Happy Fall Y'all

Happy Fall Y'all

Happy Fall and Happy Halloween!  I sure hope you are all enjoying this beautiful fall weather and the changing of the leaves--such a beautiful time of the year!  

I've been absent from this blog for several months now and also pretty much absent from painting.  No excuses--I've just let other things take priority.  With the holidays coming up, I don't think I'll find much painting time but, hopefully, after that I can get back to "slinging a little paint".  

I did want to share this little pumpkin with you today and wish you a wonderful fall weekend.  Thank you for sticking with me even during the long "dry" spells.  

Sittin' by the dock of the bay . . . 

 watchin' the tide roll away . . . 

And in between watching the tide, I decided to splash a little water of my own.  I got out my trusty watercolor travel kit and sketch/paint pad and satisfied my yearning to paint a little.  I had brought some photos along--you can barely see the photo of the iris peeping out of my paint pad.  I doodled with my pen until I got a pretty good likeness and then splashed on some watercolor.  What a fun way to spend a day--painting, wiggling my toes in the sand and taking a long walk on the beach.  Oh, and cap that off with a delicious fresh seafood dinner.  Back to reality this week.  Goodbye Okaloosa Island, Florida--you provided us with a fabulous week on the beach!  (See the completed painting below). 

Iris 

Watercolor   5 1/2  x  8

Bird Nest

Bird Nest

Oil  6 x 6

It's time to start nesting.  The birds are so happy it's spring and so are we.  We love sitting on the porch and watching the birds fly back and forth busily building their nests.  It seems like so much work, I would just love to give them a hand, but that would be interfering with Mother Nature.  I love bird nests!  I've collected a few.  This one is rather unruly with all the sticks sticking out of it, but I thought it made for an interesting painting.  I made the eggs in this nest from Sculpey clay and painted them.  They're really a soft blue but show up much bluer in my photo.  I have a few more bird nests in my collection just waiting to be painted and what better time to paint nests than springtime!  

Enjoy a beautiful spring day today!

Vintage Bowl and Oranges

Vintage Bowl and Oranges

Oil  6 x 6

Oh my, we're already into April.  Love this time of year!

This vintage clay bowl with enamel interior has been displayed on top of my cabinets for several years.  Many times I have thought I would get it down and set up a still life to paint, but for some reason I kept putting if off.  I'm glad I finally took the time to paint it.  I like the way it turned out.  I also placed this on glass to get those nice reflections.  I must use it again one day. 

Enjoy your weekend!

I've Got News

I've Got News

Should have posted this Sunday, but . . . (excuses, excuses).  Our local newspaper, The Times, publishes an annual section entitled Progress.  I was fortunate enough to be interviewed for that publication concerning arts in our community.  I was SO excited when I opened the newspaper and my paintings were the featured paintings for the article!  There are also a few paragraphs of my interview included, as well as other artists in the area.  So I have lots to "crow" about today!  It is so exciting to be included in their annual publication, and for the arts to be promoted in such a big way for this area! Check it out!

Oh, and don't forget to pay a visit to Peach State Bank & Trust and check out my solo exhibit!  Have a great day, and thank you for being a friend and a fan!!!

Cantaloupe on Glass

Cantaloupe on Glass

Oil  5 x 7

I placed these cantaloupe slices on a sheet of glass to see what interesting reflections I could get by moving my light around to different positions.  As you know, I love reflections whether they are on glass, water or any shiny surface.  This glass did not disappoint, and I had fun painting this one.  

Have a great Monday and wonderful week!  Thank you for your visit.  

The Old Red Barn

The Old Red Barn

Oil  9 x 12

Old barns, corn cribs, ramshackle buildings--remnants of the past and a different way of life than we now live--they are all so interesting to me.  I enjoy seeking them out when we're riding in the countryside and would love to stop at everyone and snap a photo.  However, we probably would never reach our destination on time.  I've snapped a few riding down the highway and even put our lives in jeopardy stopping on the side of the highway.  Artists live a dangerous life. . .  This is a big ole barn and someone chose to paint it bright red.  I hope it puts a little color in your day.  

Eggplants and Yellow Pepper

Eggplants with Yellow Pepper

Oil  6 x 6

I do love to paint eggplants--love their shape and beautiful purple color.  Peppers are a favorite also.  These little beauties actually came from our garden.  As always, when interesting food enters our house, the first order of business is to either paint it or photograph it for a future painting which is the case here.  This was painted primarily with a palette knife to get some interesting texture going on.  It won't be long until gardening season and lots of beautiful fruits and vegetables to paint.  

Just want to remind you that my exhibit is still hanging at Peach State Bank & Trust in Gainesville, Georgia.  If you're local, be sure and stop by to check it out.  I have a few of the snowman paintings on exhibit there also.  Almost all paintings are for sale.  

Thank you for stopping by today!

Red Head    

Red Head

Oil  5x7

You know how much I love to paint roosters.  They have attitude!  And it's so much fun to try to capture that look.  I like that bright red comb--can't get enough red. 

Have I ever told you about the time I got spurred by a rooster?  It really hurt and I really cried, plus I didn't know what had attacked me from behind.  I was about 12 years old--visiting my cousins.  They had a mean ole rooster, and I was leaned against their screen door one summer evening telling them a long goodbye when out of nowhere, something flung against me and my legs were in immense pain.  I was hurt and frightened.  The rooster had dug it's spurs into my legs and I had blood streaming down.  That rooster didn't live to see the sun rise again--my uncle made sure of that.  

Our rooster has attitude, but I know he would never harm an innocent little girl lingering much longer than necessary to bid farewell and end an afternoon of fun.

Have a great weekend!  

Red Azalea in Glass Bottle

Red Azalea in Glass Bottle 

Oil  8 x 10 

This painting is from a class I took last summer with Amanda Carder Lovett on how to paint glass.  I thoroughly enjoyed the class and was very pleased with the way this painting turned out.  I had attempted painting glass on my own several times, but wanted to find out if there was something I was missing--tricks of the trade.  Basically, paint what you see.  The trick is deciphering what you see in front of you to make an interesting piece of art.  If you look closely at glass objects, you realize just how intricate the reflections are--the problem is what to put in and what to leave out.  

Check out Amanda's work on her website.  She is very talented and an excellent instructor.  I have taken several workshops with Amanda and they are always informative and fruitful. I come away feeling that I have taken steps forward in my pursuit of art.  

Have a great Monday!

Katie's Sailboat

Katie's Sailboat

Oil  8 x 10 

Hey everybody!  Today, I decided to post Katie's Sailboat as I seem to have boats on my mind.  Maybe it's time to paint a few boats.  This one was painted for our granddaughter, Katie, at her request.  I really don't seem to do very well with requests, but those grandchildren can inspire to do things we wouldn't ordinarily do.  Seems I have to paint what strikes me on that particular day and time.  But Katie requested and I painted.  It was a Christmas gift to her.  

Last week, we had snow and ice and today it is supposed to be 72 degrees!  What a difference a week makes.  Have a wonderful day and week!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day

Pastel  6 x 9 

Happy Valentine's Day!  Hope you have a great one and a great weekend!

Thank you for your continued support!

Snow Day

Snow Day

Pastel  6 x 8 

We woke up again this morning to fresh blanket of snow--so beautiful clinging to the tree branches and making a winter wonderland of everything.  Businesses and schools have closed and most people settled down into a slower mode of life for a couple of days.   This is such an unusual event in this section of the country, and the children are making the most of it using their snow days to have a blast.  I have really enjoyed watching them sliding down the hills and squealing with delight every inch of the way. This painting is of my grandson and a neighbor child enjoying their day in the snow.  

I can already see blue sky peeking through and temperature is supposed to start rising, so I wanted to get this snow painting posted before ole frosty melts away and we all return to our everyday, busy lives.  

Hope you are enjoying your winter snowy day in a warm, safe place!  

Another Snowy Day in Georgia

Another Snowy Day in Georgia

This scene is actually from the first snow of two weeks ago that we had in Georgia, but I was painting it yesterday as it was snowing all day--big, fluffy flakes and little flakes--it kept coming down.  It was so pretty, I decided to let the dust continue to accumulate on the furniture and forget about vacuuming, etc. and just give in to that urge to paint some more snow.  After all, snow in Georgia doesn't happen every winter--have to paint it while we can.  

This is my granddaughter and two neighbor children having a wonderful time sledding down the hill in their brightly colored clothes.  Stay safe and warm wherever you are!

Meet the Artist

As I told you a while back, I have a solo exhibit at Peach State Bank & Trust in Gainesville, Georgia.  It will be on exhibit through June of this year--only two artists per year have the privilege of exhibiting.  They recently asked that I participate in a Meet the Artist reception which was held yesterday.  Oh yes, I was the artist--yay.  It wasn't the best day for having it with all the weather scare, but it was so much fun.  The top photo is showing that we are all set up and ready for the event.  Some asked that I post photos of the exhibit, but it is such a large, long room that it is very difficult to get a good photo.  In the bottom photo, I'm doing a demonstration on how to paint a snowman.  This was my first time going out on that limb.  Amazingly, I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Maybe I'm not such a lone ranger painter after all.  It was a fun day. 

To all of you who are local, I apologize profusely for not sending you an invitation.  This was my first rodeo and I left everything up to the bank instead of doing my part on getting the word out.  I promise the next time around, you'll be first on the invitation list--that's a promise!  

Have a wonderful, snowy, chilly winter day!

Look On The Bright Side   

Look On The Bright Side

Oil  8x8

If you are a member of my Facebook Fan Page, then you are familiar with this painting as I had it for my timeline photo for some time.  But I wanted to post it here and tell you a little story about how it got it's title. Most of the time, when I think of a painting a title usually pops into my head right away.  But for this painting, I thought of several titles over a period of days, but nothing seemed to click. 

Back last spring, my husband and I were having lunch on a beautiful day on our deck.  When we finished, I said "that was a lousy lunch, but the good thing about a lousy lunch is that we don't eat much!"  He laughed and replied that I could always find the good everything.  And I replied that you just have to look on the bright side.  Afterwards, I was still laughing to myself about that conversation and as I walked by and looked at this painting, I knew immediately I had found the title I was looking for--look on the bright side.  

Life throws curve balls and sometimes it is difficult or even impossible to look on the bright side, but this painting helps remind me to always strive to "look on the bright side".  

Hope you have a wonderful, bright day today!

French Blue Shutters

French Blue Shutters

Oil   9 x 12

You talk about changing gears, we are definitely changing gears today--we're traveling to Paris to capture these French Blue Shutters.  I would love to be in France, but guess I'll have to settle for a photograph--a girl can dream.  That's another upside to art--you can travel anywhere with a brush and image in your head.   Lovin' the blues against the orange stucco wall.  I painted this sometime back and liked it so much, I would like to paint it again.  My "to paint" list get longer instead of shorter.  But that's okay--it'll keep me inspired to make time for the easel.  

Have a great Monday and week!  

Recap of 30 Paintings in 30 Days

January Snowmen/Women/Children

Yesterday, I actually did get  each one of these little smiley faces loaded to the collage. I was about to click the button to save it to my computer when the program crashed!  All my work to load them up evaporated into cyber land, and I had to quit playing with the computer and hit the road.  I kept telling myself to forget the collage and just end it with Frosty, but I can't bear to lose a battle.  So as soon as I arrived home, I went straight to the computer and loaded them all up again!  This time the program cooperated and now we have our collage.  If you're counting, there are only 25--reason being, it's quicker to use auto upload than to drop each one into the collage manually.  I decided after the morning crash, I might be wise to take somewhat of a shortcut.  

I appreciate so many of you telling me that you will miss the snowmen and how you have looked forward to each new painting every day.  That is music to my ears!!!  A little secret between you and me, I could go on and on painting snowmen.  I'm still coming up with ideas for new ones.  I will have to draw these out before they leave my head completely because I'm sure we'll be revisiting the snowmen of winter at some point in time.  Keep checking in to see what is new on the easel!

Goodbye Frosty!

Goodbye Frosty

Pastel  5x7

Looks like Frosty the Snowman is waving goodbye to us.  Guess that means our snowman month is over.  But don't you cry--I'll be again someday!

I have enjoyed this month so much visiting with all of you.  Your comments and suggestions have meant so much to me and warmed my heart on these frigid winter days.  I sincerely hope you have enjoyed this month of lighthearted fun as much as I have.  Thank you--thank you for your time, support and encouragement!!!  You're the greatest!!!

I'll be back . . . 

Ole Purple Hat  --  Day 30 of the 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge
THE VERY LAST DAY!!!

Ole Purple Hat

Pastel  5x7

Two things I can hardly comprehend--that January is almost over and that the 30 Day Challenge has ended.  When I signed up for these challenges (this being my second one), it seems so daunting, but once I get "into it", it just flies by and I've enjoyed both of them SO much!!!  I benefit so much from participating in these challenges--growth in painting ability, confidence, meeting new people, hearing from ole friends and much more.  Now that it's over, there will be benefits too--such as a cleaner house, hot meals, etc. but I'd rather paint!

Oh, back to Ole Purple Hat--I was just looking for an excuse to use my beautiful purples, blues, pinks and he just dressed up so nicely in those girlie colors.  So guys, you need to take note.  Maybe you need to shake up your wardrobes and add a little spice to your life.  Color is a good thing--never shy away from it!  Try it--you'll like it!  Look how handsome he looks!

You are ALL so wonderful to have visited with me every single day for an entire month.  It made me want to be sure I didn't miss a day and that I delivered something that would, hopefully, brighten your day and bring a smile.  You kept me going when other things were pulling me away, and made me want to take time to paint and post.  You cannot possibly know what an impact you have on me and my art.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!!! 

Don't go away--there will be more!

The Conductor  -- 30 Day Painting Challenge  -- Day 29

Guess what?  28 snowman paintings and we FINALLY got snow yesterday--about 1 1/2 inches, but hey, it's the white fluffy stuff and we haven't seen any in a couple of years, so you could say we are excited!!! I had almost given up, but here it is--beautiful!  Oh yes, we got a bonus(???)--19 degrees last night deep in the heart of Dixie! Last week, it was 11 degrees.  Let me tell you, our snow people are lovin' it!
This good looking fella in his green duds just looks so much like he is conducting an orchestra--thus the title.  As soon as I looked at those graceful arms, I just knew he could conduct a great piece of music.  Plus, he's dressed for a night to remember!  Did you notice that he even conducted the snow to fall in the same color as his attire!?!  Cool!

After the high of Monday's announcement of the lucky winner--I'm so glad we've got a special snowman to lead us into the last day of the Challenge.  We needed him to see us through.  

Sister Snowgirl  -  Day 28 of 30 Day Challenge

Since I did 2 brother snowmen, I decided I'd do a sister one also and dress her in a pretty bright pink hat and scarf to match and even the snow matches her outfit!  Since the family thing keeps coming up, let me tell you just a little about my family.  Actually, I have the best sister in the whole wide world!!!  Couldn't have picked a better one if I'd had the opportunity!  She is amazing!!!  And 4 brothers--count 'em--4--they are sweet, thoughtful and loving and I'm so fortunate to have them in my life!!!  I've already mentioned my parents early in this challenge.  I have the best family anyone could ever ask for!!!  That leads to some very important people in my life--4 wonderful grown children--a son and daughter in law; a daughter and son in law and 6 grandchildren.  They are beautiful, wonderful, extraordinary and bring so much pride and happiness into my life.  I'm so proud of all of them!!! Last but certainly not least, my sweet, supportive and helpful husband--I told you about him in the first challenge.  Unfortunately, I don't have enough snowmen/girls left to depict each one of them but trust me, they are all extra special!!!  I am truly blessed!!!

Building a Snowman  --  And the WINNER is . . . 

Celebrating One Year of Blogging

When I started drawing out my idea for this painting, my plan was to draw a child building a snowman.  But about mid-thought, I decided it would be so cute to have a snowman building a snowman and so nothing else would do.  I really like the way it turned out, a little one building a big one.  Plus the snow shows up so well on the dark background.  

It was a big step for me to start an art blog on January 27, 2013--a little scary to "put myself out there" and know that I had to think of something half way intelligent to say with each blog post--frightening.  But it has been the most amazing journey--meeting new friends from near and far and connecting with old friends.  Thank you ALL for being so diligent commenting on the paintings and posts.  I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your time, support and interest in my art this past year.  Since January 27th of last year, I have had almost 7,000 visits to my blog. 

Farmer Snowman  -- Day 26 of 30 Day Challenge
The LAST Day to enter for a chance to win a Snowman Painting

My son wanted me to paint this little farmer snowman with his pitchfork and hay.  Instead of shoveling snow, he's shoveling hay--must have livestock to feed in this frigid weather we're having this winter.  He sure did dress nice for work in his red plaid shirt and straw hat.

The Very LAST day to enter the drawing is already here.  You must enter a comment by midnight tonight for a chance to win a free painting of One Round Snowball painting which is featured on Day 15.  This has been so much fun!  I hope that you have enjoyed following and commenting as much as I have enjoyed reading each one of them and visiting with you via the internet.  Time has just flown by and tomorrow morning, we will all know who the lucky winner is, so stayed tuned.  Remember that we are all winners because we have taken the time to share with each other and had some lighthearted fun each day.  

Friends  -- Day 25 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge
Enter to Win a Painting - Time is About to Run Out

Friends

Pastel  4x8

I went from a large closeup view yesterday to tiny little people today.  These friends are out for a snowball party and you're invited to come play.  The little girl in the middle hasn't decided if she's happy about this party or had rather be doing something else, but the one in the black hat is just lovin' every minute of it.  He'd make a great playmate.  Come join the party and throw a few snowballs. 

Oh, and while you're at it, don't forget to comment on this blog, Facebook or email for a chance to win the painting of Day 15.  You only have one more day to enter.  Don't miss out!  Good luck!

Mrs. Frosty --  Day 24 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days
Enter to win Original Painting

Mrs. Frosty

Pastel  8x8

You know there had to be a Mrs. Frosty and I think she just looks like the sweetest little grandmother type.  Bet she can cook good too--oh no, I forgot, she is not allowed close to a stove.  That would be a disaster.  Well, you know she would be great with the kids--lots of hugs and attention and play time.  

You can see that I'm back on my closeup kick. There's something about those closeup views that I just enjoy painting.  Don't forget to comment to enter the drawing for that painting!

Mr. Frosty  --  Day 23 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days
Enter to Win an Original Painting

Mr. Frosty

Pastel   8x8

When I named this big ole fellow, he reminded me of the original Frosty in the song, story books, etc.  But maybe my memory is foggy because the song says he has a button nose.  Maybe I need to look up the original and see if there is any resemblance at all.  He looks pretty happy and I know he would play with the children if they would just put down their devices and come out to play--come on kids! Original Frosty didn't have to compete with devices--times do change.  However, I'm sure that if we got snow down here in Georgia, those devices would be forgotten and ole Frosty would have lots of playmates--some things never change.  

Enter to win a free original snowman painting.  Just enter a comment on this blog, Facebook (link is just to the right of this post) or email.  Each time you comment, your name goes in the snowman hat for a drawing on January 27th.  Good luck!

I want to thank all of you for your wonderful comments!  Keep 'em comin'!

Red Earmuffs  -  Day 22 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days
Enter to win a Painting

Red Earmuffs

Pastel  5x7

Look at this--it's snowing blue to match her clothes.  Now, that's fashion conscious!

Can you believe that we still have not had snow!?!  The cold weather is sure lingering, but no white stuff to go with it.  I know this little lady in the matching red winter attire would like to have a blanket of snow to insure her safety for the remainder of the winter.  Snow, oh snow, where art thou?  

We are giving away a painting One Round Snowball from Day 15.  To enter the drawing, you only need to comment on this blog, Facebook or email and your name will be in the snowman hat.  Comment every day for more chances to win.  Best of luck!

The Judge -- Day 21 of the 30 Day Challenge

Enter to Win a Painting!

The Judge

Pastel   8x8

After I painted this and set it aside to ponder over what might need some attention, I knew the title just had to be The Judge.  He just looks very authoritative--not sure if would want to be in his courtroom.  But then again. . . he does look like a pushover.  He's a snowman!--he has to be sweet and fun lovin'.  Anyone that wears that bright blue hat can't be too tough.  I present to you The Judge.

We've had lots of comments and that ole snowman hat is gonna be full.  Don't be left out in the cold--get those comments in.  They're so fun to read, and I sincerely appreciate each and every one of them!

It's All About The Nose  --  Day 20 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge
Painting Giveaway!

It's All About The Nose

Pastel   8x8

Just the head and the nose--you know I like closeup views, and I thought this one was just what we needed to show off the details of the snowman.  He's sure got a big ole nose!  Bless his heart!  (Southern for, "I'd hate to have THAT nose!")

Have a fun Monday!  Is that possible?--of course it is!  Don't forget to comment--the more you comment, the more chances you have to win!  We've got one more week to get those chances in to win a painting to celebrate the One Year Anniversary of my art blog.  Drawing will be held on January 27th.  Don't miss the fun!

Stylin' Snowgirl  --  Day 19 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days
Painting Giveaway!

Stylin' Snowgirl

Pastel   5x7

This little snowgirl knows the lastest styles, and is showing it with her chevron hat, scarf, jacket and mittens.  Plus, she's all wrapped up and warm--as warm as you can be and be made of snow.

If you're just joining the snowman parade on this blog, I am giving away the painting of Day 15 entitled One Round Snowball.  All you have to do is enter a comment on this blog, or Facebook or by email.  The more times you enter, the more chances you have to win.  The drawing will be held on January 27th--the One Year Anniversary of starting my blog.  Good luck!

Hope you are having a pleasant weekend!  Remember those comments!

Howdy Pardner  --  Day 18 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days 
Painting Giveaway!

Howdy Pardner

Pastel   4x8 

My sister suggested that I paint a cowboy snowman, so here he is saying a big hello to each and every one of you!  He might be a sheriff--he has star on his belt.  Don't know why he didn't pin it on his vest.  How 'bout that 10 gallon Stetson!

Don't forget to do your homework and comment somewhere, somehow, some way to win a snowman painting.  Tell your friends--they might want to enter.  You can comment here on the blog, Facebook, email.  Drawing will be held January 27th.

A Gray Day  --  Day 17 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days
Painting Giveaway!

A Gray Day

Pastel   5x7

It really does look like a cold, gray day here, but that red scarf and hat band really brightens things up a bit. I don't think I could stand out in the snow like he's doing.  I like to play in it a while, but the warm fire keeps beckoning me to come inside (on the rare times we do get snow).  As much as I do love snow, I like it in small amounts and short periods of time.  My snow hat is off to our northern neighbors who live with it all winter long.

Remember that each time you enter a comment on the blog, Facebook and/or email, your name will be entered into a drawing to win the Day 15 painting.  The drawing will be held on January 27th--the One Year Anniversary of starting my blog.  Good luck!

Thank you for all your comments!!!  Every comment is special to me, brightens my day and gives me renewed energy to keep moving forward.

Help, I'm Falling  --  Day 16 of 30 Day Challenge
Painting Giveaway!

Help, I'm Falling

Pastel   5x7

We need some help here--he's falling over.  If a big wind comes--he's down for the count.  Maybe things will stay steady for the remainder of winter and he can keep his footing.

If you missed yesterday's post, I am giving away yesterday's painting One Round Snowball.  Just enter a comment on my blog, Facebook or email and your name will be entered into a drawing--you can comment on all three.  Drawing will be held on January 27th--the One Year Anniversary of starting my blog.  Good luck!

Remember to comment and have more chances to win!  Invite your friends to join the fun!

One Round Snowball  -- Day 15 of 30 Day Painting Challenge
Enter to Win a Painting

One Round Snowball

Pastel    5x7  

To celebrate the 1 Year Anniversary of starting my art blog, I am going to give away a painting to one of you--my loyal friends and followers!  You can enter every day between now and January 26th to win THIS cute, little, round snowman wearing that pretty red scarf.  All you have to do is post a comment on my blog, Facebook or email.  Each time you post, your name will be entered into the drawing.  The winner will be announced on January 27--my 1 Year Anniversary!  The painting will be framed and mailed to you as soon as possible after the drawing.  

So, you have several days, several ways and several chances to get your name in the snowman hat!  Good luck!

Snow Belly  --  Day 14  30 Paintings in 30 Days
Look for an announcement tomorrow . . . 

Snow Belly

Pastel   4x8 

"Somebody put some more snow on my belly--I'm too skinny!  Someone didn't roll the snowball nearly big enough.  I'm going to melt!"  Sounds like this snowman has a problem--he's way too skinny, or so he thinks.  Most of us would like to have his problem.  Just looks like he's in good shape.   

Have a great day, and don't worry if you're too skinny--you look great!

Little Frosty  --  Day 13 of 30 Day Painting Challenge

Little Frosty

Pastel   5x7

Little Frosty is just standing in the snow looking for someone.  Sure does look cold there like a true January day.  Makes me want to stand by the fire, but he looks perfectly happy right there in the snow.  

Have a wonderful Monday!  Thank you for stopping by today!

Real Men Wear Pink  -- Day 12 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days

Real Men Wear Pink 

Pastel   4x8

Real men do wear pink or purple or any of those beautiful colors--they'd be silly not to.  This snowman looks great in his brightly colored scarf and hat.  I'd hate to have to carry around that nose everywhere, but it looks good on him.

Well, we still haven't seen any snow in these parts--instead we got a winter thunderstorm complete with lightening.  Not exactly what I had in mind, but there's still plenty of wintertime chances left the fluffy white stuff. 

Have a great day and thank you for your time and support!  

Floppy Hat  -  Day 11 of 30 in 30

Floppy Hat

Pastel   4x8

This little snow girl got carried away with choosing a tall hat, but I think it suits her.  She's also gotten out in a snow storm and got some really pink cheeks from the cold.  

Stay warm and cozy and have some fun on this January Saturday!

My Other Brother Snowman - Day 10 of 30 in 30 Paintings
And News to Share with You

Do any of you remember that goofy TV show from a long time back where the guy would say, "this is my brother Larry, and this is my other brother Larry"?  As soon as I finished these 2 paintings back to back, that show immediately came to mind and I started laughing.  I knew I had to name these paintings My Brother Snowman and My Other Brother Snowman.  Maybe they should have just been named Larry.  Anyway, I think they're just as cute as can be, but in spite of their cuteness, they have not brought me snow.  I will not give up though--I'm not a quitter!  I'm still wishing for snow--no blizzards please--just a beautiful 2 or 3 inches--maybe 4 or 5 or . . .

My news is that I have been invited by the Georgia Art League for a solo exhibit at Peach State Bank & Trust.  Only two artist per year exhibit, and I am very honored to participate.  If you live in our area, please stop by and check it out.  The exhibit went up today and will stay in place through June. 

My Brother Snowman -  Day 9 of 30 in 30

My Brother Snowman

Pastel  8x8

You can tell he's a BIG brother by the size of that head!  A cutie in that red hat.  Well we're 9 days into this wishing thing and nothing has fallen out of the sky yet.  You would think if anyone could, a snowman could bring snow--my goodness.

Thank you ALL for participating in my poll on whether to continue painting snowmen!!!  You answered with a resounding "yes", so here we go!  How many ways can you paint a snowman?  Well, we're about to find out, and I hope it will be at least 30 different ways.  Stay tuned to see whose on next.

Thank you for stopping by today and participating in my wishing "thing"!



Big Daddy -  Day 8  30 in 30 Paintings

Big Daddy

Pastel  8x8

 

Looks like Big Daddy has the same problem I do--he ate too much Christmas cake, cookies and candies and now he's having to pay for it.  It's time to hit the treadmill and eat tofu.  But he's still smiling and has a great attitude. 

 

I have a dilemma and need your help.  Before I started this 30 Day Challenge, my intention was to paint "Fruits and Vegetables" in oils, but then I got snow on my mind and all of a sudden, these little snowmen popped into my head and started begging to be painted.  So I agreed with them to paint a few and then move on to my intended oil paintings of good things to eat.  But--those persistent little snowmen are just dancing around telling me how they want to look, what they want to wear and even the color.  So my question is:  do I change over to my previously intended path, or do I let the snowmen win and bring them out to parade before the world:  I'll wait on your answer!  Better hurry though--we've got 30 days to cover. 

 

Thanks in advance for your help and for visiting today!



Old English Snowman -  Day 7 of 30 in 30

Old English Snowman

Pastel  5x7

 

This hat reminds me of Charles Dickens, thus the title.  Maybe he'll take me to England with him.  I've been there once and it was a marvelous place.  Loved the antiquity of it all.  Fond memories and a great photo album of all the sites.  

 

This morning as I looked out the window I saw snow flying through the air--looked like diamonds dancing in the air.  Only problem--it is a bright sunny day--go figure.  I was so perplexed, I went outside in the frigid air to see if there was a snow cloud hanging just over head, but no--only blue skies.  Guess it was just so cold, it was freezing what little moisture there is in the air and the sun was striking it just right.  Bet this is not unusual up north.  Anyway, I got to experience a special moment watching diamonds swirl through the air!

 

Thank you for continuing to follow along with me!



Snowgirl - Day 6 of 30 Paintings in 30 Days

Snowgirl

Pastel  5x7

 

You know this has to be a girl--everything had to match.  I believe she got a new scarf and hat for Christmas. 

 

Today is Monday which starts the first full week of the new year.  I believe the reason the time flies by so quickly is because we're all having way too much fun, or maybe lots of places to go.  Something sure makes it slide right on by. 

 

Enjoy your Monday!  Enjoy your week!  Thank you for following my progress.  



Ready to Play - Day 5 of 30 in 30

Ready to Play

Pastel  5x7

 

I'm not sure if he/she is ready to play or ready to go to bed.  The hat reminds me of the night caps in story books, but it's a happy little thing and needs a playmate.  Ooh, I think I see snow out the window!  Just kidding--it's that darn vivid imagination again.  I came by it honest--from my dad.  He is the reason I still firmly believe in Santa Claus.  When I was a little girl, he had us all convinced that Santa in his sleigh and 8 tiny reindeer were flying across the sky.  When he threw that door open and pointed to the sky, there they were just as clear as the night!  Because of his vivid imagination, excitement, storytelling and gestures, I can still see them as clearly as I did that night.  I will never forget that image.  He can still weave a good story or make up a poem on the spot.  He and my mom instilled a love of the holiday season in our entire family.  They are special!

 

Let's keep up our work to wish us a snowfall a few more days.  It might just happen--there are predictions.  

Top Hat  -  Day 4 of 30 in 30

Top Hat

Pastel  4x8

 

I think this little fellow is so cute.  Hope you're not getting tired of snowmen, but I haven't seen snow yet and I can't give up just yet.  Really I'm still not over the excitement of these luscious, brightly colored pastels and these snowmen are just loving coming to life (and they won't even melt), so I must carry on. 

 

Tune in tomorrow to see what might come up on your screen.  Remember to share with friends.  Thanks a bunch!



Long Tall Skinny - Day 3 of 30 in 30

Long Tall Skinny

Pastel  4x8

 

This little fellow didn't over eat during the holidays and is in great shape.  Lovin' that blue hat.  Guess what?  Last night the wind was howling and I looked out the window and it was snowing!  Well, it was snow flurries, but still it was snow!  My wish almost came true.  But not a flake this morning.  Okay Mr. Snowman, I'm still wishing for that blanket of the white stuff.

 

We're already on Day 3.  If you want to see lots of talented artist, check out Leslie's website at www.lesliesaeta.com .  She has lots of artist participating in the 30 Day Challenge.  Leslie does lots to promote her fellow artists and is so generous with her time and efforts to help us all. 

 

Hope you are having a great first week of 2014!