little rusty! I highly recommend any of Marsia's e-courses. Check out Marisa's blog. She has all sort of goodies to view! In honor of her class I painted the 'Bubble Fish'. Thanks again Marisa!
Happy Friday!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-27T12:09:00.001-07:00

Can't wait for my favorite day. I love making my own costumes and this year I plan on being a donut. My 9-5 job is really hard today, but was able to start my day early (5am) by painting. I believe painting/creating gives me purpose, and reminds me of what is important to me. I painted this card for my year-old niece. I think she will like it.

Yellow-Dotted Bikini

2009-10-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

I promise to post a Halloween piece next week. I still have more bikini's pieces to post. This past weekend I spent quality time painting. Started a piece and finished another. Very excited about both.

2009-10-12T18:56:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! Here is a painting I did this passed summer. I painted whole series of bikini's, and will post more throughout the week. Funny I don't wear bikini's, but I love to paint them! It's far from bikini weather now, but somewhere in the world it is!

2009-10-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

Here is this week's painting. I realize I should start posting more fall paintings, but I love the flowers of summer with their beautiful colors. Living in San Diego I get color year round, just not fall colors. I do miss my home state colorado in the fall.

2009-09-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite watercolors I did ten years ago. The painting was used for a poster for an art show I was in. I call it citrus dream!

2009-09-25T19:21:00.001-07:00

Yeah I did it! My first piece of artwork on my blog! It's a good day!

2009-09-25T19:19:00.002-07:00

2009-09-25T19:19:00.001-07:00

I am frustrated trying to figure this out!!!!