HAPPY NEW YEAR~2009!

Catitudes

Trying Out My First Slide Show

This Is How It Starts

This is how I develop a concept. I get an idea in my head and it rolls around until I finally put pencil/pen to paper(any paper I have handy)and start doodling. I have a basic vision of my subject matter. In this case, cats lapping up starry milk from the Milky Way. From observing my own cats I can create rough sketches of felines engaged in the appropriate activities to suit my concept.

Next, I need to do research. What does the Milky Way look like...really? During my online browsing I discovered that the Milky Way can appear as an incredible spiral or resemble an erupting volcano of cosmic vapors, very organic in shape. Good! This will give me the creative 'wiggle room' I will need. Now all that's needed is the Moon. Got to have the Moon! The next step will be to incorporate all these elements into a pleasing study worthy of painting. That will be the next challenge...........

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

I want to wish all my friends & visitors a wonderful holiday and all the best for 2009.

What Tarot Card Are You?

I found this test on Jeanette Jobson's blog and couldn't resist. I'm such a sucker for this type of thing. This was my result. Take it as you will. I'm no salesman, that's for sure. I know this from experience. And a smooth talker? Well, I tend to be great at putting my foot in my mouth a lot. I doubt that rates as a 'smooth talker'. I am a good haggler, though. Take the test yourself and see what card you are! I dare you. *heehee*

You are The Magician

Skill, wisdom, adaptation. Craft, cunning, depending on dignity.

Eleoquent and charismatic both verbally and in writing,
you are clever, witty, inventive and persuasive.

The Magician is the male power of creation, creation by willpower and desire. In that ancient sense, it is the ability to make things so just by speaking them aloud. Reflecting this is the fact that the Magician is represented by Mercury. He represents the gift of tongues, a smooth talker, a salesman. Also clever with the slight of hand and a medicine man - either a real doctor or someone trying to sell you snake oil.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Berries and Birch

It's been a long time since I updated my blog. Summer has come and gone and winter is in full swing here in Michigan. It's made an early and vigorous arrival. We've seen snow almost every day and have experienced unusually cold temperatures for November/December.

I lost my muse this past summer. She took a hike but I feel the '*itch' returning at long last. I hope to have some new artwork to offer after the holidays. In the meantime, I saw this scene from my front window today and grabbed my camera to capture it. It was a battle between falling snowflakes, the gathering birds gobbling up berries and the 18° temps to get off a good shot. It's not the best photo but I loved the greys of the sky and the birch tree contrasted against the brilliant orangey red of the berries.

I haven't been entirely reticent in my artistic endeavors for the last several months. Sales at the gallery have been surprisingly good considering the poor economy. I also entered The Artist's Magazine All-Media Online Competition with 'The Cat That Swallowed The Moon'. This will be my first competition so we'll see how well that goes. Winners won't be announced until this coming March.