Happy New Year

Wishing you a wonderful 2014!

Featured Artist: Monika Forsberg

I met Monika Forsberg in the Make Art That Sells class that just completed.
From the very first assignment I fell truly in love with her work.
There is a wonderful naivity/sophistication that feels so honest and
beautiful. I know she just loves to draw, does it all the time and comes
up with some gorgeous, colorful and quirky work on a daily basis. I can't
wait to see what comes next for her.
Visit her website here.
I had trouble choosing which ones to feature..They are all so appealing!

Spades, April Paint Challenge Day 16

I made it past the 1/2 way point. Yes. The most difficult
part of this challenge for me (besides finding the time to
paint a painting everyday, besides my ordinary work) is
choosing the subject matter. There is such a vast amount
of things that it becomes overwhelming. Today I just stuck
my hand deep into the "junk" drawer and picked the first
first thing I could find. This painting became a lesson in
looking very carefully. I did it by eye, no measurements,
so it's a bit goofy in places, but I like that.

Silverware April Challenge Day 14

I'll admit that I'm getting tired of having to make a
new painting each day..Sometimes I just have so
many other things going on, even other art projects,
that I am feeling forced to do this. But I promised
myself so here it is. This one reflects the boredom
a bit I think. This is a good way to overcome a block
though... Just do it, find something to paint and go.

Teacup on Shelf Painting Challenge Day 11

I'm still slow because of my migraine but it's not so bad that I'm
incapacitated, luckily. I chose to paint the stuff sitting on the shelf
above my desk. I couldn't make a bigger decision that that as far
as subject matter.But just sitting still and painting made me feel a bit
better.The random things are a big fancy antique mirror I had picked
up at a flea market, some blocks painted like houses that I got from
my Mom when they downsized to a smaller apartment, I'm always
picking up rocks that I like the shape of, a little espresso cup I picked
up in Paris once, a sea dollar I got in Vancouver on a beach I think..
when we were visiting a good friend.
The little wooden bowl is made in Kenya, I picked that up at
a fundraiser to help build a school in a small village. Oh and the can
is from Japan. It had dried seaweed in it but the can was worthy of
keeping. I'm always trying to clean up and minimalize but I see I keep
a lot of little things that have good memories.

Things on my Desk

I keep way too much stuff on my desk, Here is a
very, very small sampling.
Stamps
Tape
Pen
Eraser
My mug of herbal tea (since I can't drink caffeine anymore)
Loose change
A bottle of Yes We Can Obama Hot Sauce from the 2008 election
My iPhone which is always at my side