Brain Overload

I have been incredibly busy lately, so posting a blog has been impossible. My niece, Madeleine, came down to stay with us and visit Hayden for the week. They are 6 days apart in age and sometimes act more like twin sisters than cousins. Wow! Combined, they have a lot more energy than I could ever have. But funny enough, I did manage to wear them out, or they wore each other out. We went shopping, visited all the family, played in our neighborhood park, painted, and made pink cupcakes, just like Pinkalicious. Grandma Con Con even made them matching strawberry shortcake aprons to wear for the cupcake making party.

Hayden and Mads show off their new aprons in style. Also, I tried to tell everyone that Hayden did her own paintings with no, if little help, from me. I supervise but that's it. Who knew a 2 year old would get so involved in her painting. Mads and Hayden made a painting for my sister's birthday. They had so much fun! The paint ended up all over them.

As for me, well, there has been very little painting done this last week and a half. Last week, when the girls went to bed, I did too. I guess they wore me out too. Hayden is now sick and much of my time is caring for her. I will try to paint tomorrow night. Also, I have started a new project, actually, my mom and I have started a business called Once Upon a Tutu. I will talk a little more about that later. I still have a lot of research to do on it. Lots to do, too little time.

One more thing

Flowers in last night's post were from my sister, Autumn.

Great 1st Exhibition

Last night was my first exhibition ever. I just have to say it went so much better than I had in my head. In fact, it went great! I made some good connections for some future exhibitions and there was a steady flow of people most of the night. I had many indepth conversations about my subject matter and the thought process behind my paintings. It's actually funny, because I don't think I have ever talked about my art so much. Sometimes it is hard for me to put ideas into words but I didn't have the trouble that I thought I would. I think I learned a few things about myself last night.

Clint Martin and my husband Sean

I am so happy Sean and I set the paintings up (16 pieces) Wednesday evening because time flew even though we arrived an hour before ArtWalk began. We were there from 5-10pm but it seemed like the night just flew by.

I want to thank Clint and Sandy for adorning my work on their walls and everyone's support in coming out and viewing my art! I heard a lot of positve feedback and reaction to my artwork. "Love the eyes," "The emotion I see in the eyes", "Love the colors used" "Fresh" were some of the comments repeated. All of the comments were wonderful to hear, but "fresh" stuck in my mind. I didn't go out trying to reinvent the wheel but it is amazing to hear somebody say they have never seen anything like it.

Things to think about next time: 1. Take better pictures of the artwork set up. Oooops! No good shots. 2. Get a babysitter for Hayden. We took Hayden with us and she was clingy for the first hour after she woke up from her nap. It was hard to socialize with Hayden having to have Mommy. 3. Sign in book: bought but not brought.

The night ended with a late night dinner at Waffle House with my parents. Hayden loved the dining experience at 11pm. My daughter is a night owl!

Can't wait for next month! My work (new and old) will be at the Artwalk in October.

A Duh! Moment... and then another.

This is the flyer I created for my exhibition Friday.

But let me just say I should have done this sooner! You know how you have those DUH!!! moments in life and say "Why did I not think of that sooner!" This was one for me.

My husband had a friend over Friday night and we sat drinking a couple of beers (one thing I haven't done in a long time since entering mommy world). My exhibition is during Mobile's ArtWalk. Sean's friend said he would steer people walking down the street to come see my art. Sean returned with a comment how he was going to create a flyer. Sean, my husband, create a flyer! With Microsoft Word! I was stunned. Why had I not thought of that sooner? And, why was Sean, (100% Finance guy) going to DESIGN a flyer when he knew Graphic Design was my major in college? What a crazy sweetheart! Communication, communication, communication.

So, yesterday, I worked on the flyer for a couple of hours taking new detailed photos of my work and sitting at the computer trying to relearn the simple tools of Photoshop. And WahLah! Here it is.

Last night, we went to dinner with my parents and they took Hayden for the night so I could get more art done and Sean could build a contraption for transporting all of my artwork to the exhibition safely. After dinner, Sean and I went to Starbuck's for a little bit to chill (a place I don't frequent much with a 2 year old.) As I sat drinking my frappuccino, a bulletin board stared me in the face where you can share news and info. DUH again!

Monday, if you happen to be inside a Starbuck's in the Daphne or Mobile area, take a look at my exhibition flyer.

One week to go...

Spiny Circle 20"x20", Acrylic
One week until my first exhibition! Lots and lots to do.

I began Spiny Circle on Monday. I felt like working with pattern and created a nonobjective piece. My eyes got tired often looking at the canvas' design. However, I find myself loving the tedious work. I posted its beginning earlier this week.

Red Circle 24"x48" Acrylic

With Red Circle, I was kind of thinking of an osmosis/diffusion effect with the circles. I don't think it was as dramatic as I intended, but I do like it's simplicity.

Figuring out the whole Blog thing

Okay, so I am a little late and well, no art posted recently. I am writing tonight to say I am finishing last details on two pieces which are both non-objective abstracts. Tomorrow I will post the finished pieces to show. Let's keep our fingers crossed. Paintings hardly ever turn out exactly like what is in my head.

Also, after my exhibition next Friday September 12th, I will be trying harder to figure out the whole blog thing and making it look more artistic with a slideshow. I haven't had too much time lately on the computer. All of my free time has been painting after my daughter decides to go to sleep at midnight and getting up at or before 8:00 every morning. I wish I had half of her energy.