New One!

This is an acrylic on illustration board with gel medium for some added omph! Lots of layers and glazes. I got a little glare, but you can still get the picture! Ha!

Who Nude ?!?

I love drawing classes. I love all art classes...but my most memorable was the first time I was ever in a class with a nude model. I was 18 and in school at West Virginia University... (go Mountaineers!)...

Of course, our instructor was always surprising us with different ways of approaching drawing, like the time we all had to stand and do a sort of chant thingy (I think it was supposed to open us up to the universe or something like that) and then she would say draw and we all would sit and draw whatever we would feel at that moment. Well, the one day I was a little late, we had an unexpected surprise! A male nude model. So, I come waltzing in and everyone is staring at me to see my reaction...me, totally clueless. I was just looking for a seat and table to crash at and when I looked up there was this totally naked guy facing me. I think I went totally white before every shade of red set in...

I immediately looked away and fumbled for my sketch pad and supplies, while my gal pal secretly laughed her ass off from across the room. I have never had a more uncomfortable day, this guy was some sort of yoga master and some of his positions were just way much more than I care to describe, who knew the body could contort to such positions! But, the best one was when he stood on his head... and gravity naturally took over...need I say more. And this guy kept facing me! This was a 4 hour class with breaks. And he could hold those positions forever. Actually, quite the feat!

But the most hilarious part was whenever we took breaks, he would put on his robe...loosely...and he would seek me out to have a conversation with. And all I could picture was the head stand...

School Daze Memories...I had many classes over the years with nude models and loved those classes. The human body is a masterpiece and every one is interesting...all shape, form, shadow, and light. It is a beautiful object to study, be it in clay, plaster, canvas, or paper. But I will always have fond memories of that first class. And smile!

Is There A Doctor in the House???

Seriously...I took one hell of a tumble earlier...too much to do and not looking where I was going. Too many irons in the fire (ouch), too much on my plate (Geez, I am stuffed)...you get the idea!

My tiny home is also my studio...I have easels and canvases, sculptures...supplies all over. You can tell an artist lives here. But I have the coolest antique and primitive furnishings to house all this "artist stuff." Oh sorry, off track, I think it is the head injury I received....
Yeah, I was going along with some "artist stuff" in hand and next thing I knew.. I went down...on my hardwood floor ( they don't call them hard for nothin'), everything flew out of my hands and scattered. I was too stunned to cry...I tripped over a cord...leave it to me!

I have assessed my injuries...and they are growing and changing colors as I write...left big tootsie, left elbow and left side of my aching head! Now for the right side..knee cap is more like a ball than a cap, left forearm and yes my left butt cheek...I am seriously thinking about planting my ass in a huge bowl of ice...I can barely sit...

Look What I Found!

This is a Dancing Ladies vase with lid that I sculpted/recreated while working for Fenton Art Glass. The original iron mould was lost during the war and I had to reproduce it and only had some vases in the museum to look at. This view displays one side, the other had another woman but in a different pose. This piece had to have some areas made from plaster that was turned on a lathe and then carved with a knife and various tools. The ladies I sculpted in relief using clay. I loved working in plaster and clay. Maybe I should try woodworking?

Letting Loose!

Some more of my abstract work...The second image is a close-up. I love the texture. This is painted on illustration board with acrylics, gel medium, and a paste medium. I added some gold paint for no reason at all! I just like it.

I haven't titled this one, yet. Usually a name just hits me, but I think my brain took off to Mexico or some other exotic place without me!

57 Varieties and Counting...

"To do a common thing,

uncommonly well,

brings success."

- Henry John Heinz

Heinz is located in Pittsburgh, PA, my old stomping ground. I grew up an hour from there in WV. I lived in Pgh while attending art school and after...when I worked at the second largest advertising agency in town. One of our clients was IRON CITY BEER, and I loved being part of the team...the Steelers were used in their advertisements...what a dream! I moved to Seattle for several years, but moved back to the Steel City and bought my first house there. I miss it sooo much. I can't wait for football season....

like a Rolling Stone...

"The past is a great place and I don't want to erase it or to regret it,

but I don't want to be its prisoner either."

-- Mick Jagger

Happy Birthday, Mick! He still has it, if you have never been to one of their shows, you definitely are missing out. What a group of talent and Mick has the energy of a teenager. I would love to go "Dancin' In The Street" with him any day!

you're not "THE BOSS" of me...

Oh I wish...he could be my boss any day...

Oh...sorry, a little distracted...

anyhoo! I am upset...

yeah, I have been a fan and avid concert goer since "Greetings From Asbury Park" and his Rosalita days...and before Bruce got "goodlookin"..oh yeah! Oh yes, you old fans know the transformation...

God, how I loved to listen to the E Street Band and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes!!!

Oh, sorry I got off track again...I am upset with Bruce these days. He always asks for donations to the local food banks...geez that would be great if we had money left over after paying out of our asses for these concert tickets! I can not afford to see this concert tour and am totally upset with the Boss, who has money to burn. I would have to go at least one month without groceries to afford a concert ticket...he needs to get in touch with reality and help us ordinary folks out who are out of jobs and still wanting to enjoy some great music that we supported all our adult lives.

By the way, my 84 yr. old Italian Momma is one of his biggest fans, I have taken her to 3 of his concerts! Now, this year we can only afford to listen to the CD.

EYE-YiaH-YiaHHhh

Been playing with my digital camera more... I love this pic I took of myself..I was trying for a self portrait series and thought I would show just pieces of me. I made the image more electric with Photoshop. I have really green eyes with gold flecks that surround the pupils, it shows up nicely here. My lashes look a bit funky, though! Maybe I should have put on my make-up!

My Sun is in Leo

If you feel like your potential and powerful personality are ready to blaze forth, it may be because the Sun is in Leo. Master astrologer Jeff Jawer says Sun in Leo is "a time to shine. It’s like a spark that ignites the fire of your enthusiasm, your untapped creativity and potential. Once you access these qualities ... you open the door to your personal greatness."

Hey, I'll go with that! This was part of my astrological reading for today! I have so many projects just waiting for me. I like to work on more than one piece at a time. It is better time management...while waiting for one to dry, I can move to another. And it keeps me fresh. I get away from a piece and come back to it with new eyes!

Kid's Fest!!!

These are some of the pictures I could take during Kid's Fest at the City Park today! I was in charge of the painting pavilion! And it got jammed!!! But we all had fun and my fingers look like I have been working on a car transmission...the paint will not come out...For some reason,I ended up with paint on my face, hands, arms, hair...and my artist's apron was a lifesaver, really a clothes saver.
It was a rainy day here, in the Ohio Valley, but no one cared! And I wanted one of those paper hats, but never was able to go and get one made for me..don't those hat girls look darling! Hey, wait a minute, I need to continue painting my ladies and their hat series....

Charcoal Study

My latest charcoal study. This was fun and went really fast, I used the grid system to map out the image, you can see it on the close-ups. I love my charcoal!

I Hear Voices

"If you hear a voice within you saying,

You are not a painter,

then by all means paint

and that voice will be silenced."

~Vincent Van Gogh

Do You Canoe

I ran outside with my "Tweety Bird" lounging pants on and a cropped tank top, hoping my neighbors would not see me taking these pictures! I know these are awful pics, but what the hey! Geezzz, my grass looks awful, not the best summer, weather wise.

So I received a phone call last week from someone that represented one of the associations in Marietta, OH, asking me if I would paint this oar that will be given as an award during their Catfish Festival in a few weeks. They wanted it to be like the work I did for the city last year! Of course, I immediately said yes...and knew there would be NO money involved...I do have that flaw, I have a tendency to take on work without profit involved...I like to get my name out there and help the community, and I know a girl still has to eat...but I can't help myself. They got it sanded and will put a sealer on it so I don't have to do that.

Notice how my my yard cherub is staring at this wondering what my imagination will bring to this old piece of very used wood. So, I have been staring at this all day, too, while I am working on other things, and haven't a clue as to what the hell I am going to paint, for no profit, once again...Pics will be posted as soon as it is completed!

The Booby Trap Smasher

I should have had a mammogram ( boob smasher) in December, but I was busy with classes and finals...and just figured I would get it in January. Well, here it is almost August and now I really have to get it done. For the last few weeks, I have been having unusual pain with one of those puppies. Then the other night, I could not sleep from the pain.
My Mom has been after me to get one, she has had cancer in both breasts at the same time...not related, thank God, and not related to her rectal cancer 2 years before...she is a champ!
About 5 years ago I had found a small lump, and was actually in a hospital bed waiting for the surgery and when the Dr came in to 'mark the spot' before the biopsy, it had magically disappeared! So, I got sent home. I thought hey, maybe it was a lifesaver that I swallowed that had lost it's digestive way! It has never returned and the mammies have grammed well ever since...so I wasn't worried about getting it done, since every year, everything was normal. Now this pain has been recurring and is uncomfortable...and tomorrow, I will have the mammogram.
I have not told my Mom any of this and she doesn't have a computer and "thank you very much" does not ever want one, so I know she will not be reading this, she is going to be 84 in a couple of weeks!...anyway, I am sure all is fine and just "growing pains." My Dad is a pretty good Guardian Angel...
The Lesson Today: Ladies...take the time, no matter how busy you think your life is...to get a regular mammogram.

Heads Will Be Carved!

This pumpkin definitely doesn't like to hear that Pumpkins get "carved" for Halloween! No wonder he has a fear of knives...Yikes.
Gawd...my photography skills are really lacking with these characters, photos do not do them justice. But who said life was fair!
The form for this clay guy is a burned out light bulb! Yep! I am into recycling...my BulbHeads. I use the bulb for the base and use paper clay, Fimo or some type of mache. I love how the whole expression can change with just a touch of my finger or tool. Notice, the one tooth at the top of his mouth! He has glittery sparkles and sealed for protection. He is dressed in some fufu Halloween garb!

Oh! What Tangled Webs We Weave.......

It is still July, but I am thinking "spooks"... I am in the mood to do some sculpts for the Halloween Season, my characters are fun and easy for me to make. And it is time to start, since it will be here before I know it. Sometimes I know what I want to make...what expression,etc., but a lot of the time, my fingers and clay just have a mind of their own...and I just listen and follow. Like with this one...I love the ghost's little teeth.

This ghost is finished with acrylic paints and black glitter sprinkled on him for some fun sparkle. A protective clear coat is applied last to not only protect the work but to give it a nice high gloss and luster.

This spook is scared as much as I am of spiders!!! Even the ones with red lipstick...

Just Another One of My Cocktail Parties....

Helping Kids Make Art

I was asked a few months back if I would be interested in working at the Annual Kid's Fest here at the city park. I, of course not hesitating, said a big YES!!!! The only chance I get to create art with children is when I get to visit with my nephew, who is now 10. They have such imaginations and are always creating outside the box, I find it just fascinating.

This gig is next week and a fun one where I will be painting with children, showing them all sorts of things they can do with paint and supplies..and I am sure I will pick up a thing or two from them! I hope to capture the event on film and to post some of their creations.

I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed that the weather is good that day, this summer is very unpredictable around here!

My Driver's License...and more

Okay, where do I begin...??? I know I have not been posting much art but I have been busy creating web sites and some commissioned pieces that I so need!!!

But any-hoo, I did not realize my driver's license expired on my 50th. B-day, (the 25th. of May...Gemini Twin...(if one of us doesn't have it ...the other half does!!!).
So here is my story....Oh yeah, I flew to FL and no one checking my ID said anything...but wait till you try to buy a bottle of wine at WalMart...I was in the fast check-out lane..(and I am still apologizing to those behind me...another story), when the check-out cashier asked for my ID for the wine purchase...now come on folks, I am newly 50 yrs old and still getting asked for an ID, Give me a break!
Well... she called the manager, who was young enough to be my child, which I never had any (but that is beside the point), and he is sooo LOUD that I swear ( excuse the swearing, I am Catholic, God will punish me for it!!!) everyone in WalMart heard that my license had expired and he said I was committing a crime still driving around and could be arrested if they pulled me over...Okay, this little twirp started to get on my already frayed nerves...
Anyway..he said " WELL... she looks older than 21, if she looked younger, than we couldn't sell her the Shiraz".
Okay, now I am really insulted, you mean to tell me I don't look 21 anymore..that was worse than telling me I could go to jail for not renewing my driver's license...

The not so happy ending...I got my license renewed today and I hate the pic!!! Even the lady taking it said she liked me with the shorter hair...I had shorter hair and now it is just a few inches longer...
I need a cocktail. Care to join me...

My Vanity...

A girl can never have too many jewels and perfume! The Shalimar Perfume was a gift from my Dad to my Mom, she gave it to me! I cherish it. It is her fragrance, I remember that scent from my childhood, when she and Daddy would be going out dancing. When she would hug us goodbye, she smelled sooo good! Some things just stay with you, wonderful memories.

I am a jewelry and perfume freak! I collect vintage jewelry and costume pieces! If they are damaged, I add them to my one-of-a-kind jewelry makeovers! But if they are in good shape, I wear them,and I love to pile them on! I'm such a GirLie GiRl...!!!

My Friend and Me

This photo was taken by my Mom about 6 years ago. One of my BEST FRIENDS, Lynne with her Hubby (and me, with short hair) in her parents yard (my childhood home is 4 houses up the street)...we were on our way to our 25th. Reunion!!! Lynne and her wonderful hubby, Joey, came up to WV from FL (notice the gorgeous tans) for the party and we had a blast...as usual whenever we get together! It is so cool that we grew up there since we were babies, she was 9 months old at my first birthday party. I have pictures! And we would play together all the time and do art, usually coloring and drawing! We took oil painting classes while we were in grade school, from an old woman in our town that was a member of the art league. Then in high school, we were in class together and painting side by side again! We are like soul sisters, kindred spirits...we understand each other so completely, and whenever we are fortunate enough to spend some time with each other, it is as if time never passed.

I was just in FL creating a new website for her www.lynneparrish.com. Check it out, she is a truly gifted woman. I also got her to start a blog http://lynneparrish.blogspot.com/!!! She is new to this so stop by and give her your thoughts! You will love her.

We still looks the same, Lynne with that fabulous super short hair and me now with longer hair. I always change my hair, from really long to short, this was when I was growing it out, I had it as short as hers!!!

The more things change, the more they remain... insane.
Michael Fry and T.Lewis, Over the Hedge, 05-09-04

Do you ever feel this way? I sure do...sometimes I feel like I am Suzi in WonderLand! I actually took one of those quizzes to see which character you are in Alice.... So, no surprise, I was Alice. Geez, why couldn't I be someone more colorful like the Cheshire Cat???

My Latest Painting...

Well, things have been kinda busy lately and I have nothing new that I have created to post, but then I thought...now what a sec, I DID paint something. My tootsies! My pinkie is still swollen from when I broke it while mopping my floors. Don't ask...

I also want to suggest that when you wear shoes like these, which I obviously do...it feels great to S-T-R-E-T-C-H those babies out with these toe spacers that are used for polishing those happy feet. And speaking of happy feet, when I spotted these shoes, I thought ...not only are they fun, but I could really hurt someone if they tried to attack me, check out the killer heels! That justified the need to purchase them enough for me, see how my mind works.

Gotta Love It...

Don't you just love all the cool things that can be done with computers??? It can be a love-hate relationship, especially when they freeze up, etc...
I never knew that I could have different voices telling me "you got mail." So, now I have the late, great singer Barry White with that deep sexy voice saying "Hey Baby...now where you been Baby, you got mail" I have to tell ya, it always brings a smile, too fun!

A Man and His Dog

"The dog is the only animal that has seen his god."

~Author Unknown

This is my latest work, a special piece. I had to have it ready for a viewing later today. My best friend's father lost his short battle to lung cancer on Friday. She wanted a picture of him with his best buddy and sidekick pug. Talk about attached at the hip...and feet, and legs, and hands...but especially the heart. Harley will miss his Pappy.

Really difficult piece, and not just emotionally...I had some recent photos given to me that were taken on a cell phone to go by, and some other pics to try to see some detail. It is so hard when you can't make out features. I tried over and over, I wanted to paint it, but not enough time, so then I thought..charcoal! Yeah, that's the ticket. But it wasn't. Next, conte crayon...nope, not that either...Hummmm, maybe if I change the size, reduce it from 18"x24" to an 8"x10". Nahhh, who was I kidding. Nothing was working...so I did the next best thing, I cried, oh yeah, that really helped!

Then suddenly... I started to hear the bangs and pops from the fireworks at the city park, I ran to my window on my staircase and could see them through the trees. I realized I just needed to walk away from it for a while and I came back and started over again with charcoal. After I captured his face, I knew I could crawl into my bed and finally sleep knowing the hardest part was over.

I finished it late this morning and took it over, my friend was too much of a train wreck to function and I placed it in a lovely frame she had.

I am leaving now to be there for my friend and her family.

Mamma's Little Helper???...hummmm...

Caught Ya!!! That is my petite kitty, Goldie (I love her heavy brow), sitting on my sketch yesterday...thank gawd it was just a preliminary sketch or there would be kitty paw prints all over it. I am taking a break right now from the work and thought it would be fun to show this.

You can get a tiny glimpse of my home in the background, actually the fireplace wall in my living room. Gee, do you think I am a collector! I don't know whatever could have given you that idea! Among all of the fragments are pics of my nephew and Mom when she was a teen with her sisters. Italian Beauties, one and all.

The Bella Sinclair Award

My friend Silke @ Metamorphosis gave me this award! Thanks Sweetie! I am so honored to be getting all these awards lately, I must be doing something right. I love this blog community and whenever I feel lost or alone, (a lot of that lately)... I just visit you all and I am rejuvenated!!! Bless every one of you...


This award was created by Ces, in honor of her dear friend Bella to celebrate art, inspiration, friendship, sisterhood, sharing and caring. Please visit Ces' blog and read more about the award. This award is how I feel about all of you, you all deserve it! Thank you for being there and sharing the kinship!

Lemonade Stand Award

The award is for "Great Attitude and Gratitude". It works like this: After accepting this award...Thanks to Queen of Nostalgia, I then award it to 5-10 others bloggers who make me smile with their great attitudes and sweetness. Then they pass it on, and those who receive it, they pass it on... and so it goes...and grows!

1.Thom's Daughter

2.I'm Still Me (just better!)

3.Misty's Musings

4.JolieArt

5.Folk Art by Campbell Jane

6.Gaal Creative

A Lemonade Toast to One and All...!!!

Happy 4th. of July

Who are those adorable kids...I only thought it appropriate to share this photo of me, the little Majorette, and my older brother, the Boy Scout since this was taken just before we went to a 4th of July parade that we were in. I was a majorette in parades up until High School, I took dance, ballet, etc and was in recitals...bla, bla, bla...
How funny to look back on these pictures...don't 'cha just love my costume??? My Mom still has my batons..and oh yeah, I can still twirl!
Happy 4th!!!

Premio Meme Award!!!

My Blog was recently given the PREMIO MEME AWARD by Audrey of The Magic, Miracles and Joy of an Artist. Thank you, Audrey!!!... The rules of this award state that I am to share 7 facts about myself and then pass the award on to 7 others. And away we go....

1. I am addicted to kettle-cooked potato chips
2. I drive a VW Beetle and change the flowers (yeah, VW installed vases!!!) to go with the seasons/holidays.
3. On a good day, my weight will hit three digits. I need to eat more of those kettle-cooked potato chips...

4. I wanted to be a ballerina...art was just something I did...funny, huh...art is truly what I am.

5. I have an eclectic style, in home decor and dress.

6. Some day I want to tour Europe, all the places I studied in art...also, Italy, and look up my distant relatives to share a glass of wine and pasta and lots of hugs, we are a bit touchy-feely.

7. I would love to have a cottage at a lake, river, (water!!) where I can watch the seasons change and observe nature. And do all of my art. Amen.

Now to pass on the award to 7 others...

1.Queen of Nostalgia

2.Love Is My Religion

3.Pinkglitterfae Art

4.Metamorphosis

5.the art & life of the ruby nest

6.Michele Lynch Art Blog

7.Just me Jill

The Marietta Series

Thought I should show the page about the series of paintings I created last year for Marietta, OH. Yeah, that's me with longer blond hair...I change with the direction of the wind...I am my own canvas!

This style was used for "ED's House" and for another house portrait that will be titled "Penny's House." Penny collected all six of the prints of Marietta and asked me to paint her ...and I must say...magnifico house! She has also become the proud owner of some of my one-of-a-kind Christmas sculptures! A true collector of my heart...thank you Penny H.

Ed's House

This was commissioned by a friend who did reconstructive work on this historic house in Marietta, OH. This lovely old house sits on the Muskegum River in Marietta, OH, and is simply gorgeous! The owners are a sweet couple that I had the pleasure of meeting, they did not know I was creating a house portrait for them. This is painted in a funky folk art style that I used for a series of paintings I did for Marietta, OH in 2008. Since I now have a reputation for this look, I thought it proper to use it here since they already enjoyed the art work I created for the city last year.