Nativity scene almost finished....

Well, I'm almost finished, in fact later today I will post the finished picture.  I'm really happy with it so far...can't wait to show you!

Set back...

I'm trying really hard right now to believe in possibilities, but I seem to keep getting discouraged or disappointed.  I'm not giving up, just feeling set back a bit.

workout clothes

I actually worked out in my work out clothes today!  Hurray! :)

Another one of those days...just gotta keep on plugging along I guess...

distracted....

So I got up this morning, worked on my art a little bit...put on my work out clothes to head to the gym, and...did some more art!  I'm still in my work out clothes and it's now 7:30pm!

Still working on my big project...

I have to say that this is pretty much all I can think about lately!

Sleepy ideas...

So this morning I woke up with an idea in my head, the kind that is screaming at me, yelling "make me come to life!!! Just Do It!"  (This seems to be the way my best ideas come about)
I'm supposed to create a new blog and use it to write my own little biography.  I'm supposed to make it a separate blog, so that all of my friends who enjoy my art blog won't get bored and leave me...and anyone who may be interested in my story can jump on over to my bio blog and take a peek.  I'm going to write about myself, and my life, and my flaws, and my strengths and how art has always been there for me.  It's more for me than anyone else, and maybe I will get bored with it...time will tell...

Nativity scene in progress

Finally I have found the time to get started on my big project!  This is the beginning stages of my Nativity Scene that I am so very excited about!  I will try to post the progression as I work on it.  Wish me luck!

First I drew all my characters, then refined them and traced them onto tracing paper...

Then I laid them all out where I thought they should be....

Then I transfered my picture onto my canvas with the old fashioned charcoal on the back of the drawing and went over my lines with a pencil...

Then I went over my charcoal impression with ink, and walla!  I am ready to begin painting!!!  

I'm painting this one on a big (24 x 30 ) canvas-should be fun!

Tis the season for eggnog lattes!

Mmmmmmmmm....Eggnog lattes-my fav!   :)

So many ideas...not enough time!

My definition of the word ARTIST...

I loved reading all the comments after my last post.  This journey as an artist is just amazing to me, and I love feeling connected to other artists and seeing their view of this "life style" that we are all in together.  I've always had trouble with calling myself an artist...like it was a special word that only a handful of people could possibly deserve.  But the more I see and do and experience,  I am finally discovering that I have that right too.  Even when I go to an art museum, I see all the work on the walls and still feel that so many of us deserve that title also.  I don't think that title comes as a result of the work that is done either, rather I think it is more a description of the soul and how we see the world and the need inside of us to create our version of life.  I think for me, creating is a way to leave my mark on this world, hopefully to leave it a better place after I have touched it.  I feel so lucky that this is who I am.  What a fun way to live this life!

Bigger than me...

So I hope what I'm about to write doesn't sound too pretentious, but do you ever feel like you are about to create something bigger than yourself?  Like you are just the vessel for this "special" project, and your job is to be open and listen and let it be created through you?  My next project is going to be a Nativity Scene, with all the characters, and I'm feeling so excited and moved, and I keep getting new ideas and pictures of it in my head.  I can't wait to see the finished project, almost as if I am just an observer myself...

Anyway, it is a wonderful feeling and I'm trying to just enjoy every bit of it.   I think it will be beautiful and I am so anxious to watch it come to life.

Sort of funny...huh?

Realization...

I'm really enjoying watching my style evolve.  It's just sort of fascinating to me to see it change and stay the same with each piece.  It's so fun, cause I never know how it will end or how the piece will change each time.  Going with the flow, the mood, the inspiration, the ideas, ...it's all so fun.  I'm really loving the act of creating right now.  I want to feel like this forever.  And I feel like, now that blogging is in my life, it will be easier to stay in the zone and always want to create.  Wow...it feels like a relief to know that it wont go away.  :)  It may keep changing forms, but it never has to go away...I'm smiling as I type this, can you tell?

Rain...

When it's raining outside, all I want to do is paint or sleep!

Adrenaline overload...

I got a call from the editor at Somerset Magazine!  They liked my Alice in Wonderland submissions and want to do an article on my style and put it in the March-April issue!   Someone pinch me!  I think I'm dreaming!  I want to live in the moment...the moment is very exciting, and at the same time, I'm afraid to live in the moment, cuz you just never really know if these things will really pan out....ugh!  I wish I could just take a long nap and wake up when the issue comes out!  hahaha!  Wouldn't that be sort of lovely!  But I have much too much work to do right now-I feel like I'm on a roll-its a good feeling.  :)

P.S.
Last week I drove Jacob back to college after his visit here (which he was sick for-maybe the flu) and when I said goodbye and drove away, I didn't shed a drop!  Wooooo Hooooo!   I've come along way baby!   :)

Happy Halloween Weekend FRIENDS!    Boo!

Hmmmm....color....

Trying to think of another color palette for another Nativity scene piece...

OUR CHILD- Nativity Scene

This is called OUR CHILD
It's my second Nativity Scene and I just love it!  I hope you do too!

OUR CHILD

11 x 14 mixed media

Acrylic, ink, collage, wax

October 2009

Nativity scene

Here is my first Nativity Scene-all finished.  I'm working on another one but in different colors.  Hope you like...

NATIVITY SCENE

11 x 14

Acrylic, collage, ink, wax

October 2009

Monday...

It's dark gray and rainy and windy out, and I have a cold, and I think I will paint All Day Long....that makes me happy!

Nativity scene in progress

I've been working on a piece for Christmas-I was thinking I might do a few of these Nativity Scenes in different colors.  I'm waiting to see how this first one turns out.

Home for a visit...

Jacob came home for a visit yesterday.  I couldn't wipe the smile off of my face!  It's so nice to have him in the house again.  He's doing great in his classes and is loving the college life.  I'm sooooo proud of him :)

This is Jacob back in 1991

Where's Cooper?

Can you guess which one is the real Cooper?

Bad news and good news...

So....I won't be in the Nov-Dec issue of Cloth Paper Scissors after all...thats the bad news, But the good news is I will be in the Jan-Feb issue!  So look for me!  I'm not even sure what the article will be.  Ugh!  Another lesson in "how to have patience" for me!
Don't worry if you forget cuz I'll be sure to remind the world about it when the magazine finally comes out!  hahahaha

Straight lines...

I don't believe in black or white.  I don't believe in straight lines...I am a lovely mess of wiggles and scribbles in every beautiful shade of gray!  :)

Up, down, up, down...up!

CELEBRATE TRADITIONS

Here is a new holiday piece I just posted on Etsy.  Growing up one of my best friends in high school was Jewish, and I would go with her to Temple, and this is my version of her and I, Celebrating our traditions together.

Dedicated to my friend Stacey!

Hopes...

Why do I get my hopes up so high?  When will I learn to live in the moment and take things as they come?
When?

Magazine submission

Here are the pieces that I just submitted to Somerset Magazine for their "Alice in Wonderland" contest.  I hope they get them in time, as I am still a scatter brain and sent them 2 days before the deadline-oops!  

Alice, The Mad Hatter, The Queen of Hearts, The Cheshire Cat, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb
Acryilc, ink, collage, wax

Cupcake Friday!

Happy Friday!   Today is the two year anniversary of my brain surgery.  I think I will eat a beautiful cupcake today, just for fun, and to celebrate!

REMEMBERING

Here is my very latest...
REMEMBERING
8 x 10
acrylic, ink, collage, wax
October 2009

I got an award!

Carrie Joy of www.carriejoyart.com  has given me this wonderful award!  Thank you so much Carrie Joy!. You have made my day! Carrie Joy is a talented artist, you should stop by her blog and take a look-you wont be dissapointed-I promise!

Here are the rules for the Over the Top Award: 

Copy and change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It's quite tricky to use only one word answers! Once you have filled it out be sure to pass it on to 6 of your favorite bloggers. Alert them that they have been awarded! Have fun!

One word answers have got to be the hardest.......

1. Where is your cell phone? charging
2. Your hair? dirty
3. Your mother? cute

4. Your father? handsome

5. Your favorite food? lobster
6. Your dream last night? creepy
7.Your favorite drink? cocktails
8. Your dream/goal? love

9. What room are you in? studio
10. Your hobby? painting
11. Your fear? heights
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? happy
13. Where were you last night? bed
14. Something that you aren't? angry
15. Muffins? bannana
16. Wish list item? skinny

17. Where did you grow up? Whittier/CA
18. Last thing you did? exercised
19. What are you wearing? shorts
20. Your TV? OFF
21. Your pets? Chihuahua
22. Friends? love
23. Your life? crazy
24. Your mood? hopeful
25. Missing someone? Jacob
26. Vehicle? mbz
27. Something you're not wearing? perfume
28. Your favorite store? Ross
29. Your favorite color? all
30. When was the last time you laughed? yesterday
31. Last time you cried? Sunday
32. Your best friend? Ron
33. One place that I go to over and over? blog
34. One person who emails me regularly? Mom
35. Favorite place to eat? out!

Now I am passing this wonderful award on to.........

Please stop by and visit these wonderful artists.

1.  Ruthrae   She makes beautiful, unique jewelry...


2.  olivegroveprimitives    The sweetest dolls you'll love them...


3.  primgrll    More adorable dolls you must see...


4.  fadedcharmcottage    Beautiful, charming home decor-great        ideas for your own home!


5.  Art at the Speed of light with Pam Carriker   Lovely art and she shows some great techniques for all of us!

ANGERONA- Goddess of Winter

ANGERONA -Goddess of Winter
11 x 14
acrylic, ink, collage, wax

Oct 2009

Wise Words....

A new day...a new chance.   Wise words from a beautiful soul.

Recharging...

Another day almost over...time to re-energize while I'm asleep-isn't that a weird thought.  Like stopping at the gas station to fill up.  Oh this crazy life...goodnight.

Today

Today will be a better day!