My Art and Life Blog

Birthday Party X 3

2012-02-02T08:56:00.001-05:00

Location of our party for Lina, Alexis and Aaron

Columbus on a cloudy day

A Grandview Landmark, now condos

On Wednesday, the family all went to Mongolian Grill for lunch. This was to celebrate the birthday's of Lina, Alexis and Aaron.

My DH has a boo boo

2012-01-20T07:51:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, Jim went to the doctor's and he has a broken rib. He fell off of the ladder putting Christmas above the garage and hit his chest on the ladder as he fell. He thought it was going to be better for a few days but yesterday it became too much. He now has pain pills and an anti-inflammatory. As least he got some sleep last night.

Today, I am staying in and painting. It is too cold for man nor beast. I really must clean up my studio! I need to organize! The same things are in six different places.

The Photos are of the painted postcards I have received so far in my postcard SWAP. These are not mine so please do not copy.

John in Freedlander Park

2012-01-11T16:35:00.000-05:00

Lovin' Oils

Oils! Yes, I am playing with oils and I think I liked it. This is no where near done but it's coming along. Jim is making a place in the basement room for me to paint oils. Not one more thing will fit in my tiny studio where I paint watercolor. Right now he is out buying some lighting for my space. My DH is so supportive of the things I love. We both feel very fortunate to have something to during our retirement that we love. Jim is a potter and is getting very good at it.

This painting is of my brother John in Freedlander Park where he often walks. Sorry about the big head John, but I can fix it. Love you!

Painting Postcards with Barbara

2011-12-28T07:40:00.000-05:00

I am at it again only this time with postcards and my sister Barbara. She is drawing and I am drawing/painting. I painting a lot of just backgrounds about a year ago and the giraffes were reverse painted with Holbein Shadow green over the yellow.

My african violets were hard because I, once again, lost my place in the painting of the drawing. I really need to start doing value studies.

2011-12-25T08:25:00.000-05:00

Doggie Cousins - Best of BFF's
Charlie and Casper Christmas Morning

Casper

My Best Gift from Hubby...EVER!

2011-12-23T19:40:00.000-05:00

Our little shed

Charlie

Poinsetta1

Poinsetta 2

Poinsetta 3

I'll bet you are wondering what the gift is. It is a new Nikon D3000 camera! I am having toooo much fun. This is going to take me to that giant leap that I plan to make in 2012 with my art.

Fun Exercise

2011-12-16T08:41:00.000-05:00

I painted this yesterday and used Aliz Crimson and Imperial purple for the whole painting. Oops. I used Cerealean for the water. Plastic wrap for the texture. A circle template and magic eraser for the moon.

Congratulations Alexis

2011-12-15T08:41:00.001-05:00

Proud Momma Michele and beautiful graduate Alexis. It was a wonderful day! Look how fast they grow!

Shoes

2011-12-07T08:59:00.000-05:00

This months WCW project is "shoes". I got the photo from "paint My Photo.com. In order to get that dirty leather look I wetted my watercolor with just Granulation Medium by W&N. Now I want to paint Fuzzy Slippers. That will have to wait until after my Granddaughters graduation party on Friday. Thanks to my friend, I know what I am making to eat and have bought the groceries. We have to have everything ready Thursday night because the Graduation is Friday Morning.

A Rose By Any Other Name

2011-12-02T12:21:00.000-05:00

I was thinking of my friend Cia this morning and decided to paint her a rose. Cia has passed on but she will never be forgotten. No one painted a rose like Cia Price.

This is a watercolor 4 x 6" and was painted with Alizerin Crimson, Cad red light and Aureolin yellow.

Susie Short DVD

2011-11-30T11:01:00.000-05:00

This is such a great DVD and I am so glad I bought it but...I can see that I need to paint this over and over until I paint like Susie! What I see so far is the green trees are all wrong and too centered. I forgot the shadows of the trees on the ice and the one I did paint is going the wrong direction? I like the feel of this but not the details. I need to do it over and pay closer attention. I need to practive the scraping of the trees because the color filled in after my scrape so I suspect that the paper was too wet?

My Philosophy-Go With The Flow

2011-11-28T09:48:00.000-05:00

I am feeling rather philosophical lately and I would love to sum it all up. These are the things I know to be true for my life. I cannot control my reactions but I can control my actions (behaviour) as a result of my first gut feeling. My reactions come from all that I have experienced and my actions result from all that I have learned.

Go with the flow - If there is a storm, I can't stop it but I can go with the flow of it. I might get hurt and I might not, but it will not kill me. The scars will heal if I allow it to happen. I recently had an experience where my feelings got hurt in regards to my art. I allowed my friends to support me, I continued to make art and I got over it very quickly. For me, the trick is to not compulsively think about it. I let go and the wound healed. 10 yeas ago I would have milked it for all it was worth for weeks and weeks. I am a compulsive personality and I have learned to let Go. This is part of my philosophy. Now I will peacefully paint.
***the painting is an attempt at working on Susie Short's DVD "Winter Creek".

Let It Snow!

2011-11-20T10:09:00.000-05:00

Ok, I admit it. I am ready for snow. Thursday is Thanksgiving and I would love to have enough snow to look pretty but not so much as to make the roads slippery. My family will be traveling along the major highways and byways and not over the river and through the woods. I painted Mr. Cardinal so that I could have snow. It was painted from a photo in Paintmyphoto.com. Happy Thanksgiving to all of my friends and family.

Watercolor Workshop Project

2011-11-09T07:46:00.000-05:00

I painted this using Watercolors and Gouache. It is the November WCW project. It is such a joy to be painting again.

Look Who's Painting Again!

2011-11-03T08:15:00.000-04:00

Now I am moved and have an art teacher, I am painting again. It feels so good to get those brushes wet. This is painted from a wonderful photo by Patricia Elling, a dear friend.

Left Behind

2011-09-29T09:34:00.000-04:00

I painted this this morning in the nick of time for the WCW "abandoned" project for September.

STRESS

2011-09-26T09:27:00.000-04:00

I'm still packing. I do a bit each day because I have a bad back. Jim does all of the carrying and stacking. We gave notice to our strange landlady and she will not pick up the certified letter. So..I emailed her with a copy of what our letter said and she wrote back that she never got the 3 quotes we sent her on the bridge and creek work that needs to be done. She is claiming that she never got the letters with the quotes. She also claims that our agreement states that we will "talk" about major repairs, not that she had any obligation to do anything about it! ...and that there was no timeline in the agreement so she feels like she can do it when she has the money. Now she thinks we can work it out! "let's get together and "talk"". LOL Too Late! I just hope she leaves us alone. Our attorney checked the lease and he says we have every right to move. Yea! Some people are so weird. No closing date yet. They are still trying to figure out what John's income is in spite of the fact that they have his Tax returns done by his CPA. Banks are just weird. I think that the lesson for me in all of this is to just have faith and let it roll off of my back. It will all work out soon.

Norena

Collography

2011-08-27T15:41:00.000-04:00

Yes, this is my sock monkey done with Collography. Thanks Barb and Thanks to Belinda! Now I will try it again and do better.

What a Surprise!

2011-08-18T07:25:00.000-04:00

This baby watermelon, about 8" across, was a complete surprise when we opened it. Yes, we were expecting red! I bought it from the Amish roadside stand down the road. Check out the cool design in the melon. Way Cool. It was the sweetest watermelon I have ever tasted but it was gone too fast!

Summertime..and The Living is Not So Easy

2011-08-16T10:49:00.000-04:00

I just realized that some of my latest paintings are very close to the same color. I really do have lots of other paints. I wanted to paint something else that was cold so this was it. I did use a bit of gouache on this one. I also used my spray bottles on the background.

Storm Over The Tree Farm - My Very First Oil!

2011-08-11T09:42:00.000-04:00

After finding a complete oil painting set at a thrift store, I painted this this morning. I have so much to learn but I found that the things I learned from other medias were very helpful.

Oil is dark down first and watercolor is the opposite so I sort of messed up on that concept. But, I had fun and it relieved my stress.

Cool As a Cucumber!

2011-08-06T08:58:00.000-04:00

The produce is coming in and I have cooked zucinni in everything I can think of. Any suggestions. Now we have an abundance of cucumbers! I live in a non-air conditioned house so Cool...NOT! The background of this painting was created by masking off the cucumber with masking tape, Laying down a plastic lace tablecloth, and spraying with a spraybottle I filled with water and Mag Blue watercolor DS Paint.

Maine

2011-08-04T20:36:00.001-04:00

I painted this today and I am almost pleased with it. It certainly did take my mind off of everything going on in my life. MY Escape.

Early Harvest-Watercolor and Gouache

2011-07-22T16:01:00.000-04:00

For all you watercolor purist. You just gotta love Gouache! I struggled and struggled with this one but gouache really was my redeemer! I spent 4 years being a purist and yes, I do still feel guilty when I add Gouache but, not enough to not use it.

Cathy's Vacation

2011-07-21T06:32:00.000-04:00

July 19, 2011
It is hot, hot, hot today. I painted this 6 x 9 little painting in watercolor from a photo by Cathy Geha. It was fun and took my mind off of the heat.

2011-07-16T11:26:00.001-04:00

I've been painting and having fun. I've had too much on my mind but yesterday, I broke through. Yea Me!

Childhood Memories

2011-07-01T08:58:00.000-04:00

Ohio Farm House

There is few things more appealing to me than a Farm Home. I loved the farm when I was little. There was always things to do and places to play. When I was 6 years old, we moved to the town and I was not a happy camper. Now I live in the country again. Yea!

I have been laying low the past couple of days because I pulled a muscle in my leg. How did I do it? Who knows? It hurt to sit so I have just been lounging around. I haven't painted but I will today. I have to get ready for family who are coming this weekend. My leg is so much better and I think I just may accomplish something today. Jim is going to town to have lunch with my brother so I will have "alone" time today.

...and a great time was had by all!

2011-06-28T07:35:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I picked up my Mother and met an old friend for lunch. It was like no time went by and Patricia is as sweet as I remember her. I had a nice time with her niece Tonya also. I have to wonder why we lose track of people and what I can do to be better at keeping in contact. Of course, the information age helps with all that but it not the same as a hug and hearing someone tell you that they love you.

I them dropped off Mom and drove by my brother John's house. I haven't seen him in awhile so it was good to see him. He's my sweet big brother. Then I went to meet my sister Pat and we hit a few thrift stores. I think that the best find today was my Rooster Jam Jar. By then I was tired so I went home. I cooked Haddock and asparagus for dinner and had a good peaceful evening. Life is good!

Single Pear

2011-06-22T13:54:00.001-04:00

My painting for today.

Pics of Studio

2011-06-21T19:01:00.000-04:00

Ice Cream Ball-$2.00

Table with a View

Watercolor Paper

Shower Curtain over Closet

Art Stuff

Light Box

Giant Painbrush-$1.00

Projects

2011-06-21T15:22:00.000-04:00

Ok, I admit it. I shop at Goodwill! I am a Goodwill Addict in fact. I stored all of the area Goodwill stores in my GPS so that my sister Pat and I can go from store to store and not get lost. I am typing this in my art room/studio and this is what I see from Goodwill. A two drawer file cabinet, a 6 foot paintbrush ($1.00), two hardwood bookcases, The table that I paint on, a hortizonal file where I store my watercolor paper, a heater for my coffee mug, many art books, several folding tables, a turntable that holds my brushes, storage bins, a shower curtain that hangs in front of my shelved cabinet, etc.. I was going to post pics but my camera is in the storage console in my van that I bought at Goodwill.

On Sunday, I found a Play and freeze ice cream ball! Yea! You put your ice, salt and ingredients and toss it for about 20 minutes and you have a pint of ice cream. I guess my guests will have to work for their ice cream! You who know me know that I love "projects" and they usually involve Jim. I have wanted to make my own Plein air easel and I have got a great start. It will be a Pochade box mounted on a lightweight easel. I found a wooden box and a new easel aluminum easel (at Goodwill, of course) and Jim is helping me put it together. I will post it when we are done. The cost will be under $10.00! I'll bet you can't wait for the photos!

Country Church

2011-06-17T18:35:00.001-04:00

I pass this church often as I travel the highways and byways of Ohio.

Ohio Barns

2011-06-17T09:01:00.001-04:00

I have taken so many photos of Ohio Barns. I have enough to give me painting references for the rest of my life but I keep taking them. I love Ohio barns!

BUSTED

2011-06-11T20:20:00.001-04:00

My Water Bowl

2011-06-11T20:13:00.001-04:00

Hi, I’m Charlie and this is my favorite water bowl. I didn’t think that mommy knew but she caught me.

Lodi Bridge

2011-06-10T08:11:00.001-04:00

I painted this yesterday and I just don’t know when to stop. Now I want to see if I can fix those overworked bushes. I think I like everything except those bushes. Gouche Maybe? I love my new Silver Black velvet brushes.

Reflection of Swan

2011-06-05T11:49:00.000-04:00

I'm painting watercolor again. I painted this yesterday with my sister Patricia. I seem to do my best painting when I paint with her.

On The Beach

2011-06-05T11:45:00.000-04:00

This is my painting of the day
It is 6" x 9" Watercolor
For Watercolor Workshop

Johnnie Ramsier Farm

2011-05-29T19:43:00.001-04:00

The long Way Home

2011-05-29T08:52:00.000-04:00

While driving home several nights ago, I shot this picture of the road that goes past my home. Yes, it has been raining alot but, this beauty is the result.

Not the best but better…

2011-05-26T14:04:00.001-04:00

I know that this is not the best painting but I was practicing techniques that I learned in the Leeper Workshop. This is a trial of a painting that I want to do. The composition is way off but I drew it badly. I need to make a really good drawing before I start. I do feel that I am improving in some things (mixing greens).

Christopher Leeper Workshop

2011-05-24T09:10:00.001-04:00

I am back from the workshop and I sure learned a lot. Now I just have to get it from my brain to the paper. This painting is Acrylic over Watercolor.

This was painted in Watercolor. I saved it with acrylics. It still has a way to go but I learned a lot about saving the stack of watercolors I have in my studio.

Happy Ducks!

2011-05-14T12:04:00.001-04:00

Amanda and Mathew Catching Frogs

2011-05-12T10:55:00.000-04:00

I love it that farm children are not afraid of getting a little muddy. While we were sitting on the porch, Amanda and Mathew (our neighbors children) were catching frogs (catch and release, of course). I think that this is a beatiful specimen.

Spring in Ohio

2011-05-12T10:33:00.000-04:00

The ducks are growing up. It’s been raining a lot here. We are having a thunderstorm as I type. The rain does help everything green up but yesterday was so beautiful and sunny. We sat on the porch and it was wonderful. Jim has been painting all of the porch furniture and it looks spiffy.

My herbs are growing like crazy and Jim set up two raised growing beds for the veggies. He put in a wonderful mix of soil and I thing they will do well. “Green” pics to follow.

Ahh Spring…Achooo!

2011-05-10T11:33:00.001-04:00

Yes, I have a love…”not so much” relationship with Spring. Jim said I snored last night. Not a pretty picture! I woke this morning with a snuffy nose and sore throat. Ick! As you can see, the grass is green and the ducks are growing. I do love our little homestead in the Spring. Jim is working on the raised beds for the garden today and I will move the herbs there. I really just want salad stuff (tomatos, lettuce, etc).

Yesterday, Pat and I went thifting”. I found a large tablet of rice paper, I large container for water, a bamboo mat for brushes and a goose neck lamp for still life light. Isn’t it amazing how many art supplies I find. How can anyone give them up? My studio is beginning to look like a hoarder so I really must get more organized..or just paint! What, you mean that there is another answer?

Oh, Such A Perfect Day

2011-04-25T09:20:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, Easter Sunday, Jim and I drove to Columbus to spend time with the kids and grandkids. We ate good food, played WII, and enjoyed each other's company. Our daughter brought us two cases of bottles to slump in the kiln(Yea). I ate too much and now I have to start moving! It's still raining in Ohio and I think the weather won't change for awhile. The ducks must love this! They swam in the pond yesterday but we were gone so we missed it. Today, My sister Pat and I are going out and about. At least the rain will be warm and not freezing!

The Babies Are Growing!

2011-04-20T19:59:00.001-04:00

Trees

2011-04-19T09:07:00.001-04:00

Mom’s 91st Birthday

2011-04-19T08:38:00.002-04:00

It was a very nice lunch with Mom. We stopped at an antique Mall on the way home. It was huge and we barely scratched the surface of seeing it all. I was tired but felt good when we arrived home.

Rusty Stuff

2011-04-17T09:43:00.001-04:00

During our walk in the tree farm, I found “rusty Stuff”. My artist friends may help yourself to any of my photos.

Cropped Painting

2011-04-16T10:30:00.001-04:00

Now I like it!

Pastel Over Watercolor

2011-04-16T10:28:00.001-04:00

This is my first attempt at doing pastels over watercolor. I was covered with pastel dust by the time I was done for the day. I will try it again but maybe a little neater next time. Who am I kidding?

Ohio Wild Flowers

2011-04-16T09:21:00.001-04:00

Amanda’s Rooster

2011-04-15T08:38:00.001-04:00

This gorgeous rooster lives next door. I have painting opportunities all around me. It’s almost time to Plein Air paint but it has to get warmer for me. In four years of painting, I have never done this so I want to try.

Spring in Ohio

2011-04-15T08:28:00.001-04:00

My spring flowers have sprung! We were not in Ohio yet when the daffys bloomed so this is a wonderful surprise. Jim and I went for a nice ride, stopped at Bishop’s for fresh strawberry pie and stopped at an antique mall. We didn’t buy anything but it was a great trip down memory lane.

Duckies!

2011-04-13T19:39:00.001-04:00

We have ducks! They are too young for the pond so they will be in our neighbors barn for two weeks before they will be swimming. We think that we have two females and a male but we are guessing. We are thrilled to have “livestock”.

Wine Bottles

2011-04-09T13:31:00.001-04:00

Here’s more wine bottle paintings. These are also on Yupo and the pine cones are an overlay that I salvaged from a gift bag.

Jim's Flat Bottles & Yupo

2011-04-03T16:22:00.000-04:00

Yes, This is flatter than a pancake. Jim did this in the kiln. I cut Yupo the shape of the bottle and painted it with watercolors. Then I pasted it to the underside of the bottle with Golden Gel. Did you know that you could sand the edges of Yupo? I beveled the edges of the Yupo with sandpaper. Ta Da!

Another Floral

2011-04-01T19:17:00.000-04:00

This is another excercise by Jill Bays. I like this one.

Watercolor Sunflowers

2011-03-18T11:54:00.001-04:00

This is all watercolor but I plan to do more to it so look at it now before it changes. I want to add texture to it this afternoon.

Multi-Media Fun

2011-03-17T16:12:00.001-04:00

This is watercolor, acrylic, Gesso, graphite, tissue, watercolor pencil and watercolor crayon. You will never guess where I got the tissue paper! While at the thrift store, I found Toilet Seat Covers in a box. It is water soluble and works great!

A Return To Watercolor

2011-03-16T18:25:00.000-04:00

Today, I decided to try watercolors again. This is an excercise from "The Flower Painters Essential Handbook" by Jill Bays.

Heavy Snow

2011-03-11T08:56:00.001-05:00

We had a heavy snowfall last night. It’s beautiful but cold. 27 degrees! I am looking out my window and realizing that this morning is the first time I have seen the pond with flowing water, since it froze several months ago. It’s so pretty!

Hollyhocks on My Mind

2011-03-10T19:59:00.001-05:00

It’s going to snow 5-8 inches of snow tonight and I have summer Hollyhocks on my mind. Maybe I have my rose-colored glasses on today.

Paper Dolls in Acrylic

2011-03-10T19:24:00.000-05:00

I ordered my book "Celebrate Your Creative Self" by Mary Todd Beam from Amazon and it arrived. This is the first excercise I did. This is done in acrylic, black gesso, bronze acrylic, light plastic sheeting and a foam stamp. I loved doing this. I have paint all over me but it was worth it.

Thinking About Family - Brother and Sister

2011-03-03T09:04:00.000-05:00

My Aunt Marilla Parker and My Dad, Oakley Deforest Parker were brother and Sister. Both of them are gone now but I do remember them. I was 10 years old when my Father passed away. I think that this is his work picture but I'm not sure. I don't have too many pictures of my family because my mother has them.

My Aunt Marilla was a school teacher and never married. She lived with her Mother, my Grandmother, Daisy Parker, in Akron until Grandma passed away. Aunt Marilla loved to read and had many books all over her home. I remember that she was so happy to see us when we would come to visit for holidays.

If anyone in my family would like copies of the pictures I do have, let me know. My sister gave me the one of Aunt Marilla to copy. Thanks Pat!

Drawing Pencils

2011-03-01T08:35:00.001-05:00

Yesterday, I did some experimenting with hardness of drawing pencils. I printed out a guide of the different hardness of pencils and what they looked like. I have decided the 4B is the best for my value sketches and erases the best for my Watercolor sketches. I was having trouble erasing the sketch on watercolor paper and I discovered that my pencil was too hard and I was holding it wrong. This little (5X7) sketch is a practice in using the painting knife for the grasses. I had fun with it. Today I go to the dentist..No Fun.

Amazing Road Trip

2011-02-18T09:01:00.000-05:00

We had such an amazing get together with my children and grandchildren. The only one that coldn't be there was Aaron, who had to work. We met a t Max and Erma's for lunch and then went thrifting, my favorite thing to do. John had to get back to work and Michele and Lina went one direction and Alexis, Jim and I went another. We were so excited to find Dick Blicks right down the road from my granddaughter's apartment. Of course, we had to shop. Jim got some glazes for pottery and I got Golden Digital Ground Clear (Gloss) to transfer photos to any other surface. I'm excited to try it. Oh, I also got a bone folder. Then we dropped off Lexi and we try to head home. We got as far as I71 and it was CLOSED! Everyone going that direction had to be rerouted which took us about two hours to get back to I71. We were behinds trucks the whole way so we couldn't see where we are going. By the time we got on the road it was past dinner time and I don't do well with hunger. We stopped at the Amish restaurant and had chicken. It was yummy and I was in a better mood with my tummy full. We got home at 8:00. Amazing!

I'm Off To See My Children and Grandchildren.

2011-02-17T08:36:00.000-05:00

It's going up to 50 degrees today in Ohio and I can see grass peeking through the snow. OK, I have spring allergies so I have to take my Mucinex but the warm weather is so worth it! We are going to Columbus today to visit with My children and grandchildren. I'm very excited to see them. Great day for a road trip!

OK, Spring can come any time now!

2011-02-11T09:21:00.001-05:00

A Quick sketch of my home. It's snow covered now but I sketched/watercolored this in the autumn. Yesterday I started a painting but I am not happy with the results so far. I always get stuck at the "ugly stage". I put it up where I can see it. Maybe the answer will come.

Tuesday I found a new Dentist who is going to make me a new mouth guard. My dog Charlie chewed up my $300 mouth guard for TMJ. Without it my jaw clicks, grinds, pops, and hurts. When the Dentist was taking the impressions he said that he had to use a small impression tray because I have a small mouth. I don't think that anyone who knows me would say that. Thanks Dr. Hamm! Now all I have to do is make the body as small as the mouth.

2011-01-31T10:47:00.000-05:00

Yes, It's 15 degrees here and we are about to get a ton of snow. DH is going to Costco today because we are running out of some stuff. I cannot do without coffee! The picture is a glimpse of the fence along our driveway. Keep your eye on that Yucca plant because it won't be long before it blooms in beautiful spikes and flowers.

I was going to spend the day with my sister but the patient she cares for is needing her and my Mother is needing to go to the doctor for her swollen foot. I have a nasty cold with sore throat and earache so I won't be going out. I just had a nice talk with my sister and we are going to try to get together on Friday. I have to feel better by then! It's imperative! I have to get out of this house. I'm having a bout with Cabin Fever!

Carving a life

2011-01-24T09:16:00.000-05:00

This is my Mom and Dad. I lost my father when I was 10 years old. My Mother is now 90. I often wonder what my life would have been like if I still had two parents. My parents divorced several years before Dad died and it turned my world upside down. I have heard that it takes a lifetime to get over your childhood and that has been the case. I'm still working at it. Moving back to my home state has brought up a lot of memories and not all of them are bad.

I often dream of having loving parents but that was just not the case. There is a song that says "A child's hurts are carved in stone" and my sister talks about "carving a life for herself". I think about that word "Carving". It is a word that denotes hard work and creating a life for yourself with few tools is very hard work but we are strong and we do it. My five siblings are strong because we had to be. We all have different damage and memories but I am so proud of our strength. We are all creative in are own way. Being creative is such a blessing and that has been a gift. Our strength we earned with hard "carving".

"Somewhere It's Snowing"

2011-01-24T08:56:00.000-05:00

Yes, The soft is drifting down. I need to get ready soon because my sister is picking me up for a day of fun. Yesterday I organized my art room and it looks great! I can actually see what I have. Since I received a new color printer from my son for Christmas, I have been working on scanning and printing photos of family. I found a box of baby pictures in the basement of the grandchildren. Memories!

I was really tired last night but the effort was worth it. My promise to my DH is that when something comes into the house, something has to go out. Yesterday I decluttered and it is waiting for me on the porch to donate. Yea Me!

Random Thoughts

2011-01-15T09:17:00.000-05:00

It's all beautiful and snowy white outside and I hear that we are getting more this afternoon. That's okay with me except that I really should not be driving in the storm so I won't. I am sitting in my art room pondering how creative I will be today. Some would look at my room and think "hoarding". I think "creation"! As long as the rest of the house doesn't fill up, I am good.

Today is my granddaughters 21st birthday. I received a text with her hand holding her drivers license and her saying "Yea"! She was a beautiful baby and now she is a beautiful adult! She is so excited and I am excited for her. Happy Birthday Lexi!!!

As of January 1, 2011 I decided to take much better care of myself. I joined Dr Oz's "Move It and Lose It " but I'm struggling to understand the web site. I am watching portion control and cutting out sugar. Yesterday I went to a new salon and got a really cute haircut. I am taking better care of my skin, which I have neglected. Excercise is next but I guess I keep putting it off. I have lost 2 # so far so I am on my way. My goal is to be healthier and to live longer.

Tiger Lily

2011-01-01T11:29:00.000-05:00

I finished this today and now I can see everything I did wrong from the drawing to the values. I am going to try this again, this time with a value sketch. I knew better but I was in the playing mood and just threw paint. I used sepia pen, salt, watercolor, quin burnt scarlet (DS), Nickle Azo Yellow and paynes grey.

Curiosity

2011-01-01T09:35:00.000-05:00

It's 2011! Happy New Year friends and family. This morning I was perusing the web and Oprah's OWN was everywhere. I clicked on Diane Sawyer and I hear her say "always wake up curious". It has been just lately that I have liked that part of me. Growing up, it was "children are to be seen and not heard". Asking questions was forbidden or frowned upon so I learned, not only to not ask out loud, but to not ask internally. Lately I have been asking:

What if I tried....
What if I did this or that....
Am I the best person I can be?
What do I need to change?
What are my priorities?
What makes me happy?
What makes me sad?

So.....Like my friend Dabs, I ponder alot! Mostly when I am creating art. My art room is a serene, peaceful place and it is quiet so I can hear my thought and hear that small, still voice inside of me.

May this year be a turning point for those that need it and a spiritual growth spurt for those who least expect it.

Sisters

2010-12-31T11:06:00.000-05:00

I am in the middle. The Baby Girl. I miss my sister on the left. She lives in CO. The sister on the right lives 25 minutes from me and we are both artists. This was taken several years ago in IN at the birthday party. I was about to leave for Las Vagas.

Drawing, Watercolor and W/N White

2010-12-30T08:31:00.003-05:00

I am trying all kinds of new things. Some, I am not doing well but I really like this one. After drawing with a #2 pencil, I painted with watercolors using BS, Magenta, Azo Yellow and Paynes grey. When it was dry, I splattered wikth W/N Bleedproof white and a toothbrush. The idea for the pole light came from "Capture the Charm of Your Hometown" by Frank Loudin. This was fun!

Oh, I Forgot. I used Payne's Grey and Susie's Brush for the swirling snow. I also used a circle template and a Mr Clean Magic Eraser for the moon.

2010-12-28T18:31:00.000-05:00

My Home

My Sister's New Car

Sketches and Paint

2010-12-28T16:52:00.006-05:00

Snowman

Ice Skater

Value Sketches

I finally got a Snuggie! Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T09:18:00.002-05:00

Thanks to my dear sister, Barbara, I finally own a Snuggie! and...a pink one too! Yep, This is what I look like when I wake up in the morning. Merry Christmas to my dear friends and family!

I have always wanted a Snuggie and now I have one!

My DH doing What He Loves Best

2010-12-18T10:20:00.000-05:00

Drawing and Painting

2010-12-15T11:36:00.000-05:00

My Adventure in Making Bobbi's Toffee-The recipe is a secret!!

2010-12-12T16:33:00.000-05:00

Boiled almonds getting skinned

Almonds and skins

Bobbi's Toffee

Time to update

2010-12-12T10:14:00.001-05:00

Our three sided Christmas Tree
This way I can push it up against the wall
and make room to walk by it.

Winter wonderland has arrived. Our home
is pretty in any season but especially now.

Our Lane
Jim made the bench for the skaters
and I have been collecting sleds.

The pond covered with snow. This is the
view from our front porch.

Look who's drawing!

2010-11-17T08:53:00.001-05:00

Look who's drawing!
Originally uploaded by nfaithfox

I'm taking a Drawing class and this is the first page of my drawing journal. Let's see if I get better.

A Rose By Any Other Name

2010-10-30T21:08:00.000-04:00

Winter is coming but..I jumped the Gun

2010-10-11T19:17:00.000-04:00

Autumn in Ohio

2010-10-11T11:12:00.000-04:00

My favorite season has arrived! It is so pretty here in the woods. Pat and I went out yesterday to take photos and Jim and I went Saturday. So beautiful!

Ohio The Beautiful

2010-09-16T19:06:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I went with my sister on a photo opp around Ohio. We went to Long Lake where I spent part of my youth. We went to lunch and thrift store Hopping. Great Day!

Desert Poppy

2010-09-03T18:22:00.000-04:00

This is a painting from a photo by my friend David Richman. Thanks David. I'm gaining on shadows.

Country Store

2010-09-03T18:19:00.000-04:00

This is a painting from a photo that was shared with me by Bob Fisher. I learned a lot by painting this. I over painted the trees. Walk away Norena! Shadows do not have to be grey! Perspective, perspective! Better luck next time.

Peaches and tomatoes..Oh MY!

2010-09-03T08:54:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted for almost a month! I have been busy canning again. We have 21 qt of tomatoes and 24 qt of peaches. If we get snowed in, we will eat! My little neighbor Amanda brought me fresh brown eggs from her chickens that she is raising. I was thrilled! Yummy eggs that taste like eggs used to taste.

My sister Pat and went shopping/thrifting on Wednesday after we painted, and I got my heat gun that I have been wanting for 40% off. Pat had a coupon for both of us. We are going to make holiday cards with embossing. My painting is of the Rose of Sharon that is in my back yard. Pat picked the last two flowers on it for my reference. I am painting it in cool colors for WCW. I even got some cleaning in yesterday.

We have given up and trying to crate Mollie and Maggie at night! They used to be crated but it got so hot for them this summer, we relented and let them sleep on our bed. Now they will not sleep in the crate. Charlie sleeps under the bed like Angel used to sleep. We haven't gotten a full nights sleep since we tried this so we just gave up.

The Mysterious Missing Couch

2010-08-05T07:24:00.000-04:00

Yes, I have a couch. When I bought it I was promised "several weeks" for delivery. This is the ninth week and it arrived yesterday. I'm glad that it's finally here. Now, how do I get the new couch chemical smell out quickly? Oh No, I hope I'm not allergic to my new couch! I sure love the way it looks from afar. I just can't get too near it.

Boo

2010-08-05T07:18:00.000-04:00

Yes, I know. This is not a watercolor. But it's a fun thing I'm working on for the consignment shop. They cost me about .25 to make and I am going to sell then for $9.95. Very good markup!

Canning Pickled Beets

2010-07-30T12:16:00.000-04:00

Dirty, Dirty Beets
Become
Pickled Beets

From a peck of beets, I got 5 quarts of pickled beets! I had to cut off all of my fingernails because they became a vivid shade of purple. The hands were too but they cleaned up. I had a great deal of fun so it was worth it!

Jim's Pottery Studio/Man Cave

2010-07-27T09:37:00.000-04:00

Jim and I have been so busy having fun! This is his studio in the basement! He is already turning and cooking new pieces. Yesterday he hung new lights and it made the biggest difference. I get to share the man cave for my painted furniture.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2010-07-27T09:32:00.000-04:00

Uh, Oh, Norena went to the produce auction again! I got blackberries, blueberries, corn, onions, cabbage, squash, 4 loaves of Amish made quick breads, 4 little blackberry pies, most of which are already in my new freezer. I wanted to get tomatoes but they bid too high. Most of this I got for $1.00-1.25! This morning I am doing the corn and beets.

A Big Can of White Paint

2010-07-25T09:37:00.000-04:00

Isn't it amazing what a white paint will do to a brown shelf and a flower pot? This went in my guest room. The picture is three generations of dynamic women. Mama, me and daughter when we were about 18, 38 and 58. My sister Patricia took this photo and it will always be cherished!