tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61107491547074049902024-03-14T02:10:51.647-07:00The Cat's Pajamas!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-19932125691615711282012-08-25T10:24:00.000-07:002012-08-25T10:24:25.460-07:00It's Hard To Be Fabulous<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIjSdFt4vIVITtAc1JIW55SCOEx1MgJ_U0sUO1DJhz22_MwU_T4EhM2NMvpreLh71tRTY5EGxhnhBtBsUVOdxqkINtw94b9yU12UI1YvYkLpHx0hGCDsil5Uv2rYTv8pex90nAOE3bQzC/s1600/too+fabulous+etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIjSdFt4vIVITtAc1JIW55SCOEx1MgJ_U0sUO1DJhz22_MwU_T4EhM2NMvpreLh71tRTY5EGxhnhBtBsUVOdxqkINtw94b9yU12UI1YvYkLpHx0hGCDsil5Uv2rYTv8pex90nAOE3bQzC/s400/too+fabulous+etsy.jpg" width="318" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George Was Simply Too Fabulous To Fit In. 16x20 Acrylic on Canvas.</td></tr>
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Wow! This piece must be fabulous because I swear it has gotten the most likes ever on Facebook than any of my paintings! I mean 87 people total on the 3 pages it was posted on have liked this painting! That's huge for me. In fact that never happens. 20 something likes yes. But almost 100? Crazy!<br />
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I'm not sure if that is because it's just that awesome (lol!), or because I got really lucky time wise when I posted it, and a bunch of people just happened to see it. I guess I will never know, and I'm certainly NOT complaining. Just a bit surprised is all. <br />
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I mean don't get me wrong, I like this piece, (actually I like it much better now that I'm done with it), but to be honest it isn't my favorite. But, it is pretty and it has a giraffe which is always cool. <br />
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Unfortunately, It gave me a bunch of trouble in the beginning, and I think I got tired of it.<br />
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I had to let it sit for a long time before I felt ready to tackle it again, and when I did, It was more just to be done with it, then any real major inspiration. <br />
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Here is how it started....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHHbGiANWdmHOTdJhcOKHKXlFitHcOXDYnYiBGj7MtzbllqPSKXcFY1kYwPTr-WZb5MRDzlMgCQ4GO9nfl3uLdhlwY40SU2v8DXiyhAUrovMDQOgNYndswyYiWWn_aIR3iv7Epq1xd6A0H/s1600/girraff+wip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHHbGiANWdmHOTdJhcOKHKXlFitHcOXDYnYiBGj7MtzbllqPSKXcFY1kYwPTr-WZb5MRDzlMgCQ4GO9nfl3uLdhlwY40SU2v8DXiyhAUrovMDQOgNYndswyYiWWn_aIR3iv7Epq1xd6A0H/s320/girraff+wip.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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And here is where things go wrong... lol! Just kidding.<br />
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Now that I look at it again, it really wasn't that bad, but it was way too busy. As you can see I erased the bead things in the middle and some on the sides, and put the stem of the hanging pod on the bottom so it is growing up rather than down. It's a lot cleaner now, and I'm really glad I changed it. <br />
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I think it's much much better now. Well it must be, because it's Fabulous right? </div>
Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-67047244974714878732012-08-22T10:00:00.000-07:002012-08-23T11:52:56.496-07:00Always Look on the Bright Side of Life<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always Look on the Bright Side of Life </td></tr>
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Sometimes I feel my art is so sporadic. In way I guess It is. I worry that I don't have a brand/style that people can identify me with. Except for lots of color! lol! <br />
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I just have such a hard time sticking with one thing for so long. Try as I might, I can't help but branch out into new areas sometimes. Just when I think I have a style nailed down that I like, it changes again! And that's what happened with this piece. <br />
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It all started with a canvas full of leftover paint from my last painting. I got tired of wasting the last bit of paint on my palette everyday, and finally got smart and put it on canvas. Instant background people! Why didn't I think of that before? <br />
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Then I started making a bunch of nonsense marks and designs thinking I was still adding to the background. Ha! Most of it ended up staying. That's the bits you see on the sides. I like how it kind of frames the painting. <br />
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So, during the creation of this piece I listened exclusively to my Monty Python Sings CD. Which is why I named it "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life". That's the first song on the CD, and as I was putting paint down I thought how fitting it was. This piece couldn't get any brighter! <br />
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There are little Monty Python influences through out the painting actually. A little boat appeared on the bottom, which can also be a foot if you are of the lucky few who see an elephant in the piece like I do. Anyway I was listening to the Accountancy Song when that boat appeared so of course I kept it. You know the song right? Sailing on the Wide Accountant Seas... Needless to say things got a bit goofy, and this painting emerged. <br />
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I really had a lot of fun with it, and now I'm working on a "Cougar" in the same fashion. Wait til you see him, another Monty Python inspired painting. Oy Vey!<br />
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Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-41790822851398701832012-08-12T11:14:00.004-07:002012-08-12T11:15:35.740-07:00A New Way, A New Life, A New Begininng<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A New Beginning. Acrylic on Canvas 48x36</td></tr>
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So if you have been following my art for any length of time, you will notice that I have been gravitating more towards the abstract movement. I've always admired that genre, and have tried and tried to do paintings but unlike how it looks, it isn't easy! I lot of time you see abstract work and go that looks easy, I can do that. But it really isn't! Trust me.<br />
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So, after having Emily last June, there hasn't been any time to paint. For the longest time she didn't even take real naps, so I REALLY had no time.<br />
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I was starting to get the creative itch, but I had no way to use it. I was getting a tad resentful too because I could find time to paint. So a couple months ago out of the blue my husband took Em, and told me to paint. Of course I wasn't in the mood, but how could I pass up an opportunity like that? <br />
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So I sat down on the floor and started working on a piece that had been sitting for a long time. This is what I started with...<br />
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It was very hard to start but, I had to be brave and put paint down, so I did. As you can see it turned out quite differently!<br />
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That night I struggled and struggled trying to find my groove. I could not relax because I felt so guilty having my husband watch Em while I was doing something baby free. It took over an hour before I finally got into it. Finally, I told myself to be bold, and not care what I did, so I grabbed the black paint and made those circles on the bottom left. That was my turning point. After that, it was like I was free. The painting just took off, and in a few days I had it finished. Thanks entirely to my husband who was on baby duty so I could do so! Not long after that she started taking naps thank goodness!<br />
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Now it needed a name, so I posted it on Facebook asking for ideas,
and I got a lot of great ones! There were many I wanted to use, and
almost did, but then my husband suggested A New Beginning. <br />
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And that just totally clicked with me, because you know what? It is
exactly that. Not only is it a new way of painting, but it's also me
starting to paint again, after almost of year of not being able to. And, It is
teaching me to be free with how I paint, and worry less about what I
put down and how the outcome will be. Though I still have to work on
this last part every day!<br />
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Hope you all are having a good weekend! <br />
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<br /></div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-64643651913251609662012-08-09T20:52:00.000-07:002012-08-09T23:13:17.044-07:00The Trials and Tribulations of Making Another World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another World 18x24 Acrylic On Canvas</td></tr>
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Oh my gosh I made it back for another post! I hope I still have a couple of readers for this dusty ol' blog. Sometimes it is really hard to keep with all the social media, and I think blogging is especially hard for me.<br />
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I really enjoy it, but it is terribly time consuming. Not only to write it, but to visit all the awesome blogs that I know are out there. I wish I had more time!<br />
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Now that Emily is here my time is even more limited. I generally don't have much time to myself. Computer time is during dinner and nursing sessions, which now that she is 14 months old have become rather infrequent. Even now, I'm stealing a bit of time, and yet feeling guilty as my husband watches the little nugget. So I will be brief. If that is even possible. <br />
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This painting you see is already sold. It is titled Another World and it went to one of my awesome sister in laws (I have 3).<br />
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I had a VERY hard time with this one. Mainly because she essentially bought it in the very beginning stages, and then I go all weird about how to finish it. I was terrified that if I changed too much from what she originally saw, she wouldn't like it anymore. Which is actually fine, as not everyone will like my art of course. But the main thing was, I would have felt like I ruined it. Crazy huh?<br />
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So I let it sit. And sit and sit. In fact months went by before I even attempted to paint it again. I just could not work on it, and every time I tried I messed it up. I could not for the life of my get a good background color. I'm not kidding when I say this paining was every color of the rainbow!<br />
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I finally, oddly enough ended up with the original blue background and adding the orange in the middle to break it up a bit. I ended up covering a lot of what she originally saw, but the main points are still there. I couldn't help it. That is just how the piece wanted to be. And I honestly think it's the best it could be.<br />
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Here is what it looked like when she bought it....<br />
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A little bit different huh? Can you see why I was nervous? So much changed! <br />
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Boy what a relief it is to have it done though! So glad I finally got the guts to tackle it again. Once I got that background squared away, the rest just seemed to flow together. Now she wants me to do another one. I have the canvas already, but guess what? I'm afraid to start it. lol! Oh well, it will come. All in good time I suppose. </div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-87372452383533324342012-08-06T11:00:00.000-07:002012-08-12T15:50:32.166-07:00Footloose and Fancy Free. A new way to paint for me!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So in case you haven't noticed, I've been playing around with some new styles. My work is starting to become more abstract-y. A style I've always admired. I also signed up for <a href="http://braveintuitiveyou.com/e-course/" target="_blank">Flora Bowley's online class</a> in September, and have been oogling her work for about a year now. I love love love the freedom with which she paints! And of course the paintings themselves! I cannot wait for that class to begin.<br />
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In the meantime though, I thought I'd play around with trying to be free and loose with the paints just for giggles. It ain't easy let me tell you. At least not for someone like me, who is always afraid of making the wrong decision or messing up.<br />
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When I paint I really really have to try hard to let those inhibitions go. And this particular painting which still has no name btw, was a very new way to work for me. I tried some of Flora's techniques. (I have her book too of course), and I really tried to let the paint flow and the designs appear. Just making random marks here and there even if I didn't want to or know what to make. Well, it worked! And I have to say I'm a bit proud of this piece because of how It got to where it is now. It started out soooo different as you can see....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here it is in the first stage. Right away two birds appeared which I decided to try to keep.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phase two. Lots more going on here, starting to like where things are headed.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxLcsDJzMGSB-mQZXKl4d3O_1f9e-xKniClrqkcrCYfDwsiAWEJ1vOoC5ft1VPKrZiyWlZr0vYltRwXx0oMkv7q2sbC0JXSBHcxXRB61qeOMYAAGqItFdnLA6WrcbBHktxZwNlOG3kwKQ/s1600/birds5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxLcsDJzMGSB-mQZXKl4d3O_1f9e-xKniClrqkcrCYfDwsiAWEJ1vOoC5ft1VPKrZiyWlZr0vYltRwXx0oMkv7q2sbC0JXSBHcxXRB61qeOMYAAGqItFdnLA6WrcbBHktxZwNlOG3kwKQ/s320/birds5.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phase Three. Getting busier! Just kept adding more and more marks and color. This is where I really started liking it. And in fact I almost wanted to leave it this way. lol!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSH-d5y9OJfh1KoEX1TCKU_ZQcdUtnShLOCEKZoKlcwOqgUlmTMdjrC51rfa397-xD_VQHn1N6wnztLvcXWk-4fb_POBdOJuv1U4uLU0rWbLqJLgko1c7hVx9akPeAUjaRxRsUS0hT8dpi/s1600/birds6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSH-d5y9OJfh1KoEX1TCKU_ZQcdUtnShLOCEKZoKlcwOqgUlmTMdjrC51rfa397-xD_VQHn1N6wnztLvcXWk-4fb_POBdOJuv1U4uLU0rWbLqJLgko1c7hVx9akPeAUjaRxRsUS0hT8dpi/s320/birds6.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phase 4. A lot more defined now. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTktxgXc5w1JuarnFutoJiFjokhjwi8JrCrjcZYOoQiGvgvd7f6WwNXXCcXxCVmhWuQb-eqvrp_MCsVVjDe3T5uBq5_c2RdL3LBVizyvlRI44TBhTv5fDuQ-nt1EnAV0PSWCh-x0Zqzwo7/s1600/birds7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTktxgXc5w1JuarnFutoJiFjokhjwi8JrCrjcZYOoQiGvgvd7f6WwNXXCcXxCVmhWuQb-eqvrp_MCsVVjDe3T5uBq5_c2RdL3LBVizyvlRI44TBhTv5fDuQ-nt1EnAV0PSWCh-x0Zqzwo7/s320/birds7.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phase 5. Almost done! And I found a cat! had no idea he was there until this stage. So fun! Just needing some last minute details, and deciding whether or not to keep the bird on the left. Which I didn't. :)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaolrmLMdBbpAtd4CYYJTsxBMNtSatA86F2hdOs8W0-izx6XE_H62GNs-r2rCjtMLZ-ndWTmSpOK_voaKl1TC8scmaAdk5D7DZzy2t5BFWgnXd7hZCvf6VD_9wlRbftSuqe7evLo-t-wUj/s1600/bird+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaolrmLMdBbpAtd4CYYJTsxBMNtSatA86F2hdOs8W0-izx6XE_H62GNs-r2rCjtMLZ-ndWTmSpOK_voaKl1TC8scmaAdk5D7DZzy2t5BFWgnXd7hZCvf6VD_9wlRbftSuqe7evLo-t-wUj/s320/bird+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phase 6. All done! And what do you know, a giraffe appeared! </td></tr>
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Such a fun painting to do! I'm trying it again on a larger canvas this time. I really like this technique even though it is hard for me to do. It amazes me what the final product turns out to be from when you first start. <br />
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Hope you enjoyed my progress shots. I love seeing the process other artists go through with their art. It's so much fun to watch a painting develop!<br />
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If you are interested in this piece, hop on over to my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PolychromesPalace?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> and check it out. <br />
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Hope you all had a great weekend!</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-44676752974887386992012-08-03T11:32:00.000-07:002012-08-03T11:32:58.852-07:00Would you believe me if I said I'm back?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObRGIl_r2VFUngyTNCZ6b4M3GiozXLM8BTRpUqzwGudJBpvpKD9_f6pgr82IfuRRbA6rF8w74QunciVdF3SMbuvUfF_aA8ttTdsOSIITEynMaAQdfmbgX4Q3M2XP8nxVKZ7OFrkiZ3KL7/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgObRGIl_r2VFUngyTNCZ6b4M3GiozXLM8BTRpUqzwGudJBpvpKD9_f6pgr82IfuRRbA6rF8w74QunciVdF3SMbuvUfF_aA8ttTdsOSIITEynMaAQdfmbgX4Q3M2XP8nxVKZ7OFrkiZ3KL7/s320/DSC_0081.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready and waiting...</td></tr>
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Well here I am again, after disappearing for many many moons. Emily is here as you all know, and life has been extremely busy! It's just too darn hard these days to find time to sit and write a blog post it seems. Facebook. Twitter, Pinterest, Wanelo, etc. I can do. That only takes a couple minutes. But blogging? That takes time, and thought, so I haven't been keeping up on it like I should. lol! I have decided to give it another shot though, as Em is now a year old and sleeps <i>slightly</i> better. I figure I can try blogging when she goes to bed at night. <br />
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If anyone has been following me on Facebook you will have noticed that I've been painting a lot lately. That's because Em is now taking naps, thank god! So nap time is sacred in this house. For that 1-2 stretch you better not bother me because, I'm busy painting! I've got lots to show and talk about, so hopefully I can get this blog thing going again. <br />
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Ok that's all for now, but do check back later, hopefully tonight I will have written a new post about one of my newest paintings. Have a great Friday everyone!!</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-74942768768609080822011-03-24T14:11:00.000-07:002011-03-24T14:11:18.888-07:00Did someone say SALE?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhG8YbLZFlt-yLsJnEJaxThqXxIDDt_A_2uHrkN331Qy4xPEt62HfdXaI0F26pUpi5OsH6JDygYZJjj3WDNJ0CkG5BCillTecYjHo5bduM1sQkPKI_yUtOBTXdIvQfilxnQyDEaS36xkb/s1600/fiona+etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhG8YbLZFlt-yLsJnEJaxThqXxIDDt_A_2uHrkN331Qy4xPEt62HfdXaI0F26pUpi5OsH6JDygYZJjj3WDNJ0CkG5BCillTecYjHo5bduM1sQkPKI_yUtOBTXdIvQfilxnQyDEaS36xkb/s320/fiona+etsy.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>Hey everyone! I thought I'd do another celebration today to celebrate getting 100 blog followers, AND hitting 400 Facebook Fans!! Woo Hoo! As a thank you, I'm running a SALE in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mfauss?ref=si_shop">Etsy </a>store. Please stop by and see if there is anything you like. :)<br />
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If you want to buy anything, just use this coupon code LUVMYFANS at checkout and you will get 20% off your purchase! <br />
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I'll be running this sale until April 1st, so hurry up and shop!! <br />
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Okay here is the shop link...<br />
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http://www.etsy.com/shop/mfauss?ref=si_shop <br />
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Hope to see you there!<br />
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</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-47870156557859368052011-03-17T22:42:00.000-07:002011-03-17T22:42:11.610-07:00Babies, blogs, paintings, and fears.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMimiEVQb4lqP-zTrL92wkWKWQZ5cuaJ96i-lg7v_Cwo1f0mwm_jbDgoBhLe0wtOsJVilrKfHyVexDJKpmYBTUGin5YxYUEApSIfUOZ66KR86YpAoi9JdoOaa6LcbWqXG6istfJ2elODB/s1600/elinor+esty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMimiEVQb4lqP-zTrL92wkWKWQZ5cuaJ96i-lg7v_Cwo1f0mwm_jbDgoBhLe0wtOsJVilrKfHyVexDJKpmYBTUGin5YxYUEApSIfUOZ66KR86YpAoi9JdoOaa6LcbWqXG6istfJ2elODB/s320/elinor+esty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Oh boy. As if I needed yet another reason to stay on the internet and suck up all my time. I just discovered the world of "mommy blogs". Since I'm about to be a mother, today I got the brilliant idea to join some mom groups, and check out some cool mom blogs. <br />
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Well. It's been a few hours, and I'm still reading. Yikes! I <i>really really should</i> be working or cleaning tonight, but I managed to waste so much time, that now I have no desire to wash dishes, vacuum, do the laundry, tweet, list any new products, read Etsy forums, or paint. All I want to do is find more blogs to entertain me, and watch Get Smart. Gosh I'm getting lazy in the 3rd trimester. Holy Moly, it's the 3rd trimester already!! I can not believe how fast time flew. I keep thinking I have many more months to go, yet I only have a couple. <br />
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And here's something interesting about me, most of you probably don't know. I've had a life long fear of hospitals. I mean really fearful, like I don't like looking at them even. Yet, in June I will be staying in one! Oh my goodness, I just can't believe it, but unless I'm lucky enough to have a very quick birth on the way to the big scary building I really can't get out of it. I went in the other day to see where I'm supposed to check in, and got my forms but that was all I was all I could do for the day. I'm hoping to acclimate myself to them before the big day. <br />
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At least at the end of my hospital visit in June, I'll get a prize! As the time draws closer and closer, I'm super duper scared, but at the same time, I'm really looking forward to meeting our little girl. I really think we will have a good time together, and I absolutely cannot wait to dress her in all the cool clothes we bought. :) But I was a little bummed when I found out they don't draw until a few years old. Poo. I was totally looking forward to arts and crafts time. I really really hope she likes getting messy too like with paints, because If I end up having a mini Felix Unger on my hands, I don't know what I'll do. Only time will tell. <br />
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btw the elephant painting you see above, is Elinor. A mixed media 12x12 painting on canvas. She may or may not be related to Ellie. And the original Ellie lives in New York now, so they don't get to see each other like they should. :) And, if you don't already know this, Elinor can be found kicking it over on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mfauss?ref=si_shop">Etsy</a> .<br />
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And thanks again to all you guys who participated in my giveaway. I'll be sending prizes out soon. Some I need to make, like the necklace, but I'm hoping to get the print, cards, and postcards out tomorrow. <br />
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</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-85755734033348480762011-03-16T11:01:00.000-07:002011-03-16T11:01:02.254-07:00Giveaway Winners!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Well I'm so sorry It's taken this long to announce the winners. I just haven't been home much, and I had to wait a bit for my husband to be able to edit the video showing my trusty studio assistant picking out the names. He was a little less cooperative this time, and it took quite a while for him to finally get around to business, but eventually he did. Check out the video to see who won...<br />
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Congratulations to those who won, and thank you all for participating!! <br />
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</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-69813505348105558192011-03-12T11:43:00.000-08:002011-03-12T11:43:10.539-08:00Giveaway<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Alright the giveaway is officially over, and I will be announcing winners, either today or tomorrow. My studio assistant was a little uncooperative yesterday, and it took FOREVER to get a good video which my husband will edit hopefully soon, then I'll post and contact each winner. :) </div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-63290890789852653872011-03-02T15:09:00.000-08:002011-03-02T15:09:00.225-08:00Giveaway Time!!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Oh boy, I'm really feeling generous right now, and I haven't had a giveaway in quite some time, so I think it may be time for another, what do you think??<br />
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So here's how it will work. <br />
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First place will receive a giclee print of their choice!!<br />
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Just pick any collage/painting in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mfauss?ref=si_shop">Etsy</a> shop (click Etsy and it will take you there) that you would like a print of. Make sure you search the original section too, because not all paintings are listed as prints yet, so if you want for instance, a print of Frida the Fish, you won't see her yet in the print section, but she is still available of course! Just post in the comments section which one you want.<br />
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Second place will receive a necklace of their choice!! <br />
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Again just go to my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mfauss?ref=si_shop">Etsy</a> store and pick out what image you would like as a necklace and post it in the comments. <br />
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Third Place will receive a set a greeting cards!! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGOIXenNeTEvz8THlkzMcVnhRqUU8CmQXhIdm8XbKU5mLgTDTnTGGl_3NTdK5PP0bHHOp-RK5M9tLW-bhQU8BizvfZRbbGmR8f2hxy2iG_1b90N_V2ivWCSyHPdo-Go5nGpb-3QMqhKaG/s1600/greeting+cards+etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGOIXenNeTEvz8THlkzMcVnhRqUU8CmQXhIdm8XbKU5mLgTDTnTGGl_3NTdK5PP0bHHOp-RK5M9tLW-bhQU8BizvfZRbbGmR8f2hxy2iG_1b90N_V2ivWCSyHPdo-Go5nGpb-3QMqhKaG/s320/greeting+cards+etsy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Fourth Place will get a complete set of postcards!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALXUtosBTtjskgsU_8_BL6aqcRnYFIoyUUwdu8ywIOCbeoDJYIxehdu4-8wczGRTHtVH4qBhCt_22IZ3mdwB5c4NlLbhJYqL_MGzjtKheucPgQYBDZaHURTu-i_6E4MlXdzwJ4K0heH9N/s1600/postcards1etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALXUtosBTtjskgsU_8_BL6aqcRnYFIoyUUwdu8ywIOCbeoDJYIxehdu4-8wczGRTHtVH4qBhCt_22IZ3mdwB5c4NlLbhJYqL_MGzjtKheucPgQYBDZaHURTu-i_6E4MlXdzwJ4K0heH9N/s320/postcards1etsy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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So there will be a total of 4 winners!<br />
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All you need to do is go to my<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mfauss?ref=si_shop"> Esty</a> store and pick out an image for a print, and a necklace, and leave a comment on the blog telling me which ones you would like if you were to win. <br />
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If you advertise this giveaway on Facebook leave a comment here telling me, and you will have another chance at winning. <br />
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Same thing for Twitter, tweet this giveaway, and you get another chance! Just be sure to leave me a comment here on the blog so I know to enter you in again. <br />
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It's quite possible my handy assistant will be helping me pick winners again. It just depends on how lazy he is that day. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12WGzDZCS84X8VlRqkNTVZTMMdassSxa9enErUHNcwnDhTi0mFNCOUeFgwV4sYKUYz_WpdMRFWcp062MPzyOqPQInw9SnL74Q258NrGXaZZu047sbCaFXNFWWr8jngLtSkF9mSMqZ9OJD/s1600/dink+dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi12WGzDZCS84X8VlRqkNTVZTMMdassSxa9enErUHNcwnDhTi0mFNCOUeFgwV4sYKUYz_WpdMRFWcp062MPzyOqPQInw9SnL74Q258NrGXaZZu047sbCaFXNFWWr8jngLtSkF9mSMqZ9OJD/s320/dink+dog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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That's all there is to it. Giveaway will end next Friday March 11th! <br />
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Good luck to you!<br />
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</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-91250716058805733492011-03-02T12:35:00.000-08:002011-03-02T12:35:09.627-08:002 new paintings and an artists spotlight!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJgbFj43g83EyoT6enqKCHec6UwmxqJ_RpjoC5NOjXEC1iJLKOjVJu4P2ZuH_gKvyxPe4yaDz2T5j8DYZraKGkJ7dBQsgADK52uC20BvApNXCeYMcOwRg6CLJf1_Rhw8nmaeGqGt8g72h/s1600/Harriet+etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJgbFj43g83EyoT6enqKCHec6UwmxqJ_RpjoC5NOjXEC1iJLKOjVJu4P2ZuH_gKvyxPe4yaDz2T5j8DYZraKGkJ7dBQsgADK52uC20BvApNXCeYMcOwRg6CLJf1_Rhw8nmaeGqGt8g72h/s320/Harriet+etsy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I have two new paintings to show you today, I couldn't blog yesterday so you get a two for one deal today! <br />
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The painting to the left is Harriet the Ballerina, and she is done on 12x12 canvas. Of special interest to those who like sparkle, are her little toe shoes, hair bow, and tutu. They are painted and embellished with pink glitter. :) <br />
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My next painting is Frida the Fish. After naming her, I realized too late, that many people, especially artists may think that I painted a Fish to look like Frida the artist, but that isn't so of course, it's just the first girls F name that came to mind, and I couldn't get it out of my head. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1gAUM-kZGd4uH63S9sImB37dfx_ofdqrp4rii88NE8i08hBjiP9_snNB4zBZiBm0-Y4dpKzv3tXhRtnC4JxFfjY_S50sZScQZFHa2-Kvl1z-PN6tENrS0eU3R8o7OvCnx7LE9twV3asm/s1600/frida+etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1gAUM-kZGd4uH63S9sImB37dfx_ofdqrp4rii88NE8i08hBjiP9_snNB4zBZiBm0-Y4dpKzv3tXhRtnC4JxFfjY_S50sZScQZFHa2-Kvl1z-PN6tENrS0eU3R8o7OvCnx7LE9twV3asm/s320/frida+etsy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This little fish came as a surprise to me, as I was actually making a background for my pig painting, but as I was adding more and more blues and greens, I realized it looked like water. Well I just had to make a fish after that, and here she is. <br />
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Both of these ladies can be found dancing and swimming around my<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mfauss?ref=si_shop"> Etsy</a> shop, so be sure to head over if you are interested in giving them a new home. :)<br />
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In other news, after spending all day Sunday and Monday organizing and doing business related things, I did manage to paint a bit both of those nights. I'm hoping tonight will be the same. It seems I'm forming a bit of a habit now, and that is to do business/computer stuff in the day and paint late afternoon and night. It's working out so far, and I'm trying to stop feeling guilty for spending my days on the computer. It's just something that needs to be done apparently when you are trying to run a business and market yourself.<br />
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I think my name is slowly making it's away into the cyber world and a few of my pieces have been featured in treasuries this week, and also a couple blog posts. In one case I was in the artists spotlight, which was really fun! You can find that post over at <a href="http://fussitup.com/2011/03/01/artists-spotlight/">Renee Mak's blog Fuss it Up Designs</a> she is a fellow Etsian and you can find her at her Etsy shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/fussitup">Fuss it Up!</a> . She has some really great jewelery and mixed media art to look at. Definitely stop by and say hello. <br />
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Okay that's all for today, must get back to work! Have a great day!</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-81861163087942398402011-02-28T12:19:00.000-08:002011-02-28T12:19:39.248-08:00Osgod the Owl, and new work coming up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTC4WmCbj9nWuQ13J_POlHQCwm4W7gqcyttPZyWgV9PukulbOmCl6-JU2iQtQd2Nu37Tp0V1d7gkMaY7kqT_3HLnCq5NlyGqx375XTdXIxr6qdZg79h7g0h9YQsNwHczUAlD6FSNuVM_b/s1600/osgood+etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTC4WmCbj9nWuQ13J_POlHQCwm4W7gqcyttPZyWgV9PukulbOmCl6-JU2iQtQd2Nu37Tp0V1d7gkMaY7kqT_3HLnCq5NlyGqx375XTdXIxr6qdZg79h7g0h9YQsNwHczUAlD6FSNuVM_b/s320/osgood+etsy.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>Well here's yet another post and a painting!! This has to be a record for me. :)<br />
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This guy is Osgood the Owl and of course he is available in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69054080/mixed-media-owl-painting-osgood-6x6">Etsy </a>should have a strong desire to purchase him. Just click the word <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/69054080/mixed-media-owl-painting-osgood-6x6">Etsy</a> and it will take you straight there. <br />
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He is made with acrylic paint, glitter and pretty yellow flowers on another 6in x 6in canvas. He's the last of the small canvases that are done for now. I am working on another cat in that size, since you all like kitty's so much, which of course I don't blame you since I have four of them running around the house myself. :)<br />
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Today I will hopefully spend some time painting. That is if I can get off the darn computer. I have a pig, a cat, and Easter Bunny in the works right now, and I hope hope HOPE to get at least one done by the end of the day. <br />
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Keep your fingers crossed for me, that I will stay off the computer and stop shopping on Etsy! <br />
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</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-65784348395006414112011-02-27T12:58:00.000-08:002011-02-27T12:58:02.990-08:00Bertie the Bird! A New painting, and what I'm up too the week...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-U170V-36desEwtLNkmSRapf34gAkDmdflgpz2ijuBUdCuqw-f7pEOrQT1lXUuVk2uWFFVIVylVgVfKL8hTyoT5DGwycuzP-3MxCcbaUhI4r5pgYFjtk19bQwDRPt5FPiZc-55cc_lX3/s1600/Bertie+etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-U170V-36desEwtLNkmSRapf34gAkDmdflgpz2ijuBUdCuqw-f7pEOrQT1lXUuVk2uWFFVIVylVgVfKL8hTyoT5DGwycuzP-3MxCcbaUhI4r5pgYFjtk19bQwDRPt5FPiZc-55cc_lX3/s400/Bertie+etsy.jpg" width="394" /></a></div>This little guy is already in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mfauss?ref=si_shop">shop</a> but I thought I'd post him to the blog in case some of you missed his debut. <br />
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This is Bertie the Bird, who reminds me of a chicken. :) He's painted on 6in x 6in canvas. Still loving that little size. So much fun! I love his sparkly blue background (can't get enough of glitter), and his collaged paper patchwork arm. <br />
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This one is my husbands favorite, and I think he secretly hopes he doesn't sell. I like him a lot too, but would love for him to find a home that would love him just as much or more! You can find him on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mfauss?ref=si_shop">Etsy</a> of course. <br />
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As to what's going on now... Well, I've totally switched gears this week after my 6 day painting spree last week. Right now I'm spending most of my time working on the business side of things. Oh my goodness is it ever overwhelming! I'm learning about SEO's, proper tagging, keywords, backlinks, new social media, etc. etc. I so wish I got paid for the hours I put into this! It's interesting stuff, but very time consuming, and it totally sucks up your life. Hence, I haven't had a chance to paint yet this weekend. I'm hoping to organize my office area today and then paint later this afternoon. Wish me luck!<br />
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</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-25975827072411795282011-02-25T11:55:00.000-08:002011-02-25T11:55:16.570-08:00Meet Fang Jr!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fZ1ptoWzzWwm4hMfU4MW0oqRTJwyRAaWRyVwuL7OMwnqtYdceh550FY9vzaTi0N48k9t4rFDYTWUyRKLdpfp5tZygHZwvOiyELcdv3IFDFKw7ad72Odtgg5AdETFah06UiAuI2CcWeMq/s1600/fang+jr+etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9fZ1ptoWzzWwm4hMfU4MW0oqRTJwyRAaWRyVwuL7OMwnqtYdceh550FY9vzaTi0N48k9t4rFDYTWUyRKLdpfp5tZygHZwvOiyELcdv3IFDFKw7ad72Odtgg5AdETFah06UiAuI2CcWeMq/s320/fang+jr+etsy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Oh my gosh, is it possible that I am blogging 3 days in a row?? I guess that's what happens when I have a bunch of new paintings to list. :)<br />
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I wanted you guys to meet Fang Jr. He is much smaller than the original, only 6in x 6in on canvas. I decided to redo him because he's such a popular piece. Most everyone seems to like him, so I decided to do a small and cheaper version for those who may want an original but couldn't afford the original original. Does that make sense? <br />
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Well that was fast, he sold already! I guess I won't go into my whole Etsy speech now. :)<br />
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Have a great Friday everyone! And Keep warm!<br />
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</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-89157265180990899442011-02-24T12:17:00.000-08:002011-02-24T12:17:10.806-08:00Another new painting!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegQtwi-yxh4FKhgABUdiI6VXT2yLYlmeaMUGRoQ9SrXAxewORdAFzhE3yBiF1wtEZ707Oc5zGUtxt_kyXt4cbxEIxg9nLw0W0t_2TXIHwEyHsC32zdVe_qTkFPWWrdZpTz6Q2tzsr7rA_/s1600/Fergie+Etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgegQtwi-yxh4FKhgABUdiI6VXT2yLYlmeaMUGRoQ9SrXAxewORdAFzhE3yBiF1wtEZ707Oc5zGUtxt_kyXt4cbxEIxg9nLw0W0t_2TXIHwEyHsC32zdVe_qTkFPWWrdZpTz6Q2tzsr7rA_/s320/Fergie+Etsy.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>This is Fergie the Frog Princess. She is another 6 in x6in canvas. I have a total of eight of these cute canvases and so far 6 are done. A really fun size to work with actually. I was worried it would be hard because they are smaller than I'm used to, but it wasn't too bad at all. If you are interested in her she is hopping around <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68786598/original-frog-princess-painting-fergie">Etsy</a> I hear, just click this link: http://www.etsy.com/listing/68786598/original-frog-princess-painting-fergie<br />
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In other news, I think this week may be more devoted to business rather than painting. I'm trying really hard to get my name out there again, since after disappearing for 4 months, I kinda fell completely off the social media radar. And oh my gosh it's hard work getting back on. Stumbleupon, Etsy, Twitter, Facebook etc. The list goes on and on. I sure learned a lesson, and I dearly hope that when the baby comes I will be able to find some time to keep going at this. I think I hear many of you laughing right now, and I don't blame you. Obviously I have no idea what I'm in for, and I do realize all my time will be monopolized at first, but I'm really hoping I can find a way to incorporate my art into my life while raising a baby. After all we are going to be sharing the same room. Her nursery is my studio too. So hopefully she can play a bit while I paint a bit. That's possible right??<br />
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Have a good day everyone, I hope your day isn't going like mine right now. Too many computer issues. <br />
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</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-19701724387642359322011-02-23T12:38:00.000-08:002011-02-23T12:38:09.103-08:00a little hello and a new painting...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMa6XCvGaTTRbsVnbXSE5XhUE91zxN3YC19xuf24CUlNe-G3iTqnP0BjBVYFWtSd1qCm3axg7yihZGxQP1pHN5Tvp0NOuQAlxYTNtK0STEolQTjyGemzpKqYLkUrbMTW6fqlsZMYAglJF2/s1600/beatrice+etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMa6XCvGaTTRbsVnbXSE5XhUE91zxN3YC19xuf24CUlNe-G3iTqnP0BjBVYFWtSd1qCm3axg7yihZGxQP1pHN5Tvp0NOuQAlxYTNtK0STEolQTjyGemzpKqYLkUrbMTW6fqlsZMYAglJF2/s320/beatrice+etsy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Wow, it's been a long time again since I posted to my blog. I don't know what happens, but the time seems to get away from me and before I know it months have gone by between postings.<br />
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Plus, I've been pretty active announcing everything I do on Facebook, Twitter and Etsy, that when it comes to blogging I feel it's already been said and heard before. Does anybody else feel this way?<br />
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But today I thought I'd check in again, and say hi to everyone, and show you my latest painting. In case you haven't been on any social media sites lately (doubtful), and don't already know, I've been in a major painting frenzy for the last 5 days. That's alot of painting! I finished 9 of them. Can you believe that? Of course I'm only showing one right now, as the others will be announced one a day throughout the week. Need to keep you in suspense! <br />
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Anyway this little piece is an original painting on 6 in x 6 in canvas called Beatrice the Bee. If you are interested in her she can be found buzzing around Etsy waiting for a new home...Check her out if you like...<br />
http://www.etsy.com/listing/68711114/original-bumblebee-painting-beatrice-the<br />
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Until next time,which hopefully will be sooner than last time. :)<br />
Michele <br />
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</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-82422326379426029842011-01-23T12:45:00.000-08:002011-01-23T12:45:15.868-08:00Did you miss me? :)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPg1jij7TgSVgqBTvPq1o4lYM9GzLkI2i3vQKWK6pMWbm_t7ij8muynAwFbFpArGiNzutOnM0OhbhQTvRmBRtEJlIExMVuZVuLdKpMo2cLgbVADCG6ENuduYNvqtUf17GWfjRzw6VovUDa/s1600/wip+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPg1jij7TgSVgqBTvPq1o4lYM9GzLkI2i3vQKWK6pMWbm_t7ij8muynAwFbFpArGiNzutOnM0OhbhQTvRmBRtEJlIExMVuZVuLdKpMo2cLgbVADCG6ENuduYNvqtUf17GWfjRzw6VovUDa/s320/wip+1.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work in Progress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Wow! It's been ages since I've updated this blog. I don't know what got into me, well actually I do. :) Pregnancy threw me for a loop for the first 3 1/2-4 months. I hit a huge creative slump, and I just wasn't feeling well. <br />
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Needless to say no art was produced, and I accidentally slipped away from my wonderful online community of artist friends. I also managed to neglect my Etsy store, and I came back earlier this week only to find it was almost completely empty because most of the listings had expired! Whoops!<br />
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I am now slowly trying to get back into the groove of things. I still have some pregnancy issues, such as smell aversions that make me dry heave, but as long as I stay away from the refrigerator (why can't that happen when I want to loose weight?), I think I can manage to do a few paintings here and there. :)<br />
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I've been totally and completely inspired this week by <a href="http://florabowley.typepad.com/blog/">Flora Bowley</a>. I don't how I haven't discovered her sooner, I just love her work and the freedom with which she paints. Her work has given me the courage to I return to my studio. I have now spent the last 3 days in a whirlwind of painting.<br />
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I've managed not to finish anything, but I sure have started a lot. :) I've taken a bunch of old canvases that weren't working for me, and completely redid them. They are in the beginning stages still, but I already like them much better. I also was inspired to bust out my huge 36x48 canvas and give that a whirl as well. I'm probably going to work on that one today, as I seem to be most interested in it at the moment. <br />
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Here's a few pics of what I'm up to this week. Enjoy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6i3u0fuoVmlFPKhrOZovK29O8q-VUKE1Ot8hhAfZeFaah-xDPRrsnR__hAjdWu3iY58b86vAf1eTlZBWcSDNe389RMjm45e8DQ6geFsyReAjcAaATxj18gl3sQCajiJoyx22bqTVINr5/s1600/wip+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6i3u0fuoVmlFPKhrOZovK29O8q-VUKE1Ot8hhAfZeFaah-xDPRrsnR__hAjdWu3iY58b86vAf1eTlZBWcSDNe389RMjm45e8DQ6geFsyReAjcAaATxj18gl3sQCajiJoyx22bqTVINr5/s320/wip+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work in progress. This has turned into my favorite so far, unfortunately that means I'm afraid to go any further with it. :) I know what i want to do, but am scared to ruin what I've got. Hate that!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzR8hMEO64w47WfMAXhyvwEoFjLwHnf9OPRdfgURbyZFEp2wt2Oq4cXm4AoXU43J_elKqLPSXYOUe-1qQ-wP-mZOveSgq7r4gFPtdW7ZueXr0PdaFdQsiyPbWpYbeuFBDs5HkPbSZskSj/s1600/wip+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzR8hMEO64w47WfMAXhyvwEoFjLwHnf9OPRdfgURbyZFEp2wt2Oq4cXm4AoXU43J_elKqLPSXYOUe-1qQ-wP-mZOveSgq7r4gFPtdW7ZueXr0PdaFdQsiyPbWpYbeuFBDs5HkPbSZskSj/s320/wip+3.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Work in progress. Just trying to nail down the details on roof before I continue.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nMASlNDU0LV5vyjR8biE2MNlN_FM-CPnK9MHXX8McK76R4RjAayajRW2kI1RNooCVfefd6PCIG-_by0ExXCv_4qZ3jMjM2pYFCT3r_n4uLlSP-v09azJc9nnOSF91D35HNP7RwAU2DX0/s1600/wip+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-nMASlNDU0LV5vyjR8biE2MNlN_FM-CPnK9MHXX8McK76R4RjAayajRW2kI1RNooCVfefd6PCIG-_by0ExXCv_4qZ3jMjM2pYFCT3r_n4uLlSP-v09azJc9nnOSF91D35HNP7RwAU2DX0/s320/wip+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wip. This is the big one. 36x48 and it barley fits on my table. The lighting is terrible, sorry about that, took the pic at night. The background it actually yellow, and I've already done much more to it. I had a totally different color scheme and idea in mind for this, but somehow this is what it wants to be. Not sure if I'll use my original idea or not. I'm really curious about how this will come about. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UPPQ-wVHL08BZ0W7QBjC1jwBri-NOlS1C47VTGpduueAEotPQsw7ATVSqCYc6G2R4JIMUNLLkiWXoCpajZCaFj3lw3_Kd275F7AV6vN0GWyry3vzRzyvxF31-A__0igtmVT6NfI3JMub/s1600/wip+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UPPQ-wVHL08BZ0W7QBjC1jwBri-NOlS1C47VTGpduueAEotPQsw7ATVSqCYc6G2R4JIMUNLLkiWXoCpajZCaFj3lw3_Kd275F7AV6vN0GWyry3vzRzyvxF31-A__0igtmVT6NfI3JMub/s320/wip+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last but not least, another wip. I was listening to Peruvian flute music when I painted this and now it has a native American feel to it. Again, totally NOT what I was trying to do, but it's what came out, so I'm going with it for now. I do love the smeary paint, and am actually a bit afraid to mess with it. I really need to work on being brave and just letting loose.</td></tr>
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</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-72858010819731401652010-12-06T14:05:00.000-08:002010-12-06T14:05:27.326-08:00It's been a long time, plus a big surprise!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdBXtQzPvahoAn-2yUx2CDv4QQqIitaeizA38Fqn3efTvBb0nYvJAWyVb5fW1ICZ2WbTyVUIMFCJws35i9RFaV8UyGUhMB6NIuZatQ_oibCqASa79Iy08zW91Jj2K93EdcjrI2J8qu-_T/s1600/ultrasound+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdBXtQzPvahoAn-2yUx2CDv4QQqIitaeizA38Fqn3efTvBb0nYvJAWyVb5fW1ICZ2WbTyVUIMFCJws35i9RFaV8UyGUhMB6NIuZatQ_oibCqASa79Iy08zW91Jj2K93EdcjrI2J8qu-_T/s320/ultrasound+pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Well it appears I was wrong when I thought working on the condo was only reason that was going to keep me from my artwork, turns out pregnancy is also a good excuse. This is quite a surprise actually. In fact I could not be more surprised if I were to wake up with my head sewn to the carpet. <br />
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I had pretty much given up hope for having a family, and was struggling with the question of whether or not to go down the fertility path. Which I didn't really want to do to be honest. Besides the expense, which wasn't affordable, and as much as I would like a family with mulitiple children, I certainly did not want to have a litter of them all at once.Though I have to admit it is more efficient that way to get it all over with in one birth. In fact, for awhile I was hoping I would be having twins for that very reason, but no such luck. <br />
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The strange this is, as happy and excited as we are, I'm still in denial that come June this baby will actually have to come out. Not really looking forward to that part. In fact I'm quite scared. I suppose when the time comes it will all work itself out. But really, it would be very nice, if science could come up with another way to have children that was less scary, painful and intimidating. I have 6 1/2 more months, anything is possible right?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>In the meantime, I'm happy awaiting the time when the gag reflex turns off, and the heartburn and bloating go away or least subside. This is why I am spending most of my days like a beached whale on the couch reading instead of painting, updating Etsy and Facebook, twittering etc. If my doctor is right and these ailments go away in the second trimester, I expect I will return to the studio, and finish some very neglected paintings. At least I hope I do. :)Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-4965740912994269272010-11-10T11:36:00.000-08:002010-11-10T11:36:13.016-08:00"Essie Car Go"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSwWC8LO8nTUsQXfB4VNeFmataFjVfj1DF1S8geG9ecJB3NXKYlUQg2GhZxZmksFWcZGj3iF1bJkwmWkYQhsmDBkzzHCXTcLY46tcvY1Y7j_hGTtg9Y78EWncyMnxfcqzmAPywVySO4rd/s1600/Essie+Etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSwWC8LO8nTUsQXfB4VNeFmataFjVfj1DF1S8geG9ecJB3NXKYlUQg2GhZxZmksFWcZGj3iF1bJkwmWkYQhsmDBkzzHCXTcLY46tcvY1Y7j_hGTtg9Y78EWncyMnxfcqzmAPywVySO4rd/s320/Essie+Etsy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Just wanted to introduce my latest painting! This is "Essie" the snail, short for "Essie Car Go", but don't worry she won't end up on anyone's dinner plate, thanks to her wide innocent eyes and friendly smile, no one can bear to punish her for eating all the pretty flowers in the garden. <br />
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Kind of like the banana slugs in my garden, they constantly munch my flowers but are so cute I feel sorry for getting mad at them, and of course I let them stay. Total pushover I know. :)<br />
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Anyway some of you may remember her as work in progress pic a couple months ago on Facebook. At that time all I had done was the shell and background. She's been waiting and waiting in my studio for me to finish her, because I couldn't decide if I liked her background or not, but after decorating it with bright yellow flowers, I decided it could work after all. She's been almost finished for a month, because I've been too busy and maybe a tad lazy to glue the flowers down, well over the past weekend I lit a fire under and butt and actually sat down did it. Finally she is finished! <br />
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You can find her on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61408294/essie-mixed-media-painting-10x10">Etsy</a> as an original right now. I will have prints up soon, and most likely postcards, necklaces, and greeting cards, depending on how popular she is. <br />
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Hope you all like her!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-2988831561738047102010-11-08T11:16:00.000-08:002010-11-08T11:16:19.282-08:00Sometimes you just have to believe.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_7dxq5d7-7gbmq7lW3Kh3ow98aJ9ONA-XU4hpe9hb4qwUjDKJlWNunY336qXASmKjcoN6Dgklvkjgw-05Lr-tz0oJSZCQQ3COn5WN8mbB741AvSm-fyS0k004aUDwfC27tCRecW3bERe/s1600/believe+etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_7dxq5d7-7gbmq7lW3Kh3ow98aJ9ONA-XU4hpe9hb4qwUjDKJlWNunY336qXASmKjcoN6Dgklvkjgw-05Lr-tz0oJSZCQQ3COn5WN8mbB741AvSm-fyS0k004aUDwfC27tCRecW3bERe/s320/believe+etsy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Well after a long accidental absence I'm finally back in the art world! I feel like I missed out on so much these past two months, and I can't wait to catch up with you all, and see what awesome creations you are making. <br />
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Thanks to everyone who left lovely supporting comments to my last post. I honestly didn't intend to ignore anyone, and I loved and appreciated everyone single comment, so I'm very sorry If I didn't respond to you. Things should be much more calm these days, so I should have plenty of time to do things properly now. :)<br />
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So our rental is renovated and finally rented, yippee! That's a huge stress taken off our shoulders. And frankly I was quite sick of going over there so it couldn't have happened at a better time. Now I can play with art!<br />
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Which reminds me the picture you see above is the first painting I've done since the rental remodel. It is a large 30x30 canvas and I just basically had a blast playing with colors and background. I made it for me, because right now there are things going on in life (which I will talk about another time, but not bad) that made me realize that sometimes you really just need to sit back and believe. Not only in the universe, but in yourself. I made this painting as a reminder to myself to do just that. The fact that I made it for me, gave me a lot more freedom to experiment. Or at least I thought it did. I didn't worry about how it came out, I just kept putting color on until I felt like stopping. It sure was a lot of fun! <br />
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I'm selling it as a print, postcard and greeting card. Not sure about selling the original yet, think I want to keep it around a little longer. But, today you can buy the Giclee print on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61183149/believe-giclee-print-8x8">Etsy </a>if you are so inclined. :) The greeting cards and postcards will come later this week, and I will post them to Etsy then. <br />
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Thanks again for not giving up on me! Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-38492750128002811422010-10-01T13:53:00.000-07:002010-10-01T13:53:23.359-07:00I won Another giveaway! And...just a little drama...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Finding Connections" by <a href="http://elizabethglz.com/blog/"> Elizabeth Gonzalez</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First, I want to say, thank you all who commented on my last post. I'm sorry I didn't get back to everyone individually, but as you know, it's been crazy hectic. My computer time has been cut 95%, so it's been pretty hard to get things done. But I do appreciate you all, and thank you for sticking by me, during this non artistic time in my life. I can't wait to get back into my art community again, and start creating.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Second, I won yet another blog giveaway! This time from the lovely<a href="http://elizabethglz.com/blog/"> Elizabeth Gonzalez</a>, who works wonders with ceramics. If you never seen her beautiful work check out her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/elizabethglz">Etsy</a> store, you won't be disappointed. Seriously though, this is getting a little weird. I've never won any kind of contests/giveaways in my life, and all of a sudden within the last few months, I've won three! I can't believe my good fortune, I sure must have done something right, to deserve all these lovely gifts. :) Thank you so much Elizabeth, I can't wait to get my beautiful mug!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In other news, I almost had a night to paint on Wednesday. Almost. You see Wednesday afternoon, Mr. F and I decided to forget remodeling, and made a very late descision to hop over to San Fransisco for very late lunch. Well we had a lovely meal at a Thai restaurant on the beach, but just as we sat down, he got a call from work saying he needed to come in. Of course we are over an hour away, so it wasn't until almost 7 pm that we made it back to San Jose. Long story short the problem was solved before we got there, and so we decided to go home early for once. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course this was the first time in nearly 3 weeks that I had any chance at all to paint, so I was just about to settle into my studio when the craziest thing happened. My vision went horribly wacky in one eye. Naturally, the first thing I did was panic. Actually that's an understatement, I worked myself into quite a lather.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I mean a sudden change in vision is never a good thing right? I totally thought I was either going blind, had a detached retina, or having some kind of stroke, or other neurological condition. All of which would require cat scans/mri's, surgery, hospital stays, etc. none of which sounded very pleasant.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">See that' the problem with having worked in the medical field for 10 years. I know just enough information to be a danger to myself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, after much drama, confusion, panic, etc, It went away. Just like that. By this time we were halfway over the hill on the way to the emergency room. Just in case, we continued over to the valley, and went to my mom's house. By the time we got there I perfectly normal, but I realized that I was absolutely starving, having not eaten much in the city due to needing to rush back. Being the perfect mom, she had dinner all ready for us, and managed to calm me down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
Thanks to Google my step dad figured out what the heck happened to me. Want to know what my problem was? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An Ocular Migraine. Yeah. All that fuss for a little eye headache. Apparently you don't need any pain with one either, which I didn't have. But all my visual symptoms were right on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I feel like a complete dork now, but that was honestly one of the scariest things that has happened to me physically, well next to the time I drank too much Pepto Bismol, and well, I won't go into details, and completely gross you out, but let's just say strange things can happen, and I thought I was bleeding out. I almost hugged the emergency room doctor when she told me all I had was a side effect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, thank goodness for family and a wonderful patient husband. It was so nice to have a place to go to, and people around me to help ease my fears when I was feeling so scared. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Still It's been awhile since I saw the eye doctor, and I do need new glasses, so I think I'll pop over soon and have everything all checked out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Needless to say I never painted that night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And now? I have to get back to spackling the baseboards. Ta ta for now!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-31682404719869582572010-09-23T12:15:00.000-07:002010-09-23T12:15:29.062-07:00I may be gone a while longer...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqn-JaTjfpOuFuxpMI6Zg-2fPA1cTfK3cNdq92tgf13gvAC_vYA-odszD-MdBRJcwh0EVYvjjnSjZ20FkA52pHc2dfFl1O42UhgMKKHjQrl-ZJkngw2xPxIclgThyphenhyphenrl46RQvbawaCPgg1d/s1600/creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqn-JaTjfpOuFuxpMI6Zg-2fPA1cTfK3cNdq92tgf13gvAC_vYA-odszD-MdBRJcwh0EVYvjjnSjZ20FkA52pHc2dfFl1O42UhgMKKHjQrl-ZJkngw2xPxIclgThyphenhyphenrl46RQvbawaCPgg1d/s400/creek.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>Hi all! I just wanted to pop in real quick and explain my almost non existent online presence these days. Life has been crazy busy, and all my days are now spent helping my husband remodeling and getting our condo ready to rent or possibly sell. Not that I am in any way qualified to be doing carpentry/home repairs, etc, but someone has to help him, so I do what I can.<br />
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We've been at this for 2 solid weeks now, and of course that means no art time for me, especially since we get home every night around midnight, and by then all I can do is collapse on the bed, and watch I Love Lucy until I fall asleep. <br />
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I have about 10 unfinished projects waiting patiently for me in my studio, and no clue when I will be able to get back to them. I'm hoping within the next week we will be done.<br />
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Meanwhile, I haven't updated Etsy recently due to the fact that there aren't any new items to show, and I'm not tweeting or having much to say art wise on FB either. It's so strange being out of the loop. I sure miss my little art community!!<br />
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Anyway, I hope you all understand and don't forget me while I'm gone. :) I promise to come back soon with a bunch of brand new pieces to show off! Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-82185568710064340282010-09-07T16:01:00.000-07:002010-09-07T16:01:24.630-07:00Changes, sales, and thoughts...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvcQICB-JF7Ox5JYrqKf90u1Fnslbd2lSdDPHpqLOFZOT7wDL1Xx2YA8gx5xiL3H-xHWJqvbldRxaAxHuVMO00E17_eCD-9-Bk6QRxF2b-h8g_J7FJnJeUmConeS_FNK20xYD37cv-4eS/s1600/cave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqvcQICB-JF7Ox5JYrqKf90u1Fnslbd2lSdDPHpqLOFZOT7wDL1Xx2YA8gx5xiL3H-xHWJqvbldRxaAxHuVMO00E17_eCD-9-Bk6QRxF2b-h8g_J7FJnJeUmConeS_FNK20xYD37cv-4eS/s400/cave.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Wow, it's been a busy week! <br />
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First I want to say thank you for all the congrats you guys left on my last post. I'm loving my prize from <a href="http://juliettecrane.blogspot.com/">Juilette,</a> and it hangs proudly in my studio and looks great! <br />
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I have a lot going on these days, and it's good stuff!<br />
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Right now, I feel as if I'm at a real turning point in my life. Like I'm on a threshold with one foot over the edge to a more successful art business, and one foot still lingering not quite sure if it's really happening. <br />
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This week, I had my first "big" sale on Etsy. One lovely lady bought 3 of my canvases. I had to say to goodbye to Ellie, Hootie and Heidi, some of my very favorite pieces, and it was a little sad, yet very exciting at the same time. <br />
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The piece I will miss the most is "Ellie". No doubt about it, Ellie was a turning point for me artistically. It was the beginning of a new look and a new, wonderfully fun series of animals. I loved the freedom I felt when I painted her. It was one of those moments, when you really let go of all fears, and just enjoy the process of creating and painting. It's one of the best feelings in the world, when you can just let loose have fun, and that's exactly what happened when I painted her. I hope they all enjoy their new home!<br />
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I've had a few more sales this week as well, another "large" sale and a few others, so I'm feeling like all my hard work is finally paying off. All the painting (well that's the fun part), listing on Etsy, hours on the computer, tweeting, marketing myself etc. seems to be working. My store is getting more exposure, and so is my art. It's all very exciting. <br />
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I feel like I'm on a new adventure, and I'm loving the ride, let's hope it keeps going!<br />
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Have a great week everyone!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6110749154707404990.post-2412297958416158172010-09-01T14:54:00.000-07:002010-09-01T14:57:07.057-07:00Look What I Won!!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4YEUqn-PKRAeIaOmNfiFPsx_G4FrPKHgQEH-g-yOkX9ZOcK9d7ZFIesNMN-1TQiE5smPFmqI50j4EK29NXV1uMhAoGo4YdLtWlderjzJ2dfS9eYXhy202m3d9j9hTPzuACBgdMUpmowq/s1600/monster2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4YEUqn-PKRAeIaOmNfiFPsx_G4FrPKHgQEH-g-yOkX9ZOcK9d7ZFIesNMN-1TQiE5smPFmqI50j4EK29NXV1uMhAoGo4YdLtWlderjzJ2dfS9eYXhy202m3d9j9hTPzuACBgdMUpmowq/s400/monster2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Me and My Monster" mounted print by Juilette Crane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'm so excited you guys!!! I won this lovely mounted print by <a href="http://juliettecrane.blogspot.com/">Juliette Crane</a>!<br />
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Seriously, I tried <i>hard</i> to win this and left a total of 4 comments on <a href="http://www.thehandmadegiftguide.com/">The Handmade Gift Guide </a>blog where the giveaway was taking place. Guess it paid off!<br />
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I really wanted this one so bad. I just love it, because I feel that I can identify with it so well. It will have a special place in my studio, and I can't wait to get it!<br />
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Thank you <a href="http://juliettecrane.blogspot.com/">Juliette</a> and the <a href="http://www.thehandmadegiftguide.com/">Handmade Gift Guide</a> for having such a wonderful giveaway!Michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04409993049674941404noreply@blogger.com12