The Birds

Check out the vultures! I counted over sixty in the bottom photo and it doesn't even show them all. I see this huge group of vultures almost every day around our neighborhood. We live in the country so I guess they feed off the deer that get hit on the roads. Maybe they are cleaning up the deer parts that hunters leave behind. I don't know, but it is something to see this many vultures flying together. If you click on the picture it will get bigger.

Creepy Christmas Lights

My husband and I went to a Christmas party last night. We got lost trying to find the right street (I kept telling him we were looking for a street on the right when we were really looking for a street on the left. Oops). While we drove around one neighborhood I noticed that every house that had Christmas lights up had all white lights. There was an occasional renegade house that dared to use a strand or two of color, but on one street there was literally six to seven houses in a row with only white lights. It started to creep me out a bit. Maybe it was an example of keeping up with the Jones. I don't know, but if I lived in that neighborhood I would have bought the most colorful lights I could find and had them set on flashing.
We had fun at the party. It was Nick's co-workers and I think I managed not to make an ass out of myself. Always a good thing.

What the hell is going on here?

And why do I keep watching it over and over again?

Sketch

The eyes are a little funky in this one. I could do a lot more to it, but I think I like it's unfinished messy look. It's all just practice anyways. The first picture is orange because I had to use my crackberry to take the pictures and I was covering the flash with my finger.

Hooray I Can Rhyme

Here is my ode to beer. Perhaps the worlds most popular beverage. If you don't like beer, well then you must not have had to develop a taste for it because you couldn't afford to bring your own boos to keg parties. Not that I would know anything about that.

Beer beer the magical drink
the more you have the more you think
the more you think the more you create
so here's to an altered state

Cheers!

It's sketchy Baby!

I was working on a portrait tonight that is a bit daunting and I decided to take a little break and sketch out a rocker chick that I've had in my head for a while. Do they make a guitars that look like this? They should. ( clicking on the pictures makes them bigger)

Merry Christmas to Me!

I treated myself to an early Christmas present. It's a super cool watch parts ring. My first official steampunk accessory. Do you like it? Too bad, you can't have one! Okay just kidding, you can find rings like this and other cool jewelry on Etsy here: KeysAndMemories

Sleeping Babies

Thank you Pampers for this super cute commercial. I'm still a loyal Huggies customer, though.....

Clock Mayhem

I'm working on thirty clocks right now. Needless to say it is going to be a busy day! Twelve of them are custom orders and the rest are to sell on my website and Etsy. I've had a good week for sales and I'm hoping it continues through the next week at least. Last year I got slammed for two weeks and then it completely dried up a couple weeks before Christmas. I hope that doesn't happen this year.

Great Quote

I was just checking out HR Giger's website and I found a quote that is priceless. I think it is from his agent Les Barany.
"Never explain your art. People who ask you to do so are idiots."

Channeling My Inner Christmas Squirrel

I think I pulled something acting like a squirrel today and climbing a tree to put Christmas lights up. Why do Christmas lights have to suck so much? They're little strings of stress. They tangle and they don't work. I have seven or eight strings that don't work. And why do they take different types of little bulbs and different watt fuses. Who decided that? Why does one half of the string light up and the other doesn't? Why does my five year old think he knows more about the lights than me? I'm going to buy some of the lights that take big screw in bulbs. Those are easier to figure out which bulb is whack and easier to replace. I wonder if those led lights are any easier to deal with. Probably not. Don't get me started on untangling icicle lights. It's all worth it I suppose to see your children smile when they see the house all lit up and pretty.

I'm glad I don't live in a box

So I'm working on a painting right now. It is a commissioned portrait destined to be a Christmas gift. I'm pretty excited about it. I want to post pictures but I don't know if the person who is receiving it looks at this blog or not. Oh who am I kidding, probably not. But just to be safe you two or three people that do occasionally stumble on here are going to have to wait until after Christmas to see it.
So my friend is going to Italy next week. So not fair. Okay, it is fair, she can afford it and I cannot. Maybe if I got a real job (not that stay at home mom isn't a real job, but it doesn't pay so great). My qualifications are extensive. I have been a waitress, a cashier, worked at five gas stations, changed oil at Jiffy Lube, cleaned a medical lab, been a taxi cab dispatcher, sorted bulk mail at the post office, washed dogs for a day, delivered the newspaper( a real route, not on a bike, common on now), put file box things together in a warehouse, worked at a music store, a movie store, a bread store, a grocery store, and a fabric store. I'm probably missing some. If this doesn't scream ADD I don't know what does. My average time at these jobs was three months. Thank goodness I have my clocks, art, and a hubby with a real job. Otherwise I'd probably be living in a box. A nicely decorated box.

Dali and Disney

Some people don't know that Dali and Walt Disney were working on a short movie together. Well, I found it on youtube. I can't embed it so here is a link: Destino. It is like watching a Dali painting in motion! Pretty cool.

Bleh

So here is what I came up with tonight. Not too bad, I suppose, considering I'm feeling like I couldn't draw a circle if I tried. When I start doing abstract like crap you know I'm in trouble. I hate to admit it but I kind of like these paintings. They were done separately without thought of the other, but they fit together well. Hmm, we'll see what I do tomorrow.

Creative Block

I feel like I've had creative block lately. Last night I felt like if I didn't produce something worth looking at my head would pop. I finally came up with a small acrylic painting I like. I'm planning on a doing a few more tonight. If they turn out I'll post pictures of them all together. I'm thinking about taking a few days off art. I keep saying that and don't do it. I just have that creative urge that eats at you until you do something about it. Maybe I'll work on music in a few days. That will keep me busy and scratch the itch. I've been knitting, but that doesn't quite cut it. Okay, wake up this yawn worthy post is over.

Spats

Creative block sucks. I thought I'd sit down and sketch for fun last night, but it is no fun when you can't draw anything worth looking at. I think I need to take a day or two off from the art stuff.

I've been thinking about spats lately. I saw some on Etsy that I LOVE. I think spats are the greatest fashion accessory ever. After I saw the movie Oscar years and years ago I was sold on spats. Everyone should wear spats when they dress nice. If I had thought about it everyone in our wedding party would have been wearing them. Nick would have loved that. When I'm rich and famous I will own MANY pairs of custom spats.

The spats above can be found at: ashesandempires on Etsy.

Crackberry

Well, I got a new blackberry yesterday. I'm pretty excited, they had a fantastic deal on them. I was ready to throw it in the trash last night after trying to figure it out for half an hour or so. At one point it kept telling me it wasn't connected to the computer. Connect it with a usb cable it said. I kept looking at the usb cable coming from the phone to the computer and felt like screaming, "it can't get anymore connected to the computer!" I didn't realize I had to inform the computer that there was a usb cable stuck in it and then tell it what it was. I thought computers were supposed to be smart. I guess they are only as smart as their users. I have zero patience for technology. I'm happy to say it didn't get tossed and I have it somewhat figured out now.

Robot Lady is Done!

Woo-hoo she is done! Now back to painting cute kid portraits.

Robot Lady is Almost Finished

My robot lady is just about finished. I just need to do the background on the bottom of the painting and little fine tuning here and there. My mind is already on my steampunk pin up. Can't wait to do that one!
Here is a picture of me working. I have five layers or so on because it is COLD outside. Gives a good perspective on the size of the painting.

Steampunk Meets Pin Up

So I was on Etsy today and saw a gift guide for steampunk items. Well, I love the whole steampunk thing. I would feel goofy wearing the clothes, but I will admire them from afar. However there are these super cool steampunk pocket watches on Etsy and I really want one. (hint, hint, Christmas is coming). Anyways the idea hit me, steampunk pin up robot ladies! Perhaps my new painting subjects. So I sketched a couple and this is my favorite. I'm thinking a four by four foot painting. My next project once I finish my robot and a painting for my mother. It will be fun to compare the completed painting to this sketch. Please keep in mind this is a ten minute sketch. I usually don't let anyone see the rough, very rough, sketches where my ideas start. I like looking at other people's evolving ideas so what the hay.

Jack-o-Lanterns

Here are my pumpkins for this year. I was hoping to do a zombie pumpkin and a headless horseman. But I ran out of time and pumpkins. Maybe next year.

Painting Progress

Four more hours tonight. Slowly but surely making progress. I was listening to Tom Petty tonight. I didn't realize how much I like his music. That was followed by the Deftones. White Pony is a fantastic albulm. Passenger is one of my favorite songs ever I think. The last few nights I have been listening to classical music while painting. If you've never been moved to tears by a piece of music you are missing out my friend. And no I don't mean listening to Phil Collins Against All Odds after a break up. I had an ex boyfriend pull that on me after I broke up with him. What a jerk.

Robot Lady Coming Along

Made some progress on my robot painting. My mom told me it was awful. As in disturbing. Well, I like it. I can't paint butterflies and rainbows all the time. There is still a lot to do. For 10 hours of painting it doesn't seem like I've done much. Hopefully it will be done by the end of the week.

Robot Lady

I'm making some progress on my new oil painting. This one is huge. Five feet or so tall. I have a looong way to go, but you can get a sense of where it is going. Clicking on the pictures makes them larger.

Poem, yeah!

Okay, so my Eli portrait is turning out to be less than exciting. I'm a bit bummed about it. I started on a portrait of myself and it just wasn't happening so I am sketching out a giant painting of a bizarre robot girl thing. Why not. Since I don't have anything fun to show I am going to subject you to a poem. A sad poem I wrote a long time ago. I hate reading poetry unless it is my own so feel free to ignore it. Besides, I'm half convinced I'm the only one that looks at this blog anyways. :)

You treat me just like earthen clay
To bend and mold to what you say
To leave in the sun and walk away
To dry and harden in sad dismay
To crack break shatter and fray
To be alone throughout each day
All because you wouldn't stay
So broken here now I lay
Because you treat me just like earthen clay.

Now doesn't that put a smile on your face?

Fall Photos

I was outside with the kids yesterday and noticed the house was under attack from lady bugs. They are looking for a place to hibernate. I got the camera out to get some lady bug photos which led to photos of other bugs and leaves. You can check out the rest of the photos here.

Eli Incomplete

Here is a peak of the painting of Eli I'm working on. I still have a long way to go. I don't know if I'm loving it as much as the Karina painting yet, but it definitely has potential.

Zombie Love

I don't really have anything fun to report. Well, I'm up way too late because I was laying down vocals on a song Nick wrote. It's about Zombies. Yeah, that's right. Zombie love to be exact. It is one of those songs that you may listen too and think, Oh that's nice, and when you actually listen to the lyrics you say, What!? My inspiration was Rosetta Stoned by Tool. I remember the first time I caught on to what Maynard was saying and it cracked me up. I realize Tool isn't for everyone but if your feeling adventurous check it out.

Completed Karina Pictures

I got some better pictures of my painting. It isn't perfect, but not a bad starting point. I can only improve from here. Eli is next. If you click on the pictures they will get much larger.

Sneak Peak of Karina

I've been working on a portrait of Karina for the last two nights. I'm far from finished, but I thought I'd post a picture. The hubby approves, so it must be okay. He usually tells me when my stuff sucks.

In Training......

I'm currently in training to dance like this. Stay tuned.

Monarch Painting

I did this painting for a friend. Shhh, she doesn't know it yet. I hope she likes it. I'm quite pleased with it. The paint is wet so it is shiny in the picture.

Hooray for Hula

So last night I was working on a drawing of some semi creepy angels wagering on a murder when the thought, "Hula Hoop!" popped in my head. So of course today I went out a got a hula hoop. I haven't hula hooped for probably 15 years. I figure its a great easy exercise to do while watching the tube. Beats sitting on the couch doing nothing (not that I have much time to do that). Anywho, what could beat a purple and silver sparkly hula hoop. Not much.

Dali sucks

Okay, so after having my Dali painting hanging on the wall for a week or so now, I don't like it. So poop on me I guess. Maybe I'll try again in oils. They always seem to be more accurate than my acrylics. I think I'm going to do a butterfly next. A Monarch. I caught one the other day and it inspired me. Don't worry, after taking some photos I let the little guy go to fulfill it's destiny.

Another Portrait

I finished another oil painting last night. This one measures 21.5 x 27 inches.

Salvador Dali on What's My Line?

Oil Painting of a Guy!

That's right, I finally did an oil painting of a man. This is kind of a crappy picture, a bit blurry. Once it dries a bit I'll move it and get a better picture. I'm quite satisfied with it. His name is Marshall and he kindly agreed to pose for photos months ago.

Mary Poppins the Horror Movie

I was surfing youtube one day looking for video that my kids would like. I thought some Mary Poppins tunes would be fun. Then I found this trailer for a very scary Mary Poppins. Check it out:

Dali Completed

Finally, after much frustration I have finished my portrait of Dali. Sure, it may not be perfect, but neither am I. If you don't like it, well, pooh on you! This painting measures 2 X 4 feet. Remember, if you click on the pictures they will get much larger (and look more impressive I think).

What the f!

This Dali portrait is driving me bonkers! Something is off and after three hours of working on it the painting looks better but it is still funky. This is three days of work now and I'm truly frustrated. Thank goodness it is acrylic because if I was working with oils it would be in the trash can right now. It is getting late, but I will finish it tonight. No matter what!!

Woo-Hoo!

I sold one of my little sign/painting thingys! A week or so ago I thought I'd pull out the guitar and play around with some songwriting so I pulled out my book of lyrics. I also have a lot of poems in there. After going through it I realized there was some pretty good stuff, at least I think it's pretty good. So I thought I would find a way to combine paintings and poetry. I came up with these little signs with abstract like images on them. I typically shy away from minimalism and abstract, but I like them. The sign that sold says:
My own warped thoughts and particular opinions
are all shaped by my outrageous experiences
and out of all those instances only one is so clear
the time I spent alone with you.

Dali

I thought I had finished a painting of Dali last night. Considering how much I adore him a portrait of him is a bit overdue. There is something funky about it, though. I'm going to have to mess with it a bit to get it looking right. Hopefully in the next day or two I'll be able to post pictures of it. Right now no one needs to see it!

Musical Art

I'm still all excited from the Buckethead show last night. I've been wanting to do a series of paintings of musicians I admire and the show last night may have been the kick in the butt I needed.
It may not seem like it, but music is a huge part of my work process. Listening to music is what puts images and ideas in my head. I can't get in the mood to work without music playing. My tastes can vary widely but I always come back to the same bands. Tool, Live, Buckethead, and The Deftones are some of my favorites.
Maybe this week I'll get a painting or two done......................

Buckethead!

I just got home from the Buckethead show. It was the best show I've been to. Probably because I made him a clock and he seemed to really like it. He even gave me a dvd, WolfHound. Buckethead is always a wonder to see. If you aren't familar with him, shame on you! Google him pronto.

Illustrations falling flat?

So no one gives a poop about my illustrations yet. Oh well. I think I'm already off to the next thing. I feel very antsy artwise right now. The paintings are great, but I just can't stay up until one and two o'clock in the morning with the kids waking up at 7:00. If I get good pictures of my new little "signs" I'll post them later. (If you click on the pictures they get bigger.)

Pin up illustrations

I've started doing pin up illustrations. I think they're kind of fun. I plan on offering inexpensive prints of them in my Etsy store. Maybe sell them as greeting cards also.

New Painting

I'm pretty excited about this painting. It is a completely new direction. I think I may do a whole series of bright musician paintings. This is the bass player in my husband's band. I think the next painting I do will be Nick playing the guitar. After that perhaps Buckethead, Maynard, Ed Kowalczyk .......................

Break Out the Champagne

Holy crap I sold a painting! Over the weekend I sold one of my drip paintings on Etsy. People in Germany have exceptional taste. How exciting. It was just the kick in the butt I needed to get back into painting. I've been slacking for a couple of months now. Saturday night I went into the dusty old garage and painted three more drip acrylic paintings. All of which I like, but they are all very dark and vampirey. I guess reading vampire novels rubbed off more than I realized. (Yes, I got into the Twilight saga......) It was refreshing, though, and I think I may start on a new oil painting soon.

I'll attach one of my new paintings. If you click on the picture it will enlarge quite a bit and you can get a good look at it.

Slacking

I'm slacking on this blogging thing. I guess because I've just been busy busy with clocks. I did start a new painting, but I think I'm going to scrap it and do the idea in pencil instead.
I've had a couple of good sales weeks. It's encouraging because the first part of the year was pretty slow. I've noticed sales definitely pick up if I keep putting new things up every few days. I need to keep up with that.

Hopefully I'll have a new painting to post soon. Until then I'll post a few pictures of my new Modern Melting Clocks made from plexiglass. Available for sale through my website! www.meltingclocks.org

Naked Man Alert

So I'm hanging out on my porch talking to my husband after he got home from work. Our neighbor gets home and goes inside. I see him walk past his open living room window and then he walked past it again, NAKED. Now we aren't talking Brad Pitt in Fight Club body, we are talking my retinas are burning body. I don't get it. Does he not realize the window is wide open, perhaps he doesn't care. But I will be sure to avert my eyes from now on. So please, do your neighbors a favor, if you feel the need to dwell in your house naked check the curtains and make sure they are CLOSED.

Been Awhile

I've been slacking on the blogging. I haven't done any oil paintings recently. I didn't get into the art show which left me a bit turned off. Not to worry, I'm over it now and onto new things. I have a few days coming up with lots of time available and I plan on doing a large oil painting then.
I have been doing a few drippy acrylic paintings. They are fun for just screwing around and not worrying about what the outcome is going to be:

UPDATE: This sweet little painting is on it's way to Germany. Thanks!!!!