Going Once, Going Twice, Sold?

Sometimes we starving artists have to take desperate measures to make ends meet. In my case, I'm offering up four of my original mixed media collages on the auction block. I figure getting some money for them is better than none at all and they may as well grace someone elses walls and give them pleasure. So, here are the four pieces I'm pushing with the links to their eBay auction sites. Thanks for taking a peek!

"Autumn Harvest"

"Autumn"

"Change of Seasons"

"Gingko Leaves"

2014 Calendar

As you know, I like to put together a wall calendar every year. Well, at least I've done it for the past two years so now I feel like it's a tradition. Although I would have like to have had next year's calendar finished in August, it just wasn't meant to be, so I'm working on it now. I'm having a great time with the new images, too. So, I thought I'd treat you to a sneak preview. This is the image that I think I'll be using for April.

Maximum Flight

"Maximum Flight" - 4x12 - Mixed Media CollageAvailable on Etsy

On Monday, May 7, I received a text message that my daughter-in-law was in labor and I hastily packed a bag and drove 90 miles to be there when my grandson, Max, was delivered early the next morning.

When I returned, home (a week later) I saw the piece I was working on when I got the call still lying on my work table and decided to name it in honor of my new grandson.

On the flip side of the emotional coin, before returning home from Maryland, I swung up through Pennsylvania to pick up artwork from the Yellow Springs show. This show has always been very successful for me, so it was a kick in the gut to discover that this year I sold nothing except for one bin piece. After commission and the price of gas to make the 230 mile round trip twice (once to drop off; once to pick up) not to mention the time spent... well it's probably a loss.

In the world of art, nothing is guaranteed and counting your chickens before they hatch is certainly a dangerous proposition. And things go in runs, as well, and I think I've had a very good run there and have certainly enjoyed my experience working with the enthusiastic volunteers at Yellow Springs.

So for now, I'm going to focus on local venues and trying to promote sales in this area. crabulous fine art is getting ready to embark on its first ever season of outdoor shows and festivals, so it will be a whole new adventure.

Broken Black-Eyed Susan

"Broken Black-Eyed Susan" 6x6 Mixed Media Collage $90 + $10 Shipping

available on Etsy

I am thrilled beyond reason to have discovered that you can apply acrylic varnish over oil pastels. It makes no scientific sense to me why this should be so, but it works! I LOVE painting with oil pastels and to know that I can incorporate them in my collages without having to protect them under glass is like discovering the New World for me!

In addition to the oil pastels in the flower and the usual art papers, you'll also notice some iridescent fibers scattered over the image. Remember "The Mustachioed Button"? These are the trimmings left over when I trimmed the button's mustache. They are the iridescent fibers I found in the bait and tackle shop. (Evidently fish are just as entranced by the whole "Ooo shiny" thing as I am.)

So now you understand why I'm excited about this piece. Plus... Black-eyed Susan is also the state flower of Maryland. Even though I live in Delaware, I guess in a way, I'll always think of Maryland as home.

More Greeting Cards

The Key To The Universe As We Know It

"The Key To The Universe As We Know It" - 6x6 - Mixed Media Collage

 Once again, indulging my obsession with skeleton keys!

Taking the Plunge

 

I did it! After two years of talk and consideration, I finally opened my own art gallery on Etsy. I have worried and fussed and fumed over this decision and finally decided to run with it. Now we'll see if it really runs. I noticed today that there's a lengthy on line handbook on the Etsy site full of tips on how best to promote your shop. Looks like my next task will be to study this. Very few artists are good at promoting their own work and I'm one of the worst. But, in this economy, with galleries closing their doors and the ones staying open getting very few customers, it is now incumbent upon us to be our own sales reps.

So, with that said, here's a link to my new online shop my Etsy. I'd appreciate any feedback (and/or sales!). ;-)  Thanks!

Mercury Glass Heart

"Mercury Glass Heart" - 6x6 - Mixed Media Collage

Some of you have already guessed that I was a crow in a past life because of my love for shiny things. I love to collect little hearts and I'm particularly enamored with glass hearts. This one of mercury glass is a particular favorite.  By the way, the red French braid was made from some raffia that came tied to a Christmas gift. Everything is subject to being used in my collages.

The Secret

"The Secret" - 6x6 - Mixed Media Collage

A new little piece in one of my favorite color combinations. What's the secret? I'll never tell. ;)

A Moment of Bliss

"A Moment of Bliss" - 5x7 - Mixed Media Collage

 Is there any woman over the age of 8 who doesn't know the phrase, "Calgon, take me away!"? And with that in mind as well as the aftermath of the holidays, I created this new little piece.

Soapsuds

"Soapsuds" - 10x20 - Mixed Media Collage

I like the semi-interactive quality of abstracts. The viewer brings his or her own perspective to the experience. I love it when art patrons describe to me what they see in my abstracts and, of course, I always agree with them. (Even when I haven't the slightest idea what they're talking about!)

But, with that in mind, I've signed and wired this piece so that it can be viewed either horizontally or vertically. 

Red Leaves & Copper Coins

"Red Leaves & Copper Coins" - 16x20 - Mixed Media Collage

 

This began as a floral that wasn't making me very happy. So after a coat of black gesso, it was reborn as an abstract. (You can still make out the outline of little daisies which I love!)

The Green Earth

"The Green Earth" - 12x12 - Mixed Media Collage

This poor canvas is in its third incarnation. I just haven't been very happy with the previous two images I created on it. The added layers, though, has produced a rather happy texture, which I love and I think that finally I can live with this image. Third time is a charm, right?

Denise's Scream

"Denise's Scream" - 11x14 - Mixed Media Collage

I call this piece "Denise's Scream" and she knows why. ;D

My Shiny Objects

"I Heart Buttons" - 4x4 - Mixed Media Collage on Canvas

"Silver Heart" - 4x4 - Mixed Media Collage on Canvas

A recent post by artist, Cindy Michaud, Chasing Shiny Objects made me envious of the fun she and her friends were having. I, too, love to collect shiny objects. I have vintage buttons, mercury glass hearts, dichroic glass baubles, beads, and even scraps from the floor of my husband's workshop that have caught my eye. After reading Cindy's post, I felt long overdue for a play date with my shiny objects and so I created these two little pieces using modeling paste, acrylic paints and whatever shiny objects caught my fancy at the moment.

These chunky little pieces are 4"x4" and can sit on a shelf as well as hang on a wall. Fun! Thanks, Cindy Michaud for the inspiration!

Back at Work

Even if I don't have a plan when I walk into my studio, I know that I can sit down, start playing with my art supplies, even if it's just in my journal, and soon an idea will come to me and I'll be creating art again.

Last week; however, I just couldn't do it. I'd go into the studio, sit in my chair, look over my supplies and just sigh. I didn't have the energy either physical or mental. So I ended up taking a week long mental health break.

Today, though, I was back in the studio having fun and it felt great. I generally work on about a half-dozen things at once since I have to allow for drying time between certain stages of the work; that way I can work on another piece when one is drying. When I left my studio at 4:00 today I had the makings of six new pieces and had even dabbled in my journal a bit. With Thanksgiving coming up, who knows when I'll get the chance to spend any more time in my studio; but it feels good knowing that there's something for me to work on when I get the chance.