Art in the Park for an Important Mission

This past Saturday, I actually did something I've never done before...put my art out for sale to the public (minus hiding behind my etsy storefront!)...now that doesn't sound like a big deal to some, but for me, it was. I've pretty much kept it to myself, in my little room for me to see. I think I had a guilt about actually collecting money for something I did to help myself, for my own mind and well-being and for the pure enjoyment of it. It was an absolute blast! My friend Robin talked me into doing it...and of course, mom thought it was a great idea. Robin is a co-worker of mine at Coldwell Banker Complete and she serves on the Board of Directors of The Robert Elliott Foundation, a foundation whose mission is to educate and be a resource for those suffering from depression and need help. Dr. Robert Elliott is the father of a very dear friend of mine, Mark (in the center of photo of the 3 guys! Along with him is Jimmy Simpson, another friend I love - I've known them both since 9th grade! Keith Pike, family friend is on the left) and father-in-law to Mark's wife Leah, one of the most beautiful and inspiring people you will ever meet on the planet. Dr. Elliott was a wonderful physician and member of our community and has been sorely missed since he passed away. His family and friends strive to help anyone in need from going through what they have and to keep Dr. Elliott's work to help others alive to this day. You can check out the foundation at http://www.robertelliottfdn.com/. I actually sold 5 paintings that day...it was a beautiful day. Lots of sunshine, kids, a 2k and 5k run, a petting zoo with I swear, the ugliest cow on the planet and wonderful laughter. My mom and dad came to see me, along with my grandpa and Aunt Sandy. It was like my coming out party! I will definitely do it again and am glad to finally be getting my name out there...it's a journey all in itself, but one I love going on...the paintings I sold are pictured above and I hope the fantabulous people who made purchases with me enjoy them as much as I did painting them....

Happy Mother's Day.....

to my beautiful mother and to all of yours as well. I am very lucky to have my mom close by.....we talk daily, well, usually multiple times throughout the day. It's why I live where I do - can't imagine living somewhere off and not get to see her all of the time. She keeps me calm, which is a chore, is the rock of the family and is so encouraging and postive - the polar opposite of my dear father! It seems as if she fixes everything and is always there to try and make things better. Mom has an etsy store as well, http://birdnestontheground.etsy.com; a place with beautiful handmade items such as quilts, pincushions, and very pretty pillows. Our tastes are not the same whatsoever, but we share the fun in having a place to sell our craft. You should really check it out - I am very modern in style but am so amazed at her level of talent and admire it very much as do many others in her field. I love you mom and hope you have a PIECEFUL day..........

Digital Enhancements

It is so amazing what you can do with images these days. I am always looking at the great photographers on etsy and admiring what they come up with. I have enjoyed so much, learning some of these techniques and just having fun with the outcome. The images here were taken from one photo of a tree limb. You can do anything if you try and want to know bad enough.....although I have to say, I'm not focusing very well because every time I turn around, there's something else that piques my interest! We had storms with heavy rain and tornados yesterday afternoon so I sat, once again, with my laptop and played on the computer. I really should quit messing around with nature pictures and get outside and get my flower beds in order!!

Photography Craze

Ok.....I have had my new Canon Rebel xti for about a month now.....I have probably taken over 3000 pictures in that time - I haven't really counted! I am driving my friends and family nuts but in all actuality, I know they like looking at all of the photos! I am absolutely having a blast! I'm keeping organized albums for easy future reference and really trying to learn to use it in my business as well, both in art and in real estate. It takes the best pictures and is very user friendly for a novice. Of course I read all of the reviews before the purchase and for the price range I was wanting, this one was perfect and had all great comments. I have fallen in love with naturistic images and this is one I took of some grass beginning to pop up in my flower beds - I just had to play around with digitally enhancing it.......I am so glad to be learning something new. I said to my husband the other day while we were relaxing out back that I wondered what I would be doing with myself, or how I would be feeling about my life at this point without my art......I don't know why I said it - and he sure didn't have an answer.......

I Finally Nabbed A Treasury!

For those of you who have not had the wonderful pleasure of shopping on Etsy (which you really should!), let me explain (quickly and in English!) what a treasury is....Etsy has many ways to shop - by pouncing, categories, shop local, colors, etc....and they also have the treasury. Treasuries are lists of etsy sellers favorite items and you can look through all of the lists which have the greatest titles and a very large variety of categories. You will surely find something you'll have to buy! The treasury lists only pop up for sellers to fill out when the lists reach a certain number. You have to be ready to grab one quick and get to filling it out! I had mine ready when it came up of course and I was really excited to praise some of my fellow etsian sellers here on my blog! Enjoy and thanks to those sellers for producing beautiful items for us to show off!

Is There No End....

to all of the add-ons, sites, etc...to use in your blogs and websites?!? Just when I think I've got everything I need on there, someone says "Oh, you should try _____!" Well of course I pop open a new window and get after it, therefore, clogging up my windows and getting totally confused. I've messed with feedburner and widgets all morning (finally figured it all out!) and that was after having a blast reading blogs on fuelmyblog.com for hours! Needless to say, I have not been painting much and have a numb fanny from sitting with the laptop constantly! I wonder if there's a drug out there for this addiction - there seems to be for everything else! For now I am determined to go get this ginormous painting started.....

More Paintings Sold!

I'd like to say I am on a roll......but I don't want to jinx myself! I will say though, it tickles me to death and motivates me to go produce some more art! I've got graduation pieces to do and a charity event in a few weeks to prepare for and I need all the help I can get! I've read blogs all afternoon getting some inspiration and have added quite a few that really move me.......it's so awesome to peek into other artist's creative world, if only for a few minutes! Thanks to all of you......especially the precious people buying my art!