New in the Shop - Harmony and Beauty Print

This past summer, I created "Harmony and Beauty" on a piece of vintage ledger paper. While preparing for my last art show, I found this tucked away in a folder amongst my art supplies.  Its time for this pretty one to be released out into the world.  You can now purchase this as an 10" x 8" archival print in my etsy shop.


Find "Harmony and Beauty" here.

Little Luxuries

To many, art is a luxury.

To me, art is a necessity.

I hope that someone out there is willing to indulge in this "Little Luxury."

This original mixed media ACEO, measuring just 2.5" x 3.5" is available in my Etsy shop.

School will be out shortly, so expect a new crop of originals in the shoppe soon.

Ciao.

ACEO Spree

First off, thanks to all who took the time to critique my work last week. I absolutely agree that its elements are not working together compositionally. I've decided to put it aside for a bit and come back to it. That seems to help sometimes. I'll be sure to share it when its been reworked.

In the meantime, I have been on an ACEO spree! I've whipped out 5 of these tiny 2.5" x 3.5" pieces in the last few days. It was liberating to work this small and fast after working larger for a time.

To celebrate my spree, I'm going to offer my newest bunch of ACEO's for just $10.00 each! (Standard price is $15.00). This price is only good until midnight Tuesday, April 14th....So hurry! Click your way over to my Etsy shop pronto.

Ciao!

Renewed and Relaxed

This week, I am thankful to be a teacher. Though my job is a struggle and a stress, I am afforded time off to renew, recharge and relax.

Spring Break couldn't have come at a better time this year. One of my teaching partners had to have emergency surgery and was out most of the last month. I had to take over one of her classes, which meant that I lost my plan time. It was definitely wearing on me.

I'm only a few days into my spring break, but decompression is already happening. My art "mojo" has returned. (I was having a hard time making anything for a while.) My head is clear and I'm motivated!

I just finished "My Dear Acquaintance" yesterday and have started two more pieces this morning. I used more of my vintage stamps in this piece. Frank Lloyd Wright, Grace Kelly, George Washington and Paul Dudley White MD all make an appearance in this piece.

I'm going to be cranking out this floral/tree themed pieces for a while as I will be peddling my wares at a spring flower themed show on May 8th in Sterling, Illinois. There isn't a web page for this event, but I did manage to find a Facebook event page. I also found out that I got accepted to the Art on the Lawn show at Rockford College on June 13th. I'll be busy, but motivated to make some money for my upcoming trip to Italia!

"My Dear Acquaintance" is available for sale on Etsy.

Have a great week. Hopefully I will have more work to show off later this week.

Jello Shots

Hello friends.

Not too much to report this week. I've had little time for art, but did manage to list this new cutie. "On a Sunny Afternoon" was created last week on a particularly bright and sunny afternoon. Its now for sale in the Etsy shop for just $25.00.

I'm working on applying to several art shows for the summer. If things work out right, I will have a show lined up for May, June, August and September. I hope I can make enough inventory!

I'm sure y0u're wondering at this point why I titled this post "Jello Shots." Did I have some during my St. Paddy's day celebration? Is "Jello Shots" a title to my newest work? Nope.. My parents hosted a potluck party for their friends yesterday and the theme was St. Patrick's day. What says St. Patrick's day more than lime Jello shots make with Apple Pucker! Yes, my mother made and served Jello shots. She is a wild one!

Lovin' the Ledger

I found an old ledger book in the teacher's lounge today. I loved the pattern and color of the grid and decided to use it as a support for my newest collage. The earthy colors of the lines inspired the jewel toned color scheme. Instead of embellishing with black ink, used sepia on this. I had forgotten how much I enjoy that dark brown shade. It creates a nice warmness that black lacks.

I'm not sure what to name this piece. Any suggestions?

Lazy Summer Days Coming To an End

I have to admit, I've been a little lazy when it came to arting and blogging this week. It's the last week of July....The last full month of summer vacation. In less than a month, I'll be back to work. Ugh.

This is my newest piece. "Need to Know" measures 5" x 5" and was created on blue cardstock. I was feeling the need to move away from the neutral color palette I've adopted this summer and I'm happy with the results.

This weekend my artwork will be exhibited in the Culture Tent at Festa Italiana in Rockford. Festa is a yearly celebration of Italian culture that my family and I have been involved with for years. My brother Kyle and I were founding members of the Amici Italiani Youth Dance Troupe back in 1989. My mom was the co-director of the group and still is. Its fun to have a connection to your heritage like this.

There is an artist "meet and greet" in the Culture Tent on Saturday, from 4-6 pm if you'd like to come out and meet the artists. I'll be there!

Happy weekend all!

WallBlank - Sending Summer to You

I'm very excited to be working with Wallblank. This is a Rockford based company (my hometown) that works with many different artists to offer a different print every day of the week. The prints are very sharp and affordable.

Yesterday (Thursday) "Sending Summer to You" was featured at Wallblank. This is a piece that I originally made for my friend Sarah and its one of my current favorites! This 12" x 12" limited edition print will be available for a week or until its sold out on the Wallblank website.

While you are there, check out the work of my former students, Cari Wayman and Jay Schaul. Both are very talented photographers!

Happy Weekend.