Kitchen floor mural

Living in California, earthquakes happen.  My kitchen has gotten a long hairline crack down the length of the floor.  The floor isn't very old and I am definitely not ready to tear out all of those travertine tiles just yet.  I am not new at using paint to camouflage things like wine stains on the bar top, and now cracks in tile.  It is kind of a joke in our house that if something needs hiding, I just paint a starfish on it.

I was a little nervous at first, since this isn't just a starfish- it requires more paint and more commitment.  What if I hate it?  How difficult would it be to scrape off?  When I paint a mural on a wall, I am not worried in the least since I can just cover it up.  Well, I decided to just do it.  

I started with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint.  I have used this paint on many surfaces and have found that it definitely covers well.  I painted my sand color and then the blue base for the water and now I am too far along to quit.  I will post more photos as it progresses.  I have painted on my floor before but on a smaller scale.  I used clear sealer over it and no matter how much traffic it gets, the original crab I painted on my staircase landing still looks good!

Attempting Portrait Painting- Finally!

I have been painting for many years, and I love it!  I started with watercolors and gouache and then, oils and acrylics.  I have just always been very uncomfortable with painting people.  I should have faced that fear a long time ago and by now, I'd be finding it easy.  I mostly paint watercolor beaches and still life, and still life in oils.  My oil painting teacher said to just treat a face like any other object in a still life- or even turn the painting upside down. No big deal, really.  Anyway, I have pretty much avoided painting people and faces- except maybe small people in a beach painting.

I haven't been painting on a regular basis for the last several 

years.  Family matters have been a priority, but now its time to get back into my art.  To help with that, in August-AND on my birthday- I became a grandma.  Now that I have the cutest grand baby on the planet (in my totally non biased opinion) to paint- it is time to get over it and start working on painting people!  I have a desk full of attempts and do-overs, but all of my practice is starting to pay off.  I am starting to have some luck with baby faces and now am working hard at getting a baby face that looks like the baby I am painting specifically.

  I really am on a mission and hope to be able to paint this sweet baby by the time he gets out of high school.

Wish me luck!

"The scariest moment is always just before you start."
-Stephen King

Staircase Beach Mural- Work in Progress

I am having so much fun with this mural!  No rules- its my house and I can paint anything on the walls that I choose to paint.  I will probably be working on this for a long time and adding elements as I think of them.  After all the hard work of building the stairs, it is truly fun to just paint.

Hopefully, now that I am back to painting- watercolors will not be far off.  For now, lots of walls and ceilings to take care of- with fun mural painting here and there.

Beach House Stairs- Before and After

Stairs- Before

Stairs- After

Its been a long time (like a year) since I posted!  Just had a lot going on and no real time to paint.  We moved into our house a few months ago, and hope to NEVER move again.  We got a good buy on a home at the beach- good buy means lots of work to do.  The first thing we did was tear up the stairs.  Thick pink carpet with a runner on top.  After we got all of that removed, we had to rebuild the steps to cover the bare plywood.  I did not know that you could just go to Lowe's and buy stair treads and risers.  Of course, it would help if they all just fit- but, every step was a little different measurement!

My husband's problem was the actual construction.  My job was painting them.  I chose paint colors for the risers that had a sea glass feel- 7 shades of blues and greens.  The treads are white.

As soon as the stairs were painted and installed, it was time to start a beach mural on the three walls of the staircase.  The bottom photo shows the beginning of the mural- step one.  I will be posting the mural progress as I go along.  This is pure fun for me, and I think it will always be a work in progress as I add elements to it.

Anyway, I have been away from my blog for way too long and hope to stay with it!  For now, I have some wallpaper to go peel off.  Did I mention the house came complete with pink carpet, pink painted walls and wallpaper?  Good thing I like projects, as I think this will take a while.

Now, I am off to check out my favorite artist blogs- a little break, then to the wallpaper removal.

Watercolor Postcards- Oahu!

We are off to Oahu, Hawaii for a week!  Our son is stationed there- at Pearl Harbor/Hickam AB.  I like to paint watercolor postcards when I go places, and they are fun and quick.  This time, I also ordered some stamps to go on them with beachy themes from some of my watercolors.  I have not ordered personalized stamps before, but it was easy and they arrived in just a few days.

Looking forward to an awesome week with our sons and their wives!  Aloha!

Oahu Beach Triptych- finished!

Oahu Beach Watercolor Triptych

25X23, 50X23, 25X23

After a period of no available time to paint, I got back to this project and finished it.  It was really a lot of fun, even though it stressed me out during the process!  I have no problem painting just for the fun of it, or to put for sale in my Etsy shop- but when I am painting for people I know, I worry the whole time that it will be what they are imagining.

This project was a special request from my daughter in law, and the reference photo is one she took of her beach on Oahu at Pearl Harbor/Hickam AFB.  What she loves most about it is the gorgeous turquoise color of the water, so I really wanted to give her that.  This was definitely a larger scale than I usually paint, so it challenged me and that is a good thing.  The watercolors are now in the mail to Hawaii.

For the past year, I have been irregular at best with my painting and blogging.  A few things came up that required my attention and were more important than painting.  My mom has been in chemo and I go out of town a lot, so I just re-prioritized my life.  Things are settling down a bit so I am going to try to get back to daily (at least weekly) painting.  I have tried to get around to my fellow artists' blogs and see what's going on- but that has been spotty also.  Hope to see what everyone has been painting- and get back in touch!

Oahu Beach Triptych

Section 1 (left side) 23" X 25"

A triptych (/ˈtrɪptɪk/ trip-tik; (from the Greek adjective τρίπτυχοs ("three-fold"), from tri-= "three" + ptysso= "to fold") is a work of art (usually a panel painting) that is divided into three sections.

I am starting a huge project- a watercolor triptych of a beautiful beach on Oahu.  The reference photo was taken by my beautiful daughter in law of the beach she goes to on base (Pearl Harbor/Hickam AFB).  The total width will be 100" across and 23" high. Usually, what I call a large watercolor is 18 X24".  This is definitely a new challenge for me!  I am starting with the end sections to get the feel of it (besides, I am terrified of the 50" wide center piece- reloading my brush in the midst of painting water, etc.).

reference photo - Hickam Beach

Artists and Copyrights

New York Memories

So- I have a question about artists and how copyrights affect our art.  I am VERY careful about not copying art of other artists, and paint my paintings from photos I take myself.  I would hate it if anyone copied my work, and would not do that to another artist EVER.  Well- I have some NYC subway tokens and thought they would make fun charms for my jewelry in my Etsy shop.  I looked around the internet - I saw many jewelry items using subway tokens, so I thought it was okay to use them.  After all, I am not trying to sell them to use on my subway- or saying that I designed them myself.  I am in no way claiming that I am affiliated with the MTA- or selling them as a token, simply as a piece of art.  My question is- how can recycling  a subway token hurt the MTA in any way?  I think I am free to sell these out-of-use tokens on ebay or at an antique store, so why not as a charm?

This necklace has been listed on Etsy for some time and out of the blue, I find out that it infringes on a trademark and I cannot sell it.  My main problem isn't that I cannot sell the necklace, but that MANY items like mine are available with a simple Google search.  Maybe I should have one of these other artists sell my item for me since they are free to sell them.

Water Babies

'Water Babies'

9X12 Watercolor

This watercolor was pure fun to paint!  I loved the photo and was painting it for a friend.  I got the photo from a friend- of her twin grand babies taking a swim.  I loved the perspective- and who doesn't LOVE cute, chubby baby legs?  It reminded me of when my boys were babies, and I enjoyed every minute of this painting.  This watercolor has gone off to a wonderful home, and I am already trying it in a larger size (18X24) just for the fun of it.

Vintage Marbles

Vintage Marbles

Oil on Masonite Panel  6X6

Time to get back to painting.  It seems that since the holidays, there has been a steady (but VERY welcome) stream of house guests!  Now I need to put painting time back into my regular schedule.  I have plenty of new art supplies to keep me busy.  I stocked up on canvas of all sizes and lots of masonite panels- along with a good supply of watercolor paper.  No excuses.

The painting above is a small part of the jar of marbles my mom has from her childhood.  It is times like this that I am so happy that my grandparents had a basement AND the desire to keep so many of these little treasures from long ago!

Sea Glass Jewelry

I have a confession to make.  I have a beach combing addiction.  I cannot walk on the beach without staring at the sand, hoping to find the wonderful little treasures that come from the ocean .  I have mason jars full of shells, and also sea glass.  Every once in a while, I make jewelry out of the sea glass.  I guess I feel that using it justifies me constantly adding to the collection.  Last week, I got the urge to make some jewelry.  I got out my soldering iron and picked through my sea glass.  I had so much fun!

Playing With Chalk Paint Again!

Old leather and wood stools in "Aubusson Blue" 

Weathered wicker chair now covered in "Emperor's Silk"

About a year ago, I painted my antique dining room furniture with blue chalk paint to try it out.  Most people might have started with a smaller project to experiment with, but the dark wood just didn't fit in with the rest of my beach house.  I knew if the chalk paint didn't work out, I would have to strip and sand the old finish off anyway.  Not much to lose really.  I had heard a little about Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint about a year ago, then did some online research.  To tell the truth, I didn't find anything unfavorable about this paint.  I does seem expensive, but now I know first hand that it is worth every penny.  I painted a table, six ladder back chairs, a hutch and a buffet with one quart and still had enough left to paint four of these bar stools.  

Annie Sloan's web site basically says you can use the paint on any surface- without ANY preparation.  My bar stools have been outside on the balcony exposed to sea air and rain for over a year, and were pretty much shot.  I was going to get rid of them anyway, so thought I would try the paint on them.  I painted the wood frames first- then just went for it, and covered the leather areas too.  They have been sat on, and rained on for about 2 weeks and so far, so good!  I bought a can of the red- Emperor's Silk- because I loved the color.  Didn't even know what I would use it on when I ordered it.  My wicker chair on the balcony was starting to look a bit sad, so it was the first red project.  The color is beautiful- and the wicker was a light color, so it just took one coat.  I thinned the paint a bit so it would get between the wicker spaces easier and it was a quick project.

Now, I am going to order three more quarts because I have picked out some shades for inside with  beach glass shades in mind.  Inside, outside- this paint is amazing!  I used the soft wax to seal the dining room set, but for exterior, no wax.  I can't wait to see how it lasts in the damp, ocean air- I am betting it will be great.

Watercolor Christmas Cards

Hard to believe its that time again!  I definitely wasn't ready for Christmas and all the preparations.  This year has been a hectic one and I spent much of my time out of town.  Now, I have more time at home and so much to catch up on.

I like to paint my own Christmas cards, but this year I kind of cheated.  I am using watercolors I already had done, and adding the "Christmas" to them.

Thank You, Veterans!

9X12 Watercolor "American Hero"

                                                                                 

I have been away from my blog for several months for various reasons, but didn't want to let Veterans Day go by without a big THANK YOU.  I know its a bit early- just wanted to take time to remember all of the brave men and women that serve for all of us.

THANK YOU !

The watercolor shown includes the POW bracelet I wore in high school

 honoring American Hero LCDR Edward Davis  along with the US Flag my son sent home from Iraq

Roadside Americana #2- Fresno Motel

Fresno Motel

Oil on Masonite 8X10

This is the second painting in my Roadside Americana- Vintage Neon series.  I am doing some in watercolor and some in oil.  Hopefully, I will be able to decide which media I like best for this particular set.  Maybe both, depending on the sign.  I am doing this same sign in watercolor now, so I will be able to compare.  

This particular motel sign is still visible from the freeway in Fresno.  I see it often when I am driving into town.  The funny thing is, I used to just ignore these awesome signs.  I guess I just didn't think they were going to start disappearing.  There is an awesome old neon sign that I drive by several times a week here in Ventura.  The Wagon Wheel Motel (actually in Oxnard).  The sign remains and I have taken photos, but the motel was long gone before I moved here.  It will definitely be on my short list of signs to paint and I hope to get to it soon!

Painting Roadside Americana- Vintage Neon

Shell Beach Inn   8X10 Oil on Masonite

I haven't been getting a lot of painting time in lately, and have been painting in spurts instead.  I am trying to alternate between oils and watercolors when I do have time.  This week is an oil painting week.  I just got a great package of  art supplies in the mail- including a stack of masonite panels.  I love to paint on masonite since the paint just glides over the surface and it makes it easier to get those fine details.  Canvas is great, but the texture can make it tough to paint the smaller details.

I am not sure when it happened, but most of the great neon signs that we used to see along the roadside are just gone.  I have become a bit obsessed with these retro neon signs and take photos of them whenever I do see them.  They are my kind of painting subject- full of great detail and history.  Sometimes, the more beat up they look, the better.  This one is great looking, and far from worn out- maybe it isn't even that old.  Don't care- love the look.  

The Shell Beach Inn is in beautiful Pismo Beach, California.  I have not stayed there, but love the sign. We spent Fourth of July in Pismo and had a great time so this seemed like a good place to start painting my set of neon signs!  I apologize for the image quality here, the painting is too wet to scan yet, and this is just a photo.  Will post the scan soon!  

Cherry Cherry - Acrylic Painting on Canvas

"Cherry Cherry" 4X4 Acrylic on Canvas

I have been spending many hours over the last few days getting started on Daily Paintworks -and there is so much to learn.  I have posted countless items on Etsy and, while it is time consuming, at least I have it figured out!  There is always so much to learn on a new site and each one seems to have different listing procedures. 

One thing that is completely new to me is using the auction feature.  I know I will learn as I go along and it will become easier.  In the meantime, I have a lot of computer work to do so I can get some paintings listed. No time for painting for a few days!

New Watercolor : Childhood Skyline Memories

Childhood Skyline Memories

9X12 Watercolor

We moved to Long Island in 1993, when both of our boys were  very young.  The first thing we did, was go to New York City- and take the trip out to the Statue of Liberty.  No matter how many times you see it, the Statue is an awesome sight!  

This watercolor is painted from a photo I took that day of the boys looking back at the New York skyline from Liberty Island.  Looking across New York Harbor, you see Ellis Island and the fantastic skyline of New York City. No matter how many photos I have taken since (and there are thousands) this is one of my very favorites.  One reason is that it reminds me of three things-

1. our big move from California to New York

2.  how much fun raising 2 little boys can be

3. how glad I am that we got to see the skyline as it was-

including the Twin Towers

California Dreamin' - Vintage Travel Trailer on Beach Watercolor

California Dreamin" 9X12 Watercolor

When we love to drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, between Santa Barbara and Santa Monica.  It is a beautiful stretch of California coastline and the view is amazing!  One of the main things we notice is that, no matter the time of year, the road is always lined with campers and trailers.

They are often parked only a few feet apart, side-by-side and end-to-end.  There is a wonderful variety of styles in these groupings- from new and shiny to the old and vintage style.  My favorites are the vintage trailers- unfortunately, that shows my age!  They remind me of when I was growing up and bring back nice childhood memories.  Some of these vintage trailers are really restored and creatively styled.  This watercolor is not a painting of a specific trailer I have seen- more a painting of a trailer I put into a fun beach setting.  It was a blast to paint and those are my favorite paintings, the ones that are all fun and no problems!

Jar of Marbles- watercolor 9X12

Childhood Memories -Jar of Marbles

Watercolor 9X12

This watercolor is a painting of one of my mom's antique canning jars filled with her childhood marble collection.  I took some photos of it recently because I loved how the sunlight was making all the marbles sparkle.  Like my mom, I have more than a few (some would say too many) of these antique canning/mason jars.  She got me interested in them years ago, and although I rarely buy them anymore- I love to include them in my paintings.