"The Softer Side of Ed" SOLD

"The Softer Side of Ed"

12 x 12in oil on museum quality panel

$600

Well, no one is more surprised than me. 

 Eddie Bill has taken up flower arranging.

Says he wants to "get in touch" with his feminine side....

Say What??

My personal thoughts on this?

Well, it could be a legitimate interest.  

He always has had an uncanny ability to show up at just the wrong right time when a still life is being arranged to paint from, poking his nose in the flowers and chewing on errant rose buds.

I could almost, almost buy into it.

Except  for one nagging detail.

Phyllis has been packing in books and magazines left and right, all with tips on how to reduce stress.

Me thinks Eddie Pierre may be the real reason behind Eddie Bill's sudden interest in floral arranging.
What with flying tail attacks, being pounced on while sleeping and an ongoing shortage of  favorite food due to someone's growing appetite...Big Ed is feeling the heat.

All I have to say is .....

Welcome to my world Ed, welcome to my world;)

Wanna come paint with me?  You can check my workshop schedule by clicking here:))

To Subscribe to Dreama's Art , Click Here:))

Art, Humor and Inspiration--In Your Inbox!

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"Eddie is 40 Percent "Off"--Which Explains A Lot"

Well, I have some pretty doggone exciting news.  

After many hours of long work (me--working, Eddie--napping)

Dreama's Print Shop

is loaded up (110 images if you're counting)
and ready to roll out....

Fresh Cut Flowers

(Gallery--Click on Image)

Catalicious Cats, 

(Gallery--Click on Image)

Eddie and Phyllis

(Gallery--Click on Image)

Lavender Fields Galore
(Gallery--Click on Image)

and Places We Love in France and Italy

(Gallery--You know what to do:)

Now all available at Dreama's Print Shop!

And you are not going to believe this part,

 starting this very minute

--Eddie has agreed to a 40% discount, 

good 'til Midnight (11:59 to be exact)  December 11th, off  your order.  

You just have to put in Sleighbell40 as the promo code on your checkout. 

 And delivery is guaranteed by Dec. 24!!

 I think (know) that Eddie is working hard to redeem himself on Santa's list, which explains the big kick-off sale:))).
Personally, I haven't been this excited since Eddie told me had gotten a job that required him to be on the road all the time (it didn't work out as it involved being a long distance hauler and Eddie got fired for trying to shift gears using his tail)....but that's a whole other story.

To go to Dreama's Print Shop, just click here:))  

And tell them Ed sent you 

(he says according to Phyllis, he has to have some really big numbers to get off Santa's naughty list....)

Dreama's Art Supply Store


The Artist's Toolbox, Digital Version  $19.95
 Available now to read on your computer, iPad, Kindle, etc.
 Click to Purchase The Artist's Toolbox

2012 Calendars Are Here!!
A Year Full of Color:))
$25 (plus 4.95 s/h in US)
Click to Purchase

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"Surf, Sun and Shrimp Coladas" SOLD

"Surf, Sun and Shrimp Coladas"

8 x 8in oil on museum quality panel

$350

Ed likes to make the point that there are always two sides to every story.  His and everyone else's. 

Apparently Eddie did what he always does at the beach. 

Played his rappin' cat tunes loudly, mocked everyone who passed by about their "muffin tops" and told anyone within earshot that  they had hair growing in all the wrong places (like he's got room to talk).

I think the final blow came  though  when he insisted he didn't need to go to the port-a-potty because the entire place was one giant litter box. 

Security was called and one attitudinal Eddie and one sunburned Phyllis were dropped  unceremoniously in my driveway.  Suffice it so say everyone's holiday was cut short.

Now I have to listen to all of his philosophzing about the great mysteries of life since he has been to the beach, like..."would the ocean be deeper if it didn't have sponges in it?" 

Thank goodness I have a workshop to teach this week.  Three whole "Ed free" days!

Please Note: This is No. 12 in the "Eddie and Phyllis Series". To view others in this collection, you may click here. Pin It

"Does This Hat Make My Butt Look Big??" SOLD

"Does This Hat Make My Butt Look Big??"

8 x 8in oil on museum quality panel

$350

There has been much preparation going on at my house this week with  Eddie and Phyllis.  Talk of hats, 'Nip Juleps and which horse to bet on (Derby Kitten, of course).

First Saturday in May.  Derby Day!

"Mr.Ed is making me a 'custom' hat to wear and has sworn he will spare no expense." 

Sceptical, I wasn't about to burst Phyllis's bubble, but I know Ed and his ideas when it comes to gifting. 

"CHEAP"  is what comes to mind. 

 I was, of course, not to be disappointed.

And here's where the story took a turn that has had me snickering all day.

When I saw Phyllis don her "custom" hat, before I even had a pang of pity for her bottle cap couture, she asked the question that all males dread....even Eddie.

"Does this hat make my butt look big??"

First time I have ever seen Eddie speechless.  It was a good moment.  One worth savoring over a julep:))

Please Note:  This is No. 11 in the "Eddie and Phyllis Series".  To view others in this collection, you may click here.

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"Did You Pack the Tuna??" SOLD

"Did You Pack the Tuna??"

8 x 8in oil on museum quality panel

$350

Phyllis's Picnic Check List

Birdnoculars for Ed. 

Check

Catnip Tea for Ed. 

Check.

Book--To Kill a Mockingbird for  Ed

Check

Sunglasses for Ed

Check

Furscreen for Ed 

Check

And last but not least, Ed's new script, Hairy Potter  (don't even ask about this one, trust me, you don't want to know). 

Check

Eddie's Picnic Check List

Make list for Phyllis. 

Chick (I like to think he meant check here, but it is spring with all the new little birds out and I know how his mind works...)

Living with Ed?  No picnic.

Thoughts of him leaving the house for an entire day to go on a picnic?

Priceless. 

Please Note:  This is No. 10 in the "Eddie and Phyllis Series".  To see more of Eddie and Phyllis, click here.



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"Formal Catalicious" SOLD

"Formal Catalicious"

12  x12in oil on museum quality panel

$550




Detail of Whiskerlicious Woowis

  What does one say about a cat wearing an all white tux with a bow tie on their ears?? 

Definitely in the category of "what not to wear" unless your name is Woowis (yes, Woowis, like Lewis with a w).

Only Woowis could pull this look off. 

I have to say, none of my cat's friends are safe from being painted.  Even Woowis.  He usually keeps a great distance between us, however......I have found his weak spot. 

We all have at least one.  It's just figuring out the specifics....in this case it turned out to be shrimp.
Shocking, I know.

Please Note:  This is No.3 in the "Catalicious" Series and does have the coveted (?) EBSA stamp (Eddie Bill Seal of Approval....just in case you needed to know:))

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"Don't Tell Dreama" SOLD

"Don't Tell Dreama"

8 x 8in oil on museum quality panel

$350

Whispers.
 Snickering. 
And then... dead silence when I walk in the room.  Eddie is up to something, I just haven't figured out  what.  There are some clues, but all seem  unrelated.  First, he has been watching a lot of TV lately, which normally I don't mind since it keeps him out of my hair.  But then I walked in and caught a glimpse of what he's been watching......

Yesterday a signed contract where he has hired a stunt double (see photo of Mickey) turned up in the mail.

Mickey, Eddie's Stunt Double

And perhaps most disturbing of all, a proposal to do a reality TV show..... at my house.
Phyllis let it slip that he's now interested in adding Edditing to his credentials. Translation?  Hours of filming  condensed to make himself look like---well, probably Eddie  Depp
and hours of film edited to making me look like......
Like I said.  I'm worried. 

Note:  "Don't Tell Dreama" is No. 9 in the Eddie and Phyllis Series.  To see the others, click here:))

Extra Note of a CAT CALL: I have someone wanting a painting of a silver tabby to remind them of a cat they had years ago that they were so fond of.  Eddie refuses to have a make-over to accommodate this, so I am sending out the call.  Calling all silver tabbies--send me some cute photos of yourself to paint:))!  You can email them to Dreama (at) DreamaTollePerry (dot) com.  Eddie will be mad that I am painting you, but he will will get over it when he see's how cute your are:))

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"On the Catwalk" SOLD

"On the Catwalk"

12" x 6" oil on museum quality panel

$350

Eddie's sound track for life. 

In Other News:

Art inspires art.  Photographer Roger Ballard's work inspires me:))  One of my recent works, Never Never Land, was drawn from imagery captured by Roger's great eye (thanks Roger!)  To enjoy his work as I have, just go to his site, www.PaulRogerBallard.com and take a mini-trip. Get inspired!

Jason Horejs is our guest on AHA radio this week.  He is involved in so many things (owner of Xanadu Gallery in Scottsdale, author of Starving to Successful, and creator of the art tracking software I use, Arttracker.com, this is going to be one great show!  The show will be live Wed, Feb 9 at 12 noon EST, one day earlier, due to time conflicts.  Click here for more details and to listen to 40 plus shows that have been archived just for you!

Lucky 13!!  DailyPaintworks.com is/was a closed group of 12 artists, whose work I admire, that recently extended an invitation my way to become a partner.  Carol Marine, long a favorite artist of mine, and her husband David, have made me feel delightfully welcome, along with an amazing group of artists.  Click here to  find out what it's all about--and to check out the painting challenges on this site!  
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"Eddie Goes Hollywood" SOLD

"Eddie Goes Hollywood"

8 x 8in oil on museum quality panel

$350

The star that appeared on the door to Eddie's room should have warned me that something was up.

Then the photographer showed up today to begin shooting...you guessed it..Head Shots! 

Eddie says he needs them so his agent can get things cranking in LaLa  Land aka Hollywood!

Phyllis of course has been skittering through the house with mousse and a blow dryer, fussing over Eddie's hair/fur.  Has even taken to calling him Mr. Eddie Bill .

I know I should have nipped that Johnny Depp/Eddie Bill  "twins separated at birth"  theory in the bud---but then I just decided to roll with it.  Asked him if I could immortalize those sterling, handsome, James Dean looks in a portrait before he becomes really famous.  Which of course he was totally on board with. 

Hence the dashing pose.

Note:  This is No.8 in the Eddie and Phyllis Series.  Click here to see the rest!

In Other News:
There are some great articles for artists on Kevin Macpherson's Artist Mentors Online site.  If you sign up for the his free newsletter, you will get the free article of the month @ month.  I am happy to say that I am the first in their featured writer line-up:))  You can click here to read my featured article, "How to Find Your Authentic Voice and Stay Motivated in the Process".  Here are some add'l articles with contributors:
Self Discovery by Kevin Macpherson
3 “P’s” of Professionalism: Painter, Promoter, Planner by Wanda Macpherson
First Impressions and Your Artist Statement by Linda Fisler
Plein Air Painting: A Vehicle Not a Destination by Jean Stern
Controlling Fear by Paul Willard
Keeping, Maintaining, and Using a Mailing List by William Plage
The FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) of Print Making by Jack Leustig
Timely is the Hard Part: Victoria Secret Shows Artists the Solution by Clint Watson
How to Take Great Photos of Your Artwork by Amy Jeynes

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"Viva, Eddie, Snow, and Jamaica"

"Snow, snow, and did I say....SNOW???"

"Eddie's Failed Attempt to Mail Himself to Jamaica"

It has been snowing since Thanksgiving.  Okay, maybe not everyday, but it has, for the most part, been on the ground  since then.  

Cabin fever has officially hit.  Not that I live in a cabin.  Or have a fever for that matter. 

 But somehow, home-in-the-suburbs-if-I-don't-get-some-sunshine-and-warm-weather-soon-I-am-gonna-scream, 

doesn't have quite the same ring to it.  So we're going with cabin fever.

I have caught Eddie online, twice now, surfing the "all inclusive" resorts in the Caribbean.  Thankfully his searches go something like..."cat resorts, catnip plantation tours, cat-friendly beaches" so I am not too worried on him scoring a place, otherwise I would take back my credit card he has hidden in his room under his bed. 

He asked me to post his painting of him with his grass skirt and island hat (Phyllis on top) to help remind him that balmy days are still happening somewhere on the planet.  

"Eddie Goes Native (and Takes Phyllis with Him)
8 x 8in on museum quality panel
$350

Viva la sunshine!  Viva la balmy breeze!
Viva--------the paper towel I use in my studio.
Sorry folks--I warned you I had cabin fever...:))  

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"Sunny Side Up in Italy" SOLD

"Sunny Side Up in Italy"

6 x 12in oil on museum quality panel

$350

And this is what I love about painting.  It may be blowing snow outside (and it is) and it may be going to be 9, count 'em, 9 whole degrees tonight (and it is) however.....I am hanging out in Italy, basking in the sunshine and hypnotizing myself by the reflections in the water.  It's a big place and there is definitely room for one  more....:)))

In Other News:

Save $10 off the purchase of either of my books--just in time for Christmas!  Click here and type in CHEER to receive your savings. 

Get organized for 2011--this week on the #1 ArtShow on Blog Talk Radio--part of our 5 week series on Goal Setting for 2011 for your art!  If you have some tips to share for getting organized with your art, business and/or studio, please email me here and we will include it in this week's show.  To see show dates and times, click here.

A workshop for $10?  An original painting by me or Leslie Saeta (6 x 6" size) for $10?  You could be the winner.  Just donate $10 or more to the Artwalk for Annie Salness fund and for each $10 donated, you get another chance to win!  Only 3 days left until the drawing.  Click here now to get your name in for the chance to win!

Subscribe to have your name in for my monthly painting giveaway. (You can do so in the box on the right column of my blog--and thanks!)

It's beginning to look a lot like Catmas??





Claw Monet







(Eddie)Billie Holicat



Just feel I need to warn you.  Eddie is putting up a cat tree.  He has been collecting all things cat for quite some time.  This includes a host of stuffed cats, including the famous artist, Claw Monet, famous jazz vocalist, Billi Holicat with her own sheet music of "God Bless the Cat" with lots of crescendo meows....not a good thing. 

 I keep hearing Eddie bragging to Phyllis about what a good boy he has been all year. 

Yeah, you guessed it.

Eddie Bill believes.

In Santa Claws.

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"It's Okay to Call Myself an Artist...and Other Newsworthy Items"

"You're the best!  I have taken other workshops from other teachers but have learned the most from you---learned not to be afraid to try something I wouldn't have tried before."

"Warm, fuzzy feeling during workshop"

"...it's okay to call myself an artist"

"Not holding back--giving all you know generously"

Comments overheard during this workshop, but below, probably the best....

"If Ann can walk and I can see, we're heading to Atlanta for Dreama's workshop."

And now you know why I love to do this..:))!

16 paintings in 40 minutes...not counting the dance moves in between.

Painting is JOY!

                                                             Getting in the mix of things!

Phyllis the mouse did make a debut appearance at the Lexington, KY workshop and was quite the celeb.  Eddie, of course, is holding out for bigger venues and more money.  And a private dressing room.  It's Ed, what else did you expect?

Gratitude Sundae: all the good stuff I’m grateful for, with whipped cream & a cherry on top

Gratitude Sundae--Day 14 of #30Thanks

Grateful for Ugg knockoff boots that keep my feetie's sooo warm.  Big bathtubs with loads of hot water and bubbles.  Friends who paint silly paintings of a mouse named Phyllis (see below).  Hugs from people the very first time I meet them.  Sincere thanks.  Modern Family episodes to make me laugh.  New music, which at the moment is Elton John and Leon Russell's collaboration.  Sisters who are always there when I need them.  All the love I feel at my workshops.  Late night bowls of cereal laced with bananas and strawberries fixed by my guy.  Inspiring books.  So many amazing friends.  A slice of homemade lemon pound cake.  Heated seats.  Bold coffee with lots of real cream and sugar.  Good eyes to behold the beauty in each day. The ring tone that says my girl is calling.  Hope.  New brushes.  Quietness.  
For this and so, so much more I am grateful.

By Artist Anna Daniel Hall (See previous post)

Ann painted this today at the workshop.  Notice mouse door to right of jar.  Possible names for the painting??
"The Dilemma"
"It Looked Smaller at the Store"
"Now What?"

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"Eddie and Phyllis on the Best Seller List???"

Well, things have just gone to a bad stage of worse.  Or worse stage of bad.  Sculptor Steve Worthington's long awaited book, The Mouse Project, has "hit the stands", in a manner of speaking, and Eddie's already over inflated opinion of himself has gone through the roof.  Worse yet, his fan base is growing, as witnessed by the gathering of Phyllis wannabees below....

The only good thing about this is that the profits from the sale of this book will go to animal shelters.  Eddie has spent the entire evening practicing his signature, complaining that he what he really needs is a Mont Blanc pen.  Phyllis has been giggling with excitement at the prospect that her and Eddie will be doing a "book tour" (this is according to Eddie of course), staying in posh hotels and ending up with an appearance on Oprah.  He's had Phyllis drawing up a contract of sorts, detailing goldfish crackers and tuna flavored jelly beans to be in his dressing room.

On a personal note:  This collaboration has spawned not only a series of paintings of Eddie and Phyllis (8 and growing!) but has brought 22 artists together in a joint effort to help make life better for our fur bearing buddies.  With the holidays just around the corner, this book makes a perfect gift for the animal lover in your circle.
22 artists, 3 bronze mice. 
In their still life paintings 22 artists feature Steve Worthington's bronze mice, for a book to benefit animal shelters. 
Click here to learn more. 
Click to here to purchase. 


There is currently one painting of the Eddie and Phyllis series available. Click here to see it!

Gratitude Mission, Day 9: Thank an admin

#30Thanks Day 9

Can I just say how much I am lovin' doin' this??  You can still join me in this 30 days of gratitude by going to http://www.marissabracke.com/ -- you will be amazed at how good it will make you feel..:))

Today's mission is to thank an administrator.  The one I have in mind is a a behind the scenes guy.  Literally.  I have never seen him!  But his efforts impact me every day.  Choices he made 5 years ago now expand me and my work to a new audience on a daily basis.  He does such an awesome job.  He is an idea man, an innovator, pays attention to detail, quick in response, and has created an online world for artists to grow, sell, and share what they do.  He is the genius behind Daily Painters--an online site for ...well, daily painters!  His name is Micah Condon, and thanks to him

Micah Condon
DailyPainters.com

165 artists, both national and international,  are part of the Daily Painters Gallery-- the oldest, largest and most diverse gallery of its kind.  Thank you Micah for doing what you do so well, with passion and with heart!  You have single-handedly made a difference in the lives of so many.

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"Made in the Shade" SOLD

"Made in the Shade"

8 x 8in oil on museum quality panel

$350

Well, here's the deal.  Eddie, as you may remember, has been taking acting classes.  Yep, acting classes as in "I'm gonna be a star in Hollywood someday" and has now become obsessed with preserving his looks.  I caught him writing down the number on one of those infomercials the other day pertaining to "face lift" in a bottle, which has led to the debacle you now see painted above.  Phyllis has been following him from spot to spot, holding the parasol over him.  Seems he saw one of the shar-pei "wrinkle" dogs and is now  afraid he's getting premature wrinkling from the UV rays.
I don't think fur wrinkles, at least not on cats, but hey---a girl gets her kicks when and where she can.  I have been deliberately asking him if he's getting enough rest because he looks "tired" in the face.  You have never seen a cat move so fast to the bathroom to apply more anti-aging creme on his fur...

Ahhh...some days it's good to be me annoying Eddie.

Note:  This is No. 7 in the Eddie and Phyllis Series.

P.S.  Besides--guess who got a card for Halloween?  Not me...

Someone named Coco--who thinks Eddie is really handsome--has a painting of him hanging in her bedroom....

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"Eddie Goes Native (And Takes Phyllis With Him)"

I'm sorry.  Just when you thought it would be an Ed free week--you made it to Friday--and then--and then...

"Eddie Goes Native (and takes Phyllis with him)"

8 x 8" oil on museum quality panel

$350

On occasion, one feels certain that one just might have run amuck.  Perhaps fallen short of the prize--maybe way short of being a serious artist.  Take this morning for example, fully intentioned to be all business,  "neating up" my office (an Ann P. phrase), addressing packages to ship and such....well....

cut to...

me on the back porch doing a photo shoot of one  lei wearing cat (Ed) dancing on a straw island hat with one lei wearing mouse (Phyllis).  I'm not sure, but I don't think real artists do this kind of stuff.  I mean, Monet, Van Gogh??  Cats, mice and leis?? 

But then I remember,  I have an artist friend who is, as we speak, crafting an iconic fast food Jack-in-the-Box head, concerned if she can speed the paper-mache dry time by placing it in an oven--- which makes me feel much better about myself.  Just sayin'.  And I am not going to mention any names...at least not at the moment.  Unless you really want to know.  Then of course I would have to give it up.  You are my readers and you come first.  At least that is what I would tell Leslie.

Inspired by my Hawaiian adventure, Eddie is planning his "truck-or-treat" outfit.  No, you didn't misread that.  Eddie misinterprets things from time to time---well, in fact, most of the time.  He hears one thing and then is off and running with his own story.  In this case I happened to  overhear him telling Phyllis how "truck-or-treat" works.  It involved mud flaps and high riding in a "monster" truck with Phyllis as a hood ornament.  Sometimes I just pretend I don't hear. 

It's easier that way.

Please Note:  This is No. 6 in the Eddie and Phyllis Series. 

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"A Fondness for All Things French" SOLD

"A Fondness for All Things French"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

Love.  I love so many things--including Eddie and you.  When we say we love  something it is, I think, because of the joy it adds to our life.  We love a good cup of coffee with a dear friend, we love the feel of a soft shirt against our body, we love home-grown catnip (okay, maybe only Ed loves that..), we love the smell of the air after a rain, we love our favorite song--played loudly while we pretend we are actually a great dancer (not that I know anyone who does this---ahem).  We love a lot of things, from very tiny to very great, and all because of the way it makes us feel inside.  Take a moment to look around and think of all the things you love--from the tiny to the great.  Kinda fills your heart up all the way to your eyes, doesn't it??

So here I sit on an island, with a dear friend who delights my heart, looking at water in an unbelievable shade of blue while dreaming of France too (we can love lots of things at once--gotta love that option!!).  Love is such a wondrous thing, no matter how you shape it or what you use it on. Today is your day to take on an extreme awareness of all the things in your life that you love and how much joy it adds to you..:))) Even write it down--if you have enough paper on hand!

So I am in Hawaii, thinking of France and writing about love and you and Eddie.   In a few days I will be in Kentucky, thinking of Hawaii, writing about Italy and painting France.  And of course, fighting with Eddie.  But I love to fight with Eddie--it keeps me on my toes and makes me realize that I love the fact that Eddie doesn't have a twin....

In Other News:

•  The California Workshop was amazing.  I was sharing with a friend last evening that it was that and more due to the individual artists who were there.  Hearing them share their stories, one by one, was just one of the best moments of the workshop for me.  Beautiful, beautiful women.  I was honored to be part of their lives for that 4 days.  I created a page on my blog to cover it a bit more so you can check it out by clicking here.
• The book that Eddie and Phyllis are going to be part of is nearing completion.  You can get a sneak peek of all the great artists work included in this by clicking here.  
• This week on Artists Helping Artists which both Leslie Saeta, my co-host, and I will be up early for (she is in Hawaii this week too) our guest is Maria Brophy--an expert on art licensing.  For artists, creating multiple streams of income is vital and Maria has worked with her husband and his art to do just that.  You can join us live or download it to your MP3 player for listening to later.  Go to Artists Helping Artists for details

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