An artist's ramblings by Lynne Reichhart

How did I do in 2011 - Revisiting my goals!

2012-01-11T07:01:00.000-08:00

Pont Vecchio Landscape

Oh My - It is that time again. I found my 2011 goals the other day and like a train wreck - I had to look. I excelled in some goals and fell flat on my face with others. I thought I would share the results with you and maybe it will help you with your goals.

1. Participate in at least 3 group shows and one solo show in 2011
This one I hit out of the ball part. I did 7 group shows and most of them juried shows so I was thrilled. I even won 4 ribbons this year for my paintings! I did squeak out a solo show in December so I nailed this one!

2. Work on my Zazzle shop to add more designs and create the newly added products by March.
I did add more designs, but never did catch up on the new products - They just keep adding more. I have been adding some templates for the new products I want to add and this one will be carried over to 2012. I suspect that there is a better way to do all this, because it just seems to take me so much time.

3. Create items for cratft shows on a weekly basis.
Well, I did create picture mirrors, glass tile pendants and hand painted glass candle holders, but not on a weekely basis. I ended up doing this when the need arose so I had to hurry up and get her done! I think weekly was too much to ask - I may need to rethink the time frame.

4. Find a local printer to print my cards in the 1st quarter.
I did look into a couple places and will stick with on-line for this. It seems to be mor cost effective.

5. Learn how to engage people better on Twitter - ongoing.
I believe that I have better balanced conversing with people, retweeting and promoting. I also try to find interesting items to tweet.

6. Create a Daily schedule to segment my time so I get more painting done - ASAP!
I tried this approach and life kept getting in the way. I found that if I just carved out time each week for at least a couple painting sessions, I made progress. I find that I do my compter work in the AM which works well except that it is easy to procrasitnate because there is always more I can find to do on-line!

7. Close sites that are not profitable and time wasters.
I must admit that I dropped the ball on this one. I did close one site which I pretty much ignored anyway.

8. Become more active in the Rome Art Association by volunteering at events.
I did attend more meetings than previous years and volunteer for my solo art show at the Rome Community Theater (probably shouldn't count since it saved by butt on goal #1) I really must make more of an effort to attend meetings so I know what is going on. I am a pretty shy person, but I need to man up!

Pets and more - Commissions make great gifts!

2011-12-29T07:46:00.000-08:00

I did a couple commissions for the holidays! Always a pleasure to work with clients and create the best artwork I can for them. I love doing pet portraits. Above is Iggy, a Hemmingway cat, - check out the many toes! Iggy is in a pensive mood and I tried to capture his mood and personality in this piece!

Here we have Harley - his eyes are very expressive! I can do other animals as well, not just cats. I would love the opportunity to do a doggie too!

Commissions are always a bit stressful, but it is all worth it when the client is happy with the finished product!

This portrait was done for a newlywed couple. This photo was one taken for their engagement portfolio. The groom commissioned me to paint this piece for his bride for Christmas. I have since heard that the bride loved it! I was really happy with all of these pieces too.

Commissions are always challenging and I learn so much doing them. Gravel was a challenge in this one - had to stretch my creativity for how to paint it without painting every little stone.

Each of these pics is done in acrylic, but I also do watercolors. Feel free to contact me for any commission requests - I will be glad to work with you. Email me at lmrspdr@dreamscape.com and I will send you all the details!

My art at the 2011 Emmy Awards with Joe Mantegna

2011-11-28T13:23:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that I do love TV, movies and some folks that star in them. Because of this, I occasionally participate in the GBK gift lounge at various award shows. I create products to go in the swag bags that every celeb that stops by the table receives and also a table display item that may be photographed with a celebrity! I do this via The Indie Exhibit. The wonderful people there make sure that my products get in the hands of celebrities. Their tag line is 'Elevate your Brand'. It is good promotion and lots of fun!

For the 2011 Emmy Awards, I created a special double sided print just for the Emmy's. Here are both sides. I signed and numbered each print and included a certificate of authenticity.

Now, this is the icing one the cake! Here is Joe Mantegna most recently from Criminal Minds holding the canvas print I used as my display piece. I was told that he just loved it and couldn't stop looking at it!

This is the Indie Exhibit table in the GBK gift lounge. You can see my Pont Vecchio canvas print on the right of the 2nd tier. Nice looking display!!! Celebs are starting to look for our table at events because it is different every time and they love handmade!

You can get prints of all these paintings on Fine Art America~

Next up is the 2012 Golden Globe awards - then I really must take a break - it is a lot of work preparing 95 swag bag items and a display piece. Also a bit pricey :) Thanks for sharing my experience. I have seen my views and sales increase because of my participation - that is what it is all about!

A morning of inspiration from Hopper, Lichtenstein and Winslow Homer!

2011-09-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

This morning I spent time with the masters! I was lucky to find the Dayton Art Institute museum while in that fair city! What a gem! Their own collection (what small portion on display at this time) was amazing. I am a big fan of 20th century art and they had a nice collection of American artists for me to enjoy. In the pic below, the Indian in the distance is an Andy Warhol. Say what you may about him, but he was innovative! This gallery was primarily contemporary abstract art. I love seeing pieces like these for the first time.

This next piece is a Lichtenstein. I have always enjoyed his bright colors and hard edged style. I know you are supposed to look at art from a distance to really enjoy it, but I always have to examine 'how did they do that' up close and personal. The best part was that I pretty much had he place to myself. Probably because they were preparing for their Oktoberfest this weekend and there was no parking!

The piece below is by Edward Hopper, another artist I really admire. I love his use of light in his pieces. I get my love of light from him though we are miles apart in style.

They had a wonderful special exhibit of Winslow Homer etchings. Homer became a wonderful watercolorist later in his life, but he began as an professional illustrator for Harpers weekly and other publications. His knowledge of graphic design allowed his drawings to be easily adapted to wooden etchings for printmaking. This entire exhibit was lent to the museum by a single doner. I was lucky enough to have her there this morning talking about her collection. She was very proud of the pieces and had something to add to each one.

It was a great morning and I loved that I was there alone to be able to take my time. Museum gift shops always have the neatest stuff too! Thanks for sharing a little piece of what I saw today. BTW - it was OK to take photos of their collection w/o a flash. I was surprised about that - luckily I had my trusty blackberry!

We have a winner of the 50 custom Brochures!!

2011-09-09T10:37:00.000-07:00

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1
Max: 10
Result: 5
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

We have a winner of the 50 custom Brochures! Congratulations to Kalik Hamilton! Thanks so much for particiapting Kalik!!

Random.org picked #5 as the winning comment number. I will pass Kalik's info on to Uprinting and he can create and upload his design for his personalized Brochures!

Thanks to everyone that entered! Special thanks to Uprinting and Giveaway Blogs for providing the prize~!
Keep watch for more great giveaways!

New Giveaway! 50 Free Custom Brochures!

2011-09-01T05:27:00.000-07:00

I am offering another great Giveaway sponsored by Giveaway blogs and Uprinting!

This time we have 50 high quality custom Brochures. You design the brochures yourself! Brochure templates are available to assist you with the design process.

These print brochures are so versatile! You can create promo handouts, portfolios, cards, etc.. with your own images and text.

Giveaway Prize:

50 pcs Brochure printing for One (1) Winner

8.5" x 11"

100lb Paper Gloss

With Folding (Half Fold, Trifold/Letterfold, Z-Fold, Roll Fold, Accordion Fold),

Outside and Inside Printing

2 Business Days Turnaround

*Free shipping

Restriction: Limited to *US residents 18 years old and above only

I am really excited about this one! This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting and I will receive brochure printing services for hosting. Visit UPrinting.com for more information about brochures and available brochure templates.

Contest ends 11:59pm on Thursday September 8th! You have multiple ways to win! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post that includes your full name and email address or a way for me to have access to that info. Your address will not be used for anything other than allowing Uprinting to contact you if you win the prize. If you have any neat ideas on how to use the brochures, please include that too!

You can also blog about this giveaway, linking back here to this post. Leave another comment that you did to get another entry. Tweet about the giveaway and leave a seperate comment that you did that too!

If you are the lucky winner I will pass your info on to Uprinting and they will contact you directly.

Thanks again to Uprinting.com and Giveaway Blogs for providing the prize~!

Giveaway Blogs

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GOOD LUCK!

The Healing Power of Art

2011-08-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

'Sunflowers and Light' Prints available at

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/sunflowers-and-light-lynne-reichhart.html

I have seen some references lately on the use of art as a healing tool, both by creating and also by owning and enjoying. Imagery has been used to help cancer patients relieve stress which can boost their immune system to help them fight the disease.

We all know that color can produce certain responses, so artwork also has the power to soothe, comfort, heal or even agitate. I know that I surround myself with art in my home that makes me feel good when I see it. Besides my own, I also collect other artist's work as well. I love each and every piece for different reasons. Some because the artist inspires me to improve in my own work, others because they remind me of places I have been and bring back good memories and still others because they depict something I love or I just enjoy the image! I had a booth at an art fair recently and a woman picked up a print of a pig I had done for a child's room and she just had to have it. She said it made her smile - a great compliment indeed!

Art is also a great conversation starter, often leading to healthy debates! Art can create strong emotions in the viewer. This can lead to relationships you never expected or just a better understanding of the art itself.

I truly believe that art can have positive influence on our lives in so many ways. I know that creating my art is a great outlet for me. I must admit that no painting is easy and that there is frustration involved in each and every piece I do, but the satisfaction at the end makes it all worth while!

'Reflecting Panes' Buy prints at

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/reflecting-panes-lynne-reichhart.html

Thanks for reading my latest ramblings! I am going to try my darnedest to get on a schedule to update my blog weekly. Life sure has a way of getting in the way of the best laid plans.

Feel free to comment with how art makes a difference in your life!

My time at 'Girls Night Out'.

2011-07-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

This was the first ever 'Girls Night Out' event at the Rome Art and Community Center. I was sceptical about a vendor opportunity that charged the patrons to shop, but it was a huge success! We had smaller spaces than I anticipated and I brought way too much stuff! But I did manage to squeeze it all in. As you can see below, my chair was not easy to get to. Once I got in I didn't leave very often. Good thing my friend Diane was in the next booth. She brought me food and drink from the wonderful array of gourmet appetizers and desserts!

I wanted to take more pix, but again I was trapped in my booth :0! My pendants were popular, both hand painted and glass tile pendants with teenie prints of my work. I also sold several prints, cards, magnets and even an original or two!!! All in all it was a lucritive venture and I would do it agian. It probably didn't hurt that the patrons were drinking heavily ;) We did luck out being in the room with the chocolate fountain too - very popular!

We had a nice group of neightbors and had lots of fun! Here is my friend Diane with her booth - she had the right idea and brought less stuff! The theme was the Caribbean and you can see that Diane wore her tropical shirt in keeping witht he theme.

Things I learned doing this kind of show:

Play to your space - I wouldn't bring the grids next time - smaller items are the key to this sale.

PC also not necessary - I brought the PC in case someone wanted to use Paypal to pay.

Not sure if I need to take credit cards or not. No problem this time though.

Chocolate fountains and selling don't mix. Gooey hands and face kind of embarassing

Explain your work to the customers - this really boosted sales. Engage the folks

Art featuring local images is popular and helps open a dialogue.

Risers are your friend! The display looked much better when everything wasn't at the same level.

Have lots of change in all denominations - we won't have to get cash again for a long time :)

Most everyone wanted a bag so have bags in several sizes and be sure to slip in a business card with their purchase.

Just a few observations. Maybe they will help with your next art fair!

Thanks for Reading!

Art for all your sewing needs!

2011-06-01T12:46:00.000-07:00

I may just have to take up sewing :) I have recently licensed my artwork to Kat's Magical patches. Kat's Magical Patches Fabric Shoppe is a new and up and coming fabric block company that specializes in fun, funky and creative printed fabric blocks. They offer a huge variety of blocks from world renowned artists.

I am now licensed for Fabric blocks, iron on patches and collectible canvas prints!

Above is an example of the gorgeous fabric blocks you can get. 5x7 shown!

Printed with top quality inkDouble treated with a special solution to help extend the life of the inkDouble Heat Set100% Cotton printed fabricReady... Perfect for a pillow, quilt, purse or whatever sewing project you come up with!

This is a 4" tall iron on patch . This pink cutie is perfect for any age! Printed with top quality ink

Ready to iron on when you receive it! No special treatment is needed before you start your project. For best results pre shrink the item you are putting the transfer on. Great for hats, coats, canvas bags - use your imagination!

Great ACEO size prints on canvas - great for collecting, trading, framing or displaying as you wish!

A collectible piece of art and one of my most popular paintings!

About the canvas collectibles:

•Printed with Archival Inks

•Real Canvas Fabric

•Sealed with artist sealant

•Comes in its own plastic sleeve

•Signed on the back by the artist

I may need to get someone that sews to use one of the blocks! Sewing has never been my fav thing to do. I may be coerced to mend a rip or a hem here and there, but that is it! I would love to see one of these used in a project!

My new painting is done! Hot off the easel!

2011-03-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

I finally finished this painting. I am calling it 'My Favorite Spot'. It was a challenge in many ways. The foliage was very intricate and really a big part of the painting so I was more detailed than usual. The chair is the main event though along with the shadows and light on the deck and railing.

As I mentioned in previous posts - this is at my camp in northern NY. We added this new deck on the side of the cabin and it is so private tucked in among the trees. I love to take a beverage and a book out there to relax. If you missed my previous posts then, by all means scroll down to see this piece in various stages of completion. If you are a painter then you know that there are some points in the paining process that are just down right ugly! You have to persevere past that stage to get to the good stuff!

WIP - Work in progess - Making strides!

2011-03-14T09:20:00.000-07:00

OK, maybe not strides, but baby steps :)
Here, I have worked on the railing. Getting the lights and darks was a challenge. I will still make some adjustments, I suspect, after I get the background done to make sure that the railing pops forward. I really do enjoy painting light and shadow and this image offers lots of both!

I have begun the dreaded foliage ;) The photo washed out the background a bit, but you get the idea. I got quite a bit done this morning so I am now actually looking forward to doing more trees (on this one anyway). I am hoping to have this pretty much done before I go to class next week. I think I will name this 'My Favorite Spot' because I love to sit and read here when I am at camp. I have a view of the water here and can see my hummingbird feeder which I love to watch. Camping season can come anytime!!!

Thanks for looking - I will be back with the final installment soon, I hope!

New Painting Work in Progress - View at Camp.

2011-02-26T13:49:00.000-08:00

I am finally on to a new piece. I must admit that I am not a marathon painter - a couple hours at a time is typically my limit. That being said, we shall see how long this one takes me. Also, since my style tends towards realism details are important and take me time to render.

This new piece a view from the new side deck on our log cabin camp. I love sitting on the new deck surrounded by trees in the peace and quiet. I hope I can do it justice.

Above, I am just getting some paint on starting with the largest, darkest area first. Then I proceeded to the deck which is a tricky color. I may still need to darken the values in the shadows, but want to get some more color on first. This is the point where it is really ugly, but come back, I promise it will get better!

In my next session, I worked on the chair and I really like how it turned out. I am so procrastinating on doing the foliage. Trees have never been my favorite so I need to push myself to work on that. I really prefer to work a section to completion, but learned that it is better to get some values established first. As you can see I completed the chair anyway - it kills me to leave stuff unfinished :)

I will be back with more progress the beginning of the week. I am psyched to work on this one now that I have it to this point.

New painting - Sunflowers and light, acrylic on paper

2011-02-11T06:25:00.000-08:00

First, I want to say that I just took this pic quick with my camera so the colors aren't exactly right. The flowers are much more vibrant with glowing oranges and yellows. I still have to get it scanned for a more accurate photo.

I have been working on this one for awhile. Between the holidays, snow removal and life in general - it took me a long time. Now it is complete! I must confess I redid the shadows on the table a couple times. The first attempt I used the acrylic paint as opaque. Just did not get the effect that I was looking for. Then I gessoed it out and tried it watering the paint down for a more watercolor transparent look - much better. It doesn't really show in the photo, but it really does glow with light!

Surprisingly the glass didn't give me grief at all. I just turned the painting and reference upside down and painted the shapes! It turned out pretty well!

Thanks so much for looking! Once I get it scanned I will be offering prints on Fine Art America!

We have a winner for the custom printed flyers! Congratulations, Lauren!

2011-02-01T05:46:00.000-08:00

True Random Number Generator
Min: 1
Max: 8
Result: 2

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

We have a winner of the 50 custom flyers! Congratulations to Lauren from OriginalsbyLauren ! Visit her Etsy shop for handmade aprons, lunch bags, potholders and so much more.

Random.org picked #2 as the winning comment number. I will pass Lauren's info on to Uprinting and she can create and upload her design for her personalized flyers!

Thanks to everyone that entered! Special thanks to Uprinting and Giveaway Blogs for providing the prize~!

Keep watch for more great giveaways!

Time for a custom advertising flyer (50) Giveaway! Your design~

2011-01-25T11:01:00.000-08:00

I am offering another great Giveaway sponsored by Giveaway blogs and Uprinting!
This time we have 50 high quality custom flyers. Uprinting.com provides quality cheap flyer printing every day along with other online printing services.!

These are so versatile! Since they are 8.5" x 11" you can create invitations, promo handouts, mailable cards with your own images and so much more!

Giveaway Prize:

50 Flyers for One (1) Winner
8.5" x 11"
100lb Paper Gloss; No Folding; Front and Back Printing on a 2 Business Days Turnaround
Restriction: Limited to US residents 18 years old and above only.

I am really excited about this one! I even get a set for hosting the giveaway!

Contest ends 11:59pm on Tuesday February 1st! You have multiple ways to win! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post that includes your full name and email address or a way for me to have access to that info. Your address will not be used for anything other than allowing Uprinting to contact you if you win the prize. If you have any neat ideas on how to use the flyers, please include that too!

You can also blog about this giveaway, linking back here to this post. Leave another comment that you did so to get another entry. Tweet about the giveaway and leave a seperate comment that you did that too!

If you are the lucky winner I will pass your info on to Uprinting and they will contact you directly.

Thanks again to Uprinting.com and Giveaway Blogs for providing the prize~!

Giveaway Blogs
http://www.giveawayblogs.com/
http://www.twitter.com/Giveaway_Blogs
GOOD LUCK!

It's a wrap! My Artwork and the Golden Globes!

2011-01-25T06:50:00.000-08:00

Those celebrites know how to get free stuff! My artwork is now in the hands of Lorraine Bracco, Dennis Quaid, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Martin Short and many more!!! Everyone that stopped by the IndiExhibit table in the Golden Globe gift lounge received a signed and numbered limited edition copy of my Vancouver BC painting.

We were a part of the record breaking GBK luxery gift lounge: the 'fun spot' to be! You can read an article about it that includes a mention of our Indie group!

I debated what to display on the table that would catch the celeb's eye. I chose a framed print of my fuchsia painting and it did catch their eye enough to pick it up for a closer look!

Lorraine Bracco, known for her roles as Karen Hill in "Goodfellas" and Dr. Jennifer Melfi on the HBO television series, "The Sopranos" seemed excited about my piece :)

Kimberley Locke, who gained fame with her participation in the 2003 "American Idol" television series, and in 2007 garnered media attention for her participation in Celebrity Fit Club looks pretty good with my painting!

Anisha Nagarajan, best known for her role as Madhuri, a shy call center employee in the NBC series, "Outsourced" took a liking to it as well!

I just like Dennis Quaid - here he is standing in front of our table! You can see my painting in the lower right corner. Check out the pile of bags in the background!

I thought this was the cutest photo! You can see Rico Rodriquez, best known for his role as Manny on the show "Modern Family" (nominated for a Golden Globe for Best TV Series - Comedy or Musical) holding our bag!

Our reps said that our bags were a big hit! People even started seeking us out and asking if there were any leftovers! Very Cool! Celebs were very impressed with our work as were many execs!

All in all it was a lot of fun and I am so glad I took part. I also participated in the Sundance film festival and will get a write up posted on that up soon!

To purchase prints of my 'famous' artwork visit: Fine Art America! You can find all my info at http://www.artbylmr.com/

For more info on how to particpate visit The IndiExhibit!

We have a winner of my art calendar giveaway!

2011-01-18T05:39:00.000-08:00

True Random Number Generator
Min: 1

Max: 30

Result: 16

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Random.org chose number 16 as the lucky winner. Congrautlations IrelandBrady aka Karen Anne Brady!! I will be getting your calendar to you soon after I get your address!

Thanks to everyone that entered. I hope to do more giveaways of some cool stuff this year. Please check back for more freebies!

New Year, New Plan - where do I go from here?

2011-01-05T11:02:00.000-08:00

Well, I have done the obligatory house cleaning and taken many bags to charity. I even reorged my studio space a bit so that I have more surface space (that won't last long ). Now what to do about my online presence. I can spend many hours on-line promoting, updating shops, socializing and never get any painting or creating done. Where do I go from here?

I am the kind of person that always wants to try something new. I have unopened scratchboard supplies, glass painting paint, books on How to Draw Dragons..... I am the proverbial Jack of all trades, master of none. If I hear about a new site that may drum up business - I want to join and set up shop. There must be a better way! I know I can't do it all, but I sure as hell want to try :)

Whew I needed a little chocolate before I go on.

I have thought a bit about what I want to accomplish in 2011, so in no particular order here goes:

Work on Zazzle shop to add more designs and create all the newly added products by March.
Create items for craft shows featuring my art on a weekly basis - pendants, trinket boxes, mirrors...
Participate in at least 3 group shows and one solo show in 2011.
Find a local printer that can print cards of my work in the 1st quarter.
Learn how to engage people better on Twitter rather than just talk at them - ongoing.
Get a better handle on how to use my Facebook business page - ongoing.
Create a daily schedule segmenting my time so I do more art! ASAP!
Close sites that are not profitable and set up new ventures that hopefully are by year end.
Become more active in the Rome Art Association by volunteering at events.

I'm sure there are more and many of these need to be broken down further, but the overall goal is to streamline my on-line presence and do more art!

I would love to hear any comment or suggestions - PLEASE!

Do you have any goals for the new year?

Don't forget to enter my calendar giveaway in the previous post!

The First Giveaway of 2011! Fine Art Calendar.

2011-01-03T07:27:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year~! How about a giveaway! Let's start the new year off right. I am giving away my very own
fine art calendar.

Enjoy a new work of art every month. This is a professionally printed calendar from my Zazzle shop.

Here is a preview of the artwork you will see in the calendar (the blue border is not on the calendar).

Calendar cover

May

March

You can preview the entire calendar in my Zazzle shop!

It is so easy to enter. You can have up to 5 entries - each needs to be a separate comment :)

1. Just comment and say hello!
2. Follow this blog and leave a comment that you did so (or that you already follow).
3. Tweet this giveaway and leave a comment that you did so - Thanks!
4. For another entry, just 'like' my Facebook fan page and leave a comment that you did so or that you already do.
5. Check out my Etsy shop and tell me your favorite item in yet another comment!

Contest ends at 11:59:59 1/17/11 so you have 2 weeks to get those comment in! Thanks for entering!

Art, Paintings, Hemingway Cats and more!

2010-12-29T07:38:00.000-08:00

I did this painting for my sister of her sweet kitty, Iggy! I love him to death. As you may notice, Iggy has a few too many toes. I had never heard of Hemingway Cats before my family got Iggy. Hemingway acquired his first cat from a ship's captain in Key West, Florida, where he made his home for a number of years. This cat, which may have been a Maine Coon, had extra toes (technically known as polydactyl, latin for "many digits"). Today, approximately 60 cats, half of them polydactyl, make their home in the Ernest Hemingway Museum and Home, in Key West, protected by the terms of his will.

The cats of the Hemingway Museum are so popular and so well-known, that the nickname "Hemingway Cats" has often been given to polydactyls.

Iggy is getting up in years, but he still has a nice disposition and is very loving. My sis also has another cat named Harley who is young and crazy! I promised her a painting of him next Christmas!

You can get a print of 'Iggy' on Fine Art America! He is too cute to pass up :)

Merry Christmas - It's almost award show season!

2010-12-22T11:30:00.000-08:00

OMG - I can't believe that it has been since Oct 30 that I posted here - Yikes! I will go on to give an explanation though. But first, I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Now for what has been keeping me away from the blogosphere. Thanks to a wonderful group on Facebook called The Indie Exhibit, I have been busily creating items for the gift lounge at the Golden Globes and for The Sundance Film Festival. How Cool is that!

Shannon and Nikki from the Indie Exhibit will do their best to get your display item photograhed with a celebrity and they also assemble the bags and hand them out at the awards gift lounges.

Both shows are in January and with Christmas activities as well, time has been a blur around here!

This is a peek at what I am sending to Sundance. I ordered a tie with my artwork from Zazzle as my display piece and have prints of some of my ACEO's in frame cards with envelopes to go in the gift bags - each with a Certificate of Authenticity and a business cards, of course!

For the Goldent Globes I an including a 5x7 print with a green border to make 8x10 in the gift bags. I choose my Vancouver painting hoping that some of the celebs will have filmed there and recognize it.

For my display piece I matted and framed my Fuschia print because it is more eye catching!

I shipped them off before I thought to take a photo of the lot. It has been so much fun working with this group and we will see if anything comes of it. Just another marketing tool in the vast arsenal on the World Wide Web!

Art display for your frig! Fine art magnets!

2010-10-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

I think that this is a great idea! With the economy as it is you can still dsplay fine art at a very affordable price! I found this treasury on Etsy full of fine art magnets incuding my 'Spanish Courtyard' magnet.

Turn your refrigerator into an art gallery!

'No more wall space? Collect FINE ART MAGNETS!' by KayLarch

....So many beautiful paintings...so little space.... I just had an idea! I want to start a fabulous collection of FINE ART MAGNETS!

Fridge Magnet from ... artbyLucie $4.99	Giant 4 x 6 Refrige... silkartisan $3.99	Albert Einstein Art... KayLarch $5.75
Fridge Magnet from ... artbyLucie $5.25	FRIDA THRU THE PEEP... AnnasDreamsbyL... $13.00	Large Magnet from O... FancyFolkArt $6.00
Magnet - ACEO Art P... poppycat $3.25	Spanish Courtyard M... artbylmr $4.50	ACEO Magnet - Summe... budanART $8.00
Japanese Pheasant a... LABELSTONE $5.95	MAGNET Frida Purple meloearth $7.00	City Skyline Sunset... MelissaSherows... $18.00
A LITTLE DANCE WITH... kittyjujube $5.25	The Watcher II Magn... CHUYMOSCA $6.99	Jellyfish Magnet 3 ... mikeboston $9.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

What's on the Easel? A new watercolor and a new acrylic!

2010-10-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

Thought I would give a sneak peek at what is in the works!~ The left side is an new acrylic painting I am doing. I just love the window reflections - they are little paintings themselves! The top two are done, but I am still working on the other 4. There are also some pretty flowers that I need to add the the flower box. I am really enjoying this one :)

The right is a new watercolor still life. I have decided that I really like doing still life watercolor paintings rather than landscapes. Trees are really not my thing in watercolor. I am still fighting with the doily, but other than that just a little more tweeking.

Let me know what you think. I would love to hear from you. Also feel free to comment on what you would like to see me paint. I may just take you up on it!

In the presence of greatness - Joan Baez

2010-10-19T05:11:00.000-07:00

No, I am not just showing off - 3 posts in as many days!

I had the pleasure of seeing Joan Baez in concert last night. It was a nice venue with stadium seating so the view of the stage was great! This was a stripped down show with just Joan and one other musician.

As she admitted, her voice has lowered an octave, but after 50 years in the business some changes are expected. I will admit that my husband is the Joan fan more than I am, but you have to respect anyone that has been in the world of music for 50 years and still has her convictions.

She will be 70 in January and still does about 75 shows a year - again, gotta respect that!

My first exposure to Joan's music was on my Woodstock '69 soundtrack. Her voice was undeniable and hard to ignore! Then in the 70's she had her biggest hit - 'The Night they Drove Old Dixie Down'. I bought the 45 rpm record of that and still have it on my juke box.

The crowd was very quiet when she was performing, but showed their appreciation between songs. No sign of the stray flash here and there since flash photos were not allowed. I have to admit that I am a sucker for story songs so I was occasionally tearing up listening to her moving lyrics. Songs like that will be around for a very long time.

It was a wonderful evening and I hope she passes our way again soon!

The great Wellesley Island paint out!

2010-10-18T11:35:00.000-07:00

This is the wonderful view that I was greeted with when I arrived on Wellesley Island. My Tuesday night painting group include a couple of members with camps on the Island. They were so nice to invite us all for the weekend to paint. sight see and socialize. Guess what got the least attention - painting, of course, but we did get to it eventually!

Wellesley Island lies between the US and Canada via the 1000 Islands Bridge in Upstate NY.

This is Phyllis our boat captain. She took us out on her pontoon boat for a tour of the islands. There is so much to see in the area.

We got up close and personal with Boldt's Castle. There is a very romantic story surrounding the castle on Heart Island. Boldt Castle in the 1000 Islands Region of the St. Lawrence River stands as a remembrance of the magnificence of a bygone era… a monument of love on Heart Island of George C. Boldt for his wife Louise.

We checked out many of the Islands in the area.

Even though we weren't painting, we were gathering some great reference photos to use later. We visited the very picturesque village of Thousand Island Park (not a park, but a community - go figure). There are only a few year round residents there, but it is bustling in the summer months!

These are some of the 'painted ladies' in the village - beautiful Victorian houses painted in vibrant colors!

It wouldn't be a trip the TI Park without stopping at the Guzzle for ice cream! It was their last weekend, but we still found something yummy!

And , yes we did find some time to paint. We all liked the view from the porch at one of the camps and decided to all work there.

And as the sun started to set so ended our great island paint out weekend on Wellesley Island! I don't have anything to show yet from the trip, because plein air painting is not my favorite, but I hope there is something in all the photos that I want to paint.

Gearing up for the Holidays!

2010-10-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

I noticed that my poor blog really needed some love. I have been very busy getting items ready for a wonderful Holiday House sale event coming up next month. Our local Art center dresses up with lots of artisan wares all for sale.

I am really enjoying painting some small canvases that sit on little easels. What a great way to get original artwork for a very affordable price. I am hoping they will stir up some interest at the sale.

I plan to package them in clear cellophane with a nice ribbon on top. This way they are all ready for gift giving and to display right out of the wrapping.

I have packaged up all of my hand painted scrabble tile pendants and my hand painted silhouette pendants for the sale too! I also have finished a couple new ones for the event. I still hope to get more done if time permits :0

I think that the silhouettes would also make great car art -hanging on the rear view mirror. What do you think?

We have a winner of the 250 die cut business cards!

2010-09-24T06:55:00.000-07:00

True Random Number Generator
Min: 1
Max: 27
Result: 7

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

( I didn't count a couple of comments that weren't really entries)

We have a winner of the 250 die cut business cards! Congratulations to Criscreates and boy does she ever! Visit her Etsy shop for custom pet portraits and other goodies.

Random.org picked #7 as the winning comment number. I will pass Cris's info on to Uprinting and she can create and upload her design for her personalized cards!

Thanks to everyone that entered! Special thanks to Uprinting and Giveaway Blogs for providing the prize~!

Keep watch for more great giveaways!

250 Die Cut Business Cards Giveaway!

2010-09-14T05:35:00.000-07:00

I am offering another great Giveaway sponsored by Giveaway blogs and Uprinting.com.

Designer Cards, blogger cards and so much more… From marketing materials to personal cards, business cards have developed from the plain boring to a more modern and rounded corners, square cards and slim cards.

I have ordered great business cards from Uprinting before and they are top notch!

I am an independent artist so it is important to take charge of my own promotion. I want to help other indy art and crafters so I offer these giveaways to let you promote without breaking the bank!

Giveaway Prize:

250 Die Cut Business Cards for One (1) Winner

2 x 3.5”, 2 x 2” (square card) or 1.75 x 3.5” (slim card)

Die cutting options available: Rounded Corners, Leaf, Rounded One-Corner, Half-Circle Side, Circle

Paper Type: 14pt Cardstock Gloss, Matte, or High Gloss; 13pt Cardstock Uncoated

Color: 4Color Front, Blank Back; 4Color Front, Black Back; 4Color Both Sides

Limited to US residents only 18 years old and above

I don't know about you but I go through a lot of business cards and thankfully I also get 250 Die Cut Business Cards from UPrinting.com for hosting this giveaway.

Contest ends 11:59pm on Thursday, Sept. 23rd! Get those comments in! You have multiple ways to win! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post that includes your name and email address. Your address will not be used for anything other than allowing Uprinting to contact you if you win the prize.

You can also blog about this giveaway, linking back here to this post. Leave another comment that you did so to get another entry and/or Tweet about the giveaway and leave a separate comment that you did so!

If you would like to receive my newsletter, please sign up to the right and leave a comment that you did so to get another entry. I offer certain sales and specials only to subscribers!

If you are the lucky winner I will pass your info on to Uprinting and they will contact you directly.

Thanks again to Uprinting and Giveaway Blogs for providing the prize~!

Giveaway Blogs

http://www.giveawayblogs.com/

http://www.twitter.com/Giveaway_Blogs

VIsit my Art Opening via Photos!

2010-09-03T07:06:00.000-07:00

Last night was the opening for my solo show at the Rome Art and Community Center. I was in the intimate library gallery which I really love! I wasn't even nervous at all which really surprised me. So many friend came out to support me that I felt very blessed!

I thought I would give a virtual look at the show to those that couldn't attend.

Me - many people commented on my dressing up - don't have much call for that anymore.

It was a small show - only 16 pieces, but it decorated the library gallery nicely. I took most of these photos before guests started arriving. Unfortunately, after that I was so busy visiting with people that I forgot to take more photos!

Thanks for visiting my virtual show! Yo can find prints of all these works at Fine Art America .

You are invited!

2010-08-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

You are invited! My solo show is fast approaching! I am sending out postcards today. I just finished up labeling and packing up my artwork and boy are my walls bare :)

'A Visual Emergence' with Lynne Reichhart

September 2-24, 2010

Opening reception September 2, 6-8 pm

Rome Art and Community Center

308 West Bloomfield Street

Rome, NY 13440

If you are in the area, please stop in. There are two other shows as well so there will be lots of good food and great art!

Get a free art print of my Vancouver BC painting!

2010-08-23T06:18:00.000-07:00

You can get this print free!!!! I created this print for the 2010 Emmy gift lounge. I created some extra prints to share with you! This print has a green border (no mat needed) so it is ready to frame in an 8 x 10 frame. I will include the COA for the Emmys too. The original painting is acrylic on canvas and has sold.

Certificate of Authenticity
62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, August 29, 2010

Artist: Lynne Reichhart
Title: ‘ Vancouver B.C.’
Date: Copyright 2007
Limited Edition Archival Reproduction of only 250
Size: 5 x 7 inches without the special green border
Signed: Yes

This image has been processed to the highest traditional archival standards using only the highest quality traditional material. The print is created on Kodak Professional Endura Matte paper and printed with Epson Ultrachrome Professional Archival Inks.

All rights are the property of the artist.

Signed: ___________________________________ Date: _________________________

Each print is signed and numbered from a limited edition of 250!

OK, How to get this you may ask. All you have to do is purchase at least $10 worth of merchandise from my Etsy shop and you get this for free! Just put 'Emmy print' in the note to seller when you pay. The first FIVE (5) people to purchase from my shop will get the print.

Hurry while supplies last!

We have a winner of the custom vinyl banner!

2010-07-27T05:10:00.000-07:00

True Random Number Generator
Min: 1
Max: 12
Result: 6

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

We have a winner of the Custom vinyl banner giveaway! Congratulations, to Pat Griffith of The Wreath Witch.

Random.org picked #6 as the winning comment number. I will pass her info on to Online Poster Printing and she can create and upload her design for her personalized banner!

Thanks to everyone that entered! Special thanks to Online Poster Printing and Giveaway Blogs for providing the prize~!

Keep watch for more great giveaways!

Chance to Win a Vinyl Banner with your design just by leaving a comment!

2010-07-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

I am offering another great Giveaway sponsored by Giveaway blogs and Online Poster Printing! This month I have a vinyl banner customized with YOUR text/image.

These discount banner prints are great and have so many uses. Perfect for party decor, craft booths and much more! Personalize it for the birthday boy/girl or the retiree. You get the idea!

Giveaway Prize:
24x36 Vinyl Banner w/ Grommets
Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above

I have never offered this item before so be sure to enter! I even get one for hosting the giveaway!

Contest ends 11:59pm on Monday, July 26th! Get those comments in! You have multiple ways to win! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post that includes your name and email address. Your address will not be used for anything other than allowing Online Poster Printing to contact you if you win the prize.

You can also blog about this giveaway, linking back here to this post. Leave another comment that you did so to get another entry and/or Tweet about the giveaway and leave a separate comment that you did so!

If you would like to receive my newsletter, please sign up to the right and leave a comment that you did so to get another entry. I offer certain sales and specials only to subscribers!

If you are the lucky winner I will pass your info on to Online Poster Printing and they will contact you directly.

Thanks again to Online Poster Printing and Giveaway Blogs for providing the prize~!

Giveaway Blogs
http://www.giveawayblogs.com/
http://www.twitter.com/Giveaway_Blogs

GOOD LUCK!

I love this colorful jelly bean treasury!

2010-07-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

I always get so excited when I am in a new treasury on ETSY. Treasuries are items curated by Etsy members. They can include similiar colors, common theme or just be someones favorites! There are so many items on Etsy that I am always honored to be selected for a treasury.

This was created by lifePOINTimages. Thanks you!

Heritage Days and Fireworks!

2010-07-01T05:17:00.000-07:00

Every year our tiny Hamlet has a celebration called Heritage Days! It is quite the to-do. It begins with a grand fireworks display. Gotta love the fireworks setting on my Canon camera!

Westernville was one home to General William Floyd - signer of the Declaration of Independence extraordinaire. Who is he you might ask? Well, William Floyd, was the first delegate from New York that signed the Declaration of Independence. He was appointment as a delegate from New-York to the first Continental Congress, which met in Philadelphia on the fifth of September, 1774. You can read more on this historic figure here.

The General's home is a Historical Landmark and has been carefully restored. It provides the center for Heritage Days.

Westernville was, until recently, also home to a 5th generation descendant of William Floyd. This was a 2nd home that William Floyd never lived in. Sadly, this home and contents were actioned off just a week ago. The home was in the family for hundreds of years. I had the pleasure of going through the house and it was like stepping back in time to colonial days. There were items owned by William Floyd and newspaper clippings carefully framed that referenced the death of George Washington and so many more hidden treasures.

Getting back to Heritage Days, It is a weekend celebration of our history and where we came from. There is an encampment, reenactments, demonstrations and more!

We had visitors from Minnesota who commented on the old buildings in the area. That drove it home to me how lucky I am to live in New York ( except for the taxes :) . Here, we have so many reminders of the birth of our nation. Battles were fought here. Lives were built here that date back to our first freedoms. So we, here in our little hamlet, will continue to celebrate Heritage Days!

We have a Winner of the 100 Free Custom Postcards!

2010-06-28T04:51:00.000-07:00

We have a winner of the 100 free Custom Postcards from Digital Room! Congratulations, Lauren of Originals by Lauren! Random.org picked #1 as the winning comment number.

I will pass her info on to Giveaway Blogs and she can create and upload her design for her personalized cards!

Thanks to everyone that entered!
Special thanks to Digital Room and Giveaway blogs for providing the prize!

Follow my blog and and watch for another giveaway in July!

VYCSS6FMUYA3

Getting ready for the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy's!

2010-06-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

For the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards~

VYCSS6FMUYA3

Here is my dining room table! What a mess! I am offering my print 'Vancouver B.C.' for one of the several Emmy award gift bags in the Emmy gift lounge. I am in the process of assembling 75 prints with foam board backing, business card, certificate of authenticity all slipped in a cello bag and then I apply my promo sticker! I will also provide a framed copy for display purposes.

I am pretty excited being the TV geek that I am. I once was on the bleachers on the red carpet arrivals for the Golden Globes. That was before 9/11 and all you had to do was stay at the Beverly Hilton that night and you could reserve a spot. Entertainment Tonight was set up right in front of us so we got a great view and lots of good pics.

But I digress..... I will get a photo of a celebrity holding my item so that is pretty cool. I am hoping that Vancouver will catch their eye since many shows film there nowadays. Just another promo tool that I thought I would try.

A step back in time in the Adirondack region!

2010-06-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

There is a small hamlet at the foothills of the Adirondacks that is such a treasure. I spend several weeks there a summer at our camp on South Colton, NY and just love it! It resides on the Raquette River and has so much to offer.
The photo above is a wonderful shop that I like to frequent. It is the 3 Falls Antiques and Collectibles shop located at 3912 Route 56, South Colton, NY 13687!

It you like antiques or just something fun and different this is the place to shop. The inventory is always changing and you can find everything from used books and art to Victorian items. They even carry Alpaca products! You can find information at http://www.3fallsantiques.com/ or by contacting Judy, the owner, at judy@3fallsantiques.com or 315-262-2166.

I have a couple paintings there featuring local sites as well as magnets and postcards celebrating South Colton. One of the paintings I have there is of the charming Catholic Church we sometimes attend. Unfortunately, it is being closed for masses as of Wed 6/23. As it stands now it may still be open for funerals and weddings.

St. Pauls's Catholic church has serviced the area for 110 years. The closing is devastating to the community and the last Sunday service yesterday was very emotional. It is such a pity that it has come to this. The church was built of hand hewn lumber from the area over a century ago. To read more you can check out the article here.
This is one of the postcards that I designed for the area. This is actually my picnic table at camp, but it is very typical of the area. Fall there is spectacular!!

100 Free Postcards Giveaway! Customized for YOU!

2010-06-21T06:11:00.000-07:00

I am offering another great Giveaway sponsored by Giveaway blogs and Digital Room! This month we have full color double sided postcards customized with YOUR image!
These are so versatile! You can create invitations, promo cards, mailable cards with your own photos and so much more!

Giveaway Prize:

100 4x6 Postcards

14pt Card Stock Gloss

4 Color Both Sides Printing

Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above

I am really excited about this one! I even get a set for hosting the giveaway!

Contest ends 11:59pm on Sunday June 27th! Get those comments in! You have multiple ways to win! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post that includes your name and email address. Your address will not be used for anything other than allowing Digital Room to contact you if you win the prize. If you have any neat ideas on how to use the cards, please include that too!

You can also blog about this giveaway, linking back here to this post Leave another comment that you did so to get another entry and/or Tweet about the giveaway and leave a comment that you did so!

If you would like to receive my newsletter, please sign up to the right and leave a comment that you did so to get another entry. I offer certain sales and specials only to subscribers!

If you are the lucky winner I will pass your info on to Digital Room and they will contact you directly.

Thanks again to Digital Room and Giveaway Blogs for providing the prize~!
Giveaway Blogs
http://www.giveawayblogs.com/
http://www.twitter.com/Giveaway_Blogs

GOOD LUCK!

Introducing Pinga the Painter comic! The trials of a penguin artist.

2010-06-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

'Note to self: Always double check the commission size!'

As you can see I am not a comic artist, but this little guy has been rattling around in my head for a while. I have some ideas for future single frame comics so you will see him again. The other night I couldn't sleep and this one was created! Remember it is the thought that counts! I am no digital expert so this is just a pencil drawing scanned in with some simple digital color. It was still fun to do! Don't judge me to harshly :)

Now, just to prove that I am an artist, this is my latest watercolor! The working title is 'A View from a Deck'. I would love some other suggestions. This piece is 10x13" on paper. You can purchase giclees, framed prints and canvas prints of this piece now. The original will be available after my solo show in September.

I am hard at work trying to get more pieces ready for the show.

Thank you for sharing the workings of my warped mind!

Etsy Treasury feature - I love this one!

2010-05-25T08:32:00.000-07:00

I am always so excited to get featured in a treasury on Etsy. I particularly love this one because of the theme and Purple is a great color. Elizabeth Graf is the treasury queen. She selflessly uses her time too promote others!

My Purple Clematis canvas print fits right in. This item is even on Sale now!!!

Commercial Art Vs. Fine Art - the lines are blurring.

2010-05-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

I saw a blog post asking about the difference between commercial art and Fine art. This got me thinking about what many artists are doing, myself included, to market their work.

This is the comment I posted on his blog as my 2 cents on the matter.

'Commercial art is more of a commodity, originally produced in mass quantities for the purpose of affordability. This makes it less unique and more commonplace.

Fine art is originally created as a one-of-a-kind work giving it more value just by it's rareness and uniqueness.

I am aware that the lines are getting blurred with Print on Demand websites and sites like Zazzle where pieces originally created as fine art can be sold as commodities on t-shirts and mugs. I am guilty of taking part in these venues to get my art seen.

Alternately, with the popularity of digital art, commercial art can be just as beautiful and creative as fine art. '

I don't know if this makes any sense, but I do enjoy seeing my work on postage stamps and even sneakers. I will never be a famous artist, but I want to share my work any way I can. The internet offers the ability for anyone in the world to see and purchase my art. It is such a high to open up my inbox and see that I made a sale on Cafepress or Etsy!

Check out these sneakers that you can buy on Zazzle - commercial art or fine art? - either way it is MY art. The piece was created ACEO (2.5x3.5") size and sold as an original ACEO.
http://www.zazzle.com/jelly_bean_keds_shoes-167680426837330327

I would love to hear your comments on this subject!

Business card giveaway winner!

2010-05-14T13:09:00.000-07:00

We have a winner of the 500 free business cards ! Congratulations, Margo of orchidlandedesigns ! Random.org picked #11 as the winning comment number.

I will pass her info on to Uprinting and she can create and upload her design for her personalized cards!

Thanks to everyone that entered! Special thanks to Uprinting for providing the great prize!

Le Peacock est FINI!!! painting work in progress done!

2010-05-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

I have finished the bird! I really enjoyed this one though stone work is not on my top list of subjects. The peacock himself was surprisingly easier than expected. I have a tip for you if you are painting something intimidating. Rotate your canvas so it just looks like shapes! It is amazing how it will look like your subject when you turn it right side up. I use this technique all the time.

I have to try to photograph it again - once the sun is out. I really hate photographing my paintings, but between a tripod and Paint shop pro, I usually manage to get a decent likeness.

I also really enjoyed the 24x12 canvas size. It helps modernize the piece even though the subject is tried and true. Feel free to comment and let me know what you think.

Don't forget that my business card giveaway ends tomorrow so be sure to enter.

Great business card Giveaway! 500 Cards FREE!

2010-05-06T06:09:00.000-07:00

I am offering another great Giveaway sponsered by Uprinting! This month we have the latest business card online styles! I love these new formats - very classy and contemporary. Of course we also have the standard size as well.

You can never have too many business cards - get another style to pass out, use as hang tags on your products, affix to your products. What will you do?

Giveaway Prize:

500 Business Cards
2 x 3.5”, 2 x 2” (square card) or 1.75 x 3.5” (slim card)
14 pt gloss cardstock, 14 pt matte cardstock or 13 pt recycled uncoated cardstock
Full Color Both Sides; Offset Press; 3 Business Day Printing
Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping
Eligibility: Limited to US Residents only. Must be 18 years old and up.
You must be at least 18 years old to enter.

I am really excited about this one! I even get a set for hosting the giveaway!

You can create all your promotional needs using the printing services at Uprinting.com.

Contest ends 11:59pm on Thursday May 13th! Get those comments in! You have multiple ways to win! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post that includes your name and email address. Your address will not be used for anything other than allowing Uprinting to contact you if you win the prize.

You can also blog about this giveaway, linking back here and to http://www.uprinting.com/ . Leave another comment that you did so to get another entry and/or Tweet about the giveaway and leave a comment that you did so!

If you would like to receive my newsletter, please sign up to the right and leave a comment that you did so to get another entry. I offer certain sales and specials only to subscribers!

If you are the lucky winner I will pass your info on to Uprinting.com and they will contact you directly.
Thanks again to Uprinting for providing the prize~!

The Blog Sponsorship Team
Twitter: @uprinting
Blog: blog.uprinting.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/UPrinting
Yelp!: http://www.yelp.com/biz/u-printing-los-angeles

GOOD LUCK!

Acrylic peacock painting Bird Part III - next to last!

2010-05-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

OK! We are getting to the home stretch! I finished the shutters and am getting some color on the bird - finally! At this stage, I did an underpainting and am just starting to work on the feather detail. I am using various mixtures with Phthalo green - cerelean blue for lighter and purple for darker. I am also using some interference paint in the sun kissed areas.

I will use this as an opportunity to give a plug for my favorite acrylic paints. I use Golden Artist Colors. They use no fillers and are more true to color. You can get them for a reasonable price at Dick Blick and such places. They make a great selection of interference colors. GOLDEN Interference Acrylic colors offer a unique "interference flip." When viewed from difference perspectives, Interference colors flip between a bright opalescent color and its complement.

I am quite happy with the stone work and the shutters. Now the main event is going to be challenging. I'll tell you a secret - I am further along right now than in this pic and the tail feathers are not too bad. I am not looking forward to the wing detail though!

Peacock work in progress Part Deux~!

2010-04-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

Whew! This took longer than expected, as usual! I have been painting the stone walls with some false starts here and there. First was getting the perspective correct - then the values in light and shadow, then painting believable stones. I am happy to report that most of the stone work is done - I am anxious to get on to the shutters and the main attraction itself. I have not painted feathers before - fur, but not feathers. The colors look challenging too. Well, we never will improve and learn without a challenge. That is why I am all over the place with subject matter - I want to try everything!

This photo is a bit washed out because I forgot to turn off my spot lights. Next time I hope to have some more COLOR on the canvas. I have given myself a deadline of two more weeks to get this done - we shall see.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think or ask any questions!

Peacock Painting Work in Progress~

2010-04-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my WIP - Work in Progress that is!

The reference photo was taken in Tuscany when I tagged along on my hubby's business trip. This was at a winery in the Black Rooster region. There were several peacocks running around the property and this one was kind enough to pose for me!

I started with the largest, darkest shapes first as I was taught. This is to help establish the rest of the values. Now I am working on the stone around the windows. I know I am supposed to get paint on the whole canvas before working on any details, but that just goes against my nature - when I start something I want to finish it.

I will work on the shutters or wall next. I tend to leave the main event until last , partly because I am procrastinating and, in this case, partly because his feathers ovelap the background.

Please come back for another exciting installment of my WIP! Same bat time, same bat channel.

Recipe by request! Soup is good food!

2010-04-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

I tweeted yesterday that I was making White bean and roasted garlic soup for my guests this weekend. I had such a good reaction to it that I thought I would post the recipe. It originally came from a magazine, but I doctored it up so that is is much yummier!

6 cloves of garlic unpeeled
3 Tbl olive oil
1 large onion chopped
3 carrots chopped
3 cups of chicken broth
2 19 oz cans of white beans rinsed and drained
1 bay leaf
1 teas fresh rosemary leaves chopped - I use dried
1/2 t. tarragon
1/2 t. thyme
1/2 t. pepper

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Wrap the garlic in foil and roast on the top shelf 25-30 min. Cool.
Heat oil over med. heat in saucepan. Add onion and carrot - saute 10 min until soft. Add broth, beans bay leaf, rosemary, tarragon, thyme and pepper. Heat to boiling - reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Break open garlic skin and squeeze the soft center into the soup, Simmer uncovered 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove and discard bay leaf. Puree the mixture in a blender in several batches. Return to saucepan and reheat. Serve and enjoy!

You can adjust the seasoning to your taste and add more broth if you like a thinner soup.

While I have your attention, feel free to sign up for my periodic newsletter to the right - I always include a recipe in each one.

HAPPY EASTER!

Never too early for Christmas Poinsettia painting

2010-03-28T11:51:00.000-07:00

This is a new watercolor painting that I did hopefully to use on Christmas cards this year. It always gets to be holiday time and I have no chance to do something for a card. Well, this year I am way ahead of the game.

These poinsettias were in a casino of all places - they were the prettiest white, pink and red. This casino has a display of huge gingerbread houses every year so I took my camera. I am sooo glad that I did!

I will be adding Giclee prints of this painting to my Etsy shop soon! I have to keep the original for a solo gallery show in September.

Thanks for looking and come back soon!

Another canvas print Winner!

2010-03-24T05:29:00.000-07:00

We have a winner and her name is Deb from Artshticks corner. Check out her blog - it rocks!

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1

Max: 27

Result:

(I removed a duplicate comment and added extra for those that tweeted. etc)

Congratulations to Deb and a shout out to Uprinting for providing the excellent prize~!

Watch for another giveaway next month!

Woodstock '99 Revisited in Art

2010-03-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

'Woodstock '99 Revisited' - Mixed Media on paper.

Remember Woodstock '99? It was held in Rome N.Y. and ended in flames. I guess it is no longer possible to capture the peace and love of the original. I did attend despite my somewhat elderly status in comparison to many of the attendees. How could I pass it up? It was 7 miles away.

I must confess that I did not get the full woodstock experience. I slept at home in my clean, comfy bed and was bussed in each morning and home at night. It was the only way to go!!!

There was a wide array of bands from The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Korn, Kid Rock (before he went country) to Jewel and Cheryl Crow. You can see the entire list of performers here.

A plywood and steel fence was consructed to prevent gate crashing. Lots of murals were painted on the wall and that is what I depiced in my painting above. This was such a unique image since I captured a solitary guy sitting by the fence. Quite a feat since over 200,000 people were in attendance.

I loved the artwork on this section of the fence so I painted this mixed media piece (acrylic and pencil) on paper to commemorate the event. Tell me what you think...

Another great canvas print giveaway!

2010-03-16T12:42:00.000-07:00

Canvas Prints
Turn your most precious moments into masterpieces! Get that artist’s feel and transform your favorite photos or work into canvas art. These thick and high-quality canvases are ultra durable and will last a long time.

I have a canvas print one of my paintings and it turned out great!!!

Giveaway Prize:

16 x 20 Rolled Canvas for One (1) Winner

Specifications: 1 Business Day Turnaround

Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping

Eligibility: Limited to US Residents only

You must be at least 18 years old to enter.

I even get a canvas print for hosting this contest!

You can create all your promotional needs and print online at Uprinting.com.

Contest ends 11:59pm on Tuesday March 23rd! Get those comments in! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post that includes your name and email address. Your address will not be used for anything other than allowing Uprinting to contact you if you win the prize.

You can also blog about this giveaway, linking back here and to http://www.uprinting.com/ . Leave another comment that you did so to get another entry and/or Twitter about the giveaway and leave a comment that you did so!

If you would like to receive my newsletter, please sign up to the right and leave a comment that you did so to get another entry. I offer certain sales and specials only to subscribers!

If you are the lucky winner I will pass your info on to Uprinting.com and they will contact you directly.

Thanks again to Uprinting for providing the prize~!
The Blog Sponsorship Team

Twitter: @uprinting
Blog: blog.uprinting.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/UPrinting
Yelp!: http://www.yelp.com/biz/u-printing-los-angeles

GOOD LUCK!

Just Received My New Art Floral Business cards - great promotion!

2010-02-24T08:31:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share my new business cards. They are one of my free promotional gifts from Uprinting.com that I receive for hosting their giveaways. Believe me, I only do these because I am pleased with their products and customer service.

I have never had double sided cards before so I wasn't sure what to do with 2 sides. I chose to feature my Iris on both sides since it is one of my more popular paintings. I also love the modern size and vertical orientation. I wanted to keep them simple so I chose 3 links to feature. You can get to all my sites from my website anyway. I am never sure whether to put my phone number on or not. Again, you can contact me through my website and the other sites as well.

The cards are nice and sturdy with a semi-gloss finish. I was so excited to receive them! Thanks for looking and if you have suggestions or comments I would love to hear them!

Another Lucky Winner!!!!!

2010-02-16T05:25:00.000-08:00

The winner of the large poster print from onlineprinting.com is Barbsgarden. I want to thank everyone for entering and you will have more opportunities to win coming up! I will be posting one giveaway each month!

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1

Max: 12 (One entry was purely social so it did not count)
Result: 1
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congratulations! Barb. I will pass your info on and the company will get in touch with you directly.

I want to thank Onlineposterprinting for providing the prize - I am excited to get one too!

Large Poster Print Giveaway - Free Shipping is back!

2010-02-08T11:47:00.000-08:00

What a cool prize this is! I am offering a free Poster size print with FREE SHIPPING too!

This quality Digital Photo Enlargement is provided by onlineposterprinting.com. They will create a great Digital Photo on a Poster using your photograph!

GIVEAWAY PRIZE: 18x24 Poster Print for One (1) Winner

Paper Stock: High Gloss or Semi Gloss

Specifications: 1 Business Day Turnaround

Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping

Eligibility: Limited to US Residents only

I even get the prize for hosting this giveaway!!!!!

Contest ends 11:59pm on Monday February 15th! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post that includes your name and email address. I would love to hear what you plan to make into a poster if you want to share~! Get those comments in!

You can also blog about this giveaway, linking back here and to http://www.onlineposterprinting.com/ . Leave another comment that you did so to get another entry and/or Twitter about the giveaway and leave a comment that you did so! Be sure to do a separate comment for each so you get another entry.

If you are the lucky winner I will pass your info on to and you will be contacted directly to claim your prize!
Thanks again to onlineposterprinting for providing the prize~!

GOOD LUCK!

Florence we hardly knew ye! THE ART

2010-02-06T09:04:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to tag along with my hubby to Florence, Italy in January so YOU BET I took it! He went for work so would be occupado for 3 days, but the great thing about Florence is that you can walk the city center easily - much of it is a no traffic zone as well. Being an artist, Florence is da bomb! I plan to post a couple of installments on this trip starting with the art.

You can see work by the Great Masters like Botticelli, Da Vinci and Michangelo. It takes your breath away. You can't take photos in the museums, but I got one of this Michelangelo sculpture in the Medici Chapels.

It seems that many of Michelangelos sculptures were never completely finished. Maybe he had the first case of ADD :)

This is a copy of Michelangelo's David that stands in the Palazzo della Signoria. Unlike previous depictions of David which portray the hero after his victory over Goliath, Michelangelo chose to represent David before the fight contemplating the battle yet to come. The apprehension on his face is palpable. I did see the original David as well where it was moved inside to preserve it at the Gallerie dell’Accademia in 1873.

The thing that really strikes you about cities like Florence is the depth of history there. We are such a young country in comparison. To think that this sculpture was done between 1501-1504.

The Uffizi Gallery is the premiere museum of Florence and is also known as the National Gallery. One thing about going to Florence in January is the typically substantial crowds are not a problem. You usually need to get tickets for this museum to avoid the 3-4 hour wait to get in, but we were able to just walk right in and enjoy the artwork without being herded through. This was my favorite piece.

The Birth of Venus by Botticelli. This is a very large painting (67.9 in × 109.6 in). Those Renaissance painters spared no paint!

The grand old churches are another great attraction. They are filled with artwork by great artists of the time.

We stayed in a lovely hotel that looked out on to a view of the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella. I took this photo out of the hotel window.

The second photo is just a sample of the artwork that can be found in The Santa Maria Novella. This is The Holy Trinity by Masaccio. The scale, age and importance of these pieces is just overwhelming and humbling. Many of them took years to complete. We take things for granted like premixed paint in tubes, pre-stretched canvas, ready made synthetic brushed. Many of the masters worked in egg tempura before the 15th century and beyond. This is a permanent fast drying painting medium consisting of colored pigment mixed with a water-soluble binder medium (usually a glutinous material such as egg yolk or some other size) They mixed their own paint and worked on wood they prepared. These are the ingredients of a masterpiece!

Well I've 'rambled' on enough for now. Next installment I'll cover some other highlights.

We have a winner!!!!

2010-01-15T06:35:00.000-08:00

The winner of the 250 premium business cards from Uprinting.com is Diane Clancy. I want to thank everyone for entering and you will have more opportunities to win coming up!
Note: I did not count a duplicate entry (exact same comment) so there were 15 total entries.

True Random Number Generator
Min: 1
Max: 15
Result: 14
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congratulations! Diane. I will pass your info on to Uprinting and they will get in touch with you.

I want to thank Uprinting for providing the prize - they are very professional and have a great product!

New Painting - a long time coming!

2010-01-12T08:49:00.000-08:00

IT is DONE!

I took this photo in 1977 when I went to France in high school. It was the best thing that had happened to me at that point. This view is on Montmartre where artists gather, paint and sell their work. When looking for the subject for my next painting, I came across this photo and has an AhHa moment.

This painting took me several months working on and off. I had such fun with all the little paintings since I loosened up and was more painterly. I will be offering Giclee prints shortly on Etsy. I have to keep the original for a solo show in September. It is done in acrylic on 11x14 Ampersand board.

Back to the trip. I wanted to reminisce a bit with the thoughts popping into my head.

Sleeping 3 in a bed with 2 of my best friends.

The wake-up calls at ungodly hours - Hola!

The mini bar in one of the hotels - new to me.

The three of us riding the metro alone at night to see a friend going to school in Paris.

Everything being closed on Easter so we visited some caves.

Trying to order a banana split and the vendor not understanding us!

Visiting a french school and meeting some of the students.

Eating ham and cheese sandwiches for lunch everyday.

Visiting Versailles!

Visiting the Louvre and seeing the Mona Lisa.

Raiding the boys with panty shields on our heads - don't ask!

Being asked for directions in Paris - Yeah Right!

Thanks for taking my trip down memory lane~!

A great GIVEAWAY - 250 Professionally printed Business cards of your Design.

2010-01-07T06:52:00.000-08:00

To give the New Year a fresh start, I am offering one of my readers 1 set of 250 Business Cards! These cards are just the perfect match to start a great year for your business.

These cards are professionally printed by Uprinting.com with your design.

Giveaway Prize: 250 Business Cards for one (1) lucky winner
Size: 2 x 3.5”, 2 x 3”, 2 x 2” (square card) or 1.5 x 3.5” (skinny card)
Paper: 14 pt gloss cardstock, 14 pt matte cardstock or 13 pt recycled uncoated cardstock
Shipping: Sponsored bloggers and Winners have to pay for shipping
Eligibility: Limited to US Residents due to shipping costs.

I even get the prize for hosting this giveaway!!!!!

You can see reviews of Uprinting's great service here!

Contest ends 11:59pm on Thursday January 14th! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post that includes your name and email address. If you have an innovative way to use the cards for promotion, please include that too - I would love some ideas! Get those comments in!

You can also blog about this giveaway, linking back here and to http://www.uprinting.com/ . Leave another comment that you did so to get another entry and/or Twitter about the giveaway and leave a comment that you did so! Be sure to include @uprinting in your twitter! Be sure to do a separate comment for each so you get another entry.

If you are the lucky winner I will pass your info on to Uprinting.com and they will contact you directly to claim your prize!

Thanks again to Uprinting for providing the prize~!
Twitter: @uprinting
Blog: blog.uprinting.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/UPrinting
Yelp!: www.yelp.com/biz/u-printing-los-angeles
GOOD LUCK!

What Christmas means to me!

2009-12-22T17:15:00.000-08:00

C is for the special cookies I bake for my husband even though I would much rather make drop cookies
than cutouts!

H is for the hours I spend surfiing for that perfect gift and loving every minute of it.

R is for the real meaning of the season - spending time with family and friends.

I is for the illusive silent moments I spend looking at the beautiful tree we decorated with glass memories.

S is for singing along with all the carols on the radio since the beginning of November!

T is for the trips we take to each year to my folks - always through a snowstorm for some reason and for
all the traditions we embrace year to year.

M is for the childhood memories of waking up and sneaking down to see what Santa left me.

A is for Alway looking forward to the holiday season each and every year!

S is for sending cards to old friends as a way to keep in touch at least once a year.

Wishing all of you a joyous holiday season and a wonderous New Year!

Scrabble Tile Pendants on Etsy!

2009-12-03T16:19:00.000-08:00

I just love making these scrabble tile pendants. Each one is hand-painted and one-of-a-kind! Such a unique gift for the hard to buy for on your Christmas list. There are lots of tile pendants on Etsy, but most are not hand-painted!

I start by inserting a screw eye in the top of the tile. I prefer this to gluing on a fastener - this won't come off. I then paint on the design and seal it with a triple coat of Modge Podge.

Only $10 for a piece of wearable art. I am also having a sale now for 15% off your entire order so check it out.

Thanks for all you do!

2009-11-25T05:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

I want to thank all my blog, facebook, twitter, and linked in readers and followers for your continued support!

Thanks to everyone in my on-line groups that are so generous with their information and expertise.

Thanks for my On-line aquaintences that have become friends.

Thank you to everyone that has purchased items from my various on-line shops.

Many thanks for all the encouragement and pep talks I have needed for these on-line endeavers.

Thanks to the powers that be for allowing me to pursue my creativity and even make a little money at it!

Special thanks to my husband for supporting me and letting me follow my dreams!

Commission cabinet door done~

2009-11-18T16:21:00.000-08:00

I had a customer that wanted me to paint pumpkins on a cabinet door. She had no more direction than that. She also doesn't have email so it was not easy to get designs for her to look at. Basically, she told me that I am the artist so just do what I think is best as long as it includes pumpkins.

The door was already painted so I basically had to do it without a drawing. Also, I couldn't make any mistakes since I did not have the green that the store used to cover errors. I procrastinated on this for as long as I could and jumped in with both feet yesterday and today.

Here is the result - I hope she likes it!

We have winners!

2009-11-16T11:31:00.000-08:00

The winner of the custom Canvas print from Uprinting.com is Susan Himmel.

True Random Number Generator
Min: 1
Max: 7
Result: 5

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congratulations! Susan. I will pass your info on to Uprinting and they will get in touch with you.

Now for the Thank You card giveaway!

The winner is Miriam Climenhaga! Congrats!

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1
Max: 10
Result: 9

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Miriam, I will also pass your info on the Uprinting.com.

Thanks to all that participated!!!

I was nominated for a blog award!

2009-11-15T13:52:00.000-08:00

Felicia from Another Bright Idea nominated me for a Kreative Blogger award. Felicia is another great Etsy artist that I know from the Visual Artist's Street Team on Etsy.

Look at these adorable Holiday Card Holders from her shop!

She also has lovely Digital prints, photography, handmade paper, nature collages, greeting cards, home decor and more!

5 reasons to buy art!

2009-11-14T14:35:00.000-08:00

1. Express your personality! With all the artwork out there depicting many subjects - You are sure to find just the right piece for you.

2. Art is an affordable way to change up your decor without a total room makeover - Give a fresh look to your Foyer or Kitchen with an affordable orignal or reproduction.

3. Art makes a great investment! You may never plan to sell your collection, but it can be passed on to later generations and be a part of your family history. The most important rule is 'Buy what you like'. A piece of art will reward you every time you look at it.

4. The way it makes you feel. You may find a piece that speaks to you. It may remind you of a childhood memory and bring you joy or express an emotion you have been trying to express. It may even make you feel like a million bucks for way less $$$.

5. You can own something noone else in the world does. Original art is one-of-a-kind!

I know this is a luxury in this economy, but even now we all need to treat ourselves once in a while. Buying art directly from the artist can save you 30, 40 even 50% since there is no gallery mark-up. Find a new artist and support them - their work will likely be very affordable. Buying art on-line is another very affordable way to purchase art. It is even delivered right to your door. If you love a piece. look into buying a reproduction of it for a lower price. Ask for art for Christmas!

Etsy has many talented artists selling their work for reaonable prices. Visit my shop as an example.

A new twist on the vintage Silhouette

2009-11-11T08:01:00.000-08:00

I had an artist's reception last night for my local library show. Lots of good food and conversation! I love to hear what people think of my artwork and how it makes them feel. I got many compliments on this silhouette and questions on how I did it.

I love find and sell vintage silhouettes on Ebay. I thought that it would be fun to do one myself. I used black enamel to reverse paint (paint backwards) on the underside of the glass. I then baked the glass in the oven to set the paint. The background is a watercolor sunset done on watercolor paper. This was such fun to do and I really want to find time to do more! This piece is for sale on Etsy.

Vintage silhouettes were often painted on convex or 'bubble' glass. Artists of the 19th century sometimes applied their cut or painted silhouettes on lithograph or watercolor backgrounds which bring even more attention to the regal simplicity of the shade portrait itself. Learn more about Silhouettes here.

Custom Card Giveaway!

2009-11-08T16:25:00.000-08:00

Holidays are just around the corner, ‘tis the season to be merry and giving custom thank you cards is the perfect gift to express your warm thoughts to your loved ones.

One lucky blog reader will be jingling all the way with a pack of 50 Custom Thank You Cards with envelopes, all for free! UPrinting cards are made from high-quality paper and cardstock and will surely bring holiday cheer to your friends and family.

These would make great personalized holiday cards!

Prize Offered: (50 ct.) 7 x 5" (folded to 3.5 x 5") Custom Thank You Cards with plain envelopes

Shipping: Free UPS Ground within United States

Eligibility: Limited to US Residents due to shipping costs. We will negotiate better shipping rates soon.

I even get 50 cards for hosting this giveaway!
The prize includes plain envelopes, but check out the custom printed envelopes available!

You can see reviews of Uprinting's great service here!

Contest ends 11:59pm on Sunday November 15th! Get those comments in! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post that includes your name and email address and a fun way you may use the cards.
You can also blog about this giveaway, linking back here and to http://www.uprinting.com/ . Leave another comment that you did so to get another entry and/or Twitter about the giveaway and leave a comment that you did so! Be sure to include @uprinting in your twitter!

If you are the lucky winner I will pass your info on to Uprinting.com and they will contact you directly.

Thanks again to Uprinting for providing the prize~!

The Blog Sponsorship Team
Twitter: @uprinting
Blog: blog.uprinting.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/UPrinting
Yelp!: www.yelp.com/biz/u-printing-los-angeles

GOOD LUCK!

Canvas print Giveaway!

2009-11-08T16:09:00.000-08:00

In preparation for the Holiday season UPrinting.com is rolling out another giveaway – 16x20 rolled Canvas. Rolled canvas prints are perfect for home decor, photo prints and signage. I am in turn offering this giveaway to you!

These would make great client or customer thank you cards!

Giveaway Prize: (1) 16x20 Rolled Canvas for One Lucky Winner
Size: 16x20 rolled canvas
Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping in the US
Eligibility: Limited to US Residents due to shipping costs. We will negotiate better shipping rates soon.

I even get a canvas print for hosting this contest!

Check out the canvas prints to see how cool they are. You can see reviews of Uprinting's great service here!

Contest ends 11:59pm on Sunday November 15th! Get those comments in! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post that includes your name and email address and a description of the image you would like to use on the canvas.

You can also blog about this giveaway, linking back here and to http://www.uprinting.com/ . Leave another comment that you did so to get another entry and/or Twitter about the giveaway and leave a comment that you did so!

If you are the lucky winner I will pass your info on to Uprinting.com and they will contact you directly.

Thanks again to Uprinting for providing the prize~!

The Blog Sponsorship Team
Twitter: @uprinting
Blog: blog.uprinting.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/UPrinting
Yelp!: www.yelp.com/biz/u-printing-los-angeles

GOOD LUCK!

New painting - Weathered!

2009-11-03T04:15:00.000-08:00

This one was tough - a lot of close-up bark. Evil I tell you - evil! I took the reference photo in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. The house and landscaping were lovely. I titled it 'weathered' because of the bark. I think it once started out as a clematis vine many years ago. I was drawn to the purple window, purple flower combo.

Harper's Ferry is a really nice spot. Beautiful scenery - 2 rivers come together and lots of hiking and SHOPPING! I spent a couple days there and took beau coup photos. I'm sure more paintings will come from them,

I am having a tough time getting a good photo of this one color wise. I will have to wait for a sunny day around here to give it another go. I tried a float frame for the first time. I think they really add some punch to a canvas.

Thanks for looking!

We have a winner!!!

2009-11-03T03:58:00.000-08:00

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1

Max: 18

Result:

10

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

The winner is My Serenity Way. Congratulations! I will pass your info on to Uprinting.com.

A great GIVEAWAY! 250 stickers printed with your design~!

2009-10-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

I know that it is bad form to have 2 giveaways back to back without blogging in between, but this is such a great prize that I couldn't resist! Uprinting has again donated a great prize!

Giveaway Prize Details
250 Stickers/Labels for One (1) lucky winner
Sizes: 2” x 3.5”, 2” x 4”, or 3” x 3”
Paper: 70 lb Label Matte
Specifications: Full color front, blank back; 4 Business Day printing

To sweeten the pot, we are offering FREE UPS Ground Shipping in the USA (Canadian residents need to pay shipping and taxes). Offer is not available to residents outside the US and Canada.

You can use these for Promotion, Holiday gift labels, party favors, fragile stickers - whatever you can come up with! You get to provide the design to Uprinting.com.
I even get a set of 250 for hosting this contest!

Check out the stickers to see how cool they are and you can also check out their reviews to see what a great job they do!

THIS IS A SHORT ONE! Contest ends Monday November 2nd! Get those comments in! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post that includes your name and email address and what you will do with the stickers.
You can also blog about this giveaway linking back here and to http://www.uprinting.com/ . Leave another comment that you did so to get another entry.
If you are the lucky winner I will pass your info on to Uprinting.com and they will contact you directly.

Uprinting will send you a coupon code for the stickers on November 6th!

Thanks again to Uprinting for providing the prize~!

GOOD LUCK!

Another Winner!

2009-10-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1

Max: 22

Result:

9

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

We have a winner! Drumroll please........ Brenda Thour is the lucky recipient of the 100 free postcards from Uprinting.com. Thanks to everyone that participated and to Uprinting for the great prize!

A great blog giveaway! 100 free postcards from Uprinting.com

2009-10-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

OK - this is not your typical give away. You get to deal with Uprinting and get your own design on the postcards. How cool is that? These postcards can also be invitations, thank you cards, note cards and more!

Giveaway Prize: 100 Postcards for One Lucky Winner

Size: 4x6; Paper: 14pt Cardstock Gloss; Printing: Full color both sides

Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping in the US (Canadian residents pay shipping and taxes. Offer not available to residents outside of the US and Canada)

One Week ONLY! Contest ends Friday October 23rd! Get those comments in! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post that includes your name and email address. If you are the lucky winner I will pass this on to Uprinting.com and they will contact you directly.

It is great that Uprinting is letting me offer these to you. I will also be getting a set of postcards for hosting the giveaway.

You can check out their postcards to see what a great prize this is!

GOOD LUCK!

Tweedle Dum and Dee!

2009-10-16T06:13:00.000-07:00

Hi all! My husband and I volunteered at the Rome Art and Community Center Halloween House last year as Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee. We handed out Candy on Trick or Treat Street for the kids. By popular demand we were asked back for another Tweedle command performance!

Tonight 11/16 and tomorrow night 11/17 we will be reprising our roles. This is a great event and their Haunted House is legendary scary....

Check it out here: http://www.romeart.org/halloween.html

Steve and I stick to the kiddie stuff - I hate things jumping out at me in the dark.

I reluctantly share pics from last year and you will understand when you see them.

Spooky Studio

2009-10-09T13:57:00.000-07:00

I showed you my studio at Christmas time - well here it is decorated for Halloween. It is a real mess so ignore that part. I should have picked it up before shooting the photos. Anywho, my husband just loves Halloween so I have to decorate almost as much as Christmas. We have a tradition that I draw the design on the pumpkins and he carves them. We usually get lots of compliments.

Here is a sample of our work.

Thanks for looking!

Odds and Ends.

2009-10-06T10:56:00.000-07:00

I wanted to mention that I have signed up to blog sponsor ( a new verb?) Uprinting.com. I will get great free items to give away on my blog. They seem to be very positive about this exchange and have some great products to boot! Look for a postcard/greeting card giveaway this month- you get to have your own design printed - just in time for Christmas. Very cool!

I used to have some artwork in South Colton, NY at the Adirondack Artisan shop. I was very disappointed to hear that the shop closed. My friend, the shop owner, had been evicted from the building after trying to get small business loans and stimulus aid. She seemed like a perfect candidate for this money. Of course, government moves very slowly so the landlady did not want to wait. I picked up my wares and need to find another venue. We shall see what I come up with. Any ideas?

Thanks for listening!

Another Winner!

2009-09-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

We have a winner for Felicia's beautiful note cards! I used 19 as the upper limit because I made one comment.

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1

Max: 19

Result:

The lucky winner is Wehaf! I will be sending an email shortly to let them know.
Thanks to all that participated - I appreciate it!

I enjoyed working with Felicia Kramer on this special give-away. I plan to have more freebies in the future so check back often.

DOUBLE GIVE-AWAY!

2009-09-22T06:07:00.000-07:00

This is an exciting undertaking. It is fun giving away someone elses artwork!

Felicia Kramer of AnotherBrightIdea and I met in the VAST Etsy team and have teamed up to do a double give-away. I am giving away one of her wonderful works of art and she is giving away something of mine on her blog.

Let's get to know Felicia a bit better and see some of her wonderful work. This piece is one of my favorites of hers. This is a beautiful digital collage entitled 'Hope for a New Beginning'.

lmr: Hi Felicia! How do you start your morning? – Coffee? Tea? Juice? Smoothie? Other?

Coffee, coffee, coffee

lmr: Please introduce yourself and tell us where we can find your work on-line.

I’m Felicia Kramer. My Etsy shop is http://anotherbrightidea.etsy.com ; my blog is www.feliciakramer.blogspot.com .

lmr: Please tell us a little about your family.

I’m the quintessential middle child – right smack in the middle of nine children.
I am single, no children of my own, but I have a huge extended family and tons of nieces and nephews that I adore. I was born and have lived most of my life in Michigan, except for a few years in San Francisco, still my favorite city.

lmr: Tell me about your etsy shop. You have such lovely and varied items for sale!

I’m celebrating my one-year anniversary with Etsy this month. I have some handmade paper collages, photography, greeting cards and digital prints. I absolutely love doing digital collages and altered photographs, although I don’t think I’ll ever learn everything there is to know about Photoshop. Right now I’m also working on Christmas items – I’ve already posted some wreaths - that’s my favorite holiday.

Robin's Egg Blue Pinecone Wreath

lmr: How long have you been an artist? Are you formally trained or self-taught?

I always wanted to be an artist and I did art and crafts for fun, but I was never encouraged to pursue it seriously. I finally enrolled in college at the ripe old age of 30 and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Michigan State University. I have never regretted that decision.

lmr: What inspires you? Where do you look – or go – for inspiration?

I’m very much inspired by nature. I have a very small enclosed patio garden which I have crammed with as much as I can fit in that small space, and flowers and natural materials appear in a lot of my art. My garden is also my quiet space. If I need to take time out to refresh and meditate, I’ll sit on my garden bench and just watch the birds at their feeder and the chipmunks chasing each other.

lmr: What part of being an artist is hardest for you, or that you dislike the most?

One thing I didn’t anticipate when I chose to become a full-time artist was the amount of time that must be spent on getting yourself and your work known. I’m not very comfortable selling myself and my art, and would much rather spend all that time creating instead of being in the business of marketing and advertising. But it’s a fact of the artistic life so I do it.

lmr: What do you do when you’re not being an artist? What are your favorite activities?

When I’m not doing my art, thinking about my art, or thinking about doing my art, I enjoy gardening, reading, decorating, spending time with family and friends, and traveling, although I haven’t been able to do much traveling lately.

Halloween ACEO

lmr: Now for my favorite question! Tell us five things that most people – maybe even your family – don’t know about you.

1. I love dark chocolate, raspberries and nuts – alone or in any combination.
2. I hate the phrase “nothing can be done.” (There’s always choices – maybe not ideal, but they’re always there.)
3. When they first appeared, I said the Beatles were just a fad.
4. I’ve been nicknamed “mad dog” – when I get my teeth into something I’m quite stubborn and determined.
5. I left my heart in San Francisco. Really.

LOL - The Beatles would beg to differ! Many thanks to Felicia for patiently answering my questions. NOW for the Give-Away!!!!!!!!

Felicia has graciously given these beautiful cards for anyone to win. To enter just leave a comment here and I will draw the winner next Tuesday 9/29 (only one week away) around noon time.

A set of four blank inspirational note cards from my “Words” series.

"Smile"

“Relax”

“Dance”

“Dream”

You can see the cards up close in her shop: http://anotherbrightidea.etsy.com/ in the Greeting Cards section.

This offer is available worldwide, with free shipping.

Please visit Felicia's BLOG to enter to win a beautiful Tile Coaster from yours truly, featuring my painting "Spanish Courtyard"

Feel free to sign up for my newsletter on the left to hear about more give-aways and specials!

Thanks and Good Luck!!!!

September Newsletter

2009-09-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post my first newsletter in hopes to lure more subscribers. You can do so to the left. I am trying to grow my business and hoping this will be a way to get to know you and for you to get to know me better.

Drumroll please.....

http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/526393/f3cd1a4d73/1584002293/8aa924c3ab/

We have a Winner!

2009-09-01T05:22:00.000-07:00

My contest has ended and we have a winner. Very few people commented in the thread so I used the list of those that signed up via the sign in form in the time frame. The random number generator picked #17 and that corresponded to (drum roll please....) Dale Anne Potter. I will notify Dale Anne shortly. She gets to choose a piece of art from my etsy shop and receive a 5x7 giclee reproduction from it! Congratulations Dale Anne!

Thanks to all who signed up for my newsletter. You should be receiving it shortly :)

Random image to go with my random number!

Just a reminder!

2009-08-31T05:08:00.000-07:00

My contest ends today - you can win a 5 x 7 professional giclee reproduction of your choice in my Etsy shop! Just sign up for my newsletter and you will be entered. I will announce the winner tomorrow!

For more info: http://artbylmr.blogspot.com/2009/08/cool-contest.html

Scenes from a fair!

2009-08-25T10:59:00.001-07:00

Here are some pics from my first craft fair. It was at the Rome Art and Community Center http://www.romeart.org/. My dear husband was sweet to stay with me the whole day. From now on, I will probably let him go home after set-up until tear down. It just isn't easy to put up these tents alone. He even ended up helping other people with theirs even though this was his first time too.

Here is my booth in all its glory. Now that I see it from this perspective - it looks kind of bare. It seemed quite full when I was inside. Gotta work on my layout!

The grids worked great! They are very affordable and really easy to use. You can just fold them up still attached together for the next time. They are 6' tall though and required us to put down the front seat to fit them in.

All in all it was a nice day - met lots of people and many took my card. A few sales and some inquiries about portraits and such. I was ready to pack it in by 5:00 though! One more this weekend and that is probably my quota for a year.

Inspire me Thursday!

2009-08-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

I don't seem to be very good at doing this, but this weeks topic is cupcake! I love cupcakes and have a great ACEO that I did as a commission for a birthday gift. The info I had to work on was that the birthday girl loves 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' and that look.

Don't forget my give-away contest. Check it out here! http://artbylmr.blogspot.com/2009/08/cool-contest.html

Zazzle store~

2009-08-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally succumbed! The lure of having my designs on Keds sneakers and postage stamps was too great!

I opened a Zazzle store. For those of you who have thought of trying another venue for selling your artwork - this one is totally Free! No shop or premium fees upfront. I also have a cafepress shop and that does have a fee for a premium shop. They have more products than Zazzle, but Zazzle has the advantage of only adding one type of mug. for example, and the buyer can choose whatever style of mug on the product page they like.

It is a no lose situation unless you count the time you put into it.

I only have one design so far, but I will be adding more.

Fine art by Lynne Reichhart

Don't forget my contest! Sign up for my newsletter and you have a chance to win a 5x7 giclee reproduction of your choice. See below for more details!

All you need is Art!

2009-08-19T05:52:00.000-07:00

New Design at Cafepress! Get it on t-shirts, bumper stickers, mugs and more!

I love this one. You can see all the products here: http://www.cafepress.com/artgiftsbylmr/6855374

Don't forget my contest.

To get subscribers I am holding a contest! All you have to do to enter is subscribe to my newsletter (to the left) and post a comment here that you have done so. I am giving away a 5x7" professional giclee reproduction of the artwork of your choice from my Etsy shop.

Cool Contest!

2009-08-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

I have added a widget to my blog on the left to sign up for my newsletter! I would love to share some stories, tips, updates and specials with you.

To get subscribers I am holding a contest! All you have to do to enter is subscribe to my newsletter and post a comment here that you have done so.

I am giving away a 5x7" professional giclee reproduction of the artwork of your choice from my Etsy shop. You just need to pick a work of art larger than an ACEO. Keep in mind that I may have to do some cropping to fit the dimensions.

I will order the giclee of your choice within a week of the close of the contest. Oh Yeah, the contest runs from today 8/10 through the end of the month. I will use a random number generator to choose the winning subscriber on 9/1.

Keep those subscriptions coming! I will do my first newsletter in September once I get some subscribers.

Visit my Etsy shop here: http://artbylmr.etsy.com/

Clinton Art and Music Festival, Clinton, NY

2009-07-30T12:20:00.001-07:00

Visit Clinton Art and Music Festival

I am participating in the festival this year. It draws many artisans and shoppers each year. Live music is constantly playing during the day. It is just one big Partay!

Please join me. I am setting up with the Central NY Etsy Team.

Great Art resource/advice site

2009-07-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

I subscribe to Tony Moffitt's Art World blog and really find him to be very insightful and knowledgeable.

He posts daily on a wide range of subjects from framing to finding a gallery. The best part is it is all FREE! I hate getting a tease and then having to buy a book or pay for a class to get the answers I am looking for. Tony is also open to addressing suggested subjects from his followers!

You can find his blog here: http://tonymoffitt.blogspot.com/

How cool is this?

2009-07-23T05:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry to gush, but I just think it is sooo cool to have my art on a Flip Video recorder. If you have never checked out Cafepress.com, you really should. Artists can put their work on different products such as mugs. t-shirts, tile coasters and yes, Flips! You can find the flip here: http://www.cafepress.com/artgiftsbylmr.386048649 There are also many more affordable items featuring this design and lots of other designs too.

Zazzle is another shop like Cafepress. I need to check it out. One thing I have noticed there is you can put your art on sneakers:) Isn't technology grand?

Ta ta for now!

A new LARGE piece for me!

2009-07-21T05:27:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! At least it is while I write this. We are having some very large trees trimmed around the house today so wish me luck that I still have a house left when they are done!

I finished this large (for me) painting on 24x18" canvas. Gallery wrapped with deep sides painted for a professional look. I took a photo of one of my iris's a long time ago and came across it recently. I used it as a reference for this piece.

I am having trouble getting the colors right though inthe photo. The iris is more purple than blue-purple and the green is also less blue. Any suggestins would be welcome. I have a digital camera and they tend to 'blue' colors.

I will be adding it to my Etsy shop soon so check it out. http://artbylmr.etsy.com

A little poetry to make you smile (or cringe)!

2009-07-09T06:43:00.000-07:00

When your dreams soar, there are no boundaries!

I am not a poet or writer by any means, but here goes.....

'At this Point in my Life' (An artist's Life)

At this point in my life I wonder about things that once seemed so far away.

Will I have enough to live on in my golden years?

And why is my hair so gray?

At this point in my life my endeavors are new.

The lucrative job I no longer do,

Replaced by more creative ventures I thought I'd never pursue.

At this point in my life I seem busier day to day.

Asking how did I ever punch the clock?

When did I have time to play?

At this point in my life I thank God I still have my love.

My husband and my art.

My health and my heart.

My happiness and my friends.

The freedom to start over again!

Summer Art and Craft Fairs or 'What to heck am I doing?"

2009-06-22T04:12:00.000-07:00

Am I crazy? Am I nuts? Will I even sell anything? Why am I spending all this money? Why am I doing this to myself?

These are the things I keep asking myself. These are the woes of the first time craft fair participant. I got swept up in the frenzy of a wonderful group I belong to - The Central NY Etsy team. They are having a couple group shows and I am doing one of them. I am also doing one show all alone - Ack!

Reality then sunk in! OMG - I have to have a tent and table covers to the ground and something to hang art on and I need merchandise! I have been frantically ordering Giclee reproductions, backing board, cello bags, display solutions and on and on. I am gobbling up resources giving tips on how to run a great booth and what you need to take with you.

Now that I got that off my chest - I have discovered some great sites with solutions for the artist - even the cheap artist. I know many use peg board and create their own displays. This summer my husband did not need another project so I looked to the web to find me the perfect and reasonably priced art display. I found these grids walls at ABC Target. They are free standing and at $58 for a Z shaped set of 3 walls they were also affordabe. I have seen these in use - My friend Cathy uses them to display her lovely cut paper artwork. I got the idea from her for these grids - Thanks, Cathy!!

I also needed a magnetic board to display magnets on. I turned to my good friend Amazon and found a nice looking large black framed magnetic white board from Board Dudes for $24.

I am not a seamstress by any means so I had no intention of making a table cover that looked nice and fell to the ground as it is recommended ( covers any boxes and other stuff the customers don't need to see). Tablecloth Designs to the rescue! They carry tons of sizes and offer custom sizes too. They make everything to order - even their standard sizes, but I had my order in 2 days for under $40.

I hope this isn't getting too boring, but I wanted to give a shout out to these companies. One last resource I want to mention. I get my giclee prints from iPrintFromHome.com. I love these guys. The quality, color and packaging is ourstanding. The turnaround is super fast and they are very professional! I have only ordered gicless, but they have a large range of products,
including canvas prints. They also offer promotional services for their customers. You can list your upcoming shows on their website and they will also include them in their newsletter that has a large circulation. I could go on and on, but I won't (too late!).

Thanks for reading my rant - let me know what experiences you have had with craft fairs. I would love to hear them.

New Watercolor and a frugal tip from the Cheap artist!

2009-06-19T17:14:00.001-07:00

This watercolor was inspired by the beautiful Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. They have gorgeous ceiling displays and this is one of them. Can you say Vegas, Baby! The delicate paper parasols just screamed to be painted in translucent watercolor. You can find this in my etsy shop http://artbylmr.etsy.com.

Being a starving artist, I am always looking to save a buck. I was in Kmart the other day looking for storage bins since we artists have so many supplies everywhere. They have bins that stack, slide and everything else that run 6,7,8$ or more. Just next the the bins there was a pile of white dishpans that cost less than $2. I snatched some of them up. They are a good size, have handles and are solid which is sometimes better than the sides with holes.

Just a little hint from you friendly neighborhood cheap artist!
Thank you very much.

New ACEO

2009-06-01T10:05:00.000-07:00

I try to get at least one ACEO done when we go to camp for the weekend or longer. This time I did this colored pencil piece of a crystal vase and flowers. I wanted to work on reflections in glass and I hope to do more like this. This new work is for sale in my Etsy shop. http://www.artbylmr.etsy.com

I didn't have much art time this trip - still gettting things opened up. We got the dock in, set up the screen house and picnic table and various other chores. Now we are ready for company! Any takers???

Catching up!

2009-06-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

Hello! It has been too long. Things have been crazy! Summer always is. Last week my Mom had a breast biopsy. I went 'home' to be with her since she is a self-proclaimed wimp. We were all very relieved that it turned out benign. She is still sore, but cancer free! It was a wake up call that my Mom is getting older. Most people that meet her can't believe that she is 73. She is a little dynamo and very active. I hope I am as spry when I get that age.

I missed my featured week at Top Artists Directory last week. It is still up so you can still take a peek. http://topartistsdirectory.blogspot.com/

I tookl down my show at the library and really felt a loss after doing it. I sold 3 paintings so it was a success! What a great feeling to have people like your work enough to shell out their hard earned money for it.

Back soon with more news and photos.

Inspire me Thursday!

2009-05-14T07:38:00.001-07:00

I want to find the time to particiapate in this fun site more often. They give a topic each Thursday to inspire creativity. This week I have some items ready to post. Check out: http://www.inspiremethursday.com/

The first is an ACEO I once did for a challenge to portray Feng Shui in Black, Red and Gold. This ACEO symbolizes 'harmony'

The second image is of a pink Hibiscus that I did in acrylics on canvas panel (5 X 7") . I took the reference photo on the island of Kauai. That is the only Hawaiian island I have been to, but it is beautiful and much less commercialized than others. There are some parts you can't even drive to.

Thanks for visiting! Lynne

I set up my show at the library today!

2009-04-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share some photos I took of the library display. It is a nice, cozy space with shelves to display the work on. Melissa, the library manager, is great! She does oodles of promotion for the shows.

Blog Giveaway on featured blog!

2009-04-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

I am featured on the Women Prenuergalore blog here: http://women-prenuergalore.blogspot.com/2009/04/interview-with-lynne-reichhart-from-atr.html

She is also featuring a blog giveaway of my hand painted poppy tile pendant so check it out! You just have to leave a comment to be entered once and you can also earn multiple entries. It is a simple as that!