Watercolor Aceo and Mermaids

On Board

Smaller and smaller my paintings become. I am bending over farther and farther to paint and am glad I can stretch back out. Truthfully the smaller the paintings are the harder they become because you have to edit your ideas. But ironically I seem to be putting more elements into the smaller ones. Go figure. I think the dreaminess and purity of watercolors is what draws me to this medium.

I had mentioned earlier about some exciting news. Some art shows and groups allow members once a year on a blind juried basis. There is one coming up that I would love to be a part of. To do this you need a large number of new artistic endeavors to show plus a larger number of past works. Then they decide whether you can be a member and be associated with this elite (read hard to get into) group. Quite a few apply. Many are declined and only a few are choosen. I am aiming for the moon and entering. Aim high. Work hard. (play hard.) Work some more!

Antique-ing Volleyball Girls Folk Art Painting

Volleyball Girls

You have to love a slight vintage look with folk art or even childrens paintings because it makes them look like they've been handed down a generation or two. ("..and look how well this old piece looks" you say to yourself even though it's as new as the just bought morning pastries.)

I find for me it works to put one coat of varnish on your finished painting. Then I add the mixture of paint and antiquing gel where I want it and then wipe some off. After that coat has dried well, I add another few coats of varnish. Some artists apply it to the whole painting and then wipe off selected areas. Some only apply it to their background painting before they put the painted figures on. There is no one right or wrong way to use it that is the beauty of the product. Experiment away.

Volleyball Girls is an original painting up for sale on my etsy shop.

Westie Dog Beach Walk Painting

Westies love water! Sometimes they don't love what we call baths. They would rather play in the surf and soak in a lake or pond. That, the westies agree, is a real bath. Then they come out and shake a bit to share their bath with us.

I've been playing with light and shadows and really cutting back on the shadow values in my paintings. I do love the feeling of colors. The moods colors can bring out.

This original west highland terrier painting is up for sale on ebay with a buy it now price as well.

Original Hula Girl Painting Aceo

We here on the east coast are only one shell away from Hawaii Nei. Just pick one up and listen. It dials directly and instantly to hawaiian beaches. Even when the electricity is out...Hawaii is there. It also sounds alot like standing on top of the pali lookout. The wind snaps your hair around, but you don't care because white gingers are blooming all over wild in the woods. All you do is inhale Hawaii.

Moonlight Hula is an ACEO painting that I have up for sale here. They are small works of art 2.5-inches by 3.5 inches and they are original paintings. Often you can purchase from different artists cheaper than a larger painting. You may matt it and frame it or slip them in a album specifically for trading cards.

Frida Kahlo Portrait Painting Folk Art

Frida Kahlo might be the only person to bring flowers to the beach. She has found a beautiful red crab which reminds her of a heart. A heart with a pinch to it. (We must be careful with everyone's hearts.) Plus Frida has found a starfish which reminds her of the falling stars she makes wishes on. Kitty is hoping that crab doesn't go home with them!

The colors are the blues I see outside...no overcast, no smog, just brilliant blues and whites! I love this weather. Too bad the beach is a few hours away...

For more information about this painting for sale check here.


I am also adding a new link I am participating in.

Kailua Beach Canoeing/Kayaking Hawaii

Kailua Beach has lots of white sand and calmer waters because it is protected by a living barrier reef. Now the fun part is that you can kayak out to some small islands, Mokulua Islands and Flat Island, that are bird sanctuaries to snorkel and enjoy the privacy of your own little island. Your companions will be a few swimming sea turtles, fish and birds.

There is also a canal where you can test out your kayaking ability if you are new at it.

Royal Hawaiian Waikiki Hawaii

We are in Hawaii and loving it. We are here for a special occasion. It was 82 degrees the day we arrived and it has been about that every day! Woo-hoo! No one is worried about bringing in plants inside here in October. The scent of tuberoses wafting through the air is heavenly. The fresh fruit, the food, (the smell of barbeque everywhere we go) the beaches..and our family make it wonderful, too.

The royal hawaiian hotel is an old pink landmark hotel on waikiki beach with some neat shops inside. I love how the pink contrasts with the deep blue sky and the green palm trees. They have planters on the very top of the roof with variegated agave type plants. Large ones, I might add. No need to water them by hand.

I have taken lots of pictures to share with you. I have not seen one westie dog yet. I did see little yorkies in Waikiki being carried about.