Beth Rommel

Saturated Local Color

2012-02-13T14:45:00.000-05:00

Oil painting class is continuing at the beautiful Callanwolde with patient and talented instructor Pat Hobaugh. Over the last two weeks we painted our still lives as value studies. As you can see my rooster has a sepia toned Depression era look about him.

The following week we applied "local color" in a flat wash over the painting.

If you have followed my blog for a time you know I like color. My rooster has taken on a Wizard of Oz, Somewhere Over the Rainbow appearance with his saturated colors.

The lady who sits next to me, Tariqa Waters, is a wonderful artist. She has chosen a different perspective on the flowers, rooster, and "what-not" sitting on display for our artistic endeavors. Here is her value study:

Now, with local color added.
She has chosen a more muted palette than I.

We were all hesitant to add color, being pretty pleased with our tonal studies. It was a leap to just add color. Later this week we will add details and enhance the light and dark.
Stay tuned for more as our paintings progress.

A Poodle Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

2012-01-31T11:24:00.000-05:00

I have been at a loss for words so have not been writing too much. I have been painting so thought a photo of the latest pet portrait would suffice. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words.
If you are interested portraits are done by commission. You can contact me at beth@niftyartgirl.com for more information.

Creative Bang

2012-01-16T14:19:00.000-05:00

2011 ended with a creative bang. This portrait of our neighbor's 14 year old son was a surprise gift. It was so much fun to take up brushes and paint a likeness. There will be more of these in the future with the new series I am in the planning stages of.

Also over the holidays my son and I created a painting for another family member. Each evening one of us would disappear into the studio to create.

We alternated working on the canvas, not allowing the other to see until we were finished for that session.

These are some of the stages we went through before we came to the final product.

Cards Still Available

2011-12-13T11:47:00.000-05:00

I have been filling an order for cards over the last week. The birds are a favorite theme this year. This collage is named "Believe".

I have used another bit of imagination and called this card "Sparrow". I am sure you are wondering where I get these brilliant bits of inspiration in the naming of my artwork.

A little genius from Leonardo da Vinci and a sketch of another bird are "Take Flight".

I have found drawing all of these birds this Christmas has given me faith in my drawing again. After the gift giving is over I will post a portrait I have been commissioned to do.

Orders for cards are still being taken. If you are interested please email me immediately at beth@niftyartgirl.com. Cards are $5.00, each is an original piece of artwork and could be matted and framed. The birds are each hand drawn and colored.

To Begin Again

2011-11-28T14:01:00.000-05:00

"Two birds in the hand" is the name of this little painting.

"Madonna" is the name of this little painting.

I have been producing more little paintings, fewer details, meeting more deadlines.

Along the way I have been introduced to the art of two men who hold a devoted hand to their paintbrushes and sculpting tools.

Alexi Torres a master painter of such passion and detail and Grainger McKoy a sculptor of birds in flight, in life, in a vulnerable recovery.

I have learned more from seeing the work of these men and being in their presence. It sounds a little creepy and new-agey using phrases like that, but feeling the commitment to their art. Their love for what they do. The attention they pay their art. It is a wake-up call to me.

I have been reminded of this recently in my own work. Slow down and reconnect with what makes my art my own. The detail, the color, the beth of the art is what is missing.

Regroup and begin again.

copyright 2011 Beth Crews Rommel

Life Just Carried Her Away

2011-11-09T11:01:00.000-05:00

A client who bought a painting several years ago asked if I had any angel paintings available this year. Of course the answer is always "yes".

So I got busy creating some new angels to keep my older angels company. This is one I finished yesterday. She is a long tall drink of heavenly acrylic on a 12" x 24" canvas.

I have been painting lots of small canvases for the Christmas season. A Decatur hair salon and boutique, The Beehive Hair Company, has asked for some pieces and some original artcards.

I have three pieces for the show at the Swan Coach House Gallery.

This is "Then Life Just Carried Her Away", a small 8" x 8" canvas.

All work is copyright of Beth Crews Rommel 2011.

Storyteller

2011-10-31T14:05:00.000-04:00

Having spent so much time in Santa Fe surrounded by American Indian art I find myself using elements of it in my creations.

This is the "Storyteller".

The storyteller dolls in New Mexico are from the Pueblo people. The dolls are typically surrounded by figures who are listening to their tales. My woman is carrying her listeners along as she explores and finds new stories.

This is a bit autobiographical....and will be seen at the Swan Coach House Gallery show later this month. She measures 8" x 8" on a gallery wrapped canvas of 11/2" depth.

copyright Beth Crews Rommel 2011

Little Ideas Mean a Lot

2011-10-24T17:15:00.000-04:00

Before I begin a painting there is a process of thinking, planning and staging my materials.

There is quite a bit of time that passes when I mull over ideas. That kind of goes like this:

Where will my paintings take place?
Will there be flying people?
What are they thinking about?
What is accompanying them?
Is this an academic piece to revisit traditional subject matter?
Do I have reference materials/photos of this subject?
Stop thinking and get busy!

The drawing above is done on movers packing paper with a sharpie. It is a study for "Our Lady of the Seeds and Weeds". the finished painting in acrylic on a 16"x 20" canvas is pictured below.

I have been sketching and painting small pieces for a show at The Swan Coach House Gallery. I am so pleased to be included in the Little Things Mean A Lot Show that begins mid-November. The gallery is located in the Buckhead area of Atlanta off West Paces Ferry at 3130 Slaton Drive. Plan lunch and a little shopping while visiting this lovely space.

all work copyrighted by Beth Crews Rommel 2011

Good-Bye "Good-Bye Lady"

2011-09-26T12:39:00.000-04:00

The "Good-Bye Lady" now has a home in California. She will not be returning from her west coast debut. Somebody liked her enough to offer her a new home with a check attached. I am so fond of this painting, she is very autobiographical, waving good-bye to her farm and farmer. My friends in Florida tended me as good friends and farmers do.

They made sure I had lots of nurturing.

It is sad to see your spot in book club, the one you co-founded with your good buddy ten years ago, taken by a new member. It is sad to know your spot in the car for the annual trip to the antique barns will be filled by someone else. It is sad to know you can't do a sneak birthday attack on a friend's special day.

However, the time together, when it comes, will be sweeter than ever. The hugs will have new meaning, the cups of coffee more conversation, and the glasses of wine will be raised to enduring friendship.

Go West.

2011-08-25T11:57:00.000-04:00

My ladies have gone west to Davis, California for the Pour for Prevention event this Saturday evening. This is a time to thank the people who work with abused children. Their heartbreaking job is so important and sadly even necessary. My friend, artist and art therapist, Hannah Hunter describes this art and vintner collaboration, the meaning behind it and the terrible statistics that befall children in our country on her blog. As we read the newspaper we daily see the need for child abuse agencies. It is a sad commentary on our world that is even necessary, but it is.

If you will be in Sacramento this weekend please consider attending this event. You will have the opportunity to taste fine wines and view great art. For more information, click here for the details.

Carrying a Kindle Instead

2011-08-01T12:20:00.000-04:00

As of this morning my computer is up and transmitting for the first time since we moved. What a relief to have my trusty keyboard and monitor and all that goes with it.

While unpacking boxes and hanging artwork in our new house I planned my next pieces. My friend, Hannah Hunter has invited me to participate in a show in Davis, California. The event will take place at the end of this month. I will send "Good-Bye" the lady in the yellow and pink dress, but wanted two new pieces for the California debut.

With this show in mind I have created "Lady of the Written Word". Maybe it is the many boxes of books I moved, or the 20 bags of books I donated to charity before we moved, or the love I now have for my Kindle that prompted this piece.

I was one of those folks who said I need to have the sensory experience of touching the cover and turning the pages. I was after all a librarian and have always wanted to illustrate children's books.

Last night after switching off my trusty Kindle I realized it is the words in the book that hold me spellbound. The turning of the pages is okay, but the fact that I am building my own library in a slim volume of my own is pretty fantastic. I marvel at all of the words I can hold in my hand and access in an almost weightless volume.

Maybe the next painting of the "Lady of the Written Word" should be a figure with a Kindle flying happily as she holds her complete library in one hand. She won't be groaning as she carries boxes of her treasured tomes up several flights of stairs.

10 things I have Noticed

2011-06-07T11:58:00.000-04:00

I have made mental notes of some things I have noticed in my first weeks in our new hometown of Atlanta.

1. The restaurants are fantastic. Fresh food, imagination in cuisine and surroundings, and there is a lot to choose from.

2. It is hot, but it is dry heat:)

3. The Botanical Gardens are beautiful. A demonstration kitchen in the heart of the vegetable garden, the herb wall, the orchid house, the conservatory with quail wandering about inside, the Hydrangeas, the canopy walk...a real treat even in the summer heat...shade works.

4. Traffic abounds.

5. I am going to love Decatur. Tons of sand are being brought to the square this weekend for a beach party. What fun if I had small children.

6. The farmer's markets are full of great food right now...corn, peaches, tomatoes.

7. I wish I had some friends here to explore with.

8. Almost every person I pass on my walks says, "hello." The southern way, how nice.

9. My French Market coffee is $7.99 a pound at the grocery! Ack! That is crazy expensive.

10. We need rain in the worst way. That would then change the dry heat equation...hmm.

The High Museum is on my to-do list for today. I will report back on that adventure.

Be Still

2011-05-26T16:23:00.000-04:00

I have three of my favorite paintings with me. The "Cowboy", the "Sailor" and the pink and yellow clothed lady named "Good-bye". They are propped on the floor of this Buckhead living room. I am seeing them again, remembering their colors and patterns, and reminding myself why they are my favorites. They are part of my heart.

I began to visit galleries yesterday.

Here was the one I had seen on my past visits. This was the spot with the great location in my new hometown. Looks like a lovely space. Walk in...artwork stacked haphazardly on the floor. A painting hanging on the wall with a ladder leaning against it. How could it be? Art abuse.

My 2 dimensional children deserve a better home than that.

We are anxious to settle down, my artwork and me. This was not the place for us. We must keep searching...

In the last 24 hours two wise voices have kindly counseled me to slow down and take my time. Then on her last show Oprah mentioned "being still" and listening before making a decision. Looking before leaping, thinking it through, saying a prayer.

Sage words.

A reflection of my past year. Patience.

copyright Beth Crews Rommel

Savannah Billboard Art Project

2011-05-12T08:59:00.000-04:00

Some old friends like this sailor and many new ones will be gracing the billboard at Hodgson Memorial Dr. across from Oglethorpe Mall in Savannah, GA this Saturday. The following is a press release for more information:

“The Billboard Art Project – Savannah, GA”

When:
Saturday, May 14th, 2011,
12:00 a.m. – 11:59 p.m.

Where:
Lamar Advertising LED Digital Billboards in Savannah, GA
On Hodgson Memorial Drive, northbound exposure, across from Oglethorpe Mall

What:
A Lamar Advertising digital billboard has been privately acquired for
a continuous period of twenty-four hours during which time art work
will be on display. Over fifty artists from all over the United
States, a few from foreign countries, and nine seriously ill children
from the Backus Children’s Hospital will have their submissions on
display within an eight hour show that will repeat two times. There
are over 2,000 different images total in this particular show. The
project is part of an ongoing national exhibit appearing in cities on
digital billboards all across the country throughout the year.

About:
“The Billboard Art Project – Savannah, GA” is the third roadside
gallery presentation of artists brought together by The Billboard Art
Project, a program designed to explore and promote the usage of LED
billboards as an artistic medium all across the country. It is one of
many such shows that will appear in other cities as time and funding
permits. Each show features different artists and completely new
work. The project is open to anyone interested in participating.

Participants:
Anna Bruinsma – Los Angeles, CA
Anne Blix – Richmond, VA
Bernard Klevickas – Long Island City, NY
Beth Crews Rommel – Oviedo, FL
Blake Weld – St. Louis Park, MN
Carrie Lee Schwartz – Folsom, LA
Casey Smallwood – Chicago, IL
Chau Dang – Seattle, WA
Claire Accardo – Richmond, VA
CJ Nye – New York, NY
Colin Kidder – Memphis, TN
∞ Compagnons de Route ∞ – Antwerp, Belgium & Regensburg, Germany
Damali Abrams – New York, NY
Dan VanLandingham – Martha’s Vineyard, MA
Danny Volk – Chicago, IL
Dawn Hunter – Columbia, SC
Desmal Purcell – Stillmore, GA
Donald Gialanella – Topanga, CA
Elisha Gold – Memphis, TN
Erin Desmond – Los Angeles, CA
Ginny Lloyd – Jupiter, FL
Janice Tieken – Ventura, CA
Jason Miller – Memphis, TN
Jennifer Rarick – Atlanta, GA
Jo Q. Nelson – Long Island City, NY
Jodie Lyn-Kee-Chow – Queens, NY
Joseph Ayers – Beacon, NY
Joshua Barber – Richmond, VA
Kathleen Judge – Chicago, IL
Kerry Woo – Nashville, TN
Laura Zaylea – Atlanta, GA
Lori Lipsman – San Diego, CA
Marcellous Lovelace – Kumasi, Ghana
Mardi Linane – Redlands, CA
Michael Krasowitz – Huntington Station, NY
Michele Guieu – Sunnyvale, CA
Natalie von Loewenfeldt – Savannah, GA
Norma Greenwood – New York, NY
Phillip Hanson – Saginaw, MI
Rachael Gorchov – New York, NY
Rashad Doucet – Savannah, GA
Robert Goodman – Philadelpihia, PA
Rosemary Williams – St. Paul, MN
Ruby Hilliard – Savannah, GA
Sarah Farahat – Portland, OR
Scott Allen Motley – Savannah, GA
Stephen Paul Connor – Austin, TX
Subhashis Chakraborty – Kolkata, India
Terry Ward – VA & Brooklyn, NY

For more information please contact:
David Morrison, curator, founder of The Billboard Art Project
admin@bilboardartproject.com
(804) 648-2422

Billboard Art Project Website
www.billboardartproject.com

"Home"

2011-05-03T09:24:00.000-04:00

In the midst of the insanity that a move makes there comes a stirring of the heart. A little distraction from contracts and irrational sellers was a welcome thing. At this point I reintroduce the Dynamic Duo collaboration I have been working on with friend and fellow artist, M.K. Shaw. The discussions began in the midst of visits by realtors in both our homes. The importance of a home, a nest, is embedded in all of us. A "safe place to fall" as has been said. Especially now I want to curl up in my home and never leave, but times are what they are and it is time in my mobile society to move on.

This is how our piece came to be. The nest, the little colorful bird, her treasure hidden away in the niches, the sky in which to fly, and the quote you have read in my post before, "Home's not merely four square walls, home is where affection calls" define where I am.

photo: Beth (left) and M.K. Shaw with "Home". The day the piece is being shipped to Connecticut's Celebrations Gallery.

Nashville Billboards April 2, 2011

2011-03-29T11:10:00.000-04:00

This is the weekend the Billboard Art Project will exhibit the work of 21 artists from around the world in Nashville. As the copy reads,
"21 artists, 4 billboards, 24 hours."
Paintings and photographs will be projected larger than life around the city on this Saturday, April 2.

Be sure to cheer when you see some familiar art by this artist, Beth Crews Rommel. Yes, niftyart will be projected to 21' by 10' size for all of Nashville to see.

David Morrison is the man behind this project. He held the first digital exhibit in Richmond, Virginia last year. As David writes on facebook, "The Billboard Art Project is a viable artistic medium that takes art out of its normal confines and clusters and allows for the marvelous inadvertent discovery that wakes people from the mundane. The Billboard Art Project is a conduit for the dissemination of variety – cultural, philosophical, spiritual, whimsical, striking, and the sublime."

So send yourself, your friends, your family to view the spiritual, the whimsical, the striking and the sublime in Nashville this weekend.

Follow this link to find locations, artists, and more information about the Billboard Art Project.

and thank you David Morrison.

What if there are no threads? The third year tapestry unfolds.

2011-03-23T15:18:00.000-04:00

At a loss for blogging words and direction, I confided the void to my artist friend, Hannah Hunter. She responded with the query, "What if there is no thread?" I wrote down those words and began to realize the thread had been misplaced.

Posting a photo of my artwork has been the common thread through the two years of the niftyartgirl blog. There have been many unrelated threads in my life lately: a large graphic design job, travel to Texas, keeping the house in order for showings, but the fine silk of art had slipped away for a bit. I am knotting and reweaving those shimmering threads.

Among those threads is a large painting in the studio, a stack of small paintings ready to move to the co-op and a piece to "weave" with a friend. What better tying together of visions than that with a fellow artist.

I am honored to say M.K. Shaw invited me to work with her on a collaborative piece for an exhibit in Connecticut. It will be part of the Dynamic Duo show at the Celebrations Gallery in Pomfret Center.

We spent Monday afternoon in a wondrous free flow of ideas. It began with our writing every idea that occurred to us independently. There were two pages filled with a swirling colorful combination of words.

A trip to M.K.'s laboratory of all things hunted and treasured was next on the agenda. Several boxes later a fabulous framework to house our creation was unearthed.

Once again a flow of ideas on paper to develop a more concrete plan. We revisited favorite artists on the web. A search through M.K.'s grad school sketchbook brought us to another discovery. This photo represents the first step in that direction.

Last year M.K. and I created portraits of each other. What will the warp and woof of this year bring. Please return for the third year of the niftyartgirl blog.

Little Queenie

2011-02-23T16:46:00.000-05:00

A New Orleans friend of mine posted something about the singer Lil Queenie so with that in mind I thought,"go ahead." Having had a great aunt, a pony, and a dog named Queenie I figure the name is there to be shared. Putting together the new Queenie was a way to relax while I am in the midst of a big graphic design project.

To make your own "Little Queenie":
1. Paint, gesso and texture small stretched canvas.
2. Create a character from random lines.
3. Cut out said character and decorate the clothing, draw a face, enjoy this. Let the shapes direct your brain instead of trying to impose what you think is right.
4. Using modge podge adhere figure and background details to canvas.
5. Find a pithy quote to describe your creation. Print or write and attach to piece.

A Bright Lady

2011-02-16T21:53:00.000-05:00

I was painting this lady as I listened to an audio book about women in China. The descriptions of their brightly colored clothes stuck with me as I came to this dress. As the story developed there were many good-byes and that stuck with me too. As this woman leaves the farm she waves as the wind carries her away.

copyright 2011 Beth Crews Rommel
acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas 16"x 20"

Love Love Love

2011-02-14T12:57:00.000-05:00

A little Valentine's Day message for my friends and family.

"May you always feel loved."

copyright 2011 Beth Crews Rommel

Home is Where Affection Calls

2011-02-08T17:40:00.000-05:00

From the age of 7 I wore glasses. My whole family wore glasses. My sister and I thought of ourselves as owls resembling the cartoons we saw and drew. When our dad would travel we would write a letter for him to take on the plane and read while he was away. He traveled a lot, there were a lot of letters. Our closing signature was "us" with a drawing of a daddy owl and two little girl owls, all with glasses.

I have been thinking a lot about what home means. Every weekend, as a child, my family would drive north away from New Orleans to Folsom, LA. We spent countless weekends there at the family farm. There was a little plaque on the wall in the kitchen. It read,
"Home is Not Merely Four Square Walls
Home is Where Affection Calls."

I believe in the words on that plaque like no others. Regardless of where or what, it is who that makes a family. This little collage I made today illustrates that thought with my own little family of owls. My two children, husband and myself with our myopic eyes.

To make this:
1. Recycle an old painting by covering it with fibrous, handmade papers in orange, green, and putty. Adhere the papers with Modpodge.
2. Cut out owls from an old bird guide and adhere them with Modpodge.
3. Paint branches.
4. Type favorite expression in chosen font. Print it. Cut it out. Modpodge to surface.
5. Cover sides of painting with more handmade paper in coordinating color.

I think I have to keep this one.

Recommit

2011-02-07T15:55:00.000-05:00

I have been browsing though a wonderful book entitled Altered Books Workshop by Bev Brazelton. After absorbing and reflecting on some of the information I went to my Borders Bookstore and happened upon what I think is the perfect starting place for my own altered book.

There are several things to consider when choosing the "bones" of your altered book. One of them is a binding which will allow you to add to the page's depth and still close. This spiral binding is my answer. Without that space the artist must remove pages to accommodate the bulk from added materials.

I decided to revisit the word commit.

I have always loved typefaces.Driving to the airport this morning at 4:30 a.m. I heard a BBC radio program about a show hanging at MOMA based on typefaces. The seed was planted.

It was time to begin:
1. I started with gesso, paint, sandpaper and Modpodge to refinish the front of my book.
2. I went through my computer to get some ideas for an assortment of fonts, then with paintbrush and a variety of acrylic colors I translated them to the word "commit".
3. Next my name was applied with a family of alphabet stamps and some metallic acrylic paint.
4. The fun with ink and arrows and dotted lines began.
5. My dear friend Laural took a picture of me at the beach several weeks ago. Today I had it jump through some Photoshop hoops and wound up with these images. I sized them according to the design in my head.
6. With my trusty ragged edge scissors I trimmed around the three different sized photos.
7. With Modpodge I adhered the photos to my textured cover.
8. With a little more ink, more arrows and lines I was done.

Clearly this is my book. My face and name are on the cover.

Now to recommit to my art journal. The newest copy of Somerset Studio's Art Journaling is at my side. When my own wains there will be inspiration at hand.

My Walk in Photos

2011-02-03T14:36:00.000-05:00

I Put My Mind to This.

2011-01-24T11:02:00.000-05:00

This is "Playing a Little Love. The Violin Lady." She is now being shown at Artistree Co-op. Painting something joyous is a good counter to the graphic design projects I do on the side. Or is it I paint on the side? The graphics have been my mainstay since I graduated from college in the "cut and paste" days. My job producing yearbooks took me out of the dark ages into the forefront of technology where I learned to use photoshop and indesign. I am eternally grateful for that job. I left my comfort zone and learned so many things. The most important thing I learned is that I could do whatever I put my mind to.
I am going back through the curriculum from Alyson Stanfield's Blast Off class. I took the class a year ago and have decided to revisit my goals, tolerations, etc. I rewrote my affirmations.
1. I choose to build others up.
2. I choose to have faith and believe wholly in God.
3. I choose to be healthy: to eat fruit and vegetables and exercise daily.
4. I choose to dispose of the unnecessary, unkind and untrue.
5. I choose self discipline and strength.
6. I choose to grow in vision...see more of what the world and others have to offer.

There are more, but they are not relevant in this post. I will put my mind to these, as I can do whatever I put my mind to. Even number 3...ugh.

The First Journal Entry

2011-01-03T17:46:00.000-05:00

Here is the first art journal entry for the Milliande.com 2011 project. The prompt pertained to a zebra pattern. Follow along...it is fun to see what women around the world are thinking.

Put Aside the Blues and Dance

2010-12-31T13:39:00.004-05:00

It is the time of year to look back and see what has unfolded in the past 365 days.
It is the time of year to figure out what needs to be done to make the next 365 days better than the last.

Of course sometimes there is nothing one can do to overcome obstacles of economic, physical, or other stresses. We are finishing a year that saw five months of unemployment, dashed hopes and disappearance of dreams.

The coming year will be one of rebuilding, starting over and recouping the phantoms of hope.

How does one come up with dreams? Come up with new goals and aspirations?

Letting life host optimism isn't always easy.

But I will try again.

I have started countless journals.

As gardeners do after a freeze I will gather my tools and seeds of ideas and sow and reap again. On the right side of this blog is a new link to the Milliande Art Community 2011 Journal Project. With the help of this link I will follow along and join other women around the world as they too put images and words to paper. If you are a woman looking for a new way to start the year you may join also.

The site will post videos which can be downloaded to watch when and if you want.
The site will post ideas and themes for inspiration.
The site will post your and other artists' artwork if you choose to join in.

The optimism is building. I am looking through the stacks to find the right journal for this year's art therapy. Commit is one of the words I will use to bring in the new year.

'Tis the spirit.

2010-12-06T12:55:00.002-05:00

“It is not the weight of jewel or plate, Or the fondle of silk or fur; 'Tis the spirit in which the gift is rich, As the gifts of the Wise Ones were, And we are not told whose gift was gold”
Edmund Vance Cooke

A departure from painting canvas or paper. I took a little sabbatical from the norm, for me, and tried out a little dye on silk. Here are the results.

Katrina Painting Revisited

2010-12-02T21:22:00.004-05:00

“It was like being in the eye of a hurricane. You'd wake up in a concert and think, Wow, how did I get here?”
John Lennon

I wonder what drugs he was doing? I don't ever remember going to sleep during any part of a hurricane because I wanted to know how I got where I was or how was I going to get where I needed to be.

The painting that I posted several months ago, Katrina, has been chosen for the artistsregistry.com members juried show this month in Orlando at the Gallery at Avalon Island. I will let you know the date for the opening in a future blog post so you can join us for the evening event downtown.

Today was the Trinity Prep Art Bazaar organized by genius potter Dawn Ferguson. It was fun to be with like minded artsy souls and to be back on the Trinity campus where I could enjoy the lake views and be sentimental about the ten years our children spent there. The staff and faculty was well represented by Kym Moreland-Garnett, Dawn Ferguson, Irina Ashkraft and Randi Rolek. A lot of artistic talent among these ladies. Thank you to the Patrons of the Arts for their support of the arts at this fine school and thank you to my wonderful friends who stopped by to show their support too.

Words of Caution. Lots of Togetherness Ahead.

2010-11-22T09:34:00.004-05:00

If you get to thinking you're a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else's dog around. ~Will Rogers

One thinks one has a way with animals when their own pets behave, sort of like children. Call the neighbors' wayward Husky or teach a class of elementary students and you will immediately understand this isn't so. You really hold no sway over anybody else. Your pets and family love you. They put up with you and roll over for you.

One thinks one is pretty powerful. Lol!

With that in mind, a word of caution: try to keep your opinions to yourself this week. If you don't, can't, won't do something yourself let somebody else do it without your comments. Keep your lips sealed unless they are opened to allow a beneficial high alcohol content liquid pass between them.

With that in mind, have a designated driver, a designated turkey carver or designated knife sharpener. Play it safe this Thanksgiving.

With that in mind, I am thankful for all of you who take a minute out of your day to read my meanderings. Blessings to all.

Just a Little Snack Ahead

2010-11-17T08:53:00.005-05:00

Dogs laugh, but they laugh with their tails. ~Max Eastman, Enjoyment of Laughter

As the holiday pace begins I am going to streamline my blog. I know everybody is busy and has little time to read paragraph after paragraph while planning their meals and shopping in addition to all of the things they do in the real world. With that in mind the next two months I will post an image and a quotation I feel is particularly apropos. I hope you will enjoy a little "snack" of blog.
With love...Beth

Even Big Dogs Can Be "All That"

2010-11-10T14:40:00.006-05:00

This beautiful mastiff was in Austin at the Gypsy Picnic Trailer Food Festival.
My son, brother, mom and I went to check out the fare while we were in the city for my sister's wedding.

The sky was as brilliant and clear as a fall day should be in Texas. Therefore thousands of folks turned out for the event. The food was delicious, the music was loud, and the dogs were plentiful. This was, after all, Austin. If you are outside you must have your dog with you, because they love this kind of thing. Really? I can only speak for the dogs we have had.

Back to glitter.

While in Austin we saw so many dogs not only at this food truck festival, but at the Pit Bull Parade on Sunday. Photos of glittered pit bulls are still to come.

Stay tuned.

Coming Home and Visiting Kirby

2010-11-02T11:34:00.003-04:00

The glitter addiction is continuing in the studio.

This is our friend Kirby. Honorable pug and all around nice guy. We visited yesterday so he could model for me. He is a good boy. He smiled, he posed, he napped and best of all he didn't chase the UPS truck when he had the chance.

I have just returned from a trip to Atlanta to survey neighborhoods we would like to settle in. We are moving to the area once we sell our home in Florida.

Looking at the very cute bungalows (translate small) and ranch style homes (translate, we have lived in ranch homes and know we will need to do a lot of updating) I realize what a great house we have.

Several years ago we added a large studio and patio so I could enjoy the tropical garden filled with hummingbirds and butterflies and the woods that give me total privacy in my hidden art world. How will I find that again?

Sigh...I may have to muster the strength to create another, but there will never be another like this. The fountain has provided water for squirrels, birds, and lizards and soothed a ragged soul plenty of times. The patio has hosted numerous coffees and glasses of wine. This space is my safe harbor, my artist studio, my retreat, my sanctuary. I will miss it very much.

But the art comes from within so will be with me wherever I go.

Pretty Little Ladies

2010-10-28T12:34:00.001-04:00

Just a note to honor so many great women in my life. From my daughter and other women in my family to my beautiful friends who are my adopted family.
Love you all.

You gotta get up. You gotta get out. You gotta get up, get out and live it.

2010-10-25T14:41:00.006-04:00

Sometimes you need a little push to get back on track. I was reading an article in "O" magazine by Dr. Phil about harnessing your personal power when I found it.

"Live Passionately," Dr. Phil writes," Figuring out what nourishes you and then being disciplined about doing it- that's real power."

This is where I am in this new week. Identifying what gets me up in the morning, scheduling the time and keeping to the plan.

Glitter is part of the mix, part of the magic.
Being busy, having a lot to do helps me immensely.
Getting sleep, interesting concept considering I was up at 3:30 to make a trip to the airport, but it makes me joyful to be rested.
Doing things for somebody else, friends, family, always good incentive. It makes me happy too.
And doing what I said I would do. The expression,"The road to hell is paved with good intentions." Illustrates my psyche. If I can't/won't/don't do what I said the guilt is hellish.
SO get up get busy and enjoy. All with a sprinkle of glitter.

See my fresh for the holidays website. There is more information for ordering your own glitter portraits and Christmas cards. http://www.niftyartgirl.com

All That Glitters

2010-10-19T13:07:00.005-04:00

Making art and making myself happy is what happens when I put these Glitter Portraits together. From taking the photos, doing a little digital magic to them, then applying glitter, ink and paint to the new "canvas" all is a new pleasure to me.

Taking photos of the wondrous Frankie started this whole new line. Thank you to his "mom", Jeanine, who allowed me to feed him treats and take pictures till I had the perfect shot.

Experimenting with different digital effects to get the intended look was the next step.

Then the next wave of fun began with the magic and mess that is glitter. The magic and mess that is paint. And the magic and mess that is glue. The glitter was everywhere. The work tables, the glue, the floor, and upon glancing in the mirror, me.

Working on the underside of a canvas where I could corral the glitter was a help in subsequent glitter missions.

The results really appeal to the black velvet painter in me. I am the person who wants to wear faux leopard daily, sequins nightly and mirabou before breakfast. But doesn't. I am only sorry there wasn't pink hair dye when I was in college haunting the art buildings.

If you are interested in ordering your own personal glitter portrait contact me at niftyartgirl@yahoo.com.

Mayhem is a popular word these days.

2010-09-22T09:22:00.005-04:00

I have been searching for a subject to write about. I prefer to blog when I have a graphic to illustrate what has been going on in my studio. For the last few months there has not been a lot of activity of that sort.

Most of you know I am moving to Georgia when our house sells.

Chaos, turmoil, mayhem are good ways to describe the house right now. I have had painters in and outside the house for a few weeks putting on a fresh coat of paint, making little repairs while I depersonalize (as the real estate profession likes to call it). All of it is to make it appear that no humans with personality live in what is still my home.

To ease this distress I have been taking photos of my house. These vignettes confirm who the family is that lives here. I need these.

I have assembled some very simple collages of the interior and exterior. Clearly the inside reflects our individual personalities and the love we have for each other. The outside reflects the passion we have had in planting and nurturing our green children. Each plant photo is of somebody we brought into our garden. Each poster, painting, and souvenir inside is a part of something that has made us who we are.

There are good memories in every home. And there will be good memories in the next one too.

It was Gorey

2010-08-26T12:04:00.003-04:00

Tuesday morning we went to the Orlando Museum of Art to see the Edward Gorey show.

Loving illustration I knew it would be fun. It was a treat. Gorey's humor, his incredible skill with pen and ink and wit was inspiring.

I am including a little drawing I did after seeing that show.

Check out Artistree Co-op to see some new work.

Katrina is Complete

2010-08-23T11:01:00.003-04:00

Katrina has been completed. It is purely coincidence that this is the hurricane's 5th anniversary.

This is the final version of the storm in my hurricane series. Several months ago I was working on her and posted a snippet on this blog. I looked at her as the months passed and finally knew what I had to do...paint over the collage background. The resulting texture has given the piece a depth she didn't previously have.

The water bird in the foreground is another character in southern tragedies. They appear so fragile with their long legs and necks. Their vulnerability is shared with the woman and baby. However the drive to survive is shared by both mankind and nature.

In the end, as depicted in this painting, both New Orleans, as portrayed by the woman, and the city's future, as depicted by the baby, and the surrounding nature, as represented by the water bird are still standing. A little shaken, but nevertheless back on their feet. If you have lived in or visited the city you understand that feeling.

2129 Miles: Coal Trains, Sunflowers, Buttes, and Miles of Miles of Texas

2010-08-18T12:08:00.008-04:00

The end of the summer spirit has arrived. The youngest child has returned to college so the nest is empty again.

Said child and I drove 2129 miles from Oviedo, Florida to Golden, Colorado. We had impromptu stops in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Colleyville, Texas to see old friends.

These visits put my life in perspective. The friendships I have been fortunate enough to have have been wonderful gifts. I miss my friends and am so grateful N.W. is a patient son and was willing to indulge my whims to drop by the homes of these great people. The welcomes and smiles were invaluable. Thank you Liz, Laura, and Patty for this.

The time N.W. and I spent driving, reading, listening to Garrison Keillor, listening to music (my intensive lesson in new music, I gained some new favorites) and plotting our next food stop was a lot of fun.

There were laughs along the way: Buc-ees, Kevin Greene in a song, the La Quinta in Amarillo, squeezing the sign in to the backseat of the car, and the hurricane that didn't.

There was so much great food in Baton Rouge at Acme Oyster Bar, beignets in the morning, the Flying Biscuit breakfast in Gainesville, Au Petit Paris in Houston, breakfast in a roadside diner in New Mexico and finally Pei Wei and Jimmy Johns in Golden. We decided to pass on the camo caramel popcorn at Buc-ees between Houston and Dallas.

Works by N.W. Rommel

2010-08-04T10:05:00.004-04:00

The summer is drawing to a close. A return to school is forefront in our minds. Next week my son and I begin the almost two thousand mile drive to Colorado so N.W. can have his car on campus. We researched shipping the car, but all in all decided, "why not?" I have the time and precious time it will be. How often do you have your almost twenty year old to yourself for 4 days? Not often. I am posting some of his artwork. We share this art-thing. He has spent some time in my studio this summer working on a variety of projects, experimenting with different techniques and materials. I am very proud of his accomplishments.

What is my stomach saying?

2010-07-26T10:53:00.005-04:00

The latest Lascaux Society assignment is an interesting one. Apparently one of our members, as a child, used to wonder what her stomach would say if it could describe what it was eating.

I am trying to translate that to a painting. With balsa wood box primed in gray gesso I was set, or so I thought.

The meal I was reflecting on was from a Turkish restaurant in Sanford, Efes. Wonderful food and a wonderful view of Lake Monroe and the St. John's River.

Buddy, MK and I shared a hot appetizer platter. We began to muse on what we were going to create for our next Lascaux Society meeting. The detritus from our lunch sat before us...it was too obvious. Lemons, tomatoes, spinach stuffed pie, and a few lettuce leaves were all that was left.

The feeling of satiety, the reds and yellows are all part of what went into this work in progress. I will confess that the first time around the people looked disturbingly like South Park characters.

Stay tuned for the finished product.

By the way here are the portraits MK and I did of each other for a past assignment for Lascaux. On the left my portrait of Mk. On the right the painting and collage of me by MK Shaw. I love it.

Checking in with friends from the past.

2010-07-20T10:08:00.003-04:00

As the summer heat bakes Florida I thought it was a good time to get away. Of course if I had my druthers I would find cooler climes, but instead opted for a family and friend kind of trip. To Austin and Houston I did go.

One of the highlights of my trip was to see the opening of my college roommate's show in Houston at the Jack Meier Gallery. Honora and I were roommates at University of Texas in the glory days when Austin was really still weird. We shared her sister's wonderful house, studied art history, and did what college kids did.

Fast forward to seeing her show. Honora's art is beautiful. Feminine images tell stories all women can relate to at some point in their lives. I wanted to pack each one up and carry them home. To be surrounded by these paintings on a daily basis would give me such joy. Do yourself a favor and click here on this link and tour Honora Jacob's website.

I have returned to Florida and begun a graphic design project for another dear friend. In going through logo designs I came up with this idea. The heart is created with the masa paper I painted several weeks ago. Something light and spontaneous and memorable for a logo.

Masa Paper Tutorial

2010-07-07T12:39:00.003-04:00

Several members of the Lascaux Society met at my home a few weeks ago for a workshop on the use of Masa paper. Our teachers are artists who use this inexpensive paper in collages and as paintings alone. Each 21.5" x 31" sheet costs less than a dollar. One side is smooth the reverse has a little bit of "tooth".

Step 1. Crumple paper then smooth it out on a flat surface.
Step 2. Spray with water to moisten surface.
Step 3. Paint loosely with diluted watercolor or acrylic paint.
Step 4. Blot, wrinkle again, fold again...flatten again.
Step 5. Repeat painting and wrinkling until you have the desired effect.
Paper dries in about 20 minutes, either start over, add ink, use as desired. You may also use a mask to protect some unpainted areas. This is fun and freeing.

I used some of the paper to fill in areas on the bird. I tore it and applied it with acrylic medium.

I Miss Those Shrunken Heads

2010-06-23T09:57:00.003-04:00

The title caught my eye,"Where Shrunken Heads Are a Big Attraction." Page D6 of the this morning's Wall Street Journal brought back memories of my childhood.

What kind of childhood did you have? Actually it was a great one, a sister who was a built-in playmate, two loving parents, a big brother, dogs, cats, horses, cows, and friends.

Several years ago I was commenting to my children that one of their toys, a squishy, disgusting heart/brain/liver like thing was beyond the pale as far as grossness went. They reminded me of my penchant for shrunken heads.

Said heads were black rubber with streaming nasty black hair all hanging from elastic cords so they could bounce and flail (like the real thing, right?). We were ecstatic when we played with them, putting them in each others faces, chasing each other with them, just plain being kids with them.

I suppose like many toys they were eventually put in a drawer or box and disposed of with the troll dolls and my sister's Little Kiddles.

And by the way if you want to see the real thing "head", haha, to the Pitt Rivers Museum at the University of Oxford.

Face Lift

2010-06-16T15:15:00.002-04:00

Okay, if a title like that gets your attention there is too much guilty pleasure television in your life.

Today I did a face lift on the blog, a new banner, a new template from the good folks at blogspot and some new colors. A little lift for a distraction from summer.

If you are a regular reader you know my distaste for summer in Florida, it is here. Almost 100 degrees today. The vegetable garden has already met its demise, the weeds are proliferating and it is too hot to pull them out by their little feet.

I have posted two paintings which are works in progress. They have been looking at me for several weeks. The great inspiration of the moment passed so I have been dragging myself to them to put more paint on the canvas. A tribute to the arts. There is a lady violinist also, she will appear at a later time.

Some fun

2010-06-14T15:16:00.004-04:00

Pictured here is a little something I made for a birthday gift. This bracelet is on an endless series of connected loops of silver. Anybody who makes jewelry will not be impressed. I imagine this has been around for a long time, but I was wowed by the perfect design of concentric connected circles. Each end I finished with small spirals made with pliers. This was fun. What a great concept...fun.

Back to etsy

2010-06-10T11:41:00.004-04:00

I just decided to reopen my etsy shop.

Check it out for some beach ladies and gentlemen. All are matted and sealed for easy shipping which is free within the United States. I will be posting more each day so stay tuned. These are original paintings, not prints.

Click here
http://www.etsy.com/shop/niftyartgirl

Hannah Strikes a balance in Davis, CA

2010-06-09T08:57:00.006-04:00

I recently met Hannah Klaus Hunter through Alyson Stanfield's Blast Off on-line class. Hannah is an art therapist who works with children and families at the University of California in Davis Children's Hospital.

Her stories are of bravery, heartache and incredible strength and character. Hannah has become my touchstone in this sea upon which I am sailing.

Balance, harmony, unity with variety are all principles of art Hannah expresses in her work. Looking at these pieces to the left your eye moves in a rhythm to see everything.

This doesn't happen by accident. It is a skill that artists develop. You should see it all and watch it unfold.

Richness of color is focused with the use of carefully chosen shapes and textures. Individually these elements are important, together they are powerful. Strong lines and forms hold it in place.

The heartfelt choices are reflections of Hannah's patients and their stories. The feelings unfold in the details. They are lovely and make you want to touch and hug them. How one is affected when they view these pieces says a lot about the balance Hannah offers her friends, family and patients.

To see more of her work visit the USE Credit Union in Davis, CA this Friday for her opening from 5:30-7:30. The show will be open from June 7 to June 19.

Hurricane Camille

2010-06-07T13:43:00.004-04:00

An update on the hurricane series.

Here is a section of the painting, The Wind was Whistling Under the Door. It is in progress. Acrylic paint and collage, 28" x 22"

When Hurricane Camille was blowing through Mississippi, east of our home in New Orleans, I remember hearing the wind whistling through the weather strip under the front door.

It was August 19, 1969. The winds reached over 200 m.p.h. The fierceness of the storm was trying to reach from under that blue door. This house would later stand 5 feet under water after Katrina.

My friend Mary

2010-06-01T12:52:00.004-04:00

A week ago my art group, The Lascaux Society, met. We had an assignment to do a portrait of a friend. There were no restrictions as far as size or medium. Agonizing over who to paint I turned to my friend, Mary who was in the same boat. We decided on each other. Some of you may understand how difficult it is to work when there are no deadlines and no restrictions. This assignment gave me a purpose and a focus. It was so much fun. Fun is not a big enough word to describe the portrait of me that Mary has begun. It is wonderful and colorful. Her use of materials is genius. I will photograph it when she has completed her mission.
I hope you enjoy this portrait of Mary, aka MK. I wanted to portray her cheerful disposition and her creativity. She has artistic expression in her dress, her writing, and her art. This is part of what makes her a renaissance woman in my eyes.

Milton

2010-05-28T12:43:00.004-04:00

Milton's daylilies are presenting their last blooms today. I have looked at them every morning for the last two weeks. I realized if I didn't take a portrait of them today it would be too late. Thirty years ago, June 28, my husband and I celebrated our honeymoon in New Orleans. As I showed him the city we drove around the lakefront to see one of my childhood homes. Across the street, our neighbors were tending their garden. This was a massive undertaking unto itself. They had also added the grass filled circle at the end of the cul de sac and filled it with daylilies. Milton would go to the new beds and hand pollinate the flowers. Mixing and painting the pollens to achieve an incredible combination of colors.
Years later we moved to Colleyville, Texas, a half hour from Dallas where Milton's daughter and my childhood best friend lived. She arrived one afternoon with a box of daylilies. Her parents had driven up from New Orleans for a visit. Knowing she shared their love of gardening they were bringing her treasure. She was kind enough to share them with us. They grew in front of our house in the baking sun. The colors were amazing.
When we moved from Texas to Florida eleven years ago we had to bring along some of Milton's daylilies. They were our friends.
Every year as a little girl I watched my best friend drive off to visit her grandmother in Florida. They would pack up their station wagon, fill it with girls and aunts and cousins and drive off for weeks at a time. I was always so envious of their adventures and envious of the huge family community. Finally living in Florida I asked where did she go? Must have been Fort Lauderdale or Sanibel or another exotic sounding beach. No, it was Sanford. Sanford. Twenty minutes away. I had a studio in Sanford.
A gardener's soul is filled with patience and optimism. You must wait to see the results from what you plant and you wouldn't plant if you didn't have hope. What man can do when he patiently plays with God's creation. Those are Milton's daylilies.

Blackberries, Folsom, and sisters

2010-05-21T12:19:00.002-04:00

The garden is growing and producing. The first tomatoes, the midlife in blackberry brambles, and the beginning of Gardenias. All of these blessings remind me of childhood weekends on the ranch in Folsom, LA. We picked baskets of blackberries in muddy bottoms sharing borders with fences or rivers populated with water moccassins. The tomatoes ripened like a choir singing "Onward Christian Soldiers", all together with red cheeks and much Protestant fervor. Delicious in their statement of victory over our appetites. The gardenias simmering in the heat, letting passers-by know they were there as their fragrance filled the air. In my walks I can smell them as I travel by, their perfume reaching my nose before their glare touches my eyes. There are several scents to be had in gardenia bouquets. One of the plants we have shares its nose with that of a Camino Ranch gardenia from years past. It is unmistakeable in its spiciness. My sister and I can weep at the scent, the memories of horseback rides, herds of cats and dogs that found their way to the ranch house door and became part of the family. The hunts for strawberries and the infamous jeep rides. And little girls in the big bedrooms talking till they fell asleep exhausted. Still holding hands after a day of fresh air, fresh food, and sunshine. Best friends and sisters.

Meeting Spring with St Anthony and St Paul

2010-05-18T16:06:00.006-04:00

Several weeks ago I had a collage afternoon with some willing friends. Our theme was spring. It is interesting what spring means. To some it is a personal awakening, a new way of looking at things and going forward with images of fresh flowers and members of the animal kingdom. Others look at spring as nature starting anew with colors and flight of birds. Flipping through found images I pulled anything that made an impact on me at a glance. These hugging figures, by Sienese Sassetta (1423-50)are cut from the Quiet Eye. This book was first published in 1954 by Sylvia Judson. In her words,"to communicate a sense of affirmation, of wonder, of trust. This is a spirit alien to much of the art of our insecure time, but one which I am confident will some day return." This quote is taken directly from the front flap of the copy I purchased at a YMCA book swap. The words of this Quaker sculptress are even more accurate now. Looking at photos of artwork chosen for recent international exhibitions I think how true Sylvia's words still are. I think we are so far from sharing the positive and so near cynicism it is a sad commentary on the direction we have grown.
My chosen images are a personal depiction of what spring means to me. The loss of my dear father at Easter, the comfort from my loved ones, and my faith. In the corner the bright hope of one of God's most imaginative creatures, the Goldfinch. He is too bright, too funny, and too perfect for man to have designed. The copy is from an Easter card from my mother. It expresses so much.

the view from here and there

2010-05-11T10:05:00.004-04:00

Posting from a hotel room in beautiful Golden, Colorado. The spring blooming trees, lilacs, tulips, wildflowers, and the soft western grass have welcomed us to this beautiful and majestic part of the country. On our first evening we celebrated Mother's Day in Evergreen at a restaurant overlooking a lake. A fox walked by the window, a little boy with a net fished the shallows with his mom, and the Canada Geese swam and flew in the dusk. The inspiration is everywhere to fresh eyes. The heat and humidity of Florida create a different atmosphere. There the air is tinted with warm hues until the white hot heat of the summer bleaches the sky of color. The moisture in the vegetation mists in green hues with hot yellow and orange flowers accenting the dark of the growth. Man plants pinks and blues to cool the view.
...and so it is, a contrast in temperature to feel and to see.

Bright colors and a lonely kitty.

2010-05-03T10:47:00.005-04:00

Last weekend on May Day I spent several hours at Artistree Co-op. Two beautiful tents shaded me with several other designers as we monitored the Mother's Day sale. I painted for those hours beginning a project of 9 panels that will be hung together to form a mosaic of canvases. The bright colors are layered on a base of purple giving them depth. The birds are making a comeback on these canvases as they perch on branches interspersed with flowers.
I have been away from the computer for several weeks while our lovely daughter visited then while on a trip to see family in Texas. In all of the activity we lost our little Scratch. She had had a good long life approaching twenty years with our family. She moved in with us in San Antonio New Year's Day after our son was born. She moved to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area then retired to Florida where she could enjoy time by the pool, chasing furry things in the woods, and curling up on the laps of family and friends. One of my last posts included a photo of her in her swimwear cover-up. Her portrait is also on this blog. She was a good girl. We are contemplating an addition to our feline family to keep Harold company. Any advice on adding another cat to a family that already has a seven year old hairy male monster in residence would be helpful.

2010-04-15T09:13:00.002-04:00

A new friend from my tap dance class has asked if I would donate a piece to the silent auction for the Down's Syndrome Association. I chose this portrait of Blanche and Mani at the beach. There is a discrepancy in their fish catching talents, but they are nonetheless comfortable with each other and pleased with the day.
This is acrylic on black paper. Mounted on paper covered wood, measuring 12"x 11", covered in plexiglass with nickel covered nailheads.
Copyright 2010 by Beth Crews Rommel.

2010-04-14T13:44:00.002-04:00

Sunday afternoon I invited three friends with creative leanings to come over for collage time. My dear friends did not know each other, but soon the studio was bubbling with artistic juices. There would be quiet moments where we were each in our own worlds trying to figure out what spring meant to us. Beautiful papers and intriguing materials came in and joined in the mix. We stated this was a no apology zone. Most artists have moments of self criticism and feel the need to say they are sorry to any viewer. This made our afternoon more joyful and liberating, can't say you are sorry.
What I remember more than anything was the huge smile of each participant as they looked at their finished pieces. They were truly beautiful and filled with heartfelt ingredients whether tangible or emotional. Thank you Laural, Nanci and MK for a great afternoon.

Winging away is the wingback

2010-04-12T10:45:00.003-04:00

The Chair 4 Charity for the Mustard Seed auction is complete. I have cut out more little birds than I ever thought imaginable. I must say until I added the bird lady on the seat I wasn't satisfied with the direction my zippy chair was headed. I am so driven by color and balancing the weight of color in a composition that my eye wasn't happy. The bright lady and her avian friends help the chairs with their Florida hued gams stand straighter and together as a picture worth taking. The pillow has taken its structured shape with an actual chair cushion filling out its interior with little hand painted ties to keep it in place when a more serious tone is desired. How can turquoise birds on a hot pink pillow be the serious side?
Sealed in polyurethane my friend the chair is ready to go to his next home. We have had a good time challenging each other, it will be a fond farewell.
Ciao chair...the wingback takes flight.

What a pretty furry girl.

2010-04-09T11:14:00.003-04:00

I am taking a little break from the chair and thought I would lighten things up a bit. This is Scratch our 19 year old cat in her bathing attire, a brightly colored bathing suit and pink floral cover-up with matching slippers for trips to the pool. To celebrate your pet in a similar fashion you can contact me at beth@niftyartgirl.com. All of those years of drawing fashion designs in school can be put to work for your pet's glamour do moment.

all artwork copyrighted by Beth Rommel 2010

Step 4 in the chair for charity

2010-04-07T14:26:00.003-04:00

Step 4 in the chair transformation is what I have pictured to the left. The first shot is the beginning of the painting I am doing for a chair cushion. I found the pillow at Ross for $6.99. There were pillows in a variety of shapes and colors. I was drawn to the bright Florida colors in this polyester, shiny fabric. The acrylic paint was absorbed to some degree, but once it was sated the extra color dried on the surface giving an illusion of depth. A few more coats for that. The chair is now sporting lots of birds and some bright paint. I will begin to incorporate my paint style into the chair itself. Acrylic paint and small brushes to the rescue.

"Is it a wingback?" he so glibly asked.

2010-04-05T12:44:00.003-04:00

Step 3 in the makeover for my handsome chair for the Chairs 4 Charity Auction. I have spent countless hours in front of HGTV trimming little birds from the National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America. I am using small scrapbook scissors with a blade that makes the pieces look as if they have been torn. Using Mod Podge I am adhering the birds to the chair in what I like to think are artful arrangements. You can see in the top photo an arm with winged creatures in flight. The other photo is the back of the chair with a series of buntings. I am stretching the confines of the Florida border and adding a few feathered fellows from other states in our great American continent.

Speaking of birds, the highlight of our morning walks has become the farm with the cheerful belled goats and their guinea hens and lone rooster. This is a living illustration of the barnyard friends. They literally run together and I swear, they play together.

Till next time and step 4.

Chair step 2

2010-04-01T14:56:00.003-04:00

As the weather has warmed up my dear chair and I have moved inside. An open door invited a buzzing friend to fly in so we are now inside in air condition mode and ready for the next step in my friend's transformation. A bright yellow green or as Craft Smart paint says,"citron" is now gracing my wooden friend's visage. I am busy culling through National Geographic's Field Guide to the Birds of North America. This was a bargain purchase at Borders, $5.99 for 552 pages of beautiful color illustrations. My first thought was to use a book of maps I found the same day, but something about birds, especially those of Florida was more intriguing.

Stay tuned to see where those birds are going to land.

A Chair for Charity

2010-03-31T14:38:00.004-04:00

Pictured are two photos of a chair I am preparing for the Mustard Seed Chairs 4 Charity event in May. Chairs are being transformed by artists from the community. The finished pieces will be auctioned to fund the Mustard Seed.
I have photographed said chair. I chose it from the warehouse at the Mustard Seed facility in Eatonville. There were lounge chairs, upholstered chairs, royal chairs, kitchen chairs, this is a strong chair. It is sturdy, functional, practical, and has character, and impeccable values. It started as a new wooden chair. Then it became a nice, sanded, smoothed, primed, white chair.
You can watch it through the next few weeks, step by step as it takes on a new life and becomes a chair of a different character.

I have deep friends for sale.

2010-03-25T13:14:00.002-04:00

To paint another beach person follow the steps in the aforementioned post. If you are having trouble coming up with subject matter or how to paint them look in your photo album. Photos from the beach often have other beachgoers in the background, lots of inspiration.
Come see these beach people and a whole collection of pithy fish at Artistree Co-op on Saturday. Prices for these originals start at $20, matted and hermetically sealed. Not even a print, an original painting.
Hope to see you there, I will be there with my two dimensional friends who are really quite deep.

Gentleman at the beach

2010-03-23T14:15:00.003-04:00

This gentleman is going to be attending the Artistree Co-op Spring for Handmade sale this Saturday, March 27. Join us from 10-4 to see some new work. I am having so much fun with my new famiy of little old"er" people on the beach.
Start with artagain black paper. Sketch with a pencil. Just in case use a kneaded eraser. This will leave a shiny spot, but can be covered later with paint. Paint in the gentle beach people's skin and clothing, etc. It will be dry in a matter of minutes. You now have a treasure. Enjoy.
Hope to see you Saturday. I will be sharing a tent with clay master Dawn Ferguson who also teaches at Trinity Prep.

Little fish steps

2010-03-18T12:53:00.003-04:00

Steps in this fellow's transformation.
1. Paint watercolor paper with a variety of washes of acrylic paint. Whatever is leftover on the palette is a good place to start.
2. Sketch some fun cartoony fish. Don't forget the teeth and the eyes and a few fins. Shape can be as creative as you like.
3. Fill in bodies, leave the eyes and teeth unpainted, with a color of your choosing. I love the blue background and orange fish contrast.
4. When paint is dry, acrylic is pretty quick, 5 minutes on watercolor paper, paint white teeth and whites of eyes.
5. Begin to add patterns, white really stands out. Drawing the fish and putting in detail is what I enjoy. Hint: these little details can hide mistakes. Use a tiny liner brush for control. Add water or acrylic medium to your paint to get the viscosity you can manage.
There you have it. A step by step to the creation of a fun painting for all ages. Coming up soon: I will add one more step when I mount these fellows for display.

It took a family effort.

2010-03-17T09:00:00.003-04:00

I am now having fun getting ready for the approaching Spring for Handmade Art sale at Artistree Co-op on March 27. This fishy character is one of several in the process of becoming a niftyartgirl original. I was in a slump as far as creating some new images. My son was home for a few days. Yesterday he spent the afternoon working on a wooden sign for his fraternity in my studio. Having his energy and peaceful nature in the room with me was a catalyst to creating again. The sense of humor my family has shared for generations woke up again.
Look for this new cast of characters and their pithy sayings at this fun outdoor event in College Park. I will post several on etsy in a few weeks also.

A good time was had by all.

2010-03-09T10:01:00.002-05:00

Here is a photo from Saturday night. Pictured from left Cat Saunders, jeweler extraordinaire, Laural Schmidt, Beth Rommel, and Catherine Hinman. A great time it was.....

The Ladies Share their Messages Without Me

2010-03-08T15:15:00.003-05:00

My two friends "Lady of the Stars" and "Protector of the Night Sailors" have found new homes. They were part of the opening at Artistree Co-op last Saturday evening. The rest of their friends can be viewed for the month of March at 1600 Edgewater.
Years ago I saw a PBS special called Genesis by Bill Moyers. He had a very interesting take on creating art. He, not I, compared it to Adam and Eve and God. The idea that an artist creates a piece and molds it to communicate his message was nothing new. Sending the piece out into the world to meet new people, new challenges, and to deliver its own message without its creator was a fresh take. I would never be so bold as to compare myself or any artist to God. As I metphorically wave good-bye to these two ladies I am a little wistful. I enjoyed their presence and the stories they created on their own after I had put my brush away.

Lady of the Daytime Worries

2010-03-05T12:14:00.002-05:00

This Lady of the Daytime Worries is going to be at Artistree Co-op Saturday night. Come find her. Here she is cropped from one of my new paintings. Hope you can join us from 6:30-8:30 at the co-op in College Park at 1600 Edgewater next door to Infusion Tea.
I will also be showing some studies for the future Hurricane, My Memories show. This show will be a personal view of hurricanes not a political statement. Stay tuned for more information about this event.

Fine Fellow will Join Us Saturday

2010-03-03T10:09:00.002-05:00

This fine fellow is cropped from the painting Protector of the Night Sailors. See if you can find him this Saturday night, March 6 from 6:30-8:30at Artistree Co-op. There will be an opening to share my new artwork with friends and the art faithful. The work will be up for the month of March. Infusion Tea is part of this affair so have dinner with them while you enjoy the festive evening. We will have Van's homebrew on tap for those who want to enjoy its magical powers. You know who you are:)

The little black things.

2010-03-01T10:01:00.004-05:00

At the left is one of the paintings I have hung at Artistree Co-op for this week's opening. This pensive woman is the Lady of the Night Mind. She is letting the concerns of the day fly to the night winds with the fireflies. At some point we all have the sleepless nocturnal hours where our heads are spinning like gerbils on a wheel. My late dad whose birthday was yesterday used to call these,"the little black things that sit at the foot of the bed."
Lady has been fortunate enough to learn the secret to a peaceful, restorative sleep. She can put the little black things in a locked attic and retake the night hours.

What a turkey! No really.

2010-02-26T17:23:00.004-05:00

This is the kind of day I have had. Stressed, trying to get artwork together to hang at the gallery. A last minute call asking me if I could hang a few days early. Yikes. I won't even bother to mention that both my honey and I are under the weather. As I am frantically framing and wiring paintings a movement in our backyard/woods catches my eye. Lord above...20 wild turkeys taking a stroll past the pool. Luckily we have a pool enclosure otherwise they would probably be doing the backstroke as I write this. They came around the side of the house to get a sneak peek at the artwork for next week's opening. They walked up the stairs of the patio to the studio door. They peered in, freaking Harold the cat out.
These birds are huge. The males stood waist high and I am almost 5'8". I snapped photos, my husband came out, our neighbor came over. (I learned some of these were jakes, year old males. One can tell by the long feathers on their tails.) The turkeys thought we were very interesting, not in the least bit afraid. I could have pet these crazy things. The only time they gobbled in alarm was when they wandered away and a car drove by. A little bit of Florida wildlife. Reminder: earlier posts include information on pythons. At least with these we could eat them not the other way around.

the Beach Lady and her perfect match

2010-02-24T16:48:00.005-05:00

Eureka! A beach lady and the perfect frame have met. It is always a trial to find the perfect match. The perfect spouse (I have that one), the perfect shoes, the perfect purse, the perfect bottle of wine, you get the picture, "ha!", said the artist,"yes, you get the picture." This painting I am posting a hint of is the infamous "Where are the Children?" She has endured lots of comments about her zippy bathing suit and her dozing while the children played near a beach, what kind of mother is this anyway? Well she has been cornered, so to speak, by a frame I painted with a multitude of pattern. They have cohabited in the same house for a while and never met until this morning. They are about as happy as a couple can be. They look good together. They complement each other. They prop each other up when the other is down. Okay this is getting out of hand. Six days of cold and cough medicine have literally gone to my head.
Bottom line is the lovely beach lady will be turned out in style for the March 6th opening at Artistree Co-op. The event will be from 6:30-8:30. Come see her. She will be hanging around with other new characters for the month of March at this lovely spot at 1600 Edgewater in the College Park area of Orlando.

Family, Love, Life, Wind

2010-02-17T11:03:00.004-05:00

Reviewing a portion of a painting started for the hurricane show. This is a very small section of the 24" x 36" piece. The background is a collage of torn paper, the sea of flood waters. The woman is a return to my madonna/mother images. She is holding her baby tightly, her side to the wind, bracing herself. The trees and houses are caught in the rabid winds. Several of the images take me back to the spirit of previous paintings. Family, Love, Life...is the first to come to mind. Family, baby, the wind or whatever blows a family.
Stay tuned for more.

Mardi Gras radio via Starbucks

2010-02-16T10:28:00.009-05:00

A New Orleanian office on Mardi Gras. Note: opened and beautiful Valentine Day tulips, gold beads with fleur de lis, frog with crown (on Mardi Gras somebody needs a crown), and the music you cannot hear. Starbucks has been selling a great CD of Mardi Gras tunes. The best way to start it out is with my all-time favorite Iko Iko sung by the Dixie Cups. I have told my family and written on my will that I want this played at my funeral for the recessional. The most joyous, infectious, get out of your chair song you have ever heard. Following this cheer is Litenie des Saints with Dr. John, Fats Domino's When the Saints go Marching In (the song of the year), and Professor Longhair's Go to the Mardi Gras. This is only the beginning of a long list of heartfelt going home kind of songs. Hope you can still find it and enjoy the sound of New Orleans' radio stations at Mardi Gras.
P.S. The purple, green, and gold beads are on the wreath at the front door. The king cake has long been inhaled. Don't forget lent begins tomorrow. What are you going to sacrifice? Reminder: this is all related to Catholic/Christian themes. Love to all in purple, green, and gold.

Tulips together

2010-02-13T13:39:00.003-05:00

I am grateful I have Valentines. My wonderful children sent me these magnificent tulips for Valentines Day. They have opened over the last few days and been wondrous each hour. Several years ago in a painting class we were painting unopened tulips. As the class progressed the tulips began to open toward the large light source. It was beautiful, like a nature film. Did you see the Vancouver opening ceremonies last night? It was a spectacular nature film unto itself. Be sure to watch it somewhere, somehow. My other Valentine and I watched it after attending a Valentine gathering at the Artistree Co-op.

More to come

2010-02-10T17:50:00.003-05:00

To the left is a stack of studies I have begun for my hurricane series. As a Florida resident and New Orleans native I have a few stories to tell. Watch for them as they unfold in the next few weeks. Plus even more exciting developments to watch for!

Geaux Heroes Geaux

2010-02-08T17:50:00.004-05:00

Even Riley, our garden pig got into the act this weekend. Geaux Saints, Laissez les bonnes temps roulez!, Who Dat...all ushered in the weekend New Orleans and its fans have waited for. Having grown up in New Orleans there is a part of my heart that beats harder when something is said about the Crescent City. I admire the people who stayed, returned or ventured into the city for the first time after Katrina. These were real pioneers. Things were rough, things were dirty, things were depressing, and there was a long way to go to reach a success that outsiders could comprehend. I can only imagine how difficult it was living in New Orleans. The house I grew up in was under 5 feet of water. The present homeowners were heroic and put it back together. 85% of the city was under water. That includes more than what you saw on tv, that includes many more people than you saw on tv. There are lots of people who are putting the city back together and there are a lot more who will continue putting it back together. They are heroes. Our doctor friend has stayed past the point of exhaustion to carry out his oath to do no harm. Leaving the folks in New Orleans without medical care would do harm. He is a hero. The Saints as a team and as individuals are heroes. Tom Benson who kept the team in New Orleans is a hero. New educators who had the vision to build and improve on the poor education system are heroes. People who put their money and muscle into the rebuilding are heroes. New Orleans deserves this win, deserves a pat on the back and encouragement to keep up the heroics that are going to be required to continue the feat of rebuilding a city that took 300 plus years to build and 24 hours to destroy.
Geaux Saints, Geaux good people of New Orleans. When the going gets tough the tough get geauxing.

For two very strong and eye opening accounts of life during and immediately following Katrina check out One Dead in the Attic by Chris Rose and Code Blue: A Katrina Physician's Memoir by Dr. Richard Deichmann. You will have a new perspective on what happened in New Orleans and a new respect for those who endured.

Frame yourself

2010-02-03T10:45:00.003-05:00

I have started a collection of picture frames for Artistree Co-op. These are some of the backgrounds I will be using. There will be a piece of plexiglass mounted over the papers. These can personalized with your own photos. Look for them early next week.

Feeding me.

2010-01-29T13:28:00.003-05:00

The blast off class ended today. The journey to the moon is well underway. This class was like a valentine to myself. Signing up and taking a class, educating oneself is a form of self nurturing. Feeding your brain, your soul, your body. This class fed the first two and prompted me to feed the last. I have signed up for another 5k next week and best of all I had my first tap dancing lesson yesterday. Could there be anything happier than tap dancing? That is what I thought. Another Valentine to myself.

Need help sometimes.

2010-01-27T10:41:00.003-05:00

You know how you go through life? Sometimes it is painless floating, no worries, in synch with the world. Sometimes it is floating with worries eating you up from the inside out. Powerless, waiting for the next "foot to fall". We all need help from time to time. The blast off class is discussing a support crew. I am so fortunate. My crew is overflowing with support. My friends, my family, and more in shining armor waiting in my future.
To the right is the beach lady floating. Does she know what is out there waiting for her? Does she have the support to get through it?
My family always said,"Ask and ye shall receive." I am sure it is biblical in its roots. We also meant we are here for you. I am.

I am a guest blogger!

2010-01-25T17:46:00.005-05:00

I have posted photos of us running the 5k last Thanksgiving. I am including the link to read the tale of my first 5k. "The Realist" asked me to be a guest writer for her blog. I am flattered to be asked. Hope you enjoy our writings. (Click on "The Realist")

What you Need to Climb a Mountain, Real or Perceived

2010-01-21T11:47:00.002-05:00

Here is a quote my husband presented to me several years ago. It is a good boost. In realizing the author was a mountaineer I can see he knew the importance of being confident and going forward with conviction.
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness, concerning all acts of initiative (and creation). There is an elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”
-William Hutchinson Murray, Scottish mountaineer, 1913-1996

Moved to Artistree Co-op

2010-01-19T13:16:00.003-05:00

Still dragging the fish out of the water. She is now mounted on a 9"x 8" piece of wood that has been covered in imported paper. A piece of plexiglass nailed in place with silver nailheads protects the painting. She will be seen soon at Artistree Co-op at 1600 Edgewater Drive in College Park. I moved some paintings and stationery to the shop yesterday where it shares space with Infusion Tea and Organic Cafe. Drop by for a snack and to see the art, jewelry, pottery, and all sorts of creative things.

Introducing a fellow artist and blogger

2010-01-15T10:12:00.005-05:00

I am happy to introduce to you Hannah Klaus Hunter. This talented woman is not only an artist, but an art therapist too. You can follow her blog at http://www.hannahklaushunter.blogspot.com. Hannah lives in Davis, California where she creates paper quilts of varied colors and feelings. She also has a body of work entitled Alchemy and Myths. These incorporate an alchemist's bottle shape, paint, gold paint, text and other collage elements. With my New Orleans roots I especially like Katrina. You can see all of these on her website http://www.thesecondstorystudio.com Another connection I haven't even mentioned to Hannah is that she attended the University of Iowa for undergraduate work. Go Hawkeyes! My husband's roots being in southeastern Iowa and my children considering University of Iowa this is close to my heart. I keep hoping somebody in my family will go to the Writer's Workshop for graduate work. Maybe in my next incarnation I will do that.
The painting pictured here is from my hurricane series. When the Levees Failed is approximately 5"x 7", acrylic paint on paper. (Sold)

2010-01-14T12:36:00.003-05:00

Making a habit part of a routine is going to take practice. That is where we are in our blast off class today. IF you read this blog you will know I am inconsistent in posting. I will promise you, shoot I said promise, a woman of my word I now have to do it, I promise I will post three times per week.
I have invited my classmates to send me their blog addresses by commenting on my blog. Stay tuned for web addresses from some very talented artists. This group is spread world-wide and represents many different styles and messages.
Busy day ahead, wish I had wings like the angel to the left, must run to interview with an artists co-op in our fair city, the City Beautiful, Orlando. Tonight is Alive At Five a street party event in Sanford. I think I will go visit the artists I used to spend time with at Gallery on First. By the way there were four of us from the Gallery on First who were chosen to exhibit at the juried ArtistsRegistry.com member show (which closes tomorrow night). There were two awards given to members of this group also, your trusty blog author and Aurore Brunet who won a third place.
Stay tuned and stay fit with http://www.dietsarecrap.blogspot.com, another blog I follow.

Get to the Meat of it

2010-01-13T10:37:00.003-05:00

Time to evaluate finances in my blast off class taught by Alyson Stanfield, art marketing coach and all around guru. As in my painting this is like dragging a big fish ashore. Not really pleasant, not really fun, but to get to the meat of it you need to do it.

Reflections through affirmations

2010-01-11T15:29:00.003-05:00

This photo may look like the last entry with notebook, etc. I have added a collection of affirmation cards. Positive reflections for daily thoughts. A way to remember all of the things we need to remember to feel confident and ready "to take on the world." Little black cards with swirly illustrations and longhand notes to myself. Ah ha the favorite white gelly roll pen steps in again, that pen always makes it fun.

Albert had a way with words as well as with physics

2010-01-07T16:28:00.006-05:00

Alyson Stanfield's blast off class has begun. My eyes are already opening to the enormous job I have ahead if I am going to pursue what I really want. However that makes this more exciting, there is a path and I can follow it. Just need to find it.
Alyson left us with a brilliant quote from Albert Einstein,
"Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions."
Albert, you had it going on.
Copyrighted Image from Beth Rommel's entry to Art House Co-op's moleskine project 2009

Check

2010-01-06T15:27:00.002-05:00

Getting organized for the blastoff class, listening to Preservation at Work, a preserve the Texas Hill Country CD.
*New binder for class notes, hot lime green. Very exciting.
*Small notebook with one of my bright blue birds on the cover. A place for my gratitude journal.
*And an agreement with myself to do this seriously and with real effort. Check.

Where am I going?

2010-01-05T15:53:00.006-05:00

A new chapter, a new year, and a new decade. Starting it off right I have signed up for the Blast Off class Alyson Stanfield is offering. It starts tomorrow. My last foray into on-line classes was a great one, a blogging class offered by Alyson and Cynthia Morris. It is time for the next step into my art career. Time to make goals, devise a map, and read and reread the directions so I can get there. It would be nice to know when I get there so must define exactly where I want to go. I have done the thinking, as illustrated by this angel in "Quiet". New year, new year's "aspirations", as gifted photographer, Dianne Poinski prefers to say.
New direction...all right already...go!
"Quiet", acrylic, 16"x 20", sold

Lessons learned

2009-12-31T11:26:00.004-05:00

The new year is upon us. How did we get to 2010, a new decade? Time is certainly speeding up and I have so many things I want to do. I better hurry.
A reflection on the year brings to mind the 5k I ran in November. My favorite blogger, The Realist has asked me to write a post on my first 5k. Check out the realist's blog, http://www.dietsarecrap.blogspot.com for great health information. A personal insight into a real person's quest for healthy eating, exercise, and the stumbling blocks on the way. Her advice is very palatable. Lesson learned: new year's resolution includes reading this blog to keep my health goals in check.
The show I was accepted into, ArtistsRegistry.com Members Juried Exhibit produced an award of merit. Unfortunately I left the opening before the awards were announced so was surprised and delighted to receive the news via email. Lesson learned: stick around.
I have included a photo of "Lucy's Dogs" the commission I did before Christmas. This piece is acrylic, 30"x 40" with a gallery wrap. What a challenge and a treat to work on this piece. Lesson learned: shipping large paintings across the country takes lots of preparation.
The last month of the year was a great one for sales. Thank you to the wonderful people who thought enough of my work to purchase it to look at daily or to give as a gift. Lesson learned: I am blessed with people who encourage me, many without even knowing how important their confidence in me has been.
Please come back for an update on the 5k article, check out the dietsarecrap.com blog, and a surprise project for the new year.

Come in for a Landing at Avalon Island

2009-12-15T11:24:00.005-05:00

The 5th Annual Artists Registry.com Members Juried Exhibit will hold its opening at the Gallery at Avalon Island this Thursday evening, December 17th. The reception is from 6:00-9:00. If you have never been to this space treat yourself with a visit for the opening event or at some point during this show which will be from December 17- January 15, 2010. The address is 39 S. Magnolia Avenue in downtown Orlando. This is the intersection of Pine and Magnolia, a fantastic turquoise colored building. There will be refreshments Thursday evening and the public is invited.
95 artists will have work shown in this juried show. Lady of the Stars, my acrylic 18"x 24" painting will be hanging for visitors to see. Not a print or giclee, but live and in person.
This copyrighted image to the left is entitled, Coming in for a Landing. Blessings from me to you this holiday season and in the coming new year.

Snowman in tow

2009-12-08T13:36:00.003-05:00

Moving forward with snowmen in tow to the Trinity Art Bazaar on Friday. Come and support your local artists and see this piece, I Want That One.

Ho Ho Ho

2009-12-05T13:10:00.002-05:00

In preparation for an art bazaar this week I am mounting some Christmas scenes on wood covered by Christmas themed paper. The image is then protected by a piece of plexiglass nailed to the board with decorative upholstery tacks. A little "ho ho ho" as the season takes off and we all run to keep up with it.
Take a break today with something or somebody that reminds you of good cheer and a warm happy household.

Run+ family+feast+friends+art=smile+gratitude

2009-12-03T12:52:00.005-05:00

What a ride/run it has been through the last week. Thanksgiving morning I ran my first 5k, the Turkey Trot. I ran the whole way! My children ran with me, rather way ahead of me, they are pretty fast, 23:28 and 24:28, I was 39:40. After only a month and a half of training I am pleased that I could make that time. The great feeling of accomplishment will keep me going to more races in the future. We then feasted with dear friends and family. The next day my email brought the news that The Lady of the Stars had been accepted for the 5th Annual Artists Registry.com Members Juried Show. The exhibit will be open from December 17th to January 14th at the beautiful Gallery at Avalon Island.
This is a nice way to kick off the season. Optimistic and healthy and grateful.

hee hee hee Christmas trees

2009-11-21T11:16:00.002-05:00

The third in the series of Christmas cards. This is the first painting I produced, the one I started with. The horizon line has continued through the series so they could even be displayed together as a triptych.(That word always sends me to spellcheck.)
Thanksgiving is next week, the season is upon us. The family is gathering. I couldn't be more grateful.
Thank you.

No Red Nose

2009-11-20T17:53:00.001-05:00

In keeping with the previous post I am showing the reindeer card.

Jazz Hands

2009-11-17T11:08:00.003-05:00

For anybody who has had a dance class the title of this entry will bring back memories. Yes, even snowmen have theatrical moments.
I started a series of Christmas line drawing/paintings. Here is one of them. As in the past I am using Artagain black paper, acrylics and gelly roll white pen. This is so much fun. There are two others in the series.