A New Year Means Time for Reflection

 

"Halloween Haunts"

The start of a new year means time to reflect on my art. You may notice that I often paint a pre-teen girl and a younger boy. You see, unconsciously I am painting our two children, during a time long ago. It is a time I cherish most of all, when the world was still innocent and our family was still complete.

The new year also brings the birthday of our departed 17-year-old daughter Brianna. January 12 ushers in wonderful memories and much sadness. The fact that she is now gone is as fresh today as it was three and a half years ago when she died.

So I keep painting scenes in which innocence abounds, and the world on Halloween is full of wonder and not too scary. My idealized world helps me cope with our loss. Some of you have told me my paintings help you escape to a gentler time and place too.

So as I think about my art moving into 2011, I've realized it has been a source of joy for me during the darkest time in my life. And it continues to elevate me to a better state of mind each time I put pencil and paint brush to paper.

The above painting is available on SpookyTimeJingles.com.

All Smiles for Fall

After a long summer of cool temperatures, we're getting a bit of Indian summer here. The thermometer has reached close to 100 degrees for the past two days and we have another hot one in store today. But thankfully, I know it won't last. You can see signs of the approaching fall. The leaves are starting to change and flutter to the ground. It inspires me so much to try and capture that feeling of cooler temperatures and brilliant colors in my watercolors. The painting above is now listed on eBay and ends tonight. It makes me smile knowing that fall is on it's way!

The Spell Has Been Cast on SpookyTimeJingles.com

Her haunting eyes beckon...and then the spell has been cast! Find all the details about this beeswax collage wood block September 13 with the newest edition of SpookyTimeJingles.com art release. I also have a Christmas item on the next page of the site, but it's on the sweet side rather than spooky. See the artwork of other amazing artists too! Remember, September 13, or better yet, sign up for the e-newsletter and get the scoop beforehand. Have a spooky good time!

A Window to Your Soul

...at least that's what they say of our eyes. I've created a few more of these handmade ornaments with black glass glitter and a vintage image of an eye that follows you around the room. A bit creepy? Yes. And there is something about these little gothic pieces that makes me feel as if someone truly IS watching. Because they are made by hand, each is unique in its own way. And you never know if this is a window to a magical world with someone looking in on the other side! Available now on eBay and in my Etsy shoppe.

We Can All Use a Bit of Halloween

Wow...Glitterfest was here and gone in a flash! But I used my little Flip camera to share a bit of the experience with you. And even though it was Glitterfest spring, I brought some Halloween to share with the shoppers. As many of you love October 31 as I do, it comes as no surprise that I sold many pieces celebrating All Hallow's Eve, in addition to my mermaid inspired art.

I hope to have a few more pieces up on eBay in the next week. "Hope" is the key word. Our son is graduating from high school next week and lots of family and friends will be staying with us. Soon, our son will be heading off to LSU for college. I am so happy for him, with a merit scholarship to boot. But of course, I will miss him so! Life is full of change, and we can only hope for the best.

Curiousity Did Not Kill the Cat

We've been having many rainy, cold days during the past couple of months, so I've been staying indoors and experimenting with some new mediums. Block printing has always intrigued me, so I decided to give it a try. I did a bit of research and found some wonderful tutorials on YouTube. The most helpful was one by Milliande. She provides information about the materials to use, ways in which she uses the prints and carvings, and more. Here's part one of her seven-part series.



So off I ventured to Micheal's with my 50% off coupon in hand. I purchased a little kit that included a easy carve block, some ink and a carving tool with two blades.

Since I have painted many watercolors, I figured I could use one of those designs. However, for my first one, I thought I'd better keep it simple. I sketched something out and transfered the drawing onto the block. Remember, it's in reverse! Here's what I ended up with.

 
And then the printed version.

Of course, I had to add some watercolors! But I plan on carving more of these and have all sorts of ideas of how to use them. It was so much fun just experimenting with these! If you have the time and need a break, give something new a try.

A Soul Full of Halloween

Even though there are more than seven months until Halloween, I somehow find it all year long. The smell of wood burning in the crisp air,  the sun low in the sky casting an orange glow on all it touches and drinking spiced cider on a brisk moonlight night reminds me of fall's splendor - even though spring is almost here! These help to inspire me to create Halloween art all year long. My acrylic paints have found their way onto my palette and a young witch sprang to life on the canvas. Watch for more Halloween pieces during the next release of SpookyTimeJingles.com March 13, and every 13th of the month thereafter. Look for a few rabbits to accompany her, too and even a tiny snowman. I have to spread the holiday love!

A Haunting We Will Go

My first and only haunted house of the season. The windows have broken "glass" and the illusion of tiny panes.  I've placed little gausian curtains,  all tattered and torn in a few of the windows. The inside is a deep orange, and the very neat thing about this piece is that it lights up! When plugged in, the inside of the house glows orange. There is a large window on the side extension of the house too. The darkened dresden trim really gives it a gothic feel.

If you want more details, head over to my Etsy shop, where I've listed it.

Happy Haunting!

Watercolor Trick or Treat

Have I mentioned that I love painting Halloween watercolors? Here's another little art card I have listed on eBay. You'll find the listing here. This one really has an innocent feel, don't you think?

And be sure to check in just before July 13th, when I'll have some more Halloween art up on SpookyTimeJingles.com. We're celebrating our 1st Year Anniversary and there are all sorts of door prizes and fun for our collectors. Stop by and take a peek, but remember it's July 13!

Join the Halloween Party!

The Halloween celebration has begun on PFATT Marketplace, where you'll find Jack O Lantern June! So many talented artists who love to create for All Hallows Eve.

This wee pixie is on his way to the party! He's getting a lift from his paper mache black cat friend. I've created this piece on an oval paper mache box, which you can use to hold candy or that special Halloween ornament.

And a Halloween party just wouldn't be the same without Mr. Jack! He's a jolly sort and is just ecstatic that's he's risen from the pumpkin patch to join everyone!

I've created him from paperclay and painted muslin. His arms and legs are poseable, as they are bark covered wire.

This is your invitation to step into fall for a while, make some spiced cider and window shop from your computer at all the wonderful offerings from the artisans of PFATT Marketplace.com. Happy Haunting!