Before the Spring

I bought a bunch of tulips at Trader Joes the other day. So pretty! However, I look forward to when they start to wilt - that is when they start to show their true character - that is when I get inspired to paint them. I like my flowers "experienced"! Personalities start to emerge. It also becomes more about the ephemeral nature of things - the fleeting, fading beauty.

Approaching Day SOLD

Approaching Day, 5 x 7", acrylic on canvas board
SOLD

I love that time of morning, just before dawn, when the day still seems, so fresh, so new, so full of possibilities. As I take my dog for her early morning walk, I take deep breaths of the pre-dawn air and concentrate on the quiet beauty around me and try to center myself and my mind as I approach the inevitably crazy day ahead.

This painting was for the January challenge to create a painting where black is a focus, but to use a chromatic black, no black pigment allowed.

It's Up!

I have finally gotten my Etsy shop set up for selling some of my smaller pieces. It can be found here: http://www.shirleyart.etsy.com/
Check it out!

Happy New Year!

I am happy it is FINALLY the new year. The holiday season is hectic with three young children! I think I only got to pick up my brushes maybe 3 times between Thanksgiving and New Years. New Year's resolution #1 - to NEVER let that happen again!
Last year was successful for me in that I was able to make art an important part of my life once again after a number of years where I wasn't able to do that. Other successes include: my painting time has become more regular (and I have discovered ways to still work even when I don't have a large block of time), I was accepted into an exhibition, I sold a painting, I started a blog, I put a portfolio on ArtWanted.com.

I now have some more resolutions for 2010:

I resolve to keep sacred my studio time. Even on the days I can't paint, I need to still plan paintings in my head, write out ideas, make sketches, take pictures of things that inspire me or give me ideas for what I want to paint (I drive my kids nuts with this one - pulling over to the side of the road to snap a photo when we are on the way to one of their activities!), read about art, and look for the art and inspiration in everything around me. Find the balance.

I resolve to continue to get my art "out there" - blogging, using art sites and entering shows, etc. I am an intensely private person and this is very hard for me, but I know it is something I need to do at this point to advance my work.

I resolve to get my Etsy site up and running for my miniatures and smaller works. I have had a lot of interest in my smaller paintings, and I think Etsy will be a good way to make these paintings available to a wider audience and to make quality art affordable to more people. Even small works can have a big impact!

I resolve to wake up every morning with a new eye and a fresh vision to the things around me, to pursue my passions and to learn all I can while continuing on the never-ending road to becoming a better artist.

Happy New Year to all!