That's a wrap!

Ebay can be a source for low cost pastels.   I bought this little set well over a year ago and haven't used them much at all, due to that irritating wrapper.  

So I put on a movie and went about stripping them.   Using a razor blade, I sliced the wrapper enough to peel it off.   These pastels are pretty old, this brand now is a larger sized stick, and this set probably has been banged around some.   Due to this, when the wrapper came off, some of the sticks crumbled. 

 As you can see in the first photo, I put the bits into piles of like-colors, then I crushed them up, added distilled water, and made new, whole pastels.   I added other pieces to change the color as well.   Then formed them into shapes I like and let dry.  

Now this set is fully usable, and after all this time, its almost like having a new set!   Although not original to the set, it came to me in this sweet little wooden box, which I will more than likely make into a pochade box at another time. 

A-sketching I will go

I know I should sketch more, and have no real excuse why I don't.   When I do, its a wonderful experience, whether it was 5 minutes or 50.   I especially like sketching outside.   So when I found I had a bit of time yesterday, I took my super cool journal book and sketch kit to town with the idea to head to the local public lake area.

Its been to icy and/or muddy to walk at home, so Arty and I really enjoyed the cleared off roadway to get in a brisk walk. 

 Late in the day, we were treated to a sunset, altho it didn't sport wild  colors, the serenity of it was awesome.    






 After the walk, I found this little spot, with a log to sit on, for a little sketch.    Arty stood watch so I could lose myself in my journal book.








 This little journal book is pretty cool, with the leather cover, and stitched in pages.   I've not used it yet tho, even having owned it for a couple years.  It was a gift from a friend, and I guess I avoided it because I didn't want to 'ruin it'.  Sound familiar?   I bet so!   But, she gave it to me to use, and its so cool I just can't let it collect dust, I want to use it!    It currently has lined pages, but since I dont' write much, I am using it for sketching.   The lines are handy tho, as I am liking to have a place to write a few words about the sketch or the day.


I knew I didn't have much time before it was too dark, so I opted for walnut ink and pen.   Quick and simple was all I was after.   

Its not a masterpiece by any means, but so what?  I enjoyed it, this sort of thing is more about the experience than the product, made even better since I got to use my super cool journal book.    And it was a very sweet experience!   

Tax Time.

Yup, its that time of year again.   I doubt there is a single one of you out there that rejoice over this!   But I have a couple tips that might make it a bit easier for you.

First, its the very start of the year, get a plan started today!   I use an accordion folder, with a space for each month, to contain my receipts and statements.   This alone is a huge upgrade from the box or manila envelope I used to use.  

I am now keeping all my part of the white/yellow statements in the book--then only removing them at this time of year, so I start fresh each January.   All the papers from this year go into a big envelope marked with the year and filed away.  Less get lost this way.

 In years past, I have found these statements with things like "to pay later".  um, did they get paid?  to whom?  when??   So I make sure my statements have all the information on them even if I think I'll remember later.  I won't. 

I made my own artwork statements, so when finished with a commission or framing job, I staple a photo of the work to the statement, with as many details as possible--I can't tell you how many times someone came back to me 10 years or more later, and want to match what they have.   Details, I need details!   These go into the alphabetized files in the cabinet.  

I print out receipts as I purchase online, and check it against my online accounts.   

Altho I still do not possess fine accounting skills, I'm getting better each year, and its getting easier with just these few tips.   

And as a reward for doing such icky work, I went for a ride, dashing thru the snow and all!

and since Arty the Studio Dog was so patient in waiting for me to do all this boring work instead of a nonstop game of fetch, he got to come along too!

Changes

This time of year, lots of people are thinking of what changes they want to see in the coming new year.   I just don't put a lot of stock in resolutions, but I have made some changes, to my studio!
My dear Stableboy built me a wall, where some very ugly curtains once hung, to separate the storage room of our home, from my painting area. 

I used closet doors to keep as much space as possible in both rooms, and used branches for handles as I like natural elements. 

I painted it a cream color as I wanted to keep it fairly neutral but warm, so not to confuse my color choices since this wall is directly behind my easel.   Trim is all dove grey.

  I put a picture rail up to the left of the doors, as I need a place to leave works to 'simmer' a while before I am sure its done.

And for fun, I used a vintage enamel pot as a pendant light shade over my seating areas, so I can read all my art books!

I love this change, and am itching to get back to the easel, bring on 2016!

That's All Folks

The Studio Open House was a great success!   Many paintings found new homes, (congratulations to the new owners!)and there's going to be lots of clean people around--if the amount of soaps sold is any hint!   

 I love selling my art!   But not just for the cash, which is nice of course!   Knowing someone likes my work to let it show in their homes, now *thats* the real prize!  

Some are hard to see go, new and old favorites both.   I don't wish to become a storage facility though, so go they must.   And its good fun to see the happiness my work brings to those who take it home.   I also listen to what people say when viewing my work, how they see it, feel about it, what makes them go for one piece and not another.  

Something I gathered during this event was many of my plein air pieces were most interesting to others as well.  I believe my goal of expressing what I felt when at that location is coming thru to viewers, and they are responding to it.   This is great news to me.    It confirms what I've always been told---paint what you love, and others will love it too. 

My mudroom transformed nicely into a gallery!

I used my graphic display panels for paintings.

I love old stuff, and use this awesome hutch and older desk for soap display

Now Showing!

I am having my very own, very first Studio Open House!    I have this really great studio, and lots of cool stuff in it--and I have decided to open it up and invite everyone in.  

I paint fairly quickly.  And often.  That means I have lots of artwork!   Some studio works, some plein air paintings;  some small, some pretty big.  

Plein Aire in Belle Fourche

 
I've also been making tons of my handcrafted goat's milk soap.  

Basic and Moonlight Path soaps

I'd really like to start the New Year with an empty studio.   So there is going to be some nice prices for those days.    What days you ask?   November 28 and December 6, each day will be from 12-5.   My studio is located one mile east of Sully Flats Lodge, and half mile north, watch for signs!

Pochade Puppy

I had a birthday recently, and my husband surprised me (understatement!!) with a little black puppy.    Its a Pochade Terrier.  No, not really, I made that up, its a Patterdale Terrier.      

But for me, the first 'name' was more appropriate. Generally, pochades use a small, portable format.  I love to go to paint outs.   One of my favorite things of all to do.   I do not like hotels however, so I stay in my tahoe, which I fondly refer to as Big Alyce, or my 'taho-tel'.   And I have thought to get a small dog to take along, who wouldn't overcrowd Big Alyce, and be a companion and night-watchman.    

Meet Arty!  

And I've been spending gobs of time teaching little Arty neat stuff like not to make piddles on the floor, how to wake me up every few hours, and even to sit!   

River Ride 8x10framed     $145.

But Arty has been showing me something too---often time when we come inside (again), he makes a break for the studio, as fast as 4 inch legs can take him!   He loves that room.   and I got to thinking, gee, maybe I should be more like Arty!   

I've been doing some commission paintings that I cannot show as of yet, but did do an 8x10 of a place I went riding with Stableboy, above the Missouri River.  

But if you'll excuse me, I'm going to take a tip from Arty and make a break for the studio!   

Til next time!