Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Roses, roses, everywhere!


These little paintings are the perfect size for gifts of original art, and are now available at DCF Custom Framing and Art Gallery in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI. Call or stop in to see them for yourself - 313-881-6922. Mother's Day is not far away!

Friday, March 23, 2012

Women's Works


I'm so honored to have been chosen as one of the artists exhibiting in the 25th Anniversary Women's Works Exhibition at the Old Courthouse Arts Center in Woodstock, IL. This weekend the gala reception will be held at the gallery on Saturday evening (March 24) from 7-9pm. I would love to see you there! If you can't make it to the reception, the exhibit runs through April 29. For more information, visit http://www.womensworks.net/. For gallery hours: http://oldcourthouseartscenter.com . My facebook homepage shows an image of the work that was accepted. Please visit me at http://www.facebook.com/eatonart. You can also "Like" my Eaton Art Gallery page at www.facebook.com/pages/Eaton-Art-Gallery/300614403296704.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Playing with Knives


I've been experimenting with many styles and textures recently. I love the looseness that palette knife painting creates, but have never done a painting entirely with a palette knife. This one is my first attempt. It's a small painting, and a bit simplistic, but I love the thickness of the paint and the way the colors blend.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

True to Myself


I woke up this morning with many thoughts about "being an artist." It's not an easy path, in spite of the stereotypes of what an artist's life is like. I know I've wanted to "be an artist" for as long as I can remember, but the logical side of my brain always took over while I was raising children. Now that my children are grown, I have the opportunity to focus on developing this craft. But there are many days when I want to just give up. The frustrations are many, but so are the rewards. I often fight the internal battle to stay true to myself, and to continue to develop the gifts I've been blessed with. I don't claim to be a great artist, but I'm working every day toward that goal. Thank you for your support.

Sing a New Song
15" x 30"

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Do Over


At the risk of embarassing myself, I decided it was time for a "do-over" of one of my early favorite paintings. When I first painted this image a few years ago, I was fairly pleased with the joyful mood that was intended in its creation. (I'm not posting the former painting here, but if you care to take the time to scroll through my blog, you'll find it.) It's definitely a lesson in humility. It's both humbling and inspiring to be able to see solid progress. This photo has a lot of glare on it -- I'll try to get a better photo when it's completely dry!

Friday, March 2, 2012

Running with scissors...


... or playing with knives -- palette knives that is! Today I decided it was time to play in the studio. I'm so serious about my work, and every once in a while it helps to try something new or different to take the edge off. I'm not saying I love what I did here, but the process was fun! I started "seriously" painting the background and silver container with a brush, then threw caution to the wind and did (almost) the rest with palette knives. The daisies were a bit difficult, so I brushed those in. I can't tell you how many times I've purchased fresh flowers with the intent of trying this. I think I need to experiment more -- I love having fresh flowers around at this time of year!