Rainy Day People

So, my good friend and sister artist, Susan Amadio, presented me with the Facebook challenge of posting three pieces of artwork for five consecutive days on Facebook. Having been fairly prolific, it wasn't difficult for me to find enough artwork for the challenge. What was difficult was determining which were my best 15 pieces and I wanted to make it something of a retrospective so that it covered my entire career as an artist. 

I think it's good for every artist to go through their entire inventory list every once in awhile to see how they've evolved over time. I have copies of all the 700+ pieces I've created since I began painting in 1996. (Well, there may be a few I didn't save for posterity.)

One of the collage images I proffered for the challenge received such positive response that I decided to use it to create art prints and T-shirts. So, here it is. What was originally entitled Rainy Day, I've now re-titled as Rainy Day People. (Yes, a la Gordon Lightfoot, of whom I've always been a fan.)

"Rainy Day People" can be purchased as a print on archival paper or on canvas at Society 6.

Or it can be purchased as a T-shirt in a variety of styles (for women only) at "shop crabulous!"

Why I Love Children At Weddings

It seems to me that one of the biggest debates among brides and mothers of the bride is whether or not to invite children to a wedding; and the debate covers all the obvious reasons. If anyone were to ask my opinion (very few do) I always vote FOR having children at a wedding. For one thing, I view a wedding as a family event and there's nothing that says family more or is a better representation of what a marriage is all about than to have as many generations present as possible.

But more importantly, children create comic relief.

Of all the weddings I've attended, my greatest memories are of the children who were present and their wonderful antics, some consciously enacted, others not .One of my best memories is of the flower girl who wore the tennies that light up when you walk under her floor length dress. During the reception, out on the dance floor, her little feet created sparks of light under the hem of her dress. On the occasion of weddings, children are dressed in their best clothes, often an imitation of what the grown-ups are wearing and you see them trying on their best manners; but of course, after a certain point in time it becomes a little more than they can bear.  

Most recently, at my niece Olivia's wedding, her eight year old cousin, who was also the ring bearer was the source of amusement (to me) at her reception. The bride obviously did not appreciate it at the moment, but hopefully she'll remember it as funny in years to come.

Every bride has a vision in her head of how her wedding day should look. Here are Olivia and John leaving the reception hall dressed for their Hawaiian honeymoon while well wishers blow bubbles in their path. Note the well dressed little boy on the right. We'll call him Jack (because that's his name).

Olivia and John are obviously feeling happy about their nuptials and the gathering of their loved ones.

Suddenly, Jack appears in front of them. Notice the position of his left hand. Just as Olivia turned to look at him, he blew a wand full of bubbles right into her face.

The happy bride, looking not quite so happy now as she points a chastising finger at her little cousin.

And HORRORS! as she realizes she now has a mouth full of soap!

Olivia needs a moment to get that bitter taste out of her mouth. Everyone else is carrying on as though nothing has happened.

Seeing my camera pointed in her direction, Olivia fights valiantly to regain her composure.

With one last word of admonishment aimed at Jack (whom she truly adores) the bride and groom make their way to the waiting limo.

No harm, no foul. The day was not ruined. But this is why I think children should always be invited to weddings; to provide entertainment for crazy old aunts like me! :D

Budding Artists

"The Rain" - illustrated poem by Georgia May Copland

I am blessed with a baker's dozen of nieces. Two generations of them, actually. And all are beautiful and talented each in their own way. Among the youngest of them are two budding artists; Autumn and Georgia, and from time to time they send me samples of their artwork. I recently had the opportunity to spend the weekend with Georgia (who's 8, almost 9) and we drew and colored for hours on end. Then the other day in the mail I received the masterpiece above, which she created.

When I was the age of these two young girls, I was humiliated by my teacher for what she perceived as a lack of imagination and talent. From that point on I struggled in my art classes until I was in the eighth grade an no longer required to take it. I never took an art class again (except for art history and art appreciation) until I was 39.

I've since come to realize that there are just two requirements to being an artist. 

 1. a desire to create

 2. the joy of making a mark on a piece of paper or canvas

That's it! That's all that's required. Now I can't tell you what makes an artist successful. I don't think anyone knows the answer to that. 

But I highly encourage anyone consumed with the desire to create to go out and do just that. We were created to create. I firmly believe that. And we truly are not happy unless we're creating. So, today; now, even. Go make something. Bake a cake, write a poem; know the satisfaction of being a creator.

Simplicity

"Simplicity" - 8x10 - Mixed Media Collage

One of my fondest memories as a child is spending hours with my mother in JC Penney in the fabric department. Because I was short waisted, long-legged and super abnormally tall for my age, my mother had no choice but to make my clothes for me. She has always had a fine eye for design and color and I have to admit I was delighted in the clothes she made. I can still remember some of the first dresses she made me at the age of 5 and how I felt absolutely beautiful in them. One in particular was a black, sleeveless, summer dress with tiny bouquets of forget-me-nots strewn all over the fabric and shiny, faceted black buttons. I thought that dress was magical!

As I grew older and formed some of my own opinions, I had the best time choosing my own patterns and fabrics and with Mom's help, selecting the notions and/or accessories, such as zippers, belts, lace and buttons. Oh, but especially the buttons!

I gave it my best shot, but sewing has just never come easily for me; therefore, my mother continued to make my clothes for me clear through high school, even though by that time I could generally wear off-the-rack fashions. The dresses she made for me were always prettier than anything you could buy.

Given the opportunity, I just had to purchase used clothing patterns when I discovered, with the help of a friend, a supply of them at Goodwill when I was visiting my hometown recently. Oh the memories! So don't be surprised if this is not the only pattern piece I make.

Butterfly Kisses

"Butterfly Kisses" - 8x8 - Mixed Media Collage
Not For Sale

Over the weekend I experimented with a different technique and I really like the way it turned out. I discovered that an even more textural look could be achieved by layering oil pastels over textured paper; in this case, ogura lace. (My fave!)

And I've become so smitten with this little girl that for the time being she'snot for sale. Pygmalion syndrome, I know, but what are you going to do?