"Free Wheelin' in Italy"

 "Free Wheelin' in Italy"

12 x 12in oil on museum quality panel

$600

There's wheeling and then there's free wheeling'.  

FREE  really allows for the whole unencumbered thing. 

Free from whatever is stressing you at the moment.

Free from expectations you have placed on yourself.

Free to have a doggone good time, just like you did when you were a kid.

Hair blowing in the wind.

Heart and feet pumping hard.

Grin spreading from ear to ear.

Free Wheelin'

That's what I'm talkin' about.

FREE Wheelin' in Italy:)) You can escape without spending a dime.  Just closing your eyes and letting your mind take you there will do the trick.  Take 5 (or maybe even 10) and allow yourself the luxury of riding through the streets of Italy, taking in the sites and sounds.  

Best part?  You won't even have to comb any tangles out of your hair when you're finished;))

Need help getting started?  Here's a "tour" of Venice to immerse yourself in:))


If video doesn't appear, just click here:))

Wishing you a day filled with extreme pleasure in the JOY of simple things:))

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

Art, Humor and Inspiration--In Your Inbox!

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"Shades of France" SOLD

 "Shades of France"

12 x 12in original oil on museum quality panel

$550

Whether it's the ample of shade of an umbrella

or the particular shades of color in old stone, tablecloths and flowers...

it's all good.  

It's all France:))) 

In Other News:

As promised, here are some pics to capture some of the good times had at Paris Workshop No. 1 (No. 2 starts this Monday:))

Sassy Ann at play work....

Day Two's paintings capturing that old world feel of stone and flowers:)))

Here they are, looking all attentive and well-behaved.  

Shame it's not a video, then you would know the real truth;)))

Everyone weighing in on the musical easel experience:)

And some colorful paintings from it...15 in 40 minutes:))!

A warm, wonderful group of artists--lots of energy and lots of great paintings!!  I like to think the strawberries dipped in chocolate on the last day might have played a part in it.  Artists just seem to work better when fed chocolate--at least that's my theory;)

Big Hugs to this wonderful group of painters:)))  Kay, Marilyn, Ann, Amy, Claudia, Vickie, Susan, Sarah, Barbara, Martha,  Kathy, Nada, Sheila, Barbara and Glenna:)!

P.S.  I'll be announcing the winner of my monthly giveaway this week.  They will get their pick of one of my books OR a petite print from Dreama's Print Shop:))
If you would like to have your name in the drawing every month, you just have to subscribe once to this blog:))  Here's the link on how to do it (click here).

Wanna see my available paintings?  Click Here
Think you might want to paint with me?  Click here to check out my workshop schedule:)

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"On the Island" SOLD

"On the Island"

12 x 12in oil on museum quality panel

SOLD

Look how cute my little home away from home was at the Whidbey Island workshop! 

 It was STUFFED with art books of every shape, size and description...had an amazing coffee maker (see the red Nespresso) ...

Soft cotton sheets and cookies in the cookie jar..er at least there were cookies in that cookie jar 

(...sorry Cary!)

 Just next door was Cary Jurriaan's studio (my host for this workshop and amazing artist herself!) 

LOVE her collection of palettes!  

All kinds of artists from Robert Johnson to Carol Marine have left a colorful palette and signed it for Cary to hang in her studio. 

I was tickled to be added to the wall:)))

Just a few of the palettes!

From creamy, dreamy, hand spun yarn

to a ton of fun little tiles that reminded me of a certain black and white someone

Whidbey Island was a visual feast! 

(okay, I didn't just consume the cookies with my eyes...I snorkeled them down.  Good thing they only weigh luggage at the airport...just sayin')

And that all happened before the workshop began...

As the paintings started accumulating (and 5 days painting produced an amazing stack of work!)

Well, it just kept getting more and more amazing.

I nearly had to put my eyes on a diet from "over-eating"..;)

Is there a visual over-eaters anonymous 12 step program??

Just wonderin'.

Stay Tuned:

More to come on the Whidbey Island workshop and announcement of my monthly giveaway winners!!  

Eddie Bill Update

Workshops 2013 Schedule 

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"Lavender Paws" SOLD

"Lavender Paws"

8 x 8in oil on museum quality panel

$350

So the story of Lavender Land ends where it began. 

Me on my computer,

dreaming of France,

hanging out with one black and white cat. 

Except the really good stories never end---they just pause for the time being. 

Hence the name of today's painting.

Lavender Paws:)))

To Be Continued....Next Summer:)))

Yep, I'm going back and have promised Eddie that if he behaves himself, he gets to go too.

Not holding my breath  on that one.

A whole year of Eddie behaving himself.

Now that's funny:))))

P.S.  Thanks for joining me on my adventures in Lavender Land.  You're much better company than Eddie:)!

P.S.S.  If you just joined us--you can catch up on the Lavender Land Story by clicking here.  It involves a lot of Lavender --both the plant and the color--just in case you were wonderin':))

P.S.S.S.  The last painting of Lavender Land Sneak Peek (good things come to those who read the entire blog post:)))  Click Here.

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"What Happen's in Italy Stays in Italy..." SOLD

"What Happens in Italy Stays in Italy"

6 x 6in oil on museum quality panel

$200

  And there it was.  Glimmering and  shimmering-- like a soda fountain in the middle of the dessert.  Me 'n' you, bicycling and talking our way down old Italian streets.  We were, in effect, a gelato incident waiting to happen.  I told you not to get the third cup (one has to build up a tolerance for this-- I have been cultivating mine for quite some time).  You should never listen to Eddie's suggestions.  He always has an agenda.  Thankfully he didn't have his camera on him, so no matter what he tells to whom, we can deny the details to our dying day.  What happens in Italy stays in Italy.

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"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??!!

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"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!

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"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. 
  
  

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"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...:)))

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"French Blue Stripe" SOLD

"French Blue Stripe"

6 x 6 in oil on museum quality panel

$200

Simple colors, simple pleasures. The French seem to have an unerring knack for pairing things. Blue-stripe market umbrella + salmon pink flowers = thrill up spine..:))

Add to that a perfect sunshine day in Auvignon and you have the perfect recipe for a place to daydream.

So--- today I am serving iced tea with a fresh lemon wedge and sprig of mint under my blue stripe umbrella. Eddie, of course, is asleep under the roses.....:) You can join me or make up your own story for the day---

It doesn't cost a thing to daydream or smile...:)))

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"Douceur de Vivre" (Sweetness of Life!) SOLD

"Douceur de Vivre"

oil, 6 x 6in on panel

$150

Okay. I don't speak French. Not like my good friend Mary Neely. However, I loooove the sounds of the language. Take this little phrase ....the sweetness of life...sounds even sweeter on the tongue when spoken in French! And I have concluded the French have a corner on the market when it comes to dressing up windows and awnings....you just can't look at 'em and not get a little happy thrill up your spine.

Unless your name is Ed. When I showed this to Eddie he said he found it all a bit blas'e. Who knew....Ed speaks French. Of course he thinks he's le miaelement du chat (the cat's meow)!

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"Afternoon with the Artist...(that's me...:)"

This was such a special day for me. Gallery B (pictured below) hosted "Afternoon with the Artist" which gave me the opportunity to spend time with some of my collectors and share some behind the scenes info on the making of the art for Let There Be Love....

Art friends Dana and Linda with moi...:)

Just trying to give you a sense of scale on some of the paintings!

Who could resist buying a painting from these two??? Me with John and Lora Lea, who added one of the pieces from this show to their collection.

Lynda and me with her new painting, "Love" (alternate title, Evan).




Tricia and me hanging out with her newest art acquisition, "Kisses". I should mention here that Tricia kept reminding us all that it was her painting...not her and Darrell's painting. Guess who won the drawing for my painting "Cup of Miracles"??

Darrell, of course!

It was an altogether satisfying day in every way, on every level. Thanks to everyone who came out. It was a great time to share and feel the love!

P.S. My talk about the work was videoed so I may end up posting it later--have to see if I can figure out the editing part...:)

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"Sunny Day Italian Style" SOLD

"Sunny Day Italian Style"

oil, 6 x 6in canvas on panel

$150

One of the nicest ways to visit Rome. No lines at the airport, no lost bags.

The perfect transportation?

A paintbrush.

P.S. And you can make it back in time to visit Gallery B on Saturday (I am giving an informal talk about my show and giving away a petite painting....life is good!)

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"Abundance"

"Abundance"

oil, 16 x 12 on canvas panel

$1025/ Framed

Thanks to everyone who commented on my new video I posted yesterday--I am having fun, so who knows what it could lead too...:)

Don't you just love the periwinkle blue in the umbrella above? I bought two shirts to sleep in this past week-end simply because they were that color---it's a happy, feel good color. Like sky and ocean it just conjures up all manner of things that connect me back to the pure joy of life...:)

"Cheap Thrills"

oil, 8 x 8in on canvas panel

I love my job. Seriously. In so many ways it is almost impossible to pin it all down....:)

Today I get to give away something that makes people happy. The winner for February of the painting give-a-way is...(here are your hints)...... She is a watercolorist. She is a really sweet lady. She has a home in the Bahamas (I have had to work at not holding that one against her this winter...:) And she was in one of my workshops last summer.

Ann Greely of Lexington, KY. is the winner. Congratulations Ann! Pin It

"Under the Tuscan Sun...." SOLD

"Under the Tuscan Sun....."

oil, 6 x6in on canvas panel

$150

What is it about Italy that sets us off? Could it be the homemade mozzarella? The abundance of good wines served at every meal? Incredible art? Statue of David? The staggering oldness of it all?? The graciousness of the lives we see hinted at with every curtain moving in the breeze, every scented splash of color hanging from a balcony?

Maybe it's only the gelato. That would be enough...:)

Another slice of Italy served up for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy~

IN OTHER NEWS......

Enquiring minds want to know. Or then again---maybe you can't handle the truth. My interview with Daily Painters has hit the stands---click here to go to the Daily Painters website and check out the DP cafe link at the top of the page (you'll see a photo of me). I am the second interview on the page. Feel free to leave a comment. Just remember---I will be reading them and I know where you live....and if I don't I soon will. It's the Internet. There are no secrets.

Also, Gallery B has begged me to come in on Saturday, March the 20th, and chat about my inspiration for my show, "Let There Be Love.....". I will be there from around 1-3 to tell my story. I know that everyone of you now reading this will be there. Even if it means you have to fly in for it. And because of your extreme loyalty I felt the least I could do was to have a drawing for a small painting created specifically for this occasion to be given away at 3pm that day. Only those who have purchased a painting from the show at Gallery B and those in attendance (they are hauling in the red ropes for crowd control as we speak) will be eligible. I may have exaggerated when I said that Megan at Gallery B had begged me....but everything else is true....except for the red rope part. Okay, nothing is true except I will be talking at 1:30 and giving away a painting at 3 pm.

I only promise to entertain you here on the ole blog--I never said anything about telling the truth. Even if I had, it would most certainly have been a lie.

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