CuPcAkE cUtiE

This cupcake cutie is painted on a large 28"H. x 16"W. wood board.  Currently, he is a one-of-a-kind.  To be honest, I'm having a hard time parting with him.

Okay...I have a confession....my heart skips a beat when I find vintage cupcake picks at the antique mall.  I'm not sure why.  This has been going on for quite a few years actually.  So far, I've been able to stop myself from buying any. 
Besides, how does one display a cupcake pick collection anyway?
Don't answer that.  :)

So, maybe I was channeling my inner obsession with cupcake picks for this one?  Ooooooo....the ideas are flooding in.

Just a few of my funky fall pumpkins....

ornie

I realized the other day that I've been so busy painting large pieces that I nearly forgot to work on some ornaments!  My sister always bought an ornament each year for her kids.  I've always loved that tradition.  Ornaments are a great way to remember teachers and co-workers for the holidays.  Does a neighbor scoop your walk?  Does the newspaper carrier make sure your paper is close to the door when it's snowy out?  Maybe a little ornament and handwritten note would put a smile on their face this holiday.

Winter Welcome

One of my happy lil' snowmen...painted on a large piece of board and ready to decorate the door of someone special.

Who knew an early bird could become a night owl?

At first, I must admit, that I wasn't too motivated to paint for the upcoming winter season.  HOWEVER, after sketching a few fun snowmen ideas, things snowballed....hee hee... and my bedtime hasn't been the same since.  Although I work in the morning and afternoon when I can get an hour or so of time in the studio, my work is typically done at night after kiddos are asleep and the house quiets.  My eyeballs are burning, I'm fast forwarding thru DVR'ed shows like nobody's business and my paintbrush is at work.  Who knew an early bird could become a night owl? 

Charcoal grey...cranberry....sage...

I've done a few pieces now that incorporate this painting technique- -of base coating the piece with black, painting the design and then applying the background color as the finishing step.  It is time-consuming (painting around the entire design), but I'm really liking the finished product.  I want to take on the challenge of doing a LARGE piece with this technique.  Stay tuned.

Saltbox Homes & Winter Trees

It seems a little silly to be painting winter scenes while it's currently 95 degrees outside, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.  I REALLY need to work on creating some winter pieces to prepare for upcoming boutiques. 

When designing for winter paintings, saltbox homes are toward the top of my list.  Years ago I turned sections of thick scrap wood into loads of standing, primitive homes.  I think I've been hooked since. 

In my paintings, using one of two techniques, I usually include an evergreen tree or two with a saltbox home nestled in a winter scene.  This time, however, a light bulb went off before my brush touched the painting.  I wanted to try something a little different with my trees (as shown in the photo below).  This 'exposed branches' look is something that catches my eye every time I see it in advertising and kids decor.  So, why not put a spin on it and see if they fit well with my saltbox homes?!  I'm pleased to have changed things up a bit.  Look out charcoal pencil! - - I might just have a new 'favorite'!