My brother died

Last week I got some unexpected news...my brother had a massive heart attack and died. He was only 48 years old. I always knew this call would come,but thought I get it when he was much older. My brother made some bad choices in his adult life and had alienated most of the people in his life that had cared about him, which included me and my sister Linda. I hadn't seen or spoken to my brother in almost 6 years. I only got news about my brother from my sister whenever he would call her, usually drunk, and asking for money. My brother had called my sister the day before Thanksgiving, after not speaking with her in over a year. Maybe he knew on some level that something was going to happen, hence the call to my sister. At least his death was sudden and quick, which is a blessing. He left behind his four adult children and one very angry ex-wife. It's taken me a good week to process this news. I think I've gotten clarity after my sister and I made arrangements to have his body cremated. I don't know if his children will have a memorial since we were not considered the next of kin. His ashes will be given to his oldest son. Now...my brother is with my parents and no longer in emotional and physical pain.
May he rest in peace.

IF--Hatched

You never know what will be hatched...expect surprises!!!

IF-Crunchy

Nothing like crunchy popcorn!!!

Collage

OK, I've never been a big fan of mix media art because it confuses me as to what to put down to create a mix media piece. So I decided to give this another try. The drawing began with a simple yellow star gazer flower off a dessert napkin. From there the drawing and painting evolved.

First I glued several pages together for a sturdy support in my sketchbook. Then I applied a light watercolor wash of New Gamboge. While the pages were drying, I went through my box of ephemera, torn pieces of watercolors, and anything else that I thought might work on this collage. I used Golden gel medium to glue the napkin and butterflies onto the page. Next I sketched the first star gazer and on the opposite side I sketched the dog. I then started to add color first on the dog and then the flowers. With the dog, I was having problems with getting the tan and brown watercolor paint dark enough. After several washes, I applied some acrylic paint. When the acrylic paint was dry I applied Golden molding paste on the dog to give him texture. When that was dry I added more acrylic paint. After the painting was completely dry, I went around with my black sharpie to add more defined detail.

I think when I broke down the components for the painting, the process became easier and I actually enjoyed working on the piece. I plan to do more...

Things I'm thankful for...

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I just wanted to share all the things in my life that I'm thankful for. Today I saw my doctor and for the first time in a rather long time she told me all my blood work was normal!!! I'm thankful that I have a wonderful,kind,generous, loving husband who allows me to be me. I'm thankful for my beautiful house that we live in; for my 5 beautiful dogs which I love and adore; for my friends; for my sister and brother-in-law; for my art and the freedom to create; for having my own studio and all my art supplies; and most of all for God's unconditional love.

IF-Music

Nothing like the soothing sound of music.

IF--blur

Sometimes things seem like a blur without my glasses.

IF-Skinny

"Dudley, does this dress make me look skinny?"

New watercolor paintings

I've been painting daily and it really feels good to whip out a new creation each day. I think my trip to Paris was good for me because I was over due for a nice break in my daily routine. I have so many new sketches that are just waiting to be painted.

It's good to have a purpose and I feel rather blessed that I have a studio and all my wonderful art supplies.

I've added these 4 watercolors to my shop, along with collections of note cards.

Paris...thoughts about my trip

Upcoming artists..Cavalier King Charles Spaniels...

fish market

Seine river

produce market

flower shop

Sacred Heart Church

Well I'm back from my trip to Paris, France. It was a long 10 days. I don't remember a time that I've walked so much. I got to explore parts of Paris that I haven't been too before. We spent the day roaming, taking pictures, shopping, sketching,riding the tour bus that lets you get off/on at various stops, and watching Paris life go by. And it was burr cold.

A couple of things happened while we were roaming the streets of Paris. We had Cavalier sightings each day; we got to see dancers learn how to dance to Michael Jackson thriller music near the Eiffel tower; Gypsies tried to give us a gold ring on three separate occasions; a filming crew was filming a movie and we were caught in one of the scenes as we walked by;future artist drawing at Sacred Heart Church; and we got to see locate news crew's hanging out near the government offices waiting for a local story to break.

I did go to my favorite art store Sennelier which is right by the Seine River. I bought a couple of Blockx watercolour pigments that came in porcelain squares, some watercolor paper, and markers. The other art store I went too was hidden on a side street. There I found handmade watercolour paper...rough and smooth, which I bought a package of each; and I bought a new watercolour traveling palette that contains 18 square pigments, a small brush, a water container built in the case and a detachable water container. I can't wait to try out the handmade watercolor paper.

It was a good trip...but there is no place like home!

IF-- Fast

I'm running as fast as I can!

I'm going to Paris!!!!

Tomorrow I will be leaving for Paris, France!!!! I've been having a difficult time deciding what art supplies I should take. I'm trying to go for the theme "less is more." But you know what? I want to take it all! The good thing is I know of several art supply stores in Paris just in case I forgot something. What a better reason to buy there!

So I'll see you in 11 days....

IF--Germs

Germs are everywhere!!

I won September Giveaway from 365 Cat Ladies

It's been a hectic few days of running around doing errands and getting ready for my trip to Paris next week. But I wanted to mention that I was lucky enough to win some note cards from
http://www.365catladies.blogspot.com. When you have a moment you should checkout her blog. Her artwork is colorful and beautiful capturing Cats. Thanks Susan, looking forward to getting my blog candy!!!

So I'm in count down mode...7 days and counting. Next week at this time I should be on the plane to Paris...probably somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean. I'll be in Paris for 10 wonderful days. Plan to take lots of pictures for possible paintings that I can do when I get back home. The last time I was in Paris it was a bit cold, so I've been keeping up with the weather to figure out what I should take. I tend to over pack, but each trip I seem to be doing better and actually use everything I pack...I know my husbands happy since he's the one carrying the bags!

If--Patterns

Nothing like Chihuahua's in many patterns!

Peacock watercolor

Just finished this small watercolor today, 5" x 7". If I were to paint this illustration again, I'd probably do it on larger watercolor paper.

If--Infinite

My smile is infinite with joy. Mix media collage.

IF-Welcome

This is what my dogs look like when they go to the front door for friends houses...the want to be welcomed inside.

bird in a bird bath

Sometimes looking through magazines an abstract image or color will catch my eye. In this case it was a bird bath. Well you need a bird to enjoy the bird bath.

IF -- Strong

I think I'm strong enough to carry all these tea cups!