Puparazzi

Let's just say I've been a bit busy...

The original and favorite Woody Woodpecker

This little buddy has been coming to the Pink-tipped Redbud tree outside my kitchen window for about 5 years. I am certain it is the very same bird, he even looks quite a lot older this year.  He first showed up young and vibrant working like a crazed jack-hammer to create a home for his family in our courtyard. 


This season and last his visits were fleeting SO, I was thrilled to have been at my sink when he arrived. 

This is one of those 'little-big-deals': he arrives, hops about on the branches, gives a few test pokes, circles the branch and quickly wings off but, this time, my camera was at the ready (as I was trying to photograph my art paintings)!   The reason he hasn't moved in for 2 seasons?  We had to remove the largest branch that had been his home the previous 3 seasons (insert sad face).  The very reason he liked it is what took it away: bugs!

I suspect he is somewhere nearby.

Photographing a finished Painting

sub-title: A whole new appreciation of photographers (upon failing at photo-capturing my finished artwork).

This appreciation is not wholly new because I realized a long time ago that I am not equipped OR good at it (if you are looking for a tutorial on 'how-to photograph your finished art', you have come to the wrong place).  I simply appreciate those artists who have taken on and mastered successfully photographing their own art; an art form of its own.

Believe me, I could present 3 dozen failed photographic attempts at capturing the size, texture, color, depth and 16 hours of work that went into creating this 48" x 48" abstract (acrylic) painting (propped up in front of a mounted quad panel piece). 

:

My lack of skill in photographing paintings is a key reason I really do not like to send 'previews' to people (in this case 1100 miles away). 

I can't even get a straight forward picture...and truly hope this picture is 100 times better in person than the reflective, static, plastic dull, glaring spectacle it appears to be in the photograph!

All this being said, I am determined to fix this.  So, watch for improvements, I welcome tips from my audience!


I'm throwing this one in to show how my attempt to present an artsy photograph of a couple of abstract studies...failed as well:

Steampunk Bird on Wheels

A couple years back I saw the work of an artist at a local art sales gallery who makes these little sculptural birds (some on actual wheels and he adorns them with metal and other 'found' items).  For the life of me I can not remember his name and need to look him up!  It will come to me though eventually (of course, I could call that gallery;  at some point I will update this post with his info!)

I did not purchase one of his bird sculptures but, was inspired to create a reminder of them!

I never really saw this as 'Steampunk' (Steam Punk?) until recently.  

Was thinking I should sell this but I can't quite let it go yet.  

It's 16 x 20" and bright and metallic and fun and swirly and makes me smile.  I actually glued on the feather and the button and little metal embellishment.

I will soon be using this image (maybe card sets?) in my etsy shop.

April ACEO calendar page

Spring ACEO series.  

The 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" bird and ribbon was inspired by the natural fibers in the hand-made art paper I found at the local supplier. Using corner-photo tabs I mounted it aside a calendar page for April on a 5 1/2 x 4 1/4" card stock.

After selecting the paper to paint, I thought the fiber color blob in the upper left kinda looked like little chickadees when they hang upside down on a branch.  I'm always watching them in my yard so, I painted one of their own as a little spectator to their antics. He sits on a branch in the background behind an embellished painted ribbon sprinkled with micro-glitter.

APRIL and the calendar were typed on my vintage 'ROYAL Quiet De Luxe' typewriter (a treasured, mid century heirloom that once belonged to my Aunt Hannah; used in her roll as a staffer to a district congressman who later became a U.S. Senator) I'm not sure of it's age but certainly mid-century; and I don't know what I'll do when the ribbon runs dry but, in the meantime, it is good to go with plenty left on the roll!!

I just noticed I used the
lower case i instead of the 
upper case I...
no 1 offered on this old typewriter! 



find this and other months http://www.etsy.com/shop/rainheart

Sheep at home with a mountain view

It's spring and sunny here but, way colder than the 53 degrees on the thermometer...wind chill?  No, it's 'damp chill' out.  So, today was the perfect day to get painting early since it's too chilly to be in the garden.

I'd previously prepared this collage background so it was ready and simply waiting for the right day to finish off with a spring theme.  

The water running off the slope is frigid and the sheep still wear their shaggy coat.  Any day now they will be running from the farmers shears!  

In the meantime, aren't they lucky to have a home with a mountain view?

 

Whimsical Painted Dog Portrait

Our dogs are very funny so, a big whimsical Dog Portrait is in order!

Detail of 16 x 20" Collage, wrapped canvas @2013

         This is a famous Shiba Imu.   Hope she tickles your funny bone!

Next up is a super cute Beagle...

then a Chihuahua.. a German Shepard...a Border Collie...a Shepard mix...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/125822407/your-dog-portrait-customized-made-to?