Something about windy days that makes napping irresistible. Dozing off to the sound of the wind outside, the taps of branches on the windows...ahhh......so cozy. Haven't accomplished much because of it, but oh well.
The above picture is of some miscellaneous clay parts (most about a decade old) that were at the bottom of a box just recently unpacked.

Soap Thing

This week has been such a busy one! Everything from the fun-having, stress-making, and just plain busy stuff have made the time fly by. Most importantly, Tony installed my soap holder thing in the bathroom. OK, it's not that important but it really is special to me. I bought it when I was sixteen on a visit to Germany with my grandma. It was probably one of my first, "when I get a house of my own...." purchases. It's this metal thing that goes into the wall and has a magnet on its' underbelly. Then you press this bottle-cap looking thing into your soap and it hangs so nicely. I was pretty impressed when I first saw it so many years ago. I've since put a little silver dish underneath, for the drips. Speaking of drips, have you ever heard someone talk so long about a stupid bathroom accessory? Me neither.

Her Official Portrait

It's official-she's in. Clementine now has her own painted portrait so I guess that means she's here to stay. Besides doing it for out own walls sake, I am possibly dabbling in the business side of painting. Made this flyer:



Just kind of throwin' it out there, seeing if anyone's interested. Tony showed the flyer to some peeps at his work and I guess they thought I was selling prints of the above portraits. I guess I may have to specify on there somewhere that they're custom. I really don't expect much to come of it, but I truly have nothing to lose. I let ya know how it goes....

IF Theme: Extremes

Acrylic on cardboard (Click on image for a closer view).

Illustration Friday's theme for this week was "Extremes". My painting reflects opposite states of being, both physical and mental. I was trying to show the outside (world) as harsh and cold while the interior is cozy and warm. I think when you are lucky enough to be with the love of your life this is how it plays out, more often than not.

Fall is here (?)

These are some images from almost exactly a year ago. I guess when you live in Florida, this is the time of year that you get small hints that Fall is here. The mornings are somewhat brisk for that past few days and thats all I need to get me in the spirit (I'll take what I can get). My most FAVORITE White chili recipe (and now someones else's too..) has become my tradition of welcoming the most exciting time of year. And so now I think I'm ready to make some Halloween decorations...and hopefully get to properly celebrate Oktoberfest. Fall, I am ready for you!

The luckiest girl in the world!

So here goes...the biggest "Before and After" I had alluded to months ago. The making of my studio!!! Since I was younger and would be dreaming of my perfect house (which was a Major aspect of my daydreaming) I've always wanted a room to house all of my art supplies and other tools for creating. The house we bought didn't have the extra bedroom needed for my studio, but it did have a 11 X 18 Florida Room. Since our first viewing of the house I had the plan set: Build a wall down the middle, making it into both my studio and a dining room. (Our house otherwise just has an eat-in kitchen with room for a smallish table). I didn't want a cramped dining room and already had a lot of opinions against the wall-building or a least some weariness. Luckily Tony was only in the weary category. I should also mention that the wall would be butting up against a window. BUT my awesome dad was able to build it in about 2 days. And I think he did a great job making it look natural against the window.
And now I am really the luckiest girl in the wooooorld! Let's go through the steps.....


The room before (this picture was taken before we moved in).


The wall going up....
And look how great it turned out!


The dining room, a little bare still but perfectly roomy, right?


The corner of my studio that faces out. (Mostly sewing area, but you can see a bit of my easel and palette in the middle)


What a view!


My very favorite part. This is where I do illustrations, clay stuff, everything else.
A dream come true.
Oh, and Tony loves it too!

"Open"

9 X 12" Acrylic on Wood Panel. (Click on image for a Closer View.)

The first illustration I've done for Illustration Friday. I've been wanting to contribute for a while and was poised and ready when the word "open" was posted as the theme. I hope for this to be the start of many more to come...

Bernadette

Happy Birthday Karlotta!
A small painting I did for my friend Karla of her puppy Bernadette.