Long Live the Wicked Witch

It has been awhile since I last posted and I am sure you miss me terribly. A lot has happened over the last couple of weeks.

Let's start with the Bayside Arts Festival. It was a beautiful day and the area was lovely. I made a nice contact who gave me lots of helpful hints and I got to see my friend and meet her other half. I had not met him before so when I saw them together my first thought was "they fit together". They were my blessing that day since when you work a festival stand on your own it is kind of hard to take a break if you know what I mean. Altogether it was a good experience and I hope to do it next year.

I started my new job at the end of last week and have hit the ground running. Lots to do in not a lot of time but it is all good. I am amazed by the group I work with, the spirit of teamwork is refreshing.

My favorite little artist is still struggling with school. It feels like for every step forward we go two steps back. But we will get there. She is having a great time at soccer and karate which I hope will help her in school.

So being green one lunch at a time is going well. I am thinking of of maybe creating a Facebook fan page about it. However, there are so many days I feel like a green wannabe that it seems like it would hypocritical. Maybe one day.

Well, I am off to decorate the house for Halloween with my favorite little artist. Enjoy the wicked witch hats (hand painted notecards). Happy creating!

Tomorrow is Monday...

For someone with no job, I shouldn't dread Mondays but for some reason I do. Perhaps it is something that is just so ingrained in my psyche that I have yet to overcome it. This Monday showcases a meeting with my favorite little artist's teacher. We are only 12 days into the school year and already there is a problem... So needless to say, I am not feeling very confident in my parenting skills and to make matters worse we had a horrible Saturday but on the bright side we did have a good today. Maybe, I am not such a bad parent only time will tell. And there is always therapy if I really screw things up LOL! But my wonderful trusted friend gave me a pep talk (really a pep IM) so I think we will be ok.

But back to Mondays and the dread, could it be that Mondays signify the end of relaxation and just being? People are rushing off to work and children are trudging to school and the inevitable question is...Is it worth it? Why do we run ourselves into the ground? Do we really need a 5 bedroom house when we only have 1 child? Do we really need a flat screen TV in every room? Should a child be pushed to reach higher and higher academic levels all before the age of 6? These are just some of the many questions that run through my brain as I examine my own life and my dread of Mondays.

Here are a few more....Is not working so bad? Can we survive as a one-income family? Will not having granite countertops in my kitchen kill me? No it won't but having the expenses of a two-income family means one-income won't cut it, at least not right now. So, this Monday will also see a continuation of my job search but if I am lucky maybe I won't have to search too much longer and the joy of making art. I am hoping to create another piece for my "Green" series. That should chase the Monday blues away...

Till tomorrow my friends and happy creating!

Hello Again...

Hello
Again hello

Just called to say: hello.
I couldn't sleep at all tonight
And I know it's late
But I couldn't wait.
Hello
My friend
Hello

Neil Diamond

I can't say that I can't sleep since I will be out cold very soon, however, in surfing through the web and my book marked pages I realized it has been a few days since I posted. So then I thought...perhaps someone misses my musings so I should post something. And well, since this song popped in my head I thought I would have that as the beginnings of this post. :-)

Aside from my ego-enhancing thoughts that someone might thrive on my posts, life is good. Tomorrow night I head over to the Greenpoint Gallery for their Salon Show. I have entered 3 pieces and maybe I'll get lucky and place...it is a long shot but a girl can dream can't she?

Sleep well all and happy creating...your mostly humble friend :-)

Hounds on the Sound

I survived the Patriot's Day Flea Market on 9/11. Basically, it was a break even day but I learned a good lesson...flea markets and hand painted original artwork don't really go together. So with that behind me, I am prepping for Hounds on the Sound which maybe a better match. I will be posting an invite on my Facebook (FB) page in the next day or two.

The newest line up of hand painted cards are called "Woof" courtesy of my favorite little artist. As you can see they are bones since the event is to help dogs. I also have another design that is a play on the bone shape and then it is an attempt at paw prints. So much to do and not a whole lot of time.

Tomorrow, I head to Brooklyn to drop off 2, maybe 4, pieces at the Greenpoint Gallery for their salon show on Friday night. Don't worry, I'll post the invite on FB for this as well. I am hoping to go to the show since I think it will be a fun evening.

The other item to prep for is a second interview on Friday. I'll keep you posted on how that goes as well.

Well, that is all for now. Have a good night and happy creating!

Mixed Up Crazy Day

Today was a bit of a crazy day, well actually the last two days have been hectic. My favorite little artist started kindergarten yesterday and we are adjusting to a whole new routine since she is taking the bus this year. And since she is the second stop in the morning the bus comes early (well for us anyway), 7:45. So every morning I wake her up at 7:10 so she can get ready and be on time for the bus. Once she is safely aboard her bus, I wait until just after 8 and drive over to the school to make sure she arrived safely and she knows where she is going. Now, please know the school has a whole system for making sure each child gets to her/his assigned class safely but until I know for sure she knows what to do I will meet her at school.

Today, after leaving the school I got myself together for an interview in NYC. I left plenty of time for traffic since the location I was headed to was easier to drive to then to take the bus/train. It took me longer to get there and get home then the interview lasted. I am not optimistic that they will call me back and oddly I am really ok with that. However, feeling that you will once again be rejected just puts a depressing damper on the day. It was beautiful and sunny but I still felt sad that is until my favorite little artist climbed off her bus and was home!

The rest of the day was very productive from an art perspective. However, I will have to wait to post the pieces completed today since it was too dark to photograph them. But on the bright side, here the mixed media piece I did yesterday, "Go Green", 10"x12". I have to say, I really have a lot of fun creating these mixed media pieces. I don't know if it is just the fact that it is something new or that I get to pull apart documents that made my life (and the lives of some others) a living hell. No matter which it is, they sure are a blast to create.

On a different but related note, my favorite gallery in Brooklyn, The Greenpoint Gallery, is having another salon show. I am so excited to submit my two new mixed media pieces for exhibit. I'll be sure to share more information on the show.

Have a wonderful evening and happy creating!

Baby Butterflies

Preparation for the Patriot's Day Flea Market continues. The latest addition to the product line is the Baby Butterflies. Four are featured here and I have one more to do. Ideally, I'd like five variations for each notecard subject matter. I did paint five butterflies but, unfortunately, it ripped when I was removing the tape. I was able to cut it out, however, I am hesitant to glue it onto another card...I think it will look cheap. I am also at a loss for what other subject matter to use for the notecards.

Tomorrow, is the first day of school for my favorite little artist. She will take the bus and I will meet her at school. Her uniform is all ready along with her favorite color socks (purple, in case you're interested). It is hard to believe that she is starting kindergarten. We can't wait to meet her teacher and see who from her pre-k class will be in her class.

For me, tomorrow will be a painting day. One more butterfly to do and then maybe begin work on a mixed media piece. It will be so strange to not have my favorite little artist with me during the day. The goal will be to stay busy while she is in school and countdown till the bus drops her off.

Well, that is all for now. Hope you enjoy the butterflies. Happy creating.

Cars, Cars and More Cars

Since I am unemployed, um, I mean in transition, there was no formal vacation this year. It was a real bummer since normally where we vacation is full of inspiration for me. So we kind of did a mini-vacation...an overnight in Parsippany, NJ. I know sounds super exciting now doesn't it?? Well, all sarcasm aside, it really is a good time if you like classic cars and the 50's. We spent two days at Lead East with family and friends. There are hundreds of classic cars to look at and lots of vintage items as well. I grew up with a car enthusiast for a Dad so cars are in my blood. My very first car was a 1964 Thunderbird, what I would do to own one again... In all honesty, the one I owned was very worst for wear. Oh well, maybe one day :-)

It is hard to believe that summer is almost over. School starts on Tuesday and my favorite little artist starts kindergarten. She is looking forward to taking the school bus and meeting her new teacher. We did the first time bus rider program on Thursday so I have a good idea of the route and am happy to know that there is an adult monitor on the bus. Oh, how different our days will be once school starts.

If all goes well, tomorrow, I will have a bunch of pictures to post. I have been busy working on my hand-painted greeting cards which I have nicknamed "The Littles". Reason being, the painted image is only 3"x4.5", small and sweet. As much fun as The Littles are to do, I am itching to do a large piece. Well, relatively speaking since my works are small to begin with but usually larger than 3"x4.5".

On a different note, I received a message about a possible job interview so please cross your fingers for me.

Well, that is all for now. Happy creating!

Two Almost Complete Paintings

Here are the two pieces referred to in this post.

Today was a good art day. Other than applying the gloss medium, I did two paintings. The gloss medium I lent to my sister and I will pick it up tomorrow. Once glossed, I will photograph and post both pieces. It was wonderful to spend some quality time in my studio. It is a good break from the monotony of searching for a full-time job. Supposedly, the economy is getting better but I don't see it. All I find is that the same jobs are reposted repeatedly. There is one position that has been on the jobs for over ONE year! Is the employer really hiring? With the amount of unemployed individuals I find it really unlikely they haven't found a qualified individual to fill the spot. Especially, since the position isn't one that requires rare skills.

Tomorrow, I will continue my search and hopefully will find something that will match well with my skill set. I also hope to go to the library and start a new green mixed media piece.

Happy creating!

Green is Good

For anyone who knows me, I have some green tendencies. Mind you, I am no Ed Begley, and I could certainly do many things in a more green focused way but for the most part I do try and be environmentally friendly.

A couple of months ago I received a packet from a prior employer. The amount of paper contained in the packet was appalling and really uncalled for. What is worse, if I was still an employee of the company the packet would have contained even more paper! Now, understand that there are federal laws and regulations that require employers to send employees certain information, however, it does not always have to be in hard copy. In fact, my colleagues and I tried desperately to avoid having to drown employees in this much paper. Unfortunately, we lost the battle to one very stubborn individual who pulled rank on us.

I really hated the thought of putting all this paper in the recycle bin. But what could I do with it? The answer...create a mixed media work. So today is the unveiling of my first mixed media piece which incorporates re-using a small portion of the mound of paper received from a past employer. The work is called "Green is Good", 10"x12", decoupage and acrylic.

The title comes from a tag line that I include on all my e-mails. To be honest, I copied it from a wonderful woman I used to work with. It is short and sweet and hopefully reminds people to think before printing e-mails, etc.

I hope you enjoy today's piece. Happy creating!

New Sketchbook

It really is an amazing feeling when you finish one sketchbook and begin anew. I started a new sketchbook today which is happiness. The crisp white pages that call draw on me draw on me! So sitting outside I did three new sketches which have the potential to be lovely paintings. But it is not only the excitement about starting a new sketchbook that is invigorating but also the feeling of accomplishment as you look at the finished book.

I took a look at the first sketch I did in the now finished sketchbook, it is of XO, the piece that placed 2nd in the open juried show sponsored by the Art Society of Old Greenwich. :-)

I also continue to work on my mixed media piece, it is not working out the way I had hoped. But I will work through it since sometimes the pieces that give you the hardest time work out the best in the end. Here is to optimism!

Well, enjoy your weekend and check back soon for an update.

Happy creating!

Opening Night

First, a big thank you to Al at the Sapphire Lounge...he did a great job on finalizing the hanging and made us feel very welcomed.

The night was a mix of good and bad so after wallowing a bit, this post is only going to focus on the positive. I was fortunate to have my hubby and my good trusted friend take the trek to NYC with me for the opening. We walked in and the lounge was like a different place from when I saw it on Wednesday. All my works were hung on the walls and the lightening was just right. Candles completed the ambiance and the DJ announced the show a couple times, too.

We enjoyed good music and were able to talk with some of the patrons who visited the gallery space. The favorite comment of the evening was from another artist who told me he was more into my work then his own. What a way to inflate my ego :-)

The time spent at the lounge was easy and mellow. It was also filled with many laughs. All in all I will remember it fondly. My first solo exhibit, it looked beautiful and I learned a lot.

On a different note, I am attempting my first mixed media piece. It is exciting to add a new element to my style and the best part is that the additional element is from re-using wasted paper. I'll elaborate more once it is complete.

Happy creating!

Garnets & Sapphires

Well tonight is the big night, my solo exhibit opens at the Sapphire Lounge. My works will be up through Sunday.

My mind is a jumble of thoughts as I write this. I am excited, nervous, apprehensive all at the same time. It hasn't been the smoothest of processes so I do hope the end product is worth it. If nothing else this was an eye-opening learning experience, one I am not likely to forget. But for now, I am focusing on the positive...a great night with friends and family!

If you are local I hope you will stop in for a bit. I will be there from 8-10pm.

Happy creating!

Busy Monday

Today was a busy, productive day. My favorite little artist and I started the day by meeting with a photographer to start pricing out having my works professionally shot. Also, it is confirmed, they can convert the slides I have to digital images...WOO HOO. We then returned home to work a bit in the art room before I began the process of picking out the pieces to be shown at the Sapphire Lounge. I am getting excited about the show.

We also managed to sell our old stove, it will have a new life somewhere in the Caribbean. Then it was off to the doctor's office for my favorite little artist's 5 year check up and vaccinations. The check up went well, the shots not so much...I am sure her screams of bloody murder could be heard in China. But in the end, a trip to Dunkin Donuts was all that was needed to make everything right again.

So tomorrow we are off to the Barn Gallery to pick up some pieces which will be part of the Sapphire Lounge exhibit. It is going to be a busy week!

Happy creating!

Smudged

Today's piece is called "Smudged", 8"x10", acrylic on bristol. She was created as a new piece to include in my show at the Sapphire Lounge. I am loving the colors, sometimes they just seem to flow. Although, I am annoyed about the smudge in the piece but it does give it some character. Can you see it, or is it just me? It seems to scream at me.

Anyway, I am thrilled to have a new piece to show and if all goes smoothly this week, maybe I'll be able to create another one before hanging the show on Wednesday.

Yesterday, was such a beautiful sunny today and today is overcast and rainy. But it is ok, I have a pot of gravy (for those non-ItalianAmerican folks that would be tomato sauce) on the stove, fresh mozzarella and brushetta for a yummy dinner so all is good with the world...LOL. Somedays, I totally think with my stomach.

I hope you enjoy today's piece and happy creating!

GO Logo

The week is ending on a good note...

I finished the painting I will use as the GO logo. I am happy with the way it turned out. Hopefully, when it is professionally photographed it will capture all the nuances of the piece.

Monday, my favorite little artist and I meet with a photographer to start pricing out services. After our meeting we get to go to her 5 year check up. She will not be happy when she realizes she gets a couple of shots...ouch.

The focus over the next couple of days will then be in preparing my works for the show at the Sapphire Lounge. If you are local I hope you will join us. It should be a fun art and music filled night. Check out the invite on my Facebook page.

Well, I hope everyone enjoyed this beautiful summer day. We had a great day, aside from painting, we had an impromptu visit with cousins. Sun, water and watermelon...life is good.

Well, enjoy your weekend...happy creating.

A Church and a Bar

Ok, my title sounds like the beginnings of a bad joke...so there was "a church and a bar".... But in reality it refers to two venues I am looking at.

First the church, a local church in White Plains is holding a flea market in September so I've reached out to them for more details. The hope is that it gives me some exposure to see if there is a market for my greeting cards as well as my artworks.

Now the bar...you've gotta love Craig's List, I have found some really great places to show my work though the art section. So...drumroll please...I will be having my first solo exhibit at the Sapphire Lounge in NYC. It will run from Thursday, August 19th, through Sunday, August 22nd. It should be a fun experience. So mark your calendar and come "party" with me next week.

Well, that is all for now. I am going to pick up my favorite little artist from camp in a few minutes. I hope she wants to work in the art room today since I am in the mood to paint!

Happy creating!

Lots Going On

Tomorrow is Thursday...where did the week go? Where is the art? Last posting of a piece was on Sunday and the piece was actually done on Saturday! Well, today I made it back into the studio thanks to my favorite little artist who begged and pleaded to please go into the art room. So after dinner we did. So I now have a lovely sketch waiting to be turned into a painting.

However, tomorrow I have an appointment in the city for a possible show opportunity so painting will have to wait till Friday. The space is a nontraditional venue and I am excited to go look at it. I also just submitted 3 pieces for consideration in a juried show in Chicago! Accepted artists will be notified after Labor Day. It is going to feel like forever but there is a lot to do between then and now. Camp ends this Friday for my favorite little artist and we have 3 weeks of summer fun left before school starts. Oh what shall we do??Wanna bet we do something art related??

Well my friends, happy creating!

Golden Angel

So not my usual subject matter but it was done as a gift for my cousin who loves angels. So here is a GO version of an angel and I have to say I do like her. She was lots of fun to paint, especially the wings. She was painted yesterday but by the time I finished her it was too dark to photograph her.

Today, was a "no art" day, it was a cleaning day...ugh. It is interesting how you need to deal with real life every once in awhile :-)

Well, no words of wisdom today so have a great evening.

Happy creating!

Inspiration...

Main Entry: in·spi·ra·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən, -(ˌ)spi-\

Function: noun

Date: 14th century

1 a : a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation b : the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions c : the act of influencing or suggesting opinions 2 : the act of drawing in; specifically : the drawing of air into the lungs 3 a : the quality or state of being inspired b : something that is inspired 4 : an inspiring agent or influence

The above is the definition of inspiration as defined by the Miriam-Webster dictionary. Why, you wonder, the vocabulary lesson? Well, because inspiration is what the post is about. But to be totally honest, the idea is not mine...I was inspired to post this topic after reading a blog entry by Jennifer Probst, she is a wonderful writer and I have the pleasure of knowing her. Her husband and my husband grew up together. I remember the first time her husband introduced her to us, they had just started dating, and I remember thinking...he better marry her. But I digress...

Jennifer writes romance novels and blogs as Writing Mama. Her latest entry is about inspiration and she ends it with "Drop me a line and let me know what inspired you." So, Jen, here is what inspires me:

• The smile on my favorite little artist's face when she asks "Can we go in the art room today?" - she inspires me to keep on creating art.
• Sitting outside on a beautiful summer day doing nothing at all. - the sunshine just rejuvenates the soul
• Reading a good book that makes you feel like anything is possible. - did you know Julia Child didn't start cooking until her late 30's? (I happen to e reading "My Life in France")
• Letting my pencil find its own way across the paper. - it's a control thing or lack of control
• Getting honest feedback on my work. - thank you my true friend, you know who you are
• Fun tweets or facebook entries that make you LOL. - thank you all my twitter and facebook friends
• Finding out my blog entry didn't make my friend cry. - gives me the courage to keep writing my honest thoughts
• A goodnight kiss from my husband. - self-explanatory

I could go on and on but in the end what inspires me, as cliche as it sounds, are the simple things. The things we tend to overlook in the rush of our busy lives. It's taken me so long to learn, and I am still learning, to appreciate and watch for the inspiration that surrounds my daily life.

So my thought tonight is to be open to inspiration since you never know the form it will take. Thanks, Jen, for the inspiration for today's blog.

Happy creating!

Opening Reception

Last night was the opening reception for the first juried show that one of my works was accepted to. I went solo and at first I thought I should have bought my husband and favorite little artist but quickly realized solo was the way to go. The evening was anti-climatic after how excited I was about being accepted. In a nutshell, it was a nice show. I may enter again in the future...

Today, was a "no art" day but a good day none the less. I got to meet up with a friend for coffee and conversation, which is a good break in the morning. I also went to the library today, haven't been there is years. Did you know library cards expire? Don't worry, neither did I. So now I have a new library card which came with a keychain tag. Two books for me, about 5 for my favorite little artist and I was on my way. My trip to the library is part of my attempt not to spend money needlessly. Borrowing a book for free beats paying for one.

The night ended with a lovely family dinner and now my favorite little artist and I are relaxing. Hopefully, tomorrow will see the beginnings of a painting.

Happy creating!