New Paintings for the Cottage

I've sold several of my painting in the last few months at the cottage so I promised Jody I would spend some time doing a few new ones for her shop. I forgot how much fun it is to really sling that paint around. Let me know what you think.

I'm Taking a Portrait Class by Connie Reily

So I decided a long time ago that "real" artist can do true portrait work and that I will never consider myself a "real" artist until I can do beautiful portraits of people. My New Year's resolution was to take a Portrait Class, so I signed up for one that I had heard was wonderful.


It is at the John's Creek Art Center and taught by Connie Reilly.

http://http//www.conniereilly.com/Connie_Lynn_Reilly_Portraits_%26_Paintings/WELCOME.html

Well, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. If you know me well, you know I don't like following rules. Matter of fact, I teach my art students, "there are no rules". Not the case when doing portrait work according to the world of Mrs. Connie.


My poor brain is having to learn a whole new way of thinking. It's all about measuring every little detail with this strange little object called a "Divider"and shading with about 10 different pencils. Heck, I thought, a pencil was a pencil. Oh no, there are B2's, F's, H4's and even HB's and they all have their on purpose. I won't even go into this thing called "sight sizing" that almost made me cry and throw up last Monday.


With all this said, I've met a lovely and talented group of ladies and gained alot of respect for people who do portrait work. I've decided that it's going to take me years to become a good portrait artist but in the mean time I've been practicing on family. Let me know what you think.


I'm 5 weeks into the class and this is my first try at a portrait of my mother. I would love your feed back. My family is getting sick of seeing themselves drawn so send me good photos so I can practice on your or your loved ones. The photos need to have good lights and darks. I'm learning it's all about the contrasts of lights and darks. By the way, Mrs. Connie, does take commissions and her work is to die for.

Artist Trading Cards for February 13th

I started a new thing with my Friday Artchix, We are going to be trading Artist Trading Cards on a weekly basis. Each week I will be giving them a theme to follow. The first week was an easy choice because it was the week before Valentines, so I choose the theme of "LOVE".

All the cards above need no explaining except maybe #3. I think it means, she is in love with her wine. Isn't it funny that the lady on the card kinda looks like me. LOL. I thought the CHIX did a great job considering most of them didn't even know what a ATC was until last week.

The theme for this coming week is going to be: BUTTERFLY WINGS

Check back next week to see what the ladies come up with for this theme.

"Natural Saints"

This is a link to an article about a book that a friend of mine wrote. Her name is Mallory. Growing up with her, we all though she and her family were a little strange when they saved soda cans and newspaper. They biked everywhere if they could. They wore kinda strange recycled clothes and stuff like that. Well, now we know they were just ahead of their times.

Take a minute to read this article about her book. It talks about "Faith in Nature".

She connects religious responsiblity to recycling. It's pretty cool. It will make you think a little before you throw out that next tuna or soup can.

http://http//blog.al.com/living-press-register/2011/02/faith_in_nature_mallory_mcduff.html

New Earrings for Early Spring

Well the Ground Hound said we were going to have an early spring, so I thought I'd better get a jump start on creating some new spring jewelry for the Boardwell Cottage and the Elegant Attic.

A few of these are made from really old vintage beads that I have been hoarding for some time now. Not sure what made me give them up but I did. If you see anything you're interested in purchasing let me know. All my earring are only $15 a pair.

Hearts Made by Marie Antoinette Members

My link didn't work yesterday and I really wanted to share some of the hearts made by the ladies in the Marie Antoniette Mail Art Swap Group, so here they are for you to drool over.

I have also included the pattern that was given by the head Queen Marie. The measurements for this pattern are 9" wide by 6" tall. The pattern says to cut only one but you will need one for the front and one for the back. They don't have to be the same fabric. You could even layer fabric then lace together. I am sure you could make it bigger, if you like.

I love how the first one has buttons tied to the ends of the ribbon. Each of these have a Paris theme but you could theme your heart from the place where you met your Valentine or you honeymooned, maybe even a place that you have been dreaming of taking a special trip and include tickets to that place inside. How nice would that be. Mine would be the south of France. I want to go there to paint and eat. It's nice to dream.

Valentine's Creations

My Marie Antoinette Mail Art Group had a contest this month. They gave us the pattern for the above fabric heart and ask us to make one. I have made mine out of antique linens and lace. Here's a link to the one that I think will take the cake.

http://antoinettemailart.ning.com/group/clothvalentineheartcontest/forum/topics/my-heart-beats-in-paris

The ladies in this group are so creative, they blow my mind. I've never seen someone add so much stuff to anything. It's like icing on a cake, the more the merrier. I am obessed with all the laces and fluff they add to their projects.
You would think being a southern belle by birth, I would know how to really do up the fluff but I just can't go there but I am working on it.

Southern Belles Georgia Bloggers Event

McDowell, Janice Young, Jo Ann Rogers, me, Marcy Antle, Kris Hurst, Sharon Kyser, Marilyn Lowry, and Debbie .


The room was filled with ladies who love to create! We shared a delicious lunch over lovely conversation....chatting about our creative passions, stories, and all the while, inspiring each another with new, fresh ideas for our creative journeys. It's so much fun to get together with such creative souls.




We all brought a gift to exchange. The gift had to be something we had made ourselves. This is what I got. We decided to call her Miss Georgia Blogger. She is happily living on the shelf next to my desk. She makes me very happy. I just hope that bad Bella doesn't sneak in and steal her.


If you love to create and are a blogger who lives in or around Atlanta Georgia, and would like to join us next time, just email me your contact information and I will let you know about our next event! We would love to have you!

OH, I FORGOT I HAD A BLOG.

Well, it's been since October since I've posted here. I've been so busy creating and selling my stuff that I haven't found time to share them with anyone in the web-world, bad me. I have promised myself to do better. The question is where do I start.

I think I will not try to back track but begin with what I'm currently working on.
I just been creating some wonderful things for Valentine's Day. I created the following items for the Cottage and the Elegant Attic. They are very simple and easy to make. Hope you enjoy them.