Flint Institute of Arts Exhibit

I was recently contacted by a manager of the Flint Institute of Arts who was interested in my work, more specifically, my hand painted cigar boxes. He is in charge of booking artists for upcoming exhibits, and thought my painted boxes would be great for an upcoming Cuban exhibit. The title of the exhibit is: Unbroken Ties: Dialogues in Cuban Art. I am so honored and humbled that he would be interested in my cigar boxes, and that I am able to have this incredible opportunity.

He has chosen six boxes from my Etsy shop, and I will do six more custom boxes for the exhibit. This will run from September 12th, 2010 until January 2, 2011 in the Hodge Gallery of the Flint Institute of Arts in Flint, Michigan. I will share more details as I get them.

This is actually the 2nd time that my hand painted cigar boxes have been purchased for a big event. Some of my cigar boxes were purchased by Columbia Pictures earlier this year to be used as part of the set of a major motion film. This movie will hit the theatres next year. I will also share more details about this as the movie release gets closer.

When I first started painting these boxes, I never could have dreamed that these wonderful opportunities would have been presented to me and I couldn't be more appreciative.

What I Learned From Creativity Boot Camp

I completed my final painting for Creativity Boot Camp yesterday and I wanted to share with you what I learned from this two-week challenge.

First, I learned that it's important to set goals for myself. Setting goals keeps me moving forward and pushing toward greater things.

Second, I learned that it's good to continually challenge myself creatively. If I just stick with subjects that are comfortable to me, I'll never really grow as an artist. I've always had a fear of failure and therefore I wouldn't try new things. If I found something that I was good at, I would just stick with it. Now I know that I have to "fail" to learn. I can't be good with every medium and every subject. Even if I produce something that I'm not pleased with, it was good practice and I learned something from it.

Third, I learned that I have to create for me, and no one else. This was a tough lesson for me to learn. When I used to paint before I always had that voice in my head saying, "Will so-and-so like this?" And the truth is that it doesn't really matter. My creativity is first and foremost, for me; it is my expression. If others like it, that's great - and if they don't, that's okay too.

Fourth, I discovered the importance of getting into the studio everyday. I have so enjoyed painting every single day the past several weeks. I always had an excuse as to why I couldn't paint before. I think I'd probably get into my studio once or twice a week.

And finally I think the most important lesson that I learned is that I need to be happy and content with where I am on this journey. It doesn't serve me to look at others work and compare myself to them. Everyone has different gifts, talents, and is at a different place with their creative works. I should only be worried about where I am at, and that I'm happy.

Thank you to Maegan, the creator of Creativity Boot Camp, for the incredible experience!

Creativity Boot Camp Day 13 (final day)

"Sweet Tooth Smile" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Well this is it! "Sweet Tooth Smile" is my last painting for Creativity Boot Camp. The word prompt of the day was "smile." Rather than do a portrait of someone flashing their pearly whites, I decided to paint something that makes people smile. And I think candy makes everyone smile! These small licorice pieces are so cute, and were so much fun to paint.

This painting is 5 by 7, on pastelbord and was done with soft pastels and pastel pencils.

I had such a great time completing these paintings and I'm sad to see this boot camp end. But it will be nice to get to work on some other projects.

Next I will be doing a post on what I gained from Creativity Boot Camp.

Have a great 4th!

Creativity Boot Camp Day 12

"Smooth Sailing" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

The word prompt for day 12 of Creativity Boot Camp was "Smooth." Water first came to mind, and then I thought of this picture that I took from a ferry boat on my way to Mackinac Island last summer. It worked perfectly!

I'm slightly disappointed by the scan of this painting. It just didn't pick up the subtle colors very well. There is a lot of soft purple and pink the sky and water that you can't really see from this scan. Oh well, you get the idea.

I used mostly soft pastels for this painting, and just touches of pastel pencil for the sail boat. I absolutely love painting skies and water, especially together. It's been quite some time since I have, and my love for it was rekindled with this painting! :)

Just one more painting to go for Creativity Boot Camp!

Creativity Boot Camp Day 11

"Hush" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Well I'm just on a roll today! Actually my last painting "Full Bodied" was just about done this morning. It just needed a few finishing touches. I managed to complete two paintings today, and I baked a batch of oatmeal cookies! Yum!

"Hush" is my painting for day 11 of Creativity Boot Camp. I thought of night right away, so the moon seemed like an appropriate subject for this painting. I have to thank Kate Young for allowing me to use one of her photographs as inspiration for this painting!

Have a great evening!

Creativity Boot Camp Day 10

"Full Bodied" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Here is the my next painting for Creativity Boot Camp. Of course, the word prompt was "full bodied." Wine was the first thing that came to my mind, so I had to paint it! I'm really enjoying painting still lives. I never painted them before this challenge, and now I've painted quite a few. I wasn't sure that was something I would enjoy, but I really love it! Maybe next I'll work on setting up my own still life!

"Full Bodied" is 5 by 7, on pastelbord, done with pastel pencils and soft pastels. I'm really growing attached to that pastelbord! It's wonderful to work with, and not too terribly expensive.

Well I'm off to begin my painting for day 11!

Creativity Boot Camp Day 9

"Drizzle" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

I don't know about you, but this painting makes me hungry! :) And I think it certainly says "Drizzle," which was the word prompt for day 9 of Creativity Boot Camp. The end is in sight, only 4 paintings left!

This painting is 5 by 7 on pastelbord done in soft pastels, and pastel pencils. I wanted to remain consistent with this challenge, so that is why all the paintings are the same size and are done in pastels. I may try the challenge again in a different medium, or with photography.

I hope your week is off to a good start!

Weekly Dose of the Puppies

This is a spare bed, and the dogs just love it! I suppose it's a soft place to land when they're wrestling around :)
Bentley just loves sitting in the window sill with the breeze in his hair.

I was sitting at the table having lunch and I look down and see this... Ha-ha!

I can't help but notice that I am always able to get more pictures of Bentley, than of Cooper. Bentley will always stay in the same position long enough for me to grab the camera, but not Cooper. As soon as I get up to get it, Cooper is trailing behind. I guess I'll just have to start leaving the camera out! :)

Latest Project

A few days ago I posted that I had finished a project recently. Well, this is it! The pictures are not great, but you get the idea. A friend of mine who owns an art studio was having a moving sale, and I had my eye on this drafting table. When I went to see it, it wasn't in as good of shape as I had remembered, so I wasn't sure that I wanted it after all. The pad was peeling up all over and it was in desperate need of new paint. But then I got thinking that I could just put a new pad/cover on it, and give it a fresh coat of paint.

The asking price was $400, with the drafting machine and some other extras, and after doing some research I discovered that this was a great price. This table and drafting machine brand new would cost upwards of $2,000. So I bought it, and put about $125 into it (with paint, and the new pad), and after a week of work, it looks like new! I've never purchased anything that needed work before. I generally like to buy things in perfect condition, but this project was kind of fun! I think I might look at things with a new eye now. Just because something doesn't look perfect right away doesn't mean that it can't, with a little bit of work.

So anyway, I am so happy that I made the investment and put the time into restoring this table. It's a wonderful space to work on. I only wish it would fit in my studio!

Creativity Boot Camp Day 8

"Ornament" 5 by 7 Pastel Painting

"Ornament" is my painting for day 8 of Creativity Bootcamp (only 5 left!). With the word prompt of the day being "ornament," I wanted to think outside the box and not do a Christmas ornament. I've been wanting to paint this vase for such a long time and this was the perfect opportunity. The colors of this bottle are so beautiful! I had a wonderful time doing this painting, even though it took nearly all day! :)

The original photograph was taken by an incredible photographer, Kate Young. She has graciously allowed me to use her photos as references for paintings. I didn't realize it until today, but this is the 4th photo of hers that I've used for this bootcamp! You have to check out her blog, she's wonderful!

Creativity Boot Camp Day 7

"Fly", 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

"Fly" is my response to day 7 of Creativity Boot Camp. You guessed it, the word prompt for the day was "fly." I'm officially half way done now. This is 5 by 7 on pastelbord done with soft pastels and pastel pencils. I think I spent more time sharpening pencils than I did actually painting today. My leads kept breaking and I think my sharpeners are getting dull.

The colors in the background of this photo drew me in. They were much more subtle in the original photograph, but I played them up. I'm very pleased with the way this turned out.

Next is "ornament." I'm not too sure where I'm going to take that one. I better figure it out! :)

Creativity Boot Camp Day 6

"Fluid" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

The word prompt from day 6 of Creativity Boot Camp was "fluid." I knew that I wanted to paint a cup of tea or coffee for this painting, and I chose a picture from Aiken House and Garden. Thank you Carolyn for allowing me to use your beautiful photograph! We were supposed to challenge ourselves for this one. I don't normally alter photos at all, but I added some things to the painting that were not in the original photograph.

The shadows on the plate, in the photo were so difficult to achieve. If you look at it from a distance, it makes sense and looks good, but it doesn't look that great up close. So, I'm not really happy with this one. But I wanted to share it anyway. I guess they can't all be masterpieces! :)

Creativity Boot Camp Day 5

"Grow" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Here is my response to day 5 of Creativity Boot Camp. The word prompt for day 5 was "grow." I thought this one would be easy! Again, I wanted to challenge myself and not choose something easy. I had a rather difficult time getting the background of this painting just the way I wanted it, but I'm pleased with the result.

"Grow" is 5 by 7 on pastelbord, and I used a combination of soft pastels and pastel pencils.

Thank you Kathleen Young for allowing me to use your beautiful photograph!

Weekly Dose of Bentley and Cooper

"Mom, do you think you could play with me, and not paint?"

Cooper is such a baby! He loves attention!

I'm not sure what Bentley was doing, but he looks so cute!


Bentley made himself at home on my desk!

As promised, here is the weekly dose of Bentley and Cooper! I snapped so many cute pictures of them this week; I found myself running for the camera, a lot! And unfortunately when they're doing something really cute, the camera is no where in sight. Like this morning when I gave them some apples pieces - Bentley ran to the couch with his and Cooper, who had already scarfed his down, rested his chin on the couch waiting to see if Bentley was going to be able to handle it on his own. They are such characters! :)

I hope you have a great week!

Creativity Boot Camp Day 4

Well I finally finished my painting from Day 4 of Creativity Boot Camp. The word prompt was "heavymetal." This one was a challenge! I'm noticing that the word prompts open up all kinds of ideas for photographers, but it's a little more difficult for us painters! :)
Anyway, this painting is 5 by 7 on pastelbord, and I have named it "heavymetal." I have been asked if I'm going to sell any of the paintings from Creativity Boot Camp, and I'm not really sure. I wanted to complete them all first, and then decide. Even if I decide not to sell the originals, I can always make prints.

The word prompt for Day 5 is "grow." I have many ideas for this one!

I hope you all have a great weekend!!

A Break

I felt like bringing a little beauty to my blog today! It has been so cloudy and rainy this past week. Bring out the sunshine! Actually the sun made a brief appearance today, but that's it.

I wish I had a completed painting to share today, but I don't. I just completed my last final, and all my other homework. I've been working non-stop on this big research paper, and it feels so good to have it done!! It feels great to have everything done :). Now I have 4 whole weeks off! This is the biggest break that we get at my school. Normally we only have a week and a half off in between quarters, and that just isn't long enough! So, I am very happy that I can just focus on painting for a few weeks! How wonderful!

I have started my "heavymetal" painting which is from Day 4 of Creativity Boot Camp. I plan to work on it tomorrow, hopefully finish it, and get it posted. I may also post pictures of a project I've been working on..... :) Have a lovely evening!

Item of the Week

"Carnations" is this week's item of the week in my Etsy shop. It is an original 7 by 10 watercolor painting. The sale price is $22. It's been quite some time since I've posted an item-of-the-week item on my blog, so for those of you who don't know, I choose a different item every week to offer at a special low price, and it also ships anywhere in the U.S. for free! Prints of this painting may be available soon :). Have a great week everyone!!

Bentley's Birthday

Bentley can't resist a laundry basket!

One of Bentley's favorite spots!

Bentley's very favorite spot!

Well I simply couldn't resist putting up some pictures of my Maltese, Bentley, today because he turned 3 years old. I just can't believe it! My Fiance and I got him shortly after we moved to Wisconsin, and I suppose it's equally hard to believe that we've lived here for so long. We left all our friends and family behind (in Michigan) when we moved here, and I wasn't sure we would survive this long! So, Bentley is very special to us. He has been a very loyal companion and I just adore him! I think family pets are so wonderful for so many reasons. They teach you patience and unconditional love. Animals love you just the way you are, and they're SO easy to love!! I imagine that would be similar to how someone feels love for their child, but I have yet to experience that! :) I never thought of myself as a dog person, but now I can't imagine not having one! I should mention that I also have a Yorkie named Cooper, and he's very sweet too. I'm thinking that I just might begin doing a "weekly dose of Bentley and Cooper" here on my blog. Why not! They're sweet, and they just might make you smile! :)

Creativity Boot Camp Day 3

"Multilayered" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

The word prompt from day 3 of Creativity Boot Camp was "multilayered" and this painting is my response to that. I knew as soon as I saw this photograph that it would make a perfect "multilayered" painting. However, it was much more difficult than I thought it was going to be. I really love working in pastels, but it's difficult to achieve fine lines and details. But I took my time and I'm pleased with the way it turned out. The word prompt for day 4 is "heavymetal." I'm not sure if I have my idea planned out yet or not - this one is tricky!

Thank you to Kathleen Young for allowing me to use her beautiful photograph as a reference for this painting!

Creativity Boot Camp Day 2 - Complete

"Fruit Picnic" 5 by 7, Pastel Painting

Fruit Picnic is complete! This is from Day 2 of Creativity Boot Camp. The word prompt was "picnic." I've never painted fruit before (I usually choose flowers) and I'm very happy with the way it turned out. So far I have painted 2 paintings that are very different for me - that is why I am loving Creativity Boot Camp! It's pushing me to try new things and I plan to continue challenging myself. If you are also participating in Boot Camp I would love to hear how it's going for you! And if you haven't heard of it, here is the link so you can get involved too - http://creativebootcamp.blogspot.com/

I really wish that I could "keep up" with the daily assignments, but because I'm a painter I just can't. This painting took me about 3 -3 1/2 hours to complete. That really isn't too bad, but sometimes they take longer (depending on the size). I'm just going to go at a comfortable pace for me because if I feel rushed to get something done, it won't turn out the way I want it to. So, if you're following my paintings for this camp, please have some patience :).