Studio Update Part 2.

Hello. Did you miss me? I know I've been a bad blogger lately :-( With so many different projects on the go, travelling about, and an ill family member, it's been a challenge keeping up with social media.

Changes are happening and they are all good. The website is coming along nicely and I am the one causing delays. As soon as the new paintings are finished they will be photographed and then it's all systems go.

The work for my Cityline segment is getting done in a timely manner. Walls were painted this past weekend and they look gorgeous. Amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do. The floor cloth was a bit of a challenge in the end and that will be a whole other blog post. Stay tuned.

So with all the cleaning and organizing that comes along with painting the walls, I've realized that my small live/work space is being overrun with paintings and artwork. I'm in the process of organizing an open studio sale with artist friend. I'll post details as soon as we get them all worked out.

Chocolate helps me think.

Mmmmmmmm. Look at it, so cool and almost hard to break and yet, as soon as it touches your tongue it starts melting. Sweet deliciousness!! I love chocolate. Who doesn't? And this is the good stuff. Lindt 70% cocoa. The one with the antioxidants that's actually good for you. You'd be silly not to have a piece every day, after all it's for your health. Chocolate helps me think. Really, it does and I'm helping myself to a few pieces as I have a lot of thinking to do. I usually feel somewhat lost when I've completed a body of work as I just have, for my upcoming gallery show. That "what's next" feeling. I've been looking over photos I've taken and sketches and drawings in my journals and sketchbooks. Today as I walked to the bank I looked for inspiration everywhere. Camera in hand, I recorded as much as I could. something is bound to inspire me for a new series of paintings. And later as I'm looking over the new photos, I'll be enjoying my chocolate. Thinking.

Studio Sneak Peek

detail of a mixed media painting

A work in progress

Another painting in progress

Varnished, drying in the kitchen

Here's a look at what my studio looks like and will probably look like for the next few weeks. I'm in full swing getting ready for upcoming shows. The paintings seen here in my sneak peek are for the Leonardo Gallery show in June. I've got paintings in various stages spread out and on the go. The cats are going crazy. It doesn't help that everyday at 3 pm when the sun streams in the window, they insist on laying in the sun beams, right underfoot of course!! So then I stop painting, brew a coffee and get on to other non painting activities that must be done. I've got to keep focused on the tasks at hand. Last week, I found myself being lured away from my easel too often thanks to Twitter. I did find a new friend in Dr. Lissa Rankin. Check out her blog Owning Pink. Her blog is a must read or my girlfriends everywhere!! I also got some great news last Friday when I realized I was a winner in another giveaway. I was one of 5 lucky winners in the Creative Impulse giveaway from Stampington & Company. A great way to end the week. I've got a couple of surprises planned for later in the week so please stay tuned.

Madness

No, I'm not angry or going crazy or anything! I titled this Madness because I'm listening to Madness right now. Remember-Our House. From the 80's??? I've been listening to 80's music while painting today. Sometimes it just puts me in the mood. Yes, my studio has been a mad house (see, my title does fit!) I'm in planning stages for a new series of paintings as well as finishing up 3 custom orders, and I have everything everywhere again. I will be re organizing my studio and workspace over the holidays. I've also got to get our place cleaned up and "Christmassy" for friends and family that will be visiting. It does not look very festive yet. The little tree is up but looking rather empty. I think a few new decorations are in order. I've got white sparkley lights strung up over my work table so that looks nice especially as it's been getting dark here about 4pm. The weekend will be the usual around here shopping, laundry, cleaning, etc. Actually, Holly over at decor8 has a wonderful post today about her mood board and has inspired me to re-do mine. I'll squeeze some time out for myself to do that and post photos here. What have you got planned for the weekend?

I did the above little painting in my workshop a few weeks ago. Just a fun little piece I titled Desparate Housewife. Available in my shop. Please note that holiday purchases should be made by Monday December 15th to ensure delivery for the holidays.

What a Mess!!

Today was spent getting down and dirty and playing in the studio. I got out a huge assortment of paints and mediums and brushes and rollers and spent the morning painting backgrounds. This is the most fun. I'm not worried about coming up with finished pieces today, just playing with paints and textures. Sometimes you just have to let your inner child out to play.
I really like how my red brayer stands out in this photo. I kept my colors fairly neutral today. Warm beiges, light gray some bronze and a little touch of lime green.
Here are some finished pieces. I've already collaged some of my own photos onto the paper. I'll be working on these backgrounds later adding some other elements, drawing, some more collage perhaps. I find working on mixed media pieces so freeing. I guess I never really outgrew my love for cutting and pasting!
My papers and supplies are spread out all over the studio floor. That's their cue. Nami came to help.
So did Iggy. Have a great weekend everyone!