Well, its been a long time since I've posted here.   I have begun a series of furniture projects.  By the spring I will be launching a new business (fingers crossed) that will focus on my hand painted items.
Here is one of my "practice pieces".  yes, I decided to just stencil but I am intent on painting some shore scenes (you know how i love the beach) and other subjects.

                                                             Before and After

Just completed a few small pieces.
This was done from a reference photo.  Acrylic on wood.

New art at Belmar Arts Council! I have three pieces in this show plus some tiles/coasters. Stop by and see some awesome work from local artists.
https://www.facebook.com/BelmarArtsCouncilPage?fref=ts

Spring

As the weather gets warmer I find myself looking to the landscape for ideas again.
I am currently working on a recycled piece for an upcoming show. I'll be posting my progress as I go along.

I discovered this artist's work on Pinterest. His name is Calvin Nicholls, awesome work
http://9gag.com/gag/3918890

I think i have the "upcycle" muse visiting me lately. I think I am spending too much time on Pinterest lol. I have a few small projects I want to finish like my dresser drawer shelf, my text book shelf and mannequin hand curtain hold backs. Here are a few ideas from Pinterest
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/498492252479981368/, http://www.pinterest.com/pin/105130972520926263/

I think i will be starting my road to licensing my art with collaged animals. I will start with birds, owls are a big item in fabrics and decor right now. I am not in "fine art" mode here, I save that for gallery and art shows. My goal is to sell what is main stream with a twist of my own. The scan is not the best but you get the idea

Here are a few

crows I put together in October but haven't place them in a painting yet. I may not after all and use them for my licensing submissions.

Making some art papers today. I am in the process of creating a few items for submission for licensing. I was reading a few articles and they recommend putting together a series that can be used on various items such as mugs, notecards etc. Also if I am going to try to sell for this purpose I have to copyright/register my work. I am placing these in a separate portfolio for myself. I will not license any art that has been sold privately because they are originals and generally on canvas. Just think, how would you feel if you bought a painting at a gallery and then see snippets of it on items in retail stores? It is then no longer an original work of art.\

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hope this year brings some new ideas. One of my resolutions is to post at least once a week.
I want to be involved with a few more art organizations so I can be involved in more shows, maybe some workshops etc.


So let's get this new year started!!

HoHoHo It's Christmas time again and here

is my card this year. It is made using my own painted papers. It has been busy so I did not make as many as i usually do.

The Belmar Arts Council is having their W.U.F. Show on Nov. 22. I entered a few things.


I hope to make it to the reception this time. I kept to the "seashore" theme. I may replace them if sold with holiday themed coasters, not sure yet.

I'm working on a new series. This time i am making coasters using photos.

I got the directions from a DIY site
http://www.cardstore.com/blog/diy-photo-coasters/

The difference is that I used alcohol inks for the background and color copies of my own artwork not photos. I made my copies at Staples on the color copier because inkjet prints will bleed.

Ok, I have been working in my studio on a few collages/paintings
Here is a glimpse of the process i use to make my art. First I collage the background using old text, pattern paper, found objects etc.
Then I brush a wash of paint over it. Next I start to fill in the details (not shown).
The final step is placing the collaged images (in this case it was seahorses) made from my hand painted paper, text, vintage music sheets etc. (4 photos)

I am so glad! I sold all three of my collages over the weekend at the Belamr Jersey Moments Show. i am in the process of replacing them with new pieces. Here they are

I have been thinking about starting a new series of paintings/collage. I have these great photos of the carousel at Seaside Heights. Think these may make an interesting series.

New Show at The Belmar Arts Council. I have 3 pieces for sale
https://www.facebook.com/BelmarArtsCouncilPage

Here is one of the collage pieces I am selling

Started a new project...may become a brush roll or I may mount it on a board

Went to a very interesting program . It was about how to write an Artist's Statement.
It was presented at the Collective Art Tank in Asbury Park, here in NJ. It was presented by Eric Valosin. Here is the link to The Art Tank.
https://www.facebook.com/collectivearttank

I may be returning for a second workshop if i am able to write a decent statement by next week.

The snow is melting and hopefully it will warm up so i can clean my studio and begin working again. My studio is a enclosed carport without heat, so needless to say, I cannot work out there during the very cold weather. Sure, i could get a space heater, but I am a bit concerned about a heater in a place with so much paper around. So I sketch in my books in hopes of elaborating on my sketches with paint once the thaw has begun.

Here is another for my "tree" series. One being a small sketch and the other is a work in progress

Ok The winner of my Note card Give-away is:
Carol from Queen Bee (Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/QueenBe?ref=ss_profile

Give her shop a peek, She makes some really wonderful items.