A Bit more Christmas

Just a couple more Christmas cards I just finished.  These and a few more are headed to the little gallery I show my work in.  They are kind of fun to make.  But, truth be told, all the things I make are fun for me!

Snow Queen

I know it's early but, I have already started working on Christmas and holiday cards for the gallery.
Here is one I did today.  I personally love a snow queen.  So regal.

Stay tuned, there will be more!

Trick or Treat Time

I'm trying to get ready for Halloween at my house.  It's more about the treats than anything really.  This year my husband and I have decided to hand out full sized candy bars.  We don't get many kids coming to our door, so we might as well thrill them as best we can.
Hope you Halloween is full of fun!

This is cut paper on watercolor paper.  All the paper used to make this is drawing paper, painted with acrylic paint then cut up and made into this little witch.  I did draw the eyes, nose, freckles and mouth with colored pencil.

Fall has Arrived

It's official, autumn has arrived in Albany.  The third season of the year is showing it's colors and they are splendid!  Below are two autumn trees made with cut paper.  I just had make some trees.

These trees have some visitors.  Because a tree is just more of a tree with a bird or two sitting in it.

Rainy Day People

This heading makes me think of that Gordon Lightfoot song of the same title.  Hmmm, funny how things come back to you.  Well, anyway here are my rainy day people.  I like to think they are friends heading off to get a nice coffee or cup of tea together.  Probably lots of new things to discuss.  The rain does not seem to bother these two.

At any rate, this is a new piece I just finished for my art show, going on now.  This is cut paper and it's about 5x7 in size.  All the paper was hand painted by me.  Well, the music was printed paper I found in an antique store and then a little bit of notebook paper in the corner.  Even the paper that has writing on it was made by me.  I used a rubber stamp and stamped the design after paint was applied.
Thank goodness you can't see my studio.  What a mess!

Making Art

I'm busy making artwork for an upcoming art show in October.  I've had this little bookstore in my head and in my sketchbook for awhile.  So, now it's come to life in my studio.

You can also see my messy art table where I work.  Lots of snips of paper.  To tell you the truth, it's been a lot worse than this.
Here is a small piece that I'm also planning on putting in the show.  Hope you enjoy looking at them.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Colorful!

As you can probably determine for yourself, I'm not shy about using color.  The funny thing is, I've been watching a workshop video by a well known collage artist.  Who will remain anonymous.  Anyway, in this workshop the artist says to always mix your acrylic colors with white before using them in a piece of art.  Yikes!!!  I guess that's fine if you want a bit more muted color.  But, to tell you the truth, I like bright colors and I think kids do too.  So, the workshop was very informative but I'm not going to do everything she suggests.  I think I'll use my artists license and just go for it!

This piece is quite small, about 5x5 in size.  All the papers used were painted and stamped by me.  I did a little mixing.  But not much.

A Girl and her Cat

This was originally a small sketch and now a full color cut paper piece.  Now that I see it up on my computer it looks a bit like a chalk board in the background.  Maybe, I'm thinking about back to school time!  I also used a little bit of sheet music for the background.  I always find music interesting to look at, even though I don't read music or play anything.

Anyway, this is small, maybe 5x7.  I think I'll frame it and add it to the stuff for my upcoming art show in October at Gallery Calapooia in Albany, Oregon.

Bike Ride

There is nothing like a relaxing bike ride.  Especially, if you are lucky enough to ride in a yellow basket with the wind in your ears! 
Just a little something I whipped out today.  I was experimenting with some old looking newsprint for the background.  I painted it and then glued it down.  I hope the lumps dry up and go away.  At any rate, it was fun to make.
Hope you enjoy it!

A Visitor in my Garden

Something new to show you.  A study of zinnias and a nice yellow cat that visits my yard sometimes.  He only visits our yard if Lois (my dog) is in the house.  I'm sure if he hung around for awhile Lois and he would make fine friends.  It is her fondest wish to have a cat friend. 
Anyway, this was done with paper I painted myself.  Which explains why it's so bright.  I tend to go for brighter colors.  It's just the way I roll.
Hope you enjoy!

Garden Friend

It's been awhile since my last post.  What can I say, I've been busy as can be.  Busy is good, keeps me out of trouble.
Here is something new.  If you look closely, you will see her garden friend.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Making Stuff

I'm trying to get some new cards and artwork finished up before I start a new upcoming project. 
So, here are a couple new card designs.  I have no idea why a Flamingo came to mind, but it did.
Isn't creativity fun!

Ready to Celebrate!

I'm getting ahead of myself a little.  But, it's good to be prepared.  So, this little lady and her bird friend will soon be at Gallery Calapooia.  This was made in cut paper and I of coarse painted all my own paper, because I can't help myself.   The writing on her dress and her hat band is from a rubber stamp.

I will tell you,  if a bird landed on my head or my hat, I would freak out!  But, I don't mind them landing in my artwork at all.

Mermaid

Here she is swimming along in her ocean.  Hope she is wearing sunscreen!

I have an old Bible that someone gave me awhile ago and it is falling apart.  So, the words you see in some of my artwork are words from that Bible.  I think God would like me to use his words in art.

Missing in Action

So sorry to be away from my blog for so long.  I have been off having some fun!

First, I took a trip with my husband to South Carolina's Edisto Island for a week.  I have a cousin who lives in SC and we love to go to the beach.  Sadly, my husband and I both got a cold right before we left on our trip.  So, we were tons of fun.  Not.  I managed to enjoy myself in spite of my cold.

Then home to face the remodel job of our kitchen.  Holy cow!  I want my kitchen to be put back together!!!!  Okay, I got that out of my system.

But, today I worked on some cards for the gallery.  A little mermaid turned up.  I'm liking her more and more.   Here they are.

 This whole thing with painting all my own paper to use in my artwork is very addictive.  Also, very time consuming.  Even though it may look like a pattern on the paper.  I created that pattern with rubber stamps (most that I made myself)  or a stencil.   I still use some store bought paper.  But, for the most part I make my own. Thanks for stopping by!

Cats and Dogs

I love animals.  Always have. 
So, today I did two quick cut paper designs showing some of my favorite animals.  Cats and dogs.
These are cards that will probably go to the gallery. 

Very simple and colorful.  If you look closely, you can see a wee message in each design.
I have way too much fun.  Can't help myself!

Toot your Horn !

Just finished this piece.  I think I like a big spotted dog.    And he's blue as well!

I've been busy as can be in my little studio.  Ideas just keep jumping into my head and need to be put down on paper.
So, now you know.  I make all my artwork by hand. No digital art for me.  Painting, cutting up paper (that I painted myself) gluing things down etc...  In other words, making a BIG mess and loving every minute of it!
To get this image on my blog, I take a photo of the artwork and then load it onto my computer.  Easy beans!

Big News!

I have some really big news!  I now have an agent!  Her name is Gwen Walters with the Gwen Walters Agency.  This is pretty big stuff for me.  I have been trying to figure this children's book publishing thing out for a few years.  And as some of you know, have completely started over in cut paper.  After working in watercolor for many years.  I have the wonderful Joy Chu to thank for introducing me to cut paper.  Which I took to like a duck takes to water! 
Lois was so happy she hopped on her red bike are rode around the block.  That's all she could do because of her short legs.  But it was a celebration of the corgi kind.

Just wanted to share my good news.  Now back to work!   Where is that dog?!

A Bit of Spring

This is a new piece, just finished.  The glue probably isn't even dry yet.  But, wanted to get this up on my blog.
I'm trying to get a lot of my fine art, cut paper put together for an upcoming show at the gallery.
I think this is some form of peony. 

The background is painted in acrylic paint and then I painted a stencil over the top.  That was just the background area.  Then I start making the flowers and the leaves.  They just sort of get layered into the final design.  This is one of my small pieces.  Only 5x7.
Hope you enjoy it!

Butterfly Queen

And just like that, she became queen of the garden!

I finished another cut paper piece.  I know, I'm really on a roll!  This one is the Butterfly Queen. Done with the paper I hand painted.  Very colorful, if I do say so myself.   Sort of tropical looking.  If you look closely, you can see her crown.  I painted the background with acrylic paint then stamped white letters on top of the blue paint.  I was trying for movement.  Then began building with paper. I made the butterfly first but added her to the piece last.  I like how it turned out.

 I thought I was suppose to be working at the gallery this afternoon.  But, I showed up to work and the other Friday person was there.   I think he got a little confused, or else it was me.  But, he wanted to stay and work and I wanted to go make art.  So, everyone is happy.

Snail Friend

I'm still playing with my homemade painted paper.  Here is a snail friend who would like to meet a ladybug.  At least he has his eyes on her.
Folks in Oregon are well acquainted with snails and slugs.  I wish they would travel to another yard or state for that matter.  But, that's just the way it is in the Northwest.  So, I guess we might as well make friends.

This is done in cut paper.  5x7 size

The Sun Came Out

The sun came out today, in Albany.  Turns out, the sun came out in my studio as well.
Still practicing with my hand painted papers.  I'm having fun.  Can you tell?

Trying Something New

Well, I am trying to expand my horizons.  Yes,  I really am.  I bought a video about painting and making textures on paper and then use them in collage form.  Well, I like cut paper.  But, I thought it might work for me as well.
Here is my first attempt.  I made a card.  All the paper used has been painted by me, or stamped with a stamp made by me.  I must admit, this has been very fun.

The next one, is a bit more involved.  But once again, I painted, stamped, textured, etc.. all the paper used.  Except that music paper.  But, I did paint on it.

I'm going to frame it and take it to the gallery.  I hope it sells.
Now, go out and try something new, yourself!

Still another Friend

Another friendly person showed up today.  But, this fellow is made completely with paper I hand painted myself.  His skin, clothes, hair, the whole figure.  Oh, except his shoes.  That paper is a scrapbook paper I bought.  But still, I am very pleased with myself. 

You gotta love a kid in red pants.  Just makes a statement.

Another Friend

Now, another little friend has showed up.  She seems to be looking at something.
I do love a round faced little kid!  Aren't they cute!?

I'm not sure where this is going, but I'll keep you posted.

On another note.  I am experimenting with painting some paper to be used in my cut paper artwork.
So, if all works the way it should, I will make all my own colors for my projects.  It's a lot of work, but I think it will be worth it.  This is just large drawing paper (good quality) and I'm painting it with acrylic paint using an old credit card.  It makes spreading the paint very easy.

Okay, I have to go paint more paper.  This is kind of turning into an addiction!

Getting back to Work

Well, it's been a busy time in my life.  But.......it's time to get back to my artwork.  Truthfully, I have been working on things.   Creating artwork or illustrations is like therapy to me.  So, I am thankful to have my art to turn too.

Today, this happy girl showed up.  I don't know who she is.  But, I like her.

Last week I started a larger piece.  Here is the sketch.  Keep in mind this is really rough.

Then, I needed to figure out the bird, and what he or she was going to look like.   Yet, another sketch.

You can see, my ideas are pretty simple.  But, I think good design is simple.

Next, I started making the cat.  So, fun to make.

While the glue was drying, I painted the background in watercolor and tossed some salt around, just for fun.  Then I made all the flowers and leaves.
Here is the finished product.  Soon to be framed and hanging at the gallery.  (Gallery Calapooia in Albany, OR)
I know, it's very bright.  Lets just say, I need to have some fun.

Thanks for stopping by.

Saying Goodbye

Well, I have been absent from my blog for awhile.  Sorry about that.
The reason is, I lost my Dad on February 29th.  It was a bit unexpected and I am still trying to wrap my mind around this loss.
My Mom passed away about three and a half months before.  So, I was just getting over that one.  And now Dad is gone too.  My dear cousin reminded me yesterday, that my Mom and Dad were in fact a team.  Even though they sometimes argued and disagreed with each other.  They were a team.
So, I guess Dad had to go be with his teammate.  I do like thinking they are together.
Below is my favorite picture of me and my Dad.  You can see we liked each other.   I had the most wonderful Dad.   What a lucky girl I was.

I only wish every child could have had parents like mine.  The world would be a better place.

New artwork will be posted soon.  He and my Mom would want me to keep creating!

Time for a Trip

I wonder where this young man is going?  He seems happy enough.  Must be a nice destination.
This piece of art was done in cut paper.  It is 4x5 in size. Quite small, now that I think about it.  I was making a card out of it, but now I just want to keep it.  So, I have it sitting on my desk.
That's how it is with art I think, artists' get kind of attached to the piece, as they are creating it.  We put ourselves into the art itself.  A bit of our soul, I guess.  Sounds kind of sad, but it's not.  It's a nice feeling.

I have been busy planning a trip.   My husband and I go to Edisto Island, SC every other year.  It is a wonderful peaceful beach community.   I can't wait!

Thank you for visiting my blog.  I'm never sure anyone is visiting me.  But, I hope so, and I hope you visit again!

Mr. Rabbit

This charming fellow just begged me to bring him to life.  I think I'm ready for Spring already!

Created on a watercolor background.  Note the fun salt splatter in the blue background.  Have not done that for awhile.  Then just build the image with a variety of different papers.  So much fun to make!  This piece is about 14 x 9 inches in size.

I see the sign !

Still thinking about love!  A very good thing to do, in my humble opinion.

Getting things ready for a stunning Valentine window display at the gallery.  I think this young fellow wants to be involved.

Valentine Cards

Yes, I'm working on Valentine cards.  It seems early but, that day full of love will be here before you know it.
These are for the gallery (Gallery Calapooia)  of which I am a member.  I am sort of amazed at how many cards I sell.  Quite a lot.  Anyway, here is a little peek at coming attractions.

And yet another....

I know, I have some strange attraction to elephants.  Can't help it.

Postcard

Well, it's a new year.  So, that seems like a good time to get a new postcard together.  Now I just need to wait for them to arrive at my doorstep so I can get them addressed and sent out to publishers.
One of these days, someone is going to take notice.  Just have to keep at it.

I may have posted this on my blog in the past.  Can't remember.  At any rate, it's one of my favorites.  So, here it is again.

Little Quilt

It has been awhile since my last post.  So sorry.  I have been sick!  Really sick, with some kind of flu that then turned into a cold and a lovely cough that won't go away!!!  Driving me nuts.  I am getting better.  Thank goodness.  I blame my darling grandson.  My husband and I took care of him one evening shortly after Christmas, so his parents could go see a movie.  Anyway, after they went home we both got sick as can be.  I guess it was worth it.  We do like spending time with Phillip.  Also, known as Philbert.  Well, that's what I call him anyway.   He always laughs when I say "Hi Philbert!"  So, I think he likes his nickname that his Bubbie gave him.  Yes, my daughter is calling me Bubbie.  I don't know why?  I have a feeling Philbert will start calling me Bub.  Won't that we fun.  But, I don't care what he calls me. as long as he calls me. 

Anyway,  here is my little quilt.  A nice log cabin.  Done in cut paper.  I say this is a little quilt because it measures only 5x7.  I'm just happy to be back in my studio, cutting up paper again!
Lois is happy too.  She feels fine.