I received my prototype kit from Artists in Cellophane and thought I would share it with you. You get quite a few items in the kit. Two blocks, 2 white boxes, 2 brown boxes, cellophane wrappers, pencil, sharpener, eraser, a pin and some literature about the company, how to apply and postcard to invite other artists. So far I'm very impressed with the process. 
Now I have to get to work on my prototype to send in. IF I'm accepted I'll be invited to submit 50 pieces of art. That sounds like a lot of art but they are very small pieces. The company uses retired cigarette machines to dispense affordable art at museums and other venues. I LOVE this idea! I hope to have the prototype ready to send out next week. 

It's been ages since I've posted here. I'd like to say I've been busy working on exciting art projects but that's not true. I've been in an artistic slump lately. I did a lot of cards last winter but this winter not much happening with my art. The good news? I'm about to start on a new artistic project and hopefully that will be reflected here. Stay tuned for updates as they become available. 

I've added a few of the whimsical mailable art cards to the store. These are the single sided (not folded) mailable art pieces. Each one contains an original work of art in ink and watercolor on toned paper with a matching envelope, 4"x6" with free shipping. Click on the store link above and brighten someone's day with an original piece of art.

What is more whimsical than a camel? With all that's going on in the world I feel the need for whimsy in my life right now. Camels and chickens make me smile so it will be camels and chickens for a while. 

Playing with the watercolors on toned paper. These just make me happy. Really loose quick sketches with watercolors and ink. Mailable art 4"x6" postcards with envelopes $5 each. I'm working on a few cards and they should be available soon. Happy New Year everyone!

The trees here are fascinating there are so many different shapes, sizes, colors and types of leaves. I thought I would use some of my social isolating time getting a little watercolor practice in while studying some of the trees I can see from my little corner of the world. I did use premixed greens on this one. Usually I like to mix my own greens but since this was nothing but greens I thought I would familiarize myself with the greens I have with me. I’ll have to play a little bit more to see what I get when I mix these greens with some of my blues and yellows. I’m working on making a turquoise from what I have without resorting to buying a premix. I have not hit upon a combination I’m happy with yet. The beach scene from yesterday’s post was painted with a waterbrush and my mini six color palettes. Today’s leaf study was with my expanded palette and a travel brush. Small starts.
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Practicing a little social isolation with my sketchbook and some watercolors. I'm not a huge fan of the waterbrush but it will do in a pinch. I had a really hard time facing the blank page for some reason. Maybe it's the stress of the move or the threat of covid 19 but the only way through it is to just do it. First page in a new sketch book.

Going through closets, drawers and paperwork getting rid of items no longer needed or of value to me and it has me thinking a lot about the people in my life. I have been blessed to have amazing people in my life teaching me lessons I need to learn to move forward. Then every once in a while someone shows up that I can't quite figure out what lesson they are here to teach me, what lesson don't I want to learn yet. That is part of what I'm thinking about as I decide what to keep and what to let go of. I think from this person I am to learn to let go of anger at myself for "not being right" all the time. It serves no purpose and distances me from others. Looking good to others and being good to them is not the same thing. I think I'll toss that anger at myself out with the other things I find of no value anymore.

What do you call a group of frogs? A leap? A fry? Nope an army of frogs. Spending the last day of the year and the first day of next year doing the same thing, painting. 
I saw my idea of paradise sold recently. I wish the new owner all the happiness I imaged I'd have there. The search for my little piece of paradise continues but what fun dreaming and imagining the possibilities.