Friday, January 30, 2009

UFO Painting

ManaMoon Studios has inspired me once again,
she explained about UFO's, UnFinished Objects...in her blog post.
I have many of these laying around, too many to mention.

Here is one that has evolved over time, first a small pen drawing, 2 years ago






Then with a painting.... last year
This year I added feet, blacken the background..but she looks like a porcupine,
and the feet are awkward....

Now she is back to a head and one foot, I put her aside again for another year or two,
another UFO...

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Lemonade Award/Youniquely chic

Thank You

Youniquely chic

She has awarded me the Lemonade award. It's meant for positive-attitude blogs (you know, when life gives you lemons type of thing).




She has such stunning jewelry, I have to show you her giveaway -right now, only until February 1st, so hurry, visit her blog for more details!

Youniquelychic Etsy Shop


Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

Monday, January 26, 2009

A Beautiful Day On the River

We went boating/camping this past weekend, on the St.Johns River. It was a gorgeous ride up river and we saw lots of wildlife. I thought I would share some photos I took.
Click on any to enlarge.
Gator (large one)

Blue Heron
DeerCormorant

Manatee
Manatee
White Egret

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Tagged again...


Life's little questions

Your turn for anyone who cares to answer these publicly...


Where is your mobile phone? no idea...

Where is your significant other? work?

Your hair color? semi- Fake

Favorite Song? too many,
Your favorite thing? reading
Your dream last night? something to do with cats
Your dream goal? to support myself in my art
The room you’re in? studio
Your hobby? Movies, dog training
Lost a loved one? yes, a brother
Where were you last night? Home
What you’re not? social
Been in a movie ? no
Sung a solo -yes, many times
The last thing you did? took a shower
What are you wearing? sweatshirt/jeans
Your TV? Dusty
Your pets? dogs, sleeping, cats underchair fighting, bird eatiing
Your computer? is on

Strangest place you have ever...not telling

Gone line dancing? never

Run a Marathon? get real

Visited Paris? only in my dreams
Your car? in the driveway
Something you’re not wearing? Jewelry
Favorite shop? internet
Watched lightening at sea? yes
Love someone? Many
Been in Jail? nope

Favorite Magical Place? Maitland Art Center Chapel

Your favorite color? Purple

Your favorite Book? Mary Stewert's Merlin Trilogy

Favorite Movie? Lord of the Rings

Grown my own vegetables? yes
Broken a bone? my nose

Saved a favorite childhood toy? a stuffed animal

Been transported in an ambulance? Not that I can recall
Kissed in the rain? can't remember, so probably not

Started a blog? well duh.





Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Florida

Why they call it Florida....

Why am I showing off Florida in January? That is the last I will see of these flowers, we will have a hard freeze two nights in a row. Once every 5-10 years we will lose all of our Tropical plants due to a hard freeze, so in memory of these beautiful flowers.....







I took these pictures on Tuesday, before I covered everything. The new mailperson stopped and asked me why plants had blankets on them everywhere. She was new here... Tropical plants may be spared if they are protected from the freeze, this is what the neighborhood looks like...


Monday, January 19, 2009

Dolphins and Silver Rings


  
The attached video is of dolphins playing with
silver colored rings which they have the ability to make under water
to  play with. It isn't known how they learn this, or if it's an
inbred ability.As if by magic the dolphin does a quick flip of its head and a silver
ring appears in front of its pointed beak. The ring is a solid, donut shaped bubble about 2-ft across, yet it doesn't
rise to the surface of the water! It stands upright in the water like a
magic doorway to an unseen dimension. The dolphin then pulls a small
silver  donut from the larger one. Looking at the twisting ring for one
 last time abite is taken from it, causing the small ring to collapse into a
thousands of tiny bubbles which head upward towards the water's
surface. After a few moments the dolphin creates another ring to play
with. There also seems to be a separate mechanism for producing small
rings, which a dolphin can accomplish by a quick flip of its head.
An explanation of how dolphins make these silver rings is that they are 'air-core vortex rings'.
Invisible,spinning vortexes in the water are generated from the tip of a
dolphin's dorsal fin when it is moving rapidly and turning. When
dolphins break the line, the ends are drawn together into a closed
ring. The higher velocity fluid  around the core
 of the vortex is at a lower pressure than the fluid
circulating farther away. Air is injected into the rings via bubbles
released from the dolphin's blowhole. The energy of the water vortex
is enough to keep the bubbles from rising for a reasonably few seconds
of play time.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Help, Lost Dog!

Artists surviving the economic slump

Article From Art Advice.com,

a great place with loads of information on art,artists and the business of being an artist


5 Things You Can Do For Your Career to Survive the Economic Slump

Artists are more susceptible than most to the economic downturn as fine art has long been considered a luxury, primarily for an audience with extra discretionary income. In times like these, even the very wealthy feel uncomfortable spending on what may be perceived by others as an extravagance. Smart collectors know this is the best time to buy and fine art is one of the safest places to "park" their money. But, they are looking primarily at very established artists with a verifiable sales and exhibition history. Values of these blue chip artists rarely go down significantly and smart buyers are on the lookout. But, for most emerging and mid career artists, the forecast is grim. Galleries are struggling to make ends meet and primarily exhibiting the works of artists they feel most confident they can sell. So, if you are thinking about approaching commercial galleries anytime in the near future, let me give you a reality check and some alternatives.

  1. Stay informed. Do your research and follow the news. Watch which galleries are advertising and who they are showing. This will be a strong indication of which galleries will survive and help you decide when you get ready to start approaching galleries again. Accept that the gallery world goes in ebbs and flows and you need to be able to recognize when it is your time to step in again.
  2. Focus on technology. By now, every artist should have an updated, easy to navigate website, an organized electronic (email) database of collectors and fans, and an accurate inventory system. It's easy to let these things slide, make excuses about not having enough time, energy or resources...but, there will never be a better time than NOW to get this stuff done. The greatest advantage of taking care of all this now, is when you can start approaching galleries again, you will have the ammunition you need to be successful.
  3. Network with other artists. Find other artists with whom you can communicate and/or meet on a regular basis. It's going to be important during this downturn to keep the creative juices flowing. Being an artist can be a solitary profession, you need to surround yourself with other artists and help each other maintain a positive attitude. Nothing does that better than talking to other artists about their work and inviting them to your studio to discuss yours. You are not alone in this.
  4. Curate yourself. Use this time to submit your work (and any other curatorial ideas) to non profit exhibition spaces, such as small museums and college and university galleries. These places are not as concerned with long term relationships or sales. Since many may find their budgets cut, they may welcome a suggestion for an exhibition that is already pre-packaged and ready to go. Use whatever distance you are willing to drive as your geographical radius and submit proposals to everyone within striking distance.
  5. Make time for you. We are all under a tremendous amount of stress in this uncertain economic climate. The world seems chaotic right now. Familial and financial responsibilities can appear overwhelming. Remember, it is your art that centers you and defines who you are as a person. We will all get through this, continue to make the best possible art you can make and you will survive.

One World, One Heart

Comments are now closed!!! Winner announcement soon!

I am participating in the One World - One Heart Giveaway Event. One week in which people from around the world visit each others blogs for a chance to get to know each other and win a little something.

From Monday January 19th until February 12th


In order for you to sign up for a chance to win the figurine, please leave a comment on THIS post. I would love it if you took a moment and looked around and left comments on other posts but understand if you don't have time now...please stop by again!






If you would like to participate in the One World ~ One Heart event or to find out more visit Lisa's blog http://oneworldoneheart.typepad.com/
Comments are now closed!!! Winner announcement soon!





Thursday, January 15, 2009

True Friendship

Yesterday I posted a quote on friendship, today, I saw this video, a must see for all who believe in friendship, no matter what, or who you are.


Watch CBS Videos Online

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Elegance By Mode

"You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you."
Dale Carnegie

My Plug today goes to a wonderful new artist I found on Pluggers United!
(A great group of Artists, to friends and help promote each other,
click on Pluggers link to join us!)



Elegance By Mode




"I am a mom of 2 beautiful girls. I have a wonderful, supportive husband. I love to design and make jewelry. Everything you see is made by me. Each bracelet and watch band is hand woven and takes about 3 hours to make. I started doing jewelry for myself and my daughter. I had other people request that I make them something so I started do it for family and friends.

I am a substitute teacher with at my daughters school. I love my job and the kids like to see my work.

I like to do custom work. Just convo me and let me know what colors you would like and the size needed and I will see about doing it.



Check out her blog. www.elegancebymode.blogspot.com.

Click here to view this item

Monday, January 12, 2009

Monday Ramblings...

"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer."
Albert Camus (1913 - 1960)

I would like to thank everyone for their kind comments on my paintings, maybe someday I will be able to show and sell them, in the meantime, I will keep working on them. I have neglected my sculpting lately also. January is clean the studio time. ugh, hate doing it, but it needs to get done.

I hate January, the month is long, and it is so sad. The Christmas decorations have to come down, be packed up and put away until another year. The house gets a thorough cleaning and everything looks so empty without the trees and decorations. It is cloudy cool and dreary looking out today also. Which doesn't help. It looks like January, with palm trees.You can tell I have not lived in Florida my whole life. I remember those cold frozen in winters of childhood. The snow would be up to the window sills and sometimes above. The ice, the lack of sunlight for months. When it did come out, the ice would glitter and glisten like a winter fairyland, then it would suddenly turn into mush, all brown and messy.
I guess Florida is better than that! So it is cool, a mere 65, and not sunny, my powder puff plant is in bloom, so is the bougainvillea.The smell of Orange blossoms is in the air. The Brugmansia trees are open in a all of their glory, a stunning sight to see. The yard needs mowing, the live oak leaves are being pushed out, not quite swimming weather, (unless you are a Siberian Husky) all in all, January is not so bad.


Brugmansia

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Critique Needed!

Ok, I am putting myself out there. I have been sculpting for many years, over 15, but I am a closet painter. I do not show my paintings to anyone unless they have come in the house and see them hanging on a wall.
I want honest critiques, are these good enough to sell?
Prints, Aceo's, Notecards, would there be any interest in any of these styles of artwork?

I am leaving the comments open for this, you can comment anonymously, so no feelings hurt...
Please . please , please be honest here, I work alone and have no feedback from any other artists, just family.

Click on Picture for larger view!


Snowy Egret
Gouache 24"x48"

Camelot Macaw in the forest
Gouache 36" x48"

unfinished acrylic 16" x 20"

Pretty Pictures

Pretty Florida Birds .....

Great Blue Heron


Snowy Egret

Black Crowned Night Heron

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Mana Moon Studios

Be sure to visit a wonderful friend's blog for a chance to win an original Woven Wire Beaded Bracelet! Her jewelry work is beautiful! Also visit her Etsy store if you are looking for custom designed logos or business cards. She designed my graphic logo for my sites!



Tuesday, January 6, 2009

A story

A Violinist in the Metro

A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the

violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for

about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was

calculated that thousand of people went through the station, most of them

on their way to work.

Three minutes went by and a middle aged man noticed there was musician

playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then

hurried up to meet his schedule.

A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman

threw the money in the till and without stopping continued to walk.


A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him,

but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was

late for work.

The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy.


His mother

tagged him along, hurried but the kid stopped to look at the violinist.

Finally the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk turning

his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other

children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.


In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed

for a while. About 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal

pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over,

no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.


No one knew this but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the best

musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever

written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars.

Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a

theater in Boston and the seats average $100.

This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station

was organized by the Washington Post as part of an social experiment

about perception, taste and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a

commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty?

Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected

context?

One of the possible conclusions from this experience could be:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best

musicians in the world playing the best music ever written, how many

other things are we missing?

Monday, January 5, 2009

Living the Florida Lifestyle


On our last couple of days of vacation, we decided to go boating, we have a boat kind of like a small camper, it has a bed, a potty place, and a refrigerator, what more does one need? We belong to a boating club, so on the lovely day of January 1st, we enjoyed going out for a couple of nights with the dogs. It was a beautiful couple of days, highs in the low 80's, cool nights in the 50s. We stayed at an RV/ marina on Kissimmee River, there were a lot of cows around, saw a couple of gators, loads of wild birds including wood storks, herons, ibis and hawks.
We walked the doggies alot, all in all, a wonderful way to spend the new year, and living the warmer life! For more pictures, see my other blog Magical Tails.