Screen Painting

I had new french doors put in from our kitchen to the side porch and the mesh on the screen is so tiny, the first day my grandson went sailing through ... so I decided that I needed to do a bit of screen painting so that the screen would stand out more and no one would walk through it again. My choice, was a rose as I could readily do it freehand.

When painting a screen door:
1. Paint your design on the side you want the design to show.
I want to be able to see the design from inside and outside so now I need to paint another rose on the other side.
2. You do not want the paint to clog the screen holes so blow gently to remove paint....afterwards I use a dressmaking pin or needle to poke through any clogs I miss.
3. Make sure that your touch is very light when you are painting on screen.
4. I painted my screen at night so that I had the darkness as a backdrop so that I could "see" what I was doing. Worked GREAT. When I paint the outside I will again do it at night and turn off the inside lights so I have darkness.

SUCH fun...and it is a neat way to "see" the screen.

MERGER

I have decided to merge my mixed media blog on over to this blog for convenience sake, so watch for my new pieces and some of my older ones as I find time to reload. I may decide to use my other blog for my photography only.

Mixed media is a new venture for me and it has been an unbelievable journey as I uncover a lot of things about myself. It has helped me to get "out of the box" as well as helped my creative side to merge out a little. I have met and swapped with some extra-ordinary people whose talent has amazed and delighted me.

My computer is nearly ready to be picked up so soon I will be able to download some new art pieces / photos etc.

Computer Issues

I am having computer "issues" and as a result I have a loner and unable to download any photos .... I am hoping to have my own computer back by the end of the week so should be "back to normal" by next week. YEA.........

Faux Stained Glass (Gallery Glass)

I love working with Gallery Glass and the above are sunflowers which I did on the mylar type sheets, peeled off and adhered to my window. I had the design on my sliding doors from the kitchen to the porch so no one would accidentally walk into the glass but now that I have French doors installed I peeled the design off very carefully (after 5 years of it being on the door) and transferred it to my kitchen windown over my sink. It is so bright and cheerful, not to mention pretty that I had to find another place for it.

Gallery Glass is made by Plaid and is the only glass paint that I have ever tried to use. For me it provides the results I want for the glass surfaces that I use. I just purchased a one paned vintage window which I am going to use to do a piece to hang from my porch. I am anxious to find a design I like, get it leaded, painted and "up" to enjoy.

It takes a little bit of practice, a steady hand for leading, and a lot of little learned tricks to turn glass into some beautiful faux stained glass pieces but well worth the effort.

Raindrops on Iris

Don't you just love a summer shower?

This bud is just perfectly formed and the rain drops are the perfect addition for a picture perfect

"shot".

Graduation

My granddaughter graduated from high school this year, and there seemed to be a lot of jubilance as hats were thrown skyward. It brought back memories of
my graduation as well as my daughters' and that empty cold feeling that makes your legs wobble and a mixture of feelings flow through your body as tears "just flow" ....a sleepless night most generally follows. I think it is the first loss of a child a mother feels as she realizes she has a "grown" child and she is never prepared for it.....the next one is the day your child marries. They are anticipated days of joy for the child and the parents yet once again comes those unexpected erruptions of feelings.

I wish only that my granddaughters dreams will come true and that she achieves success and happiness in whatever she chooses as her lifes' work. So congratulation Meghan, Neema and Poppa love and are proud of you. Contgratulations also to Michelle and Chris for their expert guidance, love and parental upbringing in a job "well done".

Copyright

When an artist submits designs to a magazine such as Painting, PaintWorks, SDP, Create and Decorate, etc. and the design is accepted for publication....the artist signs a contract with the publishing magazine and the copyright of the magazine superscedes the artists' copyright guidelines for approximately 6 months. When the artist publicates the piece in one of her own pattern packets and you purchase such packet their own copyright comes in to play.

When an artist has a book published the publishing company of the book controls the copyright and NOT the designing artist even though she is the designer. This remains the case forever.....the designers' personal copyright does not apply.

Whenever in doubt regarding a copyright or you have a question, do not be intimidated by an "accuser". Go directly to the publisher of the magazine or artist and get your information "right from the horses mouth". They are the only ones who will provide you with the correct information. Do not be intimidated by "anyone" other than the ORIGINAL artist and even then investigation pays off as some are "intimidators", so beware.

Most of the designing artists are wonderful to work with and will answer all of the questions you have or they will refer you to someone who can supply you with the information you request, are courtesous and friendly.

Work In Progress

We moved into our house here in Oregon about 5 years ago and it has been a work in progress as we have no intention of moving.

I like things that are different and am always thinking of things to do which helps to make our home uniquely ours.

We had a "flood" in our kitchen from a rusted part in the dishwasher which required new flooring and I wanted to put up a new light at one end of the kitchen but wanted something different. Over my sink I have an old window hung from the ceiling with roosters on top as well as some silk leaves. So....the lamp fixture I found in Portland and loved that it "hung" down and was silver to match the appliances....but I wanted " more" different.

After a lot of thought I decided to go to a store which is unique here in Bend called Real Deals. They change their product decor about 6 times a year. I found a great LARGE burgendy metal red star.... (I should also tell you that my ceiling in this area of the kitchen slants at about a 33 degree angle) . Thanks to my husband and his son it is up, functioning and I am pleased as punch. It just adds another special touch to our kitchen. (I have some camera flash shading where the ceiling and wall meet....but actually shows the true color of my kitchen and ceiling which is a green/yellow/goldish color.....rather than the light yellow which is seen up closer to the star)

Next is a new counter top and french doors out onto our patio porch. Little bit, by little bit.

Who puts the O in donut

There is NO question in my mind that this has to be VOODOO donut out of Portland, Oregon. I oppted for a raspberry filled powdered sugar donut reminiscent of my early childhood and believe me they DID NOT let me down. It was the best donut I have EVER had and as I sit here writing this I am salivating for another and will DEFINATELY be going back on our next outing. They had donuts that were voodoo doll shaped and it was fun to give them a little voodoo stabbing and a maple iced glazed with bacon on top. Me.......I will be purchasing a dozen of the raspberry powdered sugar. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

They are open from 6AM to 3AM 7 days of week and we waited IN LINE for about 30 minutes which is normal.....there is always a line we were told by a couple who live in Portland and come on a regular basis....and yes, it was worth the wait.

Summer Fling

This is one of my designs that I have painted on a heart shaped wooden plate using Matisse tube acrylic paints. I love white lilacs, straw hats, ribbons and roses so it was natural for me to paint all of these together. It is a "cool" design and just breathes the freshness of an early spring day.

Multomah Falls, Oregon

Multomah Falls in Oregon outside of Portland may not be the prettiest of the falls found in the state but they are a spectacular site. These are the lower falls below the bridge portion. The time of day and sun prohibited me from a good picture "take" of the upper falls area. The wind was also blowing so there was a lot of mist. I am happy with this photo which will go into my paintng reference file for a later date as it provided some features which will help me with some learning techniques.

Other Artists Designs

Gene Waggoner is one of my newest found artists and I am loving his designs. This is one of his designs which was an "extra" so I got to use my own artistic license when I painted it; which I normally do even when
an artist provides their palette of colors.

I painted this piece on a small 4" x 6" Sharks canvas, then matted in green and framed in white.

I love reading the techniques of these great artists of yesterday, their instructions, colors they use, and as with Gene the MANY learning bits of information that he provides. A beginning student can learn a lot from this gentleman who is from Oregon.

Although Gene uses oils it is easy to follow and convert the instructions as well as the colors into acrylics when using artist grade tube acrylics in one of the widely used brands.

(In one of his books he did a design of the Psycho house which I will do one of these days as it is just the neatest).

In the town in PA where I was born and raised there are a LOT of old Victorian homes with gingerbread galore so I was delighted to find Genes books to kinda practice and get some experience before I start with my own designs. Learning his views on perspective, etc. I will be going back this summer for 2 weeks and my camera will be clicking away.

To the best of my knowledge I think Gene has 5 books. The first couple are published by Sue Scheewe and are in the 80's. Every once in awhile you can find his books on Ebay, which is where I found and purchased mine to add to my collection.

I am presently working on another of his "free designs".

Acrylic Drying Time

I have never painted in oil other than Genesis so to compare the two mediums is something I cannot do other than to say I found frustration with the SLOW drying time of the Genesis and forever having to "dry". Once you have blended something it is done.....so I have never fully understood the reason why one needs to have a 3 day open time? I also have found in conversing with some of the women who do work in oils...their major COMPLAINT is the open time...in that it is TOO long. I guess it all depends on the artist which is something that I have always understood but other artists feel that the only GOOD artist is an oil artist.

Brenda Harris carries a line of 3 Mediums that I LOVE. Slow Blend, White Blend and Clear Blend and I have found that these mediums really allow for a smooth transistion of colors when blending, shading and highlighting giving you quite a bit of open time which, for me, seems to be just about the right amount and if I need to speed up the time I have a very small travel hair dryer at my station that does the job in ample time. http://www.brendaharris.com/ I have been using her mediums for about 4 years. I don't use them ALL the time but when I need them, I need them, and I have them to grab. Brenda also has some gorgeous pattern packets and her use of a sea sponge for creating foliage is worth a video.

Another medium that I have recently begun using for different "effects" is JoSonjas retarder and antiquing medium which also has its place on my paint table and is wonderful for layering color. I love using washes/tints of transparent colors. This can be easily accomplished using Clear Blend without having to purchase special products.

I am one of those painters who feels that different mediums have special uses so I don't "stick" to just one for EVERYTHING. I don't feel such a medium has been made to provide this luxerious freedom and I have a tendency to stay clear of "hype" and use what works the best for me.

Sharks Primed Canvas Panels

I never really liked painting on canvas because of the nubbies and having to Gesso........ I like to "just paint".

About 4-5 years ago I ran across an Ebay seller who made primed canvas panels in extra fine and medium texture. On the back was a pre printed paper for the artists information: Title, Artist, Medium, Signature, Date and Website.

I decided to place an order for the Extra Fine and have been re-ordering on a regular basis ever since. I LOVE them and have no interest in working with other brands since finding these.

The largest size right now are 9" x 12" . If I need a larger size canvas I buy and cut hardboard and use this.

Hang on to your hat as he also does 2" x 2" inchies as well as other small sizes,
and ATC's (which I just love).

When painting small it is hard on regular canvas to get nice straight lines but with the extra fine it is not a problem. All of the ATC's I paint for selling are done on these and when matted and framed they are just beautiful.

I have been purchasing ATC size to 9" x 12" and have a nice array of sizes and
just love working on canvas now.


THEY SHIP INTERNATIONAL FOR OUR CANADIAN ARTISTS AND
HERE IN THE US MANY SIZES SHIP FREE.

SO: http://www.sharksartcanvas.com will get you to the Ebay site ....

Birch Trees

My daughter and her husband are doing a remodel in their small bathroom and living room. Today Michelle was ready for me to begin the birch trees in her bathroom behind the door....and as you can see my "Pru" was not one to be left out....she is always by my side and is most definately my "little buddy". So she was the first to "use the sink" and remained with me until I decided to stop.

I worked about 4 hours and then had to "call it quits". Mom just isn't what she used to be....lol.... The trees go from the floor baseboard to the top baseboard. I still have foliage to add and more shading and highlighting; but for now she will have to pretend it is either fall or winter.....lol....

I really enjoy doing wall murals and wish my body were a bit more limber and I a tad younger.

"Made My Day"

My daughter and I were driving to Portland today for an Ikea shopping trip and both of us noticed the bumper sticker of the car ahead of us at the same time which was proudly displayed on the back window of her SVU and just totally made our day. It read:

"I WAS BORN RIGHT THE FIRST TIME"

It was GREAT to see a regular Christian bumper sticker.

Pretty Pretty Dandelions

Many people curse the dandelion weed in their beautifully groomed yards so I am thankful that I live rural and can allow mine to grow and enjoy as well as the unique seed wings of the spent dandelion.

Faux Vintage Recycled Glass Tea Light Holders

I have been playing around with Gallery Glass on recycled glass jars. This one is a recycled mayonnaise jar. I have several different ideas in mind so this is the first one. Done in different colors they would be so pretty on a porch or in the yard at night. Different sizes and shapes setting on a railing, table or how about on a spa, swimming pool area, even in a bathroom for a nice, long, relaxing bubble bath.

It is very simple to make these with a Gallery Glass Paint mixture of Clear and Amethyst. I used a 3/4" Mop brush from Dynasty and several coats using a very light stippling technique. I waited for the first coat to dry and then began the other coats which do not need to dry before the next application...this provides the unique texture of the jar. (This definately makes me think of a glass jar that has been aged perfectly by the sun giving the vintage appearance....and yet a lot like sea glass one finds at the beach. ) After these coats were dry I used an application of the Matt Sealer using the same brush and stippling technique.

20 guage wire was used around the jar and for the hanger. These jars can be completed from start to finish in about 4 hours.

Mayonnaise anyone?

I sometimes buy a brand for the bottle.......with art in mind and I save glass jars as I just don't have the heart to throw them away if I can get the labels off. That in itself is a job....

I have some more jars, and several other different colors of Gallery Glass that I want to try out.

So inexpensive and a lot of fun....

Paint Blobs for Painting

I am working on a landscape painting (my own design) and I took a photo of the paint blobs/mixes on my palette and then "blobbed" it with a computer program I have. I helps me to see if the colors I am using are compatable and pleasing. I will shrink and print out this photo for a mixed media "Junque Book" I am going to be working on in the month of June.

There are so many phases of art to encounter, enjoy, play and experiment with. Things that are outside the box, just plain relaxing, informative, etc.

This particular piece would even be pretty enlarged and framed to poster size....

I love painting on unique and different surfaces.

The artist/designer for this piece escapes me but I do know it was from a vintage oil painting book. Although I used the artists' design I used my own palette of colors with Liquitex acrylics which I love doing. It helps me so much in developing my own technique and gives me color mixing practice.

We are fortunate to have a salvage yard here in Bend so this piece was painted on a wainscoating type kitchen cabinet door which I used horizonally....it was already painted white which was perfect. I painted around the inside edge with black which gives a matted appearance to the piece.

When going anywhere shopping.....do so with an artistic eye as to what might be done to "alter" the piece with paint.

I was totally delighted with the way this piece worked up and completed on this delightfully inexpensive surface.

DeLane Lange Design

This is one of my all time favorite designs....which is by DeLane Lange and called "Little Cottage". I purchased the design packet about 8 years ago. R. Kinkaid (Painter of Light) also has a design which is almost identical to DeLanes .... his has large stone (I think) pillar fence posts which is basically the only difference.

I never tire of painting this design and have painted it on various surfaces, and in different sizes. This is the one I did "for me" and it hangs in my eclectic spare bedroom. I love working with other artists' landscape designs using different color palettes, and paints along with techniques I have learned along the way from many different artists. The only pattern for this piece is basically the cottage and the picket fence....the rest is just a freehanded "free for all" that is just magical as it springs forth, and becomes dimensional.

It is a great color mixing piece with various greens and some great stippling practice using several different types of brushes.

Garage Sale Find

I love garage sales; especially when I find a "score". I immediately picked up this framed picture ... basically for the frame but the photo has also been "growing" on me. Around the glass portion of the frame are metal type decorative brads which give the appearance of handsewing.... There are 3 that are missing but it just seems to add to the character of the piece. The wood is so old that it almost looks like worn leather and is a real deep burnt umber with burnt sienna highlights. The backing is a real rough wood and it still has the old time eye hooks with wire for hanging.

The cost .... $1.50.

I have added it to my framed picture collection.

Cherry Blossoms

I have a fruitless cherry tree that is LOADED with blossoms that are ready to POP as soon as our weather warms up and the sun shines...I can hardly wait.

Abandoned Pond

I received a request for a commissioned piece to be done for a mans birthday the beginning of June. I was sent a clip art of a fence post, barbed wire, wheel and cow skull. A lot of artistic license was used in this piece. I am in hopes they will be pleased with the finished canvas. Painted with Liquitex full bodied acrylics on an 8" x 8" portrait grade canvas. I suggested that they try to find a couple of horse shoes and fashion into an easel.

Today we took our house guest to the set of 3 different falls outside of Sisters, OR. This is the earliest I have ever been to the falls and the power of the water was deafening and spectacular. This is one of my favorite shots of the day. The gorgeous blues, the calmness of the water at this particular spot, the mist in the background...a bit of heaven. The walk down and along the river between falls was just about an hour. We made quite a few stops to ponder the beauty, the difference in scenery, etc. It was cool and nice, mustiness of wet wood, moss everywhere of different types, lichen, moss hanging from the tree limbs, pungent earthiness and the magnificent beauty owed only to God. These falls are my favorite "to visit" place and I try to make the trip at least twice a year. Each time I come I am engulfed in serenity..... Photos don't even come close to capturing the beauty.

I have about 4 photos that I am hoping that I can somehow capture on canvas.

Paint what you Love

I learned a long time ago that my best work was what I loved. Be it subject matter, or design.

When my heart was in it, so was my brush and the results seemed to reflect the love. I hardly ever paint what I think will sell or what others may be looking for. I paint for me, price the item to what I would pay for it, and/or submit for publication consideration.

I have also found that if you paint what you love to begin with, and continue onward you will improve your techniques, learn to mix colors to achieve what you are looking for, use different brushes until you find what works, use different brands of paint until you find what seems to work best , and develop your very own technique of painting.

It seems that once you find what works when you branch off ---- it is easier to achieve.

So when I read the phrase Paint what you love and love what you paint I can't help but smile with agreement.

I also am not one "to follow" because "so and so" is doing it. I tried that once about 12 years ago and absolutely hated it...and have never made the mistake a second time. Thank goodness I learned that early also.

If something works for me, and I am liking the results why should I use "something else?" If something is not working for me then yes, I need to make adjustments. I have found that the adjustments may not be what I thought.....It could be attitude, style, technique or the lack of, or ability and not the brush, the paint, the medium....so keep this in mind when you are having a
problem.

So enjoy what you are doing and try to make your art your own, and not someone elses.

Orange

When I saw these gorgeous, bright, orange flowers in the store I KNEW they were going home with me....so cheerful and so CADIUM ORANGE.... I had purchased a rusted rooster plant yard ornament and I knew these would be just perfect..... AND I think my paintbrush might like them also.

HAPPY SPRING BOUQUET

Our next door neighbor brought us over a huge bouquet of different types/colors of daffodils and some jonquils. The house smells so much like I remember the spring days in PA...walking outside our back door where my mother had hers planted. The smell is divine and I am immediately transported back through memories........ The closeness "kindredness" of neighbors is wonderful... Earlier this week it was a hot homemade dinner rolls from our neighbors across the street.... Life is good and I wanted to share the flowers with all of my online friends. "Happy Spring".

JUST BECAUSE..................

Just "because" something is said or read, doesn't make it TRUTH.

There are two sides to every story. Base YOUR opinion on intuiton, truth and fairness. Weigh the words, search for facts, ask questions, check history of even non related topics, and most of all use "heart".

Don't base your decision "just because" and create another injustice.

April Showers / Art

Our weather this month has been up and down in temperature, sunny days switching to overcast and cloudy, rain, wind and spring cleanup. I am ready for spring. I have daffodils that are ready to "pop". My peony bush with bright red/black foliage is coming up and the many iris I planted last fall are through and that is exciting to see.

(Photo is of the Peony Fairy I captured in my garden after last years summer rain. (Untouched) I hope she returns again this year. You can bet I will be looking for her).

It seems as if my "art" this month has been much the same as the weather. I seem to be hopping from one thing to another. From painting, to faux stained glass, to encaustic, asian art for some upcoming swaps, and tonight I am going to be making some anklets and a 2 strand crystal bracelet.

On their way soon are a pair of white tennis shoes I am "altering" for the (MOG) Mother of the Groom to be done for her sons' wedding in September. A commissioned piece from an Etsy viewer. These are going to be a "hoot".......

In the next issue of Decorative Painter (summer issue) I have a design ..... this is a BIG excitement for me and something that came as a total surprise. It has been a great experience working with Jake Euker getting the instructions to meet the high standards of the magazine...and I am excited to receive and see the issue. At the end of the year I have a design in Painting (Winter Necklace) and another design in the same magazine the first of 2011 which is a Trash to Treasure...one of my favorites to transform.

Waiting in the "line up" downstairs is a table I purchased at a garage sale which is going to be going in my kitchen. The top has been painted black and I am debating between doing geranims or a rooster.........and just may end up doing both.....

BORED? Never. And when I hear someone say they ARE, I just can't understand why except that it has to be "their choice". I cannot remember one time in my life that I felt boredom.... Life is full, life is fun...........

My Studio Art Area

I finally finished a 3 day cleaning and organizing of my studio art area. Think I will clean up after myself a little better as this was a "painful" endeavor... The first photo shows the newest area which is for the mixed media, encaustic wax, etc. and I chose to purchase see through boxes and label the contents... The second photo is the area in which I paint and have my computer set up. Picture #3 is taken from the top of the 3 stairs from our home down into the area (which used to be a 2 car garage). Not seen is the front right hand corner in which is a floor to ceiling entertainment center where I store surfaces, a vintage metal pattern cabinet for books and surfaces which works fantastic, and another cabinet which has my extra paints, mediums, glues,

etc. There is a french door entry from the outside in which allows a lot more light and easy access for spraying, etc. This is about the cleanest and most organized

that I can seem "to get". I need to paint up surfaces and get rid of those which are painted....

My husband refers to this area as "The Hole".........

Leather Bill Wallet

When I was cleaning my shop I found the last of these leather bill wallets so have been painting them up for sale. I use mine to keep my "stash" money separated from the household money in my "regular wallet". It has 3 zippered compartments so I use one for bills, another for coupons, and the last one has a list of items I am looking for....for garage/estate sales.

I was nearly out of my FA Enamel paints which I normally use so I purchased the new Enamel paints by DecoArt and the "painting verdict" is still out on these paints. They are not as thick as the Folk Art brand which I loved, but paint up the same and have the semi gloss look which is great.

Barrel Staves

I love painting on barrel staves and I am showing my latest design (using one of my photographs for inspiration) of a feather and flowers taken last fall.

The staves measure 12" x 4 1/2" and just the right size for a small piece of art to be placed in a little niche....corner, etc.

These barrel staves are awesome (when painted horizonally) to hang from a vintage chair.....

All of my barrel staves as well as other items are available for sale on my etsy site:

http://www.artisitcrenderings.etsy.com/