Day 10 - Painting Challenge

I finally painted today! I was missing it too much so I made sure that I set aside some time today. I got these lovely lily stems from the florist yesterday and I wish I would have asked what kind of lily they were. Anyway, the picture above is just a quick shot of my painting setup. I'm not sure if the painting is done. I painted it very loose, and I may have gotten a little too carried away! :) I'm going to leave it for now and go back to it and see what I think. Tomorrow I think I will try the same lily in pastel. I'm not sure I can wait, I might start it today!

Just a few quick notes - I am now on Flickr and my username is "AngelaMarie292." I'm not entirely sure how active I will be on the site, but I am giving it a try. Also, it was recently brought to my attention that my blog was not allowing people to leave comments. I had no idea that I had the comments disabled! Oops! So needless to say, I have fixed it, and you can leave comments now.

Today's Quote: "A beautiful thing is never perfect." - Proverb

Day 9 - Painting Challenge

I definitely could not have picked a worse time to do this painting challenge. I have been busier in the past few weeks than I have been in a long time, and there is no end in sight. I have various appointments lined up. I'm also expecting some company in a couple of weeks. So, I'm not going to worry about posting everyday, if I'm unable to. If I paint something, I will definitely share it with you (if it's worth sharing :) ) and I may post other things as well.

Today I have a little homework to finish, and I think I'm going to head to the greenhouse and pick out some annuals to plant. It's 75 and sunny today! Perfect day to be outside! Enjoy your Sunday!!

Today's Quote: "There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love."
Bryant H. McGill

Day 8 - Painting Challenge

It's my birthday today and to celebrate, I went to one of my favorite greenhouses to take some pictures. I just feel in heaven surrounded by all those beautiful flowers! The photo above is one of my favorites from the day. I just love the color of those pansies. So rich and beautiful.

I plan on getting back to painting tomorrow since my homework is complete!

Today's Quote: "We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace." William Ewart Gladstone

Day 7 - Painting Challenge

I wish I would have had time to paint today, but I was doing homework all day. So, instead of a painting, I'll share another photograph! I also took this one this past Sunday at the park. I wish I could remember the name of this flower, but I can't think of it! Oh well. I took several pictures of this flower and this is one of my favorites. The wind was blowing and it was difficult to get a good shot.

Tomorrow is my birthday and I have a bunch of things planned, so I'm not sure that I will get a painting in. If not, I will be sure to share something :).

Today's Quote: "The happiest man is he who learns from nature the lesson of worship." Ralph Waldo Emerson

Day 6 - Painting Challenge

As you can tell, no painting today. This is a photograph that I took on Sunday at the local park. I was completely struck by the beautiful colors of the tulips. They were probably the prettiest pink I have ever seen. I look forward to painting some of these flowers.

I was looking over how much school work I have this week, and I was overwhelmed! I have midterms and big assignments due this week. Don't they know I have a birthday Friday? :) Something tells me they really don't care! :) So, I have A LOT of work to do, and I don't have any time to sit down and paint. I hope to get back to painting by the weekend, or next week at the latest.

Today's Quote: "Chase down your passion like it's the last bus of the night." Glade Byron Addams

Day 5 - Painting Challenge

I didn't have much time today, so today's paintings are very simple. Sometimes simple is better! These are 4 by 6 watercolors. The center two (the purple coneflower and poppy) are my favorites. I have done a set of blank greeting cards in a very similar way. They sold a while back, but perhaps I should do another set! :)

Don't forget about my Birthday Sale in my Etsy shop this week! Free shipping on everything and you'll also receive a free gift!

Today's Quote: "We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves." Guatama Buddha

Day 4 - Painting Challenge

Today's painting, "Sunshine Lily," is on pastelbord (6x6). I've been wanting to paint this picture for a while now. The reference photo is from my own collection. I actually have a print of the original photograph available in my Etsy shop (It's called "Bright Yellow Lily"). I really like this painting, and I think it looks much more lifelike, in person. All paintings look better in person!

Today's Quote: "The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature." Anne Frank

Birthday Week Sale

I'm celebrating Birthday Week in my Etsy shop!! My Fiance is celebrating a birthday tomorrow, and my twin sister and I are celebrating a birthday on Friday! The sale goes from May 10th to May 16th. Free shipping store wide (You will need to pay the shipping price at checkout and I will refund the shipping cost via Paypal). Also, you will receive a free gift with every purchase!!! A 4x6 print of any painting or photograph that you see in my store. Just let me know in the "Message to Seller" box which photograph or painting you would like. If you don't tell me which one you'd like, I will choose one myself. Happy Shopping!

Day 3 - Painting Challenge

Well as you can probably tell this is not a painting. I decided to substitute for a photograph today. Sunday's are usually pretty relaxed for me, and I decided to go and take some more pictures today. This tulip is one of my favorites. We ended up taking our dogs to the park today and as soon as we got there I noticed all of these beautiful flowers. I had to rush home and get my camera before the sun fell. I got some great shots, and we had fun too! :)

Happy Mother's Day to all of you Moms! I don't have children, but I feel like my two dogs are my kids! And I certainly love them as if they were :). I hope you all had a great weekend.

Today's Quote: "Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever." ~Author Unknown

Day 2 - Painting Challenge

Today's painting is titled "Garden Pansies." It's a 5 x 7 on rough 140lb watercolor paper. The reference photos I used for this painting are pictures I took of pansies that I planted last year. Speaking of which, pansies are supposed to be annuals, but I have some from last year that are still thriving. I dug most of them out to make room for new annuals, but I forgot a small patch. Now I wish I would have just left them.

Anyway, this painting was a lot of fun to do. I've never painted pansies in watercolor before, but I already have ideas for bigger paintings with them. This painting just might be available for sale in my Etsy store soon. :)

Today's quote: "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." - Henry David Thoreau

New Painting Challenge

I'm planning on embarking on a painting challenge. I was thinking about committing to a 365-day challenge, but that might be a bit of a stretch for me. Therefore, I am going to start with 30 days and if it goes well, and I feel that I can commit to a full year, then I will go ahead and do that.

I'm planning on keeping this just a "painting" challenge, but I may substitute a painting with a photograph or quilt if I need to. In any case I will be expressing my creativity in some way, everyday, and I will be sharing that with you.

I will also be including an inspirational quote with each post. I am so inspired by quotes about peace, love and happiness. I believe reading something beautiful, even just a short quote, everyday, can turn your whole day around.

I would greatly appreciate your feedback while I'm on this journey! :)

Day 1 Painting Challenge

This is Day 1 of the 30-Day Painting Challenge that I am embarking on. "Shimmering Daffodils" is an original watercolor on 140lb rough watercolor paper. I named it "Shimmering Daffodils" because I painted the petals of the Daffodils with an iridescent yellow wash that shows through all the glazes on top of it. The photograph of the painting doesn't portray the true colors of the flowers. The petals are a much brighter yellow.

Quote of the day: "We are unlimited beings. We have no ceiling. The capabilities and the talents and the gifts and the power that is within every single individual that is on this planet, is unlimited." - Michael Beckwith

Greenhouse Flowers

This morning I made a special trip to my favorite greenhouse. I make an effort to go at least once a year to take a lot of pictures. In my opinion you can never have too many pictures of flowers! :) Last year I was disappointed that I didn't get that many close ups, so today I made sure to get very close to the flowers. I got some great photos and I'm feeling so inspired to paint! I like to use my own photos as much as possible, when I'm using them as references for paintings. I hope to put these photos to good use, soon! Enjoy!

All images © Angela Bishop

Thank You

I just want to give a big thank you to Laura Trevey, creator of Bright, Bold & Beautiful blog for including my Tropical Hibiscus painting in the "beautiful things" section of her blog, earlier this week. Thank you so very much! If you haven't checked out this blog, you must! Laura gives great tips on everything from fashion to home decor.

Spring and Summer Table Runners

I've gotten into a new routine - painting in the morning and quilting in the afternoon. It's kinda nice! Lately I've acquired some spring/summer fabrics and decided that I had to make table runners. These are so bright and fun - perfect for this time of year. Sometimes all you need to punch up a room is a little color! These "table runners" don't even have to go on a table. You could put them anywhere - on a bookcase, island, entertainment center, over a chair, or even on the wall!

Currently these are all for sale in my Etsy shop. I'm also going to be adding some original paintings and prints daily, so check back for them!

I hope you have a great weekend!

Welcome Spring! New Pastel Painting

I just completed this pastel painting, "Welcome Spring." I used a combination of Mount Vision pastels, and pastel pencils to complete this painting. It is done on 6 x 6 Ampersand Pastelbord. The reference photo I used for this painting is from my Great Uncle Mike. He and his significant other, Kay, are wonderful photographers and graciously allowed me to use some of their photos as references. You must check out their website - http://www.klbenedict.com/.

This painting was a little different for me. I typically paint pretty loose, but I didn't want to use that approach with this painting. I was striving for a realistic look. I'm still learning what my style is, especially since recently changing mediums from watercolor to soft pastels. In watercolor I like to be very loose. I suppose it depends on the subject I'm working on as well.

I enjoyed this painting so much that I'm planning on doing others using a similar style.

Please check my Etsy store for new items!

Thank you and have a great weekend!

New Embroidered Table Runners

I've added yet another item to my Etsy shop - embroidered table runners. These feature a piece of embroidery in the center, with borders sewn around it. Of the current table runners available, there are embroidered flowers, a hummingbird and a butterfly. I am planning on doing holiday ones and several more like the ones that I already have. Perhaps even some with several different embroidery designs in the same piece. Choosing the colors of the embroidery threads and fabrics to match is so much fun; I love anything to do with color! I've searched Etsy and there isn't anything quite like these on there. I think these would be really fun to collect!

Taking a Little Break

Well it's been quite a while since I last posted an update. I have been taking a little break from painting, and I've been focusing inward. I've rediscovered my love for yoga, and I've been dedicating a lot of my time to my practice. I'm even thinking about going through yoga teacher training so that I can teach. I would really love to teach yoga to young people. You can tell just by watching the news lately that there is so much anger in today's youth. I think if they had a healthy outlet, such as yoga, they could better manage the stresses in their lives. So, for now, I'm working on my own practice, and trying to find a deep inner peace.

I'm on a little break from school right now, and I do hope to make some time for painting before I start some new classes. I will be sure to share anything that I'm working on. :)

Latest Pastel Paintings

"Evening Reflection" 5 by 7

"Purple Twilight" 5 by 7

I was graciously given permission from Sharon (this is link to her blog: http://mynewenglandlife.blogspot.com/) to use her beautiful photographs as references for my paintings. I chose to do this set of paintings from her pictures.

These paintings were done on heavy watercolor paper that has been primed with Colourfix Pastel Primer. They are 5 by 7 and were done with mostly Sennelier's, but some Mount Vision pastels as well.

These two paintings are now for sale on my Etsy page, for $40 each, and they come framed in a beautiful wooden frame.

New Pastels

I finally got my 2nd Dakota Art Pastel box and got all my new Mount Vision pastels organized! I had to tear the paper off of 350 pastels as well as inventory them! Buying a full set of Mount Vision pastels was quite a leap considering I had never even tried them before! I had just heard such good things about them. After receiving them and playing around with them a little bit, I'm slightly disappointed. For a "soft pastel" they're a little harder than I was anticipating. I've been using Sennelier's a lot (but a full set is way out of my price range) and they're very soft compared to the Mount Visions. But I'm sure after I use them more I will just love them. I can adapt to just about anything :). Now I have my heart set on a few sets of Terry Ludwig pastels. I have the Maggie Price Greys set, and love it! They are a very soft pastel and I love that. You can never have too many pastels! Right? :)