Sunday Sketches... One Tree Leads to Another

It is (finally!) the perfect weather to grab some prismacolor pencils and head to the porch (my favorite place to create)!

The sketchbook page I am sharing this week was inspired by this post over at Janice's blog and this post over at Missy's blog.  After reading their posts I started thinking about Willy Wonka's candy trees, and how "money doesn't grow on trees", and before I knew it I had filled a page with things I thought might be fun to grow on trees.  (If you look in the top photo you can see my page full of words/ideas.)  I love this part of the creative process... During my brainstorming sessions, no idea is too ridiculous to be written down (falafel trees...seriously?!?)

I ended up sketching a few ideas while enjoying the day in a Spring that has finally sprung...

Please be sure to stop by Sophia's blog to see what ideas are springing up in my friends' sketchbooks!

Paint Party Friday

Hooray for another Paint Party Friday!

May continues to be a very busy month, but I feel the need to get my paint on (even if it's only for a minute here or a minute there).

When I'm short on time, one way I get my creative fix is to splash some paint on paper, play with pattern, and explore different color combinations.  I enjoy the process and don't worry about the outcome, but in the end I am left with some pretty cool collage papers for future projects...

What are some ways you work painting into a busy schedule?

A Love-ly Tree

This week's theme for Creative Tuesday over at Mr.Toast's blog is "trees".  

"A Love-ly Tree" was painted with acrylics and prismacolor pencils on black gesso. It is art and a frame all in one... It was painted on museum quality mat board and the painting continues onto the wood frame.  I am having such fun painting on different surfaces!

(This original painting is available here sold.)

Sunday Sketches... Lovebugs

If you've ever experienced lovebug season, then you might get a chuckle out of this little drawing I did in my sketchbook last week while in Florida.

Being a "Buffalo gal", the best comparison I have is that lovebugs look like falling snow when coming toward your windshield.  (Although the sound of lovebugs during the height of the season is more like a torrential downpour - I'm sure the sales of windshield washer fluid spike during that time!)

Please be sure to see what goodies have landed in my friends' sketchbooks over at Sophia's blog!

Paint Party Friday... Tropical

It's time for Paint Party Friday!

Last week I was in Florida picking up my "snowbird" Grandmother (Effie).  Lucky for me, the posts that I had scheduled while I was away managed to make it through the "Blogout".  Unfortunately, the Paint Party Friday blog wasn't as lucky.  While I was soaking up the sun, my fabulous co-host EVA was dealing with a lost post and re-writes.  (Boy, do I know how to pick a vacation week or what?!? ha!)

So, before I share this week's paintings I'd like to say...

Yay EVA!!!

Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

Now it's time to party...

Grab a margarita, relax, and enjoy.

While I was in Florida I was able to spend a little time playing in my sketchbook.

The hibiscus trees outside Effie's condo are beautiful and a wonderful source of inspiration.

When I got home, I was so excited to see that this week's Inspiration Avenue theme is "tropical", because hibiscus flowers definitely fill the bill!

I hope your day is filled with sunshine and relaxation and that you have some time to stop by Paint Party Friday and Inspiration Avenue... Both beautiful places to visit!

There's Gnome Place Like...

"All our dreams can come true,

if we have the courage to pursue them."

-Walt Disney

Wishing you the courage to pursue your dreams

(to infinity and beyond!)...

Sunday Sketches

 

Just a little (or not so little, hee hee) something I'm toying around with...

Please be sure to stop by Sophia's blog to see what ideas have been dancing around in my friends heads!

  

Paint Party Friday!

Oh, how I hate to miss a party...

This week I am unable to attend Paint Party Friday,

but I hope you still stop by to see what my friends

have been painting this week...

Have Fun!

Smile!

 

 Wherever you are today, 

I hope a smile is always waiting 

just around the corner!

Happy Mother's Day!

"When I stopped seeing my mother

with the eyes of a child,

I saw the woman who helped me

give birth to myself." 
- Nancy Friday

 

4 Generations...

My Mom, Me, My Great-Grandmother (Gram), My Grandmother (Effie)

Happy Mother's Day! 

Helping Hands For Japan Auction - Tonight!

Remember these hands?

They will be auctioned tonight (with 100 others!) to raise money for the Red Cross of Japan!

Please be sure to visit The Helping Hands for Japan Auction site to view all of the wonderful hands...

The auction runs from 5pm - 7pm (PST) here.

Paint Party Friday... Baseball Edition

Wow - it's Week 8 over at Paint Party Friday!

In my little part of the world, May is a crazy busy month for me.  Which means that I take my painting opportunities where I can get them...

No matter how unconventional they may be.

My T-man has started playing tee ball!  On Saturday they have a Little League parade before their game and I was in charge of creating the team banner.

In a month filled with fundraisers and end of school activities, a little bit of paint (even if it's not in my studio) goes a long way!

Don't forget:

The bidding for Inspiration Avenue's Charity Art Auction to benefit Angel Faces ends at noon on Saturday...

Be sure to stop by and support this fantastic cause!

When One Sketchbook Closes...

Another one opens!

(The first page in my new sketchbook.)

There is something about finishing a sketchbook that makes me feel sentimental.

(A sampling of pages.)

I get a little nostalgic as I flip through the pages, but this isn't "Good-bye"... It's just "See you later".  There are still many ideas in my old sketchbook that will someday be realized.  When I'm looking for inspiration I can always return to it with fresh eyes.

(The last page and inside back cover of my finished sketchbook.)

So, for now I say...

"I'd like to stay, but I really mustache!"

It's time to turn my attention to a new sketchbook full of fresh white pages and endless possibilities!

(If you'd like to learn more about my sketching habits, you can read about it here.)

Don't forget:  Inspiration Avenue's Charity Art Auction to benefit Angel Faces runs until May 7th... Please be sure to stop by!

Sunday Sketches... More Angels!

An Angel Fish with an Angel Food Cake!

(I'm finding it difficult to let go of the "Angel" theme. ha!)

Please be sure to stop by Sophia's blog to see the heavenly offerings of my sketching buddies.

And don't forget...

The bidding for Inspiration Avenue's Charity Art Auction to benefit Angel Faces starts today!

Since I'm on the topic of angels, I would like to take this opportunity to thank a couple:

First, Rhonda gave me a "Stylish Blogger Award".  I think I first 'met' Rhonda during the One World One Heart Blog event, but now we party together every Friday for PPF.  Rhonda was the one who inspired me to create my "Helping Hands for Japan".  Rhonda always has lots of fun projects going on at her blog, Roban Studio!  

Thank you Rhonda!

(I already received a "Stylish Blogger Award" here, but I am very thankful to you for thinking of me!)

And last, but certainly not least, I would like to offer a great big "Thank You" to Lisa Stubbs of 'Lil Sonny Sky for sending me the beautiful mermaid print pictured above!

Lisa is an extremely talented artist that creates amazing fabric art and original hand squeegeed screen prints (like the one I received)!  Be sure to check out her etsy shop - it is filled with treasures that will make you smile from ear to ear (I know I am)!

How did I find myself in possession of this wonderful gift?

I am a regular reader of Lisa's blog and was delighted when I saw the fantastic mural she was painting at her children's school!  (You can see the mural and it's progression by clicking here.)  By her week 10 "loo update" post, she was nearly finished and looking for caption ideas for her sea inspired mural.  Well, you know how I love to play with words (and I can't resist putting my 2 cents in either! hee hee)...  The bonus:  The person who came up with the caption that she decided to use would win one of her mermaid prints!  I'll give you one guess who won!

Me.  Lucky, lucky me!  Wheeee!

I love, love, love it - Thank you Lisa!