Happy New Year!

I can’t believe 2009 has all but come and gone! So much has happened this year – not all of it good – but there has been more good than bad and even in the bad times there were blessings to be had. That counts for something. I do have so many blessings to be thankful for and just like The Fledglings I’m looking forward to seeing what 2010 brings.

My list of resolutions is long this year so I won’t bore you. My prayers are that we all we have year of good health, happiness and prosperity.

I look forward to sharing my paintings with you, reading your comments and visiting your blogs. Happy 2010!

Philippians 4:13 (New International Version)
13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

My Red Boots - Original ACEO Card

My Red Boots
2 1/2" x 3 1/2" (6.4cm x 8.9cm)
Original on Velour
$25 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

I haven't actually sat down and painted (pastels) since I've been off from work for the holidays. There seems to be a lot to be done around my house and I've been taking advantage of my time at home.

This evening, however, I felt the urge to do a pastel and set up a still life of my red boots and this rusted star I have. I used to wear these boots quite often and loved them. They usually sit on my hearth so as with most things that sit out all the time you forget they are there. I had moved them to put up Christmas decorations and realized they would make a neat little still life - so here it is. An ACEO (Art Cards, Editions, and Originals) card. One of these days I may do have to do this larger.

Revelation 4:11 (New International Version)
11"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."

My Chicken Wall Door

I've been playing for the last couple of days!

I've had this panel from a solid wood door and part of an old door knob. I've been wanting to do something with it for a long time but wasn't sure just what. Then with the arrival of my Susan Winget calendar for my kitchen I figured out what it was I wanted to do.

I painted the outside border with the Cherry Cobbler red that is on the bottom cabinets in my kitchen. Then sketched out my chickens. I used acrylic paints to paint the chickens and the vine around the border. The chickens aren't that detailed - not like my usual work - which works for what I wanted.

I took a bit of the paint I was using and wiped it over the door knob plate because the old paint that was left on it didn't go with my colors at all. It has a neat look to it now. I was unsure as how to secure the knob itself but used some of that epoxy putty that Billy Mayes advertised on TV - it works!

I like my new Chicken Wall Door and had a whole lot of fun working on it! Now to clean up my mess ;-)

John 1:14 (New International Version)
14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Merry CHRISTmas Everyone!

Matthew 2:10-11

10When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Part 2 of DSFDF Portrait Challenge

Here is Part 2 of the Different Strokes From Different Folks portrait challenge. Enjoy!


John 14:27 (New International Version)
27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

More on DSFDF

Thought ya'll might enjoy this video. Rebecca Watkins, the artist I painted for the DSFDF challenge, posted it on her blog which she got from Karin Jurick's blog. Karin is the originator of Different Strokes From Different Strokes. As the other videos become available I'll post a link too. Be sure to check out the portrait that Rebecca did of me - I think she did a great job.


Psalm 90:17 (New American Standard Bible)
17Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands.

DSFDF - Portrait Assignment

This beautiful lady is an artist. I don't know her name but she was my Different Strokes From Different Folks end of the year assignment. Each artist who wanted to participate in the challenge sent Karin Jurick a photo of themselves and Karin then made anonymous assignments to each artist by trading the photos.

I had fun painting her - she has a beautiful smile that reaches her twinkling eyes. I really should get some portrait pastels so I'd have more of the flesh tones that I need but I made do with what I had. I think it looks better in real life - sometimes the scanner just doesn't like pastels.

I hope she likes it and thinks it looks enough like her that someone would recognize her.

Ecclesiastes 3:12 (New International Version)
I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.

TMA Holiday Shopping Extravaganza Results

The TMA Holiday Shopping Extravaganza turned out well. The great thing about it was it was at work, I was inside and didn't have to worry about cold or wet weather and lunch was provided. You can't beat that with a stick!

I didn't have a lot to set up, as compared to a full fledged, show so it didn't take long to set up or take down and that is always nice. I have two crates under the tables that I pack my extra prints and other things in. Even though it makes extra stuff to carry, it really is nice to have those extra prints to replace what has sold.

People were shopping for small items but I sold several prints, lots of notecards. ACEO cards and some key chains I had made up at the last minute. I had several to ask about commissions so hopefully something will happen there.

I did something this time that I don't normally do and that was offer a discount. People seemed to like the idea they were saving money. I also gave the option to those who were having a hard time deciding if they wanted to spend any money on a print or original to go to my website within the week and place their order and I'd honor the discount.

We had more vendors there than before - but as far as artists go it was just me and one other artist and one photographer I believe - the others were more crafty type, hand made things, food, or jewelry. Traffic was steady but people were careful with their purchases. I certainly feel blessed I did as well as I did.

Thank you to those who came out and especially to those of you who purchased a piece of my art. You are appreciated.

Colossians 3:15 (New International Version)
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

2009 TMA/TMAIT Holiday Shopping Extravaganza

Every year about this time Texas Medical Association, where I work, has a Holiday Shopping Extravaganza. We invite vendors to set up their tables (free of charge) in our auditorium and sell their arts and crafts. Then we invite our working neighbors, friends and families to come join in on a day of shopping. There is Christmas music and lots of neat things to buy. Many people come during their lunch hour, buy a boxed lunch, and do their Christmas shopping. It really is a great little arts and craft show.

I'll be there selling my prints and will even have a few originals on hand too. If you are in the Austin area try to come by if you can - I'd love to see you!


2 Corinthians 5:5
Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Red on Red - Original Pastel

Red on Red
7" x 5" (17.8cm x 12.7cm)
Pastels on Velour
$75 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

I think everyone must love this brightly colored bird - the Northern Cardinal. We Texans have been known to call them simply "Red Birds." I have several pairs of them that visit my bird feeders. They feed until almost dark when the other birds have already gone to roost. I love the sound they make - very distinctive. I can't help but smile when I hear them and then see that flash of red.

Psalm 16:11 (New International Version)
11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Fall Patchwork - Original Pastel

Fall Patchwork
7" x 5" (17.8cm x 12.7cm)
Pastel on Velour
$50 plus $5 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

I was sitting on my daughter's back steps early yesterday morning and looked up and saw a patchwork of color. She has two very large oak trees in her backyard and there were still some yellow, orange and red leaves hanging on to the network of branches and twigs of the trees. A slight breeze tugged at the leaves while I admired the colors. It won't be long before the trees will be bare but with the blue of the sky and the remaining leaves in their fall color catching the light as it filtered through the branches it reminded me of a patchwork quilt - it was very pretty. That view inspired this pastel.

Psalm 150:1
Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens.

Wishing You All A Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving - whether you celebrate this American holiday or not. This blog has brought me many blessings and you are one of them. I want to thank each of you for following my blog and having an interest in what I do. You have made my life richer.

Thank you and God Bless!


1 Corinthians 1:4 (New International Version)
I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus

Just An Update or Two

Today's reception at Chuck's Coffee Shop & Deli went well - music, friends, food and art! I was blessed to have my Vegetable Plate original sell and there were a couple of other people that seemed really interested in other pieces. As you can see in the pictures, every piece of available wall space was used by our art club Artist of the South Corridor. All in all it was a good afternoon and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

One other bit of an update.

Regina Carlton Burchett has her Pearathon website up for artists where she is featuring that wonderful fruit, the pear, in any medium. She has added my Pears & Company. Thank you Regina! Be sure to check out the website and see all the different ways artists have painted and drawn the pear. If you are an artist you may want to add your pears to the Pearathon.

Ephesians 1:3 (New International Version)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ

Pears & Company - Original Pastel

Pears & Company
10" x 8" (25.4cm x 20.4cm)
Pastels on Velour
$125 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

I had fun working on this one! It only took a couple of hours to paint from start to finish and didn't give me much grief. I love it when that happens ;-)

Rembrandt has a great black pastel - it really has a dark rich look about it and covers really well especially considering this is on sand colored velour. I have to say too that I love velour paper - it holds so much pastel - really clings to it and that makes it really nice when working with such dark colors. There isn't any dust to speak of. Of course my fingers get dirty but there isn't a lot of dust floating around to worry about. That means I can sit on my love seat, a drawing board propped up in my lap with a pillow, my feet on an ottoman and relax after working all day and paint to my heart's content. I also scan my originals so that I can make giclee prints. That requires me to lay my original right side down on the scanner and I don't use a fixative. It does leave a bit of dust on the glass but is easily cleaned with a glass cleaner and soft cloth and the original really isn't affected. If you are a pastel artist you really should try velour if you haven't already.

I really hope this looks as good on your computer screen as it does in real life.

Hosea 10:12 (New International Version)
Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.

Nine of my paintings in an art exhibition with the Artists of the South Corridor

From November 7 - February 5 the Artists of the South Corridor, an art group that I belong to, are having an exhibition at Chuck's Deli located at 12115 Manchaca Road in Austin. On Saturday, November 14th from 2:00pm - 4:00pm we are having a reception with live music and a little something to snack on. If you are local - come by and visit. We have some wonderful artists in our small group and looking for new members all the time.

If you can't make the reception try to stop by Chuck's sometime before February to see our artwork.

I have these nine pastel paintings above hanging at Chuck's - matted, framed and priced to sell! Any one of them would make a great Christmas gift. Hope to see you there.



1 Corinthians 1:9 (New International Version)
God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

Just a quick note. . .

I received an e-mail from fellow blogger and ETSY shop owner Olivia. She and her sister, Sara, have a blog S and O Productions. They have featured the ETSY Treasury Gold Harvest (with my chicken) in their Treasury Tuesday the Elite Eight post.

I love all this free marketing!

Please be sure to visit their blog and enjoy.


Psalm 59:16
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.

Another Featured Painting in an ETSY Treasury

Do These Feathers Make My Butt Look Too Big

I've been honored to be featured in another ETSY Treasury. My pastel of one of my favorite chicken paintings has been chosen. These Treasuries don't last long so be sure to visit all the wonderful artists featured and then don't forget to stop by MY ETSY SHOP for any purchases you might like to make - only 59 days until Christmas!


Psalm 69:30
I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

Christmas Card 2009 - 3rd Camel Study

3rd Camel Study for 2009 Christmas Card

OK here's my 3rd and final study for my Christmas Card for this year. I'm liking this camel for two reasons. I like that he is looking directly at YOU and the fact that I used a photo that I took this summer when a friend and I went on a private tour at the YO Ranch in the Texas hill country. I had purchased rights to use the photo references I had used for the other two camels but think I like my photo reference in this instance better. This camel has his summer coat on - the others looked like they were in full winter fur. When we went to the YO it had been 100+ for quite some time and all the animals were pretty slick.

I'm not quite finished with this painting but thought I'd show it to you anyway. When I make my Christmas cards I mount the giclee print on card stock so that it can be easily removed and framed. The card stock will have scripture and maybe a story on it. It's my gift to my family, friends and clients.

If you would like a Christmas card from me this year I will be more than glad to send you one. All you have to do is e-mail me your name and complete mailing address by November 15th. It will be my gift to you for having an interest in my art and following my blog.

John 13:34
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

The Lord is My Shepherd ACEO is feature in an ETSY Treasury

The Lord is My Shepherd

ACEO 2.5" x 3.5"

Be sure to checkout out this ETSY treasury while it lasts. My ACEO card The Lord is My Shepherd is one of twelve featured. This is a special painting for me. I used a larger version as my Christmas card last year. You can read about it here.

Don't forget you can purchase this and other pieces of my art in My ESTY Store at any time.

Psalm 23
1The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.
3He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.
6Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Christmas Card for 2009 - 2nd Camel Study

2nd Camel Study

10" x 8"

Here is my second camel study that could potentially be my Christmas card for 2009. It is really interesting doing their fur. There are quite a few different textures and lengths running in to each other. I think I'm going to do one more study and then decide which one to use.


Hebrews 11:3
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.

Christmas Card for 2009

I'm working on my Christmas card for this year. I know I want a camel but not sure this is the one I will use. I thought I'd share it with you anyway. They are really odd looking animals but definitely equipped for living in the sand with the way their nose closes, their ears fitting so close to their head, their splayed feet for walking on sand, their coarse hairs around their eyes to protect them from blowing sand not to mention the extra fat they carry in their hump. God knew what he was doing when he created them - amazing!

Matthew 19:24

Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.

A Rose By Any Other Name. . . Original Pastel

A Rose By Any Other Name. . .

5" x 7" Pastel on Velour

I'm trying my hand at roses again. The photo reference I used for this was taken by my friend Genevieve. Thanks Genevieve!

I find sometimes, as much as I love pastels, it is hard to get the translucent quality I want when painting flowers but I'm pleased with the way this little rose study turned out.

Psalm 38:9

Lord, all my desire is before You; And my sighing is not hidden from You.

Tiny Jewel - Original Pastel

Tiny Jewel
8" x 8" (20.4cm x 20.4cm)
Pastels on Velour
$125 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

I love hummingbirds. I have a feeder right outside my living room window and see them there all the time. They are such magnificent creatures – tiny but fierce – a work of wonder.

Deuteronomy 4:29
But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.

An Art Marketing Workshop & Few Photos

A Few Photos:

I haven't any pastels to post at the moment but didn't like posting without some sort of image so I'm posting these photos. The other morning, just as the sun was coming up, as I was pulling out of my driveway I saw the largest full rainbow I've ever seen - and it was a double. You could see it from end to end and it was huge - stretching from my backyard to the front yard. I couldn't get the whole thing in one photo. Then the odd thing I've seen another since then - only in the evening.

The photo of a sunset I took not too long ago from my backyard. It's beautiful isn't it?

Now about the workshop.

On Saturday morning I'm going to an art marketing workshop with Qiang-Huang (pronounce Chong Wong) who is an absolutely wonderful oil painter. Be sure to check out his blog. I really admire his work. I'm hoping to see some of his work in person since we will be at his studio.

In his workshop. he is going to give us the inside scoop on marketing our art online and specifically selling artwork on eBay - something he is very successful at. I'm looking forward to meeting him and hopefully I'll learn enough to earn more in my online marketplace ventures.

One of these days I want to take a painting workshop from him - maybe next year.

Proverbs 18:15
The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

Following the Masters - Self Portrait - Original Pastel

Me & Max

7"x5"

Self Portrait Challenge

Following the Masters

The challenge this month on Following the Masters is a self-portrait. Wouldn't you know it - in the same week I finally put a photo of myself as my avatar we are asked to do a self-portrait! I considered not doing the challenge simply because don't like having pictures of myself taken and painting one just wasn't something I wanted to do but I just joined the challenge last week so how could I not???

I used a photo for a reference from a few years back. I need to get me a set of portrait pastels I think but I just used what I had so the coloring is a bit off and it didn't help that I need to wash my hands and kept getting pastel smudges where they shouldn't be. I think there is something else off but I'm not willing to spend any more time on it so . . .we will just call in finished.

The best thing about this painting is Maxwell. I loved painting Max. He was a super cat - more dog like than not. He was so friendly and lovable. He was a large cat - about 18 pounds. He wasn't fat just big and rather magnificent looking. I wished he was still with me. He and Samantha would make a beautiful couple. I did a drawing of Max a while back - you can find it here on my website, it's called Day Dreaming.

Psalm 36:5
Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.

Kreativ Blogger Award

First I must thank Marsha Robinett - she so graciously presented me with the Kreativ Blogger award in August. I'm just sorry it has taken me so long to post and pass it along.

Marsha is a wonderful graphite and watercolor artist – if you haven’t seen her work and read her blog you are missing out! Marsha’s art in itself is inspiring but her blog will definitely inspire you to do more, write more, paint more, draw more, look more, pray more, celebrate more and be thankful more. She has definitely been an inspiration to me since I’ve known her.

According to the “rules” I need to list seven things about myself. This is probably why I have put it off for so long – but here goes:

1. I didn’t learn how to ride a horse until I was 40 much less own one – now I don’t know what I’d do without one.
   
2. I frosted my hair for many, many years until one day I wondered why it was getting to be so light when I’d frost it – duh! I don’t need to frost my hair anymore at all – nature has done a fine job of it and I love it!
   
3. I love listening to horses eat – it is such a soothing sound to walk through a barn full of horses and listen to there chewing. I only have one but still love the sound.
   
4. I was born in San Antonio, Texas but I’ve lived in Scotland, the Philippines, Hawaii, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Fort Worth, Texas and some of the surrounding North Texas area before moving back to Central Texas.
   
5. I love watching DIY shows.
   
6. I don’t like to fly. People having nightmares who try to open doors in mid-flight, near crashes, engines quiting, windows popping out, electrical failures and the like don't agree with me. So I really have to want to go some where to even get on a plane.
   
7. I love walking around barefoot! The first thing I take off when I walk through the door are my shoes ;-)
   

Now to the fun part, I’m passing the Kreativ Blogger Award along to seven other deserving artists - in no particular order. Please take a few minutes to visit their blogs and enjoy what they do so well.

1. Dean Haven – Dean is a favorite artist of mine. He works in oil and his paintings will make your eyes dance following the light and texture throughout his paintings ! I love that he also places scripture at the end of his posts.
   
2. Cindy Haase – Cindy works in pastels and fabric and produces some of the most fantastic art. Her blog is always informative, well thought out and inspiring as she weaves her creations throughout her posts.
   
3. Saundra Lane – WOW – what can I say about Saundra? She is multi-talented and just oozes creativity. I found her blog not that long ago and just relish each post. She works mostly in acrylic and collage – something I find absolutely fascinating. Along the way in her blog Saundra allows us glimpses into her life making you feel like we are good friends just talking.
   
4. Sara Winters – Another favorite! Sara is a self-taught Texas oil painter. Her paintings are stunningly beautiful. She uses a very limited palette of Alizarin Crimson, Ultramarine Blue, Cadmium Yellow Light and Titanium White. With just those few colors she produces some of the most beautiful pieces of art around.
   
5. Holly Zemak – Holly has two blogs and works in pastels and oils. She paints the most adorable illustrative folk art cards with some featuring her favorite pet, a Welsh Corgi. Be sure to check them out – her art will make you smile.
   
6. Dominque Eichi – Is another one of those artists that can paint in oil, water color, acrylics, draw with pen and ink and colored pencils and she also has two blogs. Multi-talented for sure! Very enjoyable.
   
7. Regina Burchett – Another Texas artist. Whether it is pencil or pastel Regina produces wonderful art. Then throw in photography and writing her blog will keep you coming back for sure. Regina’s blog gives you great insight to her drawings and paintings with her posts – thoughtful and thought provoking. BTW - she is just as wonderful in person as in her blog.
   

These are just seven of the many artists I admire and enjoy – I hope you will visit their blogs and enjoy them as much as I do. Be sure to let them know that by posting comments – we all love that. Enjoy!

Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Yellowstone's Lower Falls - Original Pastel

I'm re-posting this original pastel, Yellowstone's Lower Falls, because I'm now participating in the challenge blog Following the Masters created by Michelle Burnett. I couldn't resist when I saw Thomas Moran's Grand Canyon of Yellowstone.

These challenges are always fun and it's great to see how other artists interpret the challenge. I wonder what the next challenge will be?

Psalm 72:19
And blessed be His glorious name forever; And may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen, and Amen

After the Rain - Original Pastel

After the Rain
8" x 8" (20.4cm x 20.4cm)
Pastels on Velour
$50 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

We have finally had rain here in Central Texas -thank you Lord! I did have deep cracks in my pasture and yard where you couldn't see the bottom. Most of my grass turned black not too long ago. It had been straw looking, then kind of an ash color, and then it recently went black. I've never seen black grass before. I've lost some rose bushes and a few other plants too. Rain has been really rare around here this year. This week has been wonderful with the rain we have had. Some of the cracks are filled and everything looks fresher. All across Central Texas people are talking about the rain. It hasn't gotten us out of the drought but it has lifted everyone's spirits and there is talk of a wet fall. The temperatures have come down from the record breaking heat we have had - that in itself has been a blessing.

This pastel is just a quick study in clouds. I didn't have a reference picture - just played around with it tonight until I decided it was finished.

Deuteronomy 32:2

Let my teaching drop as the rain, My speech distill as the dew, As the droplets on the fresh grass And as the showers on the herb.

Single Sunflower - Original Pastel

Single Sunflower
5" x 7" (12.7cm x 17.8cm)
Pastels on Velour
$70 plus $10 shipping and handling in the US
E-mail me for International shipping rates or other inquiries.

Here is another flower using one of Saundra Lane's photo references. I said I needed practice on flowers so I started this sunflower last night - more practice. I think it is finished. I may tweak it a bit in the next day or two - I'm not sure. At any rate I thought I'd go ahead and share it with you.


2 Corinthians 5:7
For we walk by faith, not by sight--