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!
Summer is in full swing, although you wouldn't know it by our daytime temperatures. With a high of 75 to 80 degrees just outside San Francisco, I'm enjoying the cool summer breezes while I dream of fall. My Halloween watercolors are in full swing, while I list a few on eBay. The one pictured is more illustrative and whimsical than my usual, but I was in a JOL-ly mood when I painted it! ;0) It's listed on eBay now, and you can click here to head on over.
I've also started on some large paper mache pumpkins, witches and ghosts. Getting back to the medium is so enjoyable, especially when I can work outdoors. I hope you are enjoying the weather where you are and the creative spirit is with you!
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!
Two friends are taking a moonlight ride while several friendly bats flutter about. What could be better than to be surrounded by friends, a full moon and Halloween night? This is an original ACEO watercolor now available on eBay. Happy Haunting!
I continue to play with my watercolors and other water media, experimenting with different techniques and tools. I painted this and see gnomes, woodland faeries and other creatures. As I see these mysterious beings, I am enhancing them slightly, so they can't hide from us quite as readily. It's still a work in progress. What do you see?
I'm busy decking the house, inside and out, for my favorite holiday! It always makes me smile when I break out the decorations! I take special pride too when people walking past tell me they always love my Halloween yard display.
So still smiling, I managed to complete another original Halloween-inspired watercolor. It tells you how I feel at this time of year! It's painted on 140 lb. waterolor postcard and bears all the necessary postcard markings on back...except postage! What better way to say Happy Halloween to someone than to send an original painting! I have finished it with a special spray coating for protection. It's available now on eBay and ends Friday, Oct. 22.
As promised, I completed the 9"x12" Halloween watercolor I showed in my previous post. Compare the "before" in my last post to the finished painting here. I've added layer upon layer of detail. I just love getting lost in these! I've listed it on eBay, and will be selling prints soon! Let me know if you are interested!
Also, I'm so excited to be featured in two of Stampington & Company's magazines this month. I wrote an article, "Away to Halloween Town," which featured my Halloween Hot Air Balloon for the Sept/Oct. 2010 Vintage Halloween issue of Somerset Studio. That issue also included a Haunted Masquerade beeswax collage I created.
Next, two of my projects were featured in Somerset Holidays & Celebrations 2010. My whimsical hot air balloon Christmas ornaments graced the pages of the magazine, as did my Halloween Witch's Shoe project. I am thrilled with both!
If you are planning on attending Tinsel and Treasures Folk Art show, Saturday, Sept. 18, I'll be signing copies of Somerset Studio's Halloween issue. So much happening now! Wheeee!
I am painting several more 9x12 watercolors, and I thought it would be fun for you to see some of my works in progress. Here's my latest I hope to finish today and will most likely list in my Etsy shop by tomorrow. Once complete, I'll post the finished piece and you can see how I've added more texture, deeper colors and a few more characters. I hope to video a painting so you can watch me from start to finish! So off I go to finish this and continue preparation for the Third Annual Tinsel and Treasures Folk Art Show, Saturday, September 18, in Alamo, Ca. You can read all about the details on the website or head to the blog for photos of the participating artists work and the four make and take projects lead by Dede Warren.
I'll also be at Glitterfest Fall, Saturday, October 2, in Southern California. Hope to see you at one or both of these delightful shows!!
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.
Ready to greet all who wander along the nearby path, this scarecrow seems to have a sinister smile. Beware on Halloween, for magic is in the air! An original Halloween watercolor postcard available now through Sunday under my eBay listings. Happy Haunting!
I am a mixed media artist living in the oldest, continuously occupied city in the nation, St. Augustine, Florida! I love to create with paper mache and paper, as well as paint watercolors. Halloween and Christmas are favorite holiday inspirations, as is nature. Remember, each day is a gift.
