You're invited!

I can't believe July is right around the corner and it's already chock full of activities and events. Are you all experiencing the same?
Haven't even had a real beach day this summer.

Anyway, I wanted to give all you locals and downtown peeps a heads up on my next art showing so you can add it on your calendar now.

I'm having a artist reception July 14th at 6pm at the Sea Rocket Bistro in North Park.
My urchins and sea creatures will be on display for the month of July. Please come by and say hello. Karin

My cat......the stoner

I vaguely remember sprinkling a package of cat nip seeds in this old terracotta pot. Someone gave them to me and there they sat for several months on the counter. I remember picking it up and thinking "just go throw it in the yard and it'll be out of the way"
Then this plant started to grow and we all thought it was mint but smelled kind of like pot. It got bigger. We soon realized that it was the cat nip when Max would bury his face in it and fall into a deep trance. His eyes would become dilated and I'd find him sleeping in some pretty crazy uncomfortable positions. He's also been climbing in every bodies car lately. That I'm not too happy about.

I'm now trying to dry some of it and make my kitties cat nip toys for Christmas. Who could possibly be thinking of Christmas this soon? That would be me......number one pet parent....or parent of a stoner. What ever you want to call me.

So here are some recent shots of him passed out in my studio. Classic

Father's Day Weekend--art classes

Here are some examples of what my students were doing in art class this weekend. I decided to go super old school this month and have them focus on their drawing skills using still life objects. Last week it was dried poppy pods in charcoal.
Once they get to a certain comfort level on their piece, I like to sit with them an draw along.
Today's assignment was to draw their hand. Why is there a bird in the mix?.........Because I didn't feel like drawing my hand or using charcoal that day. Part of being the teacher means that no one can tell me what to draw. ha ha
Looks a little different from my normal style eh, but this is how I have to draw when teaching. My job is to teach them classical art techniques so they'll be more confident with their ability later when they're developing their own style. I don't want them drawing the same thing over an over, stuck in a rut. It would be so great to see them when they're 30 or 40 and how their art has evolved. Since I know a lot of these kids from birth, I'm sure I'll get the chance. I'll be the old lady with wrinkles, a white bun on her head, and paint all over my apron.


Anyway....... didn't they do a great job?
My second class also produced some amazing watercolors which unfortunately I forgot to get a shot of. I'll see if they'll bring them back next week so I can show you.

Custom orders

Some old, some older than old, and some I just started working on.
I don't know why I didn't share these earlier. They've been in my photo gallery forever and I thought I'd show you before I move them out.

The sweatshirt design was for the Pannikin's employees last Christmas. Man, that was forever ago. It's an image of a sexy senorita with espresso making gadgets in each hand as if she was holding pistols. They didn't want to use my title for it on account of it being spanishlish (spanish/english), but I kind of liked it. I called it "No messo with me espresso!"
Here in southern California, I think spanglish deserves to be real language....don't you think? It's the only language I'm really fluent in.

The chickadee painting was a custom that my client gifted to her good friend. I love how cute and small it is.

The last sketches to be painted are for Zuri (brother-in-law). I'll post some real pictures when I'm further along.....and no, the words aren't going to be on the paintings. Just thought I'd title them for my own kicks.
Zuri wants these for his baby's nursery.
That was really weird to write. (Zuri, I know you're reading this. Was that weird for you too?) I still can't believe my sisters having a baby! So excited!!!

That's it for now.
I'm currently working on some other custom paintings for some great clients but it's too soon to share. Soon...I promise.

Have a great weekend! Karin

NOW OPEN!

New Shop...."Where Sourgrass Grows" is my way of releasing some of my vintage stash to you all.
Like how I slipped my last name in there?

That's right.....it's time for this vintage hoarder to share with the rest of the world. It also fuels my love of treasure hunting.

I'll be listing new items for the next few weeks as I slowly clean out the cupboards and hit a few sales too.

Finishing up

Here they are...

All finished with chain and handcrafted clasps made from sterling wire and hammered for a lovely effect. Needless to say, I'm very pleased with the result.... and only kept 6 for myself. Pretty generous of me don't you think?

Seems like I only make jewelry about once or twice a year when inspiration hits, so I'm enjoying this ride as long as it lasts.

Charm--ing

I spent most of today turning my jewels into necklace pendants. I'm starting to get the hang of it but realize it will take lots of practice to master the art of soldering.

Pictured above-----a mix of vintage glass, turquoise and beautiful chrysoprase.
Yes I posted three pictures of the same thing. If it took you six hours to make 21 charms, you would too.. so don't judge.

Haven't picked out which one(s) I get to keep yet. Since I made a few doubles... I'm thinking I'll start with one of each. Why not right?

Once I make the chains for these they will either go in my shop or an upcoming art show. If you see one you can't live without, feel free to inquire.

Weekly update

In case you were wondering where I've been.... and maybe even worried about my absence here, this post should put your mind at ease.

This week has been booked full of activities with family, friends and events. Definitely feels like June. Always a busy time with parties and graduations.

My art classes also started back up this month and I was really impressed with their work and enthusiasm. Here's Andrew with a portrait of his cat Romeo. Romeo's health has been pretty poor lately and he was worried he wouldn't finish it in time. You can kind of see the sadness behind his smile.....so sad.

The rest of the week was spent hosting a cocktail party, a little beach time, going to a birthday dinner and today was the banner auction at Seaside Market. It was my first time painting a street banner and I'm already thinking up some new ideas for next year. (that's my "Beekeeper" painting hanging on the second floor.) I want to say thank you to the guy who purchased her at the auction. Hope you find the perfect spot to hang her.

I hope you all enjoyed the beautiful weather and spent lots of time outdoors.