Experimenting!

I guess I just felt like experimenting this weekend. I used several layers of paint on this painting, along with vintage hymnal pages and charcoal. Before I crackled it I used some rubbing alcohol to kind of wipe off the paint in some areas so that the music papers peek through. I think it all gives the painting a little more depth. I like the aged appearance of all the layers of colors. Then, after crackling and antiquing I covered it in two coats of Modge Podge luster for a thick textured finish. This little angel looks a little sad as she stands near the pearly gates. Maybe it has something to do with her not having a halo. I'm not really sure... I will list this on Ebay this evening.

I just went with my youngest, Jordan, to be fitted for his tuxedo for the prom. I can't believe he is almost 18 already! He also got talked into to modeling in a "prom fashion show" of tuxedos at his school and had to be fitted for that. ha ha I wish I could see him do the show. He would be pretty embarrassed if Mom showed up for the school assembly or whatever--so I guess I will just check if any photos show up on Face Book. lol

Gentle Arms

This is my latest painting. It is bigger than I usually paint (11"X14")--This little kitty is going to heaven, but don't worry, she is in some very gentle arms. I used pages from a vintage hymnal for this one, you can see some of the music peeking through the paint. I plan to list this on Ebay sometime tonight.

I hope everyone's weekend is going well. It will be spring before you know it. I don't really mind the winter months though. It gives me more time to paint and do things I want without the gardens, pool, flowers, lawn, patio furniture, etc. needing my attention. Once I get all my flowers and vegetables planted I love to sit outside with the birds. It takes about 3 or 4 full weekends to get everything together and looking nice outside on the patios, decks, and poolside. ugh! I hate that part!

Purr Machine!

Do you ever finally get all comfy in bed with a really good book and then a Purr Machine comes up and gets right on top of you and needs it's paws in and out, in and out, in and out, while it rumbles with huge purrs? Your book keeps wiggling so that you can't even focus on the words and sometimes the Purr Machine even rubs it's head on the book until it falls from your hands! Yep, if you are a kitty person, then you know what I'm talking about! This kitty person seems to be thinking, "are you about finished now? Can you just curl up and lay down already?" This painting will be on Ebay tonight.

I am also listing a little skater because...well...I've got Olympic Fever. It doesn't matter which team I am watching, when they fall or mess up I feel SO BAD for them! They have worked so hard for so many years and their chances for gold can be lost in a split second! I admire them all for their commitment and passion~

Cat Fancy!

It was an unseasonably warm day today! It made me think of spring and so does this painting. "Spring is in the air, and a young cat's fancy turns to thoughts of love".

I didn't have as much time to paint this weekend. Tara came home from Mizzou for the weekend and we went out and about today. We are getting ready to settle in for some Olympics on TV. It's addicting, isn't it? I especially love the ice skating. I hope to paint a skater soon.

This latest painting will be on Ebay tonight! The link is at the top of the page.

NEW PAINTINGS

Snow + No School = More paintings. Here are my latest now available on Ebay. Gotta go--"Idol" is on!

Progression of Paintings

Sometimes I do two paintings at a time when I am using the same techniques and/or colors. These photos illustrate how these two paintings progressed.

First, I cut scraps of paper from my vintage books and use Modge Podge to put them where I want them. One of them is Grimm's Fairy Tales and the other is an old music book--both from the 1800's. A bibliophile would hate me for this.

Next, I pencil in the subject. Sometimes I use oil pastels to do this. Often I cut the girl or kitty right out of my sketch book and trace around it onto the canvas.

Next, I paint the backgound.



Then I paint the subject and glue on other paper if used.

Then I paint the details. This is the part my kids laugh at me about, because I am wearing glasses and also look through a magnified light when I do this! My eyes aren't what they used to be! ugh!

I sign my painting and add my signature heart somewhere. Then I usually use my beloved crackle on it. After a few hours of drying, I antique it with either brown or black paint watered down. I wipe off the excess and give it one or two coats of Modge Podge luster. I like the thick texture it gives! These paintings will probably go up on Ebay tonight.

Don't forget I still have 3 paintings on Ebay for only ONE PENNY starting bid! As a bonus these paintings include a small wire easel for display! Check it out!

New Paintings! Some only ONE PENNY starting bid!!

We had two snow days this week, so I was able to get lots of painting done. It is still snowing and we are suppose get a few more inches on Sunday! I love it as long as I don't have to go anywhere. Although Jordan (my 17 year old son) is suppose to drive to a university an hour or so away for a Jazz Band competition tomorrow, so I hope the roads will be ok.

The first painting is called "Group Hug" and I think it is self explanatory. What could be better than a group hug with two willing kitties? The other three are smaller (4"X6") flat panels and I am INCLUDING small wire easels with them for display. I happened to pick them up on sale, so I decided to include them. You can find them all on EBAY tonight~Oh, and I think I may start the smaller ones at ONE PENNY! Happy Valentines Day!! XO

Snow Day!

Yes!! I was hoping for a snow day from school today and I got it!! We are covered in snow here on my mountain and I got up early and feel like I got caught up on a lot of stuff. Isn't that a good feeling? I finished our Federal tax return and Tara's too. I also filed all three of my kids' FAFSA forms online--so tedious~Yes, they all plan to attend college next year-Lucky me, huh?

Then I had time to finish my little painting here. Wouldn't you just love to spend a snowy day like these two kitties? The wood burning stove is just like mine! It is almost TOO efficient. I get too hot sitting very near it, but when it is lit, the furnace scarcely runs. I will be listing this painting on Ebay tonight. Stay warm everyone!

Got Nuttin'

Well I have been crazy busy this weekend trying to muddle through the tax returns. I need to get them finished soon because I want to get the FASFA forms finished for my 3 kids who will be in college next year. If you have kids in college, you know what I am talking about. It is best to get those FASFA forms (applications for financial aid) filed by March 1. This year I will be filing applications for three of them.

I guess the biggest problem I am having with my taxes is knowing where to enter their scholarships and grants, or if I have to at all! I'm a bit confused, if there are any tax experts out there! HELP! I am using the H&R Block TaxCut software, and it doesn't explain much in that area.

I am getting ready to head over to my sister's (Hot Tamale Art Studio) for a Super bowl party. Actually the guys will be next door at my parents watching the game in huge HD, and the gals will be at Jennifer's gabbing and snacking. The guys will call us when the good commercials or half time show is on! So...yea..I got nuttin' to show but this half finished painting. I think it will be cute when I get it finished. It is just like my wood burning stove. I kind of feel like being one of those cats about now...Have a great week! Hopefully I will get the painting finished soon~