Finished painting and sale on paint

Sepia Cactus

On my last post I showed a photo of a canvas with the pattern transferred on to it ready to paint.  Here is that painting finished and in the frame.  It is monochromatic in colors that resemble old sepia photos.  For that reason I have titled it "Sepia Cactus."  I have done versions of it before and have a smaller one that I just finished that I will post at a future time.

I went to Michaels today to take advantage of a sale on paint.  I got 35 bottles at 50% off and used my 40% off coupon for the bushes.  I love a good bargain!  Now I must go restock my paint shelves....not a job I enjoy doing.  On the other hand I won't have to do it again for awhile.  I almost have as much paint on my shelves that Michaels have.

Paintings in Progress

I have been busy working on multiple paintings for the various shows coming up in early 2013.  Here are a bunch of small ones that I have completed painting but are waiting for the protective coat of polycrylic.  I like to do that when I have a number of paintings finished.  When they are dry I then do the framing.  As you can see by this photo the paintings are sitting in their frames.  For those of you who are new to my blog, I would like to mention that I always pick a frame first then do the painting to complement the frame.  Also, you see the same subject matter in various sizes.  The reason for that is that I do not sell prints of my paintings.  Everything I sell are original.  What I do is draw a pattern on tracing paper then make copies of it on the computer in various sizes which I can then transfer onto canvas of different size. Some of the above paintings are 8X10 and some 5X7 plus a few other sizes.  These paintings will be at the De Grazia show.The photo below is of a painting that is ready to paint showing the tracing paper pattern and the canvas with the pattern transferred on to it.  This one is larger 12X16.  It will be a version of "Sepia Cactus" which is the second one on the right in the photo above.  I will be showing this one at the Skyline Country Club exhibition.  I'll post more information on these shows later in January closer to the time of the openings.

Merry Christmas

Just wanted to take this opportunity to wish all who follow this blog Merry Christmas and God's blessings in the new year.  2012 has been very productive for me.  I was hoping to average a painting a week.  I don't have an exact count but I know I did much more than that counting both canvas paintings and functional items.  Again, I don't have an exact count, but know I sold or gifted over 100 works of art this year.  I am still busy preparing for three shows coming up in January, February and April of 2013.  I will have to have to have at least 75 paintings for these shows.  Since I love every minute I spend creating new art it makes me happy to have something to work towards.  I praise God for giving me something I enjoy doing so much to fill my time at this point of my life.  The same goes for Roger who spends just as much time in his shop working on his stained glass windows.  Retirement has been great for us as what we are doing now is not work but lots of fun!

Mick & Carol's Painting

God's Gift
18X22

This painting was done for Roger's cousin and his wife in WV.  I waited to post it until they received it.  Carol liked the smaller version I did months back and wanted one in a bigger size and different colors.  It was a challenge to convert it from vertical to horizontal but I finally came up with the idea of a painting within a painting.  I added the cross painting on an easel. If you go back through older posts you will find the original 8X10 painting.  I have been busy the past month working on commissioned work including two paintings and various functional items.  I have not posted photos because they are to be gifts for Christmas and I don't want to take a chance of the recipients seeing them if they happen to look at this blog.  I am now working on some large paintings for the up coming exhibitions in 2013.

Holidazzle

I wanted to let you  know about Holidazzle which is sponsored by the Southern Arizona Art Guild.  This is an extend show from Nov.30 to Dec. 9 from 11 am to 7 pm.  It is in a great location this year.  It is at the Casas Adobe Plaza between Frost and Whole Foods.  There will be 50 artists showing their beautiful creations. I will have both paintings and functional art.  Click on the above flyer to enlarge it so you can read all the details.  There is a special opening reception on Nov. 30 from 5 to 8 pm.  Hope to see you there.

Report on 2012 Sun City Art Festival

As you can see by these photos I had a very large display.  I had a total of 122 items.  That included 84 paintings from sizes 5X7 to 16X20  and 38 functional items such as bowls, trays, domino holders and a table.  I sold a total of 51 items, 25 paintings and 26 craft items.  I also have a couple of commissions jobs to do. There was very good attendance at the show.  People were lined up when the doors opened and there was a steady stream all day.  I had good conversations with old friends, got reacquainted with people I met at other shows and met lots of new people.  One gentleman bought three paintings that he is taking to South Africa to give as gifts to relatives.  He wanted to give them something indicative to the Tucson area so picked out paintings featuring saguaros.  I now have a new country to add to my list of paintings that have gone international.  It is such a blessing to me to have so many people admire my work.  I love to paint and knowing people like what they see makes it worth all the time I put into creating new art.  Thanks to all of you and thanks to my husband who, as always, was a huge help.  He carried all the boxes and set up all the racks and tables and because I did a dry run at home and  took photos of how I was going to hang the paintings he was able to help me with the hanging.  He also took the job of cashier and record keeper which freed me up to talk to people.  I couldn't have done it without his help.  Tomorrow we celebrate our 53rd anniversary and we have enjoyed everyone of those years together!   After cleaning up my studio I will be back painting for the shows coming up next year.  I praise God for the fun and success I have had from the talent He has given me.

Sun City Arts and Craft Festival

This is the Art Festival that I have been working towards all year.  The information of where and when is on the above flyer.  Click on it to make it larger.  My display is the first one on the left as you come in the main doors to the social hall.   I have many paintings in all sizes and a nice selection of  functional  items.  If you go to older posts on this blog you will see much of what I will be showing.  I also have gift certificates available.   This idea came from a friend who wanted to give a gift of art but couldn't make a choice so asked me to make up a gift certificate to present to the recipient.  I though this was a good idea so decided to offer them at the show.  There are over 60 artists and craftspeople showing many kinds of art.  It is a good opportunity to do your holiday shopping.  I would also like to mention that I will be doing a painting demo at 1 pm so if you have always wondered how I do my dots come and watch me in action.  Below are a few more paintings that I just completed and will have at the show.

Chili Pepper Cutting Board

Here is the latest addition to my chili pepper collection.   This is the cutting board that I mentioned in my last post about my yard sale treasures.  Of course it is now a decorative item and cannot be used as a cutting board but can be hung on a wall or used as a table centerpiece.  I have completed a number of 8X10 paintings to add to those I have ready for the up coming art fair. I still have to put the polycrylic on them and frame them.  When that is done I will post photos.  Only 10 days until the show.  I will continue to paint for about a week then do all the finish work which includes labels and price tags and table signs.  I will send out an email reminder about the show to my art mailing list and also put it on Facebook next Wednesday. 

More Mexican Train Stations

I finished painting the last of my supply of Mexican Train Domino Holders.  I tried some new patterns.  I will be selling these at the Sun City Art Fair on Nov. 3.  I have 23 of them.  They are one of my most popular items.  If you don't know what they are go to older posts and you will find another photo and explanation of what they are used for.  They make great gifts and are only $20 each.  I have just over two weeks until the show.  I plan to do a few more 8X10 canvas paintings to replace the ones I sold at the last show and maybe a few more craft items since I have more bowls and trays that I got over the weekend at yard sales. 

Garage Sale Treasures!

 

It was a beautiful day to go to garage sales.  The weather was perfect and there was a community sale close by with lots of people selling lots of stuff.  I was very successful in finding frames and functional items to re-purpose into works of art.  I also met and talked to some very nice people and passed out my business cards so they can have an idea of how I will turn their old unwanted items into something beautiful.  I was very happy to find a chili pepper cutting board which you can see in the center of this photo.  I will do a matching piece to the chili pepper tray you can see a few posts back.  I am also going to do a chili pepper domino holder.    I think I have enough stock to last me for awhile. I don't have much time until the Sun City show on Nov. 3 so I MUST get busy painting.  Look for future posts of photos of what I have done with all this stuff.

Cancer Awareness Exhibition

Ventana Medical Systems in having an art exhibition  focusing on cancer awareness.  Here are photos of my paintings and artist statement that have been excepted for this show. 


"New Life"
 

I have many close relatives and good friends who are cancer survivors.  The courage they showed in facing their diagnosis and treatment was my inspiration in painting this butterfly which is a symbol of "new life".  I incorporated the colors of the cancer awareness ribbons that represent their various types of cancer.



"Daffodil Dreams"

The daffodil is a symbol of hope for a future where cancer is no longer a life threatening disease.  I dedicate this painting to all those involved in cancer research who will make this "daffodil dream" a reality

Here is the information on the opening reception for the exhibition:

Ventanta Medical Systems Cancer Awareness Exhibition Opening Night Reception   Thursday, October 18 5pm - 7pm Location: Innovation Dr. Oro Valley, AZ

Trays and Bowl

I  completed the last of the trays and bowls that I have accumulated at yard sales this past year.  Guess I have to start my Saturday morning excursions again.  I am also low on my stock of frames.  If you go back in this blog to much older posts you will find a photo of some of these things in their original condition.  They were all pretty nasty looking when I bought them.  The round tray was the worse.  I think it may have been hand carved and looked like it had been smoke damaged in a fire.  That is why I decided to paint it black and use the day of the dead pattern.  I really enjoy turning objects that someone thought were at the end of their life cycle and wanted to get rid of into works of art.  I will be showing these items at the Sun City Art Festival which will be on November 3 at the Social Hall on Rancho Vistoso Blvd.

Report on Sheraton Opening Reception

The opening reception for the SAAG Sheraton Art Show was yesterday afternoon.  There was also a small artisan market in which I took part.  I am pleased to say I sold 4 paintings and 2 craft items which is not bad for a 3 hour time period.  The main focus of the show is the art which hangs in the halls, lobbies, and restaurants of the hotel.  This is a juried show for the members of SAAG.  The art is fantastic!  There are a wide range of styles and subject matter in both paintings and photography.  No matter what  your art preference is, you should find something that you will like.  The show will be running for six months so if you find yourself in that neighborhood stop by and take a look.  The address is 5151 S. Grant.  If you are there at lunch or dinner time try the Fire and Spice Grill in the hotel.  Yummy food!  My five paintings along with the works of a few other artists are in the Link Cafe which is off of the main lobby. 

My next show is the Sun City Art Fair which is November 3.  This is a BIG show with over 60 vendors with a wide range of various types of art.  I'll post detailed information closer to the time of the show.  From now until then I will be working on more small paintings and craft items.

 Something else I would like to mention is that I have now started to offer gift certificates.  This came about because a friend wanted to give a gift of art to someone but didn't know what she would like so asked if I would make a gift certificate for her to give.  I thought this was an excellent idea so decide to offer them.  That way the recipient can choose what they want or even commission me to do a specific painting.  If you have any questions on any of my posts you can contact me at rogpamd@msn.com or call at 520-825-6817.   You can also put comments on this blog.

2012 SAAG Art Show

The SAAG Fall Show Opening Reception and Artisan Market is this Saturday, October 6, at the Sheraton Hotel at 5151 E. Grant. See the above flyer for more information including time and room location, I have five partings in the show and will have a table at the reception featuring small paintings and functional items. You will see a lot of what I will be showing if you look at older posts on this blog. If you have been following my blog you know that I am getting into a busy time of year for art shows. This is the first one that I will be taking part in. I have one in both November and December and have a number of exciting things coming up after the first of the year. I'll post information on those closer to the time. You may recognize one of my paintings on the above flyer.

My Sheraton Exhibition Paintings

These are the paintings that I will be showing at the Sheraton Exhibition along with other artists who are members of Southern Arizona Artist Guild. I joined this group a year ago. I am so glad I did. I have had the opportunity to meet and network with so many great artists in the Tucson Area. I will post more information about this exhibition the first week in October including the date for the opening reception. I also want to mention these are LARGE paintings. It is hard to tell the size when looking at the photo.

Roy and Sue's Camp (Lincon Lodge)

This project was different than what I usually do. It was also a challenge. I have friends who have what they call a camp and what I call cabin in upstate New York. It was built by Sue's parents in the 1940's. She asked me to do three small paintings based on a photo she gave me. I told her I would give it a try. She hasn't seen them yet so hopefully she will like them. I worked on them simultaneously. The cabin is tucked in the woods and surrounded by trees....lots and lots of green. Quite different from AZ! I tryed to stay as close to the photo as I could. Since the paintings are so small there is not much detail but I did include the Adirondack chairs. The photo I am posting is not as clear as I would like but it was the best image I could get. Hope you enjoy seeing it. I think it is now time to get back to southwest themed paintings. I don't have much time until the November art fair.

Sue came to look at the paintings today and loved them. I even got a hug! The name of the cabin is "Lincoln Lodge" which is what I will title the paintings. I have to complete the framing and will deliver them to her tonight.

Morning Glories

This is my painting of morning glories. As mentioned in my last post it is a subject I did many times when I lived in Ohio but when we moved to AZ I changed my direction to southwestern subjects. Recently I ran acrosss a painting of morning glories by Georgia O'Keeffe which inspired me to paint them again. I have a number of fancy 11X14 frames that I bought for $2 each. I thought one of them would be perfect for the painting. I refinished it before I started the painting. Instead of copying Georgia's style of a close up of just a couple of flowers I decided to do what I had traditionally done in the past. Keep in mind that was in the days when I was doing only functional art so they would be on something like a tray. This is the first time I have done them on canvas. I was happy with the results and hopefully there will be a morning glory lover out there who will want to buy it. Posted below is the painting by Georgia that gave me the inspiration.

Desert Tray and Gecko Bowl

Two more functional items completed. The tray is 17X14. I painted one of my classic desert scenes. I used terracotta and orange shades which are the colors that seem to sell best. The oval bowl is 19X11, I decided to paint a gecko and used lots of bright colors. I have been working on bowls and trays for a few weeks and still have some more items to paint including domino holders but I think I will hold off on those and do some canvas paintings next. I am going to work on some mid size paintings. I have a number of nice 11x14 frames that I would like to use. My next painting will not be southwest. I recently saw a morning glory painting by Georgia O'Keeffe that brought back memories of paintings I did featuring the morning glory many years ago when I lived in Ohio. Thought I would do one just because it is something different.

Quail in the Garden Tray

I decided to go with a folk art design on this tray. It is based on Amate bark painting. The usual subjects shown in this type of art are intricate birds and colorful plants. I have fun researching various types of folk art then using the inspiration I get to create a painting in that style.

Two new bowls

Two more bowls completed. They are both 12 inch wooden bowls. The "Desert Scene" bowl is a slightly mishapen round bowl and the "Sarape" bowl is round with scallopes. Bowls are a little harder to paint than canvas or trays which are flat. I have to try to keep a steady hand when working on the rounded surface. Then there is the problem of keeping my brush from touching the edge of the bowl when working. I go through a lot of Q-tips wiping away unwanted swishes of paint that seem to appear on the edges. I have done the desert scene on many bowls and trays in the past and they always seem to sell quickly. While I have incorporated the sarape in paintings before I have never done one on a bowl. I thought the scalloped contour of the bowl would lend itself to the folds in the sarape. Like the rose bowl in the last post it had a distinct 3D look. Just two months to go until the art fair so I will continue to paint every day if possible. I have two trays and another bowl in the prep stage. I have pretty much decided what I am going to paint on them. I want to have a good variety to choose from. I would also like to mention that while doing spell check it tells me that "Sarape" shoud be "Serape". I have run into that in the past so did some research and found that both spellings are acceptable.

Functional Items

I finished a number of paintings for an upcoming group exhibition and for a contest in October but decided to wait until I get notification of acceptance before I post photos. I decided to start work on functional items for the November art fair. I have completed two projects. The first is a 10' bowl that I call my "Rose Bowl". You have seen versions of this painting before but I have never done it on a bowl. I was amazed at the 3D look. The petals seem to be growing out of the bowl. Sometimes I surprise myself! The other project is a "Pepper Tray". I got the pepper shaped tray at a yard sale knowing that I would do the chili pepper design. I did a step by step photo shoot which I posted on Facebook. It only took me a couple of days to paint. I have more trays and bowls that I will paint along with more domino holders before I get back to canvas painting. Oh, I forgot to mention I also completed a new cross painting but have not put the polycrylic on it yet. I'll post a photo when I get that done. I find paintings photograph better with the polycrylic finish and craft items photograph better without the final finish. This is, because of the shape, they do not catch a reflection as they do if they have the shiny finish. It took me awhile to figure this out.

New Commissioned Painting



Desert Beauty
18X24

 This painting was commissioned by an interior designer for the bedroom of a home she is decorating. It was completed last week but I have been so busy that I forgot to post a photo of it. In fact I almost forgot to take a photo of it. Thank goodness I remembered before it was picked up. Since then I have been working on 4 large paintings that I will be submitting for a group exhibition. I should be finished in a few more days and will post photos at that time.

I've been busy!

I had a busy week but still had time for lots of painting. Most of what I did are my usual subject matter, desert scenes and saguaros but I did do something new. It is a horses head. The sizes of the paintings range from 10X13 to 18X22 and everything in between. I now have to do a commissioned job then I think I may do a larger version of the horse painting which, by the way, I named "Equilne Mystic". I will submit it for an exhibition coming up in September. Hope you enjoy these newest creations.

Mexican Train Dominos

If you play Mexican Train Dominos you will know what the above items are. If you don't play then I will explain their use. They are the centerpiece or "train station" of the game. You put the main domino in the center then build your trains off of the cut out sections. For those who don't play dominos they can be used as a wall hanging. I put a small ribbon on the back so they can be hung when not in use for the game. These are one of my biggest sellers. I have painted hundreds of them. My inventory was running low so I spent time this past week painting more of them. I painted 10 new ones but also sold 7 of them to people who called and said they wanted one. That means I have to paint even more for the fall craft show. I will wait to do that closer to the time of the show. I am now working on two medium size paintings and have just completed two smaller paintings.

Paintings in two different styles.

I completed two new paintings. They are totally different subject matter. The one posted below is 10X20 and is one of my saguaro paintings. This one was inspired by a photo sent to me by a friend. It was of a painting of a woman's face covered by butterflies. When I saw it I thought it would be fun to do a Butterfly Saguaro.

The next painting is a 10X10 and is a Vanitas painting which is also the title I gave it. This is based on a 17th century style of painting popular with the Dutch and French. While the paintings contained lovely objects such as flowers they always included some reference to man's mortality like the skull. I thought this could be another version of a Day of the Dead painting.

Even Smaller Paintings

Here are six really small paintings. Five of them are 5X7 and one is 3X5. These smaller paintings sell well at art fairs so I always like to have a nice selection. I think I have done thirteen small paintings in three weeks. All of these paintings are repeats of ones I have done before. As much as I love painting I must admit I have been getting bored with doing old subject matter and feel it is time to get creative again with some new ideas I have been tossing around in my head. I have already started working on two paintings using these ideas. I'll post photos as soon as they are completed.