Report from the Workshop

Wrens

top, Duck; L to R, Wren, Flamingo, Chicken Legs

Flamingo Flock

Cardinal ornament

I've tossed myself into a huge whirlwind of birdies and pears (see pictures.) It has been so fun. I've sent some of them (nearly 50) to my sister in Houston to hawk for me, and I've been trying to get an inventory for my own studio shop. I've made something like 170 little critters. Whew!

Yesterday after making birdies and greeting cards all week, I finally got to paint on canvas. I'll post that work tomorrow.

Howdy to my new followers. Thanks so much for joining my blog.

Y'all go see my friend Anna's blog, just brand spankin' new yesterday. She's a terrific potter and weaver who also has her studio at LibertyTown.

Quick Update

Here's what I've been working on all week. I've made a series of pins and ornaments out of paper collage that I created by collaging fun papers over 140 lb watercolor paper, cutting out in bird shapes, varnishing and "garnishing." I've had so much fun!! These are just a few of them--a couple of views.

This perspective makes some of them look huge, but they are no bigger than 3 x 3 or 2 x 3, if they are the long-legged variety. Today, I test drove one of the said long-legged variety, the one I call Chicken Legs and found problems with the legs coming off. This evening I fiddled with the recycled telephone wire legs and solved the problem beautifully!



Peace to you all and happy creating.

Waiting for the Streetcar

Yes, there is a line in it, but it is a real-io, trul-io fold-up map of The Big Easy. Should I have ironed it?? Perhaps so. I'm not that kind of artist! Anyway,this is the third in my New Orleans series, with yet another out-of-his-element bird in that famous partying town on the banks of the Mississippi River.

Here, to recap, are the other two paintings. They will all be in Small Work, Big Talent at LibertyTown which goes on the walls a week from Wednesday.

Looking for Bourbon St., 5 x 7, collage/acrylic on canvas

And below, Lost in The Big Easy, 6 x 6, collage/acrylic on deep cradle board

A "Lounge Lizard"

Not a great photo, but close enough for now. This is on a four x four gallery canvas and intended for display at our Small Works, Big Talent show in the main gallery at LibertyTown for December. The Emporium is getting a makeover for the holidays and there will be terrific, affordable art for sale all month.

Gotta get back to work. Peace, friends!

Ornaments, Plaques and Pins

Last year I collected slate removed for renovations on the roof at my historic church in downtown. Depending on the size and weight of the pieces, I made them into pins, tree decorations or plaques that could be hung on the wall or set on a small easel. It was a popular gift item in my studio/shop.

I still have some left, so I am back at it again this year. Almost all of them start with a print from one of my handmade blocks in white acrylic paint. Then I begin adding color. You may recognize the biggest one as the cheese tree and mice block print that I used for my new cards two posts ago. I'll add ribbon to the ornaments, pin backs to the pins and leather thongs to the plaques (or saw tooth hangers.) I usually have to borrow a drill with a masonry bit from a buddy, but I may have to invest in my own this year. I think I wore out my welcome last year!!

Howdy to my newest followers. Thanks so much for joining me on my artistic rambles.

WIP, No Longer

Detail, Huge Cupcake Painting, mixed media with acrylic

Detail, Huge Cupcake Painting, mixed media with acrylic

Complete Finished work

I wanted to show the detail photos because now you can see nearly the right color when I zoomed in on the huge cherry. When I step back, I get a light bloom on it. Sigh.

All that's left is to sign it------and give it a better title--any ideas?

I've been working on getting holiday items planned out and assembled in my little workshop in anticipation of the hordes (it is to be hoped) of holiday shoppers out looking for that special hand crafted item. I'll be doing most of my shopping right out the front door of my studio at LibertyTown in the gift emporium--so convenient. And, I'll be giving things that are like no other items my friends and family will receive made by people I also consider to be my friends and family. Can't get better than that!

Speaking of good things....the anniversary of my first blog post just passed on November 4. What a cool adventure this has been, and what interesting, creative, inspirational folks I have met through this medium. Thanks so much to all of you who post and comment through blogging. You have enriched my life immeasurably.

Back to Work

I've been battling the sinus infection from hell, but I believe I'm finally on the mend and back at work.

I've been especially working on some new holiday cards and have a couple of versions to show today. I also plan to finish the big cupcake painting from some posts ago before our opening this First Friday at LibertyTown. If you are in the Fredericksburg area this Friday, we've got a party goin' on from 5-9.

On a more serious note, love and good wishes go out to Dan Finnegan, boss and mentor and friend, as he goes in for surgery this Friday.