Thursday, November 30, 2006

New Orleans Holiday Art- St. Louis Cathedral Painting, Church Art

I've decided to offer this one of a kind gorgeous 40 x 30 acrylic original painting at a one time only price to make room for the remodeling of my studio space. I listed this at a bargain price of $525 on my collector's online sale. For a limited 24 hours I'll have this painting available at the price $395 including shipping and handling in the lower 48 US states.

Here is how it works.. just email me and I'll assist you with sitting up an online payment via Paypal. This is what I consider the best painting I created in November. YOu really must see it in person-- it's incredible. I think it will remind you of home but also that God is near by wanting to add value and joy to your day to day living. Great Christmas present for those that love old churches.

I"LL be very busy planning a holiday sale offer event for the next week or so. I"ll keep you posted! Btw, we put down our deposit for our new baby chihuahua.. we are all so excited we can't wait!

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Talk about heartbreak! Never buy a pet on a whim

Our whole household has been grieving since Saturday night. We had a chance to fall in love the day before Thanksgiving.

My 2 teenage daughters saw a person selling puppies on the side of the road, and begged me to stop. Well, having 2 teenagers putting the pressure on- and my admitted dog fanaticism, of course I succumbed to peer pressure. We didn't know what was about to unfold but needless to say it was love at first sight. It took a little over an hour to convince my hubby, but he gave in as well. Our whole family has wanted a teacup chihuahua for quite some time now.

It was a very rash, quick decision. I had an uneasy feeling about committing the cardinal no-no of dog shopping: NEVER BUY A DOG ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I should have also suspected something when after the person was given the check I was told, oh by the way don't take the dog to the vet for a while because it is very susceptible to parvo and could get sick. A little alarm went off in my head, but being in the state of puppy love as I was I soon forgot it.


Tinkerbell was a doll, but after 24 hours we noticed she wasn't eating so well. Not to mention a runny stool, but I accounted that to stress from the change in ownership. We were so happy with her, and she was a perfect little lady. I even spent a whole evening making her puppy clothes because we couldn't find a sweater small enough for her and noticed she was very listless and cold.

After 2 days we were at the emergency after hours animal clinic at 11pm because Tink wouldn't eat and had started excreting a horrifying puddle of blood when she went potty. Heartbroken and scared we took her to the vet-- who immediately asked who we had bought the puppy from and told me that I had been sold a very sick dog. She had lost alot of weight and her temp was way below normal.

The vet was incredibly kind and good to our teary eyed possee of girls. She immediately went to bat for us and called the breeder , who she knew and told her the only moral thing to do was to take this dog back because her medical needs were going to be extensive. I honestly think the vet knew that Tink was very ill and didn't want our family to watch her suffer. I have lost one pet before 18 years earlier to parvo and it is a horrifficly brutal virus .

Our hearts were torn but as a family we decided that we couldn't risk taking Tink back into the home with our 2 other family pets. So we called the breeder who immediately started back peddling and giving me a hard time. Needless to say it was very ugly and hurtful to be accused of making this dog ill or being neglectful. The only thing the breeder would offer was another pup, which was out of the question because 2 heartbreaks can not be endured so close together. It then became an all out fight of name calling etc. because I told her if she took the pet back, she had a moral obligation to refund my money so I could find a healthy pet for my oldest daughters birthday which was the following day.

She agreed to take the pet back, but would not hear of returning my money. The vet had called her and told her the incubation period for parvo is between 8-14 days and there was no possible way the virus had been contracted while the dog was under our care. Unfortunately I had to stop payment on my check because this breeder is nothing more than a backwoods Cruella Deville without a heart or concious. The most heartbreaking part of it all wasn't the fact we were so sad, but that Tink was ill and we had no choice but to let her leave our hands.

Here are some very important things I learned from this experience:
1. Never ever buy a pet from a person who is not willing to allow you to see the environment the dog is raised in-- Cruella insisted we met her at a half-way point instead of me taking the pup back to her kennels. Looking back, I now know why.
2. Find a reputable breeder who offers a bill of health guarantee covering genetic defects, parvo and COCCIDA, as well as corona. You need to insist on a 10-14 day money refundable parvo/coccida health guarantee. Most breeders don't want to give you that kind of guarantee- to which you need to ask if you have a clean, healthy environment -- then why not? Call your local vets/obedience schools for recommendations.
3. Find a breeder who only sales 1-2 breeds max- if they carry multiple breeds then most are only in it for the money which usually isn't indicative of a great puppy raising environment. Cruella and her wicked assisstant had a smorgasbord of pets, chihuahuas, yorkies, bostons, schnauzers, jack russells, something shi-poos, and poodles, shitzus--you name it she had it.
4. Avoid buying a puppy from a pet store. Too often these puppies come from "puppy mills". If you don't know what a puppy mill is, look up the term "puppy mill" on the Internet or call your local animal shelter. The only way to stop puppy mills is to stop buying puppies from pet stores. This does not include those pet stores that have shelter puppies available for adoption.
5. The breeder should ask you questions before they agree to sell you a puppy. Such as: Do you have time to care for a puppy properly? Can you afford feeding/grooming costs? Where will the puppy live (indoors/outdoors)? Why do you want a puppy? Do you have children?

6. Ask the breeder; How many litters do you have a year? Breeders producing more than 1 or 2 litters a year are probably not paying enough attention to the genetics and health of the puppies.

7. Ask the breeder; Where were the puppies raised? How have you socialized them? What you're looking for here is an indication of what kind of socialization the puppies have had. Socialization is so important to getting a well-adjusted, well-mannered dog. Puppies should have been exposed to people, other dogs, new situations, normal household sounds and activities in order to learn. A puppy raised without this important social interaction can be shy, fearful, aggressive, or have other problems as they get older. Dogs need to know how to play, how to handle new situations, how to relate to people.

8. Ask the breeder; When can I take the puppy home? Puppies usually go home between 8 and 12 weeks. Avoid anyone sending tiny puppies home.
You can learn alot about this breed here: chihuahuas
Fortunately, my family and I are healing. We have learned a very hard, heartbreaking lesson. We have disinfected our house and are now on the waiting list for another puppy from a lady who raises 1-2 litters a year and keeps the pups indoors with her. She has agreed to hold the puppy extra time for it's series of vaccinations to be in place with a complete parvo series before we bring the puppy into our home.
Oh, and if you live in north Louisiana and are considering a chihuahua email me and I'll give you Cruellas real name--she lives in the Luna area. Unfortunately one of the "posh" pet boutiques in Monroe brings her in a few times a month to sale pets to unsuspecting buyers and she also sets up in West Monroe in commercial parking lots. Beware!!!

Friday, November 03, 2006

Photos from my Chairish the Children Charity donation






I donated a chair for the northeast Louisiana Children's museum in October. The event was to raise support for the costs of operation. It was a fun project, but next time I think we'll go for something else, anything but a rocking chair!

Take a peek!

It's a really simple process, first you prime the raw wood furniture with 3 coats of gray spray paint primer, then paint your base coat colors 3 coats so it is not splottchy, then you begin to freehand your designs. I must admit I did use a sharpie to detail some outlines, as it became a little tedious. Then once all the freehand artwork is dry, you simply seal with 3-5 coats of clear laquer sealant. I used a spray. It only took 14 hours worth of painting, not including the drying time between coats. But whoever purchased this chair will definitely have a one of a kind,
and you know it is going to be worth millions one day! ;)

Next year, I think I'll paint a footstool! Ha!

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Boston terrier digital pet portraits pop art


New Orleans Jazz Art Prints, boston terrier art




My most recent painting, Relief and All That Jazz is now available as a giclee print on canvas. You can find out more info on my site HERE I am offering a special introductory price of $150 for a stretched 18 x 24 print on canvas. That's an incredible deal!
I was so tickled to be able to donate this painting to a charity event held by eSentio Technologies for New Orleans Musicians Hurricane Relief Fund The donation of the painting resulted in a $900 donation price given directly to NOMHR, which made my day. Together we will rebuild our beloved Crescent City.


I've recently joined forces with art.com to make my prints available at a much more economical price for my collectors. Poster prints are available at very reasonable prices.. You can view my selection of New Orleans art prints available here: clicking the link will take you right on over to art.com so you can see prices, and reasonable framing options.


I've been working on a few pop-art pet portraits of late as well. It's just a passion I can't seem to shake. Take a look at a few new ones, of boston terriers--of course one of my favorite breeds. That makes Boudreaux happy to hear! He's getting on up there now and only has a few exciting adventures these days. The last one was helping the bricklayers in our neighborhood by ingesting mortar.. not so happy ending but fortunately he has an iron constitution and no permanent damage. Thank Goodness. A few more boston items have been added at art.com. Just search Angel Turner Dyke. I'm also doing pet portraits for Christmas presents this year. Email me asap if you are interested.


More later, lots to get finished today.

On a personal note, I've fallen in love with lavender essential oil. It's so good for you and so relaxing in a hot tub after a long days work. You should try it~

Saturday, July 29, 2006

Louisiana Artist Painting New Orleans St. Louis Cathedral Video

Artist painting in progress

Here's a close up view of the painting I worked on recently. Enjoy

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Life in General

Things here have been busy. I've been working on a few projects and have had several commissions come in. Tomorrow I'll spend the day in the studio working. I am wanting to have a paint-a-thon so I can do a special collectors sale in the next few days.

We have been enjoying the rain for the last 24 hours or so- it's been so hot and dry we needed it. I went and had a nice lunch with my Mom today, we really enjoyed the visit. Then I went snooping in the artsy area of town looking for studio space. It seems I am just getting more cramped in my present situation. Hopefully we will find a solution before long.

Have you seen Lady in the Water yet? It's a very interesting movie. I enjoyed it immensely but my family totally missed the point. The plot is a deep one..

Well got to get some rest so I'll be fresh for painting tomorrow.

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

New Orleans Photography Poster Prints Added to my site


I've added a whole new section of new orleans photography prints to my website today. You'll find Bourbon Street, French Quarter, Mardi Gras and Jazz photography prints available in color, and black and white. The prices are incredbile as well as the quality ! Go ahead and take a look around.
Www.neworleans-paintings.com
Just click on the scrolling marque announcing the prints on the front page and it will lead you to it.

I have been very busy with work, working on 2 commissions as well as making many more of my works available as poster prints.

More to come later.

Thursday, July 13, 2006

The desperate pleas of a New Orleans artist

Hope you enjoy my first attempt at vlogging!

Monday, July 10, 2006

Quarter restaurant-updates and louisiana weather

Quarter restaurant of Las Vegas will be opening this weekend and I am excited to announce that 14 of my prints in a 18x24 size will be gracing the walls. This is a chain so I have been told that there are plans for opening at least a dozen this year. That means my art will be dispersed in several locations throughout the US. I look forward to working with the management and art director in the future. As usual with any new project, there were a few glitches but that is to be expected when working cross-country via various means of communication. Now I'll have to plan a trip out to Vegas to see it all myself. I should have photos soon to post.

I am working on having a series of new orleans posters made soon that should make my art prints in a price range that is easily affordable to everyone. I've been working steadily for the last week preparing art proofs and getting the preliminary print files together. The poster option will be hosted by the largest online art company and is really exciting for me..more on that soon. Hopefully I'll begin to have royalties coming in monthly from the sale of the posters. Residual income has been a goal I have been striving to meet with my art, but takes alot of planning and research to be successful.

I've just recently been learing about vblogging and video production as well--soon I'll have video clips from the studio so you can see how works progress over a period of time. The next series of paintings will be called the Faces of the JAZZ GREATS. I am looking forward to getting back to some extended painting time soon.

On a personal note, the dog days of summer are upon us and it is hot as a six shooter here. I wish we had a pool so I could relax a bit on down days..maybe that residual income will help go towards the pool kitty.

I'll post more later...I should be sleeping but this insomnia has been relentless since January..nite sleepyheads

oh if you haven't voted for me yet.. please do at www.myartspace.com
all you have to do is join and search AngelTurnerDyke (no spaces) and then you have 20 votes. You can give them all to me it you want.. I'd appreciate it~there is a little more than a week left..I really need a vacation!

Monday, July 03, 2006

Random act of kindness needed! weekend update


Things have been great here. I spent the weekend renovating the studio.After a quick run to Targ`et for storage stuff, we are on our way to a more organized studio existence. I will be launching out into my abstract works once again soon. I'll post more about them later. I love abstraction and have missed it so much! Also I need your help if you wouldn't mind giving me a vote for the myartspace.com contest. So far I have 53 votes and could use a bunch more. So your help would be appreciated, those random acts of kindness could actually help me to win the trip of my dreams. After dedicating myself to this career since the late 90's it would be cool to see the work pay off with something like that.. Here is the deal:


I have entered a competition and need votes to win. A little forward on my part, but one has to try and if I win I get to bring a friend (perhaps you?).

All voters must become members of www.myartspace.com. This is an easy JOIN process that does not require upload of any images and its free. Each member has up to 20 votes which may be used on one or as many Artists/Photographers as you wish.

To view and vote go to www.myartspace.com (you may need the latest version of Adobe Flash 8, this is a free download). Click on VIEW CONTESTANTS (at the bottom of the page, use the scroll bar to the far right!)

Enter my Login name (AngelTurnerDyke-with no spaces) in the box marked FIND BY HANDLER OR NAME. Click FIND. My gallery and my photo should appear in this list. Click on the large green ">" to see my work.
Below is a URL link that should take you directly to my gallery. In the event this does not work correctly for some reason, the search technique above will work fine.
http://www.myartspace.com/?dest=Y29udGVzdGFudHOkMzQ4NDRhMDJkODcxN2FhMqQ0MTA0NDlkZmQ2MTJiYmFmpDI0NTQ0YTAyZDg3MWU4MDQ=
Many thanks
Angel

Monday, June 26, 2006

Help me win the trip of a lifetime! Newest Jazz Painting



If you are a fan of mine, friend of mine or just a really nice innocent bystander, I am asking you for a favor. I have entered the myartspace.com contest and am hoping to win a weeks artist retreat trip to the French Riviera. Why you might ask? Because after working hard at this career and dream, to be able to spend time painting there would be a dream come true. I am a dream chaser, always have been and might as well go after this one. Dreams can come true.

The voting begins July 1st, all you have to do is go to myartspace.com and search for Angel Turner Dyke and give me a vote. I sure would appreciate it!
I've been working on a new painting this week.. it is almost finished.. here is a sneak peek of it. I hate to reveal it all before it is finished. So take a peek and let me know what you think of my newest jazz painting! I love the softer tones this is work is exhibiting. Something about it is so soothing! I love it! I've still got alot of detail work to do before this one is finished. I'll post it later when it's complete!

Friday, June 23, 2006

Antebellum Anniversary


I've been busy this week..Tuesday my husband and I celebrated our 19th year anniversary. Seems like just yesterday. To my surprise, he had arranged a secret over night get away to Vicksburg. I love historical towns-- they inspire me. We stayed at the Cedar Grove Inn
an antebellum plantation. You can actually see a cannon ball stuck in the wall shot into the home by the Yankees.

My hubby Joel is so wonderful. I feel so fortunate to have married my soulmate. We have been through alot but it has been worth the few ups and downs. He is my rock and my best friend. Joel I love you more today than I did 19 years ago.

I've been working on a new painting in progress.. I'll post tomorrow.

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Latest project now completed


I recently had the honor of working on a stage / lighting project. Basically we worked as a team to add lighting elements and art to modernize the stage at Life Church West Monroe.
Here is a look at the completed project, along with the 7 large abstracts I painted.
It was alot of work, but alot of fun as well.

Right now we are working on several projects that could be large scale. Negotiations are under way. I'll keep you posted once we have some ends tied up.

I've also relaunched my more serious abstract site, thought it is not 100 %
www.angelturnerdyke.com

out for the night now!

Saturday, May 27, 2006

Boston baby



It has been a busy but good weekend. We went to see Posiedon with some good friends Friday night. It was nerve wracking, but semi ok I guess. I enjoyed the adrenaline rush but it didn't have much plot. This morning my Aunt and Uncle invited the whole family over for brunch. What a spread! She cooked everything from texmex omeletes, to waffles, biscuits, pototoes, bacon sausage... anyway it was great. We always enjoy our time with them.

Then on to a baby shower for a dear friend who just adopted a newborn, then found out within 2 months she was pregnant! So her babies will be 10 months apart. I think that is so cool!. Then on to our 30 somethings group scavenger hunt. I was the reigning queen from last years event, but unfortunately got dethroned. We came in 2nd place this year. I'll have to set my eyes on the gold for next year.. you had better watch out. Yes, you-- you know who you are! Lol.

So today I started checking my stats on my blog. I was amazed to see I am getting tons of hits from the photos of my dogs. So you get to see my big baby, and my boston baby. They love each other. Boudreaux is getting old- all he wants to do is eat and sleep. I must be getting older myself.

Well I've got to do 7 larger abstracts this week so I'll be extremely busy.


Hey-- Taylor won. Yessssss!

Ok,.. more later.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

American Idol's Soul Patrol! Go Taylor Hicks!


Yes, I admit I am one of the thousands of American Idols fans. Tonight is the big finale-- Soul Patrol!

We'll be getting together with some friends to see who the winner is. Thanks goodness for tivo ---!!!

Although I must admit it's been hard to pick a favorite as I've really enjoyed all the finalists!!!

I guess Taylor is my favorite because he is so bluesy! Got that N'awlins sound going
on!!!

New Orleans T-shirts now available!



It's been a while since I've updated so I thought I'd sneak back in here and get my blog active again. Just haven't been much in the mood to write alot lately. I've added some really neat new New Orleans t-shirts and memorablia to my website. All kinds of neat ways to express yourself Nawlins' style. You can view my merchandise here

On a personal note, things are going well. I've been consumed with my new makeup business. I guess most artist are always getting into something new from time to time. Mineral makeup is wonderful, and besides creating a cosmetic line is so exciting! (whatever!)

I plan on working on that today after I return from translating. For those of you who didn't know, I lived in Mexico for 7 years and am fluent in Spanish. So I translate for our local court system. Geez, I guess I am just so multi-faceted!


Ok, time to get to work!

Monday, February 27, 2006

Customized Pet Portraits that are true works of art



I finished another digital painting last night. I am so excited about being able to do this type of work. It really broadens my horizons for expressing myself in so many ways. Take a look at the examples and the finished product.

Boston Terrier portraits are coming my way, as well as many other works. I have a commission for a beautiful kitty named T-Bird as well as several other furry friends I'm working with. This type of art is so rewarding because it taps into discovering the qualitites and characteristics of each animal and bringing those to life on the canvas. Feel free to email me for a quote, I'd be happy to work with you. Soon I'll be branching out into people portraits as well.

On another note, the web site is moving slowly. I've just been battling the ability to stay on task and get it finished. Hopefully today I will get on the ball and make alot of progress. If you need New Orleans art, email me.


Have a wonderful day.

Monday, February 13, 2006

Custom Pet Portraits



I've been working on my digital art skills. Here is custom pet portrait I just completed of my Boston Terrier, Boudreaux. Here is the reference photo I worked from, as well as the completed piece. I just love the vibrant colors. If you are interested in a custom pop art pet portrait, just email me and I'd be happy to discuss the details with you. I can have the artwork printed on stretched or unstretched canvas. I think you would love one! I plan on working on several more of these in the future as time allows. Isn't he a cutie! I find it hard to believe that this isn't an original hand-created painting, but a piece of digital art created with a painter program. I love the way it feels and looks like oil paints..so luscious and vibrant.

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Crawfish Fettucini


I'm pondering the infinite question once again, "What will I fix for supper?" Well, I've got to run into the store, so I was surfing the net for a few good ideas. This one seems to fill the bill for sure.




Crawfish Andouille Fettuccini
Prep Time: 45 MinutesYields: 6 Servings
Comment:
Probably the two ingredients most associated with Louisiana cooking, crawfish and andouille, come together in this wonderful pasta dish. The light, smoky flavor of andouille adds the perfect touch to the fettuccini


Ingredients:
2 pounds crawfish tails, cooked
½ cup diced andouille sausage
1 pound fettuccini noodles, cooked
¼ pound butter
2 tbsps chopped garlic
½ cup diced onions
¼ cup diced celery
¼ cup diced red bell peppers
¼ cup diced green bell peppers
1 cup sliced mushrooms
½ cup diced tomatoes
¾ cup flour
1 quart crawfish stock or 1 quart water seasoned with chicken bouillon
¼ cup dry white wine
1 tbsp lemon juice
¼ cup tomato sauce
1½ cups heavy whipping cream
1 tsp chopped basil
1 tsp chopped tarragon
2 tbsps chopped parsley
¼ cup sliced green onions
salt and black pepper to taste
Method:In a heavy-bottomed 3½-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onions, celery, bell peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes and andouille. Sauté for 5 minutes or until vegetables are wilted. Sprinkle in flour and blend well. Whisk in crawfish stock, white wine, lemon juice and tomato sauce. Whisk well until all is blended. Bring to a simmer and hold for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add crawfish tails and cream. Return to simmer and cook 10 minutes. Add basil, tarragon, parsley and green onions. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and toss with pasta.



I'll just add my very own Angel touches to this one and it should make for a fantastic dinner with a green salad, and some whole wheat french bread.

Here's how I do a "speed up" on this long prep recipe! I learned early on in marriage-sometimes when you are under a time crunch you've got to look for a shortcut or two.

I'll omit the wine, mushrooms and tomatoes. Instead of the fresh veggies I may just opt for a package or two of seasoning blend found in the freezer aisle. I use PictSweet brand. It works out fine especially if you hate chopping as much as I do. I'll opt to not use the tomatoes or the tomatoe sauce and just throw in a small can of rotel, drained. Use the chicken bouillon in water instead of the crawfish stock( the sprinkle bouillon is great or remember 1 cube per cup) I always keep a jar of minced garlic in the fridge, so that cuts down on prep as well. I'll also add some grated Parmesan and Asiago cheese I keep on hand to the final sauce. A small block of velveta would push this over the top, but might not help if you are watching your diet. I'll use whole wheat fettucini instead of regular for a healthier option. Also if you not so crazy about crawfish you could throw in cubed chicken breasts and it would still be great.

While I am making the sauce I'll start the water to boiling, get the salad open and into the bowl so it can chill. As the sauce finishes up the girls will help me get the table set and were off to an easier night without so much work.


Hope that helps. Leave me a comment if you tried the recipe!

Also if you unload the dishes before you start cooking , just rinse and load directly into the dishwasher instead of throwing things into the sink while you are cooking. It takes sometime to form a habit of doing that but it really cuts down on clean up afterwards.

I'd really love to know who's lurking so drop me a comment and let me know you've been here. Just click on the pencil at the top of the post!

New Orleans art prints

I've been busy working on lots of little details with my art. I"ve taken a semi-sabbatical to refuel after my sickness a few weeks ago. Glad to report back that I am now able to get back into the studio comfortably without much pain as a side effect. The creative process comes in such and ebb and flow that at times it seems to make me unbearable. I wish I possessed more of an ability to focus and stay on task. I guess that is part of what makes me who I am though. I should be releasing my fine art prints on canvas within a few days. The quality of these giclees are phenomenal. I'll pop in a photo so you can see what they look like. If you haven't gotten to peruse my site yet, you can view my work here: New Orleans Paintings

Also my New Orleans website will reflect the added benefit of the rise in my art's value and collectibility. If you have collected my works in the last year or two the value of your pieces has almost quardrupled. Soon you'll be seeing a shift in the pricing of my originals. This will protect your investment and make it more valuable as each year passes. I plan to release between 6-10 new New Orleans originals that will be available to the general public via my site, and offer prints on canvas and giclees from these special edition collector's paintings. Then additional works will be available to my collector base via my special online sales to those who opt to sign up for my newsletter list. If you'd like to be notified of those special sales, just sign up in the box below.










Join Our Mailing List




Email:




Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Unordinary Creative Quotes


The photo above is from my abstract series. If you'd like to see more of my abstract work click here

I'm still feeling horrible. I think it must be the Cipro the Dr. put me on. I can't hardly stay up on my feet for more than 30 mins without feeling dizzy, weak and like I am going to throw up. So I've got to go back today for another visit. Which is great, I hate paying another co-pay, then undoubtly another round of antibiotics of some sort. I can't really think of much to say, so I thought I'd list a few of my favorite unordinary quotes about creativity.

Here is one of my favorites, Vincent is one of my favorite artist:


“I try more and more to be myself, caring relatively little whether people approve or disapprove.” Vincent Van Gogh

BE YOURSELF!

"When I am, as it were, completely myself, entirely alone, and of good cheer - say, travelling in a carriage, or walking after a good meal, or during the night when I cannot sleep; it is on such occasions that my ideas flow best and most abundantly.” Mozart

DARE TO EXPERIMENT
"Don't play what's there, play what's not there." Miles Davis

"If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head almost nothing." Marc Chagall

"There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly." Buckminster Fuller


"All profoundly original art looks ugly at first." Clement Greenberg

Here are a few neat things to help your creativity while you surf today:

http://www.creativityforlife.com/full_article.php?article_id=37

Here's a cool quiz for artists preparing their first portfolio:
See it here


Ok, well peace out. I've got to go lay back down for a bit.
Hopefully things will even out soon.

Monday, January 16, 2006

The joys of femininity


Well life the last few days here has been a real pain. It's been excruciatingly busy over the weekend. I finally got the huge birthday party for my girls planned, and excecuted. We did an amazing Race theme, with a scavenger hunt/race type 2 1/2 hour competetion. It took alot of work, and the kids all enjoyed it. We had 24 people racing and they all seemed to enjoy it. I have felt so odd all week, not exactly ill, but not well either. Then it hit around 3:30 Thursday afternoon. The dreaded UTI- I waited about an hour then headed in. There has to be nothing more miserable than that. So the Dr. put me on Cipro--which makes me feel so out of it. Then it is was off to get that party planned. Quite busy over the weekend. It was an exhaustive mindbending task, but it is one I hope the girls remember forever. My favorite part was boiling up the chicken feet for the oink / cluck challenge!
The kids had to transfer pickled pigs lips or chicken feet from one containter to another. It was gross!!!

Anyway, I have had my fill of cranberry juice for awhile. I don't think I could drink much more. It's really good for you though. Here is a little cranberry juice recipe that helped me get more of it down. The taste is ununusually addicting:
1/2 glass Northland Cranberry Juice (not the cranberry cocktail stuff, although it will work in a pinch)
1/2 glass Diet 7-up
1/2 green lime, squeezed into a glass.
Mix it all up and it tastes wonderful..very tart.

Well, I hope to be updating my website this week. I am trying to make a definitive decision on my new company and whether or not I should start it.
Who knows?
Today has been an official flop day---I so needed it. I'll go fix dinner then we will watch a movie or something.
Some days you just need to do nothing. Hopefully the rest will benefit my body.
Or at the very least my mind.

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Creativity Quote for the Day 1-11-05


I am going to be an artist! – I don't really know where I got my artist idea... I only know that by that time it was definitely settled in my mind.-Georgia O'Keefe

I've missed posting my art thoughts for the day. Any comments on that one? For me the quote above totally explains how I became an artist. A nuance from my childhood, an idea, or is it just who I am intrisically am?
Art is a phenomenal thing, and creating makes me feel so much closer to the Creator. I belive in divine guidance and I feel most at peace when I am painting. Even to the wee hours of the morning. I love it, it's invigorating and enlivening to me.

Time for a hair appointment.
Have a great day!

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Some days I just hate technology

Ugh!
This face lift is painful. I've spent way too much time today trying to figure this all out. I can't stand leaving things not right. I can't figure out why my images can't be seen from my new hosting company. Not coool and I am getting more frustrated by the minute..

ugggghhhhhh. Not to mention I have to totally relearn all the software to update my site now. Not good. I may have to back out with that 30 day moneyback guarantee if I can't get it together.

Working on a face lift for my blog

It's been a while since I posted. I am working on so many projects that I can't keep up with everything. Switching hosting companies for my sites, trying to update pages , catch up on orders. Then also my new business passion for my new cosmetic line and store are also consuming me. I've got to get in the studio today and finish up a special rush order so it will be on time. It's tough when people want handpainted originals on a 10 day timeline. I think this will be the last one I do, it's just too stressful. Can I get it done,yes of course. But it feels too much like work, and that just causes a strain on my artistic inspiration.
Stay tuned to see what is up with the blog..maybe I can get it all worked out here in a bit.