Diana's Art Blog

Seaside Walk

2012-02-11T18:06:00.000-08:00

Seaside Walk 16" x 16, mixed media on canvas

As we are in the middle of winter, memories of a warm stroll on the beach come to mind. Hope you're staying warm and cozy. I'm working on a series of beach paintings to hang, so this won't be for sale.

How to keep your dog off your Living Room couch.

2012-02-06T21:06:00.000-08:00

Oh yes, our sweet, innocent, pooch would jump up on our white Living Room couch and chew on the back pillows when we were not at home. So much so that the corner of each pillow was gone.

To remedy this, I bought a plastic runner, the kind that your mom used years ago to protect the carpet in high traffic areas, from Home Depot and turned it upside down on the couch. I measured the couch width and than bought an extra foot so I could tuck it into the sides.

Yay, I got my chance to remake the pillow covers and they still look beautiful. And I just took it off at Christmas and hid it behind the couch when we had people over. (It's just uncomfortable...my husband sat on it while we were chatting with some friends.)

Did the trick for me!

Tasha

2012-02-03T08:28:00.000-08:00

"Tasha" 8 x 10, oil on canvas, for sale

Another beautiful dog I had the opportunity of painting for Christmas was Kat's dog, "Tasha". You might recognize the son of Katrina, "Kat's Eye View of the World". I love that picture. This one's for sale.

Dachshund Portrait

2012-02-01T08:10:00.000-08:00

"Cookie" 4 x 6 oil on board, sold

The holidays are a big season for gift giving, and I painted this little dachshund for a friend of mine.

original phone photo

It's amazing the quality of some phone photos. Sweet Cookie is always so happy to see me.

Flutter My Heart

2012-01-28T18:09:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to purchase from my dear friend, Elizabeth Gonzalez of Borboletas a set of her beautiful ceramic butterflies. Elizabeth was among one of last year's "Women Who Create Beautiful Things" and I was so excited to purchase her work.

When the butterflies arrived, I just wanted to hang them up right away and not worry about what wall they would go on or nails, so I just added them to this piece that I have hanging in my Family Room. This iron motif piece is from Pier One Imports and I always felt it needed something. Don't they look great together?

So fun to add some creative pieces to my home, especially from a special creative friend of mine. Thank you, Elizabeth.

LA Art Show

2012-01-22T18:38:00.000-08:00

Oh yes, it is time for the LA Arts Show again, and I just couldn't miss it. Although I heard someone say they were told no photos, I just kept asking each gallery owner and was always welcomed to take a picture. So I am going to post quite a few this time. Enjoy.

Marilyn still getting a lot of attention. This is composed of very small 3x3 blocks of pictures.

Individually painted paintings to compose the larger one of Van Gogh.

I'd say these paintings got a lot of attention.

A lot of little baby faces in the skull.

Birds painted on old cigar boxes. So cool.

They look great grouped together on the wall.

The ladies...

This is a huge 3-D sculpture coming off the wall. You could see real water droplets on her skin.

Makes me smile...

Love these dog portraits!

I couldn't believe I was standing in front of a Norman Rockwell....only 3 million and something dollars.

and We love Malcolm Liepke.

This is made up of various antique papers and books. He adds a very small amount of paint to describe the face, which I didn't even see at first.

Meeting up with my lovely, blogger friend, Valerie of Twigs2Nest Studio. So fun to reconnect and catch up. Hopefully, we could take a class together someday.

Lots of distressing..just up my alley.

Holiday Card

2011-12-21T08:44:00.000-08:00

I usually have my daughters get together to take a family photo Christmas card. This year with their busy schedules as college students, they just couldn't take one. So I created this Christmas card instead.

Wishing you all a very wonderful holiday!

Love Strikes in Mysterious Ways

2011-10-23T23:27:00.000-07:00

Taking our dog along with the family apple picking has been a family tradition over the years and near day's end we ended up at Oak Tree Village in Oak Glen.

He loves all the sights and smells and has himself a ball.

We approached a little caged area with 3 deer sitting in the shade. We were all a little leery as Tucker approached with his hunter/stalking routine.

Then one doe got curious and came over to check him out.

"Your eyes, they are so beautiful".

"You are a handsome buck, no?" Everywhere we led him around the cage, the doe would follow.

"Bye bye, my cherie, until we meet again".

For an old guy of 77 he still can make the ladies swoon.

Gustav Klimt Challenge

2011-10-04T00:24:00.000-07:00

Field Day 16 x 20 mixed media

I was looking for a way to finish this painting when Jane DeRosier posted the Gustav Klimt challenge on facebook which inspired me for the background.

The girls remind me of my own daughters ...one blond and brunette.

Restoration Hardware Los Angeles Store

2011-09-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

Restoration Hardware, Los Angeles, CA Store

This is the Restoration Hardware home store in Los Angeles that I visited recently and so enjoyed.

How beautiful this outdoor setting is. Wouldn't you love to call this your back yard.

Double Sink Vanity

Great design pieces without the need of a designer.

Powder Puff Brush Collection

With great decorating ideas.

Canvas covered books

Just some fun inspiration. It's a great place to visit if your ever in LA.

Candyland

2011-09-14T20:53:00.000-07:00

16 x 16, mixed media

I love the reaction of my girl's friends when they see another new painting. This one reminded one of them of the game, "Candyland".

This was inspired by an artist I love, Jennifer Lommers. I love all her colorful florals....so fun.

"Show Off"

2011-08-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

"Show Off", 6" x 6", oil on mixed media, Sold

I painted this butterfly in oils over a background of many layers of paper and acrylic. As bright as acrylic is, the oil is so much more beautiful and bright. I've used this frame to see how striking this piece could look in a black frame.

I finally realize why I love this style so...my dad was a housepainter and I saw this background many places as a child....dropcloths, old work shoes, paint pots, old wood...ahhhh the memories of childhood making its way back into my heart.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Paints

2011-08-13T01:15:00.000-07:00

One of my art lover friends is moving away. Since it is getting close to moving day, we had a small painting, eating and just being together party.

Although I act as teacher, I love the creative ideas that flow while we are all gathered together.

My dining room acts as a perfect art table/gallery.

We all got lost in our art projects and ran out of time to finish.

My project finished later "Papa Chair" 6" x 6"

I'll miss you Michelle....keep painting, my friend.

Poppies

2011-08-05T20:34:00.000-07:00

Poppy 1 - 12" x 12" mixed media

Simplicity.... I so loved the background that I didn't want to cover it up with color. Just this simple poppy leaves all the hard work on the background still exposed. It's hard to appreciate the texture until you see it in person. This little piece has some gold rubbed on top that doesn't show up in the picture, but looks awesome in person.

Braille bottom left corner

I've added a piece of braille to all my floral pieces, telling a little story of its own. I kind of like that.
I have another 12 x 12 canvas...don't you think this should be a pair?

Once again, I am linking up with Studio JRU and all of you lovely Sneak Peek Talents!

Dreaming Red

2011-07-31T23:04:00.000-07:00

Dreaming Red 15" x 15", mixed media, Sold

Finally, my floral series is hanging up in the Green Earth coffee shop. This is the fourth painting to go with the others and I have to say it is my favorite. It made my day when a young girl, Kat, who works at the shop wished she could buy all four paintings for her dorm...so sweet. My hubby wanted me to make her a deal...hello, I just hung them up!

Floral Series

2011-07-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

Black-eyed Susan, Sold

Finally, another addition to my floral series. If you've been counting this would be the fourth, but unfortunately, the 3rd painting wasn't going my way and I wiped everything off and turned it into something totally different. I will post soon.

Traveling for work and just work alone has left little time for painting or blogging, and I look forward to break real soon.

As I run off to catch another flight...What do all those cell phone messages say? "Please enjoy the music, while your party is reached"... Don't you think artists should have an app that transmits a slideshow of art during the holding process?. :)

Mother's Helpful Tips

2011-07-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

My oldest daughter asked me if I thought I was dying because I was sharing a lot of helpful tips with her. I don't even remember now what they were except that we were making dinner together, and it was centered around cooking. Who doesn't have advice on cooking when working with a novice?

Anyway, besides cooking advice, I told her about a money saving tip I'd like to share with my art lover friends, too. I know there will be many who already do this, but it just dawned on me the other day...

I was purchasing something online at Wisteria.com. When getting ready to hit the buy now button, I noticed a little coupon code or promotional code, which I normally ignore (not ever having one). This time I thought I'd give it a little Google search "Wisteria promotional code" and up came a promotional code, which was valid and saved me a few bucks. Then I went and ordered paint on Dick Blick's and got free shipping.

Hey, wait a second here, I think I'm spending more money just to save money! :)

Here are a few sites for coupon shoppers momsview.com, couponcabin.com, and naughtycodes.com. I'd love to hear of any cost savings on art supplies. Yikes.

Sneak Peek Friday

2011-07-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

I'm continuing my work at completing a series of paintings for the Green Earth Coffee shop. I started with one floral that I love probably because of the aqua green color and have been working on these two additions.

This painting is still in progress..I love all the colors.

This is the first inspo

I have to hide this from my daisy-loving daughter.

I just love looking at all the grungy detail...

I want to make the daisy painting brighter, but I'm holding off. As my Art Lover students will say, "Put the paint brush down!"

Once again, I am linking up with Studio JRU and all of you lovely Sneak Peek Talents!

Sneak Peek Friday

2011-07-01T12:51:00.000-07:00

16 x 16, mixed media SOLD

When I look at this painting, I see such a change from where I was 6 months ago. You can see my art evolving, changing, taking shape. The soul knows where its going...even if the conscious mind doesn't.

So many have said to enjoy the process and for me it's always been easier said then done. As I was painting this last night with my art lover's group, I caught myself saying, "I'm loving painting this, not just loving what I was painting". We talked about how other artists paint a series, and I can see why now. I guess I'm not saying anything new, but let's just say "ahhhaaa" moments do happen.

At one point I removed my glasses and continued painting so I could see the value and not the detail. It's kind of the same process of squinting to blur your vision as you look on your work. It's this push and pull process. Paint on, rub off. I've always loved artwork that had movement or a more impressionistic feel, light and color bouncing around the painting.

My plan is to paint 4 of these paintings to put up in the Green Earth coffee shop.

Once again, I am linking up with Studio JRU and all of you lovely Sneak Peek Talents!

Sneak Peek Friday

2011-06-24T20:42:00.000-07:00

Inspired by my good blogger friend, Terri from Dimples & Dragonflies, I have been playing around with Picnik to show my art in a setting.

You can find the apple and pear duo here.

Once again, I am linking up with Studio JRU and all of you lovely Sneak Peek Talents!

Apple Pear Duo

2011-06-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

I've been painting this duo side by side whenever I have a bit of free time which is rare these days. One thing I loved was being able to let one dry and work on the other. It was so fun to keep switching gears. This sweet little duo would look nice in someone's kitchen.

I love this brighter version, but maybe I'll save it for prints, because the original is not quite so bright. perhaps...a teacher's gift?

Apple, 4 x 6 on board

This is from the scanner...a better representation.

Pear, 4 x 6 on board, sold

I hope you all had a lovely Father's Day. We barbecued pizza on the grill. My husband has a healthy pizza dough recipe, and it comes out soooo yummy. Our own firegrilled pizza.

Sneak Peek Friday

2011-06-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun yesterday at our Thursday paint night. My daughter, Kristen, is home from college for a short time and 2 of her friends want to join in. We all joked about how I will be painting with her friends and she will be back at UCSB taking summer school classes.

I'm wondering if this painting is too textured. What do you think?

Once again, I am linking up with Studio JRU and all of you lovely Sneak Peek Talents!

Little Slices of Life

2011-06-08T00:06:00.000-07:00

Another little piece of the "Slice of Life" slowly coming together.

Originally, I was trying to paint a bird in a nest here. You can imagine the tutu was the beginning feathers of a bird, but while erasing and sketching, I saw the head of this ballerina and knew I could not have tried to paint her without a reference photo even if I wanted to. So I just let her develop very slowly guided by intuition.

Look how delicate her fingers look.

All by listening to my inner voice... I think I like painting this way.

Little Slices of Life

2011-05-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

Here is another piece of my painting's progress. There is another half to this that still needs to be figured out.

So far, everything is acrylic over papers. Instead of multicolor papers underneath, I stuck to red and yellow to see if I would like the effect. When the red paper started peaking through to her hair, I loved it and just went with it. Her dress shows some of that colored texture as well.

Sneak Peek Friday

2011-05-27T08:54:00.000-07:00

In progress, mixed media painting

Now this is really a Sneak Peek at my latest painting. I'm excited to show little snippets of my progress. I started this painting by doing a value study, but when the painting started to take on a life of its own, I had to throw my value study out the window.

I think it's smart to have a plan, but if everything is so planned out, then we would be doing paint-by-number. So let's enjoy the process and be flexible to go with the flow and listen to your inner voice coaching you along the way.

Have a wonderful unplanned weekend. Once again, I am linking up with Studio JRU and all of you lovely Sneak Peek Talents!

Pull up a Chair, There's Plenty of Room in Here

2011-05-26T20:04:00.000-07:00

Isn't it amazing at where our art will take us. I have been painting for years but always alone in a little corner of our guest bedroom.

Since making a studio and taking over a whole room and breaking out of my little world and sharing my love of art, it has given me the freedom to grow in my art and in friendship with others who love art as well.

A friend of my daughter was in need of home and has taken up residence in our guest room. She is in college and often studies in my studio while I work or paint. What really surprised me is that she asked to paint along with me. I laugh because neither one of my daughters, who are tremendous supporters of mine, were ever interested in painting with me.

Alyssa's first painting turned out beautifully and she confessed to me yesterday that she can't wait to start another painting. Aawwh, I think she's addicted. You all know how it gets in your blood and just becomes a natural part of your life. Another artist is born. :)

In the meantime, she's been watching me struggle with the same painting as I paint and then strip off what I just painted over and over. I think as an artist, at least for me, I would like to take it to the next level, move forward and not backward. So, I'm pushing myself harder to get to the place where I love what's in front of me, like this chair, for instance, a little area of the painting I love.

How to do a Value Study

2011-05-19T18:19:00.000-07:00

I thought you might be interested in the value study I did for the painting posted below. Although I don't often do them on simple paintings, I find that working out a value study ahead of time will help insure a successful painting.

For this painting I used a reference picture from a clothing catalog. My canvas was square so I need to make the study square.

The viewer will naturally look at the eyes of a person first, hands second. So there is no need to worry about getting the viewer to look there.

The area I wanted the viewer to focus on next was the daisies. To insure that, I put my whitest whites against my darkest dark. Next, your eye will be drawn to smaller marks, like the stems of daisies or the petals themselves. I think it is the goal of the artist to have the viewer look and stay a while. So, we use these little hooks to do that.

I used whiteout for the whites, pencil and marker for the rest. The tracing paper is golden rod so it already has a value, too. And you see I didn't like the background I did at first so I ripped it off and taped on a new piece underneath..

How difficult was that! Now you try.

Sneak Peek Friday

2011-05-13T21:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a "sneak peek" at my latest work.

This painting has a story...don't they all. My daughter, Kristen, was visiting from school and loved this work in progress as you see above. She loves daisies and wanted a painting like this for her room.

After developing it further by the next morning, it had a totally different look. When she saw it, she ask if I could make another like the one the night before. Well, I just took some paint remover to the oil on top and brought it almost back to what she saw and loved the night before. C'est la vie!

Subtle Attraction - 14" x 14" NFS

She said this is more the kind of art a younger person like her would prefer (not that there was anything wrong with the other one).

Once again, I am linking up with Studio JRU and all of you lovely Sneak Peek Talents!

All About the Dress

2011-05-09T10:12:00.000-07:00

All About the Dress - mixed media on wood 7-1/4" x 8-1/4"

As you see, I'm still enjoying the cool textures I recently learned at Jane's class and having such fun applying them to my art. All the textured steps are done in acrylic and then the dress is painted in oil on top. The reason I use oil is because I hate the way acrylic drys so fast, but also as long as the oil is still wet, I can wipe everything off the top of my textured piece and start over. During our art painting night, this had a bird and branch on it, but wasn't turning out the way I wanted so I just wiped it all off and made this piece...sorry, Michelle ;) (She hates it when I do that!)

Sneak Peek Friday

2011-05-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

"Power to the Trail" mixed media, 7" x 11"

Because I live in such a large biking community, I've always wanted to do something with bikers but could never pull it off. I think bikes in general are hard to paint with their wheels and mechanisms.

So the last time we went for a mountain bike ride, I took my camera to try to take reference pictures again. It was at the end of the day and the lighting was beautiful. I kept chasing the light coming through the trees and made my husband pull ahead of me into the light to take pictures. I kind of like this "power to the trail" sign he gave me as he rode ahead.

With this new technique I just learned, I finally painted a bike painting I like.

Once again, I am linking up with Studio JRU and all of you lovely Sneak Peek Talents!

More New Art from Lessons Learned

2011-05-03T21:33:00.000-07:00

When I was nosing around Anthropologie last time, I saw this little tiny journal with flowers painted on the cover. It was so simply done, that I thought it might make a nice project for art night to give as a gift for someone.

So, I bought a couple of these journals from the Michael's $2 bin. This way, no harm done if it didn't turn out. Anyway, I decided to try the new technique I learned from Jane DesRosier with something simple like a pear.

I'm pretty amazed at the way it turned out. So full of depth and texture. I love it!

Now look at the inside...

It's brighter and cheaper looking in person.

Yuck! or should I say "Priceless"!

A Lovely Gift from India

2011-05-01T10:15:00.000-07:00

What a lovely surprise to have won this special giveaway from Jen of I Believe in Love, who brought back these treasures from her trip to India. Stop by her blog and read her amazing stories and beautiful photos of the life in India.


Kristen Rocker in progress

I am taking Jane DesRosier's Portraits and Papers Artist's Workshop and this is my latest work using her techniques. She combine portraiture with collage work to create a unique work of art. It's at your own pace and she has many videos to watch the step by step lessons. What I finally did, was made myself a cheat sheet. I printed one of the progress photos and then listed step by step what she did to get there and so on. This way when the class is no longer on line, I still have all the info.

I'm very excited about the depth in the background. I almost didn't post this painting, because her features aren't correct, but I suppose with learning a new technique, your first is going to have a lot of experimenting. She paints totally with acrylic, and I painted the portrait with oil. So now, I have to wait for it to totally dry to finish. Although I love the photo of Kristen, I should have picked something easier to start with. What was I thinking?

Hope your having a creative day!

The Most Popular Posts of All Time

2011-04-26T22:18:00.000-07:00

Stats...Ever look at your most popular post of all time? I do enjoy checking every once in a while. The reason I bring up stats is because I find it funny that my best post of all time wasn't written by me and wasn't about art.

It was a poem adapted by my husband for my youngest daughter when she started college this year. You can read it here.

I'm not sure, but I guess the poem's a pretty popular google search.

Let's learn from this, what is your most popular post of all time? Leave a comment and a link to your most popular post and tell me why you think it is. Love to make this a learning opportunity for all of us to share.

An Easter Surprise

2011-04-24T09:07:00.000-07:00

I just received this Easter present by email today from my old NJ neighbor, Jack, painted by my Dad. Dad has been gone for quite some time, and this will be a nice memory for me of him. He wasn't an artist by trade, and this shows me a time when he wasn't so busy running his own business or scout troup for the boys. A time when he took time to paint a picture. I like that.

Hope you all have a Happy Easter.

Sneak Peek Friday

2011-04-22T10:12:00.000-07:00

Doing the happy dance over here to have sold my sweet canary painting. I had enjoyed it hanging in my studio for a while. Then, I was listening to an interview with Carol Marine, who was asked "Have you ever sold a specific painting you wished you have kept?". Her answer stuck with me. She said, "No, because I can always do another one, it's a process". So I grabbed this one to display at the coffee shop and now it will be off to a happy home.

Oil on linen on sewed to watercolor paper

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend...Once again, I am linking up with Studio JRU and all of you lovely Sneak Peek Talents!

Lemon Zest

2011-04-19T19:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a little wedge of lemon oil painting on 5 x 5. So fun to see a grouping on stands around the house. This lemon was all sour until I started throwing some orange and red around. Then I started to feel it come alive. I'm in love with the background of purple and red orange.

Lemon Zest, 5 x 5 oil on board for sale on Etsy

I've been enjoying Donna Zagotta's blog on Heading in the Right Direction. So many times I've heard if you paint often, you'll gradually get better. Donna feels that if your not painting what you truly love and gravitate towards, you are basically painting in the wrong direction. I definitely can understand that statement.

I know what I love...color and contrast. Now, to work on improving what I struggle with and that , my friends, is a long list for another post! :).

Randy Higbee Gallery 6 x 6 Gala Reception

2011-04-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

Last night I attended the Gala Reception for Randy Higbee Gallery 6 x 6 Show. It was my first time showing my art at this kind of event.

I was so excited to hunt down my paintings and find them somewhere among all these talented artists. The art was really impressive. I also found the art from the hosts of my favorite radio show "Artists Helping Artists". Both Leslie's and Dreama's work looked so much better in person. I found it such a treat to see.

It was so fun. There was plenty of wine and food and a ton of people to navigate around. I also found it interesting to watch the little red dots marking "sold" going up here and there as we waded threw the crowds to see each grouping.

There was so much said in these little paintings. I would say something for everyone. Since the gallery is so close to where I live, I need to get back there and look at all of them again.

3 Art Lovers in front of Cutie Patootie

My art was hung in the back, and hopefully as I continue my artistic journey, my love of art will move me forward!

Sneak Peek Friday

2011-04-15T10:03:00.000-07:00

Here's a progress picture of the pair of red flower paintings I've been working on. After painting the second, I realized that if they were going to be hung together, I should have the first painting next the second so I could feel if the flow between the two. Because the first painting only had two flowers, I felt it looked a little barren. So, I used some red paper to position of few extra "flowers" back on the first painting. When I've done this in the past, I've often used my camera to take pictures of the different scenarios. It's just easier to decide when you have them side by side on the computer screen.

Also, today you can find one of my posts under Motivation on Empty Easel. If you haven't had a chance to read about my unexpected mentoring story, you can find it here. You, too, can submit any kind of article you think might interest or help other artists. I just seem to think of submitting to Empty Easel when I write motivational posts, my first article, but they have all kinds of categories.

Also, I'm very excited to attend this Saturday's Gala Artist's Reception for Randy Higbee's 6" Square Show in Costa Mesa, CA where two of my paintings will be exhibited. They have hung over 500 paintings, and it should be very impressive to see all of them. I am secretly hoping to run into Leslie Saeta, who co-hosts a radio program I love to listen to called, "Artists Helping Artists". I know she attended the last one, and it would be so fun to meet her in person.

Once again, I am linking up with Studio JRU and all of you lovely Sneak Peek Talents!

My Town

2011-04-12T21:01:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the natural surroundings here in So. California, I've made these two collages of a very popular hiking and biking trail in my neighborhood.

Whiting Trail 7-1/4" x 11", collage


Holy Jim Trail 7-1/4" x 11", collage

My backyard overlooks this bike/hiker path, and on weekend mornings we can hear people talking as they walk along below us.

The white splatter is from quickly spraying drywall compound to look like water. I practice my touch on scrap paper first because it comes out so strong. Then I sprayed my piece, but there's no going back once you spray. That's it.

If your interested in purchasing these, they will be available in my Etsy shop.

Quiet Storm Inspo

2011-04-09T23:15:00.000-07:00

"Whatever your turning point, it will help you look at your life in a different light" Oprah

I took the "quiet storm" painting and made a print, added some inspo words and glued it to a prefinished block for a nice block display. I also added some collage elements on top of the print to enhance it. This is just some of the little stuff I see other artist do on Etsy to make an affordable art piece.

Personally, I like the original better, but my girls really like these. Sometimes they have a better handle of what appeals to the younger age groups (not that I'm old or anything!)

Also, there's a very nice giveaway over at my friend's blog, Rona Gregory Art . Stop by for a chance to win her first blog giveaway!

Sneak Peek Friday

2011-04-08T08:49:00.000-07:00

Spring has Sprung - 7" x 17" oil on board

Spring has sprung here and you can't help notice all the blooming flowers. So, I painted this one evening for fun. One good tip I've learned over the years is to use a larger brush. It keeps your painting from getting all muddy and bogged down with unnecessary details. These are imaginary flowers and the stamens are painted with a quick stroke of my palette knife. I plan to make it a duo for sale in my Etsy shop soon.

One of my biggest problems is overworking the subject, especially faces. I've painted all night and at the very last minute decide to take a paper towel and wiped it all off and start over in the morning. The best solution for this is to have two paintings going at the same time. If I can force myself to switch, it usually will save the painting. I remember thinking, "Well this wasn't half bad at 11 p.m., what did I do?" :)

Also, this week I treated myself to a new camera lens for my SLR camera. I know I won't feel like buying anything after we figure out our taxes. I would feel too guilty. The games we play with ourselves. So I did it. Wow, is it fun. Look at these beautiful pictures. I can't wait to get it out in public!

All from my backyard.

Once again, I am linking up with Studio JRU and all of you lovely Sneak Peek Talents!

Etsy Fun

2011-04-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

I joined a team on Etsy and I've never before seen so much activity. It's really quite fun. The team is quite large, and I try my best to participate, and I've been receiving so much activity payback in return. Last night I made my first Etsy treasury.

Here Naomi from Without a thing to Wear has featured my shell print on her blog. Also, my prints have been featured in many treasuries here, here, and here all by tagging our team name on each item.

If your feeling stagnation with your Etsy items, join a team. I feel like I'm hanging on to this crazy roller coaster ride.

A Mentoring Story... Don't Miss Your Opportunity

2011-04-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

"Quiet Storm" - sold

Quiet storm off shore...

Raindrops fall on the fishes
Without umbrellas.

When I was a kid living in NJ with my 3 brothers, it was a boy-dominated neighborhood. We had 2 older boys living on one side and 2 boys on the other. Thankfully, there was one other girl for me to play with. Pretty much, it was a rough and tumble, sports-oriented backyard. Anyway, this sets the stage for one skinny little artistic girl, me, amongst the male-oriented gender.

So the 2 neighbor boys who were much older than me had a very well built and desirable "clubhouse". I'm not sure what this single room cottage was originally built for, but it was a very cool little house. One of these neighbor boys, Jack, had artistic talent and would use the clubhouse to collect and draw comic books. Of course, even back then I was fascinated with his drawings. Most of the time, the boys would keep me out, but occasionally I would be allowed to enter the super hero kingdom.

One of these days, Jack had sectioned off a piece of paper and told me what to draw in each square. He told me to draw Wonder Woman lassoing a bad guy in one box and then the guy knocked out in the next. ...stuff like that. He coached me along, asking me what did Wonder Woman's costume look like, what color were her boots, what did a gun look like, and so on.

Then, the next day when I came back to the clubhouse, there was a comic book made from my drawings which were all artistically enhanced by Jack with a title page and words added to make a story and folded up into a little book. The first time, I had no idea he was going to do this. To see my little 8 year old drawings look like a finished book was the best thing I ever seen. How this made an impression on me. I was an illustrator at age 8!

So, the point to all this is that you never know, you never know how a small gesture will help nurture a creative talent. I'm sure Jack had no idea of what an impression he was going to make on me. So, here I am, some years later still pursuing art. In this busy, blogging, facebooking world, let's not forget to spend a little time to mentor our little ones.

You want to know the best part of the story? Jack just bought my "Quiet Storm" painting. Yes, my first mentor is still supporting me! How sweet is that! Thank you, Jack.

I'm taking a little break from "Women Who Create Beautiful Things". Thank you all for participating and if anyone of you creative gals has an interesting story/history/life to share, please shoot me an email. I find them so valuable to me as an artist...I've learned so much from all of you sharing your lives. I welcome you to read any past interviews in the tab above if you missed any.

Sneak Peek Friday

2011-04-01T14:36:00.000-07:00

Wait a minute...are you on the right blog?

Yes you are, because the angle of these photos has been inspired by Jennifer of Studio JRU. Besides her obvious artistic talent, I've admired her photographic talent as well. Look at the way she photographs her art and details at interesting angles. Very fun. She adds so much interest with a little turn of the camera. Yes, I noticed and love it.

So, about these 2 new paintings ....the coffee shop has inspired these little coffee drinks paintings on masonite board. I'm still using my favorite orange/red acrylic underpainting with a bold turquoise oil background.

Iced mocha 5x5 oil on masonite

I painted the sides with black gesso so they can easily be displayed with an easel in a bookshelf or on a kitchen counter.

A Good Cup of Joe, 6x6, oil on masonite

These will be available in my Etsy shop soon, too.
Once again, I am linking up with Studio JRU and all of you lovely Sneak Peek Talents!

Wow! I Won Something?

2011-03-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

Cindy @ 12 Tribes Giveaway

I'm so grateful to have won this piece of word art from Cindy of 12 Tribes. As Cindy said, "It can sit on a shelf or hang just about anywhere. The mini-chalkboard is the perfect place to put a word you need to see over and over, a character trait you are developing in your life more fully." My word is going to be "brave". I want to continue being brave in developing my art, brave in my blogging, brave in getting my art out there.

I love owning art from other artists. Thank you, Cindy.

"Women Who Create Beautiful Things" - Angela and Andrea of CLaraBeLLa MuraLs

2011-03-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

When I first met Andrea and she was telling me a little about herself, of course, we had a connection with our love of art. She begins to tell me this story that you will read below about her and her sister. As she is talking, I am trying to restrain from sobbing, but with much difficulty. Anyway, here's the heart wrenching story about two sister's love of a child written in the voice of one dedicated sister and mother, Angela.

How did you get into painting character murals. How did it all begin?

As identical twins, Andrea and I have always shared a love for the same things, especially art. We never pursued this interest professionally. It was merely a hobby. In 2003 my little girl Clara was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma (liver cancer) when she was only 16 months old. We soon began spending countless hours in the hospital.

To make things as fun as they could be for her I began bringing my large art pads and started painting pictures. Andrea flew down for a week to be with us and with her help Clara and I were able to decorate the doors of all the children on the cancer floor.

Each time Clara was admitted to the hospital, Clara and I would pick a theme and decorate her room inside and out with paintings of her favorite characters. In 2005 my sweet little girl Clara passed away after a brave battle with her cancer. I was overwhelmed with the grief of losing my little girl.

During my grieving I began to receive several phone calls requesting murals. The business could not have come at a better time. I was allowed to do something I loved that also reminded me of the fun times with my little Clara.

Andrea and I started painting together almost full time. Our waiting list at one point was 8 months out. We didn't do any advertising, our business was solely by word of mouth. We soon decided we needed a business license to make everything official.

In Clara's memory we named our business "CLaraBeLLa MuraLs". Andrea and I began painting for private residences, professional businesses, hospitals and home shows. Today little Clara's inspiration lives on through our art.

What is your favorite room and why?

We have painted numerous rooms. It is hard to pick a favorite but it is easy to name a few of the ones we love. "Snow White", "Alice In Wonderland", "Winnie the Pooh", "Beauty and the Beast", "The Little Engine that Could", and "Dr. Seuss".

It sounds like you have a pretty special relationship with your sister. How do you work together?

Andrea and I laugh when we think of how much time it takes to paint one room. We use several different techniques and the process for most of what we do is performed in layers and everything is freehand. Andrea can look at anything and draw it to scale, therefore she will usually draw the characters while I work on the background. Once she has finished sketching and painting the characters I will go in and add shading, put all the details in and add the finishing touches.

Do you work on the same wall together with your sister and what parts do each you paint?

The funny thing is, being mirror image twins Andrea is left handed and I am right handed. Therefore it comes in very handy when we get stuck in a corner… We just call for help and the other twin swoops in for the rescue!! We spend countless hours together with little sleep when completing a larger project. It could be a good thing or a bad thing to be locked away with another one of "yourself". Andrea and I have to agree that we could never spend as much time as it would take with anyone else but each other. We are the only two people we know that can scold one another and still be best friends five minutes later.

It has been challenging since I moved away, talk about across the country! Andrea lives in Utah, and I live in Florida. You have to have a passion for what you do in order to make a challenging situation work.

Do you have any advice for someone who might think about doing something like this?

Any advice we could give a young artist is do what you love! Don't limit yourself. When you find a talent, think of every possible way you can grow and develop it. Andrea has not only kept her painting to walls and canvases, she now has been refurbishing furniture and hand painting on it. It's amazing how much one can accomplish when they have an imagination! I have been writing children’s books and am currently working with a publishing company. Andrea and I have been able to use our creativity to illustrate the stories. A creative mind is worth more than money! Not everyone is able to create things, if that talent happens to come to you "don't sell yourself short" and remember there is no limit to what you can do!

Best of luck to all of you!

Thank you Angela and Andi, for sharing your amazing story with us. I am truly grateful.

Readers, I will be taking a little break from the series, but please contact me if you would like me to interview you in the future. I'm always interested in your stories. I really do love learning from your experiences and successes. From the series, I gained enough nerve to enter a Art Show and to put my art up in a coffee shop. See what a positive influence you have been in just me alone! Thank you all!

Sneak Peek Friday

2011-03-25T07:42:00.000-07:00

Hurray! Two of my entries got into the Randy Higbee Gallery 6" Squared Show in Huntington Beach, CA!

Thank you everyone for helping me by voting when I posted my entries here. Because you unanimously were all so random, it made me think I better bite the bullet and enter all 5 of them.

The Gala Artists Reception will be Saturday, April 16. I know I'll be there with any friends and family I can drag there and my camera in tow! Whoopie!

On Sunday, you must stop back for my "Women Who Create Beautiful Things". This is a heart wrenching story about how something positive can come from tragedy. Come read about twin sisters, Andrea and Angela and their creation of CLaraBeLLa MuraLs.

Once again, I am linking up with Studio JRU and all of you lovely Sneak Peek Talents!

Green Earth Coffee Shop Artwork Display

2011-03-21T17:49:00.000-07:00

Some cheesy shots showing my artwork on display at the Green Earth Coffee Shop in Lake Forest, California. My daughters and I worked so hard all day Saturday in order to display my artwork. You might think, "How hard is it to hang up a few pieces of art".

Well, a previous photographer had hung or should I say glued their work to the walls and the owner had told me that I was welcome to hang my work if I could get the photos off and repair the wall. So, we started in an area not so noticeable and when we pulled the picture off, so came half the wall! These pictures were not going anywhere even in an earthquake! I had thought, "Oh my gosh, what did I get myself into?". We had to run to Home Depot for spackle and matching wall paint.

So, after that one, I felt so defeated that I was ready to throw in the towel. Anyway, my daughter encourage us on (thank God for the energy of the young) and the next one we used a razor blade to cut the picture free from the glue tape. This time, we got it off without any damage to the wall. Once the picture was down, it wasn't over. There was a residue of glue left and we had to use our fingernails to painstakingly pick it off.

Me and my work crew

I won't bore you with all the sticky details, but we were there to almost closing. The girls took shifts working with me throughout the day.

My profile page on the right with business card below

As you see, all this was a great exercise and experience in displaying my work. I needed to make a profile page to talk about myself and put on the wall. I chose the wall you see coming out of the bathroom. Remember buying art is an emotional thing, and hopefully, other people from town might connect with me and my art.

I also had to figure out pricing cards and I did a small info handout that someone could take with them.

I love this picture of people gathered in the shop with my artwork in the background.

My support team

We finished up on Sunday and enjoyed a couple of well-earned coffees.

Women Who Create Beautiful Things - Elizabeth Gonzalez - Borboletas

2011-03-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's been such a pleasure getting to know some of my fellow bloggers better lately, and really I get the secret advantage of thinking up the questions I've always wanted to know about our creative friends. Hopefully, you wanted to know, too. As I've said in my last post, I'm am a big admirer of my next guest ceramics and mixed media art.

Without further ado, I am very pleased to post this interview of Elizabeth Gonzalez for my "Women Who Create Beautiful Things"....

Tell me a little about yourself.

I have loved the process of creating since I was a child. I grew up in a very big family, eight girls and 5 boys with artistic talents, mostly in music. Since I am the tenth of thirteen, I grew up watching my grandma, my mom, my aunt, my older sisters and brothers in many different forms of art like sewing, drawing, painting, singing, playing instruments, writing lyrics or poems. My mom and my aunt taught me crochet when I was nine. Later I learned sewing, needlepoint, embroidery, paper work, glass work, ceramics and recently painting and collage. For different reasons I ended up in a professional career as Industrial Engineer and college professor. It is interesting that when I tell people about my teaching experience they ask if I teach art. It is so funny watching their faces when I tell the list of courses I teach like probability and statistics, operation management, math, organizational theory and so on.

By the time I decided to enroll in a ceramic course I was working as a part time industrial engineer consultant, part time Executive Director for an engineering association with 26 countries as members and a part time college professor teaching mathematics and I was raising my kids. From all those things I was doing the only one I was enjoying was raising my kids. Going to basketball and soccer games and all the activities related to them as babies, toddlers, teens and now as young men is what makes me feel grateful, blessed and alive. In fact, I love family life. The most valuable treasures I have from my childhood are the family reunions on Sundays at my grandma’s whose house was far away from the city with lots of chickens, hens, dogs, cats, pigs, pigeons, vegetables, and lots of cousins.

It is no surprise that my designs are inspired by a truly passion for nature and family life. I am in loved with my three sons of 29,27and 25 and my two adorable grandchildren Javier André (2) and Aliany Gabriela (7 months).

What’s it like living in Puerto Rico. Have you always lived there? Has it been beneficial to your art career?

Puerto Rico, called the “enchanted island”, it is the place I was born and I have lived all my life. The beneficial part is the tropical climate and the richness of color we have for the 365 days of the year. We can be inspired in a beach or in a forest or in a dessert in this 35 x100 island. The green mountains and trees with flowers are always present in our live. I love the tropical flowers and fruits. In the art area we have many talented artists and art teachers in almost any area who inspire me. The not so beneficial is that we are indeed small. We don’t have a Michael’s or Ac Moore or anything similar to that. We have a lot of stores, BIG stores but not for art supplies. Art supplies are found in a few small stores and Walmart but it is not the same. Added to that, sometimes we feel “small” as it is our island. It is common to think we can not reach where others living in big countries can. We have to overcome this feeling of being small if we want to succeed. I keep looking at people born in Puerto Rico like Ricky Martin, Raul Julia, Rita Moreno, Tito Trinidad, Jennifer Lopez, and many other talented artists who dreamed big and succeeded.

Tell me about how you started in ceramics. How did that come about?

I got madly in love with ceramics a little late in my life when I was raising my kids and after a trip to the Old San Juan. Actually, it was the store that sells my art since 2001 the one I visited more just to admire other artist’s work. I used to walk the store and dream that someday I could have something there made by me. Finally, in 1996, when my kids were 14, 12 and 10, and I was struggling to find something I could do with passion, I enrolled in a ceramic class. The class was for a specific project but that was all I needed. This was the beginning of my creative journey and the first steps for my now creative business.

The most important thing I learned in that workshop was that I could transform that clay in almost anything I wanted. After that class I began a creating process and I started practicing braveness. In less than a year after that ceramic class, I took some of my first projects to a lovely store in my home town I the owner was impressed and bought everything and asked for more. I was so emotional that I almost cried!

How did you get your work in a couple of stores in Puerto Rico?

As I said I practiced braveness a few times. In 2001 I got divorced and I wanted to make some extra money aside from my salary as a college professor and I called the Old San Juan Store. We made an appointment and I took some of my work, even some broken pieces. The owner said: “I like everything, can you sell it to me today? WOW, I was blown away. After that awesome experience I did the same with another store, now in the BIG Mall Plaza Las Américas, and the experience was the same. Both stores were selling everything and they kept ordering again and again. The Plaza store closed but I have a lot of good memories. It was a very important store and still today people see my work at shows and ask me if my work was in that store, Nostalgia, because they have one or a few pieces. The Old San Juan store, PR Arts & Crafts still sells my ceramic work. Other stores contact me after a fair or a show. I can tell you that this is the best way to sell to a store, they see your art in a show and they get interested.

That was what happened to me in November 2010 with my collage painting. I don’t want to sell any more ceramic work on stores, just in a few because I get bored of making the same piece again and again. I need to create new things every day and I have so many different designs that is impossible to make them all by myself or to supply for all the stores that want to have them. The Poets Passage and Patchouli at the Old San Juan are now selling my collage painting prints and original and two more stores contacted me recently to begin to sell them, too. These two saw my collage painting in the San Juan store.

I understand your artwork is being looked at by a distributor. How did you make that happen?

Back in 2002-2004, AVON Puerto Rico contacted me because they saw my work at the Old San Juan Store PR Arts & Crafts . They wanted to reproduce two of my Christmas Collection pieces. I made the pieces and they sent it to China to be reproduced and the result was astonishing. They made the piece in resin but it was almost identical. They sold 4,000 pieces in only one week before Christmas season and they ordered more. They sold a lot. After that experience they bought 9 more designs. I didn’t have the experience and knowledge on this kind of business and the decision didn’t bring me good money but the experience was excellent. My photo was included in all catalogs selling my designs and that was awesome. Still these days I find people that can recognize my work because they bought one of those reproductions.

The company they contacted to make this project encouraged me to do other pieces with them. The same company, now sold to one of the partners is the one I contacted to distribute my collage painting prints and my casted set of butterflies which will be on the stores in 4-5 months under the trademark Borboletas. The distributor is very positive and grateful that I gave him this opportunity. Another seller from Puerto Rico who lives in Philadelphia wants to represent my work out of Puerto Rico. Now that it is easier with collage painting we will be meeting soon to make this happen. Today I have an important meeting with the owners of two stores located at important mall in the metro area who once wanted to sell my ceramic but now I will show them my collage painting prints and the possibility of other products made from them.

What are your dreams and goals for your future?

In my creative life, licensing is what I have been dreaming for a few years since I worked with AVON. After KRR E-Course and the support of the community I am part of now, I know I can make it happen. I would like to see my ceramic designs casted and reproduced in high quality materials selling in big stores like Bed Bath and Beyond or Macy’s or any other store. As Tara Reed says…Painting in my pajamas is what I dream. I would love to see my art in many products. I dream of designing lots of decorative and functional products that can bring smiles to people enjoying them in their homes.

When people tell me that my art make them smile….I know the hard work and the patience has paid off. Now I have more faith in my work and a strong desire to have more time with my family and I believe that my creative business is taking me where I want to be.

Anyone wishing to purchase Elizabeth's products, check out her Etsy Shop or her Blog for some of her beautiful things! Thank you so much Elizabeth!

Sneak Peek Friday

2011-03-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

So excited to be hanging my art at the Green Earth Coffee Shop this weekend. I'm sure I will need to make a few trips deciding what goes where, buying frames, etc. I enlisted my art lover friend for some help and company in figuring it all out. Knowing the owner like the more mixed media style, I made this little piece by printing the tree from the commissioned piece I did and then adding some more collage pieces on top of it to give it an original feel.

I also found this quote from the Oprah magazine in the index pages and liked it... "You are the creative type. We all are -- even if we don't know it yet".

Many of you will recognize my next interview just by this painting, "Enjoy the Ride". Please come back for this Sunday's interview, "Women Who Create Beautiful Things", of one of my favorite bloggers, Elizabeth Gonzalez of Elizabeth Glz. I was one of the lucky ones to receive a beautiful ceramic ornament this past Christmas, and the detail on it is so beautiful. I just love it.

Once again, I am linking up with Studio JRU and all of you lovely Sneak Peek Talents.

Happy Dance News!

2011-03-15T16:01:00.000-07:00

Green Earth Coffee Roasters, Lake Forest, CA

What? Did you hear the news? Diana Mulder's art on display at Green Earth Coffee Shop in Lake Forest? Just amazing.

Well it will be amazing when I get all my stuff up there. I'm very excited. I met with one of the owners today, and she liked my mixed media work. There is already a photographer's work on display, but I can fill in my art on some of the other walls.

I have to give a special thanks to all my friends and bloggers, who gave me encouraging comments supporting my art. It was all of you that gave me the courage to finally say when I opened my mouth, "I am an artist!" and not, "I'd like to order a latte".

Of course, I will take pictures once everything is in. Doin the happy dance over here! Woot Woot!

"Women Who Create Beautiful Things" - Katrina Sloma, The Kat Eye View of the World

2011-03-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

I met this talented woman and photographer like many of my friends and fellow bloggers through the Kelly Roberts e-course. So today, I'd like to share my interviewed for "Women Who Create Beautiful Things" series, an artist, photographer and teacher and a very talented woman, Kat from The Kat Eye View of the World.

Tell me about yourself and how your family ended up living in Italy.

Thanks Diana, for inviting me to join you and do this interview!
Hi everyone, I'm Kat! *big wave* I'm an artist and my favorite medium right now is photography. I'm a wife of 18 years, mother to a 9-year-old son and work as an electrical engineer for my day job. Even though I've spent the last 19 years working as an engineer for a large corporation, I've recently rediscovered, since living in Italy, that I am truly an artist and a teacher in my soul.

Our route to Italy was more like a serendipitous detour than the result of any forethought. In May 2008, I began leading a project at work that required working with a company here in Italy. I took my first business trip to the Milan area in June 2008, and something inside me whispered, "You need to be here." I was a manager at the time, and was planning to hire two engineers who would temporarily reside in Italy as part of this project. Before that business trip, I hadn't even considered the positions; I had other career plans. After the trip, the strong feeling of wanting to come live and work in Italy would not go away. My husband and I talked, did a little research , and we decided to go for it. I took myself out of the hiring position and applied for the job myself. In August 2008 I was offered one of the positions. Another 8 long months of work permit applications, immigration paperwork and the international move, and we arrived in Italy in April 2009.

I smile when I look on your Flicker site and see through your eyes all of the wonderful countries you have visited while living in Italy. Tell me about your experience from the first time you realized that photography was your passion to where you are now.

To answer your question, I think I also need to tell you a little bit about how I found my passion in the first place, because that is an important part of the creative journey I've been on. When I got to Italy in April 2009, I was pretty empty personally. I had just finished leading this successful technical project at work, but I didn't gain as much personal satisfaction as I had expected from that success. I had also been reevaluating the whole career path that I had been following, since accepting the Italian assignment and moving out of the managerial role. Up to that point, I had been defining myself through my work, but that was no longer enough. Something was out of alignment with me internally, yet I didn't know what. You might call it a mid-life crisis. :)

I began my time in Italy with a desire to find myself again. Somewhere in my life story of daughter-student-wife-mother-career I had lost who I was. Right before moving to Italy, I had picked up a copy of Julia Cameron's, "The Artist's Way" and upon reading it knew that creativity was the right path. We also started traveling extensively around Italy and Europe. As part of that travel I began visiting art museums, initially as a tourist thing to do, and discovered looking at other artist's work was a fantastic inspiration for me. I got the urge to paint in bright, bold colors. I purchased my first set of acrylic paints, not even knowing the right words for everything in Italian! I hadn't painted since taking watercolor classes in high school. Looking back now at this early time in Italy (summer 2009), I can see how this was all part of the rebirth of my creativity. The love of art and creativity has always been inside of me, but had been diminished to a background role for many years. I hadn't been paying attention!

This leads into my interest in photography. My skill and interest in photography has been slowly building over the last 10 years. I purchased my first 35mm SLR camera in 2000 after I had been scrapbooking for a couple of years. I didn't discover photography as a true passion, however, until after this creative rebirth period during our time in Italy. Between all of the wonderful places I was capturing with my camera during our travels, my immersion in the creative process and regular writing in my journal and on my blog, the artist in me emerged.

It is powerful and exciting to be aware of this love of art, creativity and photography now and to own it as part of my core identity. I would love for others to have this same experience. I wrote a series on my blog called Lessons from Abroad, taking some of the lessons I've learned and making them useful to other people -- without having to move internationally like I did.

Since taking the Kelly Rae Roberts e-course, how has that affected your dreams and goals as a photographer.

Kellie Rae's class opened my eyes to a lot of great ideas! She confirmed what I was already feeling -- you have to follow your heart and be yourself in your creative endeavors, or you will not be able to sustain it. Your efforts need to feed your energy, not drain it. When you connect to your passion, there is an energy that is born. The things that you do for that passion do not feel like work, they are fun and fulfilling.

At the beginning, I wasn't sure if her course would apply to me since I had no desire to sell my art. I discovered so much of here information applies regardless of your creative endeavor. I wanted to help people reconnect with their creativity, since that has been such an amazing experience for me. Her course helped me to define and refine the direction I wanted to go -- teaching online, sharing my love of photography and the whole creative process.

A couple of direct outcomes of her course are the Exploring with a Camera series I write on my blog, as well as the first e-course I delivered early this year. There are many more things to come, I can see myself going back to Kellie Rae's course material again and again.

I noticed you gave your first e-course recently. Tell me about that experience. How would it help someone like me?

Teaching my first e-course, Find Your Eye: A photo course with heart and soul, was a wonderful experience! The course idea started out of my personal experiences, to help others learn what I've learned on my photographic and creative journey. I wanted to help people connect to the reasons they started picking up a camera in the first place -- the thrill of a photo that connects to your heart and soul.

The reality of teaching the course was surprising. I learned so much from my students and it was exciting to see them connect with my process. My love of creating and teaching this class showed me that I am on the right track creatively. Continuing to develop and teach on line courses is definitely my future direction.

As for how it would help someone like you, I have some great ideas! I am actually going to split the content into two unique parts: A digital photography basics course, which is perfect if you are new to digital photography, and a "Find Your Eye" course series. The part that is closest to my heart is the "Find Your Eye" process. This series of courses is for anyone who wants to deepen the connection of their heart and soul with their photography, or really any art form. I believe you "Find Your Eye" when you learn to express yourself with confidence in your art, not following someone else's formula for success. My process helps people to recognize, internalize and "own" their unique style. There is nothing better to build your confidence as an artist!

I think that the "Find Your Eye" process would work for any art medium, and I would love to have some other artists join me in the course and try it out! I am planning to offer the newly revised courses starting in July 2011. I have so much fun teaching these, I can hardly wait.

Tell me about Mortal Muses.

I'm so glad you asked about Mortal Muses! It is such a great participative and collaborative photography site started by Tammy Lee Bradley. I am one of nine regular contributors called "muses". Each day, one of the muses writes a post on the current theme, pairing one of their images with a photo from another photographer who submitted to our Flicker pool. Every 9 days we change the theme, and everyone is welcome to submit their images and has the opportunity to be featured. And it is fun to be featured, isn't it?

I love that there are nine of us, each with unique styles, involved in this project. Since we are all different people and artists, there are nine perspectives on one theme. Having nine people choosing the photos to feature ensures a wide range of photographers and styles are featured.

I encourage everyone to join in with us. You never know when you might get featured, but you have to participate first! I was asked to join after being a regular participant, so there are other potential benefits of participation as well.

What are your plans for the future as a photographer when you return to the states?

We return in July of this year. We are so close to the end I am sad to be leaving, but also excited for what comes next. I will definitely continue regular posts on my blog. Writing and sharing photos has become a key part of my creative process. I will be starting up my e-courses in full force again in July. I already have my course schedule planned out through the last half of 2011 and will be working on creating some new courses.

Of course, I will also continue my own photography practice, that's a must to stay creative! I already know I will have to search out new subjects and places to photograph, since I won't have the rich history and texture of Europe on the other side of my camera lens. I am starting to plan to sell some of my photographs online -- I love the idea of my images brightening someone's day as a postcard or hanging on the wall.

I look forward to rediscovering my experience of Italy through a serious review of the photos I've taken in the last two years. I'm sure that I'll learn even more about myself, my art and my creativity through both review of my photos and moving back to my home in Oregon. You will get to follow along, as I write on my blog. It should be interesting!

Thank you Kat for sharing your story with us. I'm sure a lot of other readers will enjoy it as much as I did. If your interested in how Kat and I first connected, check out her blog today!

Sneak Peek Friday

2011-03-11T11:17:00.000-08:00

Aqua Wave - 12 x 16 Collage on Paper

How coincidental that I was working on this wave last night and to hear this morning about the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. "Let us lift a prayer for Japan. As the night covers their nation in darkness, let our prayers be their light." written my one Tweeter.

Hopefully, my collage will evoke more tranquil feelings.

courtesy of The Kat Eye View of the World

I am so excited to post on Sunday an interview with one of my favorite bloggers and photographer, Katrina from The Kat Eye View of the World. Come back on Sunday for my "Women Who Create Beautiful Things" series and read her wonderful interview and how she ended up living in Italy.

Once again, I am linking up with Studio JRU and all of you lovely Sneak Peak Talents.

Women Who Create Beautiful Things - Melissa Prell of Lissa Bee Creations

2011-03-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

I've been fascinated with the "story" behind some of my favorite bloggers, and today it is my pleasure to post an interview of a very nice person and fellow flyer, Melissa Prell of LissaBee Creations.

When did you learn how to crochet and realize your love for crocheting?

I learned to crochet as a young girl, probably 9 years old by my maternal grandmother. The first thing she taught me was how to make a granny square. I made a pillow for my mother in some really bright yellows, oranges, pinks and greens. I also learned how to crochet in rows and made a toilet tank topper. (Say that 3 times fast!) After learning, I didn't pick up my hooks again until after I was married. My mother-in-law taught me how to make crochet edgings around baby blankets.

That was when I really started getting interested in crochet. I made lots of baby blankets and then taught myself how to read crochet patterns. I used patterns to crochet angels ornaments, purses, and clothing.

Do you design the little boxes and baskets you make in your etsy shop ? (I especially like the hemp boxes with the lid and the blue shell basket.)

Yes, I designed the boxes and baskets in my shop. I love the design process. I have an idea of what I want to accomplish and it is fun to see the idea take the shape of a colorful basket.

I understand you took the same e-course as many of us from Kelly Rae Roberts. What has impact you the most from that course?

The biggest impact from Kelly's course was instilling in me the belief that I had something valuable to offer the world. It is easy to get caught up in perfectionism, that what I do is not good enough. But it is. I also believe that it is okay to make mistakes, to learn from them and to grow as a business owner and a human being. I love the friendships I have made with some of my fellow course takers. There is an abundance of support and encouragement in our group.

What are you plans for the future? Do you teach crochet? Will you venture into making little critters?

I plan to nurture my etsy shop and make it successful. I would also like to sell to retail shop owners. I don't teach crochet right now, but am looking into it. As far as making little critters or amigurumi, I just might! I am also thinking about crochet jewelry.

Thank you for taking the time to do the interview. I so appreciate your talent and beautiful things! You can find Melissa's beautiful things on etsy at LissaBee Creations.

Please join me next week to read an interview a very talented photographer living in Italy, my friend, Katrina of The Kat Eye View of the World.

Sneak Peek Friday

2011-03-04T17:16:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Sneak Peek Friday! Very busy thinking about all the great ideas for selling my prints and paintings.

This little old lady was rescued from the pound and was missing some teeth. So yes, you are seeing her tongue which tended to hang out there. Love her!

Here's my other guy. I caught him listening to someone upstairs on the landing.

I printed these watercolor portraits on watercolor paper and then backed them with some foamcore to raise them a little. The trick is beveling the edges. Practice, practice, practice!

And of course, I would like to mention my special guest for "Women Who Create Beautiful Things", Melissa Prell, of Lissabeecreations. I so enjoy getting to know really nice people, like Melissa. So will you. Please join me back here on Sunday for her interview.

Once again, I am linking up with Studio JRU and all of you lovely Sneak Peak Talents.

Charcoal Figure Sketch

2011-03-01T19:59:00.000-08:00

Young girl figure, Charcoal on Pastel Paper 8-1/2 x 13

I was asked to do a woman's figure charcoal drawing. So, I used my daughter as a model. It was intended to be added to a group of figure drawings, but the designer felt it was too sexy...the family has 3 teen boys. So, I get that.

We used a more plain faced, robust, plump figure instead. :)

Women Who Create Beautiful Things - Tali Antonina, Tush Tush & Tosya

2011-02-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

The young woman I interviewed today for my "Women Who Create Beautiful Things", is an artist whose Etsy shop I've been admiring for some time. It is my pleasure to post an interview with a very lovely and talented young woman, Tali of Tush Tush and Tosya.

Please tell me a little about yourself.
Hi my name is Tali! I graduated from Bezalel Academy of Art & Design in Jerusalem 2 years ago!
I am a freelance illustrator living in Tel-Aviv with my boyfriend. I illustrate for magazines and children's books. I love working in many techniques, to take pictures and to dance. I have 2 shops on etsy, TushTush (http://etsy.com/shop/tushtush) & Tosya (http://etsy.com/shop/tosya).

You must be very busy with being an Illustrator and running 2 Etsy shops. Tell me about how you got involved with Etsy and how your second shop came about.

I first heard of etsy at Bezalel when a friend Naomi (who also has a shop - The Time Is Now (http://etsy.com/shop/thetimeisnow)) told me I should open a shop. When I opened, I saw how great the site was to emerging creators and I fell involve with the community. I eventually opened a second shop, because I have two different styles and I like each shop to live in its own world. I feel a cohesive look to a shop helps to better impart your outlook to potential clients and encourage sales, which is one advice I can share with you who want to improve sales.

I have a different process for my 2 styles, the style of my work in TushTush is realistic, while my Tosya illustrations are more stylistic and fun. My TushTush paintings are born from the moments captured in beautiful pictures - the look of a person, the way the light falls, the story frozen between two people…

My Tosya illustrations come from within, from my love of color and shape and humor. I like my illustrations to leave a sweet taste in my mouth, like candy.

There are so many paintings of yours that I love..so many tell a story. Are some of these from your illustration projects or is this the natural illustrator in you?

My process of illustration stems from my my inner world. Certain images stir memories and feelings in me and I want to capture that in my illustrations and pass them forward. I get inspired my watching people a lot.

Artists and illustrators who influence my work are Egon Schiele, Corneliu Baba, Malcolm T. Liepke, and Euan Uglow. My color work would not have been the same without them. I find the boldness and originality of illustrators like Maria Kalman, Kveta Pacovska greatly inspiring. (I feel greatly honored to have a collection of Kveta's books - her work is really evoking and powerful).

I think your little tiny canvases are so cute. Tell me about how you go about making them?

I first came up with the idea of tiny canvas prints because I wanted to offer a finished product, something that is tactile and readymade to hang. At school the teachers put a lot of emphasis on finished products. I loved the look and feel of the small canvases grouped together - a lot of color, stories, and emotions coming together.

To make them I first select a picture that inspires me, whether it's the colors, the light, or the story. I paint the image in acrylic or oil pastels on paper or wood. I do those on a larger scale than the canvas they ultimately get printed on. I then scan them, do color correction, and have them professionally printed on cotton canvas and professionally stretched on a wood frame by a framer in my neighborhood.

Is there any advice or past experience that you can pass on that helped you with your sales?

As a shopkeeper, the most important advice I can impart is not to let the shop rest - you need to keep active all the time, to keep the shop active. It's like a magazine, people will come where there's action. I realist items in my shop several times a day and try listing as many new items as I can. I also recommend offering a variety of options for your clients - in my shop I have originals, prints, canvas, etc.- so there'll be something for everyone. I keep the prices as accessible to everyone as I can. I think offering custom orders is a great idea - etsy is a marketplace for people who want unique items, to stand out from the crowd. It also has the benefit of giving me a lot of material to work with:)

Thank you, Tali. It has been truly a treat to get to know you better. We can all appreciate your helpful Etsy advise and so enjoy your talent.

I'm starting to feel like Oprah! It has been such a rewarding experience for me getting to know all of you talented women. Next week, join me with a lovely creative woman, Melissa of Lissa Bee Creations, who truly creates beautiful things!

Sneak Peek Friday

2011-02-25T17:24:00.000-08:00

Welcome everyone to Sneak Peek Friday!

I know, are you seeing deja vu? I thought I'd paint a copy of this painting to enter in the 6 x 6 art sale/competition, because I'm really attached to the original. Anyway, I must have been in the zone for the first one, because I just don't seem to get the beauty of brushstrokes with the copy. Pooh!

This painting is of a lovely friend of my daughter's. This is a progress photo and I'm not quite happy with her face. Anyway, we will see if I keep going or scratch the whole thing. It's so hard when I have such a wonderful, talented artist to compare to....

I'm very excited for my next interview this Sunday. Tali from Tush Tush and Tosya has graciously accepted an interview for my "Women Who Create Beautiful Things" series . This beautiful young woman will share a little about herself and her Etsy success running 2 shops.

Many times I just go to her shop just to admire her talent. She also talks about the little canvas miniatures she sells. Although her portrait painting is one of my favorites, she just has a multitude of different avenues for her work.

Please join me on Sunday... it will be very interesting. Also, I love our little Sneak Peek group, and if you would like to join in, come link up at Studio JRU and join in the fun!

The Watch

2011-02-23T08:33:00.000-08:00

6 x 6, oil on board, "The Watch"

Years ago, I took a photo of a painting of a lifeguard stand with these colors, and it was the first time I saw the orange underpainting peaking through. It has always made an impression on me, and I couldn't find the picture anymore no matter how hard I looked until the other day. So this is an impression from my own photo and the anonymous painting I admire. It was pure fun not to have to think about color, subject and composition. Keeping it simple.

Women Who Create Beautiful Things - Terri Smith, Dimples and Dragonflies

2011-02-20T00:03:00.000-08:00

I've been fascinated with the "story" behind some of my favorite bloggers, and today it is my pleasure to post an interview of a very kind southern belle and artist, Terri Smith of Dimples and Dragonflies. The interview continues on a second page. Click on "Read The Rest of This Article". Next week, one of my etsy favorites, Tali of Tush, Tush.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

Today I Consider Myself Very Much A Southern Girl. But Early On, I Would Have Called Myself More A Transitional Girl Than Anything Else. I Was Born In Memphis, TN, and even though I was on Southern Soil At The Time..I Was Very Much In Transition, And Remained In That Orbital Spin Until Permanently Settling On Georgian Soil In 1992. To Clarify..Both My Daddy And Husband Were Career Naval Officers, And I Was Simply Part Of Their Respective Military Packages Until My Husband Reached Retirement in ‘92.

Why Georgia? After Years Of Relocating For My Husband’s Career, He Gifted Me With The Choice Of Our Permanent Retirement Location. My Daddy’s People Are All From Surrounding Counties Here, So When Asked Where I Would Like To Go, It Made Perfect Sense To Reconnect With Family. After Years Of Living An Unattached Gypsy Type Existence In The Military, Georgia Felt As Close As It Gets To A Real Home. Today I Feel As If My Life Actually Began And Will Possibly End For Me As Well ~ Here In This Glorious State.

Creating ~ Using Two Different Mediums:

I Initially Took Up Painting As A Form Of Therapy…Distraction You Might Say. Simply Burned Out From Countless Days Filled With Disease And Illness As An O.R. Nurse, I Sought Comfort And Relief In The Act Of Creation. Making Something Beautiful Seemed Immediately To Heal What Had Turned So Sad Within My Spirit. And Time In The Studio Sure Smelt A Lot Nicer Than Time Spent In The O.R., I Can Tell You That. I Chose The Medium Of Oil At The Outset Because It Interested Me More Than Other Mediums At The Time. The Only Formal Training In The Use Of Oils Came Through A Few Undergraduate Courses At S.C.A.D. (Savannah College Of Art & Design) Where I Learned Traditional Application Methods And
Technical Drafting Skills. I Also Learned That A Particular Style Cannot Be Taught. It Has To Be Developed. First From The Heart And Later From Repetition In The Daily Use Of A Particular Medium.

It’s Only Been Recently That I Became Curious In Metal Work And Soldering After Seeing A Few Cross Bottle Displays In An Atlanta Boutique While Visiting A Cousin One Weekend. My Cousin And I Were Floored By The High Prices Of These Pieces And Once I Got Home I Began Researching Soldering. As Much In An Effort To Save Money By Making These Beautiful Pieces For Myself As Well As For The Shear Enjoyment Of The Process. Ironically, It Was My Cousin That Later Encouraged Me To Offer My Glass Pieces To The Public Much In The Same Way That I Had Originally Offered My Oils.

Why I Paint Young Girls And Mature Women:

I Was Blessed In 1974 With An Only Child, A Daughter. During That Time “Holly Hobbie” Was All The Rage, And I Remember It Seemed Everywhere I Shopped There Would Be Something Relative To This Delightful Female Character. Anyway..I Just Really Liked The Vintage Styling Behind The Happy Faced Holly Hobbie. I Liked The Different Hats She’d Wear. The Way She Was Positioned With Baby Buggies, Dolls, Kittens, And Every Day Settings That A Young Girl Might Find Herself In.

When I First Began Exploring Figurative Painting, I Always Felt Emotionally Drawn To Try And Replicate That Same Type Figure I Had Seen In Holly Hobbie. The Young Female In The Early Stages Of Development. The Young Female Enjoying A Happy And Carefree Existence. The Young Female Standing Proud In Her Colorful New Frock And Hat…Happily Dancing, Lunching Or Shopping With Her Girlfriends. The Ideas For Compositions Are Endless And Each Revolve Totally Around The Life Of A Female So I Know This Life Quite Well. You Should Paint What You Know..And I Know Female Intimately. (Big Southern Grin) Of Course I’ve Also Done My Share Of Landscapes, Farm Animals Like Roosters And Cows. Even Architectural Pieces Like Old Cottages Hold My Interest From Time To Time. But I’m Always Compelled Right Back To My Girls.

Do You Use Reference Photos Or Models?

Yes, I Use Photographs Religiously. I’m Forever Tearing Out Magazine Ads For Children’s Clothing And Similar Pages From Mature Women’s Fashion Magazines. I Have Two Of The Sweetest Nieces (And Cutest But Of Course I’m Bias) In The Whole State Of Georgia Who Sometimes Pose For Me. I Try And Catch Them In As Natural A Setting As Possible..Just To Get A Visual On How A Leg, Foot, Or Hand Would Be Properly Positioned Within Any Given Circumstance.

I Have To Confess..I Have Been Told I Paint A Really Good Face..Both Of Young And More Mature Women..But The Good Lord Knows I Have A “Real” Difficult Time With Hands. Those Darn HANDS Get Me Every Time. A Thorn In My Side I Can Tell You For Sure. But I Learned While Training, That Hands Are The Most Dreaded Feature For Any Artist. Knowing This Helps Sometimes..But Not Every Time.

How Wonderful To Have Your Paintings In A Gallery. How did That Happen For You?

I Pulled Out Of Nursing In 2002, And Shortly Afterwards Found Myself Enrolling In Art School. Somehow My Purpose In Learning To Paint Was Altogether Different Than Most Of The Students In My Classes. I’d Hear Their Excitement Talking About Building Their Portfolios And One Day Getting Gallery Recognition. I Felt So Detached From That Kind Of Talk. Friends..I Just Wanted To Paint. Plain And Simple. Wanted To Be Able To Put Something Beautiful Together To Lift My Spirit From The Unhappy Memories Of Surgical Procedure. And If One Day I Created Something Worthy Enough To Hand Down To My Grandchildren, Then That Would Be Enough.

Guess You Could Say I Settled Comfortably Into My Original Mindset For Ever Attending Classes To Begin With. You See..Nursing Had Hardened Me..Had Changed My Once Carefree Nature Into One Easily Able To Rationalize The World And Our Humble Human Condition In A Very Real Way. Guess What I’m Saying Is I Have A Very True Sense Of God And His Universe. How He Is Completely In Charge Of Everything That Happens Or Doesn’t Happen To Us Down Here. I Had Seen It Go In Either Direction Too Many Times In The O.R. To Think Otherwise.

So Once I Completed My Training I Decided To Paint For The Pure Satisfaction Of It. And I Did. I Painted Like Crazy And If God Wanted Anything To Come Of It..He Would Show Me. In The Meantime, I Was Simply Having More Fun Than I Could Ever Have Imagined Possible. The Smell Of Oil And Turpentine Was A Whole Lot Easier Waking Up To Than The Unwelcoming Smells Of A Surgical Suite I Can Tell You That.Anyway, As I Was Saying..I PAINTED LIKE CRAZY. Eventually Stacking All My Canvases In A

Read the rest of this article~

Sneak Peek Friday

2011-02-18T08:46:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Sneak Peek Friday.

Lately, I'm trying to listen to my inner voice and act on the little opportunities presented to me. I heard about a 6" art show right here in the O.C., from the radio program "Artists Helping Artists" last October. So the show came and went, and I later heard on the program how successful it was. So now coming up in April, the Randy Higbee Gallery will be having another 6" show.

This time, I'm going to act on the opportunity to enter 3 of my 6" x 6" paintings in the show. I could use a little help with my selection...can you leave me a comment and pick your 3 favorite paintings from below?

Also, I am so excited to announce my next "Women Who Create Beautiful Things" interview with our sweet Georgia peach, Terri Smith, of Dimples & Dragonflies. Can you guess the job she retired from? She also talks about her gallery experience....Come back and read on Sunday and see how Terri listened and acted on her inner voice, too.

If you enjoy Sneak Peek, come link up at Studio JRU and join in the fun!

True Center

2011-02-15T22:16:00.000-08:00

True Center - 12 x 14 Collage, SOLD

This is a commissioned piece I did for a friend to give as a birthday present for a lovely woman who has a strong relationship with the Lord. The idea came about when she saw the wave collage I did for my daughter. Anyway, since I won't be there at the gift giving, I thought I'd add a card to the back explaining the collage:

"The true center of Lori's spirit is shown as the tree stands strong with its deepest roots entwined with the Lord. The external world is always in flux as shown by the musical notes symbolizing the rhythm of life.

As the tree sways in the breeze, Lori's relationship with the Lord is evident as the notes dance in the wind and touch upon all who know her."

I hope she likes it . I feel a little uneasy, because who knows if she would like something like this. I know the meaning is there, but will it end up in the spare bedroom?

Women Who Create Beautiful Things - Soraya Nulliah

2011-02-13T01:26:00.000-08:00

I'm very fortunate to have for my "Women Who Create Beautiful Things" interview series a very talented, kindred spirit and now fellow Californian, Soraya Nulliah.

Tell me a little about yourself?

I am a mixed media artist, wife, mamma, storyteller, creative soul. I gave birth the same month I turned 40 (!!) and feel that right now, raising Tara is my most important work. That being said, I still try to juggle painting, blogging, spending quality time with my hubby and everyday creativity into my life. It’s difficult (as all of us mammas know!) but possible. Of course I’m sleep deprived much of the time!

Can you share an experience when you realized painting was your passion and how has it evolved?

I started painting and drawing in my teens but without any encouragement or support (I actually experienced ridicule)…as I entered my twenties, I stopped. I then went through a whole decade of soul searching and mending my soul without once picking up a paintbrush. Of course I still visited museums, art galleries and read artist biographies but not once during this time did I ever consider myself an artist. When I turned 30 I went on a 4 month pilgrimage to India that changed the course of my life. During this journey, I came face to face with mySELF and could no longer ignore my deepest yearnings to paint. While in India, I took private lessons with a master sculptor and his mentoring was invaluable to me. When I came back from that journey, I filled up canvases, started taking classes and workshops and wholeheartedly embraced my creative spirit.

My work has evolved in many ways, My earlier painting were heavily influenced by Indian aesthetics but after the birth of my daughter, my work became more universal. Now I wanted to speak to the deepest parts of ourSELVES. Our broken-ness and our whole-ness.

Read the rest of this article~

Sneak Peek Friday

2011-02-11T07:59:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Sneak Peek Friday. Could this get any sweeter? Canaries on burlap. Canaries on linen. I just love how this color sits on the fabric. This little guy is sewed on to watercolor paper with yellow and pink thread.

I'm so excited for my next "Women Who Create Beautiful Things"interview with Soraya Nulliah. Her talent and spirit got me right in the heart. Check back Sunday. She's a kindred soul and you'll love her interview.

I'm linking up with Jennifer's blog, Studio JRU for this Sneak Peek. Come join us.

More Painting on Linen

2011-02-09T08:08:00.000-08:00

As you may have noticed from my art, experimenting is part of the joy/frustration of my art life. For years I dedicated myself to watercolor, but once I freed myself from the thought that I had to be the best I could be at one medium, it allowed me to play and grow as an artist.

I found these little blocks with letters printed on them in the 50% after Xmas bin. I purchased this group that said "Believe" for $7. The backs and sides are all finished with a cream paint. So you have seen Wasabi painted on one, and now I've mounted a linen painting to another. I think these little gems are sweeeet.

"Lone Tree", oil on linen, 4-1/4" x 6-3/4",

For Sale $45 + shipping

I want to thank everyone for the wonderful comments about my daughter and her talent, and those who have volunteered to participate in "Women Who Make Beautiful Things" interview series. I think it's going to be so fun getting to know some of you talented, amazing women. Also, if you think that your in the clear just because you haven't "sign up", ywhite dress, mixed media painting for sale
ou're mistaken. I have a couple of you in mind, and I will hunt you down to get your story. :)

Women Who Create Beautiful Things

2011-02-06T00:08:00.000-08:00

When was the first time you realized that you enjoyed taking photos and were good at it.

I really took an interest in photography when I picked up the camera in eighth grade and used it for more purposes other than myspace. I played around with different angles and types of shots, mostly photographing the daisies in our backyard or small insects. I felt joy in capturing the beauty of nature and the feeling that you get when you're surrounded by it. I didn't know if I had any special talent for it, but I knew that I wanted to know more than the common sense of "snapping a shot." I decided to take a photography class in high school, and I absolutely fell into the trance that it now brings me.

What is your favorite photo and why?

Photos are hard to pinpoint as your favorite, because each photograph gives the viewer a different feeling. To be able to choose the favorite, is only choosing the feeling that you're currently in. If I was picking my favorite photo that I have done, I would probably choose the one of my friend. I worked on this particular photo for days and days. It was a layering project of three different photographs. One shot is of the clouds, one shot of her portrait, and one shot of her silhouette in an elegant red dress. The image looks like something from a dark dream, so maybe I am feeling deep tonight, a thinker. The phrase that comes to mind is a peaceful intensity of the inner mind.

Peppers by Edward Weston

One photographer that I like is Edward Weston. He searches for mutilated peppers and plays with the lighting to make the peppers look like humans hugging or strange faces. It's really interesting. His shooting is very raw, he photographs a lot of naked woman, but he loves to express the geometric shapes that we create with our bodies. I attempted a photoshoot like his before, I took my two friends, Alyssa and Paige, and I pretzeled them together in various ways and dropped a brown sheet behind them. The shoot was so much fun, and the girls were laughing all the way through. It was a really neat experience.

What do you want to be and will photography be a part of your life?

Although I have a great love for photography, there is nothing that compares to the love and feeling that I get with kids. I would love nothing more than to work with kids. At the moment, I am on my way to becoming a teacher.

jaron

I really hope that I can incorporate photography in my life, especially with the time that I would get off during the summers!

Can you give someone starting out advice?

Award-winning Winter photo, Shot after the So.Cal. Fires

Before you get technical with your camera, Photoshop, and rules; explore! Explore everything, get to know your camera's abilities as well as your own. Get a shot that takes physical strength or take a million shots of something completely ugly until you turn it into something magnificent. When you surround yourself with everything technical about the camera, you fail to realize the passion and the energy, that comes from the photograph.

Don't ever forget that it's the one behind the lens who makes the photograph, not the lens itself.

Three words to describe me.
motherly
outgoing
generous
(My friend, Nicole, gave them to me.)

Kristen is presently enrolled as a first year college student at UC Santa Barbara. Although she does not have a blog or website, Kristen is sought after especially during the holiday season for friend's portraits and family photos.

Please feel free to contact me to be my next Sunday interview. If an 18 yr. college student can do this, so can you! I would love to here from one of you talented women out there!

Women Who Make Beautiful Things

2011-02-04T11:37:00.000-08:00

Kristen Mulder, Photographer

Inspired by the wonderful interviews I've been reading of my fellow bloggers, I would like to feature a special Sunday interview series called, "Woman Who Make Beautiful Things". I've always found interviews so interesting and usually learn something new about the person in the process.

One day while driving in the car, I was listening to Kristen's conversation with her younger cousin advising her about H.S. class selections and how she got interested in photography. I was surprised by how mature Kristen's advice was, and so I asked her to be my first interview.

Anyone who would like to participate or know of someone they would like interviewed, please comment below or facebook or email me, too.

Kristen has an amazing, unseen talent for someone so young, and I hope you stop back on Sunday to read her interview with more photos, too.

A little different than my usual "Sneak Peek Friday", but please check out Studio JRU, if you would like to join in.

Tucker's Sunny Spot

2011-02-01T10:44:00.000-08:00

I finally finished recovering the window seat cushions that Tucker sits in as I work each day in my studio. I came across Miss Mustard Seed's blog and thought that her idea of making slipcovers from drop cloths would be the ideal fabric for this much loved spot.

She has great blog tips, and you can find all the information to do what I did right here.

You have to see the before pictures, because it couldn't be any worse. I could get an award for the worst cushions ever.

These were hidden by a sheet during Workshop nights!

I followed her advice but splurged and purchased the more heavy duty drop cloth fabric from Lowe's for $20. There's enough fabric left over to make pillows, and I do want to add some painting to it. I'm not sure what to do yet.

Vintage linen pillows from Restoration Hardware, a possible idea?

Like she says, even though they are bleached several times, they're not totally white and do have a rumpled look, but personally I like it. For $20 and a little sweat equity, that's a great deal.

A quick note to say my cat portrait was a success and she's going to keep Wasabi on her bedside table to remember him always.

Sneak Peek Friday

2011-01-28T14:56:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Sneak Peek Friday everyone! I'm hooking up with others from Studio JRU, to show what's on your desk from this week.

At first I thought, "I got nothin". Aaaaahhh, but seriously? So, I thought I take you through my struggles to get to this egg painting, which is my latest finished product.

Most of the prototypes--starting with pastel paper and finishing with oil on linen sewed onto watercolor paper

My art lover friend said she thought I just whipped these things up and realized when she painted with me that you have to plan and work at it. Do you notice the last 2 are just gesso'd egg shapes. I realized I was wasting so much time perfecting the egg and then made mistakes at the end. So now I do everything first and then paint last.

The origin of this idea started with the old antique egg prints, which have that aged background. Because of their age perhaps they're not on white. How do I get that without painting it? First I started with the linen paper, which failed because the oil would bleed around the egg. Then I thought, the masters painted on linen, why not?

I learned that if I drew a line with a fabric pencil, I could keep my sewing straight.

I bought some linen at Joann's that you use for needlepoint. I also used a product called "Fray Check" to stop the fraying ends.

Finished product - Recycled gold frame, painted beige/cream color.

Do you have a friend or someone you bounce ideas off of? I am always bringing my ideas to my closest designer friend, and then I go back redo and show her again. So before I showed her my finished painting, I said, "I'm done with this egg painting stuff... it's way too hard". Long story short, she loved it, knows someone who would love it and so on. Guess I'm not done, yet!

If I just showed the finished product, you might think like my friend did that I just whipped it up. I know, but I think successful artists persevere and don't give up. It's a hard practice to follow though, isn't it? So if you have a really good idea, keep trying or you'll end up walking through Anthropology and see it there, right? :)

Check over at Studio JRU if you would like to join in!

Cat Oil Painting, Wasabi

2011-01-25T20:05:00.000-08:00

Oil Painting on Board, "4 x 6" Wasabi

They will not go quietly,
the cats who've shared our lives.
In suptle ways they let us know
their spirit still survives.
Old habits still make us think
we hear a meow at the door.
Or step back when we drop
a tasty morsel on the floor.
Our feet still go around the place
the food dish used to be,
And, sometimes, coming home at night,
we miss them terribly.
And although time may bring new friends
and a new food dish to fill,
That one place in our hearts
belongs to them. . . and always will.

by Linda Barnes

I was approached to do this cat portrait for a group birthday present to a girlfriend who lost her beloved cat, Wasabi. Although I don't have a cat, I can identify with the attachment one feels towards a pet and the sorrow of their loss.

Oil Painting on Board, Wasabi, 3-1/4" x 6-1/2"

I have been getting a lot of these remembrance portraits. These 2 paintings are very small painted on prefinished boards...no need for framing. It's a small intimate portrait you can tucked anywhere. I painted this the way I would like to remember my dog, Tucker. Just a small memory of him placed somewhere. Gosh, there I go, I'm getting all choked up and he sleeping right next to me!

LA Art Show

2011-01-23T09:35:00.000-08:00

Watercolor of Vintage Matches

What can I say. So much art so little time to absorb it all.

Interesting...I would hate to be the one to move this back to the gallery.

Collage Dog Art

Some doggone good art.

Pretty design....get closer

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All old vintage metal tape measures.

And who did I run into but a fellow flyer, Valerie Weller from Twig2Nest Studio! Check out who we're standing in front of....but non-other than a Liepke. (Kelly and Terri will be jealous).

Portrait by Malcolm Liepke

There was truly some wonderful art here...some of the best I've ever seen. And also, if you get the chance to meet another blogger/flyer, do so. Could you not find anyone more like you? I had remembered reading on Valerie's blog that she went to this last time and contacted her. We both live outside LA and not close to each other, but what a great way to meet.

OIL PAINTING ON CLOUDS OVER THE OCEAN

2011-01-21T18:58:00.000-08:00

CLOUDS OVER THE OCEAN
8 x 10 Oil on Canvas

During our paint night, we had a few reference photos to show how clouds sit over the ocean in the sky. After that, it was a free for all. Do you remember feeling lucky to catch that awesome sunset or spotting rain clouds in the distance on the ocean?

Quiet Storm, close up

I experimented with an acrylic underpainting of orange and purple, which you can see peaking through the oil. This painting is from my memory of that time. "Quiet Storm" will be quietly posted to my etsy shop.

Rocker

2011-01-17T17:00:00.000-08:00

My poor girls....any picture from our computer is subject to becoming a painting. I picked this picture because I love Kristen's expression. The question now is how to finish it. I already tried collage paper and music notes and then I came across a piece damask wallpaper. So, I found some online for the purpose of this portrait study.

My photoshop skills are basic, but I managed to get it to a point where I could see if I want to do this to the portrait or not. This way I can experiment all I want and decide later.

I darkened her hair and shirt really quick with the Picnik program to see if I could get her to pop against the background. I really like it, but I think I would rather start over and do her more flat paint, poster style. What do you think?

A Special Talent and Friend - Kelly Berkey

2011-01-16T12:29:00.000-08:00

Kelly Berkey Designs "artist"necklace

I am so very fortunate and grateful to receive a treasured gift from my friend, Kelly Berkey. She created this especially for me and I love it.

I admire how she comes up with such wonderful ideas for her jewelry including adding her special paintings to the designs.

Kelly Berkey Designs "artist" necklace

I don't wear a lot of jewelry, but I love necklaces and especially something different than what everyone else has. I think Kelly has such an eye and love her blog and esty shop. This piece will be a much loved piece and it makes me feel so special for her to validate the "artist" in me. Check out Kelly Berkey Designs other jewelry and see all her special creations.

Workshop For Two

2011-01-14T12:59:00.000-08:00

The artist table in my studio

I now understand artists who love doing workshops. Sometime ago I started painting in my studio with my art lover friend, Michelle. Last night we added one more art lover to the table. There is a wonderful, creative banter that naturally occurs while painting. Two more creative souls contributing to the mix.

Our new artist friend, Janine, painted with such freedom without any preconceived notions that it was freeing for her and for me to watch. Although we set out to paint clouds, when she got to a point and didn't really like what was on the canvas, I gave her a tissue so she could soften the clouds. Anyway in the end, it looked like a woman's breast. We all laugh and I made her keep it, because you couldn't set out to paint one better. (Sorry, didn't get a picture).

Our second painting of birds was more in control. Still there's a lovely looseness that you can't see in the photo that makes them so successful. I have to quote Janine who said something like, "You have to give yourself grace, because this work is your own and will not look like anyone else's."

Two creative Goddesses

When I read about how important it was for creative women getting together to create, I thought that would be the last thing that would happen to me. I didn't know any other women artists. How things change. So you don't have to know artists, just women who enjoy art. When you are showing your work to a girlfriend and hear her heart's love of creating, ask her to join you. You won't regret it. Where else are you going to find captive fans of your work?

Print with a Twist?

2011-01-12T10:08:00.000-08:00

So, I had thought it might be interesting to pair one of my prints with a chair from my old doll house for an Etsy listing.

All my doll house paraphernalia has been stored in a box in the garage for years, since the girls stop playing with dolls. So I pulled the box down from the garage storage and as I opened the box and was moving packages around, my hand skimmed the tail of a dead rat. Auuugghh! He was tucked under bubble wrap and laying on a full size wooden bed. How funny.

I was so grossed out, he's still laying there until hubby can dispose of him, but I did managed to find this little chair, and totally separate from decaying parts. Yeah!

Egg-cellent Collections

2011-01-08T19:10:00.000-08:00

Collection of antique egg prints

Don't you just love collections?

Collection of antique egg prints

I especially love grouping paintings of collections on a wall. I keep files of inspo with collection ideas of my own. Although you probably could buy an antique egg print off ebay pretty cheaply, I wanted to try to recreate this look on my own.

I started with some pastel colored paper I bought at Joann's in the $2 bin. I knew that if I tried to use watercolor, the paper would wrinkle so I painted the eggs in oil.

Unfortunately, for this one when I started to splatter the egg, a little paint seeped under my protection sheet. I played around with different ways to splatter without it getting on the surrounding area and the conclusion was ...to be more careful. Once you get a smudge or drip on the paper, there's no way to remove it.

Although, it's too cute not to try again.

More Etsy Treasuries?

2011-01-05T18:12:00.000-08:00

Is there a glitch? Could lighting strike again? I'm celebrating over here for being picked for a few more treasuries....

and again....

and again....

I know there are logical reasons for being picked, like just listing and being a newbie, but one has just got to enjoy being asked to the dance. I also wanted to thank all of you for sending me such wonderful encouragement.

Etsy Treasury

2011-01-01T21:10:00.000-08:00

How long has it been since our Kelly Rae ecourse? Yesterday, I finally said to myself, "Enough stalling, I am going to open my Etsy shop before the New Year ends even if I list only 1 item". Well, I did it and I just got picked up in a treasury! A Happy New Year it is!

My Favorite New Year Celebration

2010-12-31T11:34:00.000-08:00

Last night we toasted my daughter, Dana's, 21st Birthday. One of my favorite New Year's celebrations was the year Dana was born. She was due on December 31, but decided to come a day early. Even though I ended up having a C-section, it was such a wonderful time to be in the hospital ...it wasn't crowded so I ended up having a private room (doctors don't want to be working on a holiday), I got full staff attention, hubby worked in the hospital and could visit anytime. We even had a wonderful New Year's Eve dinner. I remember trying not to laugh to Jay Leno because it hurt so much. I didn't know then how special it was until Kristen was born during July which was the total opposite experience.

How time has flown....here she is, our little "Bubba Dana", all grown up and ready to take on the world. We each toasted a shot called, "Peanut Butter and Jelly". Everyone was disappointed because I sipped mine...so uncool. It sure helped my cold though!

I want take a moment to thank all of you for joining me this year on this artful journey here in blogland. I have met some wonderful creative women and look forward to continuing experiencing the joy of our creative friendships in the New Year. Besides the supportive and kind comments left here on my blog, many of you have continued conversations with me by email, which has brought me closer to you and I am blessed to have gotten to know you better.

I'd like to make another toast to all of you for our creative bond that brought us here, and I hope to be that person to you that makes a difference in your life as you have done to mine.

Anthropologie Felt Leaf Garland

2010-12-30T12:26:00.000-08:00

Store Window with Cuckoo Clocks

These handmade pinecones were hanging over a bed

I don't know about you, but I love walking through Anthropologie. I love the creativity that oozes all around you as you take it all in. Do you remember the season they did all the paper sculptures? It was amazing.

So, while finishing up my Christmas shopping, I had to visit once again. This time I really looked at the seasonal decorations and studied them a little. I fell in love with this sweet felt leaf garland on top of an armoire and quickly took a picture with my phone.

It gave me the idea that I'd might copy it for a gift and that's exactly what I did. Of course, I made two 6' foot garlands a day before Christmas....auugh, my cutting hand. A very sweet sales lady in Joann's was asking me what I was doing and I showed her the picture...she never heard of Anthropologie before. She was enthusiastic though and help me find some pompoms and advised a good scissor.

This is one for myself. I think I'm at the end of my holiday projects, but who knows maybe I'll copy their chandelier made out of book covers next?

Christmas Pyramid

2010-12-26T11:35:00.000-08:00

I am fortunate enough to have inherited my family's "Advent House", or as my friend, Carola Bartz has told me it is called "Weihnachtspyramide", which means, Christmas Pyramid. This advent house was brought over from Germany by my grandparents as a gift to my family many years ago. Although all my siblings and I enjoyed the house every Christmas, I think I got to take it with me to CA because, mostly I made it known that I loved it so and it always needs some kind of artistic love and repair everytime I set it up.

This time I had to glue three shepherds and sheep. We gave some of the sheep toothpick legs for replacements. Still beautiful after all these years.

Ornament Exchange

2010-12-20T17:47:00.000-08:00

Every year I look forward to attending an ornament exchange party with some friends.. I had made one of my bird ornaments for the event. With a little help from Geninne's Art Blog, my bird ornament had a very special wrapping. I liked it, but I think because it wasn't bright, it wasn't picked until second to last. Anyhoo...at least when it was picked, it was well received.

I used an air dry modeling compound called "Delight" from Michaels for the ball and tree.

What wonderful blogs have you gotten Xmas ideas from....love to hear!

Sheet Music Ornaments

2010-12-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

Sheet Music Ornament using Antique French Sheet Music

You may have seen my glitter trees and sheet music wreath a couple of posts ago. This week I've added three paper ornaments to our Christmas tree. So this year our tree has a very natural feel. I only hung ornaments that were mostly silver, gold, white and natural. All brightly colored ornaments are taking a break. Because the french sheet music is so dear to me and I only have a little left, my friend suggested I use other papers.

Sheet Music Ornament using Contemporary Violin Instructional Book from the Thrift Shop

This is a great idea for anyone on a budget. See below, I used a winter Trader Joe's bag. The winter bag has additional white lettering and drawings. Also, you could use a little gesso and stamp some craft paper to get the same effect.

Trader Joe's paper bag

It's so simple, you really don't need a tutorial, just a few pictures might do the trick.....

Pinch the end and staple it

Just cut a round disk. I used the lid of a pickle jar. Cut little rectangles, ( maybe 3-1/2" x 5"), fold the widest side in half and then pull each flap back on itself as shown above, and staple it at the end. Staple them to the disk in a round circular shape.

1st layer on left, almost finished on right

You can use a glue gun for the interior portion. Add a layer around the back plus a ribbon and your done! I did this while watching a Christmas movie.

Add 1 layer to the back for fullness and a ribbon

The Girls

2010-12-12T21:37:00.000-08:00

Dana and Kristen

I've been a busy beaver this weekend ...decorating the tree, making ornaments and Christmas cards.

I just love this picture of my 2 college gals. Since Kristen had a blue shirt on I just made this a sepia print for our family Christmas card this year. Hoping your weekend was special, too.

Sneak Peek Friday

2010-12-10T15:46:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Sneak Peek Friday! Today is the big reveal for the little online ornament exchange from our Sneak Peek group at "In the Studio".

First of all, I have to give a warm hug to all the wonderful artists who participated. I so enjoyed running to the mailbox to see if another one had arrived and also how much each ornament reflected each individual creator.

To tell you a little bit about how developed my ornament. I started with a visit to Michaels to see if I would see anything for an idea. That's when I found the round disk. So on a leap of faith I grab 10 round disks.

I have this wonderful inspiration page from a paint brochure that I've kept over the years and between the colors from that and the bird idea and many wasted starts, I finally came up with this ornament. The feather in this picture reminded me that I bought this pheasant years ago from Ebay to use the long feathers in a vase or something.

My "bird" dog, Tucker, would go crazy every time I would take it out the package. I think he could smell the bird. So, I had never used the feathers until now.

Little birds drying on my table lamp

Little birdies awaiting their new homes

I thought the disk looked a little plain after it was painted so the feathers and the ribbon seem to pull it all together. Even the packaging was perfect... I had a clear box for notecards that I never used and the nesting was in a craft box I came across out in my garage. All meant to be!

This little one awaiting its new home.

If you would like join are little group, we would love to have you on Sneak Peek Friday, just visit Jennifer at "In the Studio" and give it a try.

A Paperwhite Delight

2010-12-07T13:49:00.000-08:00

The weekend after Thanksgiving I rolled up my sleeves and tackled our messy garage. While loading up the trash bins, I remembered seeing a broken pot that had probably been knocked over by the landscapers and left with dirt spilling out everywhere. There amongst the dirt was a paperwhite pot I had stuck out there from last Christmas. About an inch of stem was coming up on an angle. It had always been my intention to see what would happen in a year, but I do these things and never remember that I did them.

So now I'm enjoying my little reward for all my cleaning efforts. Isn't it great the way some things just work out!