"Derby Time"

Living in central Kentucky, one quickly comes to realize....Derby madness is alive and well. I live in the heart of horse country, surrounded by some of the most beautiful farms imaginable. Barns nicer than many homes. Horses that earn their owners hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single day from stud fees.

Do I ride horses or know anything about them?

No.

Other people have animals that make them money.

I, on the other hand, have Eddie.

The closest I get to anything horsey would be painting silver shiny things (does that count??) So it seemed fitting in this moment of horse mania that is the Kentucky Derby, to showcase the painting "Truth", which sports the famous mint julep cup. That's as close to a horse painting you are likely to see coming from me...:)

This painting is quite large (24 x 30) compared to my blog paintings. It is loosely painted, but looks "tighter" when shrunken down to photo size--one of the things that happens online and in magazines to larger works. If you would like to see a little larger version, click here.

Happy Derby Day!

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"Shindig at Frames on Main.."

Me and Bobby McG....I mean Shiflet...:) Friday night in Paris at the artwalk was a blast--per usual. Bobby is the owner of Frames on Main and an incredible photographer as well as an awesome host. I know Bobby likes me 'cause he is letting me have two workshops at his place, again...after we crowded him out of his own space last year! I got to see old friends and made new ones.

Artist Mary Louise Dean and her hubby, Woody, with owner Bobby the Great.

Some sweet music was made by the likes of Dale Pyatt (aka "Greasy Chicken"). Original songs with distinct country bluegrass flair, hot pickin', mandolin madness!

Here I am chatting it up with new friend, Kathy Werking. Kathy is Kentucky Green and had beautiful artful jewelry along with Bourbon and Mint Julep Handmade Soaps (I got both!)

When you put art, music, food and people together---you always have a winning combination!

I just put together No. 13 of my email newsletters. If you haven't signed up yet, you can

click here and do so now. Signing up automatically puts your name in the drawing each month for a chance to win one of my petite paintings. I am heading to California this week--who knows what I will get into. But you can bet I will tell all in my blog..:)

Also, I now have a "like" page (as opposed to "crazy about this person" page) on Facebook. I have started some discussion there and would love to hear your thoughts. The one I have up at the moment is this: "What is the biggest limiting thought you have concerning your ability to be a successful artist?" Search under The Art of Dreama Tolle Perry on Facebook. Or you can comment on the blog as well, if you like.

Well, off to the studio. Remember paint always dries as to where it is located and how quickly you need it to dry. On palette in big globs...will dry overnight. Needing thin coat on painting to dry for show......weeks into months. I really think oil paint is alive and has a perverse sense of humor, just like Eddie.

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"Ballatio with Flowers" SOLD

"Ballatio with Flowers"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

Scenes like this ballatio (small balcony) with flowers in Italy never fail to bring a smile to my face. It's hard not to try and imagine what's going on just inside the doorway.....laughter or love, hopes or dreams, playing out like stories already told---in centuries old buildings that have housed many other stories before the ones now blossoming there.

What would my life be like if I lived there?

What would your life be like? How would you spend your days?

This particular little balcony has an ocean view.....I will leave the rest of the story up to you.

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"De'jeuner Amongst the Roses" SOLD

"De'jeuner Amongst the Roses"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

The French love flowers. I love to eat. Is that a perfect match or what??

Actually I love flowers too. And I love to paint them. If I could just figure out how to be in France, painting flowers, while eating some pastries.......you know.....

multi-tasking.

In other happenings.....a really helpful book is just coming out on building an online business...and it's free, at least for the moment. It is being promoted by Jack Canfield of the Success Principals. You can download it for free. Here is link for those of you interested (turtles, you know who you are...:) I did a speed look at it and already found some helpful ideas.

And one more thing. Take some time today for yourself. Even if it's for just 5 minutes. Get quiet and listen intently to your inner voice. You will be amazed at how refreshed you will feel. It will be the best part of your whole day....:) I know you have 5 minutes. Just close your eyes and let you mind and heart take you away. You are loved. You are safe.

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"A Taste of France...." SOLD

"A Taste of France..."

6 x 6in, oil on museum quality panel

$150

This sweet little place offers up boissons (drinks) for refreshment while thirsty eyes drink in the surroundings! I'm in this painting. Just inside the door with a cool drink in my hand. Is that you I see across the room?? Well, for the love of pete (l'amour de pete) come on over and sit with me....:)) How in the heck have you been??

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"Just One French Window...." SOLD

"Just One French Window..."

6 x 6in, oil on panel

$150

They say the first step in getting help is admitting you have a problem. Well, I am admitting I have a fixation on windows. Especially French windows. However, I am just gonna go ahead and say it. I don't want your help. I can handle this. I am still in control. Just a window a day. That's all. Well, on a day I am feeling nervous, maybe a window and half. But that's it. Seriously. Okay. If you see me post two window paintings in one day, then call for help.

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"One Day Art Business/Motivational Workshop--Lexington, KY"

With a whole "book" of stuff to cover and some break away exercises, Saturday's workshop flew by! I have already had some really nice feedback from the workshop (thanks so much!) and it just thrills me. It was a lot of work getting all the information together, but I loved doing it and I loved sharing it. I have to say it 'cause it's so true. I am doing everything I love to do and I feel so lucky. The artists at this workshop were such beautiful people, all open to new ideas and looking for the best ways to move ahead with their dreams. I love it when people are excited about growing and learning. Somehow I always end up with the nicest bunch of people to be with and this workshop was no exception. Here's a few photos from the day.

And even Eddie scored well for the day.....Ed the potter brought Eddie the cat a can of tuna......

All in all--it was a full, satisfying day. The Artist Toolbox tools are now in the hands of a bunch of motivated artists...:)

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"Eddie, Me and Hemingway"

Wow....you know you've gone too long between posts when your sister calls you to make sure you're okay...:)

So in the interest of not having an all- points bulletin put out on me, thought I would post tonight to say....er actually at 2:45 AM! For pete's sake, when I am writing or painting I lose ALL concept of time!

At any rate, as I was saying before I realized what time it was, I wanted to let you know

A) I am fine.

B) I have been holed up writing like Ernest Hemingway---except he had 25 cats and I have Eddie. Actually, I think that probably makes us even. Eddie has enough attitude for 25 cats. He just doesn't have enough toes (Ernie's cats were known for having an extra toe--a little factoid for you--not sure how you can work that into a conversation today to impress your friends but you're clever, I am sure you will think of something.)

Now what have I been writing you may ask. Or maybe you don't care. But it's my blog so I'm gonna tell you either way. I get paid the same so it doesn't really matter to me. I have this awesome, fantastic, mind-bending, cutting-edge, highly intensive motivational/business one day workshop I am teaching this Saturday, April 10 in Lexington, KY. I am like a woman possessed compiling all the stuff that I intend to cram in the brains of those who are brave enough to show up.

Are you one of the brave, the tough, an ARTIST?

Can you handle the TRUTH?

Can you eat PIZZA?

Well, if you can answer "Yes" to at least one of those questions you qualify for my workshop. And there is time to sign up.

Check out my video here. (Scroll down to the April 10th workshop)

Read further on it here

Or maybe you just go ahead and do it while you have your nerve up....

$95 (I am only keeping $90 of that. Eddie is now charging $5 an hour for modeling fees. You knew it was bound to happen.)



Or just call me and tell me to save you a spot....:) (859) 509 -9694

Miss you guys! I should be back to my regular painting and posting this week.

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