Another Juried show

OK - I don't usually toot my own horn, but I am so psyched to have gotten ino this show. I was picked for one of 65 works from 165 submissions in the Regional Art Show at the Rome Art and Community center in Rome, NY.

I know - Italy would have been more impressive, but hey maybe another time :)

For information on the Rome Art and Community Center show visit:

http://www.romeart.org/exhibits.html

Shown is the piece that I submitted.

VAST Christmas in July!

ETSY VAST Team (Visual Artist Street Team) will be having their Christmas in July sale starting July 15 and running through July 25. Members are encouraged to mark a couple of original paintings on sale. We will be posting our sale items on the VAST blog starting on July 15: http://vastgallery.blogspot.com/

I have created a Christmas in July sale section in my shop here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5381568&section_id=5528741

I always try to do my Christmas shopping early - here is a way to start yours. I have bins of stuff I have picked up for great sale prices already this year for gifts. Some are earmarked for a special someone - others are for an unexpected gift need. All were purchased for at least 50% off. I am such a sale hound.

The picture shown is part of a set of 4 color studies that are almost abstract in subject. The set is on sale for Christmas in July!

Remember the 70's

When I was a budding young artist in the 70's, I used to sketch Rock and Roll singers and other celebrities. I was pretty darn good at it too ;) I saved some of the sketches and yesterday I scanned a few in to paint shop pro. I darkened the pencil lines and colorized the pic and this is the results.

Peter Frampton, Cat Stevens, Mick Jagger.

This is how they looked at the time, of course. Cat was pretty cute as I recall. What do you think - should I do more?

These are for sale in my etsy shop here: http://artbylmr.etsy.com/

Art on a plate cookbook!

I am a proud contributor to Art on a Plate, The ACEO cookbook 2008. Info coming soon about how to order. The book is ready and waiting the big announcement.

I got in a great juried show!

Just a short post to say that I got into the Munson Williams Proctor art festival's sidewalk art show. This is a juried show that really limits the entries since they get so many applicants. I am so excited. If you look 2 posts down you will see the hot air balloon painting that got in. I have a few paintings that I am really proud of so I am trying for several shows this summer. This one draws a lot of people and is especially fun!

For more information check this out!
http://mwpai.org/festival/
If you are in the area, it is a nice way to spend some time.

Keep on Rockin'

Rough couple of weeks

It has been a rough couple of weeks. My mother-in-law died a little over a week ago. She was surrounded by her husband, all her children and some grandchildren - just the way she wanted it. It was difficult seeing her decline by the day/hour. In the end we were on 24 hour watch, taking shifts at night.

She had 5 boys and 1 girl. I am married to her baby boy. She treated each of her daughter-in-laws as if we were her own daughters. I was very lucky! All her kids are still quite close and she should be very proud of how she raised her family. I will remember all the things she taught me - especially cooking tips.

Now life is back to 'normal'. I guess I am still in a bit of a dark mood so I did this ACEO (2.5 x 3.5). Crows were 'hot' at one time - I suspect that I missed the boat though.

It is for sale in my Etsy shop here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12663503

It is done!

Here is the finished balloon painting! I promised I would post when it was done. I am so pleased with how it came out. If you check 2 posts down you can see an 'in progress' version of the painting.

It is for sale on Etsy here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11602193