Below is the second in my Portraits series.  If you remember, I began this series in the fall with this post.  I will be continuing this series on my usual, but comparatively smaller format  (30 x 25"), just so I don't run into storage issues.  I'd like to keep these on the stretcher and exhibit them eventually. 

This piece is of the Black Locust - I'm really enjoying the positive and negative space created here...I was hoping to capture the rhythm of the tree.

Today is the last day of my 100 Studies sale!  10% off all works on paper in my shop - have a look :)

This piece marks an introduction to a different process for me - I have started incorporating ink transfers into my works on canvas. I gather photos that I have taken while outdoors and blow them up or otherwise manipulate them in photoshop, print them out on our inkjet, and I am ready to transfer!  It's the safest, least toxic way that I know of to do a transfer, and the results are somewhat unpredictable, but I like that aspect.  It's been the biggest change up in my process over the last year - the introduction of chance and an easing up on the reins.

100 studies on paper, that is!  Last year I took up the habit of creating small works on paper to explore ideas quickly and without much commitment.  I've hit 100 in slightly under a year...and it's been very enjoyable, I have to say.  Just below is #100.  To celebrate this milestone, I am offering 10% off all works on paper in my shop from today through February 10th!

A quick mention for Jim Brooks Gallery, which will have an opening reception for the exhibition "Reflections: Homage to Dunkard Creek".  It's a collaborative exhibit that you shouldn't miss if you are in the area!

“I felt as though as an artist, I wasn’t able to participate in the
conversation about what went wrong in Dunkard Creek,” said Ann
Payne, organizer of the exhibit. “I’m not a scientist, and I’m not
a politician, and I’m not an energy company representative. But I am a resident
who cares deeply about how we as a society treat the natural world.”

More info: http://fineartsfsu.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/reflections-homage-to-dunkard-creek-to-open-feb-19-in-brooks-gallery-wallman-hall/

I like to begin the new year with planning, organizing and cleaning (much to my husband's dismay, I have to add!).  This year I have started with the office.  We recently purchased a new glass top desk and a bookcase to store all of our mailing/promotional/office items along with our art books/resources.  The thing is, my taste in home decor runs toward a minimal sort of look, but that doesn't translate very well when all the random-but-will-be-useful-someday stuff I have squirreled away overflows onto every surface in the house! 

I have been working on keeping things organized and finding homes for odd, miscellaneous things that crop up.  I have purchased large and small boxes for different thingamajigs.  At least now when Derek asks for a stamp or envelope, I know exactly where to go!  Kind of sad that it has taken me this long to get semi-organized, but there you have it...

Too bad I don't have a before picture (I would be too embarrassed, anyway) but here is the current state of our little office. 

Above is my kitten Yuki, snuggling in our other office chair that we keep tucked in the corner, getting it nice and hairy.  The chair is handy to have and we like the kitten too :)  I haven't mentioned adopting her yet, after what happened with Louis (our kitten who passed away earlier this year).  My mom convinced me to adopt another kitten and we are glad we did.  She's been wonderful. 

The office still needs some work - especially a coat of paint (I'm considering a light grey?).  Now I have to decide which room to tackle next!

It's been frigid today, and we have had some ice accumulation.  It's been a good day to stay inside and prepare some soup (and I do recommend this recipe, with the addition of some red pepper flakes!).  Next, I think I will log some time in the studio and see what I can get into...Happy Weekend, everyone!