Blogging

I just sent an email to blogs@americantowns.com . I hope to get some visitors from that site. I am definitely trying to find local- within reasonable miles - some art show/festivals to apply to show my work. I had considered applying to the local co-op gallery - great place in old town: Artisian Circle - but, I really can't produce enough work to justify the expense and time I'd have to work there. I can't be sure that my schedule at work will stay the same once put out and can't risk a committment I can't keep at the gallery. So, anyone that knows of a gallery excepting consignment - PLEASE GIVE ME A SHOUT!
Next week I start an online class for doing self-portraits - insight to my soul and educational artistic experience - can't wait!
Anyone interested in doing an "artist trading card" exchange, again, give me a shout. I am currently working on a 3 card trade with an orgami artist in San Deigo. My theme back to her is baseball, hotdogs & apple pie! (no not Chevrolet, I'm still a Ford girl)
dana

Morning song

This morning I was lying in bed knowing that my alarm was about to go off. I was listening to all the activity outside the balcony doorwall. The birds were chirping, the sun was cresting the top of the trees - I could tell by how bright the room was. Sort of eyes opened, eyes closed - a loud morning wake up call came from outside the door - I was startled but smiled - wow - like a morning rooster but a bird. Sounds really close - I sat up to see the male cardinal -RAY- perched on top of the back of the rocker on the balcony. Gazing into our bedroom chirping loudly as if to say - GET UP - GET GOING! He looked at me and then flew away, his job was done. So I got up and got going. 4.3 miles around the lake with Sophie - it was a struggle. Off to work now. Enjoy the day!
dana

no time for art...

seems to be a topic I read about on art blog after art blog. It is true. While in Key West, Sanford said YOU MUST make time for art! I read that over and over also and yet - hear, say and read - no time for art. Thursday I got up at my usual time and sat with my coffee staring out my "morning window" (I have many windows to the world). I got up and ran the whole lake, it was a struggle just didn't have that bounce. Came in showered and knew I had to grocery shop for dinner that night and a friend coming on Friday. I had planned to do it on lunch BUT I had plenty of time to get it done before work so why not pick up the pace and get it out of the way. Off to Meijers I went and it was all put away in time for me to get to work. Lunch hour came and I thought - wow - I can relax. I came home and puttered on my art table. This little bird is another favorite of mine to watch out my kitichen window. I call her Tillie and her mate, who I plan to paint later is Ray. Anyways - I plan on doing some more on this piece, it is just in my sketch book but I love her.

Need for knowledge

Wow- I keep checking out all these artistic blogs and really need to know how to become interactive. So much information out there - challenges that anyone can do - don't have to consider yourself an artist. Great stuff to do with your kids -or - in my case GRANDKIDS. Make bookmarks, trading cards, jewelry, wall art yadda yadda yadda. My goal is to figure this computer stuff out so that my art can be seen and I can grow.
I have to say that I am so much more relaxed and inspired now that I am working in a positive environment. For the most part I am only working a 40 hour week - again, so relaxing in comparison to the last 6 years. Part of that change was to create art but also to get back in shape. I am happy to say that I am back up to 20 miles a week!!! I am walk/running - not like before when I ran the whole time BUT I am starting to run more than walk - so I am turning the corner. I keep wondering why I am still not getting more done with this new found time BUT I AM !!! I am up to 20 miles a week for pete sakes. That does take a chunk of time. Also, Mark and I are doing the Michigan Brewing Co. 5k run next weekend, that will be a blast. And the BIG NEWS is that ALEX is going to run the Crim with me - 10 miles!!! Alex! I am so excited and impressed with his commitment.
I am signed up for another online workshop that starts in July with Pam Carriker. I am also doing a self-taught art book on watercolor. I am treating this like a class! I have it scheduled in to start next week and have it on my calendar for the next 5 weeks to complete.
So - off to work now - I did 3 miles this morning but have a weird schedule this week so have to do some doubling up - 2 more when I get home tonight before the WINGS GAME !
dana

Sharing Art at Grams!

I had three of the grandkids this weekend; Alex's girls -Cloee (soon to be six), her sister Cameron (3 - although she insists she is four) and Landon ( Ben's boy who is two). We painted, colored, ate apples in carmel sauce - be prepared if you serve that to kids, screamed for the Red Wings, baked cookies, walked Sophie and fed the birds. Great fun - here is their art gallery currently hanging in our livingroom.

ART COMES IN ALL FORMS

What an artful day I've had. It started with a walk/run around the lake this morning with Sophie. It was chilly but sooooooo beautiful. I took a couple pictures for painting ideas that I will be working on over the next few weeks. Then off for a quick pass through the East Lansing Art Festival. I was only able to catch a 1/4 of it and it was ALL excellent. So much talent and so much of it local! Then back home to get ready to accompany my friend Joy to her FIRST exhibit. If you recall I had mentioned that she entered her quilts in the Quilt Show. She had four entries - all just breathtaking. Seriously - quilting is an art form. As a painter I find much inspiration and many ideas in the art quilting world. She should be very proud of her work and her first time out! Like me, she did not have the outcome that was hoped for but it is a learn and grow event. Both her and I will be better next time, so look out!

dana

education

Reading - practicing and expanding my comfort zone. I am taking the online class that Pam Carriker is offering on faces. As I am trying to create my own style by learning techniques from those who's art I respect. My paintings are nothing like her delicate soothing works yet I can learn so much from her. The journaling class I took - opened new doors. I can't wait for July to get started on this additional adventure.
Also following the Pastelfish - her words today - I sooooooooo needed to hear! Just Paint!
Happy Saturday everyone!
dana