Michael Carson

"Ready" 40x30, Michael Carson

What is a spring break trip with my daughter to the desert without stopping to see a few art galleries on the way.   We came across the Jones & Terwilliger Galleries in Palm Desert, who had several Michael Carsons to see up close and appreciate.

"Man in Jacket", 30x40, Micheal Carrson

I loved seeing the drips and brush marks.  The shoes are kind of there but melt into the background.

"Red Chair", 40"x30", Michael Carson

I wish I took my picture next to these beauties, because you could get a better feel for the size.  If your ever in Palm Desert, so worth a stop on El Paseo ...shopping and galleries, perfect.  

Old Sailboat Painting

Sailboat Painting, 16" x 20", mixed media

My husband suggested I put some paintings in his office.   So, I was inspired by the old vintage sailboat paintings I see in many of the beach homes.  I thought something more masculine for a law office than a floral. So, I looked online for a nice photo of a sailboat.   After I had painted it for the first time.  It was all fresh and crisp.  This would not do.

I wanted the painting  to feel vintage.  So, I glazed the whole painting to bring it down and reduce the brightness.  I used my usual painting and sanding method along with a palette knife to drag the paint around. 

The closeups show have fun it is to look at all the texture and detail. 

Ok, so this is our family room, but I gotta try it out first, right?

More Shell Art

Shell Art 1  5" x 7" Print

Shell Art 1  5" x 7" Print

I had admired Sheila Norgate's art from one of my pins on pinterest and found a short youtube video in which she describes making her own stamps with discarded takeout containers and other packaging items.  So, this is the first project that finally came together.


I know its simple, but that's what I like about it.

Shell Painting Beach Art

I had saved an inspiration picture for beach art of these fossil shell prints from the Horchow catalog some years ago   It must be very old, because I don't even see it on line anymore.  Anyhow, I decide to try my own version of the shell painting.   

I  realized very quickly  this painting was taking on its own personality.  Once again, I added Annie Sloan chalk paint at the end and this time I waxed the painting at the very last step.  It really made everything gel and it feels really nice and smooth. 

Searching for Blank Notecards?

 

6 Floral Blank Notecards 4.25 x 5.5

1 Floral Blank Notecards

I been working on Google's SEO or Search Engine Optimization for my Etsy shop and although I had some  notes on the whole process, I wasn't applying any of it.  So when I listed these newly made blank notecards in my Etsy shop today, I made sure to research a good Google search phrase.  I think these blank notecards turned out really nice, don't you.

Can you guess my search phrase?    

Also, the site that really helped me for SEO on Etsy is here.

Birthday Girl, 10" x 10" acrylic on canvas

This painting is based on an inspiration photo of my daughter on her birthday at Laguna Beach.   She had to reserve a fire pit for her birthday party, which is first come, first serve, basis and so she camped out all day with her best friend till all the guests started coming in the late afternoon.

Years ago I tried to paint this painting in a more abstract way and never felt comfortable with the style.  Starting over again years later, you can still see that abstract influence, but in  my own style, I really enjoyed the process this time. 

Pug Painting

Pug 3 x 3, mixed media

We had a discussion about pugs last night and how they were cute-ugly like Gismo.  I love when dogs tilt their heads when they don't know what your saying.