Robin Panzer Art Studio 33

Paint Party Friday February 24th

2012-02-23T21:00:00.000-08:00

Sadly, I missed the last couple of Paint Party Fridays. I was determined to finish a piece this week and thankfully I did!

I'm so happy you took the time to stop by and see my art and I'm looking forward to making the hop by to see yours!

This is a mixed media piece, 11 X 14 on Canvas. The under layer is a variety of printed and handmade papers for texture and depth. The images of the faces are prints of my original watercolor. The entire piece uses a process I learned called a decaying background, it uses a variety of textures and inks for a warm rustic appeal.

This is a statement piece, it has deep and different meanings and implications to each individual. It is meant to be provocative or evocative. I wonder what does it say to you?

You don't see me, propped on a shelf

You Don't See Me, Laying Flat on table.

You Don't See Me, hanging on a white wall

As always a very special thank you to the most wonderful Kristin and Eva for hosting another spectacular Paint Party Friday!

WOYWW Feb 15th

2012-02-15T06:53:00.000-08:00

Welcome WOYWW'ers! I had a busy week for my desk is full of projects finished and projects started, bits of fabric and fluff and papers pushed off to the side.

I've been so busy with commissions lately that I decided to take a weekend off and participate in some Mail Art Swaps with some of my dear artist friends over at ATCs for All where I am a staff member. So lots of mail art for swaps on my desk today. On the left is a little stuffie "Undead Fred" I created for a Zombie's Vs. Robot art dolls swap over at Atcs for All. We obviously trade ATCs over there but we also trade lots of other types of mail art. Also a Mixed Media Heart and a Fish for the Chunky Hearts andMalicious Fish Swap respectively.

Here's some close ups:

Undead Fred

Unchain My Heart

Silver Fish

The canvas is just in lay out stage for a mixed media piece I am creating for my Etsy shop called "You Don't See Me."

Thanks so much for stopping by for What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday hosted by the fabulous Ms. Julia Dunnit over at Stamping Grounds. Take a tour of all the artist and crafters desk it is eye opening!

Happy Valentines Day!

2012-02-14T07:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!

Hope yours is filled with love whether it's self love, family love, or romantic love!

I'm offering Half Price on all Valentines/Heart art in my Etsy shop today if you'd like to stop by.

Happy Valentines Day!

WOYWW Feb 8th

2012-02-07T21:00:00.000-08:00

Well I've missed the last couple of What's on Your Work desk Wednesdays. Last week I had one already to go but when I tried to post it from my iphone it disappeared never to be seen again and I just didn't have the time to type it all back in!

Here's my desk tonight Tuesday because it will look exactly the same tomorrow morning Wednesday. There is a Steampunk fish I created for a Mail Art swap over at Atcs for All and a couple of hearts that are very early stage works in progress for another swap, one I'm hosting over at Atcs for All called "Be Still My Heart."

Here's a close up of the Mixed Media Steampunk Fish I created. He's 8" long.

Here's what I was working on last week, an Collectible Valentines Art Block for my Etsy shop.

Yesterday was a really special day. We celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary and I can honestly say I love this man more and more with every passing year.

I also received a commission to do a torn paper pet portrait of a gorgeous painted horse and my Son auditioned for and landed a great role with Missoulah Children's Theater in "The Wiz."

Thanks for stopping by to see what was going on in my studio. If you want a sneaky peek at lots of other comings and goings stop by the wonderful Ms. Julia Dunnit's Stamping Ground and follow along!

Paint Party Friday

2012-01-20T07:22:00.000-08:00

A warm welcome to all of my Paint Party Friday Friends!

I'm late to the party since we have been under huge ice and snow storms and I've been without internet all night last night. Fortunately the power stayed on and the internet and cable were back on this morning so I could consort with you all! I had to do a bit of a rehash of my Wednesday post but thought you still might like to see what I'm working on this week.

What's happening in the studio this week? Well Valentines of course. One is a matted ACEO called "Love Letter" and the other is a Mixed Media piece 7 1/2 by 8 1/2" called "Landscape of my Heart" A grungy moonscape of a valentine for the "NOT" everyday gal and Love Letter a matted ACEO for the more traditional gal who is also a collector.

Landscape of my Heart

Love Letter

and the torn paper Barn Owl I've been working on for a couple of week is finished.

Torn Paper Owl on Birchwood Panel 9 X 12 x 1 1/2" Deep

Pin It

Hurray I just figured out how to add pinterest pins to my images on blogger!

Torn Paper Owl on a cradled Birchwood Panel 9 X 12 x 1 1/2" Deep

Close up of torn paper owl Pin It

If you're interested in the progression steps for distress painting the frame for this piece you can find them in my Facebook Studio Page WIP Album http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.338002926223811.85427.231107300246708&type=3

A huge hug and thank you to the wonderful Kristin and Eva for hosting this wonderful event each week, I enjoy it so much! Please stop by and check out Paint Party Friday, it's not to be missed!

I was only able to visit about 34 or so of you last week before my blog was disabled in the Friday the 13th Google snafu. I'm hoping to get to everyone this week!

Thanks so much for stopping by, I so enjoy your comments!

Desk and Art

2012-01-17T21:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday! (WYOWW)

I was determined to do a better job with my studio photos this week. Last week I took my pic at a crazy angle. You'll have to take my word for it because my blog went down on Friday the 13th for 10 hours giving me endless anxiety and heart attacks before Google restored it with no explanation. Unfortunately a couple of my posts were corrupted and one of them was my WOYWW post from last week boo!

My Studio Table/Desk

Close up standing on my chair

Supply Peg Board off to my Right

This is what's behind me

There now you have a better view of my studio, the only thing missing is the area to my left which is another desk with a computer, that's where my Son does his Homeschooling and Novel Writing.

So what's on my desk, well Valentines of course. One is a matted ACEO called "Love Letter" and the other is a Mixed Media piece 7 1/2 by 8 1/2" called "Landscape of my Heart"

Landscape of my Heart

Love Letter

and the torn paper Barn Owl I've been working on for a couple of weeks got his frame.

Torn Paper Owl on Birchwood Panel 9 X 12 x 1 1/2" Deep Pin It

Close up of torn paper owl Pin It

If you're interested in the progression steps for distress painting the frame for this piece you can find them in my Facebook Studio Page WIP Album http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.338002926223811.85427.231107300246708&type=3

A big virtual hug and thank you to the very talented Julia Dunnit from Stamping Ground for hosting this wonderful weekly peek into the studios of so many fabulous artist.

I was only able to visit about 34 or so of you last week before my blog was disabled in the Friday the 13th Google snafu. I'm hoping to get to everyone this week!

Thanks so much for stopping by, I so enjoy your comments!

Whooo Boyo!

2012-01-14T16:19:00.000-08:00

Well yesterday was definitely a Friday the 13th! Besides being down with this monster ear infection, my blog went down for 10 hours yesterday! Google restored my blog but several of my posts were corrupted so sorry if you came to visit a specific post and don't find it. I'm too tired to recreate them. More fun things coming out of the studio this week though so stay tuned!

Probably hackers, I'll do the research soon, I didn't own a tech college for 22 years to not have the best tools to locate the problem!

Have a wonderful Saturday, I'm curling back under the blankets and waiting for the antibiotics to kick in!

Paint Party Friday January 13th

2012-01-12T21:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday the 13th Paint Party Friday Friends!

I for one do not have a negative superstition about Friday the 13th, I've always considered it a rather lucky day instead of the ominous cursed day that is popular.

So What's happening in my Studio this week? Willie the Westy, another of my Torn Paper Pet Portrait commissions is just about completed. Here is my torn paper pet portrait next to his photograph.

Torn Paper Willie next to his photo

Here is the canvas I created for him, he's just set on top of it at the moment, I won't adhere him until I touch base with my client since we hadn't discussed background colors yet, he might get a different canvas.

I really adore creating these pet portraits. I am definitely a dog lover (I have 4) but I think it would be so much fun if someone would commission a portrait of their cat!

Well I'm off to make the rounds to see what you all are creating this wonderful Friday! Thank you so much for stopping by!

I didn't get around to everyone last week as I came down with a terrible ear infection. I thought that was a kid thing but wowsa what a doozy! I finally gave in and went to the doc yesterday after every home remedy failed. I almost never get sick so I am a reluctant patient. Hopefully another day or two and I'll be back to 100% I do feel good enough to make the rounds this week though!

I'm planning a blog candy giveaway for February so stay tuned!

Thanks as always to the most talented Kristin and Eva for my favorite blog event of the week! Be sure to stop by the Paint Party Friday Blog and see what everyone else is up to!

1:49pm (PST) update the client just stopped by and loves Willie and his Canvas....YAY! Now I can finish him up.

Bad to the Bone

2012-01-09T15:58:00.000-08:00

Each year I donate a piece of art for auction to the Hamilton County Humane society for their Tinsels and Tails fundraiser.

This is a video they created and shared at the event this year and it's simply fantastic. I definitely needed my hanky! Check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGBrvNH-fXg

Paint Party Friday January 6th

2012-01-05T21:17:00.000-08:00

Fun stuff on my desk today! I just got in a big order of paper. You wouldn't think I'd need more but I did need lots of white, white, white for my next doggy commission, a delightful all white Westy. Isn't this white paper with the circles just scrumptious?

My newest torn paper creation is a barn owl I've been working on all week. I started painting a canvas for him and hope to have him added and complete for next weeks PPF!

He is comprised of all sorts of different papers. The main paper I used for his white feathery look was this handmade Thai Paper called Lace Window Panes.

I also started on my next doggy portrait commission Willie the Westy. Not a lot to show you yet just a few process pictures.

Here are the two papers I chose to create Willie's Eyes

I love this paper choice for his nose with it's mottled colors I added a bit of pink copic to get the color just right

Here are the eyes and nose I created set over the top of his photograph. I set them on top to compare and contrast, if they blend in well over the top of the photograph then I know they are ready for me to use to create my piece. These blended quite well, I think, so they've gone on to my cutout template.

There now you've seen the starting steps of my pet portrait creations. Thanks for stopping by for Paint Party Friday hosted by the most fabulous Kristin and Eva! Enjoy the blog hop!

Now I'm off to enjoy what everyone else is creating!

Food For Thought Thursday

2012-01-05T17:17:00.001-08:00

I've decided not to try to continue Food For Thought Thursdays in the New Year. I'm afraid it just wasn't catching on. I'm so grateful to the few of you who tried to make a go of it and I really enjoyed your photos and recipes!

Maybe I'll try again next year as I increase my following!

Hug to you !

WOYWW January 4th 2012

2012-01-03T21:00:00.000-08:00

Hey it's the first What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday of 2012!

Have I mentioned how much I enjoy this blog hop hosted by the most fabulous Julia Dunnit over at Stamping Grounds?

Sorry it's a little dark, my desk is black and I stood on my chair to take a picture from above...LOL!

In the right hand corner you get a sneak peek at the barn owl I created over the last two days from hand torn paper. He's just sitting on the raw, primed canvas that needs to be painted for him. I'm quite proud of this fellow. Here's a close up.

He is comprised of all sorts of different papers. The main paper I used for his white feathery look was this handmade Thai Paper called Lace Window Panes.

Well that's what's going on in my world and on my studio table today. I'm so happy you stopped by!

Happy, Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T08:11:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for sharing my artistic journey and your friendship through my blog!

I am excited about 2012 and have interesting plans and creations in store.

Wishing you all a very, very Happy and Safe New Year!

Here's a sneak peek at what I'm working on in the studio today...lots of torn paper everywhere.

Paint Party Friday

2011-12-29T21:00:00.000-08:00

I have to admit I love Paint Party Friday's Hosted by the most wonderful Kristin and Eva. I love hopping around to see what everyone is creating and it makes me really happy to share the progress on the art I have been making.

This week was all about finishing my torn paper portrait commission of Henrie. He 's complete and heading toward Utah where his owner will receive him as a surprise Bday present from her Sweetie.

I have to tell you his whiskers were a challenge I tried all types of materials before I came across some yarn that had shreds coming off of it and the shreds became Henrie's whiskers!

(Torn Paper Henrie and his photograph)

Close up torn paper Henry

Canvas all ready for adhesion of Henry

Finished Canvas (poorly lit photo boo!)

Here's my Next Commission "Willie" Isn't he a doll? I had to special order some white handmade Japanese paper for him in pearly whites. Hopefully the order will arrive soon so I can get him under way.

HAVE A VERY SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Don't drink and drive- and don't ride with anybody who does!!Tipsy Tow offered by AAA: You don't have to be a AAA member, from 6pm-6am on New Year's Eve/Day they will take your drunk self and your car home for FREE. Save this number... 1-800-222-4357. Please re-post this if you don't mind to help save lives. Nationwide! (Call ahead and confirm for your area just to be on the safe side!)
STAY SAFE EVERYONE!!!

I'm donating $1 to Animal Rescue programs for every new "Like" I get on my Art Studio Facebook page so if you'd like to do a little something for the homeless doggies and kitties stop on by

Food For Thought Thursday #9

2011-12-28T22:20:00.000-08:00

Food For Thought Thursdays # 9 LINKY

A Blog Hop!

What are you eating today, yesterday, this week? We wanna know!!! Share some thoughts about the food you eat and pictures are great too and then take a little blog hop around to see what's on everyone else's plates!

Sign up here with Mr. Linky to share your blog post with us! Remember to copy the blog address of the specific post, not your general blog address!

Be patient this is a brand new hop, the numbers will grow....come join the fun!

What am I making today for breakfast...well I call it a Rustic Torte and it's a very simple recipe (thus the rustic...LOL) Eggs, Fresh Tomato, Crushed Black Pepper and Avocado sprinkled with parmesan! YUM!

WOYWW

2011-12-27T21:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome wonderful What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday WOYWW Peeps! Can you tell I was in the mood for a little alliteration...LOL.

My studio desk you ask...clean as a whistle, neat as a pin! Why, because I finished my pet portrait commission on Tuesday and then set to cleaning all that little scraps and bits off my desk so I can mess it all up with my next one!

Here's my desk, the only thing on it is a pair of absolutely gorgeous earrings that came as a gift from Rhonda over at Roban Studios. Here I thought she was just a fabulously gifted painter and now I see she makes amazing jewelry too! If you haven't stopped by her blog or web page you should!

and of course I have to share Henrie with you!

(Torn Paper Henrie and his photograph)

Close up torn paper Henry

Canvas all ready for adhesion of Henry

Finished Canvas (poorly lit photo boo!)

Now if you haven't stopped by Stamping Ground to visit the fabulous Julia Dunnit's WOYWW then hop it my friends! Too many interested work spaces to miss out on!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T09:43:00.000-08:00

The presents have been opened.

The Merriment shared.

The Pork is Roasting and the potatoes are on.

My Hubby is napping.

My Son is playing with his new games.

Truly it is a Wonderful Life.

Merry Christmas Dear Ones!

Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, may all of you be as happy and blessed as I am this Holiday Season!

WOYWW and Paint Party Friday Dec 21-23rd

2011-12-22T22:13:00.000-08:00

I am combining my WOYWW and Paint Party Friday Posts this week because Friday is my Birthday and I'll be out enjoying the day having fun.

First a painting; recently I saw a You Tube video by a 15 year old girl that had been bullied since 2nd Grade. It was heart wrenching to hear this child had already attempted suicide 3 times. It seems she has found her way for now but the video left me thinking about this very real issue.

For Paint Party Friday hosted by the fabulous Kristin and Eva, a watercolor inspired by her story, I've titled it "You Don't See Me"

and this is a photo of my studio table on Wednesday for the most wonderful Julia's at Stamping Grounds What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday WOYWW. As you can see I am in the process of choosing papers to create the adorable Mr. Henrie.

Some of you wanted to see stages of my project so here you see I carefully choice a variety of handmade papers in Henries colors, keeping this life size photo present to insure I'm making good matches.

I always create eyes and noses first as I think they may be the most important part of catching a dogs personality, if the eyes aren't right then no matter how hard you try it's difficult to pull off a realistic portrait. Henrie has very liquidy eyes so after choosing the papers in the colors I wanted I pulled out some Crystal Lacquer to give them that shiny youthful appearance. I use a copic sketch marker to darken the deep brown paper because it wasn't quite dark enough for an exact match. I also use a little white gel pen to put the light reflection in his eye.

Checking the eye I created for Henrie's portrait against his picture.

Next I take the eye I've created and test place it against his portrait to see if I've pulled off the right shape and colors. I'm pretty happy with the eye I created for Henrie it almost blends into the picture that the client has provided so now I know it will work great as part of the portrait I'm creating of Henrie. Now I'll set that eye aside and start working on his other eye.

If you'd like to see more of my process or make me really happy on my birthday come "like" me facebook studio page where I keep my work in progress pictures and updates.

Food For Thought Thursdays # 8

2011-12-22T22:08:00.000-08:00

Oh My Gosh! It was such a crazy day, I'm just sitting down for the first time!

I baked sugar cookies today and my Son and a friend decorated them, didn't they do a wonderful job!

Happy Food For Thought Thursday my friends!

Food For Thought Thursdays # 8 LINKY

2011-12-22T10:44:00.000-08:00

Food For Thought Thursdays # 8 LINKY

I'm Late, I'm Late but you all are my very important date! I'm baking up a storm today but won't have pictures till later!

Can't wait to see what you're cooking up for the holidays!

What are you eating today, yesterday, this week? We wanna know!!! Share some thoughts about the food you eat and pictures are great too and then take a little blog hop around to see what's on everyone else's plates!

Sign up here with Mr. Linky to share your blog post with us! Remember to copy the blog address of the specific post, not your general blog address!

Be patient this is a brand new hop, the numbers will grow....come join the fun!

WOYWW and Paint Party Friday December 14- 16, 2011

2011-12-16T07:12:00.000-08:00

"Time keeps on slippin...slippin...slippin...into the future" To borrow a phrase from Steve Miller. I'm having a hard time believing that it's December 14th already.

Funny story, I took the pic of my studio for today and emailed it to myself labeled WOYWW. Later going into my email to find this pic and upload it for my blog I see, much to my chagrin, someone has sent me an email with the subject line "Whore" Well I'm already to get fuming mad when I realize the email is from me! I guess spell check thought "Whore" was a good substitution for WOYWW! LOL!

Well anyway, it's hard to believe that it is once again time for What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday hosted by the most wonderful Ms. Julia Dunnit and Paint Party Friday hosted by the fabulous Kristen and Eva. I'm combining the two this week because I'm sure I won't have the opportunity to finish anything worth showing between Wednesday and Friday this week.

I straightened my studio table top this morning because I was a bit tired of being nose deep in torn paper scraps. Of course I'll be messing it up later today when I start my next pup!

Here's My studio table, Harry is finished and is about to get adhered to his canvas and get a UV protective finish. There's a picture of Henrie the next pup portrait I've been commissioned to create and a Luminary House I'm working on as a holiday gift.

You remember Harry right, well here he is created from torn paper next to his photo

and here's approximately what he will look like adhered to his canvas. The customer ask me to match the background color to a Hermes blue handbag. I'm happy to say she's been thrilled with the proofs I've been sending her throughout the process of creating this sweet little fella.

Stop by and check out what's going on with other artists' happy place by visiting WOYWW over at Stamping Ground or what everyone is painting at Paint Party Friday!

Food for Thought Thursday #7 LINKY

2011-12-15T09:58:00.000-08:00

Food For Thought Thursdays # 7 LINKY

Here it is my own blog hop theme!

Sorry I'm running a bit late posting today, the computer decided it needed to take a little pre holiday vacation!

Sign up here with Mr. Linky to share your blog post with us! Remember to copy the blog address of the specific post, not your general blog address!

Be patient this is a brand new hop, the numbers will grow....come join the fun!

Food for Thought Thursday

2011-12-15T09:55:00.000-08:00

Sharing with my friends for Food for Thought Thursday!

What have I been making this week, chocolate chip pancakes and that's about the only thing I've been cooking this week! It should be Christmas cookies or pies or peppermint bark but I am really behind (for the first time this holiday season!)

My one cooking concession this week besides my daily egg breakfast burrito for myself, is chocolate chip pancakes for my Son. It was next in line for things he wanted to learn to cook for himself when he's out on his own one day.

Please forgive the paper plate, I had a surplus and since I've been so busy creating custom pet portraits for this holiday season any less dishes to wash is a good thing!

Thanks for playing along in Food For Thought Thursday!

December 9th Paint Party Friday

2011-12-08T22:35:00.001-08:00

Well it's another Paint Party Friday and I missed you all! I spent a couple of weeks in sunny Malibu visiting family. I'm happy to be home.

I gave a couple of previews of this piece as it was progressing and now it is complete and has been mailed as a holiday gift to a friend who loves all things Asian.

She's 4 X 7 a small gallery wrapped canvas and she is a combination of Acrylic and Watercolor.

Moonlit Geisha

Brewski and Babe were delivered today.

Pet Portraits Brewski and Babe

Don't forget to stop by the lovely Kristin and Eva's Paint Party Friday blog to check out what delightful art other artist are creating.

Also, I'd be so thrilled if you'd stop by and "Like" my Facebook page! I am donating $1 to my local animal rescue shelter for every new "Like" I received on my Facebook page until December 10th to help out the fur babies get adopted this holiday season.

Food for Thought Thursday #6 Mr. Linky Page

2011-12-07T22:50:00.000-08:00

Thanks for stopping by! I'd be so thrilled if you'd also stop by and "Like" my Facebook page! I am donating $1 to my local animal rescue shelter for every new "Like" I received on my Facebook page this week!

Food For Thought Thursdays # 6 LINKY

Here it is my own blog hop theme!

We need a Thursday Blog Hop too right? What are you eating today, yesterday, this week? We wanna know!!! Share some thoughts about the food you eat and pictures are great too and then take a little blog hop around to see what's on everyone else's plates!

My post today is about a new food discovery, hope you'll hop on by!

Sign up here with Mr. Linky to share your blog post with us! Remember to copy the blog address of the specific post, not your general blog address!

Be patient this is a brand new hop, the numbers will grow....come join the fun!

Food for Thought Thursday # 6

2011-12-07T22:33:00.001-08:00

Sorry I disappeared on you without saying so, I'm still very hesitant to blog that I'm going on vacation. Probably good too because there have been a rash of burglaries in my little town in the last week.

While I was on vacation I discovered of all things a new granola. Funny, I'm not a huge granola fan but I've always enjoyed it. My hubby picked up this particular granola because it looked interesting and I have to admit it sounded a bit too "healthy" for my taste....or should I say to have taste....LOL. Anyway, it tasted so good I came home and immediately checked my local stores and was thrilled to see that one did carry it. Of course it's ridiculously expensive for the quantity you get, small bags that maybe produce 3 good size bowls of granola (if you are big eaters like we are.) It's called Bakery on Main Extreme Fruit and Nut Granola.

Here's a pic I found online:

I think what makes it look so interesting is that there are little bowl shaped flakes that cup the granola. It has almost a popcorn like butter flavor to me and it's very nutty. So that's it, I'm not on a vegan or gluten free diet this just happens to be a really healthy cereal that taste great...go figure that!

Happy Food for Thought Thursday. Hope you'll join the blog hop and tell us a little about what you're eating today. Go HERE to add your link and to check out the other wonderful blogs about food today!

Wednesday, November 7th Babe

2011-12-06T16:32:00.001-08:00

I hope you all aren't bored of my doggies because I've had several commissions come through for my torn paper pet portraits so I'm going to be busy with them for the next few weeks.

So for Wht's on your Work desk Wednesday WOYWW and Wordless Wednesday Create with Joy -- (stop by and check out these wonderful blog hops!)

This is Babe, do you remember Brewski from a couple of weeks ago? Well this is his Sis. She still needs a final UV protective coat and then I will deliver her and start on the next sweetie pie in line Prince Harry.

WOYWW 12/6 BABE

Babe next to her photo

Brewski and Babe Together finished Canvas

Whose Next?

Harry's Next!

Thanks for stopping by! I'd be so thrilled if you'd also stop by and "Like" my Facebook page! http:/ I am donating $1 to my local animal rescue shelter for every new "Like" I received on my Facebook page this week!

Monday, December 4th

2011-12-05T07:35:00.000-08:00

Hi Happy Campers. Can you believe it's December already, where does the time go!! I've just spent 10 marvelous days enjoying sunny Malibu and visiting family. I missed bloggyland though! I'm happy to be back and looking forward to this weeks blog hops!

I hope your Turkey Day was wonderful. See you Wednesday for WOYWW and Wordless Wednesday, Thursday for Food For Thought Thursday and Friday, for Paint Party Friday!

Paint Party Friday

2011-11-17T21:06:00.000-08:00

Hey Happy Campers it's another fabulous Paint Party Friday with the ever delightful Eva and Kristen.

What's Paint Party Friday you ask? Well it's an opportunity to see what all of your artist friends new and old are creating and posting on their blogs to share with you. So where do you add your link up or find this list of fantabulous artist? Well here you go, a link, to find your way to all of the eye candy PAINT PARTY FRIDAY!

Time has been whooshing by for me lately and I've been busy, but the kind of busy that makes me happy and fills me with joi de vivre ! I've had 3 torn pet painting portrait commissions come in this week and the first of them is Brewski, isn't that a fabulous name for this pooch!

I've finished the torn paper portrait part and I'll be spending today working on his canvas. The client has asked for black with no words. I have to admit I have a hard time doing plain black so I'm going to sneak in some undertones of midnight blues and purples and hope she likes it! I won't attach him until I get her approval because ultimately it's for her and I like to make sure my wonderful clients are happy, happy, happy! After all they are putting food on my table so to speak.

Whose next, why his sister Babe of course (two sisters own these dogs and their Aunt commissioned me to do one for each of them for Xmas.). You won't get to see her till the Friday after next though because I won't be posting over the Thanksgiving Holiday next Friday.

I can't thank you enough for stopping by! Your comments have delighted and inspired me! I'm very sorry to those of you I didn't make it to visit last week. I only made it through 1/2 the list before it was Friday again! Never fear though, you are first on my list this week and I'm determined to make it through to see everyone this week! HUGS

I love my followers I hope you'll become one!

I'm planning a very special prize giveaway for one of my followers to celebrate my Birthday, on December 23rd

Food For Thought Thursday #5

2011-11-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

Food For Thought Thursdays # 5 LINKY

Here it is my own blog hop theme!

My post today is a favorite holiday recipe, hope you'll hop on by!

Sign up here with Mr. Linky to share your blog post with us! Remember to copy the blog address of the specific post, not your general blog address!

Be patient this is a brand new hop, the numbers will grow....come join the fun!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

2011-11-17T11:03:00.001-08:00

It's hard to believe it's only a week until Thanksgiving! I admit I love this holiday that is surrounded by eating all kinds of delicious foods. These days we visit family for Turkey Day so I really don't get to do much of the cooking but I do insert myself in the kitchen long enough to always slip in my personal favorite dish, Corn Pudding. It is so sweet it might as well be dessert and compliments savory dishes in just the right way.

Sweet Corn PuddingRecipe

from Child MagazineNovember 2003 pg 184

Vegetableoil Spray

2-14oz cans of nonfat condensed Milk

6large Eggs

1/2C light brown sugar

2tsp cinnamon

1tbs vanilla extract

11/2 lbs frozen corn, thawed and dried on paper towel

1tsp butter

HeatOven to 375F degrees

1.Spray a 1 1/2 qt. casserole dish with vegetable oil.

2.In a medium bowl whisk milk and eggs until frothy. Stir in brown sugar, 11/2tsp of the cinnamon and the vanilla. Add corn; mix well. Pourmixture into prepared dish. The mixture should be thick. If itseems thin, add additional corn. Dot pudding with butter and sprinklewith remaining cinnamon.

3.Bake for at least 35 minutes until set through the center. Gentle jigglethe dish to see if the pudding is properly set. Serve hot, warm orroom temperature.

Thanks for sharing Food For Thought Thursday with me! I hope you'll join in and share something you're eating this day, this week, this month, this year. I'd love to know what's on your plate!

Wednesday, November 15th, 2011

2011-11-15T19:54:00.001-08:00

Well it's hard to believe it's Wednesday again already! Well what's on my Work Desk? WOYWW (go check out the list and see whose making a mess today over at the delightful Julia's from Stamping Ground!)

I've been busy, busy doing torn paper pet potraits. The orders have been coming in rapidly since I created Wendell for the Humane Society Auction last week. I have to admit that I love doing them though. Lots of fabulous doggies I just want to smooooch. I haven't had a kitty order yet but I'm hoping to do one soon too! On my desk a work in progress, his name is Brewski and I hope to have a nice picture of him as a finished piece of art to share for Paint Party Friday, if my canvas order ever gets here.

As you can see working with torn paper is a messy job!

I was also putting the finishing touches on a sweet Asian lady mini canvas I am painting as a holiday gift for a Secret Santa exchange among the staff of ATCs for All (which I am happy to be part of.) I can't show you a close up just yet since it is a "Secret Santa" gift, so she's just peeking out of the top left corner of my table.

I hope your Wednesday is wonderful! For Wordless Wednesday Create with Joy and Wordless Wednesday Cookin for My Captain and Animal Wednesday here is a picture of Brewski my model for this weeks pet portrait commission, he is so ugly, cute I can't stand it! I feel so fortunate a commission to create this lovable fella!

It's snowing hard in Hood River today, our first day of snow and it's coming down at a rapid pace and sticking! It's so beautiful, isn't the first snow of the year the most special! I also just saw a hummingbird at my feeder, snow and hummingbirds are not a common combination to be sure!

I really appreciate your visit and hope you'll come again! I love my followers!

Amy's Never Ending Story

2011-11-12T07:57:00.001-08:00

I am participating in the fabulous Ms. Amy's Never Ending Story. If you'd like to see my installment of this delightful Fairy Tale visit my page.

Installment #7 - The Never Ending Story

If you'd like to read the whole story to date visit Amy's Site Here

The Never Ending Story

If you'd like details so you too can become part of history and the Never Ending Story visit Amy's blog for details

Details How you to can become part of History

Oh something else going on of great interest, the lovely Manon in conjunction with Amy had a FREE, Free live art class last night, you should check it out!

I'm heading off to the post office to mail my "No Bull" torn paper painting that sold to Washington, D.C yesterday. I think I'd like to get a map to put pins in just for the delight of the visual aspect of seeing how my art is traveling the world. Don't you just adore a global economy? I have art in Middlesex, England, Barcelona, Spain, Australia, and the Phillipines.

"No Bull" Sold

I hope your Saturday is wonderful! Thanks for stopping by!

Paint Party Friday 11-11-11

2011-11-11T09:37:00.001-08:00

Holy Smokes I'm running late for Eva and Kristin's delightful Paint Party Friday!

I wanted to share the finished canvas for the painted torn paper pet portrait that I created of Wendell for the Hamilton County Humane Society Tinsel and Tails Auction. Last week I showed you Wendell created out of torn, fine, handmade Japanese Paper and the canvas I had painted.

Wendell Created in torn paper next to his pic

Painted Canvas

Here is the finished canvas.

For the Love of Wendell

Thanks so much for stopping by for Paint Party Friday stop by and see what the other wonderful artist are creating for this wonderful 11-11-11

Hope you'll think about signing on to follow my blog!

I'm participating in Amy's Never Ending Story. Want to see my installment find it HERE

Want more details on how you can add to the Never Ending Story, cruise on over to Amy's and check it out!

2011-11-10T06:50:00.000-08:00

Food For Thought Thursdays # 4 LINKY

Here it is my own blog hop theme!

My post is about special Fall cookies, hope you'll hop on by!

Sign up here with Mr. Linky to share your blog post with us! Remember to copy the blog address of the specific post, not your general blog address!

Be patient this is a brand new hop, the numbers will grow....come join the fun!

Acorn Cookies for Food For Thought Thursday

2011-11-10T06:45:00.001-08:00

So what food do I want to share with you today? Well for me today it was about acorns! Nope I don't eat acorns but I wanted to create a Fall treat to take to the various Fall/Thanksgiving themed parties happening this month. So Here is a fun version of no bake, super duper easy peasy "Acorn" Cookies.

Acorn Cookies

All you need is a package of mini size Nutter Butter Cookies Bites. A package of Hershey's Kisses and a package of mini chocolate chips. Use peanut butter as glue and in minutes you'll have these enchanting little cookies that will be the talk of the party!

They are fun to make and the taste amazing, I mean really chocolate and peanut butter how can you go wrong? ps. I made a few using Nutella as glue because I am a total Nutella nut! Those aren't pictured because I ATE them!!!

Happy Food For Thought Thursday #4, I'm so glad you dropped by!

Come join us in this blog hope to share something you are eating today, yesterday, this week! No tough rules just share food! Wanna Bite?

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

2011-11-09T07:43:00.000-08:00

Well I'm off to Jury Duty, so a short post for WOYWW and Wordless Wednesday. My hubby and I took a hike up Dog Mountain over the weekend and the entire hike provided me with heart shaped rocks at every turn! Romance must have been in the air because I saw at least 25 heart shaped rocks. I brought home a few I will photograph later to share but these two were too large to abscond with and hike the distance that I had to go, so I snapped a quick pic with my iphone to share with you all. I think they are spectacular!

I don't have time to upload my work desk but what sits on it is the rest of the heart shaped rocks I found, A paint jar full of water and lots of packing tape and bubble wrap because I had to ship a canvas off to auction pronto yesterday afternoon! Which I will post Friday for anyone who wants to stop by the blog and my Paint Party Friday Friends. I will stop by and visit your blogs when I get home tonight. Have a great day!

Stop back tomorrow and link up to my blog hop Food For Thought Thursdays. Post a short blog about what you're eating, what you like to eat, well any darn thing that has to do with food! I hope you'll join me as a follower too, because followers make me happy! I promise to try hard to keep you entertained!

Friday, November 4, 2011

2011-11-03T21:49:00.000-07:00

What am I doing for the delightful Kristin and Eva's Paint Party Friday? I am creating an original canvas for Art for Life II (Tinsel and Tails .) An annual Auction held by the Humane Society for Hamilton County

First I had to choose a subject. I chose Wendell. This adorable fellow is looking for his forever home.He seems to have a perpetual smile on his face and he's probably not going to be a lot of people's first choice because he's a bit short on manners! From what I read he's a lovable fellow who needs some obedience training. He's only 2 and seems to have much of his puppy energy intact. He deserves a family to love him and show him the way! I sure hope he finds one! He was a wonderful model for the picture I used as a reference to create him and he now holds a place in my heart.

I've been really into creating torn paper paintings of late so I decided that Wendell with his contrasting colors was a great subject for this but first I needed to paint a background for my canvas . I used Winsor and Newton Watercolors, first a shade I mixed, a combination of Olive Green and Cadmium Yellow.

Art for Life Canvas 1st layer of color

AFL Canvas 2nd color

Then I sponged on an Umber color to add interesting depths and texture.

Next I painted some vintage Asian text with black watercolor paint which will become Wendell's nose.

Base for Wendell's nose

I agonized for awhile about the right paper to use to create his eyes. Eyes are so important and Wendell's are very warm and friendly. Finally I chose this interesting pattern and added shades of color with Copic Sketch Marker.

Wendell's Eye

Then I spent hours and I do mean hours, tearing and arranging fine handmade Japanese papers to create Wendell in torn paper. I was too full of Gel Medium and paper pieces stuck to my hands to take more pictures, it's a bit of a messy process. Here he is created in torn paper.

Wendell in Torn Paper

Wendell in torn paper next to his picture

Close up Wendell in torn paper

Well I still have a ways to go, torn paper Wendell must be adhered to my canvas and then I'll have to decide on finishing touches and whether or not I want any additional embellishments on the canvas but I have to say, I am thrilled with the progress I made on this piece today! I'll share the finished work next Friday. I hope you'll stop back to see.

Food For Thought Thursday

2011-11-03T12:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks for stopping by my Food For Thought Thursday Post! If you are looking for Mr. Linky and you'd like to join in the fun and share something that's on your plate today, we'd love it if you'd play along in this new blog hop!

Here's The Link:

I've been teaching my 12 year old Son Max how to bake various items since he was a little guy but we've always done sweets, cookies, cakes, brownies etc. Last year I taught him how to cook a pork roast in the crock pot and he has successfully shown that off for dinner guests who were thrilled. This week though I really wanted to teach him to cook some basic easy items for himself so he is able to cook and eat when he goes away to college...LOL. So last night he made his own hamburger, he put too much seasoning on it but was so proud of himself he ate it anyway.

This morning he made scrambled eggs. Now the funny thing about this is, he is a really, really...did I say REALLY, picky eater and has never touched a scrambled egg in his life! So today when I asked him what type of eggs he wanted to cook and he said scrambled I about fell over! Well he cooked them with no problem and loved them! SO news for parents with picky eaters, let them cook it, they are more interested in eating it when they have invested their own labors or maybe because they know there are no hidden surprises inside?

I think he liked the eggs! Now I have to teacher him table manners....LOL! Actually it was his idea to pose for this shot to entertain you all.

Stop by tomorrow and see what's happening for Paint Party Friday!

http://artstudio33.blogspot.com/2011/11/food-for-thought-thursdays-3.html

Food For Thought Thursdays # 3 LINKY

2011-11-02T12:51:00.000-07:00

Here it is my own blog hop theme!

#3 FOOD FOR THOUGHT THURSDAY!

Sign up here with Mr. Linky to share your blog post with us! Remember to copy the blog address of the specific post, not your general blog address!

Be patient this is a brand new hop, the numbers will grow....come join the fun!

My own link will be a bit later in the morning today. I'm doing some cooking with my 12 year old Son and want to blog after we're done!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

2011-11-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday, one of my favorite days of the week! There are so many spectacular blog hops on Wednesday!

WOYWW (Stop by and see what everyone's work desk looks like!) Well mine is covered with a good news/bad news scenario. Our local art supply store Bella's had to close it's doors because it could no longer compete with the internet prices. I enjoyed the owner immensely and will miss dropping by to say hi. I shop locally when I can and probably spent half my art budget at the local store but certain items were just too expensive for me to buy locally and then I'd resort to the internet so that I could have a coveted this or that supply. Anyway, the going out of business sale garnered me these wonderful items and truly $3 copic sketch markers ....WOW!

Also interspersed with my new supplies are a sugar skull I created yesterday for Day of the Dead and an Inchie that I framed. Can you believe you can get Inchie Frames now!!! Also some Diet Coke pop tops so I can enter my codes to get free stuff and a pattern template for a little Owl stuffy I hope to make soon.

Fun things to do with inchies, a pendant and a frame. 1" X 1"

There was another corner to my desk but it has to stay in hiding because they were Secret Santa presents. I'm on the staff over at ATCs for All and we have a Staff Secret Santa swap going on. I'll share those items after they are received and opened by the recipient.

Wordless Wednesday I do two -stop by and check out the blog links! Wordless Wednesdays Create with Joy And Wordless Wednesday Cookin for my Captain and last but not least Animal Wednesday!

Umm What!

Okay this is Anana's Boutique in my little resort town. They have been having a bit of trouble with there sign! I've mentioned it to the staff/owner a couple of times but they don't seem to mind I guess!?! I see the people stopping and cracking up to post it on the FB pages. I even had some friends come to town and ask what type of shops we are sporting in our town!

Bean and Yuki

This is Bean and Yuki they were both rescues. Puppies that had come out of a Puppy Mill and where going to be put down because they had expensive medical conditions. Bean has an auto-immune disease of the eye and Yuki had Parvo at 5 weeks and was on death's door. I am happy to say 14 and 13 years later they are both happy, thriving little beasties that provide loads of love and lap cuddle time!

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you'll think of signing on to follow me! Please stop by tomorrow and join me for Food For Thought Thursdays, my very own Blog Hop! Blog about what you're eating, snap a quick pic of your breakfast, snack, an exciting item at the grocery....let's just talk about food and share a bit of what's on our plate. Can't wait to share a meal with you!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T13:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

I was hoping to paint something for this delightful day and for Natasha's Halloween Bash but I ended up running around like a nut all day! I hyper Extended my elbow playing tennis so I had to go see the doc and get it adjusted. Hubby Broke out in a weird itchy rash so ran him to the doctor and then my Son's wire broke on his braces so it was off to the orthodontist...WOW! My empty day was suddenly a mad dash. Now the little dudes are starting to show up at my house because I'm the Mom willing to take them all out trick or treating, so I'm off to follow behind with a smile on my face. I did get to go to a Halloween Party Saturday night.

What am I wearing this Halloween....Why Little Dead Riding Hood of course :)

As I was going up the stair, I met a man who wasn't there. He wasn't there again today... Oh, how I wish he'd go away. (Mearns)

Oh Oh, I had 15 minutes so here's a quicky Day of the Dead done in Copic Sketch Marker

2011-10-28T14:31:00.000-07:00

I'm late, I'm late for a very important date...Paint Party Friday! Truly my favorite blog hop of the week! I've been running to be the band lately and having a bit of Murphy's rule (car broke down, caught a cold, got called to jury duty.) I was supposed to model for a charity benefit next week and feel rather guilty that I had to back out but with the cold and the jury duty I think it's a bit more than I want to take on right now.

I created this Fat Cat ACEO for Paint Party Friday although I have to admit he's done in copic rather than paint....LOL. Thanks for stopping by and remember to hop on over to Kristin and Eva's delightful Paint Party Friday blog hop link list to join the fun!

Fat Cat

I'm joining Natasha May for her Halloween Party! Come Join the fun!

Also come join me for Food for Thought Thursdays! Link up and share what's on your plate every Thursday!

Food For Thought Thursday Oct 27

2011-10-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

What am I eating today?

I started the day with the same breakfast I eat most of the time, eggs wrapped in a tortilla with tofutti cream cheese and home made chili sauce. It's simple and delicious and high protein which is a must for me.

For Dinner I am making Korean Short ribs and Rice with a veggie and a salad.

I planned a little splurge of a snack today, fresh pears from the Farmers Market and a cheese called "No Woman" by Beechers. Beechers is a handmade cheese shop in Seattle's Pike Place Market It is a handmade cheese by the women of Jamaica. It is an authentic jerk seasoned cheese that "May occasionally have hard pieces of caramelized sugar" in it ...sounds good to me!!

Thanks for stopping by for Food For Thought Thursday! (follow this link to Mr. Linky for FFTT) I hope you'll play along and share something you are eating today, yesterday, this week!!

2011-10-26T21:30:00.000-07:00

Here it is my own blog hop theme!

#2 FOOD FOR THOUGHT THURSDAY!

We need a Thursday Blog Hop too right?

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Sign up here with Mr. Linky to share your blog post with us! Remember to copy the blog address of the specific post, not your general blog address!

Be patient this is a brand new hop, the numbers will grow....come join the fun!

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

2011-10-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

Happy WOYWW!

This is a holiday gift Work in Progress, I've only just started the under painting and am laughing at my use of mixed media because it already has acrylic, watercolor and gouache. I can't seem to ever work with just one medium, I guess it's not in my nature.

and for Wordless Wednesday a picture of the heart shape rock I found...YAY! I'm always on the outlook for heart shaped objects when I'm on my walks but had yet to find a heart shaped stone. Having searched far and wide can you believe that the one I found was in my own driveway.... serendipity at its finest because home truly is where my heart is! I follow two different wonderful WW blogs stop by to see who else is playing! Wordless Wednesday Create with Joy and Wordless Wednesday Cookin for my Captain.

Don't forget tomorrow is Food For Thought Thursday! Blog about what you're eating...We really want to know! Check out week one and details here! Hope you'll join the fun!

Monday, October 24th, 2011

2011-10-24T10:32:00.000-07:00

I've decided that Mondays will be my blogging Day off!

Happy Monday!

Monday!

Sunday, October 23, 2011

2011-10-23T11:02:00.000-07:00

We made a new friend on our walk yesterday.

It was such a lovely day, I love Fall!

I saw these tree roots crawling down the hill and thought they'd be great for a creepy movie! Doesn't it look like a tree hand coming for you!

and something for Sunday Sketches, (Follow this link to see more wonderful artistic sketches!) a city perspective I've been working on and really like. I think it's almost done.

Have a wonderful Sunday, thank you so much for stopping by for a visit!

Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011

2011-10-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

Six Word Saturday:

Working on Paint Party Friday Still!

ACEO Distressed Houses
Sold to a wonderful customer in Barcelona Spain YAY!

Friday, October 21st 2011

2011-10-20T18:33:00.000-07:00

This week just flew by! I can hardly believe it's time for Paint Party Friday! So what am I painting, yikes, nothing the last few days. My hubby just got home from a long trip in Brazil and I've been enjoying my precious free minutes with him. I will share something done recently because it's a bit of a departure from my own style. I was participating in a postcard swap in the style of Tracy Moore, his style is edgy, and really fun, a combination of journaling and sketching at the same time. So here are the two that I created with my interpretation of his style. They were both done with Charcoal and Watercolor.

Wave Warrior

Thanks for the Mammeries

Thanks so much for visiting! If you want to see what other artist are painting the hop on over to the fabulous Kristin and Eva's Paint Party Friday for a list!

and my own little plug, if you are looking to do a little blog hopping on Thursdays come by and see me for my new blog hop theme "Food For Thought Thursdays"

Thursday, October 19th 2011

2011-10-19T21:06:00.001-07:00

Here it is my own blog hop theme!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT THURSDAY!

We need a Thursday Blog Hop too right?

What are you eating today, yesterday this week? Share some thoughts about the food you eat and pictures are great too and then take a little blog hop around to see what's on everyone else's plates!

Link here at Mr. Linky and join the fun! Remember to Link your specific post not your general blog address!

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Link here at Mr. Linky and join the fun! Remember to Link your specific post not your general blog address!

Food For Thought Thursday #1

2011-10-19T21:06:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my very first Food For Thought Thursdays!

What food am I sharing today, breakfast. It's my favorite meal of the day becauseI love, no, I adore eggs! I know they aren't for everyone, some just can't stand them and that's okay as long as you don't mind that I love them. I seem to thrive very well on a high protein diet. I've been a vegetarian and even vegan at one time but I had a very hard time maintaining my health and metabolism on those particular diets, even when I follow the very best recommendations. I still work very hard to eat cruelty free and choose the animal proteins I eat very carefully!

Lately my eyes have been very dry! My eye doctor suggested I up my Omega 3s so I'm working hard to put foods rich in fish oils in my diet. That inspired yesterday's breakfast, Kippers and Avocado to enhance my regular morning breakfast burrito. I used Tofutti style cream cheese a leftover from my veggie days (not literally LOL.) I came to prefer its slightly less rich taste to the original style. Also added homemade chili sauce. It might not look super appetizing but it was delicious!

Today's Breakfast, a lovely and simple Frittata with fresh Parmesan, Avocado and Tomatoes from the garden, heavenly! Whats on your table?

Lunch Today - Was out with my Hubby, Black Bean Veggie Burger with Caramelized Onion
Dinner Today - A bowl of Special K Vanilla with Almonds
Lunch Yesterday - Sushi
Dinner Yesterday -A bowl of Special K Vanilla with Almonds

Come on over to Food For Thought Thursdays and link up to share!

Wednesday, October 19th 2011

2011-10-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

ACEOs That need to be photographed and uploaded to my Etsy store, Holiday season is fast approaching must have inventory...LOL.

WYOWW
What's on My Workdesk Wednesday. Well it's not too much of a mess today because I'm not in the middle of a work in progress. I was just culling through my many Art Cards to find ones that might be worthy of going into my inventory.

It's Wednesday and I'm usually right on top of all of the wonderful blog hops that happen on Wednesdays but today I'm running behind for a really good reason. My Honey, my wonderful husband that I adore has been in Brazil for 16 days and he returned yesterday. I'm tickled beyond words to have him home because we are one of those enviably (or annoying depending on your perspective) happy couples. We spend a ridiculous amount of time together and are always trying to carve out more. I can honestly say that after almost 14 years of marriage I am even more crazy in love with him today.

We don't usually take separate vacations but this time we decided to make a "Safe" decision for our Son. My husband is a kite Sailor/surfer, a very good one. He gets on the water with a huge kite above his head that propels him through the water at high speeds and allows him to jump and float to ridiculous heights! It's super cool to watch and the reason we live in one of the windiest little towns in the world. He had an opportunity to go to a remote part of Brazil and kite sail on some "epic" waves and I sent him with my blessings. We didn't think that it would be as wise for my Son and Myself to go along because these "Downwinders" in Brazil are hours long, hours that we would have been alone on remote beaches in a foreign country. So Max and I headed to Michigan for a visit with Grandma and a trip to the best amusement park ever, Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio.

You are invited to join me for FFTT-- Food For Thought Thursdays. I've decided to start my own Thursday Blog hop because we need something for Thursdays too! This ones about Food. Tell us about something you are eating, pictures are welcome. I love to hear about what other people eat! Hope to see you here tomorrow to get the hop started!

So here's my entry for a very wordy Wordless Wednesday. My Hubby in Brazil.

Animal Wednesday, These are our 4 Rescue Dogs, from left to right, Bean, Yuki, Cassie and Norman

Okay, A little breakfast then I'm off to blog hop and pay you all a visit! Happy Wednesday!

Holiday Shopping for Him

2011-10-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone who signed on to follow yesterday I achieved my goal of 50 followers my first month just in time! You peeps are the best!

Well It's hard to believe that the holidays are on my mind but they are! I'm committed to buying handmade this holiday season, How about you? I'll be doing most of my shopping on Etsy.com. I just purchased a really cool, real bullet zipper pull for my Son (no powder of course) He'll love it!

I took the time yesterday to create what I hope is an unique holiday gift guide (Etsy Treasury) to help find something for that guy in your life, you know, the one that already has everything! I hope you find something unique or interesting in my picks! This was just for fun, I'm not promoting anyone or anything :)

Holiday For Him (Click Here for Shopping Guide)

BethBerg Photography Linked

and if you get a chance, stop by my Etsy shop too! (Yep, I do promote me..LOL) Here's my gift suggestion for him. Your not allowed to put your own items in Etsy Treasuries when you create them so mine is not included in the Holiday List above!

An Accidental Heart Fine photo Print -- Tell Him You love him and keep it masculine, no frou frou for this guy!

A very special thank you to Laurie over at "as time flys by" for blogging about the art I posted yesterday. Your blog post touched me beyond words. As artist we all hope our art will have some type of emotional impact but to see or hear about it first hand is priceless and made me cry happy tears....Thank You for that gift!

(I guess this counts as my One Minute Writer Today too because the prompt was center. Write about a time you felt like the center of attention.)

Sunday, October 16, 2011

2011-10-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

SUNDAY SKETCHES

I haven't had been able to get a good photo of this piece that I've been working on called Journey to Womanhood. This was hung on the wall and taken with my iphone. I hope to find a black backdrop to set off the white background and pull out my good camera sometime this week but for now this will have to do.

Journey to WomanHood 1' X 3'

I layered the canvas with vintage book pages. The titles of each page tell a story, the story of the voyage from Maidenhood to Womanhood. The titles read: **The Maiden** The Courtship ** Somebody's Darling ** Leave her to Heaven (let her keep her purity) ** How to Avoid Housework** An Accidental Woman ** Mrs. Who ** Mr. John Bailey Appears ** and finally in her sarong ** The Perfect Wife **

I drew the figures in black and white charcoal on top of the book pages and splashed the painting with gesso that I textured and stamped into while it was wet.

I don't often explain my art but this one tells a story about how we all wake up one day to discover we've become a Woman (or an adult for my male readers...LOL) and how as we mature into Womanhood we often are reaching back at times to get in touch with our younger selves.

Thanks for stopping by for Sunday Sketch! Oh Oh I almost forgot, today is 1 month since I started my blog! My goal was to have 50 followers in my first month so if you aren't following , make my day and sign on to follow! I promise to work hard to keep you interested! THANKS... HUGS!

Saturday, October 15th 2011

2011-10-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

Free Your Heart , Stop making Judgments

Einstein was such an amazing fellow. Well I don't need to tell you that, but his theories and ideas were so far ahead of the pack! I recently read a quote of his that exactly emphasizes the point I'm trying to teach my 12 Year old Son who has an IQ to rival Einstein's (He says to me the other day "I don't think Einstein's theory about energy is correct. Someday I'm going to prove it.")

So these are my thoughts for Six Word Saturday. A thought process I need now more than ever after having just gotten back from a visit to family. I noticed on this trip that my family was very judgemental. They don't say a lot directly to you about anything, but you see the frown, the tightening of a lip etc. You know that statement is being made later,but more importantly I could feel and see myself doing it as well!

So my goal is to teach my Son by example not to judge other people! To find the beauty in each and every person and an appreciation for how they have chosen to live this life. Our family lives very differently than most so we will always be looked at in a fish bowl of sorts. He's used to that and thrives on his uniqueness, for that I am thankful. Einstein's Quote, well it says it so much better than I ever could!

Oh I didn't forget Diana's Sweet Saturday Blog Hop either! Here's my contribution for Sweet Saturday!

Just a little fun pup in a cup I created on a coaster one afternoon. Awwwww!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Happy, Happy Saturday to you!

Oh Oh I almost forgot, tomorrow is 1 month since I started my blog! My goal was to have 50 followers in my first month so if you aren't following , make my day and sign on to follow! I promise to work hard to keep you interested! THANKS... HUGS!

Friday, October 14th, 2011

2011-10-13T22:09:00.000-07:00

Yay It's Paint Party Friday!

I just adore Paint Party Friday, hosted by Eva and Kristin, it's like taking a gallery stroll!

Thanks for stopping by! Pop on over to Paint Party Friday and join the fun!

Here's a little Cockle Doodle Doo to start your morning off bright eyed and bushy tailed!

Good Morning!

What am I up to today...INCHIES...yes inchies 1" X 1" pieces of art. Have you caught the inchie bug yet? At first you're sure you just won't be able to create in a space that small but then slowly you realize you become free to create with on a simpler level, less detail and more suggestion, simple lines and uncluttered images. I'm hosting an Inchie A Thon over at ATCs For All. Come on by and peruse the thread to see lots more inchies.

So I was over at Laurie's blog how my time Time Flys enjoying her Thursday blog post which was a list of her activities for the day. Not only did I enjoy a peek at her day-in-the-life but I realized that I just love to hear about what other people are eating! Do you?...are you curious as to what other people are ingesting each meal? Anyway, I've been looking for a Thursday blog hop and hadn't found one that had me excited yet so I've decided I'm going to start my own!

SO here's how it will work! Since we'll be blog hopping on Thurday and most of us like to post early let's keep track of what we eat on Wednesday and blog about it on Thursday, share 1 meal, all 3, snacks, your coffee order whatever! Pictures are fun too! Then on Thursday come on over here and add your link. I hope you'll come play.

I'll research how to create a button and post it this week.

Food For Thought Thursdays FFTT!

Wednesday, October 12th

2011-10-12T16:18:00.000-07:00

Did you miss me? I was traveling to the Mid-West to see family. I'm still reluctant to post obvious messages anywhere that say "Hey, I'm not going to be Home" so you get to hear about my trips after I come back...LOL

Anyway this trip was to visit family and go to Cedar Point, an absolutely awesome amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio. Every year they turn it into a complete spooky Halloween festival. It's pretty cool, albeit scaaaaryyy!

Anyway here a contributions for WOYWW and Wordless Wednesday, I'm a bit late to the party today but hopefully a few people will stop by.

WYOWW

I was feeling the Evil Clown needing to emerge after our spooky encounters at the amusement park. Here's the initial sketch. I'll probably paint it and show it again for Paint Party Friday.

Wordless Wednesday - Create with Joy
Wordless Wednesday - Carolyn

MIMS Animal Wednesday

This is one of my 4 Rescue Dogs Cassie, her nickname is Doodlebug and she is sweet and sassy, half Giant Schnauzer/Half Siberian Husky. Here I've mounted her photo on an antique book page and painted around her.

Happy Wednesday Thanks for Stopping By!

Monday, October 3rd, 2011

2011-10-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

It's raining this morning and I'm not complaining, we've had so little precipitation the last several months. The nice part is that it's still quite warm so it's not "Cold and Rainy."

I was having a little fun with an art filter on my camera and came up with these photos.

I really like this Diet Coke one because it has the feeling I feel when I see my addiction. Sung in a high pitched single note -AHHHHHHHHHH!, the heavens opening...etc.

Addiction

and this one is a piece taken of a piece of mixed media art I was creating:

Purple Heart

What kind of trouble are you causing today?

Sunday, October 2, 2011

2011-10-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

I posted my Sunday Sketches before seeing Sophia's post that it is cancelled this week. Dearest Sophia my heart goes out to you for your loss, a Father such an important person in our lives and the love you have yours evident. I wish you strength in your healing journey.

For Sunday Sketches I'm sharing more of my Rocky Horror Pieces, this one a charcoal sketch of RiffRaff.

and Frankie Baby done with Pastels

If you'd like to see the ones I did of Columbia see this post.

Happy Sunday! Time is Fleeting...Madness takes it toll!

And because I posted it so late yesterday:

Last But Not Least The Winner of My Blog Giveaway celebrating International Rabbit Day Last week is:

*******PEGGY GATO ********
Congratulations Peggy! I will contact you about sending your prize!

Saturday, October 1, 2011

2011-10-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

Happy First Day of October! Can you believe it's October alread? September really flew by for me!

It's Six Word Saturday! SO here are my six words for today!

Creating every day is Soul Food!

and here is some art for Sweet Saturday!

Lately for me it's been about Microbooks. Little 1 inch by 1 inch books with Miniature paintings. Here are a few I created to swap with other artistic friends. See the links in my sidebar to participate in Six Word Saturday and Sweet Saturday and enjoy blog hopping!

Last But Not Least The Winner of My Blog Giveaway celebrating International Rabbit Day Last week is:

*******PEGGY GATO ********
Congratulations Peggy! I will contact you about sending your prize!

Friday, September 30, 2011

2011-09-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

For Paint Party Friday this week I'm sharing two different versions of pastel paintings that I created last year of Little Nell/Columbia from the Rocky Horror Picture show. I loved going to Rocky Horror when I was in High School and I've seen two live productions since then that were just fantastic. How about you, did you use to go "To the late night, double feature picture showwwww?

Hope you like them! Thanks for visiting.

Happy Paint Party Friday! Follow the link above and stop by to see a list of participating blogs.

This blog is very new, I'd love to have you as a follower! If you'd like to visit my other blog Project 365 you can find it here. Art Project 365 is a 2 year project, a consortium of artist that have been creating art each and every day for the last 600 + days!

A little Add On, I came a cross Amy's clever idea to write a Never Ending Story and have decided to participate. You can check out her idea here.

Thursday, September 30, 2011

2011-09-29T12:27:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe it's the end of September! This month has just flown by. I created an Etsy treasury this morning based on Owls. They seem to be all the rage lately, are you caught up in ti?

Here's a link if you'd like to check it out!

I Don't Give Hoot! an Etsy Treasury.

and here's a piece of my Own Owl Art

Happy Thursday!

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

2011-09-28T05:30:00.000-07:00

Well it seems Wednesdays are a happening day in the blog world! I am participating in:

Wordless Wednesday***WYOWW***Animal Wednesday

So welcome to everyone blog hopping from those events!

My contribution to Wordless Wednesday is "An Accidental Heart" My Son and I were talking a walk on our visit to Grandma's in Florida and came across this heart shaped dried up plant frond. I think it may have been shed from a nearby palm tree.

(This image, like all of my art, is a copyrighted ...please respect my ownership of this piece. Thanks so much!)

An Accidental Heart
For Wordless Wednesday

For WYOWW Wednesday I've created 3 Heart inchies 1 x 1 inch works of art. These were done with watercolor and ink. They are still on my studio table because they are going to become a microbook.

Every Inch of my Heart

For Animal Wednesday a picture of one of my 4 rescue dogs, Norman, on our walk down at the river. He has the sweetest soul and happiness for him is a tennis ball and sleeping with our Son. Which I hope to capture a picture of soon. Now normally I wouldn't let an 85lb dog sleep in bed with my Son because it's a bit crowded and Norman is quite the shedder, but our Son started sleepwalking about a year ago and I was really worried he'd get hurt wandering around at night. When Max wakes up he bumps into Norman trying to get out of bed and instead of getting up he rolls over and continues sleeping in bed. A perfect solution!

Norman Reflects

So happy Wednesday!

Monday, September 26, 2011

2011-09-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for my Blog Prize Giveaway post you can find it Here.

Red Glasses

I was having a little color contrasting fun with this one yesterday.

Today I did "Keyword" research as I delve more deeply into the world of online marketing I'm trying to understand the power of Keywords for coming up in search engines. It was an interesting exploration and I have much to learn!

I also always try to find a new artist each day to admire and I happened upon this artist, Amy Shackleton through a friend on Facebook today. This video is truly amazing, wouldn't you love to have that kind of space to create in!

Sunday, September 25th Sunday Sketches

2011-09-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

Good Sunday Morning (In the Pacific Northwest anyway). If you're looking for my Blog Prize Giveaway you will find it HERE.

Mohawk

Well a quick 5 minute, very simple line draw sketch today as I'm super busy and want to visit everyone on Sunday Sketches. I saw a woman with a Pink Mohawk that I found just fascinating enough to want to capture some quick details. I'm hoping to come back and do a "real" sketch later when I'm a bit less busy. Please join me and visit all the wonderful blogs featuring Sunday Sketches!

I'm playing in a tennis tournament today. It's a fundraiser to resurface the city tennis courts, the kids really need it since they are the only outdoor courts for the the entire school system to use. I hope it goes well, the kids deserve a place to play, there are so many talented young tennis players.

Bean

This is Bean my Chihuahua. He's a rescue dog, I have 4 rescue pups. He's 15 and I've had him since he was about 5 months old. No one wanted him because he came out of a puppy mill and has a very expensive to treat auto immune disease of the eye. All I have to say is he's been worth a million times more than he ever cost. He's the sweetest, most loving little guy and I'm thrilled he's part of my life.

Happy Sunday!

Saturday Sept 24th Giveaway for International Rabbit Day!

2011-09-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

It's International Rabbit Day! In honor of my general love of Bunnies I am having a blog giveaway. An 8 X 10 Print of my Blue Bunny. Comment Here anytime between Sept 24th and up until midnight Sept 30th to enter to win and I will do a random draw on October 1st for the winner. I will give you one additional entry in to the drawing if you are a follower of my blog and 2 additional entries if you tell a friend and they mention you in their comment!

Blue Bunny

And for Sweet Saturday a little photography fun. This is a photo I took with an art filter, it was a close up of a napkin with a heart on it.

Art Filtere Photograph

Friday, September 23, 2011

2011-09-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

For Paint Party Friday
Blue Bunny
-Prints Avail on Etsy

Saturday September 24th is International Rabbit Day!

Happy Friday! Welcome Paint Party Friday Friends! This is my brand spankin new blog and I'd love to have you as a follower! It's just a gorgeous, sunny day here in the NorthWest. What am I thinking about today, Stickmen! Stickmen you say? Well as I was doing my morning browse on Facebook I noticed a link someone shared called "Draw a Stickman." Well why not, so I went to check it out and was delightfully surprised. I'm not going to give anything away but I hope you'll check it out and enjoy it as much I did. Here's a link to Draw A Stickman for you

I posted my Blue Bunny today for Paint Party Friday because he has always been one of my favorite paintings. He's technically quite simple but I love the dramatic interplay of the colors and children always respond to it. The original is Acrylic and Charcoal. He's not a new painting, I've got one in the works that needs to be photographed that I'll share next Friday.

I've never released prints of him before but decided to do a limited print edition in a variety of sizes and added him to my ETSY shop today. For my blog followers I am offering a very special deal, buy one and get one for a friend. You decide if you get the earlier or the later edition since they are all signed and numbered. To claim this offer order 1 print in the size you prefer and send me an ETSY Email with the subject line BBBOGO. I will confirm you are a follower on my blog (It's ok to be a new follower) and email you for details on your matching gift print.

Hope your Friday is Fabulous!

Wednesday, September 21 2011

2011-09-21T08:32:00.000-07:00

4 X 4 Original Created For Humane Society Fundraiser -Prints Avail Etsy

This morning I popped on Facebook, like I usually do with my Diet Coke in hand, only to see that once again they have changed their user interface. I went on to read the usual myriad of comments, most yelling at Facebook for making changes. So here is something to think about, Facebook proves to usover and over again that change is difficult for us, but to advance technologicallyand as a society we have to incorporate change, sometimes on a daily basis. Weare comfortable when things stay the same but if we are willing to dig, learn,find the new way to do something we often will appreciate it. If we want ourschools, our economy, our government to truly change and improve we have toembrace the changes and the difficulties that come with learning a new way todo something or we stagnate as a society. We can't make an informed decisionuntil we fully understand and are able to use the "new." That's mysoap box for today, and the post in a somewhat more abbreviated form that I posted on my FB page.

One Minute Writer

Prompt: Happily Ever After- Rewritten

Together as a society they began to embrace change andthe difficulties that ensued while they learned a new way. Everything began toimprove, their schools, their government and their economies and most of all theiroutlook on life. Together they found optimism and a bright, new future.

Monday, September 19th, 2011

2011-09-19T14:26:00.000-07:00

Well Monday has started out as a whirlwind of craziness. I was called to jury duty starting the same day I already have plane tickets to go home and visit my family. I'm all for civic duty but honestly as a homeschooling Mom this presents a whole host of difficulties! I spent the morning writing my excuse letter, feeling like I was back in school trying to get out of class for the day.

While I was busy working on that I decided to have my Son write for the "One Minute Writer" entry today. I've been having him keep a writing journal and follow along with this program as well. It's an excellent daily writing assignment for a homeschooler! He's a witty bloke and it always comes out in his writing.

One Minute Writer
Prompt: Hidden Camera
by Max 12 years Old
(The Photo is his too.)

Where would I put my hidden cameras?

Why I’d place them wherever I please!

I’d place them in the ground!

I’d place them in my room!

I’d place it in your room!

I’d place it in the girl’s bathroom!

Sunday September 18, 2011

2011-09-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

Hang On!

Welcome Sunday Sketchers from Blue Chair Diary!

Well you can probably tell I've been infatuated with the ordinary pencil lately. I recently had the opportunity to participate in a themed postcard swap over at Atc's for All. The cards featured the style of Tracy V. Moore, an edgy journal artist up in Seattle. My blog entry on September 16th is a work in progress from that swap. Anyway, I had such a delicious time sketching, that I haven't put my pencil down yet to go back to my paints and other textural mediums.

I don't know that raccoon ever truly have to hold on like this little fellow is doing. They are usually such nimble beast but as his face began to develop, he looked like a worried little fella that needed to grip onto to something.

What else has been on my mind this week? Tap Floors. My Son has taken up tap dancing and needs a place to practice. Cement ruins tap shoes and I don't want the floors in the house to get scratched up so I'm thinking about creating a portable tap floor for him. I think I just might have some leftover cork flooring from the time we did the kitchen. p.s. don't put cork flooring in your kitchen!!

Oh Special Post Alert-- Found out about Unicorns vs. Zombies birthday party here's a button and a link!

http://butterscape.blogspot.com/2011/09/unicorns-snack.html

I'm a Zombie Girl Myself. Here's Poor Dead Fred...He's having a hard time coming to grips with his demise!

Saturday, September 17

2011-09-17T08:15:00.000-07:00

A Saturday Journal Page

Her Thoughts

One Minute Writer
Prompt "Day"

Bring to thisday, this wonderful day, the sheer force of your very being. Give this day your heart and soul and live,live, live like you mean it. Taste fromthe core of your being. Hug from thevery center of your soul. Laugh, listen,jump, run and look, yes really look at the very life of this day, thisbeautiful day, this beautiful life, this beautiful you.

Six Word Saturday (It's a bit of a cliche but it works for me.)

Take a deep breath and smile.

2011-09-16T07:48:00.001-07:00

A Friday Journal Page

New Sketch in Progress "Bird King"

One Minute Writer – Fiction Friday

Prompt: “Pop”

Pop, soda, by any name it is my addiction. I wake up with one name floating in my head, "No Silly, not my lover's, Diet Coke! It's an animal need, a craving on the most visceral level. I quickly stretch my limbs listening to each pop and crackle and giggle because now I'm thinking "Pop" again. So I quickly hop out of bed and run down the stairs to open the fridge...Ahhhhh!

Note: Prompt/Theme for writing today was provided by the "One Minute Writer" Blog.