Showing posts with label Palestine TX. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Palestine TX. Show all posts

Saturday, January 1, 2022

On The Artist's Doorstep #5: New Year Musings

 "Winter reminds us that everyone and everything needs some quiet time." -Katrina Mayer

Last year's surprise snow

This past Fall was a busy season for me - between Art Walks, commissions, painting ornaments and holidays I feel wrung dry of creativity. I find myself craving quiet time, time to sit in front of a fire (if only it would get cold enough here in Texas!), time to gather some inspiration, time to rest. 

commissions and ornaments


With warmer than normal temperatures, it has been hard to just relax. I need the cold weather so I want to snuggle in, read, and dream about this new year. I know I need the time to rejuvenate and find inspiration. To that end, I've decided to take up the challenge, David Tripp (click on his name to see his art - his watercolors are beautiful), friend and owner of the Gallery at the Redlands, gave - to do a sketch a day for the whole year. It will motivate me to draw. Furthermore, I received a new sketchbook for Christmas so I am set to go! I spent the afternoon in the studio creating my first sketch.

First sketch of the year


And thankfully the weather is cooperating - this evening temperatures are supposed to drop dramatically - bringing us highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s. The fireplace is ready and I am too! 


Friday, August 27, 2021

On The Artist's Doorstep #3: Art Walk and Cleaning the Studio

This Summer, the Arts Council in Palestine TX, decided to start Art Walks as a way to showcase local artists and businesses, bringing people into the downtown. Several businesses signed up to host an artist. But before I start, I want to let you know I have exciting news to share at the end. It's going to be a game changer for my art! 

Are you ready to read about Art Walk? Ok, let's get started!


I got the wonderful spot of the Co-Ed Shop on Main Street. The proprietor had me set up near the front door.

My checkout stand/painting table set up with
small table off to the side

This is the perfect spot! The front windows give perfect light to see the art and also for me to paint by. Plus there's a display case across from it where I can set some of my artwork.
Flamingos on the display case

Set up to paint on my checkout stand

The front side of my checkout stand

Small table set up with paintings and cards 
for sale

People came in steadily late morning through early afternoon. They were excited to see all the artists throughout downtown.

They got to see me painting live. So much fun interacting with people, hearing comments, and getting feedback on what their favorites were.
One of the paintings I finished 

Since I finished the unicorn painting before Art Walk ended, I started a new  painting. I already had it sketched out on the canvas ready to go. I started by putting in the background.

Here's a closeup of the picnic basket on the back of the bicycle. I really like the way the details are starting to pop!

Here's all of the fun paintings I did last week for Art Walk. I wanted some summer themed paintings. These were so much fun to paint!

I had a blast! Best of all, the Council has decided to continue to offer Art Walk each month. Woohoo!
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As you can imagine, my studio was quite the wreck afterwards. I had boxes and supplies piled over by the door - I was too tired to put things away. Not to mention all the paint, drawings, and other supplies all over my work tables. I'll spare you a picture of that clutter!

I took Monday off and went to eat lunch with a friend, but Tuesday I started cleaning the studio. 
Ahhhh, much better! The boxes are put away!

Work tables are getting cleared off and cleaned of paint marks.

Buddy thinks it's a good place to nap! Herbie
his brother, sleeps in the back. I don't have a
picture of that area because it's for storage and
not pretty. 

Getting there! The floor is vacuumed, stuff is being put in its 
proper place.

The other side...it's been rearranged and cleaned too. The chair
with the leopard print blanket is Flynn the cat's spot. He usually
sleeps under it on his cushion but occasionally, he likes to sit on
top.

I'm now gathering ideas for Fall/Holiday paintings. Plus, I'm working on making cards from the flamingo paintings. I'll have prints made also. 

I hope you enjoyed seeing my setup for ArtWalk (I tweak it each time - before long I will have it down to a science) and getting a glimpse of my studio. Things at the farm are rather slow right now as the heat goes up but I intend to share how we redid our fireplace a couple of years ago. It really changed the whole look of the room! See you then!

Now for my exciting news!!! I'm working on setting up a Square store so people can easily order. I compared it to Etsy and decided this was the better option for me. Plus, it's letting me put my website with it so it should all work better. I hope to have it up and running in the next month. I'm super excited about it. 

Cecilia

Friday, August 13, 2021

On The Artist's Doorstep #2

Our town started ArtWalks this summer and next Friday is the last summer one. I've had the privilege of being in the same spot each time - The Co-Ed Shop on Main Street. The owner and staff are super nice. They have made me feel so welcomed. 

watercolor flamingo


Anyway, I'm working on some fun pieces to offer for sale for this event - whimsical art. I'll still have my blank greeting cards for sale plus a few of my oil paintings but I wanted to offer something different this time. I was inspired by the last two themes of the Artist Trading Cards group I belong to - Cool Cats and Flamingos.


First of all, I started working on some flamingo paintings. I attempted a watercolor painting but had some issues with it. Although it's good practice, I decided acrylics were the way to go on these. First of all, I painted the backgrounds. Then I added the images I had sketched out.
The beginning of two flamingo paintings

About half way done

I'm making progress on them! Aren't they so cute? I'll do some different poses too. So much fun!

I will also do a couple of cats as well. One will be similar to my "Diva" cat.



Another one, will be like my "Hungry" cat image. Both of these were for Artist Trading Card (ATC) exchange "Cool Cats". 


I love doing whimsical art! The ATCs are simple but give me lots of ideas plus are a springboard for more detailed art. 

I hope you enjoyed seeing some of my works in progress and inspiration pieces. It's going to be a busy week getting ready for the Art Walk. If you happen to be in Palestine, TX on the 21st, come on downtown and see all the artists! I'll be at the Co-Ed Shop on Main St. painting live!

See you next week!
Cecilia

Springtime Projects 3: Have A Seat!

It might still be Spring, but here in Texas, things are starting to heat up and feel like Summer. I knew I needed to get the last of my Spri...