PPF and a busy life

So again, it's Paint Party Friday already and I haven't gotten done what I had planned.  Spent yesterday trying to find pictures of my oldest son who is turning  30!  OY.  My daughter in law is giving him a surprise party and wants a pic for every year.  I have boxes and boxes and boxes of photos - most undated and unorganized.  OMG what a task.  I have managed to get 24 yrs done.  I tried using Shutterbug or whatever it is called and was ready to smash my computer... so have copied to a disc and will be off to the do it yourself dept. after work tonight.

So, this morning just to make sure I started my day calmly... I tried a new coffee in my never ending quest for "the" one.  Although everytime I decide on "the" one, the next time I go to the store they aren't carrying it any longer! Another, OY.

sharing an older watercolor / pitt pen today

This morning Newman's Own, Nell's Vanilla Caramel.... ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!  What is your favorite coffee????

Thanks to Eva and Kristin for hosting Paint Party Friday's!!!!  a great place to learn and be inspired!

cheers, dana
make art, make friends - share art, share souls

copyright dana strickland/sinderella's studio 2012

PPF and more on our vacation...

I was so happy that I actually took out my journal on this trip... I always say I am going to paint or sketch or or or.... when we take vacation.  We get where we are going and this feeling of intimidation sets in and I don't want anyone peeking over my shoulder because they may "judge" what I am doing.  My husband doesn't count... he is a fair critic but once in awhile hurts my feelings alittle.  He is an engineer and doesn't get some of my painting from emotions.  Anyways... since my trip to Key West in 2008 and painting freely on the streets - be it not so good - in that environment (after a couple days ) I allowed myself to go with the flow... and on occassion have forced myself to do the same thing out and about at home.  This vacation I just felt so free.... I sat out on our little porch with passerby's and just keep sketching and having fun!  One morning on the beach with Hurrican Sandy winds wiping up the ocean - put on a jacket and set out with my pencils and so it went!  FABULOUS!!!!
So along with the craziness of Key West Fantasy Fest... I sketched this bird in keeping with the spirit of the island!

Fantasy Bird of Key West

Watercolor crayons, watercolor pencils and pitt pen!  sorry this pic is so bad - too much sand in my camera lens - it died and I just couldn't get a good one on my tab.

Today is also Dia de Los Muertos!  Please remember those you've lost and celebrate them!

Thanks to Eva and Kristin for hosting such a wonderful place in our crazy world!  Paint ON!!!

cheers, dana
make art, make friends - share art, share souls

all work copyright dana strickland/sinderella's studio 2012

Sunday Sketches and wings...

I have a painting that is calling for a dragonfly, and I KNOW that I can't produce it the way I see it in my head.  Minnemie did the most incredible dragonfly a few weeks ago and was kind enough to share with me how she did the wings.  I think I may have to get a plane ticket and go get lessons in person.  I am working from a photograph that artist friend,
Deb Drew Brown took.  She has this photo on her website and her work is incredible.  (not my reproduction of it ).

Anyways, this is my first practice page of the dragonfly.  This isn't the background that is going to be used but I need to just practice painting the bug before I move forward....I think this is going to take awhile!

Thanks to Alexandra for hosting our Sunday get together!!!  Please be sure to visit all the artists!

cheers, dana
make art, make friends - share art, share souls

Busy Week and must complete a piece of work...

for an upcoming raffle prize.  It gets my name and work out there, who knows!  Have started a canvas and plan on making it see thru-ish rusty looking with - well you'll just have to stay tuned...You know how you have something in your head and it doesn't always come out on the canvas?!?!

So this weekend went to the Mid-Ohio race course with my husband while he worked.  I haven't been to one of his races in a few years so it was alot of fun.  Saw a few friends and while the 2 hour and 45 min race was running - I watched some and sketched some.. only took my basic water color palette - you know with only 7 colors, my waterbrush and a pitt pen...
so my flower is pretty flat but I like the leaves.  It was a great way to relax in all the heat!  Their car went off into the gravel so kind of fell behind, finished forth which was really good all things considered.

My husband hard at work!!!  Team RSR !!! in ALMS racing

 The team was disappointed having just come off a win at Mosport 2 weeks ago.  Onto Road America!!!
Thanks to Alexandra for hosting Sunday Sketches - so happy to hear she is feeling better and has a break in her crazy schedule!!!  Stop and visit all the great work at SS !!!
cheers, dana
make art, make friends - share art share souls

ps if you missed the finished flamingo due to my computer issues - scroll down to my previous post!

HELP...please from all you paint party friday-er's

okay - so I have been working on my bicycle girl painting...I decided to do a pitt pen outline and was pretty happy with the way she came out THEN...I could not get going on the rest of it and NOW have a muddied up mess...
Should I cut her out and put her on something...should I just start anew...can I and with what theme could I collage around her??????????????????????? 
All your suggestions are appreciated!!!

she's an American Girl

What about cutting her out and putting her on newsprint...then putting some rolled up newspapers in her basket????  I do need to darken her hair a bit...somehow I make everyone blonde...

As always it will take me most of the week to get to visit all...I keep missing a few but keep trying to check in with all!  Thanks to Kristen and Eva for hosting such a helpful and inspiration day of the week!!!!  Be sure to check out all the art at Paint Party Friday!

cheers, dana
ps - I hope the majority suggested cutting her out and doing something because that is what I just did! We'll see what happens!
I know I'm writing this on Thursday but Friday's are my early day at work and I just miss it if I don't get it done early.
p.s.s. check out my new profile pic on facebook!!!!