I am working on some watercolor collages that are in their final stages - but need a little "something" before they are finished. I like the idea of repurposing old paintings that aren't destined to the framing table. Sometimes you can find a wonderful piece of a painting even when the overall painting doesn't work.

Additionally, I have just finished my latest painting in the river rocks series.

It's springtime in the Berkshires, or nearly springtime and I'm off to gather some inspiration and images for a new series of paintings.

Through the One World One Heart blog event, I met some fun, creative bloggers who offered random drawings as part of this event. Here are three women I'd like you to meet.

Regi, lives in Alabama and describes herself as "a free spirit, a gypsy, a hippie and a child of the sea". She wears many hats, including that of artist and designer - creating the most amazing one of a kind sculptures and jewelry. Regi is a wonderful story teller and her blog is full of delightful posts full of southern charm. I hope you'll stop over to visit her at http://southernooaks.blogspot.com/. Regi sent me her adorable creation, Shibee. He has found a sunny home in my art studio at Art on No in Pittsfield. Thank you, Regi!

The second blogger I'd like you to meet in Grace. Grace blogs from her home in Indiana where she writes "random thoughts of life and beading". You'll find an amazing variety of gorgeous beadwork displayed on Grace's blog, http://gracebeading.blogspot.com/. The photos highlight the intricate beading and is well worth a visit. These beautiful pearl earrings were the giveaway treasure from Grace's blog. Pay Grace a visit to see more beautiful beading. Thank you so much Grace! I'm wearing your lovely earrings as I write this now.

 The third artist blogger I'd like you to meet is Lorrie. Lorrie is a paper artist living in Michigan. She makes vibrantly beautiful handmade paper and paper mosaics. Lorrie is also an art instructor who teaches workshops on making handmade paper, paper mosaics, mixed media and surface design. Lorrie's written several articles which are listed on her blogsite too. Visit http://lorrieabdo.blogspot.com/ to learn more. Here is the paper mosaic heart Lorrie sent me. Thank you so much Lorrie for such a visual treat. I'm putting this heart in my art studio alongside Shibee for inspiration.

congratulations Christine!



Photo courtesy of Chris Schudde

I just have to give a big shout out to Christine - Whole Living Magazine's action hero for March. Check out Page 8. Not only is she an amazing daughter, she really walks the talk and has a fun and upbeat recounting of her adventures. Read more here - http://www.unspeakablevisions.blogspot.com/

and the winners are...

Thank you to all those who participated in the One World One Heart global blog event this year. I've had a blast visiting you and making new friends! There are still so many folks I want to stop by to visit, so if I haven't been by yet, I intend to in the near future.

Congratulations to this year's winners! Each of you will receive a set of art cards of your choice.

Regina - http://www.southernooaks.blogspot.com/
Nicole Campanella - http://www.beadwright.blogspot.com/
Lisa Bivona - http://www.pearlavenuestudios.blogspot.com/

Wishing you all a wonderfully creative journey and hope you'll stop by to say hello again from time to time!

One World One Heart (OWOH) Global Blog Event

2011 marks the fifth annual One World One Heart (OWOH) Blog Event. OWOH is the brainchild of Lisa Swifka - A Whimsical Bohemian who began this project in 2007 to build community among bloggers. Lisa says "The original idea behind this giveaway event was to bring bloggers together from around the world who may never ordinarily meet. It closes the gap of the blog community and enables us to interact, discover new and wonderful people, and in the process possibly win a prize or many prizes along the way." Very cool, right?!!

To join in the fun... Between now and February 17th bloggers from all over the world who are participating in OWOH's magical globel trek will display this image on their sidebar, indicating that they are hosting a giveaway. Just leave a comment on their blog post for a chance to win. Winners will be randomly selected on February 17th. Be sure to leave contact information, if it's not in your profile. Click here for a list of participants. If you are interested in hosting your own giveaway, click here for directions. Most importantly, make new friends and have fun!

my giveaways...

There will be two separate drawings. The first one is for my "Vibrant Flowers" art card set featuring fine art reproductions from my original watercolor paintings. This collection includes one card of each floral painting with matching envelopes.

The second drawing is for my "River Rocks" art cards, which are also fine art reproductions from my original watercolor paintings. This collection includes one card of each of the four paintings with matching envelopes.

Update 2/6/11 ~ I've added a third set of art cards to my giveaway, Pears & Apples.

Only comments left on this post will qualify for my random drawing. Winners will be announced on February 17th. So say hello and enjoy your flight!

xo,

Susan

When I stopped to listen, I could hear my soul, my inner wisdom whispering - it's time for a change. It's time to let go of what isn't working to make room to try something else. And yet that part of me that doesn't want to give up, that hates quitting, stood firm. It wasn't that I hadn't dealt with a lot of change, we all have. I've taken several pretty huge risks in my life, so that wasn't really the problem either. Still, I found myself stuck for a number of months without really knowing what new direction to move in, just knowing I needed to do something differently. I'm happy to report some fun creative ideas are perculating and while I'm not sure how this is going to be expressed in my art, assuredly it will be. Stay tuned. :)

a new year and a new list of resolutions...

In addition to the personal wellness resolutions I've made this year, (more yoga, exercise, healthier eating and cranking up gratitude awareness while decreasing whining) I have 3 resolutions directly related to improving my art that I'm sharing them with you. So please call me on them if/when I slip!

1. Take better photos - both for reference and of finished works. My first step was to buy a better camera, which arrived yesterday - thank you UPS for the speedy delivery. Next, learn to use it well.

2. Be more disciplined about studio time - no excuses accepted

3. Create more paintings that are either in a series or thematically cohesive

I'm thinking that reviewing these at the beginning of each month, instead of once a year, will have a positive impact on my ability to succeed.

Do you want to share your resolutions?

beloved snow queen...

I wanted to share a personal Christmas story, inspiration, or piece of art to warm the holidays and to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy & Peaceful New Year. In the midst of working on this my daughter, Christine, posted a beautiful, heart-warming Christmas story about the Snow Queen and the amazing woman who brought her to life for all of us. Thank you Christine!

Read about the Snow Queen at http://www.unspeakablevisions.blogspot.com/ 

 

happiness is...

living with gratitude, being thankful for all you have rather than thinking about what you don't have. Topping my list of all to be grateful for is my family. Today marks my daughter, Christine's birthday. Ok, it was 26 years ago, but while looking through my photo collection I came across this photo and couldn't resist posting it. Christine is one of those shining lights, someone who brightens the world by her presence and is truly unforgettable. What an amazing adult she has turned out to be. Happy Birthday Christine!

new works...

In the last week or so I finished two mixed media paintings. I added crumpled tissue paper with gesso to create some interesting textures, used both watercolor and acrylic paint, saran wrap, colored pencils and ink. Then the paintings were sealed with two coats of varnish and gloss medium.

If you haven't experimented with mixed media painting yet, I highly recommend it. When I find myself unable to focus (in those moments where all the normal life challenges seem to gang up on me), yet my muse is calling me to do something, I usually begin a mixed media work. It transports me creatively and before long I'm immersed in a new piece of art. The best part is that there's no limit, other than your own imagination, as to what you can incorporate into your mixed media painting!