Witches and Bats Float from the Great Pumpkin Cauldron!

Witches and bats, ghosts and cats are bubbling up in the great pumpkin cauldron! I am working on more linoleum block prints, with each one being carefully hand painted with watercolors and then tinted with other media. I love the striking colors of fall, and they are even more pronounced in my latest lino cuts. I will have several originals at upcoming Halloween folk art shows. Stop by and say hello!

Sept. 28 • Petaluma, CA

http://www.HalloweenandVine.com

Oct. 5 • Sanford, FL

http://www.SpiritsinSanford.com

Scaring the Boys and Girls on Halloween

Original ACEO watercolor, now available on eBay here.

"We're the farmer's scarecrows

We scare away the birds

We keep the farmer's corn safe
Without any words.

But when Halloween comes

We jump out of the ground

And we scare the boys and girls

When they come walking 'round."

- anonymous

Dreaming of Cool October Nights

I am already dreaming of October and the fall weather, even though summer hasn't officially hit! My latest painting up for bid on eBay, "Haunted Halloween," is on Arches watercolor postcard paper. You can fnd it by clicking here. And, I'm painting more pieces, and creating other art for my upcoming folk art shows, Tinsel and Treasures, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, in downtown Danville, CA and one I will be participating in for the first time Spirits in Sanford, Saturday, October 13, 2012, in Sanford, FL. I can't wait to see everyone and meet new faces! Mark your calendars!

Oh....and if you're creative yourself and would love to learn a new technique this summer, check out ArtfulGathering.com! I'll be teaching an online art workshop about paper mache using strips of newspaper and a homemade paste recipe to create a hot air balloon ornament. There's lots of other artists too, so have a looksie! Here's a movie trailer for my class. Hope to see you soon!

Cat-ching Up

I seem to be spending  my days more and more on Facebook, releasing images of new paintings and the latest works in progress. Thus, so much time as elapsed since my last post, and my need to cat-ch up!  ;)  I do apologize. But, if you'd like to stay in touch more often, please head to my Facebook Iva's Creations art page and hit the "like" button. I do still plan on maintaining my blog, so never fear if you're not a Facebook devotee! Now on to my art! 

I seem to be drawn to black cats these days, as I prepare for Halloween. Yes, the summer solstice is not even a week old and I'm dreaming of fall. But as you know, I'm in the mood for Halloween all year long!

I am starting my Halloween, watercolor auctions on eBay again. The above original painting, "October Eyes," will be listed on eBay tonight, so watch my eBay auctions.

I recently sold this ACEO, "Night Flight." I am using graphite more in my work and love the dreamy affect it casts. I will be listing more of these tiny works of art, so I hope you pop in to my eBay auctions weekly, or simply add me to your favorite sellers list. Halloween is not too far off! 

Wheeeee!

Find A Haunting Cast of Characters at Glitterfest Spring

 

Mr. Jack will be taking his wares to the Santa Ana Elks Lodge and Glitterfest this Saturday, where he will be peddling this and that. He will be camped out with me at the spring folk art show, from 10 am - 4 pm. In addition to a happy Halloween cast of characters, I will be accompanied by a number of Easter-inspired folk, from fairies to Sir Rabbit. Look for Mr. Jack the Peddler Man and me March 19, among the many other talented artisans. 

See you soon!

A Glowing Halloween

I'm working on adding texture to my watercolors, or at least the image of texture. "A Glowing Halloween," was born from this experimentation. The 5"x7" watercolor will be listed on eBay tonight. The image was one of many photographs I took last Halloween and I can't wait to paint my way through them! I'm always in the mood for a glowing jack-o-lantern! How about you?

My Halloween Art Up for Grabs on the EHAG Emporium

Halloween is almost here and that means GIVEAWAY time, not to mention the newest update of the EHAG Emporium. On the 31st of every month, the artists of the Eclectic Halloween Artist Group offer for purchase spectacular Halloween art valued at $75 or more. And there's always a giveaway before the big day. 

This month two pieces of my art are up for grabs! A limited edition "Haunted Mansion" watercolor print (8" x 10" and no. 8/50) will be given away, along with an original, vintage inspired Halloween mask ornament. And there's several other pieces of art to be gifted to a lucky few.

To enter, head on over to the EHAG Emporium blog, leave a comment telling about your favorite decoration or piece of Halloween art! A winner will be drawn on Saturday, October 30th.

And, if you're interested in seeing more of my original Halloween watercolor prints available for purchase, check out my "Buy It Now" listings on eBay and my prints in my Etsy shop. Lots of Halloween images to choose from.

Happy Halloween!

My Watercolors Featured in Celebrate365 magazine!

 

I am so proud to be in the Halloween issue of Celebrate 365, a journal for the ornament enthusiast. There are many other Halloween artists featured too, as you can see from this two-page spread of the quarterly publication. The magazine also offer artist interviews and many photos of ornaments and October 31 inspired art.  Another large watercolor of mine also was featured, in addition to my Victorian Paper Doll Witch wall decor. Publisher Connie Porcher does a great job finding the best in the industry and I'm humbled to be a part of it.

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!

Climb Aboard the Halloween Hayride!

I have always wanted to climb atop a wagon filled with hay for an old fashioned hayride, especially on Halloween! The fall colors surrounding me while enjoying the crisp country air. Now, I've finally gotten my wish...at least I can dream. Take a peek at my latest watercolor now on eBay.

Homecoming and Graduation

For the past few weeks, we've been focused on our son's high school graduation. Not only was there the ceremony, but a senior picnic, senior photos, senior barbecue and grad night, in which directly following the ceremony the students were whisked off to a USS destroyer docked in Oakland and outfitted with all sorts of games and activities. The night culminated in the 200+ recent grads hopping onto a boat and crusing the San Francisco bay with more music, games and lots of food and espresso. They didn't get home until 6:15 am the next day!

While our son was off having a good time, we had family and friends staying with us. So we took a day trip to Muir Woods in Marin County. If you've never gone, it is one of the few remaining places in the world where giant redwoods still tower above the land.

Some reach as high as 260 feet and are as old as 1,000 years! They are magnificent sentries near the coast and are among the oldest living things on earth. We even spotted a few deer that came down from the hills to feast on the lush carpet of greenery.

And...I even found a tree gnome!

Do you see his profile? He is looking to the left of the screen, with his button nose and big chin! I just knew the forest there was enchanted!!

With all the entertaining, sightseeing and celebrating, I managed to finish a watercolor "Halloween Homecoming," and post it as a "Buy It Now" listing on eBay.

I hope you are enjoying the start of your summer.

Away We Go To Halloween Town!

The EHAG Emporium opened at midnight and two witches decided to fly over on their Halloween Hot Air Balloon to see all the amazing art! I've listed:

Original Papier Mache Halloween Hot Air Balloon

I've painted two JOL faces on the "balloon." Two little witches face either side, so no matter what angle you see it from, it's always interesting! The piece sits upright on it's own or hangs from a curly hook at top. Lots of embellishments, dresden, vintage trim and ribbon. All hand made and measures almost 13" tall. $150 plus $10 shipping

Please email me to purchase.

Up, up and away we go into the night!!

Ehag Search for the Wandering Witch

Round and round she flies,

casting shadows in the skies.

Rumors of her grow and grow.

Search for her high,

Search for her low.

Uncover our Witch in her spooky disguise,

and you may win an EHAG prize!

Join the hunt on the EHAG Art Blog September 21st as The Search Begins! One of my talented fellow EHAG artist members has the wandering witch captured on their blog. If you find her, and leave a comment on the artist's blog, you will become eligible to win a prize. Oh witchy poo, where are you? Have fun with it!!

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!

Spooky Goodness

Watch for some spooky goodness from me come June 10 at Pfatt Marketplace.com.