Studio Progress

Last week I wrote about how I am once again reorganizing the studio....well, here are a few pics of my progress. The funny thing (and by funny, I mean CRAZY) is, that I have changed this space around probably 7 or 8 times already!

I really like how it is turning out though. The organization is coming along nicely. I'm working on grouping likes with likes, and minimizing what I actually need to have out on a regular working basis. I'm really liking the brown paper. My desk says clean and inviting now!

Tim keeps walking through and commenting on how much more open it seems. I feel the same way and totally feel on the right track with this layout. After I get settled, then I will finish the walls and then finally...if dreams really do come true....replace the back door with a paned garden door! Im visualizing...I'm visualizing...

This is my relaxation area. It is actually a mission-style bench with an oversize ottoman pushed together, with lots of pillows. The leather ottoman was free from some neighbors who were moving. The bench was a great garage sale find for $40 down on Sanibel Island. I have no idea how we got it packed in the van with all of our vacation stuff and I have no idea how I convinced Tim that this was a good idea. This is what I mean when I say I have a husband who supports my creativity! This area gets great light and is perfect for reading and writing and napping with the dog. Kona gives his lick of approval!

Quickie Creativity

I have been wanting to do mosaic house numbers for a while now and finally last week, I did it! The surprise was that it was a very quick and simple project. I practically had everything I needed except the grout. I completed the whole layout including gluing while Daddy and the Little One went for a bike ride. That includes digging out the tiles and smashing them! Sometimes I surprise myself with how much I can when I get out of my way. I just LOVE how it turned out.

Goodbye Friend

This is a picture frame that I painted for Tim's cousin, Leslie. Just last week she had to put her 17-year-old whippet to sleep. Yes, I said, 17! Rest in Peace, Oskar. You will be missed.

I Love Kelly Rae

If you haven't checked out Kelly Rae Roberts yet, I highly recommend you skip on over and take a looksee. I love her art, her story, HER. She wrote an amazing book called Taking Flight all about her artistic journey, which is amazing she didn't even start thinking about being an artist until in her 30s! She is doing an e-course starting on Sunday and I am so happy and excited to be taking part. I'm looking forward to abundant inspiration and helpful tips for my journey. Yay and double yay!

Still a winner...

Well, I didn't get enough votes for my wine label....but I still feel like a winner for entering. And I really mean that. I could have very easily not bothered, but I am happy I did and like I mentioned in the previous post, doing this small painting has inspired a series that I'm working on. In the meantime, this little guy wanted to be in the blog today and I think he fits perfectly.

I feel a period of extreme activity coming on and I'm doing my best to prepare. I have been cleaning out my studio and organizing, (always organizing!) and streamlining. I think the new arrangement is going to work well and somehow it seems like it is roomier and lighter in there, and that is always a good thing in my book. I'll post some progress pictures soon.

I have a few commissions on deck at the moment that I hope to finish and mail by the end of next week. Also the JOB is asking for overtime (okaaay, who needs sleep?) And my art group is gearing up for a big show in August at the Casselberry Art House. We're working through the book Vein of Gold by Julia Cameron and the show will be based on that. This will entail making ceramic masks, paintings, doing personal time lines, writing, etc. Lots and lots of good stuff! Thank God summer days are longer. I'm going to need it. Peace out!

Mutt Lynch Wine Label

This little painting is an entry that I did for a wine label contest for Mutt Lynch Winery in Sonoma. I did so at the urging of one of my favorite clients and it was so much fun. So much so, that I am inspired to do some small works...about the 8 x 10 size range. I usually work much bigger. This was a nice change, and I enjoyed the portability. Very easy to set up a mobile kit to take with me whereever I wanted to create. I have some ideas for a series and I'll post more as I create them.

There is still time to vote for me to stay in the wine label contest. It only takes a minute and there is NOTHING to fill out, just a couple of clicks! Easy-peasy!  Go here to VOTE!  Dog Art Today and maybe one day you will be enjoying a nice bottle of red with my label on it! Thanks!