Inspiration Avenue Theme- Tropics

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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