And the winner is......

I'm late announcing the winner because I was busy planning a baby shower for Saturday for a very special new mommy and daddy.

The winner of the "Name That Painting" give away is:

Winnie! She came up with so many names that I will have a new supply of titles to use for

future paintings. The winning title is:

"Traveler's Ease on Turtle Island"

(Is that original or what!)

The grand prize is four cards from my Esty store of her choice.

I had so many good titles to pick from that I've pick a second place:

Penny at Lavender Hill - Mossy Creek

Rose at Classic Charm - Buttercup Manor

These two lucky ladys will get a card of the painting with the title they chose. These will be painted sometime in the near future.

Now I'd like to introduce one of God's little blessings, baby Wyatt and his sweet mommy, Tammy.
We loved his name and we ran with it for the shower theme. The only problem was that the pictures of the decorations did't come out that well because of all the light coming in through the windows. The banner hanging in the window spells out his name on cowboy scrapbook paper. I realize that guns on a baby diaper cake might seem a little intimidating, but when your name is "Wyatt", we couldn't help ourselves. You can click on the photo to see a closeup.

Day Three of Give Away

Day three and titles are still coming in for this new painting. Remember, to enter you must scroll down to my "Give Away" post and leave your idea for a title for this painting. The winner gets to pick four blank cards from my Etsy shop. I will announce the winner on Friday. So, get your title in quickly.

The painting is finally finished! Maybe this photo will help those that are still having a difficult time with a title. I will be listing this painting on eBay on Sunday evening. It's been fun. Check back Friday to see who the winner is.

Step by Step Painting

Check out my previous post for the first three steps to painting windows.

Step Four: Using a #2 flat, I have floated gathers in my curtains with Heritage Blue in the right window. In the center window I've started painting the window pane lines by painting the center line first. Paint these lines with thinned Butter Cream and a 10/0 liner. In the left window, I've painted two lines above the center line and two below the center line.Step Five: Paint two vertical lines with thinned Butter Cream and a 10/0 liner. Click on this photo to see a closeup of the detail. In the closeup you can see that I've painted a thin line of Heritage Blue below each Butter Cream line and to the right of each pane line. This helps to separate the pane lines from the curtains since they are the same color.
Step Six: I've decided to add a couple other steps as a sample. Here I have painted the remaining windows and doorway with Butter Cream. Remember to use a brush that fits the area being basecoated. I used a #16 flat in the upper windows and a 3/4 inch wash brushes for the lower windows and doorway. It takes fewer coats of paint if you use a larger brush.
Step #7: On each side of the lower windows, I've painted the shutters with black using a #16 flat. For the upper floor shutters I used a #12 flat and black. Using thinned black paint, I outlined the upper edge of the doorway.

If you think you would be interested in blog classes as I mentioned in the previous post, please leave a comment.

This is where I'm at on this painting and should be finishing it up today. I need to add more landscaping and who knows what else. It always comes to me as I'm painting. In this photo you can see that I've started painting a small pond below what looks like a fountain. I'm seriously thinking about changing this to more flowers and the center item will become statuary. Remember, there are lots of choices and possibilities when painting. This is where your creativity really comes out!

Don't forget to enter my "Give Away" which ends Friday morning. Just scroll down to the "Give Away" post and give me a title for this painting.

Day Two of Giveaway

The titles for my new painting just keep rolling in. I'm pretty impressed with the creativity and I am a little concerned about making a choice. This could be harder than I thought!

If at some point before Friday you come up with another title and your already entered, you can do it again. Enter as many times as you want because this contest is based on the title and is not a random drawing.

I've been an art instructor for over 25 years and dearly miss it. But, I don't want to begin traveling again. So, here is an idea that I'm just going to throw out there. I'm thinking about teaching online classes through a private blog where you would need a password to enter. I will have to figure out the price to charge and the details, but I love step by step photos. I'm not sure about a video. I've written four instruction books and hundreds of pattern packets and I'm very good at detailed instructions. I just need to know if there is any interest out there before I go to all this trouble. So, if you are interested or have any ideas or suggestions, leave me a comment on this post.

Below are some step by steps just to give you an idea.

Supplies are an important part of learning to paint. I prefer a paper disposable palette suitable for acrylic paint. Loew-Cornell brushes are my favorites and I have been using them since I first picked up a brush. These are a few that I've used in this painting.
Delta Ceramcoat acrylic paint is my paint of choice. There are a few colors in other brands that I use, but I prefer the texture of this paint.
Step One on painting windows: Base the windows with a brush (#16 flat) the width of the windows using Butter Cream. This may take 2-3 coats.
Step Two: Shade (float the color) a fraction of an inch in from the edges at the top and bottom of the window with Heritage Blue using a #6 flat. This will be the shading on the curtains, which separates it from the window facing.
Step Three: Shade in from the edges on the left and right side as in the window on the right with Heritage Blue and a #6 flat. Now, all four sides have been shaded. I realize you don't really need to shade the bottom because as you can see it will be painted over with black eventually, but this gives you a guide as to where the bottom edge should be. Looking at the center window, you can see that I've started painting the inside area of the window below the curtains with black and with a #4 or #6 flat. In the left window the lower area is completely basecoated with black. Painting a window in this manner gives the painting a smoother finish with fewer ridges.

Giveaway!!!

I was going to do a give away on my 100th post and it simply got away from me. Between Easter, planning a baby shower for a wonderful couple, and work (painting), I guess I let it slip by.

To sign up for this give away leave me a comment with your idea for a title for my new painting that's in progress. (Photo in progress below) Many of you have seen my paintings before and know what kind of titles I use. Such as:

The Village of Stoney Point

Pleasant Point Village

Daffodil Lane

Heritage Grove

Candy Cane Cove

You get the idea. You can be as creative as you want. Feel free to stray from this type of title if you have a better idea. I will post another picture as I complete the painting. But, you don't have to wait until the painting is finished if a title should pop into your head. The most creative title wins!

The prize is a set of handmade, signed, blank notecards. You will be able to go to my Etsy shop and pick four different blank cards, your choice. After the winner makes their choice, they can email me with their selection. I will notify the winner on Friday and will leave a comment on Friday's post. I will be listing this painting on Sunday evening and the winning title will be on the listing. Good luck!

Happy Easter!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Easter!

Turtle Doves

This morning my favorite birds were sitting on the top of the dog kennel and their profile looked like a large heart. I ran to get my camera and only had one chance to get this shot. I love sitting out on my deck with my morning coffee listening to the gentle cooing of these wonderful birds.

The auction for these cards ends tomorrow night, Thursday March 20th, on eBay. I also offer them individually on esty.

Check out Sydnei's blog, Simply Sentimental, where she showcases items that she finds on Etsy. This week she mentioned my Etsy shop in her blog. Thanks Sydnei!

The Anticipation of Spring

I am really looking forward to getting out in my yard and playing in the dirt. This time of year I just can't wait for the garden centers to open.

This little fairy garden is just inside my back gate. I just love this pink columbine with the pleated petals. I'm so excited to see if it comes back this year.Last year we lost this beautiful red leafed redbud tree. We had a terrible late spring frost and lost several things. But, losing this tree was devastating to my shade garden. I had to move a lot of these hostas to different locations. We have replaced it with a weeping cherry tree so I'll be curious to see it bloom this spring.
This is my garden a little later in the summer with blooming cone flowers and black eyed susans. Cleome always selfs seeds everywhere in my garden too.

I've added more new cards to my eBay auctions and Etsy store so stop by!

Every Friday morning I start my day by paying bills. Even though this is not a fun job, I love my little bill paying area, which makes this task more enjoyable. The morning sun shining through this window gets me in the right mood for the day. The little dish of dark chocolate M&M's also makes it a lot more fun! I don't know why I feel the need to share my little chocolate perks with the world!!

Yes!! My canvas's arrived as I was busy writing out checks. I've been out of canvas for several days except for these large 18" x 24" ones. I've put off using these long enough. Therefore, here is a peek at the beginning of my next eBay painting.

Primrose Cottage Folk Art Painting

Today is one of those days where I can't seem to get out of my pajamas and get dressed to meet the day. I'm sitting here in the most horrendous flannel pajamas. The pants are way too short and look extremely lovely with socks and house slippers. I sure hope no one comes to the door!

Anyway, here is my newest painting that I listed on eBay last night. I've also added items to my Etsy Store that you might want to check out.

Miss Lamb lives in Primrose Cottage and teaches kindergarten in the local village. She puts flowers from her garden in a vase on her desk for all the children to enjoy. During summer vacation she knits little mittens, hats, and scarves for her students. She is also known to give out sweet hugs and homemade cookies. Little Joey told her one day that she smelled like a cake. She just smiles because she knows it’s her vanilla lotion. Smelling like a cake isn’t all that bad!

Hill Crest Island Folk Art Painting

A little painting finally got finished today and I had a great time with it. I find that if I stick to my usual style, I'm a lot happier with the outcome. I've been straying lately thinking that I would like to try something different. There is always this fear in the back of my mind that I won't be able to come up with another idea for a painting. Sometimes I start a painting with the direction in mind and then half way through, it will go a completely different direction. Below is the result of today's ideas which is now listed on eBay .

I forgot to post this yesterday so I thought I'd share it now:

Monday is cleaning day around here and when I first went into my bedroom with the vacuum this is the "sweet" sight that I saw in my chair. The sun was shining in on them and they were snuggled up all warm and cozy. I really would love to be a cat and curl up in the sun.

This is the look I got when I turned on the vacuum.

and More New Cards....

I've been working on notecards lately while waiting for canvas to be delivered. You can check out this set of cards on eBay. I will continue to add new cards each week to my auctions. This little rest from painting was much needed and hopefully many more new ideas will "spring" forth with the new season!

More New Folk Art Cards on eBay

I've added another new set of cards to my auctions and have many more to come. Opening bid is only .99 cents. The first set seems to be doing quite well and I appreciate the bids! Keep watching for your favorites.

Blank Folk Art Cards

Tonight I listed a set of four folk art cards on eBay. These are digital images that are mounted on 5 inch x 5 inch cards and enhanced with photo corners. A little glitter has been added to the snow in the winter scene. They would be great framed. The beginning bid is only .99 cents (for all four) so check this auction out!

I added some collage items to the painting below and relisted it on eBay this evening as well.

Ruth, a local artist, travels the world selling her paintings. She lives in this funky Italiante house in Tulsa, Oklahoma where she dreams of living life fully. Upon visiting family in Italy, she fell in love with the countryside and came home and immediately planted two cypress trees. Visitors to her home and studio pass between two weeping potted rose bushes as you mount the brick stairway to the entrance. Charming lace curtains greet you at the door and tassels adorn valances in the windows. A black grosgrain ribbon with white stitching is attached below the black and white checkerboard sidewalk. Collage items such as a postage stamp from Italy, photograph of Ruth, postmark from Tulsa, house numbers, etc. add to the charm of this antiqued painting.