Norma Wilson Art: affordable gift norma wilson fine art

Showing posts with label affordable gift norma wilson fine art. Show all posts

Monday, May 09, 2011

Taking A Bow!

8" by 8" original oil on panel

225.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking
so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously
give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others.

a return to love - marianne williamson

I love this quote every time I read it. I thought it appropriate with the name of todays painting!
So take a bow! Let yourself shine and share that light within you! Have a wonderful day....thank you
for stopping by! :-) Please contact me at normasart@cox.net if you have any questions about this or
any of my other paintings!

There are 3 ways you can make a real difference on this blog: 1. Tell a friend. Share the link to this site with just one other person. 2. Post your thoughts in the comment section. 3. Email any questions or suggestions to me at normasart@cox.netMy blog: http://www.normasdailypaintings.blogspot.com/. My website: http://www.normawilsonfineart.com/

Friday, May 06, 2011

Seeing Colors

Seeing Colors
11" by 14"

$325.

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There is no doubt that the two things that draw me to a subject is the way the light is hitting it and the colors I see reflected. I remember when my first art teacher began to describe the colors that were on
an apple that I was painting and she began naming every color in the rainbow...I responded that I only
saw red! It took awhile but soon I began to see colors! When I would close my eyes at night...I was seeing colors. It was like a part of my brain woke up and it was pretty exciting. I think it a matter of
focus and if you have a black dog or white shirt and you get in different lighting you will see all the colors that are reflected in light and in shadows. I LOVE color and so I try to exaggerate the colors I
see and have so much fun doing it. Today I was at Harbor's edge with my class and did a demonstration using two palette knives and one brush for just the eyes. I have painted this cow before but in a different format and using all brush work. Sometimes it is fun to revisit a subject and change
things up. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Not sure yet if I will post tomorrow but if I don't,
have a wonderful Mother's Day!

There are 3 ways you can make a real difference on this blog: 1. Tell a friend. Share the link to this site with just one other person. 2. Post your thoughts in the comment section. 3. Email any questions or suggestions to me at normasart@cox.net. My blog: http://normasdailypaintings.blogspot.com. My website: http://www.normawilsonfineart.com

Tuesday, May 03, 2011

Pet Commission Demonstration

Pet Portrait Demonstration

Scroll all the way down to the beginning stage...

Step 5

When I looked at the painting for awhile, I didn't like the shape in the background surrounding his right ear and also the line of highlights going down under his left ear. I worked the background a bit more and softened the line that was distracting me and I am pretty pleased. I will look at it again tomorrow with fresh eyes and see if it need tweeking. Painting an all black animal can be really challenging and it is why I suggest to my clients that they photograph their pet outside in the sunlight in the morning or late afternoon when the sun will show some shadows and highlights. The reference I used was pretty much lit from above but it worked out. If you are interested in having your pet painted, contact me at normasart@cox.net. I also offer gift certificates for Mother's Day or some people tell their Mom's that a work is in progress!

Step 4

I apologize for the shiny photos below. I had been taking them on my easel where I work and have a light above. I finally got a clue and took the painting downstairs to the area where I usually photograph. I am on a learning curve for doing demos! Now I continue to add details and push both my darks and lights which I have lost a bit in working the painting. It is time to take a break and then look for awhile.

Step 3

Now I added in some more details such as the tongue and area surrounding the moth and added some cerrulean blue highlights as well as bringing some cobalt purple into the dark areas of fur.

Step 2

Next, I zero in on the eyes to make sure the placement is correct and also develop some of the middle areas lighter highlights. All of these steps help me form the face and I really continue to draw this way. I decided to put the background in early and had decided to do the color of sand as this dog loves the beach!.

Step 1

I usually begin my paintings with a wash of color. This one, I began with a light coat of burnt sienna. I use both positive and negative space to begin finding my subject and start to block in the darkest areas. Since this is a black lab, I really have to squint to find all those areas.

There are 3 ways you can make a real difference on this blog: 1. Tell a friend. Share the link to this site with just one other person or like it on the facebook app. above on my blog!. 2. Post your thoughts in the comment section. 3. Email any questions or suggestions to me at normasart@cox.net. My blog: http://normasdailypaintings.blogspot.com. My website: http://www.normawilsonfineart.com

Monday, May 02, 2011

Memories of Connemara, Ireland

Memories of Connemara

11" by 14" acrylic on wrap around canvas

Last week I worked on this piece while I was with my students at Harbor's Edge. One of the ladies said I should stop and not add another thing so I decided to post it and share another place in Ireland that brings back special memories of my childhood. I visited several times while growing up and stayed with my Mom's very large family. On one visit, My Aunt Una, took us to the west of Ireland which has a very rugged beauty. It is part of the county of Galway. It was a very special time spent with my Mom and her sister.

Now to that unnamed Rooster......

AND THE NAME CHOSEN IS...

......Shine The Light On Me!

Once again I was overwhelmed by the response that I had to draw a name and I used random.org to choose! This one was submitted by Ann Tynes. Thank you Ann! I also want to thank Jerry, Maryann, Nancy, Rae, Sharon, Kathryn, and Claudia C. If I forgot anyone, I am really sorry. I got a flurry of responses on my blog and on facebook so I hope I got all of them! Some of the name suggestions were Bright Eyed And Bushy Tailed, Cock Of The Walk, Center Stage, Shine, I'm Gonna Let It Shine, Lovely Light, My Feathered Friend, Ernesto, Barnyard Bill, King Of The Roost, William The Great, Robinson, Handsome In Pink, Yes, I'm Wearing Pink- Wanna Make Something Of It?, Cogburn, Cockeral, Gallus, and Gallo. I wasn't kidding when I said I had gotten a bunch of good names. You may see a rooster in the future with one of these names! Thank you again. Hope you have a great day and if you have any questions about a painting, contact me at normasart@cox.net.

There are 3 ways you can make a real difference on this blog: 1. Tell a friend. Share the link to this site with just one other person. 2. Post your thoughts in the comment section. 3. Email any questions or suggestions to me at normasart@cox.net. My blog: http://normasdailypaintings.blogspot.com. My website: http://www.normawilsonfineart.com

Sunday, May 01, 2011

Scarlet Tanager SOLD

6" by 6" original oil on panel

125.

I have had so many great name possibilities for my last posting and I promise to pick one out of a hat tomorrow! It has been an amazing and very busy weekend. It began with dinner with friends on the water in Norfolk Friday night and my good friend Roxanne Steed had just come into town from Mystic, Connecticut to do a palette knife demonstration at London Square Gallery. She worked on a painting of a still life of daisies in a blue vase and orange slices. It was so fun to watch her in action! I always come away with new inspiration and things I want to try. She told her favorite white is Cremnitz white and had a large tube that she passed around. It is a lead based paint and it was SO heavy! I can't wait to get some and compare with the whites I have been using. One thing she really likes is that it sets up in a day and that is great news as white is one of the slowest colors to dry. I also love the box she had her palette set up in and it is the one that Carol Marine says is her favorites...Art Box And Panel. All this fun news may be kind of expensive too but I have been looking for a good set up to paint outside. :-)

When I came home after my visit and demonstration, I got back to working on the house. I have been motivated to fluff the nest and get these jobs finished before Andrew comes home for the summer. I painted moulding, shampooed carpets, did some more purging, and cleaned up for studio...that seems to be a weekly necessity these days. Anyway, when I looked at the rooster, I realized that I need to post about all the fun names I got and will do that in the morning. A bunch of people gave me names on facebook and sent me e-mails and in the comments. It is so much fun! Hope you had a wonderful weekend. I have been getting commissions and new painting ideas so I know I will be very busy in the studio! Contact me with any questions! If you are interested in this painting or any others you can purchase using the Buy It Now or email me for other options. Have a great week!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Balancing Act

6" by 6" original oil on panel

125.

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Ever wonder how birds are able to balance their puffy little bodies on those tee tiny little legs? They look like they are walking a tight rope! I am not sure of the breed of this bird but she sure is pretty. Had a wonderful time painting her and getting to know her. I have really been busy the last two days in my studio with four new painting finished. A couple I had started last week.

I found a really neat list on one of my favorite artists blogs, Roisin O'Farrel. We are friends on Facebook and I am going to add a link to her site. I love her wonderful paintings of the interiors of beautiful old homes in Ireland.

My favorite three are 5, 14, and 25...how 'bout you? Contact me with any questions at normasart@cox.net.

Friday, April 22, 2011

A Few Favorites

A Few Favorites

Well, I did it...picked a color for my kitchen. Even though I am an artist and studied interior design for a time....I still had to go run my decision by a designer friend who helped me pick just the RIGHT shade of apricot. I couldn't wait to come home and get some of that color up on the walls! When I finally got enough area to get the FEELING...I felt like I was in a bottle of Pepto Bismol. Why is this process not filled with delight and a sense of adventure?? I might be exaggerating a bit about the Pepto Bismol...it is a little warmer and there is a decided glow coming from my kitchen..... Well nothing that a martini and a good movie can't cure, right???? I am so excited to have my middle son, Sean, home tomorrow and my oldest, Patrick, here for Easter. Andrew is up at Tech and I think there is a game this weekend and he is involved with a run for Cancer so he will not be here for the Easter Bunny. Good thing he doesn't read my blog. :-) I think I am gonna get a bunch of grief what for my Pink kitchen!! O.K. let it go Norma.

My collage today is in lieu of any new works. I have had a really busy week and thought I would do one of some of my personal favorit s. Some were because I developed a relationship with the little creature while painting it or was transported to another place or learned something or perhaps just enjoyed a new color or painting surface.

Lately, I have been getting a lot of requests to do workshops or ongoing classes. I would love to have some feedback on what subjects you would like to see me teach or a specific technique such as palette knife work or impasto painting. I love, love, love, color so that might make a good one day workshop to learn a bit about color mixing and how to use analagous colors to create forms and shadows instead of complentary colors. That is my favorite way to do it. I will look forward to hearing from you! Have a wonderful Easter and thanks so much for checking in with me!

Check out my available works to see which ones are still available!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Sisters Bovine SOLD

11" by 14" on wrap around canvas

350.

When I was photographing these two, the song, Sisters, made famous by Rosemary Clooney in White Christmas kept running through my head. I imagine these two bovine girls as inseparable in the field...caring, sharing...well you know the rest. I had fun with these two while painting them today. Ever since my workshop, I have been feeling somehow rejuvinated. I began this piece with a sketch as I had to make up part of the composition and it was so helpful. Kind of wonder why I have not been doing this all along!!

Yesterday was a wonderful day at the Virginia Beach Garden Tour luncheon. I had my display set up on a covered dock by all the yachts! It is a dirty job but someone has to do it. Almost makes up for all the times my cat rubs her tail in my paintings! Almost. I met so many people and I had to chuckle. There were several artists there in various mediums. Bird carvings, hand painted bird ornaments, handmade bird houses, and three D whimsical birds made of gourds. I mostly displayed my birds but I must admit to sneaking a cow into the mix. Guess what got the most attention. There is something about cows and cow admirers... I met so many people...all out enjoying the beautiful weather and an incredible setting. The neighborhood, Birdneck Point, was the site for the Garden Tours. All the azaleas were in full bloom, dogwood trees, and all the bulbs and flowers. Really lovely.

This weekend will be a busy one with so many people on the road. I wish you all a safe and happy

holiday and spring break. Thank you for stopping by!

Monday, April 18, 2011

Valentia Irish Cow

11" by 14" on wrap around canvas

350.

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My friend and fellow artist, Barbara Mastaglio, lives in one of the most beautiful places on the planet about half the year. She and her husband have a home on Valentia Island off the coast of Kerry in Ireland. I began my journey of cow painting about five years ago when I did an artists workshop over there and it was wonderful. The instructor was Charles Kello and we had a blast. A few weeks ago I asked if she had any cow photos I might have for inspiration and this cow was in the one she gave me. I swear I know this cow from my trip over there! What a beautiful and open face with such a soulful gaze. After my workshop my weekend, I was anxious to use the approach we were taught. I first began with a loose rendering in a large sketchbook. I used only burnt sienna and white and worked out the values. It was so much fun! I also played with some other images before getting to work on canvas. I think this will be my new routine. I began this cow working from the inside out instead of drawing it in paying attention to shapes of dark and light and working the background at the same time. I am REALLY pleased with the result and felt some of the initial excitement of those early days of painting cows. Some times a new approach is just the ticket to shake things up a bit. I am looking forward to another one! I will also be getting ready tomorrow for my display on Wednesday of birds at the Virginia Garden Show Tour held at the Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club in Virginia Beach. Hope you will come out and see me! Please email me if you have any questions about my work or anything else!
Study that helped me loosen up and work out values....

Painting from my workshop that encouraged loosening up!......

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Eastern Mountain Blue bird

6" by 6" original oil on panel

$125.

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I loved the expression on this little bluebird and enjoyed working on his fluffy little body. I have also been loving working the background using the palette knife as it seems to suggest the texture of nature surrounding these little creatures!

What an awesome weekend so far, with a workshop yesterday with an artist whose work I have admired for years, Gloria Coker! We all met at London Square Gallery and got set up. She began with a demonstration in a large sketchbook using black india ink and white paint. After working out

the compostion and values she then had us begin doing the same with the image we brought to inspire us. Mine were a red pair of shoes. I will share some of these photos tomorrow. Scott London took pictures and has not uploaded the afternoon session yet. Anyway, then she did a demo using color of a pair of dancers. Anyone who knows her work is familiar with her wonderful colorful dancers who seem to dance across the canvas! I love how loose her work is and the way it leaves the viewer to use their imagination to fill in and interpret the story. I hope to be using the techniques I learned this week and will share more of those images with you! Hope you have had a fantastic weekend and survived the storms yesterday. We mostly had rain and lots of wind in my neighborhood but I know it was rough in other areas. Thanks so much for checking in with me!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Red Canary SOLD

6" by 6" original oil on panel

125.

I think there is noting prettier than a red bird. This one reminds me of birds I saw in Puerto Vallarta that were along perches outside for all to admire. Hope your week is going well! I will be working on several birds in the next few days as I prepare for the Virginia Beach Garden Show display next week. It is really hot in the house today and I am putting the air conditioning on for the first time this year. My car was covered in pollen today and all the trees are in full bloom. We sure go from winter to summery weather pretty fast in these parts!

If you have questions about this painting or any of my other paintings, please contact me at normasart@cox.net. If you are interested in a larger piece done from one of your photos or similar to

one you see in my available works, we can discuss your ideas!

Wednesday, April 06, 2011

Out Of The Shadows!

Out Of The Shadows

$295.

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It was a real fiasco tonight as I was getting ready to photograph this painting and get it posted. I had it on the table easel in the kitchen ready to photograph when the cat, Rusty, jumped up to get away from the dog, Bailee.

I tried to move her aside so I could get a shot and because her tail was VERY close to the wet paint. Next thing I knew she had her claw in my neck and was leaping off the table as the easel came crashing to the floor and landed on top of the painting. After taking a few deep breaths, I returned to my studio to do the necessary repairs. Now she, Rusty, is innocently perched on my arm as I type. KIDS...what can you do? Hope I don't get cat scratch fever.

As far as the kitchen goes...I have switched back and forth between a warm gray to kilm beige...to a buttery yellow..to...help! I was so used to my colorful leaf pattern that I am afraid my all white kitchen will be too bland. I love white kitchens but a feeling of warmth too.

I guess I just need more information...like an inspiring area rug or tea towels. Have an awesome Thursday!

There are 3 ways you can make a real difference on this blog: 1. Tell a friend. Share the link to this site with just one other person. 2. Post your thoughts in the comment section. 3. Email any questions or suggestions to me at normasart@cox.nett. My blog: http://normasdailypaintings.blogspot.com. My website: http://www.normawilsonfineart.com

Sunday, April 03, 2011

The Colors of Spring

The Colors Of Spring

What a beautiful spring day here in Chesapeake. I am looking forward to a busy week in my studio so today I will be organizing my house and getting caught up on the domestic front. Hope your weekend is going well! Thank you as always for taking the time to stop by and visit my blog! Check my available works if you are interested in any of these paintings! The sunflower is sold already!
I will be working on my April newsletter this weekend. Sign up to receive it and also get my daily posts delivered to your inbox. My subscribers are automatically entered into a drawing for one of my paintings each month!

There are 3 ways you can make a real difference on this blog: 1. Tell a friend. Share the link to this site with just one other person. 2. Post your thoughts in the comment section. 3. Email any questions or suggestions to me at normasart@cox.nett. My blog: http://normasdailypaintings.blogspot.com. My website: http://www.normawilsonfineart.com

Monday, March 28, 2011

All Creatures Great And Small

Ever felt like you needed a weekend to recover from your weekend? I do...what a busy but productive couple of days! I have been working on a home project that began as just a dining room re-do and warped into my entryway, dining room, and upstairs hall. Next comes the living room! I wanted to paint a nice neutral color to freshen things up and chose a classic gray. Of course, once I started...my moulding started to look very dingy....and the wallpaper in the kitchen needs to come down. I'm tired and achy but I did a good job!

I am excited to have a full week ahead. I will be painting more birds for the Virginia Beach Garden Tour. I have been asked to do a display of my birds for this years tour on April 20th. They will be holding it at the Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club. It promises to be a beautiful venue and a wonderful tour of homes and gardens in Birdneck Point.

The gallery that represents me in Richmond, Gallery 5800, is having their largest show of the year on Friday and will have my work displayed on one of

their walls so I will be preparing my paintings for that as well.

Next month, the Artists Gallery, in Virginia Beach will be having their Inspiring Places, Vistas, and Spaces show and have used my seascape painting for their postcard! So....I will be painting another piece for that show and getting frames for the ones I have already. I hope to see you at these events if you live near by! Have a fabulous week!

Some of the paintings displayed in this collage are sold and some are available and can be seen by clicking on the available works link at the top of my blog. :-)

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Gentle Giant

$295

12" by 12" original oil on panel

I once saw a video of an elephant walking through the jungle and came upon a turtle who was right in his path. He stopped and gently pushed the turtle aside before continuing on his way. I just thought it was so kind. Anyway, I have always loved elephants but have never painted one....til now. It was so much fun to do. I hope to do another, much larger version to take up to my gallery in Richmond. I have also been working on a commission of an angus cow for a client to give as a birthday gift to her husband. I should be able to finish it tomorrow. I have almost finished priming my dining room but am now stuck between two colors....classic gray and jimica. One is slightly more beige. I love coastal decor and want to hang some white curtain panels made of sailcloth. I think I will do two squares of each color and live with them for awhile. Well have a wonderful Wednesday!

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Sunday, March 20, 2011

Along The Coast

$125

6" by 6" original oil on panel

This piece was done on Friday during my time spent with my friend, Scott London. H worked on some coy fish and I worked from a tropical island which really was only a jumping off point and what I ended up with almost a bit abstracted. I enjoyed it! This weekend has been busy working on my entryway and dining room, priming it and getting ready to paint the both a classic gray. I think I will enjoy the change and then I will want to work on the moulding and baseboards. I am thinking of super white for them. For years moving to new duty stations with the military, I couldn't wait to be somewhere permanently so I could my walls in bright colors. Now, I am wanting to do everything neutral! I guess because I spend my days with all kinds of colors...I just want soothing and simple on my walls.

Well, I really had some wonderful response to my request to pick a name for my last post. I chose an entry by Brenda, who sent in Looking For Green Pastures. I also want to thank Jerry who suggested Brown Velvet, Pat for, Beauty At The Least, Sharon, for Pretty In Pink, Claudia for, Five a.m Is Mighty Early, Morna for, Sweet Thing, Barb for Brown Velvet also and Bessie. Luanne suggested Sweet Georgia or Brown Eyed Girl, MaryAnn for Helga, and Sonny suggested,Stormy. As you can see by all the really creative, and thoughtful names....I couldn't pick! So I went to Random.org and let them pick a number that corresponded to a list of all the names. I REALLY would love to keep these titles and use for future use. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! It is so much fun to hear from everyone. Hope you have had a fabulous weekend! To show my appreciation....I am offering 10 percent off of any painting to these wonderful ladies who sent in names! Also, remember if you have not signed up to receive my newsletter and daily blog posts to your inbox....you will be entered monthly for a free painting giveaway!

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There are 3 ways you can make a real difference on this blog: 1. Tell a friend. Share the link to this site with just one other person. 2. Post your thoughts in the comment section. 3. Email any questions or suggestions to me at normasart@cox.net My blog: http://normasdailypaintings.blogspot.com. My website: http://www.normawilsonfineart.com

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Dreaming Of Green Pastures SOLD

Dreaming of Green Pastures
SOLD

$295

12" by 12" original oil on archival panel

I decided to try a new paint color by Lukas yesterday. It is turquoise and really love the mix of cobalt blue and turquoise in the background. This cow is looking for a name if anyone can help me think of one! I usually post at the end of the evening after painting in my studio and sometimes my brain is fried! This is one of those nights so any help is greatly appreciated! This one will be going to my gallery unless she finds a good home before next week.

I also want to introduce you to my green eyed studio friend, named Rusty. Yes, I named her...probably when I was tired but she is only 5 and a half pounds and oh so sweet! She is twelve years young and for most of her life she has had teenagers around to hang out with and I didn't see her that often. Since my last one flew the coop...she is my new best friend. At night she drapes herself across my lap and arms as I type. Occasionally she walks through oil paint and tries to make her own paw paintings...not usually on canvas. She has been my model for more paintings than I can count. She has won awards and is part of many collectors homes. She just has that kind of face! :-)

Hope you have a great Friday! I got started painting my dining room so I know what I will be doing
this weekend! Thank you for stopping by!

There are 3 ways you can make a real difference on this blog: 1. Tell a friend. Share the link to this site with just one other person. 2. Post your thoughts in the comment section. 3. Email any questions or suggestions to me at normasart@cox.net. My blog: http://normasdailypaintings.blogspot.com. My website: http://www.normawilsonfineart.com

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Shore Duty

$125

6" by 6" original oil on canvas with sides painted

The days of long walks on the beach are getting closer....the air was pretty chilly today but it was so nice to have more day light! I had a great day in the studio with my friend Claudia Finn and Adele Loomans. We get together often to paint and share ideas and inspirations.

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Saturday, March 12, 2011

Horse Play SOLD

Horse Play
SOLD

$125

6" by 6" original oil on wrap around canvas with sides painted.

I have been away from my studio for a few days as my son has been home from college and
I have been spending some time with him. There is always a game on and a few of his friends
so I like to take advantage of this time with him around and enjoy all the fun! I did take some
time to ship out paintings to collectors and get supplies unpacked. I have a commission to
work on this week of an angus cow that I am looking forward to and also need to work on some
pieces for an upcoming show at the beach. I sold a painting at the opening of the Artists Gallery
show, It's Raining Cats And Dogs and the show goes through the month so stop by and see all
the wonderful paintings and support the local animal shelter!
I am so excited that it is time to set the clocks ahead....that means more daylight and evening
bike rides! I have been itching to get out and get some exercise but my foot is still swollen and
every color in the rainbow so I need to give it a bit more time to heal. Hope you have a wonderful day and enjoy the rest of the weekend! Thanks for stopping by! This piece is available by clicking on the link below and comes with its own display easel!

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Tuesday, March 08, 2011

Is There An Ostrich In The House? Sold

Is There An Ostrich In The House?

SOLD

Such a face! Such a little head....such a huge body! But boy, can they run! Guess when flying

didn't work out for them, they decided to take up sprinting! I do love their inquisitive expressions. I began this piece with hot pink acrylic again which I have done on the last few paintings. I love the way it peeks through in places.

Today was super busy in my studio ordering supplies and stocking my new easels that I will be offering with all paintings up to 12" by 12". I have a picture of one displayed on the side of my blog.

I am working on my newsletter for March and will be announcing my winner for the monthly painting

giveaway for the month of February. To be in the drawing for March, sign up for my newsletter or

daily blog posts by email. Hope you have a super Wednesday!