I'm Still Here!

It is hard to believe that it has been almost 2 months since my last post. I don't even have the excuse of being too busy although I did have a cold/cough/flu thing for about 3 weeks and that really put a damper on things.

The Wynndel Christmas Craft Fair was quite successful for me; good sales and a few people signing up for quilling lessons. I also had a few sales at a local Christmas Pop-up store.

I haven't done a lot of painting but I did manage to get a few things done.

#1061 Soft Tones Poppy

#1062 - Into the Light

These paintings were actually just done to try out some new products; Soho Urban Artist acrylic paints and a Mimik Creative Mark brush. I ordered a number of things from a new (to me) company and received a number of 'gifts' with my order. How cool is that?

I decided to frame another of my painted feathers as people seem to prefer them that way.

#1063 - Hummingbird with Fuchsia

I figure the feathers look better with a bit of a background so I added the painted bird and some sky colour. This was a good move as the piece sold!

My final painting of 2017 was supposed to be part of a gift exchange at the Creston Art Club's Christmas party. Unfortunately, I was too sick to go.

#1064 - Northern Lights - 8 x 10 acrylic

But, now it is time to look forward to 2018 and I am starting off with the Liberate Your Art Postcard Swap. You can check it out on the Facebook page - LYA Facebook

I have many cards of my paintings already made and it is very easy to turn some of them into postcards so I was able to get my package off in the mail early. I won't share my cards but I figure I can share my envelope.

The postcard swap is a fun way to connect with artists from all over the world. Why not give it a try?

I have also signed on to do the 30 paintings in 30 day challenge hosted by Leslie Saeta. The challenge will be in February this year and - I hope future years too as I think it is a better time than January. Find out about the challenge here - 30/30

So, it looks like I am finally getting my act together and doing some art - at least I am planning it - lol.

Thanks for stopping by and please leave a comment.

Way too Busy!

That is what September has been like - way too busy!

It started off with the last day of the Saturday Afternoon Summer Art Market. The market was a mixed success; some people did well and others did little or nothing. Visitor numbers were disappointing averaging about 15 each Saturday. I think there were a number of factors that contributed to the low numbers - time of day, morning would have been better - the weather, it was way too hot all summer and - the smoke, for much of the summer the valley was filled with smoke from fires near and far. Well, we tried and might try again next year - who knows!

The following weekend The Creston Art Club had its Annual Fall Show and Sale. Of course, I forgot to take photos as I seemed to be busy whenever I was there. I was lucky enough to sell a few things including one of my painted feathers.

I also sold a small painting that was done during January's 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge.

#981 - Train Coming - 5 x 7 watercolour

I had a nice visit with the lady who bought my painting and I told her and her sisters all about my Watercolour Painting Parties. That worked out really well as she and one sister came yesterday to my first party of the fall.

Sherry and Holly with their Lighthouse Vignettes

Eileen and Barb with their Vignettes

It was a small group (which I am beginning to think should be the norm) and, except for Eileen, none of the participants have painted for over 30 years. I think they were all surprised at how well they did. Holly commented that she hadn't planned on framing her painting but after seeing it completed and matted she said "I think I will frame it after all". How is that for a review?

So the month is nearly over and there still isn't time to relax. I am going to have to start cleaning up the gardens and flowers this week. I am also going for cataract surgery and then, I will be ending the month with another Painting Party.

H'mm - I wonder what October will bring!

Half Way Through

It is hard to believe that we are half way through the summer - where has July gone?

I look back and don't feel that I have accomplished much this month. I feel that I have been very busy although I am not sure with what! I have spent a fair bit of time taking care of my flowers because it has been so hot. I have also been busy with the Saturday Afternoon Summer Art Market; planning what to take, organizing other artists and artisans and trying to promote the venture.

I have painted a few more turkey feathers and figured out a couple of ways they can be displayed. And, here is a picture of one of the visitors who leaves feathers behind for me to paint.

The framed feather and the one in the stand are examples of how people can display the feathers - I think both look good.

I also managed to get a quilled piece done and was lucky enough to get a request for it the first day I posted it on Facebook. It will soon be making its way to Australia to a cousin-in-law.

#1045 - Pastel Hummingbird

The warm weather has really increased the fire hazard in our province and there are a number of fires burning although nothing too close to us. However, the smoke from fires hundreds of miles away still makes it way to our area. That, plus the threat of fire has, I believe, kept tourism down. I am keeping my fingers crossed that August will be a better month with more visitors and more sales - and cooler weather.

I would love to see your comments and how is your summer going?

Just Too Hot!

That is what I am going to blame for the low numbers at the Saturday Afternoon Summer Art Market. It is too hot! People either head for the lake or they stay home and try to keep cool.

Once again we had 6 vendors and just a few more visitors - lol. Because of the heat my "Cool Ties/Hot Weather Scarves" sold pretty well - mostly to the other vendors as we all needed something to combat the 36 C (about 98 F) temperature.

Here are a few photos of the market:

We are all hoping for cooler weather for the rest of the summer but either way I know I will be at the market every week, hoping for more sales. I did sell a painting today - one of my painted feathers sold to a fellow Art Club member.

Raccoon on a turkey feather

I can only wish that paintings sold as well as these novelty items. Oh well, I don't paint for profit but for enjoyment but it would be nice if the two went together.

Have a great weekend where ever you are!

Left Behind

The other day one of the wild turkeys that visit our yard left a gift behind. Now, turkeys often leave things behind and most of the time we do not appreciate the 'gift' and we have to watch were we walk - lol. But this time I was pleased.

There was a perfect tail feather on the lawn. Turkeys often leave the odd wing feather but the large tail feathers are not as common. Anyway, I picked it up but just couldn't throw it away. So, I painted on it!

Hummingbird and Morning Glory

I was so pleased that I went searching through my stash of feathers and found a few more that were large enough to paint.

Valley scene

Raccoon

I am hoping that these will sell well at the Saturday Afternoon Summer Art Market tomorrow. And, I am hoping that more feathers get left behind when the turkeys visit.