PFATT Marketplace A New Venue for my work!

I'm so excited to be included among the very talented artists

at

PFATT Marketplace!

My debut will be this Sunday, November 10th.

I will have 3 new items for sale there every month!

I'm so excited by this new opportunity! I hope you will pop on over here and take a look at my offerings, and all of the offerings by the many talented artists who are gathered there to offer their handmade wares!

Here is a sneaky peeky of what I have to offer!!

Set of 4 Angel Cards




Hope to see you there!
~Annie


 

 



PFATT Marketplace A New Venue for my work!

I'm so excited to be included among the very talented artists

at

PFATT Marketplace!

My debut will be this Sunday, November 10th.

I will have 3 new items for sale there every month!

I'm so excited by this new opportunity! I hope you will pop on over here and take a look at my offerings, and all of the offerings by the many talented artists who are gathered there to offer their handmade wares!

Here is a sneaky peeky of what I have to offer!!

Set of 4 Angel Cards




Hope to see you there!
~Annie


 

 



The struggle against busy-ness

We are all so busy, I know. I am not unique here. But I have struggled this month with having ANY time to get into the studio at all. And I miss it! 

But I have lately tried to be more committed to spending time with my mother (who is 87), and trying to be available to my daughter, who's baby is just 3 months old. 

And my last kid at home, who is a freshman in high school. I have spent more time with her than I did with my other 3 when they were in high school. I think because she is my last and I really want to savor this time. I know how fast high school goes, and how much they grow up and away from you with every year. Of course its exciting to see her grow and head toward adulthood, but I also know what comes at the end. 

She will fly from the nest.

And as much as I encourage that, it breaks my heart as well. An empty nest is a lonely existence...

The struggle against busy-ness

We are all so busy, I know. I am not unique here. But I have struggled this month with having ANY time to get into the studio at all. And I miss it! 

But I have lately tried to be more committed to spending time with my mother (who is 87), and trying to be available to my daughter, who's baby is just 3 months old. 

And my last kid at home, who is a freshman in high school. I have spent more time with her than I did with my other 3 when they were in high school. I think because she is my last and I really want to savor this time. I know how fast high school goes, and how much they grow up and away from you with every year. Of course its exciting to see her grow and head toward adulthood, but I also know what comes at the end. 

She will fly from the nest.

And as much as I encourage that, it breaks my heart as well. An empty nest is a lonely existence...

Madonna Series

I am working on a series of the titles of Mary. Believe me there are many! I started with Theotokos, which is a fancy word for "Mother of God".

Theotokos 6" X 12" gallery wrapped canvas.
Sold!

Next I did Our Lady of Fatima.

 I included the 3 children who were the visionaries who saw her in 1917; Lucy, Jacinta,  and Francisco. Even if you are not a believer, it is a fascinating story which is still unfolding today.

 Look it up! :^)

Our Lady of Fatima  6" X 12" painted wood.

I painted this one on wood. It was the first time I have tried painting on wood and I just love it! The grain just gives an extra depth to the painting. I am definitely going to do more on wood.

This one also has a text collaged to the sides. I will add a pic of that later. I will be putting this one up for sale in my Etsy Shoppe shortly.

Thanks for looking! What do you think?

Madonna Series

I am working on a series of the titles of Mary. Believe me there are many! I started with Theotokos, which is a fancy word for "Mother of God".

Theotokos 6" X 12" gallery wrapped canvas.
Sold!

Next I did Our Lady of Fatima.

 I included the 3 children who were the visionaries who saw her in 1917; Lucy, Jacinta,  and Francisco. Even if you are not a believer, it is a fascinating story which is still unfolding today.

 Look it up! :^)

Our Lady of Fatima  6" X 12" painted wood.

I painted this one on wood. It was the first time I have tried painting on wood and I just love it! The grain just gives an extra depth to the painting. I am definitely going to do more on wood.

This one also has a text collaged to the sides. I will add a pic of that later. I will be putting this one up for sale in my Etsy Shoppe shortly.

Thanks for looking! What do you think?

Works for sale on Etsy

I finally have a few canvases completed and ready for sale.

A new little fairy piece:

Tend  6" X 8" gallery wrapped canvas

My Klimt Mermaids:

12" X 24" gallery wrapped canvas



My class piece from Magical Mythical Makings class with
Tamera Laporte:

A Golden Girl 16" X 20" gallery wrapped canvas

Pop on over to my Etsy Shoppe to have a look!
Thanks!

Annie

Works for sale on Etsy

I finally have a few canvases completed and ready for sale.

A new little fairy piece:

Tend  6" X 8" gallery wrapped canvas

My Klimt Mermaids:

12" X 24" gallery wrapped canvas



My class piece from Magical Mythical Makings class with
Tamera Laporte:

A Golden Girl 16" X 20" gallery wrapped canvas

Pop on over to my Etsy Shoppe to have a look!
Thanks!

Annie

Really productive week

  Even though Monday was a holiday, and I only had 4 days to work this week, it was a really productive week. I began the Magical Mythical Makings workshop on Monday. I decided to take this workshop for 2 reasons. First, it explored different substrates, canvas, watercolor paper, wood, and fabric. This is something I have struggled with.

 For example, I wanted to put my Mermaids Together painting on canvas but when I tried to use the brayer  it was so bouncy it just wasn't working for me. So I switched to watercolor paper and now I have the problem of presentation. How do I display it without the huge expense if framing?

(Incidentally I realized when working along on canvas in the class that brayering was no problem when the canvas was up on the easel. Before I was working flat and it was a big bouncy problem!)  

  The second reason I chose this class is because it is structured around the work of 4 master artists. And 3 of them I have already loved!! I admit I was only vaguely familiar with Gustav Klimt, but now that I have encountered him I am definitely a fan of his decorative style. It meshes perfectly with collage.  I'm not particularly drawn to his body if work, there is something synical and objectifying in his depiction if women. 

( I mean look at this depiction of Adam and Eve. Adam looks so totally in love and Eve looks like a conniving bitch who is just wearing Adam like an adornment. Like she can't wait to sin-meaning in her collaboration with the devil-and Adam is just innocently riding on her coat tails. I find this annoying and it is thick with a contempt for women. Not to mention a complete misinterpretation of the theology of the Adam and Eve story)

  But I digress!

That being said I am always happy to encounter any artist and see what makes them tick. It is a fascinating study for me. 

  But ah! Mucha- one of my lifelong favorites! Now here is a  man who encounters the female form and expresses its beauty! I have loved his style for so long! The true bohemian!

  And my beloved Chagall! How I love thee! A man who knows the true heart of whimsy! I adore his loving energetic and childlike view of the world! Here is a man who knows no guile!(to quote Jesus no less). I love the purity of Chagalls paintings, the unbridled joy in many of them. They make me happy!

And Brian Froud, what can I say. I cannot wait until the week that focuses on him. The very first real work of art I ever completed, way back in high school was based on his work. I wonder what ever happened to it, it was cool. Just think of

the impact his imagination, along with Alan Lee( another of my ultimate art heroes) has had on our modern culture. From the fantasy world of books and movies to the ultimate epic Lord of the Rings movies, these guys have shown us what the fairy world looks like! It is common knowledge now! We all accept orcs and fairy-men and hobbits and the like. Mermaids and Fae creatures, witches and magical things that roam the forest. Perfect!

So this has been a fun class so far and right up my alley. I created a Klimt style  girl in 2 days and I love her. The style has really got me thinking and I have begun another painting in the same style. My Klimt piece just followed right along with what Tam was doing, but I learned so much doing it that way. I was not inspired to make a " Goddess", as the class did. I don't really connect to Goddesses, being a devout Christian. But as just a woman I think it is very effective. 

   Now I am working on a Klimt style painting of 3 mermaids on canvas.  I'm really excited about it as it is an ambitious composition. I have learned so much already about composition, tension points, even how to construct full size figures and keep them in proportion. I feel like its all starting to click together in my head and I finally have all the tools(or techniques) that I need to create the paintings I have desired to create my whole life.  And I know it is a gift from God, as I have prayed for it, and invoked my patron saint for intersession as well and for that I am SO greatful! Thank you Saint Luke, patron saint of artists!

Really productive week

  Even though Monday was a holiday, and I only had 4 days to work this week, it was a really productive week. I began the Magical Mythical Makings workshop on Monday. I decided to take this workshop for 2 reasons. First, it explored different substrates, canvas, watercolor paper, wood, and fabric. This is something I have struggled with.

 For example, I wanted to put my Mermaids Together painting on canvas but when I tried to use the brayer  it was so bouncy it just wasn't working for me. So I switched to watercolor paper and now I have the problem of presentation. How do I display it without the huge expense if framing?

(Incidentally I realized when working along on canvas in the class that brayering was no problem when the canvas was up on the easel. Before I was working flat and it was a big bouncy problem!)  

  The second reason I chose this class is because it is structured around the work of 4 master artists. And 3 of them I have already loved!! I admit I was only vaguely familiar with Gustav Klimt, but now that I have encountered him I am definitely a fan of his decorative style. It meshes perfectly with collage.  I'm not particularly drawn to his body if work, there is something synical and objectifying in his depiction if women. 

( I mean look at this depiction of Adam and Eve. Adam looks so totally in love and Eve looks like a conniving bitch who is just wearing Adam like an adornment. Like she can't wait to sin-meaning in her collaboration with the devil-and Adam is just innocently riding on her coat tails. I find this annoying and it is thick with a contempt for women. Not to mention a complete misinterpretation of the theology of the Adam and Eve story)

  But I digress!

That being said I am always happy to encounter any artist and see what makes them tick. It is a fascinating study for me. 

  But ah! Mucha- one of my lifelong favorites! Now here is a  man who encounters the female form and expresses its beauty! I have loved his style for so long! The true bohemian!

  And my beloved Chagall! How I love thee! A man who knows the true heart of whimsy! I adore his loving energetic and childlike view of the world! Here is a man who knows no guile!(to quote Jesus no less). I love the purity of Chagalls paintings, the unbridled joy in many of them. They make me happy!

And Brian Froud, what can I say. I cannot wait until the week that focuses on him. The very first real work of art I ever completed, way back in high school was based on his work. I wonder what ever happened to it, it was cool. Just think of

the impact his imagination, along with Alan Lee( another of my ultimate art heroes) has had on our modern culture. From the fantasy world of books and movies to the ultimate epic Lord of the Rings movies, these guys have shown us what the fairy world looks like! It is common knowledge now! We all accept orcs and fairy-men and hobbits and the like. Mermaids and Fae creatures, witches and magical things that roam the forest. Perfect!

So this has been a fun class so far and right up my alley. I created a Klimt style  girl in 2 days and I love her. The style has really got me thinking and I have begun another painting in the same style. My Klimt piece just followed right along with what Tam was doing, but I learned so much doing it that way. I was not inspired to make a " Goddess", as the class did. I don't really connect to Goddesses, being a devout Christian. But as just a woman I think it is very effective. 

   Now I am working on a Klimt style painting of 3 mermaids on canvas.  I'm really excited about it as it is an ambitious composition. I have learned so much already about composition, tension points, even how to construct full size figures and keep them in proportion. I feel like its all starting to click together in my head and I finally have all the tools(or techniques) that I need to create the paintings I have desired to create my whole life.  And I know it is a gift from God, as I have prayed for it, and invoked my patron saint for intersession as well and for that I am SO greatful! Thank you Saint Luke, patron saint of artists!

A little portrait

When I was a little girl, about 5 years old, I was completely obsessed with Native Americans. Only back then we called them Indians. It was before we were politically corrected. My brother and I used to play cowboys and Indians, and I was always an Indian princess. I was totally caught up in the romantic notion of sneaking quietly through the forest never making a sound. Hunting with my bow and arrow and generally being at one with nature. I had no concept of what a real female native Americans life entailed and pictured myself closer to an Indian brave. I imagined all sorts of scenerios where the animals were my friends and I lived off the land. But I never could imagine away my blonde hair, even though I tried. So eventually I settled on myself as a rare blonde Indian!

 This obsession lasted all through my childhood. I used to wear moccasins until they had holes in the bottom and then I would beg for a new pair. I discovered the Little House books and lived in them for literally years. I loved the romantic notion if living off the land. And even now, knowing how hard a life that really is, I still find it romantic. I guess I always possessed an independent entrepreneurial spirit. 

 I always knew I was not a 9 to 5er, and that an office cubical might kill me. 

A little portrait

When I was a little girl, about 5 years old, I was completely obsessed with Native Americans. Only back then we called them Indians. It was before we were politically corrected. My brother and I used to play cowboys and Indians, and I was always an Indian princess. I was totally caught up in the romantic notion of sneaking quietly through the forest never making a sound. Hunting with my bow and arrow and generally being at one with nature. I had no concept of what a real female native Americans life entailed and pictured myself closer to an Indian brave. I imagined all sorts of scenerios where the animals were my friends and I lived off the land. But I never could imagine away my blonde hair, even though I tried. So eventually I settled on myself as a rare blonde Indian!

 This obsession lasted all through my childhood. I used to wear moccasins until they had holes in the bottom and then I would beg for a new pair. I discovered the Little House books and lived in them for literally years. I loved the romantic notion if living off the land. And even now, knowing how hard a life that really is, I still find it romantic. I guess I always possessed an independent entrepreneurial spirit. 

 I always knew I was not a 9 to 5er, and that an office cubical might kill me. 

Working with Willowing

I have spent the last week working through the Whimsie class given by Tamara Laporte. I have learned so much! Things seem to be clicking in my head-a wonderful feeling! It's been a long time since I have had that feeling. But I can see a path forward with my art, which is kind of a relief. It's so hard to be floundering around. I know it is necessary, especially when you are learning new techniques or going down a new artistic road. There is a process of experimentation that can be at once exhilarating but also frustrating when results are not living up to expectation. 

But alas, after plodding through I have found a path that I want to explore. I love mixed media but I also enjoy a whimsical side to it. I love doing the whimsie characters, but I also love more classical portraiture and I think I want to work toward striking a balance between the two. 

I am still experimenting with substrates. I love working on watercolor paper, but I also love gallery wrapped canvas. I need to find a substrate that is both! I want to try mixed media board, maybe that will be the thing. 

Working with Willowing

I have spent the last week working through the Whimsie class given by Tamara Laporte. I have learned so much! Things seem to be clicking in my head-a wonderful feeling! It's been a long time since I have had that feeling. But I can see a path forward with my art, which is kind of a relief. It's so hard to be floundering around. I know it is necessary, especially when you are learning new techniques or going down a new artistic road. There is a process of experimentation that can be at once exhilarating but also frustrating when results are not living up to expectation. 

But alas, after plodding through I have found a path that I want to explore. I love mixed media but I also enjoy a whimsical side to it. I love doing the whimsie characters, but I also love more classical portraiture and I think I want to work toward striking a balance between the two. 

I am still experimenting with substrates. I love working on watercolor paper, but I also love gallery wrapped canvas. I need to find a substrate that is both! I want to try mixed media board, maybe that will be the thing. 

More whimsy action!

More whimsy action!