Stacks-o-paintings!

I now have stacks of paintings in my basement. I used to store quite a few of them at my hubby's design studio, but now they are living with us. We are planning on building a proper storage unit for them, but until then, they are simply on some scrap pieces of lumber to protect them from any moisture. Anyone in need of a painting? I would love to clear some of them outta here! Nikki, do you see the one of you there? Want it?

Anyway, I am planning on painting in an extra bedroom, but because we also use it as an office, I don't have room for all of my supplies. So, I am planning on tackling a rather large project (for me) this fall of making one of our (icky) basement rooms into a craft room! I am actually really excited about it. I will have a place to do art, wrap gifts, package paintings and store all of my supplies! Stay tuned for photos.... I will hopefully be starting this weekend!

Back to Blogging :)

Pears
(we installed these at my mother-in-laws recently)
NFS

I'm back! A lot has happened since I last blogged and it all kinda threw me out of sorts, but I am ready to be a part of the blogging world again! First of all, we moved our businesses out of a retail spot and back into our home. I had been painting there so my whole studio was hauled back to our house and it still is sadly in a state of disarray. I have two easels in what we call "the studio" which is really a small bedroom but most of my supplies and paintings are currently in the basement in a storage area. aggghhh. We have moved all of Mike's landscape design supplies and whatnot back into our house as well and it currently resides in the attic. I need to get a move on organizing everything because I have orders for the holidays! I'm excited to be painting from home again, just as long as I can banish most of the clutter that has seeped into our little abode.

Secondly, I did have surgery last week so I spent a few days mostly in bed. No worries, I am in good health and ready to be creative once again. I owe a big thank you to all of our friends and family that brought us meals and cookies! We have such wonderful friends.

Last, but certainly not least, a good friend of mine had her baby, Micah Eleanor on October 24th. Liz is a faithful friend that even follows this little blog! She is always an encouragement to me, makes me smile and is just an amazing woman. Her daughter was born 11 weeks premature and weighed 1 lb 15 oz. She is a beautiful little girl with awesome parents and she is doing well and gaining weight. I love reading Liz's blog daily to see pictures of Micah and see how she is doing. Check it out and keep them in your prayers!

Holiday Commissions

Adam & Asher
16 x 20
oil on canvas

SOLD

I am currently accepting commissions for the holidays. Just a reminder to get them in quick, if you're interested! I like to know 6 - 8 weeks ahead of time and, with the holidays, 8 weeks is preferable. If you are interested in a portrait, I can do full color oil, black and white oil or charcoal. Pricing is determined by size, medium and the number of faces in the portrait, so please let me know what you have in mind and I can give you an estimate. If you are interested in a charcoal 4-6 weeks notice is plenty.

Portrait commissions usually increase every November/December for me. I love the holidays and the flurry of activity and it is fun to be a part of a gift that will be so special and last a lifetime. Check out some samples of previous commissions on my website.

ACEOs

Boxes Made of Shells
2.5 x 3.5
ACEO
Mixed Media

I have finally joined the club and posted some ACEOs at my etsy shop!

I know these are totally different than my paintings, but I am enjoying them for the moment and don't want to limit myself creatively. I figure if I enjoy something and I am still creating it can only help my painting. When I first started making these little collages (years ago) I wanted to keep them really simple. I still like the simplicity and the negative space (I'm a big fan of white) but I think in my next set I will be adding more paint and color. We will see what happens.

You may be wondering what inspired these little guys. I was into art journals at the time and I spent some time creating little collages in my journal every day. I have always loved collecting paper, little notes, card or ephemera and I love scrapbooks! I also love reading and writing. I actually started out as an english/journalism double major in college and I have so much respect for the art of putting words together. When I find a line in a book that I love, I almost can't get it out of my head until I do something with it. I like to use them for painting titles or just doodle them in a sketch or in my journal. With these collages I feel like I am able to combine my love of painting and writing and collecting. It feels a little more like a hobby, but I love it. So, take a look at my etsy store if you would like to see more!

New Collages on Etsy!

She Called to Him
4 x 6
Mixed Media on Paper

Available for purchase at my etsy shop!

I finally got a few of my new collages posted on etsy! They are a new project of mine that I am really excited about! I have more ready to post so stay tuned! I will have aceos (art trading cards), notecards and possibly some larger versions in the future. I am trying them on my current etsy shop for now... we will see how it goes. If they are successful, they may get their own shop.

Something New to Come

I am working on a new project that I am really excited about! You will soon find something new in my etsy shop! The image above is a sneak preview! It is so much fun and I hope you like it as much as I do!

September Landscape

September Landscape

5 x 7

oil on canvas

I know it's the first of October and I'm posting a painting with the title September, but it was September when it was painted! This spot is in Iowa, just outside of Glenwood where some of our friends live. It is a really pretty area with many paintable views.

If you would like to see my paintings in person, please stop by Olive Branch in Rockbrook Village on Saturday during the Apple Day Craft Show! We will be open 10 - 5. We would love to see you there!