Before and After the Storm...

Outside the thunder is grumbling...warning us to stay inside because it's about to lose it's temper in an outpouring of tears.

I love thunderstorms. The grumbly clouds, frantic lightening, and gray sheets of water playing the xylophone on the roof.

Right now, we're between storms and I scooted outside to let the dogs get their feets wet and to take some photos of my newest painting (last photo). This painting was inspired by our newest pup edition, Mary. Read about her HERE.

While me and the dogs were out I found fungus growing on a fallen tree limb--victim from a previous storm, we have about 6 pecan trees in the back and lose a ton of branches in a storm---and a tree full of wet leaves and dark berries.

I'll be working in the shop today (the above painting is now available as a print--HERE, painting, listening to Pandora (R.L. Burnside Goin' Down South is on now!), and enjoying the thundering arrival of April showers!

The frogs have it figured out....

Sometimes you just have to sit in the sun.

And if someone tries to move you....you might have to pee on them to make them leave you alone.

Well, maybe not literally...but you gotta do what you gotta do...

Magpie Painting

I have a confession...I'm a magpie painter.....

Now this term is something that I made up but to me it means...someone who paints willy-nilly, collecting " shiny styles" as they flitter from one technique or style to the next ...and this is also very frustrating.

I'm frustrated in the sense that my work has no direction, I don't build on one style and try to develop it...and I think my lack of sales and progress with my art is directly related to this.

Basically, I love painting and trying new stuff...but none of it develops into a cohesive style that is all me....

So, I'm getting pro-active about it. I laid out ALL my painting going back to 2007 and looked at them...just looked...no judgment, just recognizing my output...

Then I started gathering pictures that didn't really establish what I want to relate...that is...paintings that may be good in their own way don't really represent what I'm trying to do or say...

It could be there subject matter doesn't thrill me...

I painted it in a "fit of passion"....and it isn't "me"

Or it's just not right...

I kept weeding through and sorting out pictures all the while constantly reminding myself that the pictures weren't "bad"....they just don't point in the direction I would like to head....

Eventually, I gathered a collection of paintings that I really liked...paintings that made me happy when painting them, or...again...represented what I'm trying to communicate...

And I have created a road map to direct me as I work on developing this...

Now, all of this may sound trivial and common sense...and maybe it is. But as someone who has never had much formal "ART" education, this is something I've never done or thought about doing...but I feel like it's essential to discovering who you are as an artist. Reflecting back on past work, looking objectively, and laying the road map out for yourself as to where you want to go....

But also as someone who has never had formal art training...this is a hard thing to do....I ask for advice and comments about my work...but because the people I ask know me and like me...they say I love it...It's all wonderful.....

There's no objective viewpoint. And I understand why they say these things, art is very personal and the whole "beauty in the eye of the holder" thing....and people don't want to discourage.

(And if you have ever offered an opinion...thank you!)

But I digress...It is essential to develop a style and get better at what you're doing....

Of course, there is and should always be room for experimenting or as I like to think of it...get it out of your system. So, that's what I plan to use my artist's books for...styles that I need to paint, but don't necessarily want to develop as a signature style.

But, as of today, I'm going to be focusing on developing a style based on my selection of paintings that get me inspired. And I'm going to let this development be reflected in my online shops so I'll be removing items and adding newer ones as I develop...and hopefully, my printer will be printing correctly soon and I'll have new paintings to show.

So, there it is...my declaration to actively develop a recognizable style that is true to me and communicates what I wish to say.

What are you're opinions or thoughts on developing a signature look?

This is one of those things I have a love/hate relationship with....so, what do you think?

Folk Art Bird

Here is my newest painting. I painted it on Monday...the day before I found out some news that floored and bewildered me. I'll probably discuss it more later....but as from now, I'm taking things easy, learning to trust myself, trust processes, and hold my heart and soul gently.....

Good News!

My Epson printer arrived yesterday and I'm going to be working over the next few days getting it set up and learning how to operate it....and offering prints very soon! I'm very excited!

Does anyone out there have any tips, advice?

It's a Epson Stylus Photo R1800.

My painting above looks kinda blurry but I think that it's because the white reflected the light and blurred. What do you guys think? I recently got a book on Norwegian rosemaling and I tried some the techniques from that book here...

Well, that's all folks! Enjoy your your St. Patrick's Day and the warming, breezy days!

Giveaway Time!

Here are the options! So, you know what to do...

1. Follow this blog if you don't already

2. Leave a comment....let's make it....something you like about my blog/art and what piece you would want (Limit to 1)

3. I'll keep the contest open until Monday, then I'll use a random generator to choose a name, let the winner know and send it off!

The artwork are prints. The most measure approximately 8 x 10 except the girl it measures approximately 5 1/2 x 7 1/2.

Good Luck! And feel free to share the info!

The Winner has been contacted. Thanks to all who commented! This giveaway is now closed!

100 Followers! Giveaway Time!

But first...Have a look at my newest creations: Storybook Pendants! These pendants are created using vintage books. They are cut from book covers, sanded, reinforced with a grommet and sealed. They are also painted if it's a blank. What do you guys think? I'll be listing them over at Etsy soon!

GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENT!

Since I now have 100 blog followers I'll be doing an art giveaway! My plan is to have several options to choose from...so, what would you like to see offered? Once I get your ideas I'll decide what to offer for the giveaway and post the options later this week! So, let me know what you'd like to see and check back later to participate! And feel free to share this info!

This will be my first giveaway and I want it to be a good one! So let folks know! If you've never participated in one, here's how I'll do it....

1. Show the options for the giveway....possibly prints, handmade book or Storybook pendant

2. Ask for comments!--This is how you participate, follow my blog, leave a comment and hope to be chosen!

3. Use a random number/name generator to pick a winner!

4. Let the winner know, get their mailing info and send them their prize!

Sounds like fun! I hope I get many people playing! Yippee!

Lotus Eater....

These days with the sun shining and the warm breeze with chilly nights, I find myself pulled to open all the windows and welcome spring. If I've been a bit absent lately it's because this pull is to hard to fight....

And so I've become a lotus-eater of sorts...simply letting things "be"....

It makes turning on the computer and seeing so much "stuff and things to do" abhorrent and unnatural....

So, I've stayed away...sometimes you need a little break from "connecting" all the time and just sit with your own skin...

It's not that I've been lazy...just contained in my own energies...preparing, as it were, for new things, thoughts, ideas to grow and be born...

Some of these things are bookbinding classes that I will be teaching in May...Check out my Facebook page for more details....!