Today was a Marathon Kind of Day

My nephew came over early this morning to hang out so I put him to work as my little assistant.   Today was a long day of candle making, painting, printing out orders, photographing jewelry for the shop and organizing the studio.  

My husband Art (I know, how ironic) greeted me at five o'clock with a glass of wine and informed me that we had some friends coming over for dinner.  His friend has been visiting from Canada so the last few nights have been full of entertaining and classic conversations.  I think I'm ready to hibernate in my own world for the next couple of days so that I'll be fueled up for the weekend ahead.   

A Few Random Paintings

I did these several weeks ago.  They don't belong in any particular series or order, just a lot of fun to do so I thought I'd share them with you.  As soon as I have them photographed for prints, I'll add them to my shop.  I thought that  "Sundae"would make a nice birthday card, Boodika(aka Boo) is a portrait of a friends dog and I haven't titled the other one yet.  Maybe you can help me with that?  Suggestions welcome.  Karin

Miss " Winter"

I finally finished painting "Winter", part of my four seasons series.  I still have spring left to do.  Hopefully I'll be able to start her this week.  Here's a shot of Winter, Autumn and Spring.  Karin

Sunday Show and Tell

"Sunday Show and Tell" is a post that I used to email out regularly to show off some of my younger  students art work.  Since this is the first time that I've posted one my blog, I thought I'd show some past pieces of work that will be on display in May at the Pannikin.  My kids range from 8-14 years old and have really done some amazing stuff.  

Last week, to finish up a series of bird drawings and paintings, I thought it would be nice to draw from live models.  My neighbor was nice enough to loan me her baby chicks for the day so that they could get a close-up look at their anatomy.  They each had one to hold and study, then draw the best they could.  The chicks were so sweet and calm, many falling asleep on their laps.  Too cute.

Right now they are working on paintings featuring bamboo, sea horses, pandas and owls.  I'll feature the progress of these next sunday.   Enjoy, Karin

Planting instead of Painting

I've got a girlfriend of mine coming down for the day so I thought I'd get some gardening in before she gets here. 

 I got these beautiful plants at Barrels and Branches Nursery(in Encinitas).  If you haven't been there before, you MUST check them out.  Samantha and Danika own and run the nursery along with their all female staff of employees. They have given me a space inside her large gift shop.  This is pretty much my last place locally that I sell my candles, art and vintage finds at.  I got burned out of the mass manufactured world of retail last year when I closed my shop at Leaping Lotus, and Barrels and Branches have been huge supporters for local artists.  

This nursery is filled with interesting little nooks, trails and waterfalls.  If they had a coffee vender I'd probably never leave.  It's so close to my house I can walk or ride my bike there, but usually drive so I can shop.  They also had a several page write up last month in Sunset Magazine which they received an overwhelming response from.  You go girls!

Farewell my Feathered Friends

Well, I wasn't planning on blogging about things that sold in my shop, but these two guys were my favorite and I will miss them.  I like to name my little critters after people I known.  First it was my husbands buddies and now I've expanded the name search back even further.  Harry was named after my dad.  He kind of has the same muscular stockiness that my dad had.  Steve, was named after my old roommates friend.  They've packed their bags and are ready for their new home in Seattle.   Goodbye boys!   Karin

Summer

Here's "Miss Summer," part of my four seasons series I've been working on all week.  She's sporting a lovely beehive inspired by our sweet orphaned bees we adopted last fall.  They now live happily in their own abode in the back yard.  Can't wait to harvest some honey this summer.   Karin

A Long Day of Painting

I love days like today when I can shut the world out and paint for hours.  My new studio offers so much more elbow room that I can work on two paintings side by side.  Right now I'm painting a series of four girls, each one illustrating a different season.  I finished "Autumn" a few days ago and today I completed "Summer" and part if "Winter".  Here's a snap shot of "Autumn."  I haven't had a chance to photograph the others yet- maybe tomorrow or I'll wait until they're all done.

Every monday, I have an adult art class with the fabulous Carol who owns the Pannikin and Miss Francesca, our favorite side kick.  We've been busy creating a LARGE elephant mural for the Pannikin.  Hopefully it will be done this summer??  Here are a couple of my charcoal and graphite renderings.  Carol comes up with some really great ideas.  I'm now obsessed with drawing elephants.

Next Needle Felting Class

My next class will be on Sunday, April 5th from 10-2pm.  You can email me for more information.  Here's a picture of some pretty adorable little birds we made in the last one. karingrow@gmail.com

My First Blog Post!

Well, I finally did it.  I am officially a blogger.  I hope I have enough interesting bits of my life to share with you.   

The most exciting project completed this year was my studio remodel.  I now have a giant art studio for painting, making candles and teaching art classes and workshops to kids and adults.  I will be posting many of my latest paintings and other lovelies here before it goes into the shop.  Also, stay tuned for my "Sunday, Show and Tell"  posts which will have  pictures of what my students are working on.  

Right now I'm working on a series of paintings for a few shows coming up.  I'll give you more details as it gets closer.