ODD imagination

Not Ugly Anymore

2012-01-24T09:38:00.000-05:00

Alright, I realize that my title is completely a matter of opinion, but based on the previous photo of her from the post "The Uglies" I think she has really come up in the world! LOL

9 x 12" Acrylic, Ink & Caran D'Ache on canvas board.
Title: She Longed For A Love of Her Own (Never Reallizing Self-Love Was The Key).

Clown Fish Boy! Woot!

2012-01-17T12:33:00.000-05:00

Check this guy out! Now THIS is the kind of art I adore when it flows out of me. It is deliciously weird, bold, cute, odd, you name it. This just makes me smile. I have an interesting way of disassociating myself from what I have created, almost like it isn't mine, but it is, I have the paint stains to prove it. ha ha ha
I hope you like this funky kind of work too!

The Uglies

2012-01-11T18:50:00.000-05:00

Presenting... The Uglies!

At this point she seriously needs a plastic surgeon to fix that forehead! LOL

Did someone say I need some sleep? Just look at those dark circles around her eyes. ha ha ha

I don't know about you, but every painting (or sculpture) I begin always goes through the phase of the "Uglies". I find this moment in the process fascinating because from this moment foward, anything can happen! Will it turn out like I have in my mind? Will it look good? Will I destroy it? Will I even finish it?
You see? There are so many possibilities and I only named a few. Exciting stuff don't you think?

Fresh Off The Easel

2012-01-08T11:38:00.000-05:00

Nature Flowed From Her Being
5 x 7" Acrylic

And She Had Klimt-Like Hair
9 x 12" Acrylic

I was feeling productive this weekend!

Owl ATCs

2012-01-05T14:14:00.000-05:00

These Owl ATCs are actually what I would call a collaboration. Kat Enders sent me the backgrounds as a surprise and the colors were so pretty, I wanted to make something with them. Owls have been a very popular motif so I tried them. The only alteration I did to one of the backgrounds was to add stamped words. Not sure what the language is, arabic or something. I hope you like them. :-)

Baby Animal ATC swap on Willowing

2011-12-28T13:39:00.002-05:00

By Kat Endres

I don't think anyone from Willowing is following me here so I am pretty sure it is safe to post these photos.
Above are the ADORABLE photos of the Baby Animal ATCs that I received from my swap partner Kat Endres along with some REALLY COOL "stash" that she sent along with them. That was so thoughtful. I am always blown away by the generosity of people and it was such a nice surprise. Check out the Envelope too. She doodled that free flowing, fanciful stuff right on the envelope. I love it.

Now shhhh.., this is what I am sending to Kat although, I wish I had photographed the other goodies I am sending along as well.

Baby Fennec Fox

Baby Hippo

I really hope she likes them!

Published for the First Time!

2011-12-15T16:27:00.000-05:00

It's pretty exciting to open a book and find your own art work inside. The book? The Art of Resin Clay by Sherri Haab and daughters. It's a pretty sweet little book, so go and a have a look over at Amazon. :o)

I am pretty happy to be published - perhaps not the photos I would have chosen but then again, I am published! Silly me.

Fun post

2011-12-13T13:41:00.003-05:00

I wanted to share the evolution of my painting called "Friends". I thought that it would be fun.
You have to click on the picture below, and wait for it to load, so you can see the GIF in action . Bummer. Not sure why it just doesn't run right here in the post. :o(

And here are some still shots:

And the doodle that started the painting.

Patterns, Barnacles, Driftwood, Colors, Topography, and Reflections

2011-11-27T19:24:00.002-05:00

The beach offered so many textures and visuals this last visit that I took over 150 photos. Wow! Thank goodness for digital as I can only imagine what that would have cost in film.
Please let me share with you some of the really great things I saw on my walk. This will be a photo heavy post (my favorite kind).

PATTERNS

I see flowers, landscapes and knitting

BARNACLES

Encrusted Barnacle city on the bottom of a bucket

DRIFTWOOD

It seems since I first found the tower made of driftwood that others have decided to have their hand at it too. I think there is a little Andy Goldsworthy in all of us.

Below is the original structure that started it all but with more wood added and a root ball ornament almost near the top

COLORS

I loved the layered colors in the sand dune. One picture looks like it is flowing like lava.

TOPOGRAPHY

The tide had rolled in so far it left the beach completely flat and smooth. A perfect canvas. And as if I was flying high above the Earth, the topography left by the waves being locked in the sand was beautiful.

REFLECTIONS

On my walk back through the dunes and towards the Back Bay waters, I saw Snow Geese headed south. White feathered geese with black feet, their beauty not captured by the camera. And the reflecting waters that never fails to make me stop and look.

The End

:o)

Process of painting Sea Snails

2011-11-25T10:32:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of Sea Snails I just finished up. I have some WIP photos included so you can see how I begin my painting process. For the crazy eyed snail, I painted everything including his shell, a base red purple color. For the two horned snail I decided to stick with the natural colors of the shell and let that dictate the body color. So I used burnt umber on the body to bring out the fur details. Some more painting on both, adding lighter and lighter colors but allowing the darker colors to peer through and the process is finished.

From my own collection

2011-11-22T17:46:00.001-05:00

In very rare instances, I find it hard to part with something I have created. Below are three such items from my private collection.
The first item is called Peace. She was created back in the 90's using translucent polymer clay along with some embossing powders kneaded into the clay to create her stone look. She has a vintage glass leaf embedded over her heart and she is holding a dove in her outstretched hands. Both the leaf and dove were used in order to symbolize peace. She is about 4" tall and 1" in diameter.
The next two items were also created around the same time frame but are more like a human zuni fetish. I used polymer clay and a polished stone with a sharp edge to shape them. I call them Singing Mothers. They each have a hole in their bellies to place the tiny babies in which makes it look as if they are cradling them while they sing them to sleep. To me they carry an ancient and tribal feel which I find very appealing. Some of the photos give you a good idea of just how small they are.

I hope you enjoyed seeing some of my older work here today. :o)

Bat Boy Resurrected

2011-11-10T12:25:00.000-05:00

I am finishing this painting tonight (really!) so I can have it ready to sell this weekend to support the Hampton, Va YMCA. I started him just about a year ago (I know!) and resurrecting and revising him has been so refreshing.

It is my homage to Edward Gorey and I hope that anyone who knows his work will recognize this piece as being remeniscent of, or akin to his art (like the bat wings, and black and white acrylic in place of pen and ink). I need to add more shading to his body as you can see it looks really flat. I like the background though because it looks like a piece of rusty metal. He needs a better name/title than Bat Boy though. My originality falls short here today. Any ideas?

Driftwood Tower

2011-11-07T12:35:00.000-05:00

Beauty is everywhere. I found this amazing driftwood tower while walking along my favorite beach. I love the undulating movement of the wood and the stark contrast to the blue ocean.

Sea Snails - WIP

2011-10-17T22:18:00.001-04:00

I nearly have mr. creepiness finished. He has received a fine paint job and I just need to wrap his head in some (bloody?) bandages. I should have some completed photos soon but I also wanted to share a few sea snails I am working on as well. They all need some additional things added to them but I think they are far enough along for a coming out party. :o)

cReePinEss

2011-10-05T11:17:00.000-04:00

Why is creepiness so much fun?

(I like his little teeth...)

Poem for Patty Mooney

2011-10-04T11:21:00.002-04:00

Photo compliments of Leny~s on flickr

I am posting this poem for Patty (A Diary Left Open) because I think it is really beautiful and that she will like it. She writes amazing poetry herself. My sister Deanna (Blue Dragon Arts) shared this poem with me and I hope you guys like it too.

Wild Geese

You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees

for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body

love what it loves.

Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.

Meanwhile the world goes on.

Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain

are moving across the landscapes,

over the prairies and the deep trees,

the mountains and the rivers.

Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,

are heading home again.

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,

the world offers itself to your imagination,

calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting

over and over announcing your place

in the family of things.

from Dream Work by Mary Oliver

published by Atlantic Monthly Press

© Mary Oliver

Another one bites the dust - he he

2011-09-16T15:24:00.002-04:00

A little silly I know, but it feels sooo good to have a tax deadline behind (9/15) and the last one looming (10/15) before it starts all over again. Here is a random picture just for no reason and a little eye candy. How do you like that? :o)

Taken a few weeks ago...

oddimagination at Bluecanvas: The Artist Network

2011-09-15T13:20:00.000-04:00

oddimagination at Bluecanvas: The Artist Network

More Goodies

2011-09-07T21:06:00.001-04:00

I created a few more recycled post cards thanks to Kateyeviews postcard swap. I love how the tissue paper looks in the trees with the little fox. ;o)

Postcard Swap

2011-07-29T23:21:00.002-04:00

Here is one of the postcards I created for the postcard swap I participated in from the blog of Kat Eye View. I can hardly wait to see what cool postcards I will get back.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.7.4

He became She

2011-07-24T09:25:00.001-04:00

I forgot to show you guys how my snail sculpture morphed into a girl. I guess my sister called it right. ha ha

Dragonfly Summer

2011-07-17T21:20:00.002-04:00

Michael Franks has a song that I love called Dragonfly Summer and, right now, that is the time of year we are in. There were dragonflies of all different shapes, sizes, and colors as we made our way down the trails and out to the beach. It was hard to get a good photo of them but what a gorgeous day.
Click on pictures to enlarge.

A little blurry :o(

Sydd, the beach warrior

There is a dragonfly in this picture :o)

You can see a dragon fly on the tip of tall grass

Sydd never walks anywhere. It is always full steam ahead!

Pod from the Trumpet vine

The inside of a trumpet flower

Somebody didn't finish their lunch. Poor crawdad.

Look at how gorgeous the water is!

Watching baby clams dig back into the sand

Look at my clam Gram'ma!

Is there an app for that???

2011-07-13T10:19:00.001-04:00

I would like to create an app that would reach out and slap the stupid email sender.
As you can tell, I have been the receiving a rash of stupid emails that leaves me wondering

"Is there an app for that"?

Example: You are requested by your boss to send an email, as a 'courtesy', providing details of an event that can already be accessed by All on a calendar.
I receive a reply that says it would have been nice if I would have sent the email out sooner so people would have had time to schedule it and attend.

In a perfect world I would hit my reply button and send a 'slap' right back to the individual who sent it for being stupid. They have total access to the calendar 24/7 that lists all available events to attend.
LOL!

Embrace Change ACEO

2011-07-07T17:16:00.000-04:00

Just a quick post today. :o)

Available In My Etsy Shop

Sunday is for Something New

2011-07-03T13:23:00.000-04:00

My latest painting that I especially like, called Floating on Dreams. The green-blue color that runs throughout this painting is reminiscent of the Atlantic Ocean at this time of year. I love that color.
18" x 24"

Flower Face Class

2011-06-26T19:08:00.002-04:00

I did a flower face class with my friends from work and these are the really cool flowers they made! The pictures are blurry - they totally degraded when I loaded them into the video editor so I am going to try to make another one at a later date but for now... ;o)

We really had a good time!

Something New For You to Enjoy

2011-06-12T15:59:00.000-04:00

He has no name yet and I have just a couple of more things to do to this piece before he ends up in my Etsy shop, but I couldn't wait to share since it's been a while for me posting a sculpture.
This cute snail is 5" L x 2.25" W x 2.5" H

Rivers, Rust & Railroads

2011-04-24T12:10:00.001-04:00

Abandoned tracks on the Albemarle Canal. What a fantastic place for a photo shoot and the corrosion and rust just added to the magic. Check out the pitting in some of the photos below - gorgeous!
(some photos would not rotate)

Roger Miller

2011-04-15T10:34:00.000-04:00

I really didn't know who he was until I was looking up songs from when I was a wee child and they happened to be his: England Swings, Dang Me, King of the Road. Turns out Roger Miller was pretty cool.
Check out this quote by him which gave me a really good laugh. It could apply to any creative person if you ask me.

The human mind is a wonderful thing, it starts working from before you're born

and doesn't stop till you sit down to write a song.

If you saw the movie Shanghai Knights they used the song England Swings in it. Ok, that's all I have to say about that... :o)

Finished Flower Faces

2011-04-02T14:04:00.001-04:00

I used apoxy clay to cover the center of the flower and extended it to resemble a cone flower. They were fun. The green face looks a little funky so I probably won't use that color for a face again. :o)

Counting Flowers on the Wall

2011-03-22T22:43:00.000-04:00

Some wip pix of my flowers for a swap I am in over at cloth and clay dolls (a very fun group!).

Living On The Edge

2011-03-19T09:15:00.001-04:00

I am getting that crazy, out of control, living on the edge feeling I always get at this time of year. My job work increases and space for my creativity declines; my inner self goes berserk trying to figure out a way to make more time to create. What a cycle! LOL Thankfully, it looks like tonight will be the night to birth some new art. Yay!!!

Searching the horizons for my creative space.

Photo taken at my favorite place (as always). :o)

New Painting - Spring is in the air

2011-03-11T11:24:00.000-05:00

This painting was created for the Bunnies challenge over at Willowing - a very fun place to share and create!
8x8 acrylic and pen

Wow! Art Doll! Gorgeous!

2011-02-28T12:02:00.000-05:00

This art doll is simply beautiful! My sister at Blue Dragon Arts designed her and it is my most favorite creation of hers yet! She was created for the Birdhouse Auction which will help with scholarship funds for summer camps, preschool and other programs at Pioneers Park Nature Center'. Cool huh?

Be sure to visit Deanna's blog too! Blue Dragon Arts

Feast your eyes...

Bugs BeDazzled

2011-02-27T21:53:00.001-05:00

The rest of the bugs all dressed in their best:

Embrace Your Inner Weird!

2011-02-24T17:48:00.000-05:00

I have been wanting to post ALL DAY about a particular artist that I relish the work of. This girl's art is the perfect kind of quirky/weird I adore. Her name is Sandy Mastroni - please step into her shop and enjoy! Don't forget her Blog too.
Here is a sneek peek for you:

And serendipity entered today to support my sharing of this wonderful and quirky artist. It came in the form of a blogpost from the Beautiful, Wonderful and Meaningful blog The Sophia Project. She reminded me to embrace my own inner weird and let my Freak Flag Fly! Thank you Cyndi for that awesome post.

Now you guys run on over and give it a read. You will be glad you did.

We've Got Legs and We Know How to Use Them!

2011-02-18T17:10:00.000-05:00

A couple of my bugs finally got a set of legs. I put them on about a week ago and then put a glass jar over them to keep them from running off. I should have a few more bugs to look at in a couple of days...

Happy Valentine's Day To YOU!!!

2011-02-14T11:08:00.000-05:00

I wish you all the Love you can handle today and Everyday!
Here is a very cool Blog which I think anyone can enjoy on this special day. It is a good reminder to love ourselves as well.
And here is a little picture I made to celebrate the Love I have for all you. I really appreciate all of your comments and for you following my blog!

Couple more new sketchbook drawings

2011-02-04T18:12:00.000-05:00

I may do something more with this - or not. ha ha

I liked the play on words - knitting woolies.

ATC - just for fun

Just a little bunny who loves carrots

Based on Teesha Moore art

Sketch Book drawings

2011-01-29T21:33:00.000-05:00

Here are some recent sketch book drawings I made.
5.5 x 8.5"

Hit by the Flu

2011-01-28T17:23:00.000-05:00

Don't let this happen to you. It was no fun! I've been down for a week. ugh...

Hearts Desire - New Mini Painting

2011-01-16T20:10:00.000-05:00

I just finished this piece today. I must say, I find it hard not to paint hearts and angels lately. It is all I can think about when I put pencil to paper or brush to canvas so, I figure I am just going to go with it until something else pushes to the surface for me to create. ;o)
Also included is an in-progress pencil drawing. Happy flowers (that look a bit like a fanciful form of Echinacea).

Meet my fantastic Artist friend Cindy

2011-01-14T22:07:00.001-05:00

My friend Cindy has such a great eye for design and color. I really love her style and just had to share her art with the rest of you. Be sure to check out her flickr site for more wonderful eye candy.

Cindy and I met when we were stationed together at NAS Oceana here in VA and we just recently reconnected. It is amazing how paths can separate and then come together again. We have so much in common after all these years and I am happy we found each other again.

Thanks FaceBook!

New Work - Angel Painting

2011-01-11T20:43:00.004-05:00

Here is a new painting I made for my very dear friend Cara. It is called "Home Is Where the Heart Is". It is the perfect subject matter for Cara because she is an Angel and takes great pride in having a heartwarming home. The multi-color background was to match a focal mirror that she has.
Acrylic on Canvas 18 x 24

Catching Up

2010-12-27T19:06:00.000-05:00

A lot of things have transpired since my last post like making cookies with my grand kids:

Sugar High

Irys

Grace

Shanyn (it looks like he is picking his nose - ha ha!)

Sydd (Can you say haircut please?)

Making Snowflake Ornaments:

I sculpted a face and then made a mold.

Painting all the faces

Finished Ornament

Christmas Day - what fun!

Thank you, ALL of you, for following and reading my blog.

I sincerely hope that this Holiday Season is full of Love and Happiness for you and your family.

Happy Holidays!

Happy Thought #6

2010-12-14T18:18:00.000-05:00

My warm, comfy bed waiting to cradle me from a long hard day at work. Blankets like a cocoon, melting into the mattress and pillow. Feeling my entire body sigh as the last muscle relaxes and I let go... Zzzzzzzzz

I wish this were my bed

Creativity Days 6 & 7

2010-12-08T18:31:00.000-05:00

I have been attempting to post daily on FaceBook since that is where this challenge originated but the last two days have been so busy there was no time to post. I still got my one hour of creative time in though so I met the challenge half way. Below is what transpired after my necklace frenzy. Here is Mouse Boy in progress and Bunny Boy complete. His eggs got a paint job in the last photo.

Eclectic Artisan Jewelry

2010-12-03T12:40:00.000-05:00

My bright and creepy side is showing itself again...

I revamped some pendants that were strung on ribbon because I just wasn't happy with the look.

Creativity Challenge Day 2

2010-12-02T23:16:00.000-05:00

Here is a photo of me figuring out what beads will look right with the White Rabbit. Believe it or not this is more than an hours worth of time because I did a bit of detail painting on the clock and I crackled the blue bow. And so it goes. :o) I think I should make a very small flamingo to throw in the mix (maybe?).

WIP - White Rabbit

2010-12-01T23:09:00.000-05:00

From my demented Alice mind. lol
My friend Lisa and I have begun a Creativity Challenge that you can read about on my Facebook if you desire. Today was the first day and this is where my one hour of creativity took me.

Happy Thought #5 - Gratitude

2010-11-25T15:51:00.000-05:00

My Sister's Art is the Perfect Expression of Today - isn't it Beautiful?

When I think of all the things I am grateful for and focus on them, it brings tears to my eyes. Just the process of sitting quietly, watching my thankful thoughts like a film, is such a moving experience. Today I am allowing my Gratitude to well up inside of me like a fountain and I am releasing it out into this world so it can flow to all my family, close friends, unknown friends, the Earth, and YOU!
I hope you have a Joyous, Loving and Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thought #4 - Being Creative

2010-11-23T12:49:00.000-05:00

I do love it when I can sit down and let the creative process flow from my hands. What a Zen - no need for meditation when I'm in the zone! ;o) Here is some current work-in-progress and a "Finished" piece that will be up on Etsy tomorrow.

Don't let their Alien stares freak you out - they always like this way until they are painted. It is fun to see my family's reaction to them! ha ha

For the Holiday doll swap I am doing with Zan as the beautiful Swap Meister!

More alien creepiness but no fear - she will become human shortly! ;o)

My little Finished guy - isn't he just so fat and cute? He is based on the Lost Mittens painting I did and I am really happy with how he turned out.

Another View :o)

Thanks for letting me share. It is hard to keep all this creativity to myself!

Happy Thought #3

2010-11-13T12:21:00.001-05:00

you know... my favorite place again. :o)

Love this dune. I must have photographed it at least a hundred times.

Sea Oats (non-native)

Baby waves today

Can you believe ALL these Birds!??? (brown pelicans mostly).

Best capture I have ever had with the dolphin - usually I miss them with the camera!

12" Copper Head - eek!

Geisha

2010-11-07T14:31:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty excited to have this painting finished. I will be delivering it in the early evening to such a lovely couple over in Norfolk. I am going to take a photo of them with it to share. They bought my Poochy Love painting too and I have to tell you, Marilyn looks just like the girl in the painting. It was very uncanny and fun!

16 x 20 mixed media

Awesome Art by my Friends

2010-11-05T14:25:00.001-04:00

Check out how cute this little star girl is by my friend Cynthia!
Check out the most awesome Zombie girl by my friend Elizabeth!
It's great because they are completely 180 degrees out from each other and yet each one is so FUN!

Be sure to click on them to enlarge for better viewing.

Remember This??

2010-11-03T20:41:00.000-04:00

Well, I forgot to show you that it turned into this - and it sold at the show! :o) The couple who bought it also bought "A Little Birdie Told Me" and called it their first "real" art purchase. (And my head swelled three sizes that day! ha ha)

12 x 16 Mixed Media

Happy Thought #2 - My Family

2010-11-02T21:47:00.000-04:00

Irys is kind of a big deal! ;o)

Shanyn - future pro soccer player!

The Hay Ride

The Boys

The girls (missing Grace! :o( )

Sydd loves his daddy

A bunch of characters but I adore them!

Happy Thought No. 1

2010-10-29T10:17:00.000-04:00

You know what makes me happy? When I discover a few more french fries at the bottom of the bag when I thought I at the last one...

You Guys Rock!

2010-10-17T22:25:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to give a big heartfelt THANK YOU! to all of my dear friends and customers who came to see me at the Stockley Gardens Fall Art Festival. YOU made my show the best show ever and I am truly grateful to you!
I am really pooped now so it's off to bed because I have to get up for my "other" life in the morning. :o)
Multiple Hugs to all of you and Thanks Again,
Denise (one tired Artist).

I Heart Ichabod

2010-10-10T21:56:00.000-04:00

What little girl doesn't? A bit much glare in the lower right corner - oops! 18 x 24

This is what a bundled two year old looks like:

2010-10-05T08:31:00.000-04:00

Sydd turned two yesterday! wow... time flies.

NOW

THEN

I didn't make it... :o(

2010-10-03T20:11:00.000-04:00

I tried though. Gave it my all even but two and a half paintings is all I could get done - three and a half really but one (which I haven't posted) was a 6 x 6 so I'm not sure it counts. As it stands I have three painted backgrounds waiting, and plenty more empty canvases. It is time now to switch to jewelry. Wish me luck - I'm so going to need it!

Here's a little Mushroom named Montake' that I just painted within the last couple of weeks for your viewing pleasure and her story to understand her picture better. 8x10

Montake loved the way the light filtered through the trees down to the floor of the forest. It sparkled and dazzled like diamonds as it descended just a few feet away from her dark, damp home in the crook of an old tree. How Montake longed to step into that light. After watching butterflies and birds flit in and out of the light for hours, Montake finally gathered up all her courage and crept out from her hiding place. She moved ever so carefully to where the light was playing, all the while holding her breath. Suddenly and without thinking, she lept forward into the streaming light. She laughed and danced as the light touched her skin and tickled her nose. What a glorious feeling of freedom! It's funny to think that most of us spend out time being afraid of the dark but little Montake was afraid of the light - no longer!

Two down - Two to go

2010-10-02T20:03:00.000-04:00

I am pooping out. I should have had this one finished hours ago but it took me forever to even get started. Number three is in the works. It is almost 8pm and I don't know if I can get two more done by midnight. I guess we shall see.

Wind 18 x 24

12 HOurs Later... One down, three to go!

2010-10-02T00:52:00.001-04:00

I feel a bit woozy but here is One completed painting called "Carving Pumpkins". A bit of a sadistic, fun piece for Halloween. The other one is nearly there. I will have to finish "Wind" tomorrow. It is time for beddy bye. :o)

Update 5:25 PM

2010-10-01T17:27:00.000-04:00

These are both 18 x 24. This is what has happened over the past four (i think four) hours. This includes a visit by my daughter and grandson, a trip to the gas station to help a friend out of gas, and watering the dog (my pleasant way of saying he had to "go").

Her dress is some fun paper

I just keep thinking "Work Faster! Work Faster!"

Watch My Progress - Ready, Set, Go!

2010-10-01T13:20:00.000-04:00

I am challenging myself to finish these four within two days. You can watch as I go... some are just barely started and one is just a background (for now).

Poochy Love

2010-09-27T00:47:00.002-04:00

Here's a couple more paintings. Poochy Love is complete.
The other one still has a few more touches before it is finished. This painting is called "A Little Birdie Told Me" and I am going to collage those words on. She needs a necklace of some sort as well. It seems I can only produce two paintings in a weekend and that is using up the entire weekend. Look, now it is Monday morning! I must be crazy... ha ha

Two New Cuties

2010-09-19T23:19:00.000-04:00

These two paintings are small. The Little Witch is 5x7 and Bee Boy is 6x6. I kinda like working in this size. :o)

FANTASY

2010-09-17T23:11:00.002-04:00

I will never get tired of this song! No video - just the song.

Lyrics so you can sing along :o)

Every man has a place, in his heart there's a space,
and the world can't erase his fantasies
Take a ride in the sky, on our ship fantasize
all your dreams will come true, right away
And we will live together, until the twelfth of never
our voices will ring forever, as one
Every thought is a dream, rushing by in a stream,
bringing life to THE kingdom of doing
Take a ride in the sky, on our ship fantasize
all your dreams will come true, miles away
Our voices will ring together until the twelfth of never,
we all, will live LOVE forever, as one
Come to see, victory in a land called fantasy,
loving life, for you and me, to behold, to your soul is ecstasy
You will find, other kind, that has been in search OF you,
many lives has brought you to
recognize it's your life, now in review
and as you stay for the play, fantasy, has in store for you,
a glowing light will see you through
It's your day, shining day, all your dreams come true
As you glide, in your stride with the wind, as you fly away
give a smile, from your lips, and say
I am free, yes I'm free, now I'm on my way
Come to see, victory in a land called fantasy,
Loving life, for you and me, to behold, to your soul is ecstasy
You will find other kind, that has been in search of you,
Many lives has brought you to
Recognize it's your life now in review.

Sleeping Bunny

2010-09-13T13:18:00.002-04:00

ok - one more. I finished this yesterday too. I guess it was a productive weekend after all. :o)

16x20

Lost Gloves 18x20

2010-09-12T13:06:00.000-04:00

Remember this guy? I have been wanting to make him into a painting for a long time and here he is. :o) He's not exactly the same which I guess is to be expected but he is pretty close. The drawing is only 4x6 so I had to draw him pretty big onto the canvas.

Angel Love

2010-09-11T21:49:00.000-04:00

Almost finished with another one for the show. Need to add a few more little details and then I'll be happy with it.

It's funny how taking a photo actually helps the "seeing" process and let's me know what is missing or needs to be tweaked.

Finished Painting ;o)

2010-09-05T12:13:00.000-04:00

I just finished this painting about 30 minutes ago and wanted to share it with you. It is going into the show in October and it feels great to have it DONE. Only 22 more to go... ha ha ha. This is a nature inspired painting with my idea of little luminescent creatures that help take care of the plant life. I swear I saw one in my back yard (grin). The doodles below are what inspired this.

Stockley Gardens Art Show

2010-08-25T17:29:00.000-04:00

I was just juried in and will participate in the Stockley Gardens Art Show in October. They chose my paintings and jewelry (my sculpture wasn't accepted, sigh...) Now I am freaking out because I need to get some more stuff made! It is true we create our own stress isn't it? ha ha ha

In the Big Red capitol

2010-08-22T22:59:00.000-04:00

I took some time off and went to visit my sister who lives in the state where Red is the number One color; Lincoln, NE home to the Big Red Cornhuskers. I had a great time and was able to relax... and relax... and relax... Boy was that ever needed. ;o) Beware as this is a photo heavy entry and not what I typically share when it comes to photos but I love the shots. Be sure to click on the photos that interest you for a larger view.

This is Big Red country:

Below: The state capitol.

Above: My silly Sister at work. :o)

Below: Some shots around town.

I love the old buildings and the bricks.

Fun wall murals - they do it to cut down on graffiti and it seems to work.

Below: An amazing show of tiny embroidery- almost all were 100% by hand. I only wish I could remember the name of the gentleman who made them. Photos just can't capture how amazing these tiny works of art truly are.

Below: In the quiet of the cemetary. There is such beautiful artwork to be found here.

Below: St. Mary's Catholic church where I spent my formative years every Saturday or Sunday. This church is directly across the street from the Capitol building. They were holding Mass or I would have taken some inside shots as well. This church was featured in the movie "Terms of Endearment".

Below: Out in the countryside. You can actually breathe here. I love the wide open.

Below: Going Home... sigh...

Sketchbook Project

2010-07-23T19:48:00.000-04:00

Maybe I am crazy. Maybe. I am going to do this Sketchbook project because it seems really cool. My artistic roots (and my first love) has always been drawing. I know how I am and this will most certainly prove challenging for me to get it done.

BUGS - wip

2010-07-20T12:51:00.002-04:00

Here are some bugs I have been working on over the past week. I was inspired by the all the dragonflies. These are not baked and they still need some legs and antennae and some tweaking. I am hoping to have them finished this coming weekend. :o)

Rain Barrel Art

2010-07-19T17:25:00.000-04:00

Check out this totally cool rain barrel that my sister painted. The red/orange cat is in honor of her kitty Mesa and the black and white cat was for the ladies that requested the barrel and his/her name is Spaz. I love, love, love this barrel!

Dragonfly Summer

2010-07-15T21:33:00.002-04:00

I don't know about where you live but here in Virginia it has been one amazing Dragonfly Summer! They are all over the place in a fantastic array of greens, blues, oranges, and browns. I took some photos of them out in front of my house. I just love these happy flying bugs.

The cone flowers and Black Eyed Susans are what they seem to be after.

Oh wait! That's not a dragonfly, it's Sydd. We just finished playing in the hose. ha ha

Antithesis to Katy Perry's "California Gurls"

2010-07-03T21:45:00.004-04:00

I have to say I adore this song and her voice! Thank God good music still exists. Lyrics posted below for your reading pleasure.

Lyrics to This Pretty Face by Amy Macdonald

I don't care
Who does her hair or
What clothes she wears
I don't care if it's YSL, I don't care if it's Chanel
What matters to me is a strong belief
All this beauty is skin deep
Don't care about hair, don't care about eyes
It's about what's inside

You'll never know who you'll meet on your way to the top
You'll probably see them again when your fame starts to drop
Down down, I'll meet you on the ground
It's no good with your hair and your shiny blue eyes
It's no good when you finally start to realize
I need something more
This pretty face don't work no more

What happened to achieving
What happened to believing in yourself
Why listen to the musings of someone, somebody else
I'm sorry I don't see and I can't quite believe it anymore
What happened to believing that beauty's in the eye of the beholder

You'll never know who you'll meet on your way to the top
You'll probably see them again when your fame starts to drop
Down down, I'll meet you on the ground
It's no good with your hair and your shiny blue eyes
It's no good when you finally start to realize
I need something more
This pretty face don't work no more

You'll never know who you'll meet on your way to the top
You'll probably see them again when your fame starts to drop
Down down, I'll meet you on the ground
It's no good with your hair and your shiny blue eyes
It's no good when you finally start to realize
I need something more
This pretty face don't work no more

New Jewelry

2010-06-30T20:58:00.000-04:00

Well, maybe "kind-of" new jewelry. I made these pieces months ago but became hesitant about putting them out for sale. Not sure how I would hang the little worm pendants - a ribbon necklace might work for them like I did with some of the others below. The oyster shells are real. I collected them from my favorite beach and thought it would be fun to give them their pearl back. So what do you think? Do they need more "umph" or does a satin ribbon fit the bill? It would be good to hear what you like about them or what you might change about them and why AND I really appreciate your feedback!

Beach Baby

2010-06-14T12:52:00.000-04:00

I got to take Sydd to the beach the other day. He loves the sand!
His Aunt Cady is helping him climb the lifeguard stand. He's on top of the world now!

Feeling Brilliant

2010-05-04T17:28:00.000-04:00

Yep. Yep I am. I am feeling a bit brilliant right now because I was actually right about the pretty pink flowers I saw on my walk Sunday. Um hmmm. It feels good to be smart. Ha ha ha! (totally having some fun here).
I present to you a very pretty picture of a Pink Ladies Slipper I found on the web and it looks just like my flower (only with more green stuff happening). ;-)

You know.., this is really just a diversion for me since I just couldn't bring myself to create that Bird Doll I was espousing about a couple of posts ago... drats!

What flower is this?

2010-05-02T22:46:00.000-04:00

I took a long walk (about 5 miles) through the woods and near the water. It was absolutely stunning the way all the colors sparkled and the sky was so blue. I was so mesmerized with looking up at the bright green leaves and the blue of the sky and then the sparkles dancing off the water that I nearly missed the beauty of this little flower. They covered the floor of the woods. The pink is so soft. I thought it was a form of Ladies Slipper but I am not sure. If you know please tell me and thanks! Forgive the photo - I took it with the camera on my phone.

Brown Pelicans

2010-04-23T14:53:00.001-04:00

I needed some inspiration so I went to my usual spot at the beach. It was nice. No people. Wind, sun, sand, surf, and dunes for as far as I could see. Peaceful heaven. I started randomly taking pictures and before I knew it, I was capturing the sea gulls in flight. I am usually quite awful at capturing them but this day I was getting some good shots. As I was looking through the view finder to see if I could locate any more gulls I noticed a dark shape moving my way in the sky and this shape was moving FAST along the dunes. I kept my camera targeted at the mass and as it got closer I realized it was a flock of brown pelicans. When I could see that they had become separate forms I started clicking. It was really exciting to capture them as they flew right over me and beyond winging their way toward the tourist town miles down the strand. As I said earlier, peaceful heaven.

Bird Doll Challenge - Beginning

2010-04-18T11:56:00.000-04:00

I find myself without a sewing machine right now so I had to go out and buy a pre-made doll body. I got this one from A.C. Moore. A bonus I didn't realize when I picked it up is that the body has wires in it so it can be posed. That's pretty neat. Now comes the challenge of realizing some kind of Bird Doll out of this form. It's pretty round so that leads me to a form that will be more child-like I think. It has to be done by April 30th so I better get started. I'll post my progess as I go.

Sketches

2010-04-14T14:03:00.000-04:00

My creativity has not been completely dormant while going through the throes of tax season. I managed to squeak out the painting from the last post and some very incomplete sketches. After the 15th I am going to move forward with the Bird Doll challenge presented at the Cloth & Clay Dolls group on Ning. If you are interested I have a link on my side bar. :o)
Happy Tax Day to You! (Ok, maybe "happy" isn't exactly the right word...).

The Angel of Lost Teddy Bears

2010-03-25T12:02:00.002-04:00

This lovely little angel flies all over the world looking for lost teddy bears and once found, she returns them to the children who love them. The children are always so very happy to see their lost friend again.
Now that's a nice job to have don't you think? :o)
8"x10" acrylic on canvas

First Cut of the Season

2010-03-21T19:11:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe that I had my first cut of the season on my lawn... It was really warm here this weekend and over the past week and suddenly my grass decided it was time to take off! If the weather holds it looks like I will be in for way more cuttings this year...
How's the weather in your world? :o)

Born on the Bayou

2010-02-26T21:48:00.003-05:00

I call him the Bayou Clown - I think it's the trees that make me think of the bayou even though there isn't any moss. And he looks kind of Mardi Gras to me. Or maybe he's the Stumpy Lake Clown from my neck of the woods, or perhaps he's a she and is french like my friend Lisa said. I'll let you decide. :o)
Another recycled, mixed media sculpture using a plastic bottle, a burned out light bulb and various other items.

Flickr anyone?

2010-02-24T13:10:00.000-05:00

I can get lost for hours in this place if I am not careful! So many fantastic pictures and artists and on and on. Someone help me please... ;o)
This photostream captured my attention today (thanks to my friend Stephanie): These Days in French Life

Alas, lunch time is now over.

Harvest Fairy

2010-02-23T18:27:00.001-05:00

Another mixed media painting :o)
8"x10"

Keep a Song in Your Heart

2010-02-15T21:40:00.002-05:00

I almost finished this in time for Valentines day... almost...
Inspired from the book "Taking Flight" by Kelly Rae Roberts. I just wanted to give it a try because her paintings are so fun.

Still not good with taking photos - it washed out a bit at the top. Most likely a lighting issue huh? :o(

This just in...

2010-02-03T19:18:00.001-05:00

Ok. Shameless pursuit of sales. Two more posted in my esty shop. :o)

Most Snow in 20 years

2010-02-01T22:43:00.003-05:00

Hard to believe I was even living here in Virginia Beach twenty years ago. Well, almost twenty. It's been 19 years and some months. But hey, who's counting right? This So Cal girl landed in good ol' VA and never left. Now back to the snow conditions. It was AWESOME! Lots of that white stuff coming down so quiet and soft. I loved it. Gave me a good reason not to go into work on a Saturday - Hooray! I took some pictures but they are not great. I think it's the camera (seriously! ha ha). These pictures were taken about noon and we got much more after this. Amazingly, Va Beach got the most snow of the 7 cities and usually that is not the case. :o)

Now for some of my moon pictures (Back Bay as usual)

How about a few more photos since I am on a roll...

Deer at Dusk - Back Bay

I can't resist - Sydd. I wish you guys could experience the amazing personality of this little guy. He is such a busy body, into everything, always smiling, happy to see people. Here he is wiped out! The really blue face photo was because I forgot to change the white balance (ugh).

And lastly... Kitty Love and Bear Love were just posted on Etsy. It's been forever since I put anything in the shop and I figured I'd better get something in there before the cobwebs set in. :o)

How's that for making up for the lack of posting over the last couple of months?

Sunny and Warm

2010-01-12T19:08:00.002-05:00

One of my photos of one of my favorite places from the summer when it was Sunny and Warm with no chance of Rain or Snow. May this feast for the eyes help warm you to your bones... :o)

Be sure to click for the larger, more awesome view (grin)!

Star Ornaments

2010-01-03T16:07:00.001-05:00

These are some star ornaments that I created for family and friends. I had no idea I had it in me to make as many as I did (21). The smiley faces are made one at at time and the other face was a mold from a face I sculpted a few years ago. Having that mold really made the process go faster. I put a pretty ribbon on each so that they could hang nicely. :o)
Polymer clay, handmade stamps and acrylics.

Just Because

2009-12-11T15:02:00.000-05:00

It's a really BIG universe after all. :o)
I made this guy using the crayon tool in ArtRage. I think my eyes look a lot like his right now. LOL!

Floods, Family & Thanksgiving

2009-11-28T12:44:00.001-05:00

The November Nor'easter left my daughter and her young family flooded and without a home (for a bit until it is fixed) so they are living with me. It is quite the close quarters but it is all good. I am thankful I have a home I cans share and that they are safe. We had a beautiful Thanksgiving with wonderful food created by my other daughter who is a brilliant cook (um... chef!) at 17. I am certain as things settle in and we find our groove I will find my focus to create again. Until then, I would like to say "Thank You!" to all of you beautiful spirits who follow my blog. I really enjoy and look forward to all of the wonderful comments you leave me and I especially LOVE looking at the creative processes that each of you share on your own blogs!
Hugs to you All!
Denise

Baby Monster - So CUTE!

2009-11-09T13:13:00.002-05:00

I had to post this adorable baby monster that my sister made for the Monster Mash Swap. She wasn't able to get her photographed in time but she certainly deserves some face time. I just had to share her cuteness!
Check out Deanna's other beautiful work her at her blog.