Ready for Spring?

I've been extra busy this week getting ready for a spring show that's just around the corner. I also want to try and list a new painting each day in the shop till it's all in. After cleaning up the studio I noticed there's a lot of artwork laying around taking up way too much space.

If you came to my house right now, you would see that housekeeping has not been top on the list. There really wasn't any reason to clean until I was sure the drywall dust was done wafting through the house. Now that the majority of work is done, I can get this place back in some kind of order. (but not today, or tomorrow......maybe next week)

This is one my latest pieces that's now available in my shop.

Well, it's time to get ready for a weekend full of classes, but first...a glass of wine is in order.
Hope you all have a great weekend. Karin

What a perfect way to spend a Saturday

I thought I'd post some pictures of my friend Tina's birthday wine and sweets party from last weekend. Her house is amazing. It's decorated from top to bottom with all her vintage lovelies and paper lanterns.
Here's a shot of Tina in her cute apron.
The sun came out and we all had a nice little buzz going . Thanks Tina for inviting me and introducing me to your fabulous peeps. The sugar high lasted three days!

Some of my favorites

It feels so good to finally get some artwork framed that I've been collecting over the last few months. I was thinking of starting a "Bird Wall' featuring different artists, but then I saw the typewriter and well...things are taking a different direction. I also have a Frida aceo from Danita's shop that I haven't found the right frame for.
The urchin print is obviously one of mine, but I really liked it printed large in a 20 inch frame.
So I think the theme now is shades of blue.

You're probably familiar with these artists, but here's where you can find them just in case.

The Mincing Mockingbird- bird prints
Kate Birch- original paintings on vintage poetry pages.
Michele Maule- Original typewriter illustration

Not new, but finally available

So I finally got around to listed prints of these lovely ladies in my shop. They were such large paintings that it took a fabulous camera (thanks Rachel) and a better set up to get it right. I think I know what my next big purchase will be. Maybe I should start buying lottery tickets?

New Fabric Delivery

I was playing around with some more designs to see how they would translate into fabric. I like a couple of them and may list them in my shop very soon. I was a little disappointed with the birdcage ones (too over saturated for my taste). What do you think? Karin

Mermaid and Goldfish--16x20 inches

Yes..... another goldfish painting.

The paint is still drying on this, but I wanted to snap a picture of it anyway. This one was a lot of fun to do. I haven't worked with this much pink in a while.

Next in line to be completed is a custom piece that I love so much I'm painting a smaller version of it for myself. It still needs some finishing touches before I can share it with you here.

The good thing about doing a little home remodel is that I get a lot of work done in my studio. It's one of the few places in my house that isn't covered in drywall dust.

Goldfish

I just finished this goldfish painting today and have a couple other paintings that are very very close to being done. It's been so much fun working on several different pieces at the same time. I hope to have more to share tomorrow. Karin

Say yes to COLOR!

First of all, I WANT these kitchen cabinets with the concrete top. I love everything about them. Sure it's a color risk, but I think I could live with this color the rest of my life. Art's reaction wasn't like mine so I guess that means no (for now). We shall see.
Here's how it went down.

Me- Look at these amazing cabinets and counter top!
Art-huh?..........silence
Me- Even if we just used it for the center Island?
Art- (still silent)

So as you see, this could take some time and that's okay. I don't have a kitchen fund started yet.

On another note, I've been busy painting up a storm and hope to have something to show you all tomorrow.

The cheesier the better

Those who know me well know that I HATE hearts.
I don't know why they seem so cheesy to me but they do.
So yesterday my sister had a Valentine's Day cake decorating and card making party. I decided to just go for it and heart the crap out of mine.

Furniture Face Lift

This table has been bugging me for a long time. The finish was in bad shape and the top had a leather inset that had seen better days. The only thing it had going for it was its perfect shape and size for displaying birthday cakes and small trees at Christmas.

So I finally got the courage to paint it a chocolaty black and glue down torn up pieces of various world maps in the center. Then I finished it off with several coats of varnish. There was some rippling in the paper, but I don't think it'll be that noticeable if I get a glass top for it.

If you happen to see it at my house, please be kind and don't bring attention to the bubbles. I was very impatient when it came to waiting for the glue to dry before adding a new layer.

Above are some pictures of the whole process. I wish I had one of the table before I started. Oh well.

I love Super Bowl Sunday!

No, I'm not a football fan. Could care less really.
I just love that I can cruise around town.....no lines and no traffic. It's crazy to see this little town so quiet on a weekend.
So I'm back home now and painting away in my studio. (Art's at a friends watching the game) The house is clean and I have one of my fur balls at my feet. It's a good day!
Think it's time for a cocktail too. Hope you all have a great day as well. Karin

What a find

We are doing a little remodeling right now so my house is feeling very discombobulated. I try to focus on the prettier corners to keep my spirits up.
Can you believe I got this groovy mosaic for only $4 at a yard sale? It now lives happily on my mantel.
My collection of pottery had to come down for a week and then got covered in drywall dust. After I cleaned them piece by piece, I fell in love all over again. I thought they looked extra pretty on the green table?

Crazy Chicken?

If you look closely, you'll see our little Ruby perched on top of the arbor of morning glory. This has been her favorite place to hang out the last few days. We thought she was up there looking for bugs, but realized that she was actually laying eggs! Art found two eggs up there today. Crazy girl!
Since we adopted the last three chickens, they have all decided to lay eggs in various places around the yard. It's like going on an Easter egg hunt every day.

Student Art Show

Today their paintings were hung on the student art wall at the Pannikin.
I think this was one of my favorite projects for them. They learned how to collaborate with one another and problem solve when things didn't line up right. I'm so proud of them.