Quote 10-31-05, New Orleans Prints on Canvas to be available soon

Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better." André Gide

For those of you wondering what in the world has kept me from updating, well I've just been trying to get as much accomplished as possible lately. I've noticed I am picking up a few viewers from the Louisiana area that surf by on a regular basis.
That is cool--you could post a comment and say hi!;). The painting above has been chosen for the cover of the invitation to the art event. The theme is celebrate and rejuvenate--the most wonderful graphics team has gotten all the print material looking fantastic.I've been getting as much done as possible for my event in December. We have gotten most of the professional color corrected scans together for the printing of the run of prints, travel arrangements are being made, now we are on to the lighting issue, as well as packaging/displaying the originals. I've got 2 large originals finished--trying to decide how many to take. I've also been working on getting my giclee prints on mounted canvas available. Theser are going to be so neat! They are true pieces of art in themselves, and will be signed and number in runs of a limited amount. The gicless on canvas look so much like the original it is even hard for me to be able to tell from across the room. You can hang them on the wall just like an original painting, and the prices will be really great. So if you have wanted to purchase an original but couldn't afford it, now you can get the next best thing. I'll pop in with an annoucement when everything is running smoothly on my site.

I've also got to finish up a few commissions before we leave for our trip in a few weeks. Turning around yesterday, I realized the whole month of October flew by. I mean, honestly where did it go to? So I am on the downhill slide and need to be busy!

My daughters and I are also checking into the possibility of launching our own line of mineral makeup soon. I love it! So nice to be using something that is totally natural, feels wonderful and doesn't rag out your skin. So I've been frantic trying to decide the most important priorities first.!!! I've got to run into the booming metropolis of downtown to the post office in a bit so I'll cut it short for now...
By the way--it's going to be 77 here today-I guess we don't have winters anymore in Louisiana.

Inspiration from Kandinsky, Artist quote for 10-26-05

The artist must train not only his eye but also his soul.
Wassily Kandinsky

Heartsong, original painting by Angel Turner Dyke (me)2003

I've been working so much that my back is killing me. That is what happens when you are so caught up in your work that you forget to put on your shoes!! I painted for 6 hours straight yesterday barefoot. Then once I finally sat down, realized "I feel like I am dying!" Not so smart. I have been known to do dumber things at times.
Like one time, I sat in my paint. That was interesting.. the phone had rang so I ran to answer it, then thought I would take a break. I forgot I left my palette in my chair! Splat-- new trend in bodypainting. Anyway--it was funny. Atleast to me.

Well I am a bit behind on the stuff for scans so I need to get to work. I'll try to post more later. If you like the painting above you can check out my abstract site
Times a ticking so I am off to paint.

Peace and love mon amis!

Art Quote for 10-26

"I would much rather have regrets about not doing what people said, than regretting not doing what my heart led me to and wondering what life had been like if I'd just been myself."-Britney Renee

Yesterday was spent in a whirl of activity. I finished two paintings that were on a deadline for photo scans, business plans, filling out forms, emails back and forth. A little time spent on learning about more Google advertising, changing keywords and such. Now I need to rush into the studio and get 3 more finished so I can have good scans made to get the discount.

I've got my business plan in place and will soon be revamping my products and availability. Trying to move more into a main stream approach with my work, have more prints and giclees on canvas available so I can not work quite so hard. I've been lagging a bit!

OK, well off to snag a granola bar and a diet coke and into the studio. I'm trying to be better about my blog--updating takes time.

Coffee Art, Coffee Home Decor, Espresso Paintings

These 2 original Coffee paintings are available for purchase. They are huge! 3 x 4 feet each and I'd love to see them go to a coffee enthusiast or to a coffee shop. The colors are luscious and deep. Each painting is $300.00 but I would work on the price if someone wanted the pair. Email me--I need to make room in my studio for my works for the gala and have to make some room.

Christmas Gala, Quick update

I've been out of touch lately, as I have been working on getting my contract finished. I'll be flying out to Philadelphia for a print signing mid December at a large corporate Christmas party. It's quite exciting for me, and I think it will be a wonderful event. Of course I'll be donating to the relief effort with a portion of the proceeds. So I am busy working creating originals to take with me for purchase as well as tweaking everything with my printer. I may have to slow down on orders from my site until things get a bit less hectic.

There is alot to be done, so much that I've had to focus all my efforts on getting all my work lined out and accomplished. Which explains my recent absence from my blog. I'll try to continue updating more in the future.

10-21-05 Creativity Quote, random Ranting, New Orleans Paintings for Hurricane Relief

Don't think. Thinking is the enemy of creativity. It's self-conscious, and anything self-conscious is lousy. You can't "try" to do things. You simply "must" do things.
Ray Bradbury

I got all my shipping done, met with the new printer yesterday. I am excited to say that he does phenomenal work. The question is can I afford him? I want to branch out into the giclee on stretched canvas market soon. That will be really great for my customers as well as allow me to work on larger projects. So these developments are looking good as I expand my business.

I still have several great new orleans pieces available for my one day only sale. If you would like to check it out here is the link: WEBSITE
and to be taken directly to the available SALE ITEMS

Today will be spent working on a rush order for a special person. I've got to get busy here, so my post will be short..

Courage Quote 10-20-05, Boston Terrier Courage

If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream.

The Trumpet of Conscience--Martin Luther King, Jr.

Interesting things are happening right now with my career. It is exciting, yet a bit scary stepping into a greater exposure and realm with my art. I am so happy, yet I must be courageous. I'll be able to share more openly when the last formalities are completed.

On another note, today is shipping day. I'm heading into town to finish that up, taking in 6 paintings leaving my hands going to there new homes. Saying goodbye to my works is always a bit strange, because I become so involved with each piece as I create it.

Over all, today is a good day! I've got to hurry up though, lots to be done.

That photo is my boston, at about 2 1/2 months old--he broke his little leg, and to me this symbolizes courage--he was so young, and such a baby, walking on that leg took alot of effort. Isn't he just pitiful!

Don't let that Lizard Lose!

Is there anybody that can send me a quick tip on how to upload a Windows Media file on blogger? I don't know how!!! RATS!
OPps! The movie didn't work!

Art Quote October 19, Persistance with your dream, Yorkie determination!

If the going is real easy, beware, you may be headed down hill.
- unknown

A big shot is a little shot that kept shooting.
- unknown

No dreamer is ever too small; no dream is ever too big.
- unknown


My last few days have been very symbolic of the photo above. Peanut found a lizard between the screen and the window, and has been after him ever since. I had so many technical difficulties with my sale that were out of my control, my server crashed, files got deleted, then once everything seemed ok.. BAM! Out of no where I lose my internet for 24 hours. So it made my responses to inquiries impossible. I refuse to quit though! Hence the quotes for today are on persistance! I took a bit of movie of the lizard chase. If it can be uploaded, I'll try to get it on here!

Have a good day!

New Orleans & Abstract Art Online Sale Today at 10 am cst, Katrina Relief Art

Today is the big day! I've been working feverishly to get everything ready for the sale. If you haven't signed up and want to see what I am offering, need art, or want to help donate to a good cause, you need to sign up quickly. The email with the link will be sent out today at 8:45. If you don't get an invitation email me, and I'll send you a link personally. I am excited. My prints are on sale, I have New Orleans merchandise,and also a good lot of original paintings to offer. The New Orleans paintings are great, as well as some great stills and abstracts. I need to add one or 2 more I got finished with in the wee hours last night. I appreciate each of you, and you have made it possible for me to live my dream! Don't forget to sign up--or email for a link! ;)Don't forget a portion of all purchases goes to help hurricane relief.

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Art Quote for 10-17-05

"All my life I used to wonder what I would become when I grew up. Then, about seven years ago, I realized that I was never going to grow up.. that growing is an ever ongoing process."-M.Scott Peck

I've been so busy working this weekend I realized I hadn't updated. Seems as if some of you are regulars,dropping in consistently. Sorry! I'd love to get to know you all more, drop me a line and say hello. I have all my commissions from Sept. finished and 2 more to go. I plan on launching a big effort with my abstracts soon as well.

Everyone here feels a bit ill, the weather is changing so much. Not been getting much sleep, and I can feel it. More later today.

Online Art Sale, Katrina Relief Art New Orleans Art,

I've set the time for my online sale for this Monday, October 17th at 10 am cst. If you would like an invitation, you need to join my newsletter. I've got several new New Orleans paintings up for sale, prints, and if things work out just right hopefully some merchandise. I've also got a gorgeous set of  huge 3x 4 coffee paintings, and some funky abstracts. I'll be donating a portion of the proceeds to the Katrina relief effort. I am very close to my goal for donating. My prices will be good, and you can find some great deals. Email me for more details or to join the newsletter.

Just click below to be added.. Oh, it's like incredibly late and I have to paint all day tomorrow--actually all weekend. So I better get some sleep. 

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Art quote for 10-13-05, Dreams and Inspiration

photo by Icon Goddess

"Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true."

Ralph Waldo Emmerson

A friend from my Livejournal community makes the most incredible icons. I felt this one was the perfect companion to the quote above.

Dreams.. what is yours? It took me years to understand the why I was so restless inside, and felt like I never fit in with others. I was an artist, but had buried that dream under wanting the approval of others. It was in my early 30's that I realized I needed to go back to my childhood and find my dream. I remembered hours spent with notebook and paper, creating my own world of imagination and mystery. Recovering that sense of childhood as an adult was hard. I worked through an incredible amount of "baggage" to finally with God's help find healing and wholeness to pursue my dream. It takes much courage to follow your dream! Naysayers and dream killers abound-nurturers are few and far between! But it has been worth it. I guess the biggest joy of my being an artist is being able to bring a smile to someone, or convey joy that touches a life, lightens a burden and brings peace.

I found a great article on finding out your dreams, and how to follow them online this morning. I thought I would share it with you- Here it is: DREAMS

By now you have probably realized that I am a really big dreamer! That's good though, because until you can dream it you can't achieve it!
Now off to run errands,time for more canvases!

More Roadtrip madness

Getting creative, roadtrip inspiration

We got out into the fresh air last week and took a little road trip. It was fun, and we explored our country backroads. That is always helpful when you are dealing with block. It happens to all of us. We learned that our community is patriotic and also gives great advice when it comes to the handling the deceased--Check it out!

Art Quote for 10-12-05

Insist on yourself; never imitate. Your own gift you can present every moment with the cumulative force of a whole life's cultivation; but of the adopted talent of another, you have only an extemporaneous half-expression. That which each can do best none but his Maker can teach him."
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am ready to learn something new today! I can't wait to get in the studio, I am going to finish up a few things..then I am going to PLAY!
It's important to take risks and not get to settled in a rut of creativity. Yes, creativity can become a rut. How, you say? When it becomes safe, and easy. So today I'll work at trying something new.

Art Quote for 10-11-2005, Bronze Abstract Painting

Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.

- Henry Ward Beecher

I've got to hurry, I've got to go in and work today as a court interpreter. One of my many talents that most may not know about.. from my years living in Mexico I speak fluent Spanish.

The bronze painting is one of my most recent abstracts. I am available for commissions.. just email me if you are interested in a similar creation for your home.

Tardy on Quote of the Day.

"The artist needs but a roof, a crust of bread, and his easel. All the rest God gives him in abundance. He must live to paint and not paint to live."-Albert Pinkham Ryder

I feel as if I am quickly descending upon a crossroads of sorts. I must chose a path to follow, and yet each time I contemplate the decisions to be made in my life concerning my art, I am yet more confused. The time has come for me to narrow my vision, to focus my creativity. I want to harness the ability to work within one genre so I can excell. I do so love the variety of art I have worked at creating up until this point. Yet I must commit to something, or stay where I am at. If I could find a mentor, it would be most helpful. This has been a strange journey, yet an exciting adventure. Full of ups and downs, ebbs and flows. Empty yet full, the creative spirit is a restless one. I never seem satisfied for long,and have a hard time following through with my plans. I need an organizer, and a motivator.
Artistic rants are purging for the soul-- so indulge me from time to time.

It's late, and I've got to start keeping better hours. I'm so tired most of the time. It's hard to get things accomplished with all the actitivty we have going on right now.

But tomorrow is a new day full of unique opportunities to explore the reality of tomorrow..

but not tonight.. my head hurts. I am thinking too much!

Creativity Quote for the Day..10-7-2005

If we fail to nourish our souls, they wither, and without soul, life ceases to have meaning. The creative process shrivels in the absence of continual dialogue with the soul. And creativity is what makes life worth living.
--Marion Woodman

So, I think that today I'll nurture myself a bit, as I put in a very long 8 hour working day yesterday. That is alot for me! I'll be back a bit later to blog more.
But today is mine.. for me! The painting above is an original.. a self imposed autobiography through paint. One eye open to the world, the other closed to be true to the inner me.

Quote for 10-06-2005

The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to, and I paint whatever passes through my head without any other consideration. Frida Kahlo


That would just about sum it all up for me as well. Why am I obsessed with painting? That I do not know. I just know that if I don't, I feel as if the very air I breathe is being taken from my lungs. It is my essence, my core, the very soul of my being to be a painter. Until I realized and accepted that, I was very uncomfortable with myself. Creatives are quirky, difficult and at time maddening to those around them. For which I offer no excuses, nor an apology. For I must be who I have been created to be, if I deny my artistic bent I then divorce myself. I feel as if I must paint on a daily basis, almost just like needing to eat--I need to paint.

Hence the frustration that mounts if painting is not done, the sadness, the struggle.
I do take days off--at times I procrastinate. Chasing the muse is a very fickle relationship, delicate at best. Yet rewarding.

Homemade Granola Recipe

GRANOLA !!!!!
I spent the morning making me up another batch of my world Famous Peanut Granola. You can find the recipe here. I am just to lazy to retype it,and I am stalling about getting work done. So if you like granola, and want to make it yourself--go to the link above. It's really good, and not to hard. Just takes a bit of time, but worth it.

The added plus is your house will smell delicious.
I'm hungry and it's Wed. We have our girls lunch out to pizza and pinball on Wed.
That is the joy of homeschooling! oops, I told a secret.

Quote of the Day 10-05-05

Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.
Scott Adams


That is one of my New Orleans styled paintings, Jazz Club Rhythms. If you are interested in seeing more of New Orleans art, just click here.

working

Boston Terrier, Yorkie Terrorist!

I finally got a photo of the studio boys together.. they have been super rambunctious this week. Peanut ( yorkie) has gotten to be Mr. Vocal and barks all day long. It makes getting any work at all done. He loves especially to bark when I am on the phone, if it's business. I guess he feels like any noise might be a potential evildoer from the axis of terror, and he is superdog.
Check them out..aren't they cute?

Painting of Calla Lillies for Sale, Dreaming of You

This is the piece I finished last night, titled " Dreaming of You". This is a 18 x 24 on gallerywrapped canvas, sides painted black so you don't have to frame it. I am offering it for $175.00 shipping included to lower US 48 states shipped via Fedex ground. If you are international, email me for a quote. Here is how it works: I accept Paypal, or certified money orders. If you are interested in purchasing this piece, email me. If it is still available I will send you out a Paypal invoice, and all you have to do is follow the link to pay me. Once the varnish is dry, I'll ship it out to you. Simple and pain free! If you'd like to purchase this painting for a present, I'll personalize it: Sarah, Dreaming of You. (or the name you prefer)

I am really pleased with the way it turned out. It has a really glowing quality to it, simplistic and free flowing. This style reminds me of a cross between Matisse, and Cezanne. I hope to be doing more of these kinds of works.


I'll be offering my works via this blog before any other venue. So if you want to get a good deal, look here first. The cost of supplies keeps going up, and I'd rather not pay the fees on eBay unless I have to. Cutting out the middleman! ;)

Well, it's Amazing Race Night, so I need to go get supper (Southern for dinner) done so we can spend some family time.

It's been a really hectic day today, working on print orders and such. UPS sent back my first order of prints, showing I signed off to refuse them because they were damaged. UGH>> the brown truck never came here!! Sometimes I just want to punch somebody. Fedex is so much better in my opinion. Now my clients will have to wait a bit longer. If you recently ordered a print, I apologize. I promise to ship them just as soon as I get them in my hands.

Ranking up to 40 on BlogTop Sites

I just noticed my ranking on BlogTopSites is up to 40.. that makes me all giggly!!! Ok, I am on my way to the studio to take those photos--I had to make an unexpected trip to town to get passports for our family, and it took forever.

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Art Quote for 10/04/2005

To create one's own world in any of the arts takes courage.-Georgia O'Keefe
Image is by Georgia O'Keefe "Cottonwoods III," 1943


I think that is the most difficult part of art, constantly keeping yourself from getting comfortable with what is safe to you. For me safety is doing what I know I can do well, easily without having to involve my emotions in the creative process. If I don't intuit into what I am creating I feel like I have "ripped off" the work itself. That is why my art is so stormy at times, yet tranquil. I want people to be happy with the art, but at times you must create out of the blackness that surrounds you. It is then that you can truly create a work that can communicate to others.

Still Life with Calla Lillies completed

It's too late to take a photo but I finished this great impressionistic still life painting tonight. I'll put up photos in the morning and see if someone would like to purchase it. I'll be trying a little experiment and see if anyone is interested in the ability to purchase art directly from my blogs. Christmas is coming.. and art makes a wonderful present for someone you love. I love to personalize a work's title. That is a neat touch.

So, I am working on some very impressionistic/french looking stills for a while. I just needed to do something different to keep my work interesting. Photos coming in the morning, I promise.. Till then sweet dreams!

Oh,and if you are trying to keep up, Sign up for an email alert from Bloglet.. You'll recieve a daily email notifying you when I make changes.. The subscribe box is over to the right under my links! ;)

Ok.. photos tomorrow.

I'm painting

I'm back in the saddle. I picked up my brush and started painting my blues away. I feel better. Ok, quick little break then back to it.

Got a secret?

If you've ever kept a secret from the world, you are not alone. It was fascinating to look at all these postcards of secrets people have kept. Very interesting.

I've got a secret too, but I am not yet ready to divulge it. I would like to know who is reading my blog from Fairbanks..just send a comment and say hi! Please!

Well, I've got to find a few tools for creativity. Creativity is so fickle, the ebb and flow as my friend calls it can be elusive, and maddening. I must get through this dry spell.

Working on modern art today, along with finishing up the last of my New Orleans commissions. I promise they are almost done, all 6 of them.

Quote for 10/03/2005

The method of painting is the natural growth out of a need. I want to express my feelings rather than illustrate them. Jackson Pollock

Creativity Quote for 10/2/2005

One must also accept that one has uncreative moments. The more honestly one can accept that, the quicker these moments will pass. -Etty Hillesum





I am hoping mine will pass soon. It's depressing.

New Blog Quiz

You Are Balanced - Realist - Empowered

You feel your life is controlled both externally and internally. You have a good sense of what you can control and what you should let go. Depending on the situation, you sometimes try to exert more control. Other times, you accept things for what they are and go with the flow. You are a realist when it comes to luck. You don't attribute everything to luck, but you do know some things are random. You don't beat yourself up when bad things happen to you... But you do your best to try to make your own luck. You have a good deal of power, but you also know the pecking order. You realize that working the system does get you further. You know who to defer to and who to control. When it comes to the game of life, you play things flawlessly.

The Three Dimension Luck and Power Test

Feedburner, Be Jackson Pollock, and rants!

Ok, here it goes for the third time to try and post this! Ugh.. I keep hitting the wrong button and navigating away from this site when I go to publish. Sometimes I make myself so mad.

If you want to keep up with me, sign up for my Feedburner feed. The link is right over there on the right. It's easy..and if you have any problems getting my feed, please let me know so I can fumble along and get it fixed. I have a slower learning curve.. but I am nice, so that's a plus!

I found this neat little thing so you can try your hand at creating a Pollock masterpiece..
Alot of my collectors love my emotive art, that is influenced by Pollock. It's not nearly as easy as it looks.. you can have a big mess of nothing if you aren't careful. Check out my emotive works on my website!

My blog is moving up in the Top Sites ranking too! We've jumped from number 89 up to 53, the highest so far. It would be cool if it made it up to number one.. you can help me!

Ok, got to try this last time to get this posted, then out the door to live life today..

Art Quote for October 1st.

"For the truth is that I already know as much about my fate as I need to know. The day will come when I will die. So the only matter of consequence before me is what I will do with my allotted time. I can remain on shore, paralyzed with fear, or I can raise my sails and dip and soar in the breeze."--
Richard Bode


Which poses the question of "What should I do today?" Enjoy today, tomorrow isn't promised to us.