Painting in Progress

In the midst of my latest painting. What I find most interesting about starting a new piece is not knowing what direction it will go. I conjure up a simple idea in my mind and I just let the images develop.

     I had an empty window hanging on my wall for several years. I always new it needed something, but I could never pinpoint just what. Until I saw this picture on Pinterest. A big thank you to Emily and her blog for solving my empty window crisis.

I took a large piece of cardboard and wrote the word love on it. Then, I took an exacto knife and cut it out. I had red paint in my garage. I painted the letters red and hot glued the whole thing to the window. That's it! Easy! Not to mention, it has the perfect amount of my accent color.

Hand Print Tree

     A big THANK YOU to Liz at Naptime Decorator for this hand print tree idea. My little family had fun creating our own. I want to do one every few years as our family grows. 

 This was one of the first things I pinned and set out to accomplish. Love having it in my entryway.

I have been a huge Pinterest fan from the very beginning. In the upcoming weeks, I will be posting some of my favorite Pinterest projects that are around my house. Here's the first one- This project originated on Bower Power here. Love the look of the table with the red chairs. I refinished the table a couple years ago. It was a blonde colored, butcher block table that I paid my friend $10 for. I had red paint on hand that I had used in my kitchen. I recovered the vinyl seats with this colorful pattern. I lightly sanded the edges of the chairs. Absolutely love this look!

I am in love with this sign because it can be surrounded by family photos. I want to do to a series with this white background and black lettering because it is a classic style that can fit into any decor.

I love this painting and the way it turned out. I drew the sun free hand with a pencil and the started to paint. I'm stuck on this "Be YOU tiful" phrase.

Be you! You're beautiful.

I think I'm really starting to find a rhythm with my wood signs. I figured out that I'm the type of artist that just sits down and paints. I rarely know what direction a piece is going until it's done.

Here is a 12"x12" wood sign. I love the background on these. I'm also a little stuck on this font at the moment.

Still wanting to be "over the rainbow."

Somewhere over the Rainbow Wood Sign 2'x2'

I had a fantastic time at the Baby Fair this weekend. I get so excited right before a show. I had 45 minutes of  sleep the night before. I really believe in what I am doing. I have to stay focused on painting and my dream to be a full time artist. I have learned so much already. I know with time and experience this journey will get easier. Before the show, my 6 year old son drew a picture of me with paintings all around me and a title above it that read "Too much art." It cracked me up. I guess it was kinda taking over the house a little I was staying up until 2-3 am each night  trying to finish paintings. Thankfully, one of my owl paintings sold. I just need a little encouragement and I'll keep going on this adventure.

     I am doing a lot of self-reflection lately. I'm trying to figure out why I gave up on my dream of having a career in art.
Did you give up on your dream? Did you give up before you even tried?
    I did. Instead of trying to find a job out of college that was geared toward art, I took the first job that I was offered. Why? I suppose I was excited to be getting a regular paycheck and the money was decent for the time. I bought a house and spent a year getting a salary to do art with kids. It was great fun, but a lot of work for the money. I got my real estate license and spent six years helping my husband sell real estate. During that time, we fixed up houses and either sold them or kept them as rentals. It just seemed like life was moving fast. I wouldn't have had time to just sit and paint or do photography.
Did you at any point look back at your life and think, I lost a part of myself?  I only recently realized that the creative person I had once been was gone.

Have you been doing a lot of BIG dreaming, lately? I know I have been!

I lose all track of time when I'm painting. Here is the one I finished yesterday. I love the message and the yellow and grey together. Trying to decide if I need to sand this one and give it a shabby chic finish. Sanding can be so scary. Once you do, there is no turning back!

Here is what I came up with for all the little rock stars out there. Having a little boy myself, sometimes it feels like there just isn't as much out there for the boys. I still feel like this painting is missing something, but I can't pinpoint what it is. Glad I stuck with this idea!

Owlmost done!

I am gearing up for a baby fair that is coming up. Here is the sign I ended up designing. It is so fun to formulate and idea and create something all your own.

An owl is being born!

Art is a funny thing. There are tons of owls out there. From paintings to fabric, clothing to pillows owls are on everything. I asked myself could I draw an owl for my paintings? That is the great thing about art. No matter what...whatever you set out to draw, paint or sculpt...will be your own. Your very own version of whatever you create. So, even though there are thousands of owls out there. You can create one that has never been. That is why I love art!

To Tweet or Not to Tweet?

I am really trying to figure out the excitement with Twitter. It seems like you are either really into it or you're just not. Not sure what to think yet. I still think it's a little strange to type out my thoughts for anyone to see at any time. Not only that, but it's out in internet land...forever! Yikes!
https://twitter.com/SpoonfulofSassy

I have had my trusty companion for the last 14 years. We have been through it all together. From being there to move into my first home to marriage and the addition of a cat and three kiddos. She was all I had and she continues to be loyal to me everyday.

Here is an updated version of a painting that I had created. I love the bright, vibrant colors of this one.

Ahhhh! A new print to enjoy.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/121207688/colorful-trees-8x10-print

Wow! Blogging has proved to be more difficult than I thought. Big props to everyone out there that can be consistent and bring new material every day, and even week! I am super excited about my first print of the year. I am starting to realize that I just have to make being creative part of my day no matter what. It lightens my soul and brightens my mood.