Saturday, June 21 (I think)

I got to man the store today while Pat visited with Kids in Portland (Happy Birthday Sara). Sara is our IT expert and Pat took the computer up for a little tweaking. I guess Alex (Pat's grandson) and Rudy (Shop Dog) got along famously, i.e., toddler drops food, dog eats food, dog follows toddler everywhere.

At the shop, there was a nice steady flow of visitors. Many were in hysterics at the comments made by the "Perfect Man" doll in the shop and I had some small visitors rolling on the floor with the resident "Tickle Me Elmo".

There was a great car show, parade and all sorts of events going on. Lots of fun things to do in the sleepy little town of Waldport. The weather didn't hold up, we had a few sunbreaks but it's drizzle this evening.

See you tomorrow, oh wait, I wanted to share one more picture with you. The Brown Pelicans were migrating through last week and I managed to snag this shot. Is this cool or what? Tomorrow I'll start talking about our Vendors, our foundation and our favorite people.

Karen

Bobcat

I just found this piece under some other stuff. I started it in November and never finished. He's finished now, he he.

Karen

Black and Tan Pomeranian

This is part of a duo I'm working on. This one, fortunately gave me no issues and came out very nice. My other one has been dubbed a Grizzly Bear and I am having trouble convincing anyone it's really a pomeranian, so, it's gone to the fire pit and I'm re-doing the whole pic.

This was a private commission. I felt so bad about the Grizzly Bear that I gave her free framing, and I'm still going to do a do-over. Client satisfaction is extremely important, and she works for the newspaper. Don't want to get on the wrong side of the newspaper in a small town like this one.

8x10 Black Ampersand Scratchbord.

My Prince

A 5x7. I saw the photo and saw the potential of a great expression. I was mulling over what to name him if he turned out and voila, a wisecrack was made that named him. I guess I'm committed (or should be now). I'm having to do an almost pointillism effect to get the bumps and smooth areas in and I'm liking him in black and white, I may not color him.

He makes me laugh.

Karen

Zen

she's done. 18x24

nfs...commission

Shows, Shows and More Shows and a Wip

Summer is over and the farmer's markets with them. I cannot say that they were very profitable, but they were interesting. However, I have upcoming shows:

Sept 28 and 29...Coastal Artisans, D'Lake School Lincoln City (Juried)

Oct 6 and 7...Pleine Air Festival, Taft District, Lincoln City

Oct 11-14...Eugene Home Show! (Juried)

Nov 2 and 3, Crafts on the Coast (Juried)

Dec 1 and 2, Elks Christmas

Dec 11 and 12, Old Geezers (Juried)

I'm actually picking up a little work and framing jobs to the tune of about one a week. Just did some business cards for someone.

I have two commissions to finish and am going to post a pastel I've been playing with.

Gypsy Vanner

Created for a friend who does a lot of travelling. It's an ACEO size, but done on the 5x7 ampersand board. I'll try to get a better scan of it later.

A Day at the Renaissance Festival

I have other work to finish, but had to slip this one in last night. I went to the Renaissance Festival yesterday. I haven't been to one in a couple of years. It was wonderful! Lots of wonderful knights on horseback, snorting destriers, ladies in velvets and silks, an absolutely wonderful day! I took quite a few pictures but this knight was soooo handsome, and of course, he was on a black gelding with his silver armor. What more could you ask for.

This piece is for sale, I'm taking it down to be framed shortly.

Karen

Peacock-Selling the Drama

I did this one at the Farmer's Market today. I then went and matted it. The mat is not crooked, just my photography. Anyway, it's on silver scratchboard. There's a company going out of business (etalcraft.com) that creates metalic paper...wonderful stuff...I'm going to go back and buy more tomorrow. Anyway, I used a bright gold metal paper, and then all the peacock colors I could find...I may add even more gold, this is so pretty!

I've to find a 12 x12 frame now. Not sure if I want something ornate or simple.

Thanks for looking,

Karen

Polar Bears

An artgroup I'm on has a monthly challenge...this month it was polar bears. Here's my offering.

Karen

Larry Done

His eyebrows were not on the same line, and the ear phones were so vague that I had to make them up. I'm calling it done.

Karen

Update: Larry finally saw it and it goes up on the web this weekend, he found it...."unique".

lol

Karen

Charlie, ACD

I was contacted by someone that remembered me. She wanted to know if I could do a portrait for ACD rescue. I said no, and then promptly went out and did one, and it will be in the calendar (I hope). Anyway, he was picked up, found to be full of bbs, and in shot, and is now in his forever home learning to be a therapy dog. I met the other therapy dog these people had and she was wonderful. I would say he has some pretty big paws to fill but, from what I've heard, he's doing it effortlessly and lovingly in spite of a not so good beginning.

The thing I love about this particular breed is that they always look like they got a spare part off of another dog. Derby, another ACD I knew, was a red but had a black and white spotted tail. Charlie is a beautiful spotted silvery color, with what looks like solid black ears (probably borrowed from a German Shepherd, just kidding). I had several shots of him, most of them when he looked very serious, but this one, although I'm not overjoyed with drawing tongues, had the most beautiful expression of happiness and I sincerely hope I captured it. I think I did.

Karen

Springer Puppy

I met her at the Farmer's Market two weeks ago. She was only 12 weeks at the time. 5x7 Black Claybord Scratchboard, the eyes have been colored with watercolors and the highlights re-scratched.

Yes it is for sale.

Karen

White Flowers

Done with a simple tool merely called a Plastic Stylus...looks like a big needle in a plastic holder. I then used my Derwent Inktense Colored Pencils...love those cps. Only a 5x7 but this one is a favorite of mine and I cannot quit looking at it.

It is for sale, and I also have prints and cards available.

I have to go work on a framing job. Not even open yet and the jobs are starting to wander in. I'm so excited.

Karen

Kitten Behind Bars

Kitten Behind Bars
Here's the next in the series. This one is 8x10. This is the actual donation to the Humane Society. I used crosshatching for the bars and then re-painted them so that they're there, but not upstaging the lovely green eyes.Karen

Humane Society Kitty

This is the first in a series. The second one just needs some finishing work and it will be going to it's new home at the Humane Society. This one is living with me for the time being.

I did two new and different things with this one. First of all, I got the Derwent Inktense pencils. If you know me, you know that colored pencils and I do not get along. So, when I tried to work with these on regular paper, I came up with the usual mess. However, I got them to see if they'd work with my scratchboard because I prefer ink or watercolors if I'm going to color. Well, all I can say is it worked very well. I also ordered this new tool called simply a plastic stylus...well, if that isn't a gem of a tool too.

I'm going to be posting quite a few more pieces in the next few days. I've managed to gather them all in one spot.

I'm opening a matting and framing store. So from now on, all my pieces will be matted and usually framed, and I'll be producing prints. Those too, shall be matted. All pieces from now on will be specified whether they are for sale or not. Please inquire if interested.

He is for sale. Size of original is 5x7 inches. Framed in a black frame with a black suede mat. Total size of frame is 8x10.

Karen

Belly Dancer

A once in a lifetime photograph. The shutter clicked at just the right moment. There was no photoshopping this one, it just was. It's rather amazing since she was dancing in front of a bunch of musical instruments (drum, cymbals, microphone etc) in a garage. I'm entering it in the local fair on Monday.

Karen

Farmer's Market Kitten

The local Humane Society set up next to me this weekend. I was very fortunate, I came home with great photos instead of a dozen kittens and two dogs. I thought I'd get him done tonight, but it's not going to happen. It will be colored.

Karen

Zack

I first met Zack a couple of weeks ago at the local farmer's Market. He's one awesome violinist with a sparkling personality. I'm trying to get this one done for the local fair. Brave me, I've never done teeth, or fingers. Hopefully I can fix these.

The Golden Hind

Here is another aceo.