Southshoreartist Blog

ACEO snow angel acrylic with Northern Lights

2012-01-17T16:29:00.000-06:00

Snow Angel 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

It has turned bitterly cold here.....as in -40 with windchill this morning. We don't have that much snow still, but with the onset of cold, it certainly makes it easier to get inspired to paint winter scenes. This is my rendition of a snow angel, but she's all alone under the Northern Lights :) As usual you will find my painting listed on Ebay here

Icycles - aceo - acrylic painting

2012-01-09T22:13:00.000-06:00

Spring Thaw 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

It's a little early to be thinking about Spring Thaw, but we've had such an unusually warm winter so far (who would think if would be 8+ degrees in January) that you can't help but think of the coming spring. We literally have no snow on the ground...Unheard of here in Saskatchewan. Anyway, I wanted to show my rendition of spring thaw. Something a little different. You will find this little painting listed on Ebay here

Ice Fishing painting aceo size

2012-01-09T22:10:00.000-06:00

Ice Fishing - 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

Another ice fishing painting. I like to paint the seasons I'm in, so I will probably be painting winter ones for awhile :) This is listed like always on Ebay here

aceo Ice Fishing, Fisherman at Sunset painting

2012-01-04T13:01:00.000-06:00

Catch of the Day 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

It hasn't been a very cold winter so far. In fact here in Saskatchewan it's been one of the warmest winters on record. Believe me...I'm not complaining. People have started ice fishing...I'm not sure how thick the ice is, but the die hards are out there. We haven't gone yet. Anyway, this is my rendition of icefishing up north. I have listed it on Ebay here

Spirit Wolf returns Northern Lights painting

2012-01-04T12:58:00.000-06:00

"Shadows" 6" x 4" acrylic

First painting from me in 2012...It is the second one in my Footprints in the snow series. I listed it on Ebay here

Graphite Sketch of the grands for Christmas

2011-12-26T15:11:00.002-06:00

One of the things I did for my kids for Christmas was do graphite pencil sketches of my Grandchildren for them. Each one was unique to each family. Hopefully they enjoy them :)

Northern Lights paintings in 4 x 6" size

2011-12-15T22:17:00.000-06:00

Light and Ice....4" x 6" acrylic

Silent Night 4" x 6" acrylic

Getting these Northern Lights out of my system before Christmas and then I can move on to another subject and probably go back to smaller format. I'm not sure that I like painting so large.....wierd eh!

These were posted earlier today on Ebay here

Spirit Wolf - 4" x 6" acrylic painting

2011-12-13T14:33:00.000-06:00

Spirit Wolf 4" x 6" acrylic

Funny that is it bigger than I usually paint. In fact I had trouble adjusting to the larger size :)....Anyway, I wanted to try the wolf silhoette, and wasn't sure I could do it an a smaller scale. I make try an aceo size yet. This one is listed as always on Ebay here

ACEO December theme week.....Christmas traditions

2011-12-01T21:08:00.000-06:00

Theme week is Christmas Traditions.

The above painting is a 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic aceo titled "Christmas Morning" and is my rendition of people going to church first thing in the morning.

This painting is my rendition of the old fashioned tradition of Caroling. We don't see it much these days. We did used to have carolers come by when we lived in another town when my kids were small, but haven't seen it for quite a few years now. A 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic titled "Caroling"

This last one is my favourite, only because I rarely use coloured pencils. They are really out of my comfort zone. I used highlighted acrylics with this also, so it's more a mixed media. Titled "Deck the Halls"....2.5" x 3.5"

All 3 are listed on Ebay to qualify for this month's Theme Week competition. You will find them listed on Ebay here

aceo - snowman/woman

2011-11-21T15:28:00.000-06:00

"The Missus"....2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

I liked the male version so much that I decided I would paint a "snowwoman" to go with him. A slightly different mountain scene...they are like snowflakes..no two are alike :) I listed her on Ebay this afternoon. You will find her here

Guardian Angel - new work, experimental

2011-11-18T15:11:00.000-06:00

Guardian Angel. 4" x 6" mixed media

She's actually a bit bigger than I usually do. I was going to post this as a WIP, but they can get kind of boring so I just am posting the finished product. I was just going to do a sketch, but then I decided to wash the whole thing in blue watered down acrylic (I don't work in watercolour, but it probably would have been better here). Not completely happy with the outcome, I decided to outline some (but not all) with ink. I then went over it again with graphite pencil. I rarely paint faces so she has only half a face showing. Anyway, this is my dabbling for the week. On a whim I listed her on Ebay, and do have some watchers. I didn't think anyone would be interested in 4 x 6. You will find the listing here on Ebay

dollhouse miniatures original paintings

2011-11-15T18:57:00.000-06:00

Northern Sunset 1.5" x 1.75" acrylic

Winter Evening 1.5" x 1.75" acrylic

You can tell it's cold and gloomy here, as that's all I seem to be painting these days. Nice cold winter scenes. I am still painting with the dollhouse collectors in mind. You will find these two listed on Ebay here

aceo - snowman - It must be a winter wonderland

2011-11-15T18:54:00.000-06:00

Snowman Mountain - 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

All this talk of snow snow snow this week (plus below normal temperature) has turned my thoughts to the COLD! So in keeping with the cold theme, I painted this snowman this afternoon. He is listed on Ebay here

WIP continued. Still working on pencil sketch of the twins.

2011-11-12T12:03:00.000-06:00

This is where I left off the other day. I realized after looking at the photo, how much work I have left on it.

Started adding details and the background. I'm not sure how to make the little strip of "lake" stand out more. Or maybe it shouldn't stand out....I'll have to decide. I also have to tone down some of my lines in their shirts etc. I have a very heavy hand. Something I have been working on, but forget every so often.

In Flanders Fields - Lest we forget

2011-11-11T08:53:00.002-06:00

graphite sketch - WIP

2011-11-10T14:41:00.000-06:00

It's been about 4 years since I painted these two....maybe more. They are 13 now, so it's time for an updated painting for my daughter. This is a work in progress. I have lots more to do on it.

Very preliminary stage of the drawing. Filling in here and there and just trying to get a feel for the piece.

Might have found my groove. We'll see how it progresses.

Adding in some shadows and showing where the lights is coming from. Not sure how to proceed with things like the shoe laces, but I'll worry about that later.

I don't know...maybe the pictures are to small for you to see the progress. When it's done, I'll post a slightly bigger pic. I have two reference photos I'm using, but I wanted them both in the tree. It's a big beautiful old old tree that sits on the beach. Brayden is a lot taller than Owen, so I hope I have captured his long skinny legs......we'll see

Dollhouse collectors.....new miniature paintings today.

2011-11-08T13:07:00.000-06:00

Smaller than my usual paintins. Both these paintings are 1.5" x 2.0 inches. I used to paint for doll collectors all the time. I'm not sure why I moved away from it a couple of years ago. I was looking through some old files today and remembered painting this size, and decided to give it another try. You will find both of these paintings listed HERE on Ebay.

Father Christmas - aceo - acrylic

2011-11-02T16:43:00.000-05:00

Father Christmas 2.5 x 3.5" aceo Acrylic

I don't paint many "holiday" paintings, but every year I do try to offer one or two. Here is my first Christmas aceo for this year. Inspired by all the old world Santa figurines that come out this time of year, I decided to paint Father Christmas. As usual I have listed this card here on Ebay.

Happy Hallow Scream!!!!!!!!!

2011-10-31T10:41:00.000-05:00

Our Jack-o-lanterns we carved out......

Scarey skull is my husband's and the Frankenstein that looks like he's drunk is mine :)

Autumn Fun - Wordless Wednesday - Grandchildren!

2011-10-26T09:56:00.000-05:00

Blog hop from Wordless Wednesday

Full Moon - aceo - acrylic Wolf painting

2011-10-19T20:29:00.000-05:00

Full Moon - 2.5 x 3.5" acrylic painting

I don't know what the fascination for wolves is. Their mysterious ways maybe. The stories that surround them, but they seem to capture everyone's attention. This one you are almost looking into his soul. You will find this painting listed on Ebay here

Violinist Storm - aceo - acrylic paintings

2011-10-19T20:24:00.000-05:00

Nature's Symphony #2 aceo 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

I wanted to try my hand at this kind of painting again. This time with a femail violinist and using predominately blue paint. I am thinking of painting this in a larger format for myself so am experimenting with the smaller ones. You will find this painting listed for sale on Ebay here

Wordless Wednesday -

2011-10-19T09:05:00.000-05:00

Canada Geese - Fall migration south

Wordless (almost) Wednesday - The colour of Fall

2011-10-12T09:59:00.002-05:00

Edible art - more jelly - Carrot Cake Jam

2011-10-06T12:16:00.000-05:00

Carrot Cake Jam

Getting out the big guns now. This is the last of my jelly making this fall (all 3 things LOL) This is served over cream cheese with crackers.......It really does taste like carrot cake......awesome!!!!! Will be saving this for Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Autumn's Bounty.....Happy Wordless Wednesday (almost)

2011-10-05T09:07:00.003-05:00

Wordless Wednesday (click)

angels northernlights and the moon

2011-10-03T16:14:00.000-05:00

Managed to get a little painting in today. We went to a Moody Blues concert last night and one of the background scenes was a really great moon. This sort of inspired by moon and angels. These both are aceo size (2.5" x 3.5") and are listed on Ebay here

feather painting - practise

2011-09-28T15:38:00.000-05:00

It's been a long time since I tackled any feather painting. I came across an old feather painting of mine today (how can you tell I'm cleaning out the office/studio). I could see why it was thrown in a box unfinished ...so I painted over it and this is what I ended up with. There are separations on the feather, but they come that way (not on the bird, but from the supplier) so there isn't much you can do about them. I like painting on them, but have to think of a good way to ship before I offer them for sale :)

Wordless Wednesday - Saskatchewan Autumn

2011-09-28T08:47:00.002-05:00

aceo winter sunset......

2011-09-27T15:22:00.000-05:00

Winter Sunset 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

Clearing out some older pieces. This one was painted in 2008. You will find it listed on Ebay here

tweaking painting - aceo - acrylic - Eagle

2011-09-24T18:39:00.000-05:00

Balance of Power 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

I have been tweaking this painting off an on forever!!!!!Today I finally got him to quit looking like a budgie! There is all kinds of artwork out there with and Eagle and Earth. I have a slightly different look to it. My painting symbolizes the delicate balance of power in the universe....We don't have any, one mis-step and it's all over! Scarey when you think about it...yet the world looks fairly safe where it is...if we don't screw it up!......You will find this piece listed on Ebay here

Bringing Water.....the last of the series aceo acrylic

2011-09-19T16:44:00.000-05:00

Bringing Water - 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

The last of these "water carrying" women I think. Finished her this afternoon. You will find this piece listed on Ebay here.

WIP - Finished - Women Series aceo acrylic

2011-09-19T14:20:00.000-05:00

The Gathering 2.5 x 3.5" acrylic

I got a chance to finish this piece today. I titled it The Gathering, These women have to haul water every single day rain or shine. A mundane chore made, but they make it a social event by meeting up with friends every day. You will find this painting listed on Ebay here

edible Art - the making of perfect bite size bruschetta!

2011-09-18T21:43:00.000-05:00

What goes into a perfect bruschetta for a tastey appetizer????? Along with the usual tomatoes, olive oil, basil and balsamic vinegar, I decided to add goat cheese feta, garlic and.....stove top roasted red pepper....yum!!!!! Pretty as a picture!

The finished product on sliced whole wheat bagette.....that was toasted on the oven. Add a glass of wine...heavenly!

Now make a bunch.....put it them all in a party tray.......and we are ready for a BBQ!!!!!

Crafty Sue's Weekend Shadow Blog Party

2011-09-16T00:02:00.004-05:00

These are my shadow Photos. I'm not sure if we were supposed to do only one or not, but I did 3. Each one is a little different. The clown is my favourite. Kind of Creepy isn't he? He's actually an old music box of mine that my husband bought me years ago. He was one of the few things that survived a house fire we had. We found him in the rubble actually slowly playing his tune. He is more in the "shadows" than being a shadow. The other two are objects that I photographed with the shadow behind them. You can see all the participants links at Crafty Sue's Blog

WIP - a new one.....aceo Women hauling water

2011-09-14T17:35:00.000-05:00

A new miniature painting in progress. I plan to do a couple more after this one. I like the way the skirts flow and head scarves flow. It makes such a mundane task look a little more appealing.

WIP - Women Hauling Water Finished Aceo

2011-09-14T15:18:00.000-05:00

Bringing Water 2.5" x 3.5" aceo

Finished the painting this afternoon. Listed on EBay here

Wordless Wednesday - Fog lifting -4°

2011-09-14T10:02:00.000-05:00

WIP work in progress....women hauling water ...aceo

2011-09-13T17:25:00.000-05:00

Here I have started the background. Just some dirt and trees in the background. Nothing of the foreground yet

I have transferred the sketch onto the background. I was really having trouble seeing the pots, so had to paint them temporarily white to see them.

Started filling in some colour and getting some "movement" in their skirts....I will continue filling the colour and adding some detail tomorrow.

Weekend Shadow Blog Party

2011-09-13T11:29:00.000-05:00

There is still time to sign up for Crafy Sue's "Weekend Shadow Party". Just sign up and then on September 16 post your photo of your shadow (any shadow) and come see the shadows that other people posted.

Sign up here: Weekend Shadow Party

Pastels....I think I might hate them!!!!! WIP -

2011-09-09T23:02:00.000-05:00

This is just a practice piece (thank goodness)...I haven't worked much with pastels and now I know why. They are hard!!!!! I have more on me than on the paper I think. I am not happy with the way this is turning out at all. All muddy, and I've been using workable fixative during the process. I think I need a class if I can find one. I've taken part in some online ones, but I think I need a bricks and mortar type class.

WIP - complete.....Nature's Symphony

2011-09-08T15:01:00.001-05:00

Nature's Symphony 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

I just realized that my violinist is male...so it can't be Mother Nature....it must be Thor or some poor soul playing for Thor. Or maybe he is just plain thore. In any case...this is my rendition of a thunderstorm at sea. Poseidon? You will find Nature's Symphony listed on Ebay here

WIP - what will it be?

2011-09-08T13:55:00.001-05:00

I have the background painted to this piece, but what to put in the foreground? I have several ideas, but am not sure how to proceed. It was a dark and stormy night.........

Pottery heart.....by Dylan :)

2011-09-08T13:53:00.000-05:00

Pottery Heart

It seems Dylan (8) is as talented as his talented sister. He gave me this awesome pottery heart that he made at school. He brought it over filled with Smarties (that he promptly ate) It now has a place of honor on the counter. Thank you Dylan!

Faith....horse and Rider....aceo painting

2011-09-07T17:36:00.000-05:00

Faith....2.5" x 3.5" acrylic painting

No greater bond than the one between horse and rider. Both trusting that the other will perform to their greatest ability. An unspoken love and respect for each other. This piece is listed on Ebay here

Storm in a Teacup - aceo acrylic painting

2011-09-07T17:31:00.000-05:00

Storm in a Teacup 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic painting

It's been awhile since I painted anything to sell. I did one I think in August and that's about it. I haven't been inspired much lately, but hopefully with the summer winding down and the fact that we will be staying put for a bit might give me the push I need to start painting again.

You will find Storm in a Teacup listed on Ebay here

Wordless Wednesday - Almost......September Sunset at the lake

2011-09-07T08:33:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-31T08:56:00.000-05:00

Edible Art - Plum Jam

2011-08-29T17:24:00.001-05:00

I have been neglecting my blog terribly. I also haven't been painting much at all. This summer has been unbelievably busy, taking all sorts of unexpected twists and turns. Some good, some bad.....but mostly good. There is a hint of fall in the evening air. Days are getting shorter. So much to do, so little time to do it.

My neighbor brought over a grocery bag full of plump juicy plums. I haven't made jam in years, but couldn't let them go to waste so put up some jars this afternoon. Pretty as a picture, so I couldn't resist taking a few photos for some "edible art"!

Can't post on anyone's blog.....:(

2011-08-18T22:10:00.001-05:00

Hi my talented blogging friends. I have only been able to post on friends blogs sporadically for a couple of weeks now. I have tried to research the problem, but there is really nothing I can do. I have read on the blogger forums that other people are having the same problem. Please know that although I don't post on your blog, that I visit regularly and love everything I see on your blogs.......Leola

People's Choice - August Theme Week - Sky - ACEO

2011-08-18T08:58:00.000-05:00

Hello Fellow Bloggers. I have to say that I really haven't painted much this summer. We have been so busy it seems that painting really had to go on the back burner.

I decided to enter this month's theme week "SKY" over at the big ACEO group on EBAY. The subject was right down my alley and a subject I hold very dear. I painted this one and two others. Really the only painting I've done this summer.

I was thrilled to find out that not only had this piece sold, but that it had won "People's Choice" for the theme! Hopefully this will get the creative juices flowing and I can get down to painting in earnest!

Wordless Wednesday (almost) - Sunset before Storm

2011-08-17T07:36:00.002-05:00

Weekend Shadow party Aug 12, 2011

2011-08-13T00:14:00.005-05:00

My blogger friend "Crafty Sue" is hosting her first ever Weekend Shadow Party. I love her shadows that she presents so was thrilled to be able to take part. This is my shadow. It is my chandelier over my diningroom table but you can also see my lamp upstairs in the strong late afternoon sun. You can see Crafty Sue and the other participants over at her blog here: http://craftysusie.blogspot.com/

Wordless Wednesday - my perfect Begonia

2011-08-10T07:51:00.003-05:00

2011-08-01T13:27:00.002-05:00

Storm Clouds at Dusk 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

Dancing Lights 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

August Storm 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

Theme week at the big ACEO group for August is "sky" These are my entries. I've tried to show a different type of sky in each one. You can view all three at Ebay here

Samantha's glazed owl

2011-07-21T21:19:00.001-05:00

What can I say.......I am the luckiest person.....I got the glazed owl!!!! Just click here to see it

Wordless Wednesday - Spirit Island

2011-07-20T07:59:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-22T09:09:00.002-05:00

Kids Multi Media at Last Mountain Lake - Art Show and Reception

2011-06-19T23:52:00.003-05:00

We are so proud of our Granddaughter and her wonderful creative art. She's worked hard all year and her talent really shows. Here she is with her Aunty and cousin looking at one of her pieces at the art reception today at the Cultural Center

Some of her pottery

A painting :)

Her absolutely awesome glazed piece...I really want this one, but I think her Mother is getting it!

Great Job Samantha.....can't wait to see what you do next year!

Win a Santa?

2011-06-18T09:02:00.002-05:00

It's a cold a dreary day here in Saskatchewan. We had record rainfall yesterday and some places have some flooding (again). Not the nicest of springs. So what better way to lift spirits than to tell you about a "Santa" give away by a blogging friend of mine. Details are at her blog "Santa and the Mrs" and the draw will be Jul 24th. It's a contest, so there are some rules to follow. She makes the most divine Santas .... Good Luck :)

Shadows

2011-06-16T10:16:00.003-05:00

A blogger friend of mine takes photographs for her blog and calls them "weekend shadows" This is how my bedside table looked last night, so I thought I would try my hand at photographing the shadow. This is the result. :)

Wordless Wednesday (almost) Lilacs in my yard, just about finished for this year

2011-06-15T10:12:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday (almost)view from my deck

2011-06-08T14:06:00.004-05:00

A chance to Win Santa

2011-06-07T19:02:00.001-05:00

You have got to see this Santa Give Away. It is totally awesome!!!!!!!!!!

Just go to "Off my Rocker" by clicking on this link and follow the instructions.

Tall ship, storm, Guardian Angel ACEO

2011-06-07T15:44:00.003-05:00

"Guardian Angel" 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

Trying to get more painting done now that we have moved into the new house. I'm still unpacking, but did get one painting done today. I can't imagine anything scarier than a tropical storm in one of those old Tall Ships. Back in the day I'm sure they counted on their guardian angel to watch over them.

Listed on Ebay here.....All my Listing will have reduced starting bids for the month of June.

aceo Theme Week - Beach

2011-06-01T12:29:00.002-05:00

Storm Warning 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

The Ebay ACEO group's theme for Theme Week is "Beach. I wanted to do somthing slightly different than sunshine and fun in the sun, so here is my take on the Beach theme.

Message in the Sand 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

You will find them both listed on Ebay (along with all my other pieces) here. For the entire month of June I have reduced the starting bid on all my pieces.

Theme Week Flowers - May - ACEO

2011-05-25T13:06:00.002-05:00

Happy to say that I was lucky enough to receive Honorable mention for my Iris and Fairy (the night one)in the People's Choice category for this competition....Everyone had really great entries. It was a fun theme

ACEO Theme Week (May) - Flowers

2011-05-01T12:38:00.002-05:00

Apple Blossom Fae 2.5 x 3.5" acrylic

My second entry for ACEO theme week is Apple Blossom Fae. Spring has spring and has me thinking of the blooms that will come this month. I love the smell of flowering crabs, cherry, and lilacs all assciated with spring.

You will find my painting listed on Ebay here

WIP complete - Theme Week May Flowers

2011-05-01T11:27:00.003-05:00

I finished painting in the Black Iris....started to lay out where I wanted the night fairy to be flying

Drew her in, then painted her all in white also...

Painted her over with a layer of thinned green acrylic....Added a little glitter to her wings to make her "magical"

The end result is "In the Night Garden" a 2.5 x 3.5 acrylic painting. Listed on Ebay here and submitted for the Theme Week competition at the ACEO Ebay Group.

ACEO May Theme Week Flowers WIP

2011-04-29T11:29:00.003-05:00

ACEO theme week for the Month of May is Flowers.....I teased you with the black background yesterday and today I'm revealing what kind of flower it is. I drew in the flower and then painted the highlights with white only. After that I started to "colour" over the flower. I want this painting to be a "night garden" look. That's when fairies come out to play.....

ACEO Theme Week for May is Flowers - WIP

2011-04-28T11:24:00.004-05:00

The theme week subject for May is "flowers" I have finished one piece for the theme and decided to submit a 2nd piece (maybe) that I'm working on. This is the start.....can you tell what it is? LOL just kidding. No flower(s) on there yet. Stay tuned...I should have the finished piece on here in a day or two. I should go have a nap now, so I can get up in the middle of the night to watch the Royal Wedding :)

aceo fireflies Fairy - a change from the usual

2011-04-26T17:02:00.003-05:00

Catching Fireflies 2.5" x 3.5" Acrylic

I am tired of the same old storms, ships, lighting, etc and spring is finally in the air so I decided to paint fireflies. And who better to be an expert at catching them????? Why a fairy child of course :)

You will find this aceo listed on Ebay here

ACEO April Theme Week is Doorways Winner - Most Unique

2011-04-01T17:09:00.003-05:00

"Heaven's Door" 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic April's theme is Doorways. I was inspired to paint this one by Bob Dylan's "Knock Knock Knockin' on Heaven's Door". I love this song. You will find the aceo listed here on Ebay

Barrel Racing - graphite pencil aceo

2011-03-11T12:55:00.005-06:00

Barrel racing work in progress. I was doing these last summer. I finally finished the last one of them that I was going to work on. I had previously did steer wrestling, bucking broncos, rodeo clowns and now this last one.

Finished the piece.

You will find the finished piece listed on Ebay here

2011 ACEO Playing card deck - my card

2011-03-07T14:23:00.003-06:00

"Eye of the Storm" - 2011 ACEO Playing Card Deck

The ACEO group on Ebay is publishing another playing card deck. This will be the 3rd year this highly collectable deck is published. It's also the 3rd year I am taking part! A collaberation of 54 artists from all over the globe. I am very fortunate to have my name included. This is my submission for the card I was assigned.

Stormy Daybreak Lighthouse - aceo

2011-03-02T11:48:00.003-06:00

Red Sky in the Morning - 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

I was supposed to be working on my Card for the 2011 aceo deck of playing cards, but somehow this painting formed instead. It's funny how you start out intending to one thing and then the painting sort of takes on a life of it's own and an entirely different painting appears. So...no card today!

You will find this painting listed as usual on Ebay here

ACEO Theme Week "Irish"

2011-03-01T12:16:00.004-06:00

Leprechaun Tears - 2.5 x 3.5" Acrylic

ACEO - Art Card and Editions Group of Ebay's March Theme Week is "Irish". I haven't taken part in Theme Week in well over a year, but this month's theme kind of caught my "eye" (no pun intended) LOL An artist friend of mine had commented about a fairy eye that I had painted quite a long time ago and it inspired me to paint this leprechaun one. I like fairies and elves to look a little on the wild side. Not quite human. You will find this painting listed here on Ebay

tip for aceo or miniature/small format painting

2011-02-16T20:52:00.003-06:00

Want a cheap easy clean up tip for when you are painting with watercolour or acrylics? I imagine it works with oils too. Just purchase a flexible chopping mat. You know....those thin plastic mats that you use a few times and then toss.

I'm messy when I paint and have to have something under my canvas. I like these because I can blend paint, smoosh it around and play with it right on the mat.

Clean up is a breeze. Just wipe with a damp paper towl. Even if the acrylic is dried on you can still get it off with a little "hand sanitizer" (great for cleaning your acrylic filled brushes too) I finally gave in an threw out the mat I've been using for a couple of years, I swear. Paid $1.69 for a package of 2. I figure I shouldn't have to buy again for 4 or 5 years LOL

Ship in a Bottle - aceo seascape

2011-02-16T20:31:00.003-06:00

Ship in a Bottle 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

Still painting bottled ships. Only I can paint using two hands now. Don't have the full use of my left arm yet, but at least I can hang onto the canvas! This is my rendition of what is going on under the water while a storm approaches. The ships are being tossed around, but the orca can swim without a care in the world!

You will find this painting Listed on Ebay here

The calm and the Storm - 2 aceo's

2011-01-20T14:51:00.002-06:00

Bottled Sunset 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

It has turned bitterly cold this week. This morning it was in the minus 40's with windchill. Can't do much with my shoulder and the cold, so I decided I might as well paint.

Bottled Storm 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

I can't imagine trying to fit the ships you see in bottles...how about a whole storm....that would be something. Or maybe I just have to much time on my hands these days LOL

Both of these little paintings are listed on Ebay here

You can't keep an old dog down - new paintings (sort of)

2011-01-13T13:36:00.002-06:00

Ocean Sunset 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

I decided today, I'd gone long enough without painting. So here they are, pretty basic, but still done. I used one arm....I guess you don't really need two to paint. This is listed on Ebay here

Frozen North 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

A quick painting of northern lights. Nice and frozen looking. It's been so cold here lately that I don't think I could paint a "warm" painting if I tried! Listed on Ebay here.

bringing season's greetings - i'll be missing in action

2010-12-18T21:22:00.003-06:00

to my faithful blog followers...i won't be submitting to my blog very often for the next 8 weeks or so. i fell on the ice and shattered my shoulder. needless to say, i won't be painting for a bit. so i am taking this time to wish you and yours a very merry christmas and all the best in the new year! (no caps and typed all one handed lol) see you in a few weeks

ACEO painting Christmas Westie Scotty Dog

2010-12-02T12:20:00.002-06:00

Christmas Surprise 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic painting

Usually by this time of year I have painted and listed several Christmas themed paintings. This is my one and only Christmas painting this year. I don't think I will get to any more holiday themed ones. I just ran out of time! I don't usually paint animals and I never paint dogs, but for some reason I thought I would give this little black Westie a go. I think it's because if we ever got another dog I might consider one of these. As usual you will find the painting listed here on Ebay

moonlight - aceo acrylic

2010-11-18T14:51:00.002-06:00

Moonlight.....2.5" x 3.5" Just fooling around with paint this afternoon. Experimenting with the use of light. This is just tree tops in the moonlight. It doesn't photograph well. Any bump in the dark paint shows up as a bright fleck. So that's how I spend part of this snowy cold afternoon. Painting nothing in particular....

Stormy Sea - Lighthouse - aceo acrylic

2010-11-17T18:57:00.003-06:00

Sailor's Warning - 3.5" x 2.5" acrylic

I was going to paint a snow scene....Started painting the sky and all of a sudden this painting appeared. I have no idea what became of the scene I planned to do other than...I can't retain a thought LOL Anyway, it's been a stormy week. Lot's of stuff happening, and I think it manifested itself in my painting. This one has lots of turbulence and colours showing up.
It has been listed on Ebay here

Fall Chickadees - Acrylic Painting - Finished

2010-11-09T14:09:00.002-06:00

Fall Chickadees - 10" x 8" acrylic painting
added yellows, greays and some whites. Shadowed, filled and brushed and I think I'm finished.

Extended the colours to the sides so framing is optional

Close up of "my little chickadees" Now to decide what venue to list them on.

Fall Chickadees - Work in Progress

2010-11-09T12:35:00.002-06:00

Adding the birds now. These look like "ghost" chickadees. They started out the size of pterodactyls but I think I have them about right now.

Looking more like chickadees now. I have to give them all their colours though and make them look a little more alive.

Fall chickadees - Work in Progress

2010-11-09T11:40:00.002-06:00

I am finally working on this piece again. This morning I added some leaves in the foreground. Not too many....I decided I don't like painting leaves.

I have sketched in 3 chickadees....I had two...but didn't like the balance. I'm not sure if you can see them here or not. I like chickadees...if you call to them they will "always" answer you back :)

Work in Progress.....Chickadees - Autumn

2010-11-04T17:48:00.004-05:00

It's been awhile since I posted a work in progress. I love WIP's because it's fun to watch the painting unfold. I can look back and see the progression for myself :) This will be a 8 x 10 autumn scene featuring chickadees....It starts with a crisp blue fall sky ...

Some background colours....lots of yellows and greens (must do this from memory..all of our leaves are long gone)

Added some blurry leaves of a maple tree. I am going to bring one branch into focus and that's where the chickadees will perch (hopefully)

Blogger's code of ethics....a must read

2010-11-01T22:35:00.002-05:00

I think that she nailed the blogger's code of ethics perfectly......a must read if you are blogging or intend to blog.

Go see at "Confessions of a Cookbook Queen" Bloggers Code of Ethics!

Snow Storm Northern Lights ACEO

2010-10-27T12:03:00.003-05:00

Angel's Night - 2.5" x 3.5" Acrylic

Day 2 of the first winter storm has brought my lightning painting to a halt and has me painting winter scenes LOL. I did these two little ditty's this morning :)

Winter Night - 2.5" x 3.5" - acrylic

You can find both of these paintings listed on Ebay here

autumn sunrise aceo acrylic painting

2010-10-26T16:15:00.003-05:00

Autumn Sunrise 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic

We are in the middle of the season's first winter storm. Snow, wind (lots of wind) slush, ice....hate it! So after searching through storage, I found our winter clothes (that we put in storage while we build our house) Then managed to get one painting done today. I was going to paint snow, but decided it was too early to paint winter scenes :)...supposed to warm up by the weekend!

storm's end - horse - sunset painting

2010-10-21T12:38:00.004-05:00

Storm's End - 16" x 24" acrylic

I started this painting about a year ago. It's larger than what I usually paint. For whatever reason, I set it aside unfinished. I found it in a box the other day and hung it up to observe for for a few days. I tweaked it here and I tweaked it there and decided it is finally finished. I kept the details of the horse deliberately vague because I think of it as more of a phantom than anything else. Now to decide what to do with it :)

Northern Lights, Night Rider, acrylic painting

2010-10-15T21:37:00.002-05:00

Night Ride - 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic painting

I didn't think I would get this finished tonight. I haven't painted Northern Lights in ages. The summer was so cloudy we never got a chance to see any. I am not sure the fall will be much better. Yet in the fall, when colour and senses seem so much more intense the lights are even greater if you get to see them. What a perfect way to watch them. A night ride!!!

This aceo is listed on Ebay here

Horse and Rider ACEO - acrylic painting

2010-10-15T20:44:00.003-05:00

Homeward Bound - 2.5 x 3.5 acrylic painting

I didn't think I'd get this one finished this week. Too much going on. I decided to finish it up tonight while my husband was watching a football game. This one has lots of clouds forming, but no storm yet. Just a nice pink sunset and lots of space. You will find this painting listed on Ebay here

Fury - Storm painting ACEO Cowboy art

2010-10-13T23:49:00.003-05:00

Fury - 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic painting

Another nice week here in sunny Saskatchewan, although it seems that the temperatures have turned a little cooler. Normal in fact for fall. I still am painting storms and I am still on my Western kick (cowboys, horses etc) Snow will return soon enough and then I will move on to Northern Lights! I have listed this painting on Ebay. You will find the listing here.

Clouds, storms, lightning...acrylic paintings

2010-10-06T14:33:00.004-05:00

Storm Rider - 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic painting
Is it real or fantasy. A rider seems to emerge right out of the storm......

Storm Watcher 3.5" x 2.5" Acrylic Painting
A lone rider watches the horizon as a storm forms.

Even though it's fall and I seem to paint "in season", the warm weather still has me thinking of summer storms. I love thunder storms. I just don't like the quick destruction they can some times do. The season for thunder storms is over for another year. Next......blizzards!!!!!

Aaaaaack!!! I forgot to include the link to the listings where they are for sale. Click Here

The Art of Food - or what we had for Sunday supper :)

2010-10-03T22:37:00.002-05:00

Pork Ribs with Strawberry Balsamic Reduction Glaze.

Shari of Sharilynn Studios mentioned
today that she was having pork tenderloin with Strawberry Balsamic Reduction sauce for dinner. This set of a whole flurry of fellow artists (artists gone wild) having some sort of "reduction" for Sunday dinner. I decided on Ribs with the Strawberry Balsamic Reduction to glaze the ribs. Start off with ribs, strawberries, honey and vinegar (recipe below) Start basting the ribs when they are about 1/2 way cooked.

Then you have to have the right seasonings. I seasoned the ribs as they were slow cooking. Garlic cloves, thyme and rosemary to taste. I also used freshly ground pepper and sea salt.

The end result. Strawberry Balsamic Reduction Ribs and on the side....tossed greens with pear and blue cheese dressing

Recipe for Strawberry Balsamic Reduction Sauce:

1 cup diced strawberries

1/3 cup balsamic vinegar

1/3 cup water

1/3 cup honey

Place diced strawberries in a small sauce pan. Add vinegar and water. Bring to a boil and reduce by 1/2. Add honey and reduce by 1/2 again. When the ribs are about 1/2 way cooked drain off any liquid. Start basting the ribs and continue to cook until done.

I made a very large slow cooker of ribs so I doubled the strawberry recipe.

Pileated Woodpecker - Work in Progress - Finished

2010-09-27T14:29:00.003-05:00

The woodpecker has appeared. He shows up quite well in front of the fall colours. My husband and I were discussing today where it was we had seen these guys. Our conclusion is it must have been at Greenwater Park about 3 1/2 hours from here. They aren't normally around the beach here.

Finished! 2.5" x 3.5" acrylic "Woodpecker"

Here is he sits on his perch among the what's left of the chokecherries. I'll be listing him later.

Pileated Woodpecker- acrylic painting - Work in progress -

2010-09-27T12:03:00.003-05:00

What is this blob on the canvas you ask? Why it's a pileated woodpecker of course! Actually it's the background to a 2.5" x 3.5" (aceo size) painting I've started this morning. We'll see if the bird emerges.