Hairy Greetings From The Park!

Good morning All!

Hope you have been well since our last chat!

I've been working and trying to stay focused. Have had some success with the latter. :)

I've continued with 'Fallen' - adding little bits here and there. Nothing major. He does have hair now though. The more I look at it the less I like the blue sky. May have to change it. Not sure just yet...

gots a Ceasar 'do

Last weekend I got to spend time with my Children and my Grand 'Berries'! It was really nice to have everyone together. We met up at Tallapoosa Park. We had lunch and then the kids played at the park for a bit. It was a really nice day too. Sunny without being overly hot. 

five of the six Grand Berries!

Madison isn't quite big enough yet...

though we did take a stroll along

the paths

And don't forget! Halloween is coming! When the Great Pumpkin will rise from the Pumpkin Patch...oh wait, that's another story! Times-a-wasting! Hope you'll join me in sending out some Holiday Greetings!

Available in my ETSY SHOP!

That's all for now...Have A Fantastic Week!

Be Good, Be Safe, Be Happy!!

TTFN

GIGANTIMONGUS ANNOUNCEMENT!!

Hello Boils And Ghouls!!

It doesn't seem possible but it's almost that time again!

Halloween! 

Yes, I said it...Halloween!

As anyone who knows me will attest that this is my favorite time of the year.

The colors, the smells, the chill in the air.

I am also a Creative (Artist)...

and this year I have a new offering for your enjoyment.

I have created two unique Halloween Greeting Cards.

Halloween is only second to that other holiday.

It's time to take Our Beloved Day to the next level!

In this time of digital everything, it's refreshing to receive a

physical, hold in your hands greeting from a friend or relative.

There is nothing better than going to the mailbox and finding a

greeting from someone that isn't a bill or advertisement.

That being said, I am offering two unique, complete wrap around

Halloween Cards to send a special greeting to those important to you,

I am also including Halloween stickers to seal the envelope 

with even more holiday cheer.

The package includes Six (6) Halloween cards

(Three (3) of each design)

Six (6) BriteHue Orange Envelopes (ORANGE!)

Six (6) stickers to seal the envelopes (or whatever you wish to adhere them to)

AND Six (6) postage stamps (you don't even have to go to the post office)

Everything you need to make someone's day!

Halloween Sticker (without the watermark of course)

I hope you will join me in making this Halloween Season

the best it can be!

My goal is to spread Halloween Cheer to as many as possible.

I have 83 card sets to be sent out.

Only YOU can help me reach my goal!

Help Me To Make This The Best Halloween Season Ever!

Please pass this offer on!

Available in my Etsy Shop!

A Bit Of The Old And A Lot Of The New

Good Day To You All!

I hope that everyone has been doing well since last we visited...
Things have been progressing. Slowly but steadily forward. So far hurdles have not been totally insurmountable. Just going to take some getting used to and making necessary changes. No pity parties...can't won't do it. Thanks for all the support from everyone! It is greatly appreciated!

Now...
as promised, pictures of what has been going on and what I've been working on.

Amy gave me a birdhouse, when she was making them. It was a prototype. I painted, stenciled, added a perch and a metal roof (scrap from work). I am very pleased with the results and it looks great hanging outside.

I also managed to get some vegetables from my small garden. That was until I had unexpected guests who seemed to like my tomatoes. The little buggers destroyed my tomato plants. It took me forever to realize that it wasn't a large critter (like the rabbit I thought it was). Turns out it was hornworms. Who knew that they left poop a quarter of the size of themselves? Not me! Unfortunately they ate 98% of the leaves and half of the tomatoes that were growing. And no, I don't mean 2 of 4 tomatoes, I mean half of every tomato that was there. BLAH!!

these are some of what I got...

couple of cukes and a few peppers

 

this is one of the little bastards that ate like a king...

I have been working on my oil painting, slowly, but working none the less. I have also gotten some interest from another potential buyer. She has fallen in love with the in-process photos and wants me to sell it to her directly. I may have to start another to make up for it. We shall see how it progresses.

so far...so good!

AND...

I have a new grandchild! Her name is Madison Paige. She was born August 13. 8lbs 6oz and 21 inches long. Almost identical to her big sister. And the two of them look so much alike. Baby pictures of the two of them when side by side look like the same child. Momma is doing fine and very proud.

This brings my total to six! Am I really that old? Hhhhmmmmm. Could be! :)

sleeping like a baby!

And lastly....

Watch for a BIG announcement. Coming soon! I can hardly wait to show it to you all!!

In the next couple of days -

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT COMING SOON...

That's all for now. 

Until next time...

Be Good, Be Safe, Be Happy!!

TTFN

On Your Mark, Get Ready...Start Over

Good Morning World.

Well, it seems like forever since I've been here again....and I guess it has.
Not for the typical being lazy reasons this time.

The Mother of my children and the closest friend I have ever had declared she wanted to be free.
Back on June 11 life changed. For the better? For the worse? Can't really say just yet.
No big fight or argument. No accusations.
Just different roads. Seems at the fork in the road, I went left and she went right.
We managed 24 years together (just shy by a month). We had good times and our share of rough spots. We are trying to remain friends and I'm sure we can. We were friends long before we got married. I have, however, begun to notice little changes since it became official. Nothing glaring or outward noticeable. Just minor changes in attitude and the lack of conversations.

At any rate, that is the reason I have not been active on blogger. That and the fact that I had no internet connection - she took care of that and it was disconnected. I have it turned on again and will be posting regularly (as much as I normally do).

I have been working on my art. Not nearly as much as I would have liked to. But it's truly been hard to concentrate on much of anything. Due to that fact, I will not be posting any pictures today. I promise they are forthcoming though.

I am currently neck deep in my Halloween contribution for this year. I am very pleased with the progress so far. I have set a deadline for this coming week to have it finished and then I will share it with you all.

I hope that you all have been well and I look forward to chatting with everyone again.

until then...
Be Good, Be Safe, Be Happy!!


TTFN

Out Of Sight, Out Of MInd

Good Day All.

Once again I have gotten behind on writing....

However, I do have a reason.
The past few weeks have really been screwed up.
Major issues, decisions.

At any rate - I currently have no internet access at home. Once that is corrected I will do
a post and explain. I am still working on projects - at least that hasn't changed.


talk to you soon



TTFN

Falling Lilies!

Good Day All!
Hope everyone has had a productive week. I see some of my friends have been really busy this past week making some amazing pieces! JEALOUS!!

Just a short update...not a great amount of work done on "Fallen". I did manage to get the highlights on the clouds, which makes a big difference in their appearance. I have as of yet to start on the skin - I am trying to single out the color scheme I want to use. I have far to many ideas running through my head at the moment. Hopefully in the next day or so I can begin to work in the shadows of the skin and go from there. Wish me luck!!

really hard to see the cloud detail...

I will have to take this outside to get 

a better shot

a close up...

Saturday I noticed a bright spot of yellow in my garden where my roses are. Wasn't sure what it was. When I went to look, I discovered a yellow lily. Which is really odd, since I don't remember putting any lilies in this spot. It is exactly where my daughter and I saw a plant growing last weekend that neither one of us recognized. I will say that it is very attractive. It also has a few more blooms coming up as well. :)

wow...fuzzy shot :(

this is behind my roses

That's all for today - short post, but at least I'm keeping my weekly schedule! Hurray!!

Have a great week!

Be Good, Be Safe, Be Happy!!

TTFN

Wet Memorial Paint

Good Day All!
HOPE YOU ARE HAVING A GREAT MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!
And that you are remembering all those people who got us to where we are now.
Thanks Dad, I miss you terribly! And I appreciate all that you did.

"Fallen" is shaping up nicely. Finally put the brush to the canvas. It was a little daunting but that went wayward after the first few strokes. Thank goodness!! I began laying in the clouds - they have to dry somewhat before I can continue. So, I started the wings while I was waiting. About half way through the wings I realized why it's been so long since I've used oils - I am not a patient person! I have managed to put my fingers in wet paint several times. :) For the clouds I used mostly Titanium White with just a touch of Phthalo Blue. The wings were a mixture of Titanium White, Phthalo Blue and a bit of Permanent Alizarin Crimson in various mixtures.
Anyway... on to the progress photos.

laying in the basic shape of the clouds -

spread thin to allow some of the background

to come through

close up - really thin

start of the wings

further along with the wings

Continued working the clouds. Used Titanium White and a tiny bit of Cadmium Orange Hue. Brushing the color on and feathering it out to create the whispy edges...

second layer - feathered out

more paint - feathered, leaving highlights

and background showing to create 

the depth

That's all for now...have a fantastic week!

Be Good, Be Safe, Be Happy!

TTFN

...And Now For A Different Perspective

Good Day All!
Did you have a productive week?
Me? Not as much as I would have liked. But I did manage to get some things accomplished.

The work on the oil painting continues...
I have all my oil paints collected and ready to go now - I had to pick up a few that I didn't have on hand. And I have had a HUGE block in my brain! It's been so long since I've used oils that I'm a little anxious and hesitant to get started. I know once I begin it will be fine. It's just that first stroke of paint against the canvas that is holding me back.
As I was contemplating the color palette, I realized that I did not like the blue for the background. So I went back in and changed it. Much happier now! I used various combinations of Brilliant Ultramarine, Morning Blue and Crimson.
And the title has come to mind - Either 'Falling' or 'Earthbound'. What do you think??

the new background - much better!

and the true orientation of the painting.

Short post this week. More to come!

Be Good, Be Safe, Be Happy!!

TTFN

On Wings Of White and Skies Of Blue...

Good Day All!
Doesn't seem possible that another week has slipped by.
Hope yours was a good one! Mine was good, busy but good.

I began the 'Angel' (just a working title) painting - among a few false starts...
light bulbs blowing out, printer not working and a whole lot of "I'm not 100% sure of those colors".
Well, all of those obstacles have been hurdled. YAY! And I actually put brush - and pencil and sealant - to canvas.
I opted to use acrylic for the base color. One, it dries faster and Two, it will give me a tone to work off of. So on to the beginning...

penciled sketch - layout in place

the canvas is 24 x 30 horizontal on heavy gallery wrap

colored wash

close up of the color -

comprised of Chromium Oxide Green,

Morning Blue and a touch of

Metallic Aquamarine -

watered down heavily

AND... I think I have finally figured out how to stay on top of my postings (at least it sounds good in my head). I am going to write them as I work, instead of trying to do them all in one sitting. Hopefully if I break it down into 10-15 minute intervals instead of a 2-3 hour ordeal, I can get my weekly posting completed and not feel bad for missing a posting. Wish me luck!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHAYLOR!!

For my oldest grand daughters birthday we went to Noah's Ark. It's an animal rescue sanctuary. It was a very sunny, warm day. The trip from the house was about an hour and a half. Of course when you throw in the road construction and the fools who can't drive, it was much closer to two hours. We stopped for lunch on the way at the "Dwarf House". It's a Chik-fil-A. Not sure of the story behind the name. I know there was photos on the walls of the original Dwarf House. Something I will have to look up. They have field parking at Noah's Ark. And there were many more people there than I thought there would be. We saw tigers, lions, bears, cougars, wolves, baboons, monkeys, a variety of birds and emus (emis?). And a big black pig! 

Kennedy and Shaylor 

at the Dwarf House

Kennedy and Shaylor in one of the

concrete shelters - of course Shaylor

spotted a huge bug, the size of her hand!

one of the tigers

and one of the bears

some of the emus and the big black pig - 

sprawled in the mud - this animal was HUGE

and the girls looking at everything.

I'm not certain who was leading who :)

I think that will be all for this weeks post. Still diligently working on the painting - more photos to come. I hope your upcoming week is great!

til next time...

Be Good, Be Safe, Be Happy!

TTFN

Throwing Stones At Gypsy Flamingos

Good Morning All!
Hope everything has been well since last we spoke....
Things on my end have been...unpredictable.
There is a change coming in the wind but that I will leave for another time.

The gift date has past, so as promised, I can show you what I've been concocting.
And speaking of - YAY for me! I stayed focused on the projects and got them completed!!

Project number one:
I used 5 x 7 wood blanks and 'Folk Art Chalk' paint. The colors used were Imperial (red), Cascade (blue), Rich Black, Sheepskin (off white) and Antiquing Wax. Got all of these materials at JoAnn Fabrics. Dangerous place for me to go! LOL!

I began with the base coat - solid colors

I then rotated the colors, added another coat (2 coats) and sanded to let

the base coat show through. I then rotated the colors again and added

the lettering.

added some swirls and the Sheepskin

sanded the lettering and added some metallic paint

waxed and polished

added eyelets and twine

Finished Project

Project number two:

I started this project by using the chalk paint (from above) and prepped the canvas. Then I saw a technique that really caught my attention and I started again.

this was the start that I didn't end up using

started with a sketch

I then used Dap Drywall Spackle to

add texture to the bird and various 

textures around the edges

starts pink - turns white when dry

almost dry

2 coats of gesso, a base coat of  pink and some 'Deep Violet' that was a thin wash

and then wiped with a cloth

I then used 'Halo Blue-Gold' around the outside textures to bring them out.

This color has a gold shimmer that catches the light (hard to see in photos)

then it was onto the bird - white wash with cloth wipe. I added color to the beak

and darkened the back (tail) of the bird

I then began adding red to the edges

of the feathers...

and for some reason didn't take photos,

but I used white and painted into the red

to transition into a pink.

I then dry-brushed white over the feathers

to create highlights and make the textures

pop out

I used yellow embossing powder for

the eye -

this is the last picture I took,

after this point I tweaked the colors,

adding more of the Halo Blue-Gold

and white as needed.

I can't believe I forgot a Finished Photo

:(

Both items were joyfully received and hung immediately. 

Ok, short break...more coffee and clothes to the dryer. Be Right Back!

I'm back - did you miss me?  :)

I'm sure that most of you noticed that I was absent for a time - just a lack of creative juices. During that period I decided to make a Stone Box. I made a trip to The Dragon and Phoenix shop. Where I spent a good hour 'feeling' for stones. I don't ever go looking for stones with a preset in mind. I just pick them out and let them guide me. Well, after I got home, I looked up the stones and low and behold...all four of the stones I chose were related to focus and clarity. Imagine that!?! So, I set to making the box...

 

 I began with a blank box. Coat of blue on the 

outside and off white on the inside

Then a second coat of black on the outside and

sanded to allow the blue to come through

(and yes, this is the chalk paint from the 

previous project but this was done before

that one)

I cut and added scrap book paper to the top inside

panel and velvet paper to the bottom.

the haze on the top panel is from the Mod Podge

coat not being dry yet

designs to the outside of the box

there is a feather and crystal glitter.

the Finished Box with stones and

feathers. The feathers were added

to give my focus flight.

Corny right? Wrong!

The box has served it's purpose and

things have progressively come back

into focus and I am creating again!

Well, hopefully I haven't bored you to sleep. But I think that's all for this post. I am off to work on the Angel painting. I have finished the preliminary layout and now it's time to get it to the canvas. I intend to use oils for this project. I haven't used oils in years so we will have to wait and see if my hands can remember how to control them. Wish me luck!

til next time...

Be Good, Be Safe, Be Happy!

TTFN