Another Side of Karen O'Lone-Hahn

Birthday Giveaway!!!

2012-02-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's my Birthday, It's my Birthday! All cards and gifts can be left on the back porch... Hahahahahah. Actually, to celebrate my birthday this month I am giving a gift to each of you with a chance to win one of 5 signed copies of "Millicent and the Faraway Moon" Here's how it works:

Anytime between when you get my newsletter and 12 noon next Friday (Feb.17, the day I came into the world)

"Like" my page RisingStarArt on Facebook and leave the comment "wonderfully made"

For two extra chances to win: Follow this blog and leave a comment explaining what it means to be "wonderfully made"

For yet another chance: Follow me on twitter (Cowgirl1959) and leave the hashtag #wonderfully made.

Thats 4 chances to win if you do them all! Or you can always just do one or two. Its up to you!

I will then take all the names and put them into a cereal bowl and have my husband pick 5 winners and post them to my Blog, FB page and Twitter account by 3 or 4 pm on Friday.

Children's Book 35% off for International Book Giving Day

2012-02-08T22:45:00.005-05:00

February 14 is not only Valentines Day but International Book Giving Day. The mission of International Book Giving Day is to get new, used, or borrowed books in the hands of as many kids as possible. Click on the link to be taken to a blog post with more information and ideas for giving books to kids at home and abroad.

In an effort to support this project, I will be discounting "Millicent and the Faraway Moon" by 35% ! in my etsy shop on Feb. 14 only. Use the code "giveabook" at the checkout for your discount. I will sign it and if you want it sent to someone other than yourself make a note on your order. Even if you don't have kids, think about one for your church library, a doctors office, daycare center etc. Leave it anonymously! Committing a random act of kindness leaves you with the warm fuzzies inside! Even if you don't get one of my books I hope you will participate by giving another new or used book :0)We need to keep our kids reading!

My Pottery Now on Etsy!

2012-01-11T14:09:00.005-05:00

I was timid about selling pottery online due to concerns about shipping, but who am I to deprive others of the fruits of my new found passion? If you look on the blog archives, you will see what a solid progression I have made as a clay artist over the last year and wow-how that flew by! I started with little bowls and now have made 12" Raku vases, stoneware casseroles, mugs and all sorts of nice things which has now given me more confidence about offering it to the public. My new etsy shop is RisingStarPottery1 and I have populated it with the 13 items that I have left from my holiday sales. There is plenty more to come including pieces that I didn't have time to finish before the studio closed for the winter break. When it reopens next week, I plan to get right to work creating gift items for Valentine's day and spring items maybe like hanging pots and wind chimes. I am still a painter and maintaining my other etsy shop as well where I sell my original painintgs, prints, my kids book, notecards, anything related to my painting. That shop name is "grampa1" though beginning tomorrow it will be changed to "RisingStarArt". Look at me, going for consistency! Go figure :0) You'll know its me when you get there! Well, hope you'll have a look at my new pottery shop and show me some love by either purchasing, liking it on FB or tweeting or pinning or doing whatever on which ever social network you're on! Thanks as always for your support of my creative life!

Studio Sale Sneak Peak

2011-11-23T08:52:00.010-05:00

I have been jamming for weeks now in preparation for my once a year big Studio Show and Sale. I like to show these before pictures so folks can see that I do in fact work in my little 12 x 20 foot studio. It took me 3 days just to clean, but it look so nice when I am finished that it is worth the effort.

It is so nice having my awesome daughter Kayla at home from college helping me. She is seen here painting my road signs, making them much more beautiful than I would have and her help is invaluable to me. This is my once a year Studio blow out meant to clear space for new creations in the coming year. That's why all of my paintings are 30% off. That even includes my very newest painting pictured below which is still in progress but will be finished for your viewing pleasure at the sale. Also new this year will be one of a kind pottery pieces (there is plenty more than is pictured here) and gift certificates. If you go to my website and sign up for my newsletter you can also get in on special savings on prints for newsletter subscribers only. I think this years sale is going to be lots of fun and I expect to see a lot of familiar faces. It is free and open to the public and everyone is welcome to just come and browse and have a glass of cheer and a nibble. I also have a free gift just for stopping by. With that, I bid you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and wish to say that I am very grateful for everyone who has supported my life as an artist especially my darling husband and daughter.

Down 'n Dirty with Clay

2011-11-03T07:00:00.001-04:00

A friend reminded me today of where my head was at around last September. It wasn't a good place. I had had a very bad time with doing outdoor festivals. Much of it attributable to painful problems with my right foot. But also a general burnout of the show scene, coupled with a slow economy and a feeling that I was stuck in a rut with my work. While complaining to said friend, I mentioned that I felt that I had to change things up, that I was bored, that I felt pigeon holed into what I was doing. (My cow paintings) CREATIVE CRISIS had struck! Thank goodness I had a Christmas commission for a couch painting which allowed me some leeway and a break from painting cows. Don't get me wrong, I love my wild cowies, but I just wasn't feelin' it.

Come around December when my daughter began painting lessons with a friend of mine, I wandered into the clay studio to kill some time and fool around with throwing on the wheel, something I had never done. I think I got hooked the first time I got my hands and pants all dirty trying to center the clay on the wheel and do my first pulls. I had found that new challenge, that new outlet that I was yearning for. I had forgotten about my angry rants in September. I was telling my friend how I seem to run to the clay studio every free chance I get now and that's when she reminded me of the dreadful headspace i was in just a short time ago. Now, I am having so much fun learning so many new techniques and ways of making things. The coolest thing about clay is that it teaches a control freak like me to let go. Being a newbie, when I throw the clay on the wheel it often dictates to me what it will be. Sometimes it will bend to my will but often not. It teaches me to go with the flow. When I apply glazes, I can put colors together with my painters eye, but again have to accept what the clay and the glaze and the heat determine as the outcome, not me. So every Thursday, when the kiln gets opened, it's like Christmas or giving birth to something. Complete surprise. If you look through my archives, you will see the progression of where I started and where I am today. So much fun! In a few weeks, I will be having my Annual Holiday Open Studio. I have somehow managed to make pieces in the short time that I have been making pottery, that other people might like to own. (I know because I have sold a few already) Above is a sampling of some of my recent pieces that will be for sale at my Open Studio. Unfortunately, I haven't offered them for sale online due to shipping concerns. I can honestly say that each piece is one of a kind because I am just learning and wouldn't be able to replicate a piece if I tried. If you are in the area, I hope you will stop by my sale to see my awesome new pottery and my paintings and everything else I have to offer (including some great wine and snacks). I am sure I will continue painting. I rejoice in the knowledge that as a creative person, my life doesn't have to be just one thing. An artists life is a ongoing work of art, a creative process in itself which knows no boundaries. If you are thinking about trying something new yourself, I highly recommend it. Even if you don't think you are a creative person, spread your wings, try on something different and see what shakes out.

Learning to Draw and Paint

2011-10-22T08:49:00.007-04:00

I have been blessed with a couple of happy, intelligent and talented art students. These girls came to me with a desire to learn to draw and paint beyond what they are getting in school. It gives my heart joy to see such enthusiasm in the kids. I really enjoy the one on one with them, so much different from being a classroom art teacher. There were plenty of kids who were there because they liked art and wanted to be there but unfortunately, there were several more who didn't and were constant distractions for the kids who had a real interest in art. I always felt bad that I often didn't have time to get to the kids who wanted to learn more because I had to deal with the kids who were acting out. Sometimes I could get those kids engaged too which felt good, but often not. Having kids in my studio is a real treat. I love chatting with them about their lives and seeing how quickly they pick up what I am teaching them.

I wish I could package the enthusiasm of 10 year old Mackenzie. Yesterday when we were doing a crayon resist drawing of a leaf and I told her to add some free form doodles around her leaf drawing, she got all excited and clapped her hands, and giggled and said "bluueeeee". (Her favorite color).

It never feels old hat for me when I make something new, there is an excitement and sometimes when I come up with something fun like my Oreos and Milk painting, I kind of tickle myself inside. But getting older seems to dull in many ways that unbridled joy that comes with being a kid, the discovery of a new technique, color, ability. Maybe that's why I've gotten so hooked on pottery now. It's a whole new playing field and each piece is a new challenge and opportunity to discover something new inside myself.

I am so pleased with Marlene and Mackenzie. They are very eager and pick things up quickly and it is delightful to see what they do.

We have a few more classes before the holidays. In January I may take on another student or two. I have room for maybe 1 more kid (age 10-14) and 2 adults. So contact me if you are thinking about taking on a new challenge yourself like my adult student Cindy, who is bravely stepping out there to learn something new.

Autumn Inspiration-ceramic pots

2011-10-18T09:04:00.004-04:00

I love Autumn. It shows up in my paintings, my photos and now in the pottery I am making. These are a two new pieces using a wax resist technique. I painted with wax onto the bisque clay and then dip in the glaze. I love the natural theme and the way the glazes echo the theme in that they are not glossy or brassy. The larger bowl is in a glaze called Rob's Shino. The smaller one is glazed with mamo or spogemine. (forgot to write it down again :0( ) These will be available for sale at my Open Studio. If you are interested in purchasing before that or would like more information prior to that, please contact me :0)

Like Art? Like Wine? How About Music?

2011-10-14T10:11:00.005-04:00

Sounds like the perfect grouping to me! Come on over to Paradocx Vineyard tomorrow- Saturday, Oct. 15th for Community Day. Look for these fine folks -Caryn, party maven extraordinaire and Dave, wine maker to the stars (that's you and me).

Enjoy the day sampling local artisan chocolates, cheeses and honey among other things. Of course I will be there showing my paintings, as well as Karoline Wileczek, who will offer her adorable felted sheep, along with hats and gorgeous knitted scarves. Kick back on the grass and listen to the free, (yes, I said free) music and enjoy what is supposed to be a beautiful day.

Walm-ART or Real ART?

2011-09-28T09:15:00.004-04:00

With the holidays just around the corner, I want to challenge everyone to spend their gift giving money on America. Not just in American stores, but on truly 100% American made products from artists and craftsmen around the country who put their years of training and love of their craft into every item they make. Think about it: for every crappily made sweater that you spend your hard earned dollars on at Walmart, American Apparel, Kmart, Target or wherever, the result is the same. You get an inferior product made in Malaysia, Tawain, Bangladesh or some other sweat factory located around the world. That money that you just spent goes to another country and stays there. You are supporting a global machine that oppresses millions of people into working for slave wages so that you can have that inferior, cheap product that will end up in the bottom of someone's drawer eventually or in the Goodwill store. (But it did have a nice label didn't it?) And once that money goes oversees, it doesn't come back. That job that you lost recently? It's because too many folks are feeding the machine.

The solution? Start with buying American made art and fine craft. I bet almost everyone knows an artist or a jeweler or has attended a craft show in their neighborhood or on vacation. Start to think about the people on your shopping list and the kinds of things that they might like that would be a true treasure for them, that they would keep for years and years. Are you shopping at the box stores for low prices? Artists and crafts people have low prices too. They also have high prices. They can offer you all the quality, variety and pricing you want to fit you budget. You just have to look for the right ones to fit your budget.

The artists at Stormflight Designs have gorgeous American handmade silver and glass jewelry starting as low as $12.99 and up. Can you get that at Sprawlmart? NO!

Do you have an occasion coming up like a wedding, special birthday, or do you just like dessert? Should you run out to Target and get those mass produced ceramic plates that will chip the minute you put them in the dishwasher? Maybe you should visit Hulls Happiest Days Designs for your adorably customized serving plates, cups, platters and cake plates with items starting at $17.99 and up.

Do you still enjoy the art of letter writing? Would you like to encourage someone (maybe your kid) to write to you? Enjoy for yourself or give a subtle hint with the gift of hand crafted note cards by Bella Card Creations starting at just 3.95!!!!!! People, if you are going to spend $3.95 on a card, should it be on a massed produced generic greeting from Hallmark that 10,000 people in America are also getting????

Or do you really care enough to send the very best, something special and unique that shows that you thought about who you were buying for and wanted to give them something as special as they are? I mean how friggin cute is this card? This woman has had 3 kidney transplants so buy her cards!

Ok , almost off my soap box. Bottom line. Buying your stuff from American Artists and Craftspeople is just the right thing to do and here's why:

1. All the reasons stated above

2. Most people treasure handmade items and will keep them

3. Handmade items can be more affordable than you think

4. Artists who live in America will take the money they've earned and put it back into America buying goods and services that may be in the industries that support you, your husband , your kid or your neighbor. So go and buy from these people, the ones I've mentioned or the ones in the art fair around the corner or in the gallery down the street.

Lastly, (shameless self promotion here) you can always buy from me. A signed copy of my children's book "Millicent and the Faraway Moon" is $17.95. It is 40 pgs, full color hardcover and priced under many kids books on the market. Newsflash here: A Scholastic Book that they push on you at your kids book fair is not necessarily better than my self published one. Yes, they do publish a lot of wonderful books, but mine is pretty wonderful too. And if you are in the market for something for the wall... you can always buy a print from me starting at just $30 or for the more elaborate gift for that special person in your life, an original ranging from $85 to $900. www.karenolonehahn.com.

Its all a matter of what you want and what you want to spend. I can almost guarantee you, that whatever your budget, you can find something made by hand to fit it. Something way better than anything they have in the mall or in the big box stores. Now go shopping! Do your part for the country and for the economy. It will make you feel good. It will make people like you :0)

Don't Let Anyone Hold you Back from Your Dreams!

2011-09-19T12:21:00.009-04:00

Do you have a story brewing inside of you? Have you always dreamed of writing your story and seeing it in print? Is it there, alive, in your mind, with no place to go? If you are walking around , dreaming of the day that you will write it, or if you have it written and are dreaming of that day when a publisher is magically going to show up at your door and make you the next J.K. Rowling, we need to talk. Not to be negative, but someone online said something like, "It's so hard to get published. Like less than 5%. And it seems like you need to be published first to get published -- it's catch-22." It's not impossible, but very difficult, and requires persistence,perseverance and most of all-patience. That's something I ran out of a couple of years ago when I decided to take matters into my own hands and self publish, "Millicent and the Faraway Moon." Granted, I didn't shop my manuscript around too much, as I am a rather impatient person and when I have an idea for something, I want to see it happen.

So I began looking into self publishing. I looked through many self publishing company sites and at that time the one that appealed to me the most, was Lulu.com because I could create my book without a big giant upfront investment and since I had the needed skills to create my picture book, I took matters into my own hands.

I have to say that it as a labor of love, as it does take a good investment of time to go this route, but once it was done, I had the satisfaction of holding something that I created from start to finish and in my hands and had had compete control over it. What resulted, was a 40 page softcover picture book for kids, ages 4-9 and something that I was very proud of.

I took my book and sold it mostly at art shows where I was already selling my paintings, but I have also done book signings, school visits, and book fairs. By the time I had sold about 300 copies, I decided that the book had enough of a track record to invest in a hard cover printing which I did last year. My sales continue to flourish and I am proud to share the uplifting story of my blue cow Millicent as she tackles her self esteem issues.

I also look forward to sharing what I have learned on my self publishing journey in 2 workshops that I am offering at the Newark Arts Alliance in Newark De. on Oct. 3 from 6:30 - 8:30 and on Dec. 5 from 6:30-8:30. If interested, you should register for one or the other at the Newark Arts Alliance website . This is a link to the program pdf.

If you are someone like me who likes to take control over their own creative life and destiny- I hope to meet you at one of my workshops. If you live too far away or can't join me for any reason, please feel free to comment or contact me if I can help you with specific questions :0)

Newark Arts Alliance Fundraiser

2011-09-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

Here's a really cool way to support a great arts organization in Newark, De. Go to bluhens.org to bid. There are some really cool hens to decorate your nest and its for a great cause.

The one I did is on view at the Flip Flop Shop on Main Street. You can drop by any time to see it for real before you bid on it and maybe buy some cool flip flops while you're at it :0)

Here's me at the shop with my hen.

Launching My New Website Today!

2011-09-06T21:48:00.006-04:00

I am so proud of myself. It took me weeks to complete, but my new, completely overhauled website karenolonehahn.com is now up and running in fact -you are already on it! I felt after 6 years, that it was time for a fresh look and I wanted to create a seamless experience for people visiting my website to also visit my blog and my new website- millicentthebluecow.com, a site created just for "Millicent and the Faraway Moon" under the moniker of House of the Rising Star Publishing. I hope you will take some time to look around. I have created not just a site, but a whole gallery catalog of my work created from around 1985 and onward. Many people only know me through my cow paintings, but now folks can get to know all facets of my artistic persona. In the galleries, prints are instantly available for purchase and originals are offered, just inquire for pricing. There is also a link to Cafe press where notecards, mouse pads and even Christmas ornaments with my work on them is available. I will really appreciate if you would comment here with thoughts about the new look and feel of my site, especially if there is something I might have overlooked.

Thanks for reading, for looking around my site and for supporting me as an artist!

Longs Park? Save Your $10 Admission! Two Art Shows

2011-09-02T07:00:00.001-04:00

This weekend I will be showing my art in two wonderful places. The first is Saturday at Woodside Creamery in Hockessin. They have some of the best ice cream I have ever eaten and you can use the $10 admission you would spend at Longs Park by coming to Woodside for free and eating lots of ice cream. The show runs from 11-5. please find me in the Party Tent on the hill to the left.

On Sunday, I will be back at Paradocx Vineyard where I have recently been bestowed the honor of Artist in Residence. Party down with great wine and Atiba Caribbean Steel Band from 5-9. Bring a blanket, some grub and the kids, cause there's a moon bounce and fields to play in.

I Paint My Way through Strong Emotions

2011-09-01T15:36:00.007-04:00

My one and only child left for college last week. These pretty much sum it up...

Empty Nest

Fly, Baby, Fly

I've Come a Long Way baby

2011-08-23T09:00:00.001-04:00

Back in January, Istarted throwing clay pots and totally fell in love with it. I began veryhumbly, creating little pots. The clay and myinexperience, totallydictated to me what I was going to make and the result was never very big, tall or exciting. Iwas proud of what I did, but I think Iam progressing very nicely. I have begun making some very cool pot bellied vessels with lids, that are still evolving. some bowls, that are a nice
size, some vases... the list goes on. I still love my paintings,but look forward to when the clay studio reopens in September. I have already made a list of things I am going to make for Christmas gifts and to sell at my open Studio in the Fall. I love the challenge of the new medium and the camaraderie with other artists in the studio. Below are some examples of my new pieces. Some are already sold, which really blows my mind since I just started. Thanks to those of you who have been buying both my ceramics and paintings.

Double Art/Author Night

2011-08-16T09:00:00.002-04:00

I had a wonderful time last week at Petey Possums Hangout in Oxford, Pa.. Its an adorable little children's bookstore on the corner of Rte. 472 and Old Baltimore Pike. I had a reading with the children, signed copies of "Millicent and the Faraway Moon" and answered questions about being an artist and author from 6-8 pm.

From 5-6 I enjoyed the company of my fellow artists and patrons at the Opening of the Oxford Artists Connection members show where I displayed 4 of my paintings. I wanted to show that i do other things beside the cow paintings so my people on the couch paintings took up their place on the wall right along side them. It was a very nice show with lots of variety from the other artists. It was also very well attended.

Painting Demonstration

2011-08-10T12:48:00.012-04:00

Every artist has their own certain style and way of painting. I have often been asked about mine and I thought that it would be nice to share how I do a painting, more or less step by step. This is a Blu Hen cutout given to me by the Newark Arts Alliance for a fundraiser they are doing now through September. Please go to my Facebook page for bidding info.

After applying gesso to the plywood cutout, I draw my images with a light pencil. I start by mixing acrylic emerald green with a little cadmium red for a deep green background and paint in around the images. Next, I mix that same cadmium red with a transparent rose and white to lay the middle tones for the flamingos

Next, I mixed a little ultramarine blue into the pink and red to paint in some of the darks on the flamingos and some cadmium orange light into the beaks.

Next I mix a little viridian with yellow and start painting in some background leaves

overlapping the flamingos in some areas.

From this point I start working the painting back and forth.

I mix some emerald green with some cadmium red to create dark darks in the back ground that will give depth to the painting. I mix cadmium red with the ultramarine and rose to get deep shadows on the Flamingos also adding to the depth and creating a 3 dimensional feel. The transparent rose is just that, so I mix it with some white and go over the flamingoes to get them to give them a solid pink .

Next I go back into the leaves, having mixed highlights with cadmium yellow light and viridian. I start to add flowers, overlapping them in places with leaves and flamingos approaching them in the same manner as the entire painting. Lay in the middle tones, add the darks, then the highlights. I want the flamingoes to kind of glow, so I go over them with a thin wash of the transparent rose a couple of times.

The last thing I do is add the little details of the eyes. I painted the whites, let them dry and used a black sharpy to draw them in, then added the little reflection with white paint. Voila! Done and done! Please let me know what you think of my painting and ask any questions you might have :0)

Millicent Spreading Her Wings

2011-07-24T18:47:00.010-04:00

Signed copies of my children's book "Millicent and the Faraway Moon" are now available at several retail outlets:

Chester County Books and Music

Bedbugzz Children's Boutique

Baz Resale Shop

Wackadoodles Toy Shop

Petey Possums Hangout

Kathys Corner Shop

Newark Arts Alliance

Returned from MIA

2011-06-27T10:28:00.006-04:00

Wow! Life has really been busy for me and resulted in my being missing in action here on my blog and in my work for the most part in general. My darling daughter graduated last week and my life has been all about helping her get there and planning a big bash to celebrate her achievements.We are very proud parents indeed. :0) I did also have that commission that I was working on that I had to keep on double secret probation as it was a gift for someone who follows me on facebook. Now that it has been given, I can unveil it here to show everyone what I have been doing artistically. This is a take on my people on the couch paintings. Mom wanted a couch picture filled with all the things her daughter loves-pets, Gilmore girls, music, theater etc. Some of these things were a challenge to paint- like I don't do animals other than cows that much and the Glee poster hand and cats gave me a little trouble. I am very proud of this painting though, I like the composition I was able to come up with and how I solved the problem of having many browns in the working photos. Mom and her daughter were also very pleased. The other things I have been working on as you know are clay. I have remained addicted to this new medium and I think you can see my quick progress in the pots below which i made recently. My daughter and I think they are reminiscent of Egyptian canopic jars. I really like making them and I think I will top them with some kind of icon of my own, giving a nod to those Egyptian vessels.

Inspiration Avenue Theme- Tropics

2011-05-20T08:00:00.001-04:00

How I wish I was there right now, laying on the beach, smelling suntan lotion, relaxing with a cool frozen drink... haaaaa. Oh, wait I am in the dismal northeast where its been rainy and gray all week.. . grrr..a girl can dream..

Moving Right Along

2011-05-19T16:06:00.003-04:00

Don't worry, I trimmed these lids to make them pretty :0)

So I have become totally obsessed with making clay pots. I go to the clay studio 2 or 3 times a week. They are closed on Friday so it seems like a long time between Thurs. and Mon. when I can go back again. My pots are getting larger, and more even. You will notice that one has a cow lid. It was only a matter of time. I am in the process of making several jars and pots with lids, which is really fun and has become quite an accomplishment for a newbie like me. I just hope I don't mess them up with the glazes. I also made a gift for my daughter which I can't reveal until after Monday (her birthday). I am also working on a new couch picture which I also can't show because it is a commission and a surprise for someone who follows my work. So stay tuned for two new reveals coming up next. :0)

Spring Herald

2011-04-20T14:03:00.003-04:00

My entry for the Inspiration Avenue Challenge- "Angels" In this piece my little angel blows her trumpet to announce the arrival of spring above a bed of Daffodils. I am not sure if I have seen her flying around the Northeast or not. The daffodils are here but it is still so cold :0) enjoy!

The Offending Foot

2011-04-20T12:08:00.007-04:00

It felt so good to get into the studio the other night. I am working on a commission which I can't say much about, because it's a gift and therefore on double secret probation :0) I worked on some sketches but have been slow to get into the studio to paint, because I have a cast on my right foot, due to plantar fasciitis which just won't heal. My studio is in a separate building behind my home, so I have been reluctant to traverse the stairs and driveway without anyone at home. I also have not been able to go to the clay studio because I can't drive which has made the last few weeks particularly boring. The other night I did get my husband to help me out to the studio and settle me onto a stool in front of my easel so I could get going on this secret painting. I got a lot done, but wasn't able to do as much as I would have liked as it gets really uncomfortable sitting on a little metal stool for too long.

I have done some reading for my book club. We are reading "The Delany Sisters: Having Our Say Our- First Hundred Years. Lately I have been watching Twin Peaks on Netflix I never watched it in its hey day but I am totally hooked! I love the campy melodrama, the music, the overacting- it's awesome! I love Agent Cooper and his maxims- "Give yourself a present every day. Don't plan it or look for it, just do it. It can be a longer shower or just a hot cup of good joe. You deserve it" I think I am going to try to do just that :0)

My handy dandy knee scooter....

The offending foot.....

Philadelphia Book Festival

2011-04-11T18:58:00.002-04:00

I hope you will join me at the Philadelphia Book festival this weekend on Saturday, April 16,2011. The street fair runs from 10-5 and will feature 90 authors and vendors, activities for the kids and of course, books galore. I will have a booth on Vine Street in front of the Library (# 83). Be sure and stop by and take a chance on winning a signed copy of my popular children's book "Millicent and the Faraway Moon". I will be signing and selling additional copies and $1.00 from each sale will benefit St. Jude's Children's Hospital. I will also be offering signed prints of my artwork and illustrations from the book. I will have free coloring pages for the kids.

April Giveaway

2011-04-08T13:43:00.006-04:00

In the spirit of the season I have chosen this very popular print “Tulips” for my April Giveaway. It is an 8x10 image in an 11x14 white matte ready for framing.

To enter simply go to my blog article “Why Buy Art?” and leave a comment. That’s it. You’re registered to win!

There are other ways to gain extra entries as follows-

1 extra entry-“like” me on my facebook fan page and leave a comment that you are entering

2 extra entries-follow me on my blog

There is absolutely no cost to win (I even pay shipping)

Open to U.S. residents only

Drawing will take place April 30. Winner will be announced in my next newsletter.

February winner- Linzy Arnott Huggon, Maple Ridge, BC Canada

WHY BUY ART?

2011-03-19T17:55:00.001-04:00

The following is an article by Suit Yourself(tm) International, Inc.

WHY BUY ART?

OK, so the economy is lousy. Why buy art?
If you're asking, you're missing the point.
Art's power and usefulness isn't solely on a conscious level.
Art is like gravity; it works on you whether you understand it or not
and your belief isn't required either. Art can be practical and useful; art helps you.
Art is meant to be interactive; it is meant to be USED
and is not just something mindlessly decorative.

Because art affects us primarily in a subliminal way, through symbols,
we can use art to help us make constructive changes.
For example, how many of your New Year's resolutions did you keep?
Art can help. For example, think symbolically and buy a pink piggy bank.
Chubby pig symbols help you conserve, on money and calories.
The piggy helps because it is already chubby;
it is symbolic of the RESULTS of having enough. As a symbol, it reminds us of bounty,
and subconsciously, when we are around it,
we have less need to indulge, either by spending too much or eating too much.
Remember, belief is not required.

That's one example of how artistic symbols can work as reminders.
Art can be also used in OPPOSITION to any situation that is blocking you,
in a COMPLEMENTARY way, and thus it can help you solve problems.
Artistic symbols have been known under many names, some of which are totems, guards, and spells.
By consciously buying art that reminds you of your goal's reward,
and keeping that picture hanging in front of you,
in your face, where you can see it all the time,
helps you stay focused on your goals and on your rewards
every time you look at it.

A useful fact is that looking at art forces your mind TO BE SOMEWHERE ELSE.
Even if you only look at art for 10 SECONDS, this is often enough to completely
change your present orientation.
Looking away from anything for a full 10 seconds, no peeking,
can rest your mind sufficiently so that when you look back, you immediately see
what you missed before.
Changing your orientation , even for 10 SECONDS, helps you see what you missed,
can head off depression, help break bad habits,
calm your temper, help you feel better and help you see and think more clearly.

Buy art that makes you feel a little uncomfortable.
Pieces that "stretch" your comfort level won't bore you in a couple of years
because they symbolize future progress.
By comparing where you are now to where you're headed,
you may feel a little uncomfortable around the art, at first.

Likewise, you may be tired of a painting after only a couple of years.
But it's a good idea to wait before selling it. Why?
Think: are you the same person now as when you bought it? Changes
in you, and in your life, likewise change your need for symbols.
Pieces need rest, just like us. If you're tired of a piece, put it away
for a couple of years, and give it time to rest.
Surprisingly, the piece can often appear fresh again, after a time.
It's not that the piece grew boring; it's more likely that you grew, into a new perspective.

Choose art images that inspire, calm, captivate and intrigue you,
confuse, offer escape, and above all, choose images and symbols that ARE NOT BORING.
Keep them around you and use as needed.
In seconds, art can change your attitude for the better , flood you with energy, and free
up your psyche to find new solutions to old dilemmas.
A picture is worth a thousand words; it doesn't require a prescription,
and is healthier than sugared java.)

Thank you for reading our guide!

Suit Yourself(tm) International, Inc.
PowerSeller ID: suityourselfinternational
suityourselfDOTorg

New Medium

2011-03-12T07:34:00.002-05:00

Having been a painter for so many years I am having a blast exploring the new medium of clay. I had taught art for a few years but my ability with clay was always limited to hand building. A few months ago, my daughter began taking painting lessons with a friend of mine at the Art Studio in New Castle, De. I knew that another friend of mine taught clay there but since it is about 1/2 hour away, I didn't have the to motivation to go over there until I started taking my daughter. Now I am learning to throw pots on the wheel, some of which I have posted here-my humble first attempts. I so enjoy the getting out to be with other artists and the warmth and camaraderie of the studio. Everyone is so helpful and friendly and I am really enjoying the challenge of learning something new. I think I might be becoming addicted :0) These are just a few pictures to introduce you to the studio.

Artist Salon Evening at Home

2011-03-09T22:16:00.010-05:00

I Broke the Chains

Mother: Saint or Sinner?

My newest couch painting "Nashville Skyline"

Telling the stories of my paintings

Future couch painting?

Playing "Karen's Art Game"

Last Saturday, I had such a wonderful evening. Encouraged by my daughter's piano teacher Sara Samuel, I hosted a "salon" evening with a small group of ladies in my home where I showcased and talked about my painting and life as an artist. I collect work from other artists and usually hang my daughter's amazing art along with my own, but for this evening, the walls were covered "salon" style with my paintings, from my most recent to my earliest family paintings in black and white. I even devised a game to occupy the ladies while I tended bar making apple martini's. I gave prizes and talked about my life as an artist and the inspiration and stories behind my paintings. Much of what I showed was work that rarely sees the light of day as it is more personal than the cow and "people on the couch" paintings that I am known for. Some are memory paintings (Mother:Saint or Sinner?) some were couch paintings with deeper stories in them such as "I Broke the Chains" which depicts myself on the couch with my parents in black and white, each of us wearing the broken chains of dysfunction on our wrists. I got a lot of wonderful feedback, comments and suggestions for future work and feel inclined to start re-entering older pieces in gallery shows. It was also great because as I talked about each painting and reflected on what I had done, I was able to step outside of myself a little bit and see what others might see in my work. We had a lot of fun, yukking it up for the camera and taking turns snapping "couch" photos- future fodder for more paintings perhaps. Several commented that I had also inspired them to open up more and explore new medium or work. All in all, it was a fun and inspiring night for each of us.

Inspiration Avenue Challenge- "Celestial"

2011-02-28T16:54:00.004-05:00

Very fitting for the theme, my children's book "Millicent and the Faraway Moon" is all about reaching for the stars. 40 pages, full color, hardcover and available in my ETSY SHOP. There are more than one available, so if you get there and it is sold, please convo me for your signed copies :0) Special Inspiration Avenue discount- mention IA in convo for $2.95 discount.

Fundraiser a Success!

2011-02-25T16:30:00.002-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of participating in a fundraiser benefitting the Addictions Coalition of Delaware at the Delaware Center for Contemporary Art. It was a small affair where myself, 7 other very talented artists and two musical acts displayed our talents for supporters. There was a nice table of catered foods and a beverage bar. I sold several items including an original piece, made a new friend pictured with me here- the very talented Karin Kunst and won a gorgeous silk hand painted scarf in a raffle. All in all an enjoyable evening. They are planning another in the fall from what I understand, so be on the lookout here for notices and info.

Wow! Treasury Mania!

2011-02-24T12:44:00.008-05:00

I guess I should go away more often. We went to Baltimore and DC for a little Birthday getaway and when I came home, I found I had been included in 3 treasuries! Thanks to you folks for including me in your awesome finds! Jesse at Frolicking Fiber, Dani Gates, and Carol M Pendergast Kimball.

Be Bleau

Moments in time with Mother and Child

Woof

CAST TEAM Treasury

2011-02-18T10:22:00.004-05:00

I have been included in this lovely nostalgic team treasury by jcstrong~Black and White Happy Memories-Thanks JC!

February Birthday Giveaway!

2011-02-15T14:42:00.003-05:00

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY!

Hope Springs Eternal

Signed Original Acrylic painting on canvas paper

matted and ready to frame

value: $175

On Thursday,(Feb. 17) I will turn 26- again :0) Some people love birthdays and celebrate them with big parties, bar room celebrations or family affairs. Other folks (like my husband) keep it a state secret because they hate attention, or just don’t like getting older. I belong to the former group, though I never seem to have the big party or celebration, it never goes unmarked by my family and friends. It used to be that my family and I would get to go somewhere warm (like Mexico) because of having a winter Birthday and one that falls so close to Presidents day weekend, making it easier to take my daughter out of school to go somewhere.

There won’t be any warm climates this year since our only will be starting college in the fall. Instead we’ll take a little jaunt to Baltimore and Washington D.C. for a weekend of museum hopping which I know will be lots of fun. (Oh, for any one who is so inclined- my favorite B-day cake is yellow with real whipped cream icing, vanilla pudding and sliced fresh strawberry filling like my Mom used to make me- just leave it on the deck if I am not home :0)

To celebrate my birthday with all of you,this months giveaway will be something special- AN ORIGINAL PAINTING! See below to learn how to enter~

There is no cost to this giveaway whatsoever! It is so easy to enter to win this painting-

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER

All I would like you to do is to go to my facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/risingstarart

and comment under this giveaway post with 3 words describing what you like about my work, why you bought it, or what you find appealing about it. Be sure to “Like” me so your entry registers- That’s it!

EXTRA CHANCE TO WIN-

"Follow" me and leave a comment here on my blog

Fuzzy Wuzzy Wuz A Bunny

2011-02-09T12:20:00.001-05:00

This one is my entry for Inspiration Avenues weekly challenge-furry . The question was posed - how to paint fur or fuzz. Here's my answer- use a very small brush and have a lot of patience :0)

I'm so proud of Me :0)

2011-02-08T18:50:00.004-05:00

So I began on this new adventure of being creative everyday, ok, most days, and in that I have been trying something new- throwing pots. You saw what I made a few posts back titled consistently inconsistent where I showed pix of my green ware and just thrown pots on the wheel. Well, when it came time to glaze and fire them, I was thinking about painting and asked my friend and awesome clay instructor Brenda how I might do just that. She showed me the under glazes and how to give them a clear glaze when I was done and set me loose. Since I have always been a painter this was the perfect marriage of old and new. I had a rather limited palette, but I mixed up what I had enough to create some interesting designs, in my pretty little flowers that I painted onto them. I was so happy yesterday when I walked in the studio and saw hownicely they came out. They remind me of painted Mexican pots. I had some other items there that had come out of the kiln as green ware, so I sat and painted those as well and will be able to get them on Thurs. I am so hoping that I will be able to throw on the wheel again by then. I had a terrible fall on the ice last Tues. where I had to be carted off to the emergency room by ambulance because I went down on a cement curb on my back. Fortunately, nothing was broken but I am still sore and on the mend. It takes some strength and a lot of bending over to be able to throw, so please send out a few prayers my way- I really love doing it :0)

Just featured in Another Beautiful Treasury!

2011-02-06T16:50:00.003-05:00

This one is called Amour, Amour by MarilyndaGallery. and features my Mother and Child painting. Click on the image to check it out!

Overcoming artistic insecurities

2011-02-05T22:13:00.000-05:00

As I Am, Reborn...: The Art Of Nyela | The Art of Nashay Antoinette Jones: "Sheldon" on overcoming artistic insecurities

Cool Treasury featuring one of my pieces!

2011-02-05T13:19:00.003-05:00

My darling blue calf was recently included on this cool treasury by creatingtobealive about "color"
Check it out by clicking on the picture:0)

Drumroll Please!

2011-02-04T09:41:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to Diane Clancy for being the winner of my first giveaway- a matted and signed print of "The Land of Pez". My apologies for not posting the winner Feb 1. I was busy being taken to the hospital after a terrible fall on the ice. I have just had more x-rays this morning and am taking steroids and muscle relaxers and motrin for pain. So far I am lucky- no broken ribs, but todays x-rays were looking for back and spine problems. So, I am a little tired from the pain and all the meds, so I may not post again for a few days while I heal and sleep:0) which is where I am going right now! Congrats again to Diane, watch for this months giveaway which I will post @ Feb 17- my birthday

Adventures in Clay and Snow

2011-01-27T12:49:00.007-05:00

Well, we got walloped with snow last night and lost power overnight. We had about 8 inches dumped on us which my oldest cat (Fluffer ,13) wasn't so sure he wanted to trek far into. And I left Buffalo? Doesn't feel like it these past two winters. Thank God for art. I had fun hand building to make these clay mother and child pieces. Sadly for me. the clay studio is closed today due to the snow and I won't be able to take them until Monday to get fired. I will post them again once they are glazed. Hope you like them :0)

Consistently Inconsistent

2011-01-24T19:35:00.007-05:00

Ok, so I dropped the ball on my "being creative every day" challenge. I was sick. Oh, that's a fib. The dog ate all of my art supplies. Oh wait, I don't have a dog. Um, lets see, I fell asleep and when I woke up I realized that I had been sleeping for days and had amnesia...... grrr, not true either. Truth-I just got busy with life-errands, putting away Christmas stuff, my hurt foot, book club (which I feel no shame for since I love it immensely). Seems like every Jan., I try to commit to some new plan, like dieting, reading the bible every day, walking, being creative. I realize and accept that the only thing I am really consistent at is being inconsistent. Maybe a little ADD. While I feel a little bummed with myself about it, I don't think at my age I am going to change much without real heroic effort or a Jillian Michaels of the art world who is going to whip me into shape by standing over me every day and yelling at me to get my ass out in the studio. So I accept myself, because feeling guilty gets me nowhere and saps my energy to move on when I am inspired to do my thing. I will just keep getting back up on the saddle and riding my little pony to whatever artistic phase I am in on that particular day or moment. Isn't that what artists are supposed to do anyway? Follow their muse? Float with the wind? So I am going to keep working and posting as close to daily as possible and I am still holding on to my theme of mother and child though everything I do may not fit into that category. I also realized that I was getting myself out of the "cow" box and maybe putting myself into another one. Stay tuned- Here is what I did today- I had so much darn fun. I have just started throwing pots. While I am not a prodigy or anything, I started doing pretty well from the get go and am having too much fun with it. I love exploring this new medium and the camaraderie I am having with the other potters in the studio. Some of these I just threw today and others are green ware ready for the kiln. I am going to attempt some hand painting with them, so I will post what they come out looking like. Tomorrow I am going to do some hand building with my mother and child theme.

January Giveaway

2011-01-18T22:01:00.009-05:00

I hope everyone enjoys getting in the act to win this print. This is my most popular painting by far. The winner will get this print 11x14 matted in a plastic sleeve.

There is no cost to this giveaway whatsoever! You only need to do two things to enter:

“Like” me on my facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/risingstarart

and leave a comment

“Follow” me here on blogspot and leave a comment

The contest will run until Jan 31.

I will put your name in a hat and let someone in my house pick it-If they pick you I will send you your awesome prize!

I will publish the winners name in my next newsletter (as long as it is okies with them)

If you are already a facebook fan or following my blog, just leave a comment like “I want PEZ” !

GOOD LUCK!

How I Paint-Challenge #7

2011-01-18T14:20:00.012-05:00

I got in the studio at a decent hour today and produced this little painting. I don't think it is done, there are a couple of things I would like to improve upon but I had to get off of my foot. I have had it in an air cast for the last week after having the dreaded steroid shot in my heel for plantar faciitis. It was feeling pretty good but I

guess maybe I overdid it, so here I sit- blogging

with ice under it.....I thought I would show you how I sometimes paint. Often my work is straight out of my imagination

but I sometimes need a prompt or reference like I showed you in the "Can We Play More?" painting. Here I will take you through the whole process of this

painting.

This is the clip art reference I started from

I initially envisioned it as a beach scene and started laying in color for sand and sky

Then I start painting in the children

I decided that it was too flat, that there was not enough contrast, so it became a lawn game :0)

So I added a few small details, like grass and polka dots on the ball and there you have it. Like I said, I think it still needs a little work, but a good exercise nonetheless.

ETSY SHOP SALE

2011-01-17T23:17:00.003-05:00

Free shipping on all items in my etsy shop Jan. 17-24! Follow one of the link to my shop posted here to find that awesome art piece that you have been looking for and save money :0)

Dedicated...

2011-01-17T23:08:00.003-05:00

It's kind of late and it took me all day to compete something, but I finally produced "Messy Artist" I am trying to remain dedicated to my challenge and in doing so I realize tonight the product might not always be what I would deem greatly successful. Sometimes you hit a home run, sometimes, not so much-

Let It Flow! And how I use a reference ...

2011-01-16T22:06:00.002-05:00

OK, so I could start beating myself up because I missed making something yesterday and posting :0( However, I am going to choose not to becauseI had a very good reason. Since our daughter was away for the weekend, my husband and I slept in late, he brought me breakfast in bed and we laid around watching tv until we felt like moving. Then we went to the National Constitution center in Philly to see the exhibit "Art of the American Soldier" It was a really nice exhibit and it did me good to experience all the different styles of painting and drawing. So at least I DID something creative This challenge is also proving to be really good for me. I am painting faster and looser than I ever have and exploring the subject of mother/daughter, children. family etc.. is really helping me work through a lot of feelings. I wanted to paint something today but didn't have any real ideas or feel inspired so I surfed the web for something to get me going. I searched "mother child images". What I found was the sculpture below by Carla Sirilli which I used for a reference. I would not ever copy someone's art but used this to see the gesture and feeling of what I might want to paint. The result is "Can We Play More? It is 5x7 acrylic on masonite. Please comment and let me know what you think:0)

GFNPDBFPAF4W

Flying through Life Creative Challenge Day-4

2011-01-14T15:22:00.002-05:00

This one is going back to a way of painting that I did years ago- painting my internal life and feelings rather than something outside of myself. Continuing on my theme of mother and daughter, this painting depicts Kayla and I flying through life, me holding her hand , us wearing the mommy daughter dresses I made for us when she was little, keeping her safe, showing and teaching her about so many things along the way.....animals, art, music, "eat your fruits and vegetables", tying her shoes, planets, being kind, Jesus, "if you give a mouse a cookie", books....everything. I can't help but worry now with her preparing to go to college "did I do it right? Did I teach her the right things? Will she take what I have taught her and make good with her life?" It's all gone so fast... we can't be done yet, I don't know if I am ready to let go of that hand.... tear....

Not done, but almost

2011-01-13T20:35:00.005-05:00

Well, I stayed true to my challenge today and worked for several hours on a painting. I couldn't finish this one in a day, so I am setting a little mystery before you by posting only snippets of what I have done. I just really can't bring myself to share unfinished work. Anyway it's more fun this way:0)

Mother and Child Day 3

2011-01-12T20:52:00.007-05:00

It's kind of late and I almost didn't follow through on my challenge today. But here it is.A nice little 5x7 acrylic painting of a Mom and her little girl in a field of baby sunflowers. From these last three paintings, in addition to having family and my daughter especially on my mind, I guess I have spring and summer on the brain as well. I am proud of myself for following through today. Sometimes my work seems to really pull me through anything else that might be going on.. enjoy..

My Creative Challenge Day 2

2011-01-11T12:41:00.003-05:00

I managed to get in the studio today for day 2 of challenging myself to create something every day. I am so happy!!! I have expanded the parameters of my theme from mother and child, mother and daughter, to include children and family themes in general. I may or may not do portraits or paint from images of my daughter or my family (I get too attached and won't want to sell anything) but that's ok too if I paint just for myself. So here is what's shown up for today. A lovely little little painting of two little girls on the beach- enjoy, I dream of beachy days to come...

The Creative Challenge and the Art Mothering

2011-01-10T17:59:00.001-05:00

As I said in my post "My New Journey", I am moving along towards something new and getting there is a process. I have read a number of other blogs andwhat I am taking from them is a couple of different challenges and ways to be inspired. Thefirst and biggest challenge that I interested me was to make something creative every day. For me this is huge, as even though I stay at home, there always seems to be appointments, or cleaning or shopping or child chauffeuring that needs to be done and getting into the studio can be a struggle. But in this challenge the idea is to do something CREATIVE, that doesn't necessarily have to be a painting a day. It can be a quick sketch, a little collage, anything. So I am going to commit to this challenge and look forward to what comes out of it. (And hope I can do it!) I hope to post what I make daily. Another idea that I came across to stay inspired and creative was to pick a theme. I was stuck on this, until I started projecting into next year and thinking about what it will be like if my one and only beautiful daughter goes away to college. She is young, graduating at 16 and has been accepted to a college 5 hours from home. She may decide to stay home for the first year and go to a community college, but I have to be ready for her to leave, something I am not really prepared for since it wasn't supposed to happen for another year. So my theme is kind of a no-brainer- it will be mother and child, mother and daughter, beginning with the little painting below. I don't know how this theme will manifest itself- I may paint, draw, write, make jewelry, try on some crafty things I have always wanted to do, like felting..I may or may not do some self portraits or paintings of K and I.... the idea is to move through this creative space and see where it takes me... At least for now I know what train I am on... :0)

Etsy Copper Artists

2011-01-07T20:43:00.000-05:00

This is a treasury I made using an inspiration piece from the nonteamchallenge on etsy. There are some really wonderful art pieces using reused and recycled copper. Enjoy!!

My New Journey

2011-01-06T12:30:00.000-05:00

I have painted over 100 cow paintings over the last ten years. I stopped counting when I registered my work as a collection with the copyright office about 4 years ago, but I know I am now well past that number. Since they have all come rolling straight from my imagination, that is a lot of silliness and whimsy that has been rolling around in my head and coming out of my brush. Prior to the cow obsession, I did lots of different kinds of work-memory paintings, my "People on the Couch" series, my "Black and White" series, Impasto paintings....but having done the same thing for so many years with the occasional recent foray into other animals, I am feeling the need to finally go in a different direction. At this point, I don't know what that direction is. I had walked into my studio several times over the last week with the intention of creating something completely new...and when I started....blank. nothing. I couldn't conjure up the faintest thing that I might want to paint. I had declared myself officially stuck. Like writers block, I had no impetus for my creativity to begin anew. Until I discovered Inspiration Avenue's Weekly Challenge. What a life saver! It got me to PAINT something without judgement,expectation, committment- just painting! This was just the jumping off point I needed and is perhaps the vehicle I need to help me move along on my journey to who knows where. While I will not abandon the body of work I have already developed....I see each new painting as a stop a long the way to the next phase of my art. I intend to use these weekly challenges to move me along, help me discover new things about myself and possibilities for my work. My husband and daughter and I used to jump in the car on a Saturday morning (before gas got so expensive) and just drive until we saw somewhere interesting to stop. We would go on that way, discovering places we hadn't been with no set plan, we would just let the road lead us and stopped when we recognized something cool. That's what I am doing with my art. My first cool stop is a painting in blue. The challenge from Inspiration Avenue was to pick a color that does it for you and paint something with it. So here it is, my neighbors pigeon coop from the window of my studio.

My Holiday Hiatus

2011-01-04T11:18:00.000-05:00

Another Philadelphia Christmas tradition, the lights at what was Wannamakers- now Macy'sLunch at Ho Sai Gi on 10th Street- Yummy!

New Years day isn't a party without the crazy Mummers!Chinatown on New Years Day

Dinner is almost served!

My girl with her new pal Vincenzo made by etsy artist outlawheartcreations

My beautiful daughter with her ukelele......

Our 12 ft. Christmas tree...

So here I am emerging from all the Holiday hub bub~ wrapping, running around, cooking, baking- all the things that go along with this most wonderful yet crazy time of year. I had a great season, beginning with my annual Christmas party which is always fun and I so much enjoy welcoming friends, new and old into our home. Christmas itself is usually quiet, our tradition being that my daughter and I attend the early service at our church and when my husband comes home from playing in the praise team, we all eat pizza and watch "It's a Wonderful Life" next to a blazing fire. On Christmas day we breakfast with dear friends, come home and rest and then settle in for a big roast beast dinner. As an independent artist, I was also very busy with my work, hosting an open studio at the beginning of the month and running various specials and sales in my web presence, especially on etsy. I have to say honestly though, and this isn't probably the smartest thing as someone who needs to sell her product, but there came a time when I was becoming tired and depressed at the cacophany of e-mails in my inbox daily enticing me to buy this item and that. Around the 16th, I decided that I didn't want to be a part of it anymore, that I needed to sit back and enjoy and reflect on what the season was really about- the birth of Christ. This is not an indictment of anyone else, it IS the biggest selling season of the year and, next year, you may be getting e-mails from me right up until Dec. 25. But this year, I just felt the need for something else. Needless to say, I didn't sell a lot, but that's ok, because what I got was a chance to reflect on and appreciate the most important things in my life~ family, friends, health, my gifts and talents, our home...the fact that I indeed have "a Wonderful Life" and that was what made my holiday season so special...

Merry Christmas

2010-12-23T20:18:00.000-05:00

Wishing you all in Cyber land a very Merry Christmas and a Mooey New Year!

Are You Famous?

2010-12-12T16:06:00.001-05:00

Do people stop you on the street and say "Wow, you're her!" ? That's what one of the children at the Landenberg Christian Academy asked me the other day when I went there to do a book reading for them. Sadly, I had to reply no, only that I was a legend in my own mind and someday maybe... LOL! The kids were really great. I started with the preschoolers who I didn't really expect to be able to sit well through my 40 page book. They were really very well behaved and excited. They sat quietly and listened and at the end got to come up with the school director Julie Malone and give my 4 ft stuffed Millicent the cow a big hug. Next I read to the older grades, 3-5. They were also very well behaved and asked great questions at the end. I got to do a little more than just read with this group. I brought all my early writings, scribblings and sketches, in addition to the original paintings used for the book, so I was able to present the entire process of how I wrote and illustrated the book from beginning to end. It was a very fun day and I hope to do it at other schools in the future on a more regular basis.

Julie Malone had this to say about my visit

"I would highly recommend having Karen O’Lone-Hahn visit any school. It is incredibly valuable for students to see real life examples of people who have put a dream into reality. It is also valuable for them to see that even published authors need to work hard and persevere through the entire writing process from the initial ideas, to the rough drafts, to the final published work. Our teachers were extremely pleased with Mrs. O’Lone-Hahn’s visit, as it proved to be a highly educational, as well as inspiring experience for all of our students."

Millicent and the Faraway Moon Reloaded

2010-12-08T09:03:00.000-05:00

This is no longer available at Lulu.com . Get it on Sale on my etsy page.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/33528826/childrens-book-millicent-and-the-faraway

Artists are like Diamonds

2010-12-02T21:28:00.001-05:00

Even though there are millions of diamonds in the world, each one is unique and shines with its own specific beauty. Such is the way with artists. Each has his or her own unique vision and talent and like a diamond, is special and brilliant. I am privileged to know many other artists whose work I can marvel at and enjoy. I know glass blowers and potters, fabric artists, wood carvers, metal smiths, jewelers-the list goes on and on. I never tire of seeing what someone else is up to, reading the stories that they tell in their work. Every time I go to an art show or a gallery it is like a banquet, a feast for my eyes. Today I spent the day gallery sitting at the Artists Connection Gift Shop in Oxford, Pa.. Truth be told I was regretting signing up to do it as I felt I had too many things on my plate to take a day to spend gallery sitting. I have to say that I am glad I did. I had such a nice time talking with Dave Bliss ( a photo restorationist) and a member of the Connection who was sharing the shift with me. If left up to me, I think I would sometimes corner myself into a cocoon with things I think I HAVE to do, missing out on the company of wonderful human beings like Dave. I am new to the Oxford Artist Alliance and am also glad I went as I got to spend more time talking with Paula Graham, a jazzy watercolorist and creativity coach. When left alone, I spent my time looking around the shop, enjoying the work of various artists. Larry Denver is a masterful wood carver, his pieces generally being inspired by nature. There was lots of jewelry-cool stuff by Storm Fight Designs (Stacey Peterson and Jamie Cox) Deja Vu Artisan jewelry (Cheryl Gross), quilted wall hangings, photography, fabric accessories, paintings by Dianne Blanche Stirrat and the work of several others (myself included)..... The day was quiet though. Only two people came in. Oxford is a tiny Pennsylvania town that is working its way from sleepy rural community to one that is trying to catch up to the rest of the world. I am sure that their are plenty of art lovers in Oxford and the surrounding region and as the Alliance becomes better known, the traffic in the gallery will increase. I hope that those of you who are reading this, if you are local, will take the time to go there and see the awesome work being offered by the artists in the shop. It is located at

38 South 3rd Street in Oxford

Gift Shop hours:
Thursday 11-4
Fridays 11-6
Saturdays 10-5

Southern Chester County Artists Studio Tour

2010-11-27T17:21:00.001-05:00

Well, I managed to get my studio together in time and the first day of the tour went off pretty well. The only fly in the ointment was the wind which prevented my friend Mary and I (an amazingly talented fabric artist) from utilizing the outdoors due to high wind. Mary shared the indoors with me and we had lots of folks come by to peruse our work. The people were really cool, several other artists, art lovers and even an animal whisperer who told me a lot about what my cats were thinking especially our oldest one Fluffer. ( He is unhappy) She is the blonde lady seated in one of the pictures. The day went by pretty quickly. I am looking forward to tomorrow and what the day may bring. I sold several books, prints and a couple of originals. If you are local and reading this, I hope you will be dropping by to take advantage of some of the great prices that I have going on for the sale. I am even selling chances on a very popular limited edition giclee'. So, Hope to see you in Landenberg tomorrow or next weekend as the tour continues. I will keep you all updated.

Eagles Thrash Giants at the Linc

2010-11-23T13:14:00.001-05:00

My husband and I love football. Especially the Eagles. I used to be a Buffalo girl so I love them too but now that I live near Philly, the eagles are my team. We don't usually get to attend games being they are so expensive, but for our 19 year anniversary, I got us club level tickets for this division rivalry game. Coming off the incredible blowout against the Redskins last week, we, the fans were more than excited to see this matchup. It was so much fun walking through the tailgating people at in the parking lots, smelling the charcoal cooking food, hearing music blasting and people yelling with excitement. Our seats were in the West Club area, but seeing how the layout of the parking lots and the stadium made no sense (the West Club entrance and seats are actually on the East side of the Stadium), we ended up walking about 1 mile to our entrance. That was ok though because even though it was a chilly 47 degrees, we were walking fast enough that it didn't bother us. Once inside, the club area, it felt sedate next to what we had experienced in the parking lot. It was a very beautiful large lounge with pub tables, couches, big screen TV's, several bars and stations serving restaurant quality food. Well, it didn't stay that way for long as the fans started piling in the level of excitement grew inside as well. My hubby and I enjoyed roast beef and fingerling potatoes with cauliflower out of our plastic containers at the bar and generally hung out for two hours in our warm tailgate spot before the game. When we took our seats outside, the stadium looked just beautiful all lit up with fireworks going and the fans on fire. I looked to my left where there was a large banner with reggie Whites picture immortalized on it and it made me miss him. He was a lovely man. The game was great though it felt like a little bit of a sleeper (due to the Giants defense) in comparison to last weeks trouncing o the Redskins. But in the 4th quarter in the last 4 minutes there ere some exciting plays including a turnover by Eli Manning which put the birds in a non stop position. The final score of 27-17 put the Eagles in 1st place in the NFC East. I know many people are still angry with Michael Vick, but I feel that the man did his time and was humbled by the experience. He is someone who has had to start over from no where and is truly working to turn his life around. I got a lot of great pictures but can't post them all. The one I really love

is of what you never see on television, the players from both teams on their knees after the game praying together. After just being on the field with one goal in mind-to pummel the other players, these men go before the throne together in His grace. Awesome.....

Another Side of Karen O'Lone-Hahn: Christmas 1969

2010-11-12T11:23:00.000-05:00

Another Side of Karen O'Lone-Hahn: Christmas 1969: "There are some memories that stay with you, happy or sad. Christmas when I was small was an actually happy memory. Above is my oil painting..."

Christmas 1969

2010-11-12T10:58:00.000-05:00

There are some memories that stay with you, happy or sad. Christmas when I was small was an actually happy memory. Above is my oil painting, below, I am showing you the Polaroid photo that inspired one of my first black and white paintings from my series of family photos. Photos have a way of invoking such memory-the feel of the non skid padding on the feet of my pajamas, the pressing of the rollers against my ears, the smell of evergreen, memories of those tacky plastic curtains that hung on the living room windows... :0) I loved helping hang the Christmas cards all around our archway and decorating the tree. Some of the other paintings from this time, like "Holy Communion" (Blog post July 2008) have a very eerie, depressed feeling to them, reflecting my feelings of the time. This one reflects

the nostalgia and simplicity of the time as well as my little girl Christmas excitement.

The Aftermath

2010-11-07T07:14:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted to my blog in quite awhile as I have been so busy in other areas. I had meant to use this blog to show folks all of the different types of painting tat I do besides cows. I still intend to do that and post new work often, but I would also like to really connect with people on the other end of my computer screen. So, please feel free to post comments or just give a shout hello.

What I am showing you here is how my studio looks after months being on the road doing outdoor shows. I started in early June and had my last one in October nearly every weekend. My task for the next couple of weeks is to get it all straightened out for my upcoming Studio Tour, but more on that later....

The Last Time We Saw Our Friend Chris

2009-07-17T15:51:00.000-04:00

Although the people are painted in my self taught folk art style, this is obviously not a happy situation. Our dear friend Chris was killed in a head on collision 2 days before Christmas in 1993. He was the loveliest person , a generous soul, with a great laugh and wicked sense of humor. As I do with so many experiences in my life, I work through my thoughts, feelings and impressions by painting. In this painting we see Chris surrounded by the beautiful stained glass at the feet of Jesus. His sister, brother and parents are all at the front with the Mom facing directly at the viewer as if confronting us with her pain. All the people sitting and filing in were talking, comforting and shaking their heads at what a loss it was for us all.

Radiant Child

2009-05-28T14:33:00.000-04:00

Need I say more?

I Dreamed I was Anna Pavlova

2009-04-24T16:01:00.000-04:00

When I was a little girl, I took tap, jazz and ballet classes. Like most kids, I went through a series of "what I am going to be when I grow up" phases. By the time I was 11 and had started dancing on point slippers, I was more in love with ballet than ever. I would go to the library and look at books with pictures of all the famous ballet dancers and none impressed me more than Anna Pavlova in her Swan Lake costume. I thought she was so beautiful and graceful and nothing could be more glamorous than dancing under hot lights for an audience of thousands. Thus went my daydreams.... Sadly, by the time I was 12

a major upset occurred in my life which took me away from the teacher I loved and the classes I was used to. I didn't adjust very well and ended up hanging up my toe shoes and dancing Swan Lake only in my dreams, a decision I still regret to this day. The painting is me as Anna Pavlova in my Swan Lake costume.

Mother: Saint or Sinner?

2009-02-26T11:22:00.000-05:00

Painted around 1993 as I was on the verge of becoming a mother myself, I began to reflect on my feelings about and the relationship with my own mother who had died 8 years earlier. As I sorted through a wide range of emotions and saw the conflicts on so many levels, I realized that I was trying to make a decision, a judgement in black and white about who she was. Was she a Saint, or was she a sinner? all good or all bad? I painted this from my memory of her with her white hair and paisley housecoat, her cigarette, her yellowed fingers and wrinkled skin. I think I even captured the pain in her eyes. Having been a Mom now for 14 1/2 years, I have finally grown up and realized, she was just a person, like me, doing the best she knew how.

The Confused Thoughts of an Angry Cow

2009-01-20T19:13:00.001-05:00

One of my earlier Cow paintings, this one is a scream! Literally, I painted this around 1993 when I had a lot on my mind, felt angry and was having a hard time making sense of things. My cows and other paintings will often be autobiographical of situations I might be in or feelings I am experiencing. Thank God for art. I don't know what other people do. :-)

2008-12-22T12:30:00.000-05:00

This image may seem a little odd. I painted it in 2000 as I was contemplating the many layers of Christmas and how it was celebrated. It depicts myself as a child, looking at the tree with the gifts below. Jesus hangs on the tree. When I was a kid, of course it was all about Santa Claus and getting the goodies even though one of my favorite things to do was also to visit the creche in church and see the baby Jesus. In my adult life as a more mature Christian, I pondered the correlation between the tradition of the giving of gifts as it related to the magi bringing gifts to the Christ child. I don't know where the tradition of the Christmas tree originated, but I was thinking that in a way the tree foreshadowed the crucifixion as Jesus was hung on a cross of wood, the greatest gift of all to mankind.

Autumn Cows 2

2008-11-21T08:52:00.000-05:00

One of a few paintings inspired by the Autumn leaves. I like to imagine all sorts of things with cows obviously and this is one that often gets a chuckle. This original is still available. Also available as a print and giclee'. Please visit my website for details. :0) Happy Thanksgiving and many blessings to you and yours!

See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil....

2008-10-26T20:14:00.000-04:00

This one is from an outing with my brother and nephews when we went for lunch in South Jersey several years ago. My older nephew's girlfriend was also with us as we waited in the booth for our food to come. True to form, my brother had told an off color joke which caused everyone to squirm in their seats including his sons. I was somewhat oblivious since I was taking a picture. I was simply documenting our time together since I lived in Philly and didn't see them that much. It wasn't until I had developed the film and was going through the pictures that I realized the total humor in the photo and had to paint it. My brother just has that kind of charm :0)

Toddler with Bunny

2008-09-24T15:54:00.002-04:00

This one was painted between 1995 and 1996 when my daughter was around 16 months old. It's a very large painting, 24x48 on masonite. As with most new parents, I was in love with my child and being a mom was a totally new feeling and experience, so I wanted to paint her. Along with the joy came her innocent ability to stir up feelings about my own childhood. Also, as with most new parents, I would sometimes feel a great sense of being overwhelmed by this new presence in my life and this accounts for the large size of the painting as well as her appearing as something of a giant between two roofs in the background. She confronts the viewer with her direct gaze making it impossible to ignore her... hmm much like a toddler! :0)

Jesus Enjoying a Good Laugh

2008-09-02T10:36:00.000-04:00

In my spiritual walk, I had begun to think about who the human Jesus really might have been when he walked the earth and what His moment by moment experiences might have been like. Certainly, he came to complete a somber task, but in His 33 years, would His life have been all serious? I started to think about Him in an extremely personal way, like if I had met Him at the wedding at Cannan, could I have shared a good joke? In His human-ness, wouldn't he have had a laugh from time to time? Surely, humor is a gift given to us that I don't think God would have denied His Son. So, in my imagining of this, I developed the scenario depicted here. Kids being kids, they have just pulled some kind of harmless little prank and there they are giggling in the background. Jesus and one of His apostles are in the foreground enjoying a full belly laugh at the children's antics.

Fallen Idol

2008-08-14T20:37:00.000-04:00

This is a painting which has perplexed many a visitor to the Hahn household. It is one of a handful of self portrait "People on the Couch" paintings I have done in recent years. Allow me to dissect.... The scene takes place in my living room on my comfy green couch. There I lay in my fuzzy white slippers, a book in my lap. The book is a biography about Bob Dylan, someone whom I had idolized since childhood. Having fallen in love with his music and never really thinking too much about what kind of a person he might actually be, I am shocked and disheartened by the picture painted of him in the biography. Hence the title "Fallen Idol." There is Bob, stiff, like the marble god I had made him out to be, falling off the pedestal I had planted him on in my mind since I was young. For anyone who has listened to Bob Dylan's songs the rest of the imagery is fairly self explanatory. There is a train coming in the distance through my window with crosses as railroad ties (Slow Train Coming) On my head is my (Leopard Skin Pill Box Hat) The blood from my heart falls on to the railroad tracks reflecting both my sadness at the book's revelations and is the (Blood on the Tracks). My desert island album. To the left is my big brass bed (Lay Lady Lay, the first of his songs I ever heard) and above it, the jack of hearts. (Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts)
There, not so strange after all, hum? :0)

My Neighborhood

2008-07-16T08:52:00.000-04:00

I have decided to jump around a little bit with the paintings I show here instead of plodding through my various phases in groups.
This one was very much influenced by and similar in style to artist Red Grooms. It depicts my working class neighborhood in Upper Darby, Pa where my husband and I bought our first house. It was painted around 1992-93.On the porch at the right were our neighbors, an elderly Italian couple who spoke very little English. He was about 70+ and used to crack me up with his big pompadour of white hair and missing tooth. She was a very sweet lady who was always knitting which is how I portrayed her with her head bent down and knitting in her hand. To the left on their porch were our other neighbors, Tom and Helen, a toll taker and teacher, respectively.
In later years my family bought a Christmas tree angel who reminded us of Helen and has always been referred to as such as she emerges from her box every year. In the center is my husband looking at me. You will notice I painted myself pregnant which I was not at the time but hoped to be soon. That wish came true in the form of my beautiful daughter who was born two years later.

Holy Communion

2008-07-01T19:27:00.000-04:00

This week's painting is another in the series of my first black and white's. I hope I won't bore anyone by presenting this series together but they represent a whole period of reflection on my life fueled by my Mother's death. This painting was done from
a snapshot of myself, my brother and my father the day of my Holy Communion. I don't particulary remember anything about the day, except for our priest taking my purse and tucking it between his legs under his cassock to hide it for another picture. This one in some ways reminds me of the Grant Wood painting "American Gothic" in it's stiffness. I don't know if it was because of my state of mind at the time I painted it or some underlying feeling, but whenever I look at this one, there appears to be a sinister feeling which seems to have come from my unconscious into the painting. I would really appreciate your comments and feedback. Below it says "Post Comment" in pink, if you click on that you will be able to leave your comments . I hope you are enjoying my blog thus far and look forward to sharing more with you.

Easter 1949

2008-06-19T09:15:00.000-04:00

I have been making art all of my life but I didn't start painting seriously until 1985. Actually, I didn't know I was serious at the time, I just started this painting as a way of holding on, I suppose, since it was painted in my mothers apartment where I was caring for her as she was dying of cancer. It was painted from an old photograph that I found in a box. It is my Mom and my oldest brother in front of Saint Joseph's College which I believe is the one in Philadelphia. Amazingly, I went though my high school years of art without even being taught the color wheel and so when I started painting, I had no idea of how to use color, let alone mix it with oil paints. This painting is in black and white 1. because it was from a black and white photo,2. I didn't know how to use color at the time, and 3. I was so dirt poor, I could only come up with enough money to buy a canvas, a few brushes and a tube of black and a tube of white oils. I am primarily self taught as you can see in the crudeness of this painting. After so many years, I am a little better at what I do, yet this painting and some that I will share in the future, I feel are among my best work.

Another Side of Karen O'Lone-Hahn

Birthday Giveaway!!!

Children's Book 35% off for International Book Giving Day

My Pottery Now on Etsy!

Studio Sale Sneak Peak

Down 'n Dirty with Clay

Learning to Draw and Paint

Autumn Inspiration-ceramic pots

Like Art? Like Wine? How About Music?

Walm-ART or Real ART?

Don't Let Anyone Hold you Back from Your Dreams!

Newark Arts Alliance Fundraiser

Launching My New Website Today!

Longs Park? Save Your $10 Admission! Two Art Shows

I Paint My Way through Strong Emotions

I've Come a Long Way baby

Double Art/Author Night

Painting Demonstration

Millicent Spreading Her Wings

Returned from MIA

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Moving Right Along

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The Offending Foot

Philadelphia Book Festival

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WHY BUY ART?

New Medium

Artist Salon Evening at Home

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Wow! Treasury Mania!

CAST TEAM Treasury

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Fuzzy Wuzzy Wuz A Bunny

I'm so proud of Me :0)

Just featured in Another Beautiful Treasury!

Overcoming artistic insecurities

Cool Treasury featuring one of my pieces!

Drumroll Please!

Adventures in Clay and Snow

Consistently Inconsistent

January Giveaway

How I Paint-Challenge #7

ETSY SHOP SALE

Dedicated...

Let It Flow! And how I use a reference ...

Flying through Life Creative Challenge Day-4

Not done, but almost

Mother and Child Day 3

My Creative Challenge Day 2

The Creative Challenge and the Art Mothering

Etsy Copper Artists

My New Journey

My Holiday Hiatus

Merry Christmas

Are You Famous?

Millicent and the Faraway Moon Reloaded

Artists are like Diamonds

38 South 3rd Street in Oxford

Gift Shop hours:Thursday 11-4Fridays 11-6Saturdays 10-5

Southern Chester County Artists Studio Tour

Eagles Thrash Giants at the Linc

Another Side of Karen O'Lone-Hahn: Christmas 1969

Christmas 1969

The Aftermath

The Last Time We Saw Our Friend Chris

Radiant Child

I Dreamed I was Anna Pavlova

Mother: Saint or Sinner?

The Confused Thoughts of an Angry Cow

Autumn Cows 2

See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil....

Toddler with Bunny

Jesus Enjoying a Good Laugh

Fallen Idol

My Neighborhood

Holy Communion

Easter 1949

Gift Shop hours:
Thursday 11-4
Fridays 11-6
Saturdays 10-5