"Light Hearted in France" SOLD

"Light Hearted in France"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

Hmmm....talk about heart healthy..a stress free jaunt in France...that should do it!  If it looks like one of the roses is missing here, it's because you just cut one to tuck  behind your ear (after first having buried nose in said rose and inhaling deeply)  before you headed off to class--it helps when you're local to speak the language...:)--no one said it hurt if the teacher happened to be cute as well.

Of course, listening to Stacey Kent's Raconte Moi helps put you in the mood....to learn the language of course. 

And in other news:

• 
  
  Carol Marine, one of the most well known of the daily painters and a super artist and lady will be our guest this Thursday, July 1st, 12 noon EST,  on Artists Helping Artists blog radio show.  We have lots to talk with Carol about and will be opening the phone lines for all your great questions and comments!  Check sidebar on my blog for details on calling in.  Remember--the shows are recorded as well for later listening.  Please help spread the word to your fellow artists about the show--Thanks!
• 
  
  Leslie Saeta and I have been having some awesome discussions via phone on how to make our September workshop an unforgettable, extreme learning experience.  I am learning things from Leslie about color and how to make your work have it's own signature look--and that's just with talking to her--just think of getting to see how she lays the paint down with the knife!  Stay tuned as we are each going to have a video addition on our sites to give you more information on what we plan to cover in this workshop set.  Click here for more info
• 
  
  And another thing--a bit of an unusual request.  But no one as ever accused me of being...usual.  Romiley Jack took my women's artist retreat back in the spring.  Romiley is an artist without brushes....she's an actress!  She has sent in her audition tape to "host your own show" that Oprah is sponsoring.  We can vote on our favorite.  Romiley is one of us--a generous, talented, lovely human being---and who doesn't like to see good girls win??  Here is the link to see her video audition and to vote.   Let's be part of pushing her to the top! (hint, you can vote more than once..:)
• 
  
  And, the pressure is building --- people are wanting to see paintings of Eddie.  I am hoping these are genuine requests and not something Eddie has engineered....so if he agrees to model, I will be adding a painting or two of Ed to the mix.  Just a heads up in case you are a fan of Eddie's.  He tells me has fans.  He also says he doesn't shed.....

Pin It

"Connected" SOLD

"Connected"

12 X 12 , oil on museum quality panel

The title of this painting captures my feelings well.  Some people in your life bring much joy by staying connected to them.  No matter the years, no matter the geography.  I did my gig as main stage artist at the Harrodsburg Festival of Books and Arts and got to spend time with two of my favorite kids (well, they were kids when I first knew them!)  Ron Browning and Goldie Goldsmith (brother and sister).  Those of you who have been in my workshops have heard Ron play via my CD.  He is big in spirit and talent and I consider him a real gift in my life.  And Goldie is equally as awesome (and funny...:))!  I talked Goldie into letting me demo and present my book off to the side of the stage so people could get a better look at the process.  Tricia Ferrigno helped me out by asking questions during the demo portion (thanks Tricia..:)  We had a great time, I held a drawing to give away a painting and a book---and  two of the most precious people won.  I always leave experiences like this so full and grateful for all that life offers up in each moment.  Thanks to each of you that came out and braved the heat...:)) It was my treat to see your faces from my vantage point..:))

The demo (managed to get big glob of cad orange under my index finger right off the bat...)

This young lady didn't act like the heat was a problem at all..:))--kept her cool and won my book!

I don't think the winner of my petite painting got to keep it very long--his wife moved in and took it over pretty quickly...:)  And my helper on the right drew the winning names (face painting was cute, I was tempted to get mine done, but pretty sure it would have slid off in the heat....)

My childhood friend, Ron Browning.  Ron is a consummate jazz pianist and vocal coach (his credits include Wynonna Judd and Patti LaBelle) but the best part is he is just one incredible big- hearted guy...:)

 Take a minute and think of three people in your life that have made your life so much richer by their presence .  Feel free to share it on my blog comments.  It makes all of us richer the more we are aware of the abundance and good that is everywhere...:)))

P.S.  Eddie thinks he is on every one's special people  list.....I'm not going to be the one to tell him any different. 

 I have to live with him you know.

Pin It

"A Very French Welcome" SOLD

"A Very French Welcome"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

I found the perfect spot to sit and sun and eat and  talk.  Even Eddie likes it--although he just slipped inside the open door to check and see if the the fish is fresh...

There's room for two on the bench.  I thought it looked so....well, welcoming!  Like, hello friend, sit awhile and soak up the good things in life.  Plenty of  fresh air, incredible colors, and most of all---shared laughter amongst friends to go around.  I'll save your spot...:)) 

Pin It

"Italian Hideaway"

"Italian Hideaway"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

It's Friday.  And I am thinking you are needing a place to get away .  Somewhere where no one knows your name and you can sleep as late as you want and stay up as late as you want and eat what you want.  It's on a side street,  a bit off the beaten path but an easy walk to the corner market to pick  up fresh chevre and some home-made  olive oil to dip your bread in.   There's some great Merlot and lemoncello in the cabinet so help yourself.  My only tip is---don't tell anyone where you're going. Especially if his name starts with an Ed and ends with a 'tude.  Dude with a 'tude.  That's all I'm sayin'.

Pin It

"Plan A...Italy" SOLD

"Plan A....Italy"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

Risk everything. Plans B, C, D, and E will always be there.  Grab plan A. 

                                                                             ~Jacquelyn Mitchard

My plan A is Italy.  Plan B is France.  Care to join me?

• 
  
  Listen in Thursday, June 24, Artists Helping Artists blog radio.This week's guest? Randy Higbee of King of Frames fame, next week's guest? Carol Marine.  12 noon EST--check sidebar on my blog for number to call in and to listen to past recordings.  I and co-host Leslie Saeta will be opening up the lines for real conversations between real artists...that's you!
• 
  
  I am warming up my brushes and pipes for a painting demo and presentation on the inspiration for the body of work, Let There Be Love... .  Main stage,  4 pm at Harrodsburg Festival of Books and Arts.
• 
  
  It's Time! 1 Day Workshop on Taking Control of Your Art Career--Pasadena, Ca, Sept 26, 2010  (Leslie and I have learned so much to share in this past year--and we are delivering the best at this workshop...:))
• 
  
   3 Day Oil Painting Workshop with Captivating Color, Expressive Painting--Pasadena, CA, Sept  23-25 with me and Leslie--full of  instructor demos, paint along demos, jam session musical easels, and extended evenings of gourmet meals and fireside chats on the artist's life.  This is going to be a totally immersive and inspiring workshop experience.  Can you tell I am excited??!!

Pin It

"Bicylette Francaise" (French Bicycle) SOLD

"Bicylette Francaise"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

Don your comfy clothes. Put on your favorite hat and stylin' sunglasses---and get ready to ride!!  Meet me at the patisserie and we"ll grab a few things to stick in our picnic basket.  It's a perfect day for coasting the French countryside..:)) 

Eddie says he can hardly wait to feel the wind in his whiskers....I knew I shouldn't have told him I was going to France....

Pin It

"Happy"

"Happy"

18 x 18 in, oil on canvas

"...act happy, feel happy, be happy, without a reason in the world.  Then you can love and do what you will.....I am not telling you how to be happy you see, I am just telling you to be happy."

                                                 excerpt from The Way of the Peaceful Warrior

This painting has some pretty neat words tucked into it....can you see them?

Well, I am guessing at least one person will be happy that reads this today...:)) I had so many nice comments on my blog, even if they did come by way of a bribe...:)  Thanks so very much to each one of you that took the time to write---it made for a great reading day!  I used random.org to decide the winner--I wanted to let Eddie pick but then I could tell he was going to try to stuff the ballot box with those who had offered tuna in exchange for the book.

But first, the news in brief...:))

• Mark your calendars for the Harrodsburg Festival of Books and Arts, Saturday, June 26 in (where else) Harrodsburg, Ky.  I have been honored with being one of the main stage artists to talk about my book and painting....please feel free to come out and heckle me from the audience..who knows when you will get another chance! (I will have paintings and both of my books on hand.)
• People are already signing up for my upcoming 3 Day Oil Painting/ 1 Day Art Business/Motivational workshop in Pasadena, CA , Sept. 23-26.  Leslie Saeta and I have partnered up to offer an incredible workshop on everything we know (I know, amazing we can cover it in 4 days..:))!  Read here for details and to sign up.
• This weeks blog radio show Artists Helping Artists that I co-host with Leslie Saeta is on framing--I would love to have you on the line when we are live to join in!  Details are on the side bar of my blog--it's this Thursday at 12 noon, save the date!
• The winner for the drawing of my monthly painting give away for May is....Theresa Paden of CA.  Click here to see the painting Theresa won!
• And one more thing....okay, just teasin' ya....without further ado, drum roll please, envelope please---Eddie and I are happy to announce, the winner of  my new book for those artists who are wanting to take the plunge to build their art business but don't know where to start--"The Artist's Toolbox"--the winner is....SUSAN RODEN!!  Congratulations Susan! 

Note:  I actually know Susan and her work--a great artist!  And she is hardly a beginner in the marketing of her work, so I am going to offer you Susan your pick of my books--Let There Be Love or The Artist's Toolbox.  Let There Be Love includes my writings and 26 paintings.  The Artist's Toolbox has 12 large and numerous small photos of my paintings, along with basic beginner marketing strategies and motivational things.  You decide...:))  Let me know and I will drop it in the mail. 

Thanks to each of you for chiming in.  And this completes my 200th post.  Is that perfect timing or what?? A painting and a book giveaway.  I am HAPPY!!

P.S.  Remember, to be eligible each and every month for my painting giveaway, sign up to receive my blog and newsletter and increase your odds by becoming a blog follower and/or leaving lots of comments!

Pin It

"Everything"

"Everything"

20 x 24

original oil on museum quality panel, framed

Sometimes it's good to mix things up a bit.  Like sitting on the back porch and soaking up the sound of the rain.  Or taking long drives with the top down on the car looking up at a night full of stars.  Or doing what I did this evening.  Painting a perfectly child like painting of Eddie looking out at the moon with the Eiffel tower in view.  Yeah, I ---like you no doubt, had seemingly lots more important things to do.  But it can be as simple as the words that came to me which I wrote on the canvas above before I painting it. 

"Sometimes, the only thing I really need is the ability to see that I already have Everything I need." 

So today, notice the show that the flowers are putting on just for you.  Pause just a moment and listen to the music the birds have created..just for you.  Everything in life is so abundant...just for you.  Is that a wow moment or what?!..:))

Now, I have two things to give away.  The painting for the May giveaway (be sure and sign up to receive my blog and newsletter to get your name in the hat) and my newest book, "The Artist's Toolbox".  To read an excerpt go here and to order go here.  This book is part business, part motivational.  I consider it a book geared for those who want to launch but are intimidated and don't know where to begin.  It is based on my experience and I wanted to share what I have learned so far in hopes of helping other artists find the courage to begin, to stay motivated, and to do the things that will yield the biggest results in their art business without feeling completely overwhelmed. Today is the last day to get your name in the hat for the drawing to win the book--just leave a comment on my blog and you are in the running---may the artist who is needs it most win..:))) I intend to announce the winners for both the painting and the book on my next post...stay tuned!

Pin It

"Lynda's French Blue Gate" SOLD

"Lynda's French Blue Gate"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

I have a dear friend named Lynda.  Lynda's whole face lights up when she laughs--as she often does.  There is a stuffed camel that hangs out on Lynda's bed, often times sporting a gaily colored scarf.  The last time I saw Lynda out she was wearing the scarf that I had previously seen the camel wearing.  That's how Lynda rolls.  She has a French room that is very ...well,   French.  It is full of unique, interesting, beautiful things--kind of like the lady herself.  Things that have long stories and histories that come with them.  Lynda is a writer and her writing desk is there.  It is a room full of sunshine.  Sometimes it's hard to tell exactly where the light comes from....Lynda, the sun, or a bit of both.  I treasure having her as a friend.  This blue gate is from a photo she sent me last week from her trip to France.  She will see the painting for the first time here, just as you are now.  If it is still around after she sees it, then I will post the price on it tomorrow.  But if I want to keep her as my friend, I figure I best post the painting without a  "buy now" button....:))

If you have a photo laying around from a trip abroad that you would be curious to see turn into a petite painting, you can send it to me.  If I paint it, you will get first dibs on it...nice and easy....that's how we (Eddie and me) roll...:))

Pin It

"Sunny Side of the Street" (French Style!) SOLD

"Sunny Side of the Street" (French Style!)

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

Leave your worries on the doorstep.....Life can be so sweet ......on the sunny side of the street.....especially if that street just happens to be hidden away in a small village in France....
Now that you have that song playing in your mind today...:))

• I have just posted details on my upcoming workshop in California with my accomplice artist friend, Leslie Saeta. Read more...
• Carol Marine, one of the most well known daily painters, has graciously agreed to be our guest on an upcoming broadcast of Artists Helping Artists--woohoo!!
• I will be announcing the winner this week for my May painting give-a-way. If you haven't subscribed to my newsletter, now would be a good time to do so to get your name in the hat...:))

Now...go get some gold dust on your feet, on the sunny side of the street...:))

Pin It

Feet?  Tired.

Van?  Still Loaded.

Eddie?  Well, still Eddie. (See Photo Below)

Workshop?  Over

Mental State? Slightly  Fried

Heart?  Full and At Peace.

Reason?  3 Days with 15 Remarkable Women!

The pleasure of working with this group of remarkable women is all mine.  They are in no particular order: Peggy, Tricia, Pam, Elaine, Judy, Maija, Sheila, Ann, Pris, Brenda, Lora Lea, Sandra, Kay, Ann,  and Karen.

Paintings below results of musical easel jam session today.

One incredible artist/assistant, Ann "part-time  bouncer" Pass (what happens during the workshop stays in the workshop, right girls????)

Bits and pieces of color....

The long view of things

Workshop experiences take place on many different levels.  What any one individual takes away from it has so much to do with what they bring to it.  This group of artists really showed up!

So thank you to each of you.  You added to my life, you gave me new ideas to think on, you brought me laughter, and you have added to my stash of good memories...:))

Hugs to All and To All a Good Night!

Pin It

"Baby Blue"

"Baby Blue"

12 x 12in oil on museum quality panel

$350

We did a paint along in the workshop today (see above demo)....and it seemed to bring out lots of smiles and happy paintings in everyone!  Second day in the workshop means everyone is more relaxed and so there is even more laughter and good art taking place.  I feel so lucky that I get to do this--there is so much work that goes into preparing for one, I almost forget how much joy there is when I actually get to the "doing of it" part!  From dear friends I have known for 30 years to new ones just met yesterday, it makes for a one of kind experience each and every time.  Hard to believe it will be over tomorrow!  Gotta get this group to stand still long enough to get a group shot...:))  Will post that tomorrow.

• 
  
  Just a reminder for those who live in Kentucky.  Harrodsburg Festival of Books and Arts is coming up the last Saturday in June.  I am the  featured main stage artist and will be speaking about my book and doing a demonstration painting from 4-5pm from the stage.  I would love to meet you! This should be a great festival so mark your calendars..:))
• 
  
  Remember, I am giving away my first copy of my book, "The Artist's Toolbox" --to be eligible, leave a comment on my blog!
• 
  
  Leslie Saeta and I are finalizing plans for our upcoming workshop in California in September.  We anticipate this will fill quickly so let us know if you are interested and/or planning to attend.
• 
  
  If you are enjoying our Artists Helping Artists blog radio show--help us spread the word!  Please tell your artist friends they can call in or listen to previous recordings.  Also, if you have a blog, you can add the badge for the show to your page to let others know about it (and it gives one more reason for others to visit your blog, knowing you are posting cutting edge art info..:))(to add badge just the share button on the blog radio badge that is on the sidebar of my blog)  Thanks so much!

Happy Friday! 

Pin It

"Polka Dot Blues...." SOLD

"Polka Dot Blues..."

12 x 12in oil on museum quality panel

Okay, as you know, if you have been following my blog--I have been hanging out in Italy and France for quite some time.  With the advent of my workshop in Lexington, I felt the need to do a practice run back into the flower fields....so "Polka Dot Blues...." is the result of that.  I sat it up this still life in my studio and timed myself in order to be able to do it and talk and get it done before all attending grew tired and went home....I figured if all else failed, I would just have everyone take a bathroom break and then sneak this one onto the easel while they were away...:)) Well, as it turned out, I didn't have to do a "bait and switch"...

Here's the Lexington Crew Hard at Work......

Sometimes, it doesn't pay to show up and teach a workshop.  I mean, when you have students like Ann H. arrive with a bald head under one arm and wig in the other  hand....well, you  begin to wonder, what have I gotten myself into.....I mean, I don't want to lose my head over this---it's just a floral painting workshop.  Momma told  me there'd be days like this.  Well, not like this............

It has been a full day...workshop, demo, dodging crazy lady with bald head, blog radio (which today turned into "Artists Helping Artists Roadshow" with me on location and Leslie moving her son back home from college...:)  And I actually came home and painted one of my French scenes--which I will post another day--it has been, all the way around, a happy, satisfying day.

And I still have two more days of the workshop with great people to hang out with.  Life is abundant and full..:)  Have a beautiful Friday and do something special for yourself--you so deserve it!

P.S.  Check out "The Artist's Toolbox" if you are wanting to get serious about marketing your art.

Pin It

"Colore Rosso del Caffè, Italia" (Cafe Red, Italy) SOLD

"Colore Rosso del Caffè, Italia"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

When I tell you to meet me under the red umbrella at the corner cafe around 1 PM, don't try to tell me the reason you are late is because you couldn't find it.....just be honest.  Tell me you slept in , cut some fresh roses from the garden to leave on the worn wooden table at the villa and read 3 chapters in your new novel before heading out on foot so you could totally soak up this gorgeous Italian day.  That I can believe....:)) 

• 
  
  Tomorrow (Thursday) starts the first day of my Lexington, KY workshop.  Everything is in place and waiting for  artists to show up with painting gear and happy faces on..:)) How can you not be happy when, of all the things you could be doing, you are getting to paint!!!   Of course, painting in Italy or France could make it a wee bit better....:)) 
• 
  
  Thanks to all  of you who have already ordered my new book...:)) Can't wait to hear from you once you have read it!
• 
  
  Remember to tune into my and Leslie Saeta's blog radio show this Thursday (info on side bar of my blog).  This week's topic is The Top Ten On-line Marketing Tips Every Artist Should Know.
• 
  
  And if you haven't signed up for my blog/newsletter yet, you may want too--I have a monthly drawing and give away one of my blog paintings each month.  The box to sign up is at the top of the sidebar on this blog. 
  
  

Pin It

"Color Me French Blue.." SOLD

"Color Me French Blue.."

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

Get quiet and the peace comes.  Words don't do it sometimes, not the way the color can.  Take the specific color of blue that adorns so many shuttered windows of southern France.  Blue shutters smothered in sunshine and a crush of roses.....when I close my eyes, I am there....:)))

Lots of things to keep you up on....like.... I am  pleased to announce that I am part of a new daily painting group called Daily Painter Originals. You can visit the new site here.

And
"Artists Helping Artists" blog radio show topic (that I am co-hosting with Leslie Saeta) for this Thursday is   Top 10 Tips for Online Marketing That Every Artist Should Know--which leads me to...

I will be doing the broadcast on my lunch break during the first day of my 3 Day Oil Painting Workshop in Lexington, KY...:)) Never a dull moment I tell ya!

And for all you artists who are thinking about launching into marketing your art, my book, The Artist's Toolbox will be out in a few days.  It is a simple, straight line book , geared for those of you wanting to get started.  I have worked to keep the information narrowed down to what I feel is the most important and have deliberately not tried to cover everything--I didn't want it to be overwhelming.  I have written it like I would to a friend (which you are) telling you what I have done and what I feel is most important.  I want it to be a great service to those just getting started on this part of their artistic dream.  And just because I like you so much....I will be holding a  drawing (from those who comment on my blog) to give away the first copy.  The contest starts today and ends when I get the first copy in my hands with which to mail out to you....This is gonna be so fun!!

And just remember--as my way of saying thanks to those who purchase my daily paintings--a gift with each painting (read on...)

And let me know, by way of words and/or photos--where's your Dreama original in your home?  I have already had some nice responses that I will be sharing in upcoming posts and my newsletter and would love to hear from you..:)! 

Pin It

"When in Rome..." SOLD

"When In Rome...."

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

After giving it some serious thought I have concluded that the only way I can hang laundry out my window is if I  move to Rome.  Or Florence.  Or Provence.  Somehow flaunting  your undies from a one level, 3 bedroom, brick  ranch  just doesn't have the same feel...in fact, I'm not sure, but I think it might get you arrested.

....I'm just sayin'. 

That's my excuse.  What's yours??

Tip for the day:  Go green...move to Italy and let Mother nature dry your unmentionables....

And in other news..:))

I am starting to get excited about sharing my new ---soon to be released--book on how to get started marketing your art.  It's the book I wish I'd  had when I first started looking around, trying to decide what to do first to get my career moving.  Here's a sneak peek for your viewing and reading pleasure...:)  The Artist's Toolbox

Pin It

"Festa Italiano" SOLD

"Festa Italiano"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

How decadent can you be??  Hanging out in Italy, enjoying the home-made pastas and local wines--and doing it while sitting at the water's edge....now that's what I call a holiday! 

Be sure and make a toast to return here, same time next year...but maybe stay a whole month...or what the heck...just go ahead and buy the villa...it's only money people...:))). 

And in other news....

"Paintings in Window at Bromwell's Gallery for Opening Night"

I had a beautiful time at the opening at Bromwell's Gallery this past Saturday night.  Not that you would know by the photos I have included here.  True to form, I took photos before it started, promptly got caught up in the evening.....and well...you will just have to trust me--it was great!   

"Local Cat, Cinders, Attends Opening...well, actually, he let us have an opening at his gallery.  Please do not let Eddie know about this--Cinders was in the window posing in front of Eddie's painting...."

As you can see, I am absolutely no good with the camera when it comes to events.  Give me a cat and a camera and you would think no one else was there.  There was a great turn out--  Cincinnati is an amazing town.  I met talented, engaging people, listened to some fine music from David Dutton, mingled with the local cats (Wewis was also in attendance--yes, you read it right, Wewis) and then headed upstairs to  gallery owners Jeff and Tracy's home for cappuccino's and dessert (it was Jeff's birthday!).  Altogether a very wonderful evening!

Getting excited about this week's blog talk radio show, "Artists Helping Artists", that I am co-hosting with California artist, Leslie Saeta (see side bar on my blog site for details).  This week's topic is  "How to Host an Art Workshop"--call in to listen or contribute your two cents worth..:)) 

Which reminds me---my next 3 Day Oil Painting Workshop is  coming up June 10-12 in Lexington, KY.   The workshop is full and a mix of new students from several states away and some veteran workshop gals from last year.  I am excited and I promise to do a better job photographing the event...:)))

Back to the easel...and let me know when you close the deal on your villa....I wanna come paint at your place...:)))

Pin It