Sunday, October 31, 2010

Eat Dessert First

Eat Dessert First, collage/acrylic, 12 x 12
Elizabeth W. Seaver

Seemed an appropriate painting to show on perhaps the sweetest day of the year!  Happy Halloween, everyone!

Friday, October 29, 2010

Balloons Make Me Happy

Balloons Make Me Happy, collage/acrylic, 12 x 12
Elizabeth W. Seaver
Sold

My baby brother is 50 today.  Congratulations, John!

Well, dear friends, I have missed you.  I've been away visiting family, but I have squeezed in some painting time.  This is one of the pieces I've finished.
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Have you noticed that even when we get what we say we want, it doesn't make us happy?  Is it just that we need to decide to be happy, as in "don't worry; be happy, or fake it 'til you make it?"  No doubt we're looking at the wrong stuff to make us happy.  It definitely isn't the stuff that makes us happy.  Or other people.
It is a gift to be able to be unhappy constructively.  I mean, let's face it, we're not always going to be chirpy and bright.  That's just irritating.  So, how do we navigate through those darker times without unloading buckets of gloom on those around us?  Well, the bad news is, you have be a grown-up to be able to manage that.  And you must watch for happy moments...pounce on them...and throw a party.
So, let's hear it for trying to become grown up--without becoming old--and celebrating the joys of life as they happen.  Let's see what happens when we spend some time wallowing in that instead of the things we can't change.  
(If I sound preachy, forgive me.  I often talk to myself.....)

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Special Delivery

Special Delivery,  collage/acrylic, 4 x 4
Elizabeth W. Seaver

Soon, (but not too soon, his grandma would say) this painting will be on its way to Ohio where first time parents are awaiting the birth of their child.  "Grandma" is a great pal of mine in Fredericksburg, and she and Grandpa will take it to their daughter and son-in-law when the baby comes.  I sent it with best wishes to the mom and dad to celebrate their little "special delivery," due any time within the next three weeks. 

I wanted to make sure I spelled the parents' names right on the card, so I checked the spelling with my friend.  She asked me why I wasn't putting the BABY'S name on the card.  I had to stop and think about it for a minute.

And then I remembered.  I loved having my babies (well, not the pregnancy.......and, not the birth so much, but the baby itself--well, that was heaven!!)  But I did notice an amazing phenomenon at the moment of the birth of each of my sons.  In a flash, I went from being the sacred vessel of the hope and future of the family to "old what's her name."  And I wasn't looking any too swift, either, so they cropped in really close when they shot the pictures to ease out the hag and to make sure the new, cute one filled the frame.

So, I told Lynette that this was for the parents, because Riley was going to get lots of loot and oodles of attention.   

I can't wait to hold him so I hope they come for Christmas.  Before they get here, I'll practice saying Riley's parents' names, and remind myself to say hello to them, too!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Greeting the Morning

Greeting the Morning, collage/acrylic, 4 x 4
Elizabeth W. Seaver

You ever have one of those days where, no matter what great things have happened in the intervening hours between dawn and dark, there is something in there that drags you down?  You feel as if you have been to a dark place--you get bad news; argument #546 about that thing you and your mate argue about; the house is a wreck; the cat's puking and so is the washer; something moved in the back of your refrigerator, and you thought it was going to be tonight's dinner.  Whatever.

Sometimes, though I hate to rush the precious hours of my life, it is just nice to go to sleep and know that the morning is coming.  Waking up in a new day feels like a chance to make things right, to deal with the bumps in my particular road a little bit better this time.  What we call at my house "do overs."

And so this little birdie reminds me about fresh starts and new intentions.  There were great things about yesterday after all.  I feel grateful again for the people around me and for my life--puking cat and all.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Bird Song

Bird Song, 6 x 6 framed, collage
Elizabeth W. Seaver
Sold

I put this little guy on the wall in my studio yesterday, and it sold within a couple of hours.  It's so nice when a piece "flies" out the door like that.

It occurred to me that I had not ever posted about the opening of my public art piece, I Should Have Turned Left at Albuquerque. It was unveiled on July 2nd, and my parents and sister were able to be there.  I have some pictures of the actual event, but I need to scan them into the computer.  Here is the finished panel.

I Should Have Turned Left at Albuquerque, collage/acrylic
42 x 59 public art panel, Elizabeth W. Seaver

I'm recapping this event because just today I got commissioned to paint a 30 x 40 canvas as a Christmas present for someone who loves the one downtown.  Pretty cool!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Nosy Neighbors

Nosy Neighbors, acrylic/collage, 6 x 6
Elizabeth W. Seaver
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You'd think that these two would have a close relationship of a different kind, more in the "I'm-scared-you-might-eat-me/Are-you-poisonous?" vein.  But all of that worldly worry is pushed aside when there is good gossip to be shared.

"Did you hear that Missy Muskrat got so mad at Arabella Arachnid that she tore her best web and scared way all her dinner?" whispered Camilla in her softest caterpillar voice, not in the least interested in bringing the attention of the rampaging muskrat down on herself.

"No!" gasped Darsey, "What had Arabella done to her?"

"Well!  Missy found out that Arabella had been using one of the back tunnels of Missy's burrow to lay her eggs...."

...and so on in the timeless way of back fence chat.  

There is no end of delicious "dish" right under the sprouts and shoots in our own gardens, if we but take the time to look and listen.

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Should you be able, this moment in time between neighbors may be viewed up close at LibertyTown Arts Workshop in October.  The show is about the world in tiny view, no larger than 6 x 6 x 6.

Camilla Caterpillar and Darsey Dove would be so honored if you stopped by.

Speaking of being honored....I'm so pleased to welcome my new followers.  Thank you so much for joining this riotous ride and for your many comments which keep me fueled.


Saturday, September 25, 2010

Illustration Friday: Old Fashioned

 The Gift, Panel A of Two Panels, collage/acrylic
Elizabeth W. Seaver


I am re-running a fairly recent painting because it is my entry for this week's theme.  It may surprise you to know that there is a story associated with this lady.

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In days gone by (way by) a gentleman, smitten by the woman of his dreams, wished to shower her with presents.  In those days, a lady did not accept presents from just anyone, but, as it happened, and to his delight, she returned his affections. 

To mark the occasion of their betrothal, they strolled together to nearby gardens where local vendors hawked their wares.  There, he helped her select a new parasol to keep the sun off of her fancy bonnet.