sandstonesun, sunart1, sunmornduality1 coffee mugs from Zazzle.com

sandstonesun, sunart1, sunmornduality1 coffee mugs from Zazzle.com

heART4Sudan

heART4Sudan

Returning to this piece as have a deadline of Nov 22 for submission. This is my offering for heart for Sudan project that Trish Mckinney has called to the artists within the area.

In Darfur Sudan nearly 400,000 people have died since 2003 as a result of civil unrest, lack of food and disease. The UN has identified Darfur as the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today. The heART4Sudan is a community of artists (of all media) dedicated to living simply so that others may simply live. The www.thesudanproject.org is an organization feeding nearly 80,000 Darfuri refugees and villagers through a sustainable agricultural project creating hundreds of schools where more than 19,000 children are receiving an education and hope for a better future and building water yards that are providing safe water to tens of thousands of Sudanese. Through the 5th annual gallery exhibit and sale, heART4Sudan offers creativity and passion from those who want to take action against the atrocities of the genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan. Following are the prospectus for submission: As artists we want you to be inspired by this year's theme - "My Offering". Artists may depict this theme in their own unique vision and style. Artwork is juried from Ginghamsburg Church on Nov 20-22. Drop off artwork during church office hours (go to www.ginghamsburg.org) for details or call 937-667-1069 if you have a piece of artwork you want to donate for the auction to raise money for this project. Ginghamsburg Church address is 6759 S County Road 25A in Tipp City Ohio 45371-9807

Have reached the stage in this piece where decide to start moving into the COI. Yes, definitely the Hand yet the path of the eye that takes in all the work and rests upon the center of interest now needs to be defined. Often set up lights and photograph the work to decide on the rest of the composition highlights and values. There are times when use photo-shop program to build on the image concept (combination of both resources shown here)

For the maple syrup kisses full of love

Celebration of love and the time we have now!

Willow weep

This piece is available from my website and this blog

Would that each of the artists’ would elaborate on their work with a statement about the piece. Yes, understand do I that your work is you; but you have a personality and approach used in developing your work. The Artist Statement provides to the viewers who you are when the body of work is complete. We all change daily but Who we are is a constant. Am not a mystery in life yet some things that fall upon one is a mystery and it is that process that this piece represents. No clear definition of the path to follow

Use the contact the artist button for purchase or reproduction of any of the artwork on this site.

Hope

Dayton Visual Arts Center (DVAC) has joined the Bergamo Center in presenting Fresh Art, Plein Art November 10 - 28 this month. The plein air artwork "Hope" started in May/June of this year is finished and on display at their Saint John Gallery. Yupo was the foundation for this "poured" painting. Work in fluid acrylics and brushwork in watercolor gives the piece vibrancy and sharp edges. The work is on the larger size of life (full sheet of yupo) and has many symbolic references worked into the stained glass reflections. Boxed framed with Dahmar finish. On Sale November and December for the Holidays.

Artist statement: While sitting in front of The Cannery downtown, started sketching a concept that unfolded from the foundation of the Church across the street. It had rained off and on; yet my thoughts were so heavy and dark that day that was determined to find the light. As is the tone of "first friday's" each month folks take time out of their busy schedules to make a night of it out on the town. Many a gentle soul stopped by to talk about the way the sunlight had peeked out and was
throwing beautiful rays late into the early evening. We talked of the economy, the
direction of Dayton, art, and each left me with their insight. I had come back that Sunday afternoon to start pouring the paint watching it mix with each color over the sketch roughly drafted into the composition that wanted for this piece. There were no passer-by's, nor audience to stop and mix with; only the work before me crying out the elements that begged to be included but not visual within the piece.
Hope for Dayton had been the original title to the piece. While taking it to Bergomo Center it has become something much more significant in my life. One word,
HOPE. We all have our shadows in life (past), our struggles in the climb to the mountain top views, goals, wants and needs. What makes us unique as individuals is the one word. Hope - all the mystic and prayers that encompass that word.

First Place award announcement for Peony Poetry

The theme for our November Exhibition is “Colors”. The submission process and competition for the artists began in the middle of September and ended on October 29, 2010. We had many entries from around the World. In addition, we had entries from 16 different states and we want to thank everyone for participating and trying. If your artwork was not selected it is not a reflection on your artistic talents and skill. It takes a lot of nerve to enter and expose yourself to this type of competition and you should be applauded for your efforts. Please do not give up entering art competitions and art shows, as your art could have easily been chosen too.

All winners will now be featured on the Light Space & Time website for the of month of November 2010. Thereafter, the artworks and links to the artist’s websites will remain online in the Light Space & Time Archives. Congratulations to our artists who made our Colors Art Exhibition so successful.

1st Place Winner – Mary Sonya Conti “Peony Poetry”

Mary Sonya Conti is from Kansas City, MO. As an artist, she always wants her work to express emotion and to convey an atmosphere to the viewer within the boundaries of the canvas. A turn in focus now allows application, translation and experimentation of the brush stroke.” Her work is with water based media as well as some collage work in various pieces using different papers. Painterly or contemporary is the flavor of her work. Sonya’s artwork can be found in private collections around the world as well as displayed in Dayton Ohio. http://www.marysonyaconti.com

Whisper-plein air of little Miami River of Tipp City, Oh

Final work was done next day of the Little Miami River in Tipp City, Oh. After being in the area this week, the scene has once again changed taking on late fall dress-down The piece is oil, painted on framed board 18x36x1. It will be presented at the Cannery (3rd/Wayne) downtown Dayton, Ohio on First Friday in November.

Please visit The Artist Challenge for all the presentations from the gallery tonight at 8pm.

Tipp City Plein Air Paint Out

Valuable learning lesson today. (Gone are the days of working until the work is finished in plein air) Must downsize the canvas when doing 6 hour plein for sale shortly after that timeframe. *chops (artist's small works) would be just right.

Many of the talented members from the Tipp City Arts Council and Ohio Plein Air Society sold their pieces today to the crowd that waited for them back on Main Street.

Will be returning after 2:00 tomorrow to finish the piece. Question was asked about the work on pricing. Easier to discuss it here. Most artists don't price by emotional attachment; the price reflects the materials and time and value of "previous sold work". Would have loved for quick sale but also realize that the work is viewed as a whole (past and present). The clients who have purchased the previous work (an investment) must be honored and not under-cut. This has been a hot topic on the "boards" for artists in todays economy. Do we lower the price of the work just to make a sale? Hopefully not too many folks were "turned" off by the work without knowing the full assessment. This is the business part of the field that we would just love to steer clear of. Because of the market and economy....we no longer have the luxury of artist's advocates that handle all the financial decisions. Do offer the lay away process if you would rather acquire work over a 3month period. The work is offered through Pay-Pal. But if you contact me through email will accept payments for up to 3 months. Drop me a line if this is an option for you and the work will be removed from display (The Cannery, various shows that participate in); boxed professionally and waiting on it's new home. If you are local-will deliver upon final payment.

From Robert Genn's Twice-weekly newsletter came this:

But there's a wider question. Are we, like the local baker, simply making a line of tarts for popular consumption, or are we engaged in something more lofty and significant? Many would say the difference is passion, and while there are undoubtedly passionate bakers, our painterly productivity needs to be based on a noble drive and not on calculated reasoning and bare commerce. With the chimera of making a living online, artists may be in for downstream distress. Quality develops when an artist falls in love with an often complex and personal process on the way to a distinctive style and a unique vision. Blinded by the possibilities of tiny cash flow, which may not occur anyway, passion is subjugated by price points.

Many years ago there were several of us that painted in Missouri area out and about. Long for that time in life so it feels right to return. The love of the experience and returning to the "painterly " style made the day FLY by. Beautiful area (even had couple folks in canoes float past).

Definitely joining the Tipp City Arts Council. Very organized and excellent organization; still can't believe this was their first PAINT OUT.

Note, Russ-if your reading this; would be an honor to give you a print of this piece please get hold of me if don't run into you BEFORE the next meeting in Tipp City. (Russ had come by to "check on the artist and see if they had needed anything. He found me a bit distressed and in need of "additional color tube" that had left at home on table. Didn't this man go and picked up the tube that needed; nearest art store was Huber Heights! He was my HERO!)

Commercial break

Breaking away from the studio work to do some plein air on what promises to be a beautiful day (71degrees w/sun) tomorrow.

Come join us at the Public Library in around 4:00pm to view the work from the designated area of the paint out. Bonus-will be sold on site! (Saturday 10/23/10).

heART4Sudan work

Somewhere in back of mind, infiltrating the dreams, work that have responded to visually or simply a message trying to get through-this image comes to me.

While scanning the life section of this Sunday's newspaper settled in to read about one of my favorite artist mentors Trish McKinney. Many months ago a call out for artists had been asked for on behalf of the children of the Sudan. She answered that call with a very touching piece created from her work. Fortunate that she again calls to the artists to submit (donate) their concept (which will be juried) and if selected 100 percent of the sale will go to this charity.

CHRIS BOTTI IN BOSTON | "Emmanuel" w/ Lucia Micarelli | PBS

love to paint while beautiful music plays

Plein aire of Caretaker's window finished

Returned to the Caretaker's window out in Tipp City, Ohio. Although it was in and around the same time of day; atmosphere and light had changed. What was working the day before in color did not feel or look right. (May also be that when working on a piece for more than a day or two the initial excitement leaves-literally).

Have worked on two plein aire pieces for The Secret Window theme for The Artist Challenge theme. Presentation will be after 8pm (local- EST) Come join us (artists of the challenge). For those who like to read-
stop over at the INFERNO on the same site for the writer's rendition of THE SECRET WINDOW

window in work plein aire

day two of plein aire piece. Getting a late start-resisted the urge to work on the piece in studio. No rain, chilly but doable weather to paint in.

Plein air painting

When painting on site, lighting influences more than the painting. Always lay down the composition as quickly as can. Try to add shadow and light areas in the beginning. Take an image (of the actual area) before drawing and shortly after the concept is down to check these areas when laying in the paint. With the sun moving quickly in the fall air your window of opportunity closes quickly.

the Original site of The Artist Challenge

Bobby will tell you the secret window is at the back of the old witch’s house. Some people think eyes are a secret window into our soul. The law will tell you that forensics is a secret window of a crime. And a fortune teller will claim it’s her crystal ball.

What do you think a secret window is and how would you define it? We’re anxious to know.

This is your reminder 'THE SECRET WINDOW' is our next theme. Due date Saturday OCTOBER 16th.

GO HERE TO PARTICIPATE if your a writer and GO HERE if your an artist

And one other thing. Let’s make this our little secret.

http://theartistchallengeinferno.blogspot.com/
http://theartistchallenge.com

Restless - Rembrandt the masters

some more glazing to finish the piece submitted to the artist challenge
presentation of theme Restless.

Fall seems to bring changes; rather than dropping in more color have elected to limit my palette after the style of Rembrandt (Dutch master artist).

The artwork name was girl at the window. So enjoyed the change in media that have started "girl with a broom" as companion piece to this one.

The finished piece will be offered for $1500 with reproductions starting at $79.00. Gift giving for the holidays

Day 2 of Girl at the window

still working on form. Realize that need to bring the shoulder up higher on the right since she is leaning out the window. Does not closely favor the young girl but trying to stay true to the process. Red glaze and hanson yellow with white/black were added today. More grey is needed for the blouse and need to work on her eyes and hair. Had hoped for another full days work but believe it might be more.

Restless am I

Work in progress - just after 1am and my mind will not let me sleep. Two day workshop at Studio 14 in Tipp City Ohio. Oils.

Nine of us in the class each with our own different little girl leaning out the window. Perhaps it is the child within we paint.

Tomorrow we add color (and yes, will finish the hand position and folds in her peasant blouse)

Brukner Nature Center Troy Ohio

Finished hanging the show for the Brukner Nature Center in Troy, Ohio.

Rusty Harden is showing her Mineral Series in the same show.

If your in the area, the Nature Center is settled into a lovely wooded area that is changing daily with color!

5995 Horseshoe Bend Road
Troy, Oh 45373

Reproduction - Print available

Have received the 18x24 reproduction (print) of Gone with the Wind. Very pleased with the quality of paper used. This size is now available for 95 USD (with white mat). Additional pieces are 10x12 size with creme/and/white mats. Those are priced at 45.

End of summer is near-do you need new art for your walls. Would you want me to put my signature finish on this piece for a kitchen or bathroom setting? Drop me a line-or give me a call today.

Regarding the original work, have elected to pull the work from availability for now. There is a competition that would like to enter and on the outside chance the work makes it to the semi finalist stage. For now; this piece will be available in reproductive (print) format only.

From the FaceBook page Artist Community

When sat down to paint the piece "Spirit" it came almost too easily.
We have long had a family of doves in and around the back yard each year. It seemed perfectly natural to settle on this as a piece (you'll find a dove even on our back shed-starting to fade yet still there each morn as a wake up visual.

The dove represents many key elements in living to me. Family, living, quality, thread of connection, peace and on and on. Happen to send the piece in to the Artist Community
as a submission for their monthly logo. Found once again my answer of "what to do about the artwork". Hattie Huang promotes the site and put the piece up to vote. Monday brought the announcement of the winner.

(Concern continues to be that must be careful not to over dramatize or turn myself into something am not. The internet allows one to create a persona that does not imitate "true life.) Hattie put together thoughts and ideas that are descriptive of what drives me as an artist using the fragments that have posted here and there on the net.

It is with respect that acknowledge those who help mold me on this journey. Vikki North, Gerald Brommer, Hattie Huang with all the workshop instructors and artists that have referenced throughout this blog. We are never just one in life. We are the bouquet of many.

(there's my acceptance speech- as the child who stands on the stage with a hair brush in hand anticipating and rehearsing her heartfelt sentiments).

as viewed from the Facebook site Artist Community -
Artist of the Day - Mary Sonya Conti


Artist Community Logo Competition 2010 Aug Winner: Mary Sonya Conti
Artist of the Day - Mary Sonya Conti
Sonya Conti, from Kansas City, MO, she as an artist, always wants her work to express emotion, convey an atmosphere to the viewer within the boundaries of the canvas. Discovery of the elements; water, earth, air, temperature, and color; as a child would explore for the first time is the intent. It is that discovery that changes the art and connects us in life; the human condition. She said:" I painted for the "pleasure of applying the paint to canvas" for many years. A turn in focus now allows application, translation and experimentation of the brush stroke." Her work is with water based media as well as some collage work in various pieces using different papers. Painterly or contemporary is the flavor of her work. Sonya's artwork can be found in private collections around the world as well as displayed in Dayton Ohio through her company Unified Expressions, LLC. (http://www.marysonyacontiart.blogspot.com)

Her favorite quote: "Nothing determines your creative life more than doing it. This is so obvious and fundamental, yet how much energy is wasted on speculation, worry and doubt without the relief of action." -by Ian Roberts

Hattie Huang and Freedom Andres like this.
Hattie Huang Beautiful description!

reveal for GONE with the WIND Gallery

Have you ever tried to capture what you don't see. The theme for the artist challenge was from the infamous movie "gone with the wind". There are times am in awe of the force of the wind. Tornado, hurricanes, even a brisk March wind has power. The air becomes charged with a certain glow; prism of light charged. Often wonder how do the birds of the air still stay afloat. This is that perspective with the feel and the glow.

This piece is 16x20x2. Acrylic fluids. Original available and will have reproductions and giclee upon request.

(Side note; Cheryl-thank you for sending the photograph of your Acacia tree blooms of your homeland Canada. The delicate flowers are what got my mind wrapped around this piece! the bark is not the same- artistic liberties me thinks!)

CADC aka The Cannery Art and Design Center

In June 2010, celebrated my first year with the Gallery in Dayton Ohio. The website can be found at

www.canneryarts.com
May 5, 2010 ... www.canneryarts.com 434 E. Third Street Dayton, OH 45402 937-228-2232

Was able to make the end of the board meeting for the Gallery and meet some of the members. To have support and interest in the Arts; particularly our Gallery is like a fresh cool rain on a humid hot day here in Dayton. I am excited by what heard and reading over the notes from this meeting.

Talk was of starting a new "web site". To this day have not been able to get a working link to the gallery posted on the blog. To think that perhaps soon we will have a working site AND the possibility of "regular posting" from the site rather than relying on social networking sites...reality check time!

FOOT NOTE: The Cannery is the ORIGINAL First Friday site in Dayton Ohio a number of years ago. In the last several; many of the Arts have taken a cue from the success of this idea by Christy Jennewein. Once again she is making another major move in bringing the Board into our Gallery; a host of talent and support.

Still life, a path along the way

This is the second work that have for the still life gallery previewing this evening from The Artist Challenge. Often a still life is an "arranged" setting with flowers, vases, luscious cloth coverings. The leaves are "lost" or become the backdrop of the beautiful floral renderings. I love greens. Appreciate the variations of the veining in a leaf that too often becomes secondary to the setting.

300lb watercolor paper provided the backdrop for channels, paths and secret garden delights for the acrylic inks and fluid acrylics. Each morning am up early to water hanging plants. As the porch faces east the morning light pours on the flowers and front flower beds. Love working outside when painting. Something about the early morning that makes the paint flow more freely.

With the garden watered, flower beds spot weeded....turning to the paint to finish another focus.

Gerald Brommer and Nick Simmons Workshops

Have finished the commissioned piece that Dr. Kaz requested for her business in Piqua, Ohio. (Piqua Family Dental) titled Spirit of Living and also intend to use this for Artist Community site submission.


Having attended Gerald's workshop at Kanuga this spring incorporated the line and shape elements (sans collage work) with Nick Simmons "pouring of fluid acrylics" and the "jewel light" with pure color in a zone upon zone style. Letting the design dictate to you the technique you use keeps one from "tiring" of the work. As Nick stated use of plan B and C and so forth is a must when working with water based paints. Predictability; none only the surprises that come by way of the paint doing it's thing. Originally the work was to be painted on the front window of the business with stained glass paints. Location, location, location opted out for a large Sign in front of the building so the office had more visibility. Dr. Kaz still wanted a piece of art for the "fireplace" within her business. Off to the printer now develop a giclee with the Business logo for the large reproduction.

the latest theme on The artist challenge is featuring still life. Food, floral, place settings; rather a "spirit" of living and connecting? Believe that life is anything but still so this has also become one of my selections (original and reproductions are available).

ON LINE SALE-No shipping fees in US

Have been a member of the Etsy site since 2008. With not much movement and layered into the many Art sites; decided would try and get some movement and interest. All prints/reproductions of the work are on water color papers (variety-cold/hot press and yupo) To keep the cost down ($15.00) and make free shipping still a possibility have elected to NOT mat the 8x10 pieces. Rest assured all are quality reproductions and archival. Finish each one with a clear mat finish for extra protection. Please feel free to browse through the right hand side entrance from this blog. Hope everyone had a FINE 4th of July!

Footsteps in life

Little did know when worked on this piece that we would find ourselves facing the devastation of the Gulf. With each hour that passes, more oil is pouring into the waters. There have been overhead filming of dolphins, whales, sea life struggling (loosing) their lives. The coastline marshes will disappear. And told earliest possible August in stopping the spill. Helpless and well aware of the life long mark this will leave on Mother Earth in our own back yard. We are one of the riches societies on the face of the Earth; why then?

Maybe not a piece that want to point with pride now. Remember had a discussion also with another artists of how "pretty" oil mixed with water was and how to capture that on canvas. My mind reels in wanting to "take back" those words.

Unveiling for the Midsummer's night Dream

please view all works for this Month's theme at The Artists Challenge
thank you for taking the time to view and comment!

a midsummer's night dream by Meglaurel 2D Landscape

a midsummer's night dream by Meglaurel 2D Landscape
A midsummer's night dream is the theme setting. Leaving the delightful figures to the other artists to portray. Settle in after 8pm local (2000)
for visual display of this wonderful play.

Pouring light

okay what to do while your waiting for the poured paint to dry on a rainy day? Take a step backward...

Finally done noodling with the sketch on Yupo and started pouring the paint yesterday. First layered dried (has mastic on it) and today started with 3rd and 4th colors. Had noticed the steps were stained with the acrylic and it wasn't washing away. Given the fact that paint doesn't adhere to these old concrete steps and that I HATE to see paint go to waste; yea, now have the "prettiest" gold and transparent brown front steps(smile). Yeah, front porch ceiling not completed (being short means you have to have extra long extension pole) am sitting here now wondering if the purple and blues will be just the right mix. Nawww, only kidding-will get porch paint for that project. DaVinci fluid acrylics too precious to come by to use on anything other than artwork!

Crop - a midsummer's night dream

It's late, making myself quit for the night. Get excited when a piece is coming along. This is a crop of a midsummer's night dream theme for The Artist Challenge site. Trying two of the techniques that were demonstrated in a workshop attended a week ago (Nicholas Simmons).

If your getting bored or are trying to come up with an unusual concept for your next piece; drop in and take the dare. Two themes each month (one free) each theme presented by a member (or client looking for a specific piece)voted on and then presented by many artists based on their composition.

And am rethinking the photoshop format

this is the final one will post 'cause the other one I am looking like "Madamn" the puppet complete with mouth and lips flapping away. hahaha!

Running in place

I could have posted this one but SHE WAS HIDING!

shu ha ri (three stages of learning)

Thank you Nicholas for pushing us along!

(this piece has been submitted to The Artist Challenge website under the theme concept of Portrait of an artist. Come spend some time and view many other artists concepts as well as the Inferno which are our talented writers who develop the written word in story or poetry stroke)

The journey have been on made so much sense in reading part 5 of Tony Smibert's "the professional watercolorist" from the Dec/Jan 2010 issue of international artist.

To condense he talks about the forms and techniques of earlier masters are copied by the beginning artist. Then the artist evolves by incorporating these techniques into their"own" work. Soon he/she reach the final powerful originality of their own work. Finding myself in the 2nd stage of this development (this piece was Nick's concept and the techniques used were his to demonstrate). Enter photoshop and design of ones own with layers, adjustments made in composition; believe am now equipped to create and explore my own originality. Am sure there will be many works ahead that will expand on the growth and am thankful there are artists out there that share in our development. Am reminded of watching your child take their first steps.

Connections

This was the only one that didn't have my mule likeness in it! he who hath the camera RULES! You need to SMILE MORE miss SUNBEAM thats all! so enjoyed catching up with you again and meeting Sharon and Rhonda for the first time. Often comment on blogs to folks; it's so great that your all the same personality in person as on your blogs. Am a workshop junkie for this reason. Feel we learn the most about the work by those we cross paths with.

My favorite Rosie Huart, Leonard Williams and Karen Benedetti were there and they never disappoint! Leonard and I found this motorcycle outside and like to have missed one of the experiments getting caught up in our over the road fantasies! (we took upteen photos of this bike for reference). Sharing...

Nicholas Simmons

Can't get enough, between throwing paint, dripping it on to hot press and watching it flow, wetting areas of the paper and watching the "magic work with the fluid acrylics" and listening to a day in the life complete with toilet paper trails; focus....
Rhonda Carpenter documented it all perfectly! clickback on her blog she's my new "fav".

Have never been to a workshop where we each took up the brush to practice the technique. Found this to be so wonderful as most often have gone back to attempt the technique and failed miserable in the process.

And the photoshop "quickie" outstanding-it takes me several times to get something so was able to stay after for the briefer version which answered alot of questions had in the initial session.

Friday found myself down at the gallery (Cannery CDAC) trying to complete one of the pieces for the latest theme challenge of Portrait of an Artist The artist challenge site There are so many different presentations of the piece Nick presented and loved walking around each morning checking out the other artist's direction. Will sidebar a little here the servitude of a Geisha is perhaps not acceptable in most cultures. However, boiling it down into the foundation of thought (yes am limiting it here to my noodle) pride, integrity and the quiet knowledge that one provides the utmost of service to another is an art. In looking at the Geisha; thoughts' came back pondering (there's that word again Cheryl)
her self esteem. The window she looks out on in the world, her white powdered face heavy with the ruby red lips and black lined covered eyes with the Japanese lettering stamping out her identity. It is to be the very best on the path she has chosen in life, to excel. We are all works of art in that sense.

Happy Mother's Day-Peony Sonnet

Collage work with washi and rice papers. Watercolor, india inks. USD 400
prints available (hit contact link)

Under the Sea

April theme acrylic inks, watercolor and pastels 20x13 on hot press watercolor paper USD 400

As above, so below

Trust was what Gerald Brommer had written (now matted and hanging above the draft table use to paint on ). Each morning want to read and reinforce this lesson taken from the Kanuga experience. Over the next several weeks will be expanding on reflections from the Conference.

my sketch book contains more "notes" than sketches in looking back over the week. Exposure to these artists (instructors and peers) opens the composition in life. My belief is we define our work by what influences us rather than what changes us.

These things that give uniqueness to your art are the result of who you have become because of every influence in your life.

AUCTION STARTING SATURDAY

The artist challenge site will start the auction on Saturday, April 10, 2010. Minimum bids are in place on original artwork as well as professional prints and giclees. If you are ready to redecorate for Spring; nows the time to purchase NEW art for a fresh clean look for you home. Come on over and join us; the pricing couldn't get any better! www.theartistchallenge.com

the Giving Tree

Happy EASTER!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Pitiful Pearl is now revealed with the gallery of The Artist Challenge
Do you still have your childhood doll?

Heard from the Producer at the CBS Sunday Morning show

email from the producer of the show sent the following to the challenge site:

"Vikki,

Thank you so much again for sending me these magnificent suns. They’re beautiful, and useful, and I appreciate them more than you can imagine.

You can be sure that I’ll be using all of them at some time or another, maybe as early as tomorrow morning if the opportunity arises. I opened your envelope, took one look at these, and rushed them down to our graphics guy immediately so that he could record them.

Check your e-mail in the AM, just in case one airs tomorrow. Otherwise, I’ll definitely keep you posted as to when we use them.

Thanks again. THIS WORK IS AMAZING!

Have a great weekend.

Jessica

Yesterday transplanted cleaned out two flower beds

and then awoke this morning to two inches of SNOW. That's it, going to head to the gallery today to take down the snow scenes. Got couple of shrubs moved yesterday and transplanted some smaller flowers right before it started to rain here. Now wondering if the late snowfall will nip the buds of the lilacs. Ole' man winter is not done with us yet.

in work

Sometimes one can fall into a piece and your off and running. This is a crop of a piece am working on for Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Reminding me more and more of a dream catcher.

Peony Poetry

Working on another floral and lo and behold received an announcement from my host site.

Congratulations! Your painting, "Peony Poetry", was selected as part of the FAV15% (jury's favorite 15% of the entries) in the February 2010 FineArtViews Painting competition.

The comments left on the blog and this "notice" of work are gifts in life. Art is not a struggle for me,(it is my teacher these days) nor am I left to starve (have met many wonderful clients through the sale of the work and am very grateful that can use that money to continue on my journey) . Am truly rich in spirit and blessed to be doing what love to do.

Silent prayer, may I never take for granted the kindness and love extended from those special people.

CBS Sunday morning show SUNART Library

Spring time in the Valley...slowly she approaches with the constant rain and illusive rays of sunshine. Long for sunflowers and warmth to thaw out the bone chilling cold of old man winter. Song replays in mind, "here comes the sun" as post this morning. A loss of one hour in the time change should be made note of as won't get that back until the fall. How quickly life flies.
Another SunArt added to the Library. Check out www.theartistchallenge.com SUNART
for even more WARMTH. Started applying the finish to this yesterday. Considering painting on an additional layer to give the definition to the outer sphere of the sun for depth. This will magnify the Sun and give it dimension when final application is applied.

Was interesting to watch Rock Solid (HGTV) yesterday. They featured a piece of art that could be put on the outer wall of a Patio area that had been finished to "waterproof" the art of outdoor use. This is exactly what have developed this finish to do. Bring your art to your OUTDOOR living area. The finish waterproofs the work and protects it from the elements (wind/rain) Will admit, although the work holds up to the harsh winters in the area; value the art enough to keep it out of direct sunlight (hang under a overhang) and snowfalls. (Direct sunlight softens the finish but it returns to "normal" when cooled-no change in artwork) Extreme cold does nothing to the finish. To clean any of the work all that is needed is a soft cloth with furniture polish applied to it. Quick once over restores it to "shinning" condition.

Vikki's Blog

Take time to scan down the right hand side of artist's and friends. Land on Vikki North's creation of Harpo. The writing behind the piece is timeless. Memories flood back from sitting in front of the TV and watching the character who was without a voice yet still able to capture our imagination.(Vikki has lived the world behind the scenes). Oh to pass on the richness of our memories and do them justice later in life. Vikki is the Master "Mistress" of this technique. Be well worth your time spent in reading her blog! (how rich we are by those who share their time and memories so freely)

Lao Tzo said it best "doing- without trying to do".
Read Robert Genn's twice weekly letter posted today. (it's as if Vikki's work was the basis for the letter!)

Arrival in Seoul Korea

Heard from the happy client. Excellent packing job; custom papers all in order; and artwork better than what had anticipated. So much so, they are asking for other pieces that would be a good mate for Through a child's eyes. When developed Evening Light had a seasonal series in mind with the "leaves". Client has in hand (via the net imaging) this image and two others. Back to holding my breath (but real big smile evident on this face)!

contact: msonya007@gmail.com

Interest in the art

Coming up to submission time again for the Sun Art of CBS Sunday Morning Show. Working on a new concept. Received a call from the client that bought the original looking for more of the same. Have promised them first "peek" then will post online.

Through a childs' eyes on way to new home in Korea

Finally, the piece has been shipped.
This one was included in the Holiday "Artists in Auction" last December. Unfortunately it has taken this long to finalize all transactions. In preparing the shipping documents to Seoul Korea became little sentimental about sending the piece off. Trish McKinney was instrumental in encouraging me back into the world of marketing my Art. Last time had shown my work was by way of Ft. Wayne Ind back in the early '80s. This piece has the name in response to a young child who happen to be walking past us while we were learning techniques that Trish was demonstrating. Watching the mixing of the colors the child became so excited that his Mother was having trouble moving him along.
It's one thing for us to start developing work and quite another watching the excitment of a young child who see's what colors mixed with water can do for the first time. Infectious.