Still smiling…and doing lots of painting!

I’m still here! I’ve spent a lot of this year finding my path, trying new things, and meeting some new people (including one very special one). As the year wraps up, I find things are coming together. This year has been an adventure…one I wouldn’t trade for anything! I have grown and learned so much both personally and professionally and I didn’t go broke doing it.

This year I got my feet wet as I dove into my business and left the corporate world behind. Yes, I floundered a bit but that was expexted. I have gained many new clients and repeat clients (LOVE that)! I’ve done murals and faux finishes, drawings and carpentry…and lots of furniture! I was pursued by a new vintage store opening up and with a little negotiating, landed a great deal for a space in their store for my painted furniture and other items. There’s been delays in the store opening but hopefully the store will be open and in full swing by the New Year! I plan to continue to grow and expand and have lots of tricks up my sleeve for the coming months so stay tuned!

I’ll try and share more often as I settle in to a routine and my new life. In the meantime, here are some of this year’s projects:

Bathroom redo “Before” & “After”: Room updated with painted cabinets and a custom mirror frame

Mural accents in a little girl’s “Princess” room: Painted shutters and a window box

Custom Painted Furniture: Coffee table “Before” & “After”

Kitchen redo “Before” & “After”: 3 Dimensional Faux Stonework done with paint and plaster

Newest Belly Cast

Here is my latest belly cast:

Blue & Bronze Metallic Belly Cast

Blue & Bronze Metallic Belly Cast

I was asked to bring in a photo album and business cards to Destination Maternity where the cast was made so I’m hoping it will bring a little more business my way ~ fingers crossed.

This and That

Here are my articles from the last week and a half:

Young Rembrandts: Children’s art classes ~ This is the company I teach my art classes for!

West Valley artist profile: Edward Dennis ~ Another great West Valley artist!

…And I finished the lower cabinets in the kitchen and I’m ready to start on the top. Here’s a pic:

My Kitchen Cabinets

 

This weeks articles…and a very cool face cast!

Here are this week articles:

West Valley places to see: Glendale ~ Glendale has SO many great places to see year round. I took my daughters to the Bead Museum last week. It was very cool.

West Valley artist profile: Jim Bryant ~ Self-taught illustrator with a long, successful career!

Belly and body casting: a new design trend ~ The belly casts are always cool but other cast options are also available. Here’s one of a little boys face:

Face-in-the-Hole ~ Donation for Peoria PD/Relay For Life event

 I was asked to paint this for the Peoria Police Department to be used at the Relay For Life event as part of their fundraiser. It will be saved and used for future events also.

I also walked the relay with my daughter’s and my youngest’s girl scout troop. We had a good time for a good cause.

Superstition Mountains, Acrylic on canvas, finished

 

I added just a few more highlights and deeper shadows. Complete and ready for sale. $175

Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction, AZ

The Superstitions – Acrylic on Canvas – done, for the most part

Ok, after being away last week, I finally got back to this. For the most part, it is done. However, I usually look at it a for few days and go back to fix a few little things before I really call it done. So, feel free to tell me what you think and thanks for being so patient. Now, I need to decide what to paint next.

Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction, AZ

What’s on my easel con’t. – sort of

 

OK, so I didn’t touch the canvas today. I received an order for a birth-announcement tile. Of course I didn’t have any tiles on hand so I had to go pick some up. It’s for a baby boy and I was told to do whatever theme I want. I guess I’ll do a new design but I’m not sure what yet. I don’t know the parents ( a friend is buying it) so I don’t want to do sports, any ideas?

Sample Tile

 

 

I’m also trying to get paperwork done for a part-time job teaching after school drawing classes for elementary schools through Young Rembrandts. Tomorrow, I have to go get fingerprinted for a background check. I’m looking forward to the classes. I’ll have 2 classes at my daughter’s school and I know alot of the kids.

And back to those mountains. Here’s a picture I took of them about 13 years ago with my old 35mm camera. The mountains look a little washed out. I should go get some more pics but it’s about an hour drive. I don’t think I’ll be heading there any time soon.

Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction, AZ

What’s on my easel part 2

Here’s where I’m at. I painted out the foothills yesterday and started them over. I didn’t get very far though. I also need to make some decisions on the foreground before I go much further.

Work in Progress

What’s on my easel

I am currently working on a painting of the Superstition Mountans located in Apache Junction, AZ. I have a lot going on right now so it’s been slow going. I’ll try to post a picture tomorrow of my progress. Maybe that will light my fire to get it done.