Christmas New Year's Rak - Painting Give away

Hi Everyone. As a way of saying thank you to everyone who supports my blog, and a way for me to wish everyone Happy Holidays, I'm going to give away a painting by random draw. It will be a 4" x 6" unframed acrylic painting by me (my choice of painting). (OSWOA/Postcard size) OSWOA stands for original small works of art) If you want to be included in this draw, just leave a comment. On January 1, I will do a random draw of all names on comment list. If you are the winner, contact me on blog and I will arrange to mail it to you (I will take care of the shipping :))

Merry Christmas everyone and all the best in the new year!!!!!!!

Painting here is not the one being drawn for

Ballet Dancer - Ballerina

I decided to break away from the usual landscapes and try something different. Here is my ballerina. Other than her skin tone, I just used two colours. Blue and White. I love painting with a very limited pallet. I added a little bit of sparkle just to make the moment magical. Enjoy!

As usual you will find my paintings here on ebay This one is a 4" x 6" (OSWOA) unframed and unmatted.

Miniature paintings (doll house art)

I painted two paintings today. Both are miniatures. (For the dollhouse collectors) 1 1/2" x 2" acrylics. I must be sick of the snow already and thinking ahead to May and June. Both are of thunderstorms. Enjoy! You can find them on Ebay here

Ephemera? Rak? Good Friends :)

I firmly believe that you get back what you give 10 times over.

I went to the mail today and was so very pleasantly suprised to find a package from a mail art friend. It had all kinds of wonderful bits and pieces. Something for every kind of art and mood imagineable. She sent it for no particular reason. Just a little "thinking of you" package. I love this kind of suprise and I like to do this sort of thing.

A month or so ago, I sent an email to a "internet" friend that I new was going through a very bad time. Just a little verse that I hoped would inspire her. I didn't hear from her, but assumed that she would contact me when she could. She emailed me today. It seems that she's been struggling with a life-threatening illness (and won).

She was going through past emails and found the verse I had sent her. It "really hit home" as she put it, and emailed me with a really nice message. This made my day also. I was so happy to have helped her in some small way.

So think about contacting someone out of the blue. It doesn't have to cost you anything. It doesn't have to be "big". Just a little "Hi, how are you doing" can make the world of difference to someone.

Hope you have a great holiday season.

Dollhouse Miniature Paintings

Since I broke my leg last week, I'm having a hard time getting back into the swing of things. I did manage to get two new miniatures listed this week. I'm not sure how many more I'll get done before Christmas. I may have to work at this in the New Year.

You will find the paintings here

Hibiscus

I finally got this listed on Ebay. I had this entered in the Flower of the Month exhibition at EBSQ back in September. You can find it here: White Hibiscus As usual a 6" x 4" unframed OSWOA (original small work of art)

Art for 1000 Wells - Hauling Water at Sunrise

Better late than never. After my accident last week, and waiting for some technical stuff, I find myself behind in the listing. Here it is. I hope it does well.

To find it on Ebay just click here: Hauling Water at Sunrise Or type in TWBW in the search on Ebay for other fine art from a talented group of artists.

Adiemus - First song you hear on this blog

Adiemus, literally translated, means 'we will draw near' "The text in Adiemus is written phonetically, with the words viewed as instrumental sound. The human voice is the oldest instrument and by removing the distraction of lyrics, it is hoped to create a sound that is universal and timeless. Anyway, I love the song, and I love the meaning. It invokes what I feel to be an appropriate concept of blogs bringing people together.

Art for 1000 Wells - Press Release

Here is a link to the official press release for Art for 1000 wells. Please take time to read it and mark Nove 24th on your calandar to peruse the beautiful art on Ebay.

The press release is here: Art for 1000 Wells

Art for 1000 Wells

November 24 is the date set for Ebay artists to list their art for this worthwhile project. Mousewords (Christine T) is hosting this wonderful event.

The 1000 Wells Project is a part of Blood Water Mission. Blood:Water Mission exists to promote clean blood and clean water efforts in Africa, tangibly reducing the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic while addressing the underlying issues of poverty, injustice and oppression. Blood:Water Mission is building clean water wells, supporting medical facilities, and focusing on community and worldview transformation, both here in America and in Africa.

For more on this project and for the Charity auction please visit the 1000 well website: http://artfor1000wells.googlepages.com/

Look for art on Ebay November 24th to December 4 donating to this cause.

Winter Scene - Water Wheel

I painted this yesterday. You can't see the snowflakes, but everything is covered in snowflakes and "ice crystals". Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, it makes you chilly just thinking about it :)

It's an OSWOA (original small work of art) of course, and is listed here

miniature painting - Dollhouse Art

I managed to get two new miniature paintings done and listed yesterday. One is of my usual nightscapes and one is a daytime landscape. Both are approx 1 1/2" x 2" acrylic.

You will find them listed here

Northern Lights - Black Ice

It snowed last night. We got up this morning to everything covered in white. It was warm out and melting (not a good thing because of the ice) but it was clear, dark, and beautiful out. You could hear the geese on the lake calling to each other. Probably telling each other to hurry up and get south where it's warmer! The snow won't last. It's melting in the sun already. Just a little reminder that soon the snow will stay and winter will be here.

Black Ice 4" x 6" OSWOA (original small works of art) Oil and Acrylics

You can see it here

Country Christmas Eve.

Last year I painted a lot of Christmas themed paintings and put them on Ebay. Many of them were done in a manner that made them look like vintage postcards. Black and white, with just a hint of colour. Back in the day, that was what people mailed out at Christmas. I've tried to capture that look.

You can see the 4" x 6" painting listed here on Ebay.

Winter Cabin - Dollhouse painting (or miniature)

Winter Cabin (1 3/8" x 2") Acrylic

I went back to the original size. I personally don't like painting smaller. You have to leave out too much detail. This seems to be more of a popular size with the dollhouse people anyway. I'm still painting Northern Lights, although in this painting they are a lot dimmer in the sky. More of a hint of them, than anything else. Black and white (as usual with a hint of blue and yellow) Enjoy.

Listed here on Ebay.

In Flanders Field - Remembrance Day November 11, 2007

Remembrance Day in Canada is November 11. Please take the time on the 11th month, 11th day, at 11:00 in the morning to think of the soldiers both past and present who serve and protect our countries.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep though poppies grow

In Flanders fields....

Lt. Col. John Macrae -- 1915

Northern Lights - Aurora Borialis

With winter coming and we are getting ready for the deep freeze ahead, my paintings have taken on a decided winter look. I like painting with a combination of acrylics and oil. First painting with black and white acrylic and then layering the oils over this. It gives it a neat "icey" look.

Winter's Light a 6" x 4" OSWOA (original small work of art) listed on Ebay today. It's painted on sturdy canvas board, signed and dated on the back. You will find it here

Miniature Painting - Moon & Birch Trees

I am very partial to painting night scenes. They are dark and moody but also beautiful. This is another teeny tine painting. 1" x 1 1/2". Again I painted it black and white and then added just a tiny bit of colour. Keeps it looking mysterious.

I've put a penny underneath the painting so you can judge the size.

The moonlight reflects on the water as the moon peeks through the trees. Listed on Ebay. You can find it here: Moon & Birch Trees or search Ebay for Southshoreartist.

Miniature Painting - Northern Winter

Finally I've found the time to paint a true "miniature". Just 1" x 1 1/2". I've used one of my favourite styles: Black and White with just the tiniest hint of colour. Makes a truer winter night painting I think.

I've listed it on Ebay. You will find it here. Northern Winter

Miniature Painting - Catch a Falling Star - Dollhouse Painting

Another Dollhouse Painting today. Have you ever looked up at the sky on a clear crisp winter night. With any luck the Northern Lights will be out. And with even move luck you will see a falling star at the same time. If you are lucky enough to see this be sure to make a wish!

"Catch a Falling Star" 2" x 1 1/2" Acrylic Painting. Perfect for your miniature or Dollhouse collection. Listed on Ebay under "southshoreartist"

Miniature Paintings - Autumn Leaves

I'm still painting 1 1/2" x 2". I still plan to work smaller, but haven't worked up the nerve yet. I have checked out my paint brushes though, and have enough teeny tiny ones to do it. Today I'm in a autumn mood. The sun's out and this time of year the colours seem so sharp. The sky so blue. Our leaves are already gone, the Canada Geese honk overhead. The cranes are still flying high up giving there distinctive call as they head south.. Even the rabbits are starting to turn a little white. A hint of the snow ahead.

Autumn Leaves. 1 1/2" x 2" acrylic painting. Perfect for the miniature or dollhouse collector. Listed on Ebay under "southshoreartist"

A friend indeed. RAK to me.

Isn't it funny how I chose today to speak of RAKs. (or coincidence) I went to the mail and much to my surprise and glee was a parcel from a fellow artist on Ebay. Someone who has inspired me and given me lots of ideas when I had artist block. She is so giving and never asks for anything in return. So thank you Patricia. Your kindness and thoughtfullness is really remarkable. Look for "lotsasalsa" on Ebay to see her incredible fused glass art.

RAK - Random Act of Kindness - Free Art Piece

What is a RAK - It is a Random act of Kindness. It is made spontaneously to someone to lift their day. I will happily send a free OSWOA (painted by me) to the 10th person who contacts me on this post. These posts are moderated so it won't show up, but I will not cheat. It will be the 10th person. I will leave a message on this post as to the winner. If you see your name as the winner go to my website (linked on here) there is a "contact me" link. Email me and I can get your address privately then. Just a fun thing to do today.

This took an embaressingly long time to get enough participants LOL Anyway, we have a winner.....drum roll please........Ms May Terry. Thank you. May please contact me (you can get my email at my website liked on this blog)

Check back often. I will probably do this again sometime before Christmas.

Thanksgiving - Cornucopia

The American Thanksgiving is coming next month, so I decided to paint/draw something for that. I did a combination of painting and drawing with this piece. I muted the colours deliverately, because I wanted it to look in the shadows as if it was in a barn or garden shed. We didn't have a garden ourselves this year. I usually have a small one (tomatoes, peas, lettuce etc) I call it my bunny/deer garden because they always help themselves to what we are growing. I missed having one so I will definitely be planting one next summer.

This is a 6" x 4" oswoa. (original small work of art) Listed on Ebay under Southshoreartist.

Northern Lights - Aurora Borealis

I have always been fascinated with the Northern Lights. I remember when I was younger hearing about a Cree Legend that said not to whistle when the lights were present or they would come down and take you away. I have no idea if this is an actual legend or not, but I do know that my children never whistled when we saw them. The lights are particularly strong in the fall, although we have had some pretty spectacular shows in the summer. The real reward is if you see the coloured ones. Green, Pink. The further north you are the better. One day I'd like to go way up north and see these in all their glory.

I painted this 4" x 6" OSWOA yesterday. Acrylics as usual.

New Dollhouse painting - Northern Lights

I painted a new dollhouse painting today. 1 1/2" x 2". I can't get the ambition up to paint a smaller one. Besides, I need some new teeny brushes if I go smaller. I painted the Northern Lights, because they are one of my favourite things. I haven't seen them lately because it's been so cloudy and gloomy. It's a winter scene (not ready for that yet!)

Miniature Paintings (doll house paintings)

I can't seem to find the time to paint these days. It's already the middle of October and I should have a lot of mini's lined up to list. Not so this year. Maybe I'll sit down this weekend and get something done.

Here are a few that were sold to doll house collectors last season. These are all around 1 1/2" square or smaller.

Pig Lovers Galore at my Cafepress Store!!!!

I've made a new section at my store for all you Pig Lovers out there. They are from my "Pig" Series that I did last year. "Road Hog" is one of the items you will see there. Just trying to get a feel for the market out there. And with Christmas coming up, it seemed like a good time to experiment. Take a look at my store "Living Sky Art Print Emporium" at CafePress if you like.

cleaning out pumpkins?

Cleaning out pumpkins (after all.. pumpkin carving is an art form :))

Hate getting pumpkins ready for carving? Make it easy by using an ice cream scoop to remove the inside pulp and seeds faster. Carve and then sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg inside. When you light the candle inside, and it burns, the smell will be wonderful

Autumn Fairy. Finished

Finished at last. Now I have to decide when to list her.
She's "Autumn Fairy". An OSWOA of course. See her pails of paint. She is painting all the leaves their fall colours. I'm thinking that maybe I'll do a winter fairy now.

Autumn Fairy (still in progress)

A few hours later........ Still working on her. Although I have to admit, now I'm getting tired of the leaves. (short attention span) I do kind of like these prismacolor pencils. They are a nice change from painting.

Autumn Fairy (Fall Fairy) A work in progress

Saturday night painting has turned into Saturday afternoon drawing. I am supposed to be painting an autumn scene. I wanted to enter it in the EBSQ flower of the month show, but............it has turned into an autumn fairy. I thought I would post this as a work in progress. Whether I finish it or not remains to be seen :)

Squidoo Lens?????

Whose advertising their art with a squidoo lens? Are they as easy to do as what some people have said? There is so many places on the internet at the moment that are supposed to be "a must do" that it's really hard to keep track. Anyway, your thoughts on this would be great.

Anniversary and Birthday on same day.

Isn't it amazing that the anniversary of the OSWOA art movement and my sister Sharons's birthday are on the same day. :) I'll never forget either now. Happy Birthday Sharon!!!!!

Happy Anniversary OSWOA (original small works of art)

OSWOA 1st Anniversay.

Saturday September 28 marks the first anniversary of the OSWOA movement. OSWOA stands for original small works of art. They must be 6" x 4" and be original. Absolutely no copies. I think this movement may have been born from the art card movement. Many OSWOA artists will be taking part in an art launch Saturday night listing their art on EBAY. The theme is "First". e.g. first love, first Christmas, first puppy etc.

I will be listing:

"First Light"

How can you tell the weather has turned colder and I'm already thinking of winter LOL

And: First Snowfall.

Pirates of the Caribbean

I decided to re-list some of my older paintings. Sort of house-cleaning to make room for some new ones. This one I painted after the 3rd installment of the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean". Titled "Follow your Dreams" which has nothing to do with the movie, I just liked the title.

Saturday Night Paintings

Landscape "Last Light".....6" x 4"






It'sSaturday and I'm finally relaxing. Did a million things today, but managed to get two paintings listed on Ebay. A miniature for the doll house people, and a landscape oswoa.




Miniature for Custum Dolls, Houses and Miniatures
Lotus 2" x 1 1/2"

New Website

Working on a new website for myself. It's been a couple of days, and is harder than I thought it would be. www.freewebs.com/southshoreartist. I'd like to get a new one going so I can close my old website. Anyone else working on a new webiste?

Big Brother 8

Ok, I know, I know. This is an art blog, but I just have to say.. Evil Dick winning all that cash???????Give me a break! Although considering the alternative.........ok, maybe it was right.

I decided to get back into dollhouse artist offerings after a lenthy absence. I belong to the Custom Dolls, houses and Miniatures group. It's amazing what these people can make in miniature. This is my first offering that I've done. It's a 1 1/2" x 2" original painting. I may do some smaller later in the week.

Halloween Witch, or Old Hags

I'm going to list these in the next day or two. My only attempt at a Halloween theme for OSWOA (original small works of Art)

New Cafepress store

I am working on refining my cafepress store. Have to learn basic html to make it look decent.
You can see it as it progresses at: www.cafepress.com/livingsky

Harvest Moon

Going home the other night, we saw a similar scene like this as we left the city. The moon was shining brightly on the wheat fields with the lights of Regina glowing in the distance. (my kind of scene :)) The only thing missing is the lights of the combines as they worked feverishly into the night to get the crops off.

6" x 4" OSWOA (acrylics) listed on Ebay.

some ideas

I have a couple of things I want to paint this week. I'm not sure I'm going to get to them. I'd like to paint another hibiscus. Maybe a red one. And I really wanted to do something with the harvest moon.

This one is just about over.

I listed this one almost a week ago. The great thing about this painting is, I got to try out Nova's canvas board. It really is great for painting on. Lightning storms are probably over for this year. All the leaves have turned the colours of fall and with the wind we had the last couple of days, they will likely be gone in no time.

Art Exhibition at EBSQ

I entered my first art exhibition at EBSQart. The theme is "Hibiscus".

I'll probably list it next month on Ebay. In the meantime I may try to paint a red one.

www.ebsqart.com

Romance - Just listed tonight

Just listed on Ebay tonight. "Romance". 4" x 6" OSWOA

http://search.ebay.ca/_W0QQsassZsouthshoreartist

Samples of lightning paintings. I like painting the elements, fire, wind, lightning. I also like water paintings. I prefer dark, moody colouring for some reason. Both of these are acrylic underlay with oils layered on top.

Mimes

I thought I should post these two again just to keep the mime series together.

Both are OSWOA (4" x 6") pieces. Unframed as always.

Need Reference photos?

Artists, do you need reference material. I found artmorgue.com. It's free to join, and it looks like it has a lot of material. (at least I hope it's a good site) Let me know if you have other sources that are good.

Marketing Poll to the right on the page.

I'm conducting a poll to see what drives you to do what you do. Do you try and figure out the market and paint or create accordingly? Or do you just do whatever inspires you and hope that you find a market for it. Or I guess some people just create and don't give marketing a thought.

I have tried to figure out what is popular at the moment, but am not always inspired to paint what it seems everyone wants. When I paint "popular" pieces they don't sell as well as pieces that truly inspired me. On the other hand, things I thought were masterpieces were complete failures.

Have you had the same experience?

Ballet Shoes

This is part of my "mime" pieces. All have been done with coloured pencil. I'm slowly getting the hang of them. Although I still can use the practise of blending.
This is also a 4" x 6" piece. This is the size I prefer although before Christmas I will have to get back into the 1 1/2" size for the doll house people. :)