I WANT THIS OUTFIT .......via StylePantry.com

via StylePantry.com

On Friday, we left Los Angeles early to beat traffic for our road trip. Four hours driving with three kids who kept asking, “are we there yet, are we there yet?” definitely wasn’t kosher.
We stopped half way for a bathroom break, to stretch and grab a bite to eat. We let the kids run around until they got tired again before continuing on the road. It worked. Well, sort of..
This was my comfy road trip gear. Free People crochet beanie (similar hat here), military shirt is from Zara, but a season or two old (found something similar here) Marc Jacob sunnies (similar pair here).
Black skinnies are from Urban Outfitters – Can be purchased here. Vintage cowboy boots – They come in two different shades of brown can be purchased here. Onna Ehrlich Rachel bag. Enjoy…xx

My 100th post is ...Dedicated to Arthur Tyrone Douglas !!! "Daddy"

OK, here goes .......I have waited over a year to post this painting. Every time I tried to write this post I would start crying or I would have to stop.... It is the the most sentimental painting that I have ever done! It is one of my favorite pieces. Every time I look at it I smile and tear up at the same time ...

About a year ago I lost my father "Mr. Arthur Tyrone Douglas". It's still hard to talk about him even now..it doesn't really seem like he's gone. My dad was the type of man that never got sick. In fact, I cant even remember him ever calling out of work while I was younger. He had this great sense of humor ( I guess that's where my younger sister gets it from) He would always be joking around with us and anyone he knew. For Example he would say put your ugly daddy on the phone when calling my uncle (lol) But after retiring he started to get sick. He was diagnosed with pulmonary disease and started having lots of problems breathing and was put on oxygen. It happened so fast ..... a trip to the ER then all of a sudden talk about hospice..

Even in his last few day he just didn't seem sick at all, he would talk and joke all day with visitors that would come in see him in ICU...so much that we would have to tell him to calm down and not talk as much because of the breathing machine that he was still on.. We never thought that we would lose him so soon ...even when the doctor gave the new we were still in shock because he seem so happy, he seemed fine ! He was just having some problems breathing...

During that last week I'm glad that I got a chance to talk to him, joke with him, kiss him hug him tell him that I loved him. I'm glad that my girls got a chance to see him and hug him and tell him that they loved him...Some people don't get that. I remember the night before he died me and my twin sister and brother were there to see him and he was telling about what music her had on his mp3 player he was asking about the grand kids and he was himself ...not out of it not drugged up but he was just my dad !!!!  And ..... I love him and miss him so much !!!!

After he died my mom redecorated her den ( well she turned my old room into a den ) and asked me to paint her something for the new room. I wanted to do something for him. This is what I came up with. The name of the painting "Vintage Parents "

I used one of Kelly Rae Roberts technique's. I used sewing pattern papers on the bottom of the painting. The dots along the sides of the painting are from her grand kids ( Atiana and Saniya dipped their finger in the paint and made them) I thought that was cool that they were apart of the painting process. The picture on the right side of the painting is an old school pic of my mom and dad! I absolutely LOVE, LOVE LOVE, this painting.

My new Celebrity Crush ..... Elle Varner

Elle Shellise Varner (born February 12, 1985) is an American recording artist and musician. She was raised in Los Angeles, California by her mother and father who both happen to be songwriters and publishers. At age six she began to play musical instruments, beginning with the flute, and later piano and guitar. She attended many music programs including Amazing Grace Conservatory and The Hamilton Academy of Music's Vocal Jazz Group. In 2008 Varner graduated from NYU's renowned Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music. In October 2009 she signed with MBK/J-RCA Records along with a co-publishing agreement with Sony Music.^[2] Her debut single "Only Wanna Give It to You" features J. Cole and was released August 16, 2011. The song serves as the lead single off her upcoming album Perfectly Imperfect.

Biography

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Elle Shellise Varner was born in Los Angeles, California on February 12, 1989 at 8:59am Mikelyn Roderick and Jimmy Varner. Her parents were both published songwriters, she spent most of her childhood sleeping on studio couches, running around green rooms, and watching her parents struggle to make a name in the industry. Mikelyn Roderick is Cape Verdean and Jimmy Varner is French, African American, Indian, Dutch, and Irish. When Elle was seven years old she suffered a fall down the back steps of a popular church called Jesus Christ Ministries and had to be air lifted to The Childrens Hospital, there Elle was treated for a broken arm and minor injuries to the spine. Elle had to withstand four months of physical therapy for her broken arm. But with music running through her veins, Elle was singing as soon as she could speak, playing the flute at 6 and the piano at 9. But it wasn't until her attendance at AGC (Amazing Grace Conservatory) that her ear for harmony, melody and complex rhythm truly developed. ^[3]
At age 16, Elle picked up the bat for the first time. Frustrated that she wasn't instantly as good as Hendrix, she dropped the guitar and became a part of The Hamilton Academy of Music's Vocal Jazz Group. Once there, she learned about the complexity of the voice, jazz music and talented jazz artists like Ella Fitzgerald. Elle was surprised to discover that she had been chosen to be a part of The Grammy in the Schools Mentoring Program. Through this program she was taken weekly to the Fox Studio, where she met with mentor Kelly Burgos, and President of Fox Music, Robert Kraft.^[3] Soon after, Elle hesitantly applied to NYU with her C average and was surprisingly accepted. Not only did she get in, but also she was admitted into the second class of the Clive Davis Program of Recorded Music. Upon graduating, she was awarded "most likely to get signed" and "most likely to win a Grammy." Four years later she finds herself a well-rounded and cultured singer-songwriter.^[3]

 WHY IS SHE MY CELEBRITY CRUSH.....

 I just love her style. The big curly hair, the funky bright clothes it's just something about her that I really feelin'. I saw her video a few times and thought that it was a really cool song. I'll post the video below. Then...I saw her give a interview on 106 & Park and she was just so down to earth...she just seemed very humble and really excited to be there. I don't why but she reminds me alot of myself. What do you guys think ???

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes!

With Winter right around the corner thought I would share this video.I found her video on You Tube her channel is called " Wendylookbook". I love to wear scarfs, what a cool way to wear them!!! Hope this is useful to you guys!

Tank - I Can't Make You Love Me [Official Music Video]

This is a Re-make of an old school song. I love the video, it's so sweet. I listen to it all day today literally.  It's becoming one of my favorite videos at the moment. Love, Love the words. This classic never gets old.  Doesn't it just make you want to cry (tear,tear) LOL!  Lyrics are below :



I Can't Make You Love Me"

Turn down the lights
Turn down the bed
Turn down these voices
Inside my head
Lay down with me
Tell me no lies
Just hold me close
Don't patronize
Don't patronize

'Cause I can't make you love me
If you don't
You can't make your heart feel
Something it won't
Here in the dark
In this final hour
I will lay down my heart
And feel the power if you want
No you won't

I'll close my eyes
Then I won't see
The love you don't feel
When you're holding me
Mornin' will come
And I'll do what's right
Just give me till then
To give up this fight
And I will give up this fight

'Cause I can't make you love me
If you don't
You can't make your heart feel
Somethin it won't
Here in the dark
In these final hours
I will lay down my heart
And feel the power if you want
No you won't

'Cause I can't make you love me
No
If you don't
Say you ain't gotta love
You ain't gotta love
You ain't gotta love it
I can't just make you love me
I can't
I can't
I can't
I can't

I tried my best
But you put my heart through the test
I can't make you love me
I tried
I tried to get through to you girl
Can't you see that I'm crying out to you girl
I can't make you love me, OH
If you don't

My art Story featured on "dowhatyouloveforlife.com"

Trena Darby 

Doing what I love means living a creative life, like I’ve always wanted to. Growing up I always pictured myself doing something artistic, but never really knew what. I loved to draw and color. I remember drawing these big-headed girls with long dresses in the cover of every book I could find – including every copy of my Mom’s encyclopaedia (sorry Mom!).
After High School I worked. I felt like there was no reason to go to college as I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. In retrospect this seems silly.  I wanted to go to Art School but I didn’t want to move too far from home, My family was important to me and for some reason thought even if I got an Art Degree I would have no real use for it.  I did dream of having a job at Disney or working for some kind of cool comic book company, where I would spend most of my days coloring and drawing. I didn’t know whether that kind of job actually existed but that didn’t stop me from daydreaming about it.

Then Life got in the way, and after marriage and two children I found myself searching for what I really wanted to do in my career.  It wasn’t until I stumbled on Kelly Rae Roberts’ blog, and read her story, that I became really excited and inspired to do this ‘Art Thang’.  Kelly Rae talked about her creative career, her creative business, her book, her licensing deals and how she supporting herself by doing what she loved to do! That was exactly what I wanted to do and that is exactly what I did.
Being a self-taught artist, there was a lot that I had to learn – and I’m still learning. I did research, checked out other artists’ blogs, read their stories, took e-courses, and started painting. I had never painted. I had mainly just drawn and sketched, but since picking up that paintbrush two years ago I haven’t put it down. I love it. I stepped out on faith and started journaling what I’ve learned on my blog. I’m selling my art online and showing it to the public. I’m slowly reaching my goals to do this art full time.

Art has open parts of me that I never knew were there. I really have transformed into the Artist I hoped so hard to be. I have become more creative in my day-to-day life. From the way that I wear my hair to the way that I dress my whole thinking process has changed. I’m finally finding my style and I’m loving the person that I am becoming!
There are still challenges that I have to deal with, mostly within myself. The doubts, the fear, the rejections… I guess that just comes with the territory. I’m constantly researching and trying new ways to get my art seen by the masses. I also spend a lot of time working on it – painting late into the night, learning new techniques trying to make my art more cohesive. Along with being a wife and a mother, working part-time, taking care of other responsibilities and trying to build my creative business there’s not a lot of downtime. Sometimes I have to tell myself “Self, is this really something that you want to do?” The answer is always yes.  I know that it takes hard work and determination.

With hindsight I wish that I did this years ago. I wish I could have told myself not to be afraid to dream. To dream big.  And to follow that dream.
My big dream now is to Inspire people, including my daughters, to live their dreams. I want my art to be seen by the world. I would love to have a licensing deal with a really cool company. To walk into a boutique or a store and see my artwork for sale. How amazing would it be to see my paintings transformed into home decor line? How proud would I feel to see a window display with my art inside? One day… And I would love to write a book and inspire like minded artists to live their dreams too.
[Images courtesy of Trena Darby]

School Daze!!!!

 

New art!! School Daze! This is the first in this series. Yes, I'm creating a series. I love this one. ( I know I say that about all my painting) but, this one really show my growth and I think that it really identifies my style. She is dedicated to my daughter she started school this year. She's lovin it. 

I actually painted this a few months ago. In fact, I haven't painted for about a month now. I know, I have been so busy with my other job lately and just hasn't had the time to get my paint on !! LOL ! I bought 2 new canvases last weekend with the goal to do some big art! Instead of painting I lounged on the couch most of the weekend and watched movies. Slacker  I know....

So, I guess this weekend will be late night painting, music, snacks and BIG ART !!!

Thankful......

I'm Thankful....

• For my so-called Life with all the ups and downs it brings 
• Best Friends " They know who they are"
• For a supportive Husband, that is willing to let me be myself, and love me with all my faults 
• For fellow art friends and fans 
• The drive that I have to continue to pursue this Art Thang!
• For working with friends instead of co-workers 
• 2 wonderful, and irreplaceable daughters they are the reason I strive the live my dreams 
• Sisters " they keep me grounded " 
• To have such a close and supportive Family ( cousins, aunts, uncles, and etc)
• For these hands that give birth to all these characters that you see!
• My followers all 38 of you! And for all the comments that you leave (see there are people that really read this stuff!!!)LOL!
• For my spirituality (JW) that's what makes me who I am ....
• Kelly Rae Roberts ..if I weren't for her and her blog I would have never thought that doing this art thing was worth it !!!!

I'm just thankful, thankful, thankful .......

My Strawberry Margaritas from Prior Post .....

So if you guys remember I posted a recipe for Strawberry Margarita a few months ago. I told you guys that I couldn't wait to try out the recipe well........I did and love them!!!!  Aren't they pretty! Like I said before I'm not much of a drinker...but the simple syrup with the lime was really good, I did make a few without the tequila ...I must admit I like those better.  This is a great Summer time Drink and the sugar and salt around the rim of the glass was a surprising treat. You guys have got to try this recipe !!!

My hair story is on Hairscapades!!!!

So if you haven't heard my Hair Story was posted on Hairscapades a few days ago. If your interested in my Hair Journey go there and take a look!!!

My wish list ......

Cool shoes right?! These are so me!!! A little vintage, a little funky, mixed with a little urban. My style wrap up into a shoe. The maker of theses shoes: Steve Madden. You can order them Here. I can see myself rocking these shoes in the summer, fall and winter!! A pair of those boyfriend jeans, a tight v-neck baby tee, cool looking belt, these boots and of course one of my art lockets, the perfect outfit!!!

This anthropology headband. I know, it doesn't look like much but, you have to try it on. It kinda has a vintage feel to it. It looked great when I tried it on in the store. The headband has these wires in it where you can adjust the bow! Its hard to explain. Picture one of those vintage ladies with the scarf tired around her head with a bow on top, something like that! It's super cute !!

OK, I'm a loving these beads.Can't wait to order one!!! Love that one of the guys behind this genius idea is a guy that we grew up with Big Shout Out "Dew" !!!! But, serious even if i didn't know the guys behind this  I think its just the coolest product!! ( Is coolest a word?) I'm really liking the one with the big leaf on it and love that the guys can wear them too! Me and hubby are thinking about getting a pair!! And he's not really into the jewelry thing !!!

Loving this dress.. The bright color the lace pattern sooo cute !!! I don't think I would wear those shoes but I would definitely wear that DRESS ! I even like her hair ...I could so pull this look off...LOL

So, these are just a few things on my wish list feel free to inbox if your feeling generous .....(hahahaa!)

New Art...See No Evil,Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil.....

New art....my take on the three little monkeys that we're so used to seeing. Love the colors in this piece. They aren't as bright as the others paintings. I kinda wanted the colors to be a little muted..I'm really happy with the way it turned out!

I used the hair over her eyes as "See No Evil....The headphones are used as Hear No Evil......And the tape over her mouth as Speak No Evil....I think that its a pretty kool looking piece. So Urban!!!

Interview with the sassy Clara "Shadow" Debnam

Artist Name: 

Clara Elizabeth Debnam, known to many as "Shadow" or Clara "Shadow" Debnam

Blog/Website:
www.claradebnam.com


Description of you art:

My previous work was a reflection of what I believed the world wanted to see, my current work is a reflection of what is best for me, my spirit...that inner man. And letting that from within lead and guide me. When I think about my work, my hope is that it is a depiction of life and not death. From the vibrate colors that I use, to the movement in the work as well as the movement brought forth in the creating process.

Places we can buy your Art:

www.claradebnam.com

James Huff's Gallery, Located downtown Winston Salem

When did you first realize that you wanted to do art?

At the art station in my Kindergarten classroom 

I would like to think that I came out the womb painting :)

How long have you been doing art?
Off and on since the age of 5

Were you formally trained ?
 I have taken several art classes over the course of my younger years (I say that like I'm old :)) But what I like to believe is that a true artist isn't made, their born.

What inspires you:

MUSIC, seeing other artist's work, my friends and family, 

Your favorite artist:

Lavon Williams, a wood carver out of Lexington Kentucky!!

Arts tool you cant live without:

Liquitex Heavy Body Paint, Robert Simmons paint brushes, and a high quality canvas and MUSIC

 Your Art goals:
To breathe life and love into the eyes that are blessed with the opportunity to view my work. To walk into any random person's home and find a piece of me there to share each and every moment with them.



Advice for other Artist: 
Accept criticism, find a mentor whose better than you...(as if anyone has the right to define what best is), realize early that painting is apart of your because you were BORN with it.  A quote to live by: "We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing.  Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generate action".

 

A Step Back ?

Well, I have been thinking alot about this art career, wondering what steps I needed to take next? What direction my art was taking? Did I want to continue to sell my online? Should I work on getting my art seen more locally? Should I work on making my art more cohesive, maybe work on a collection? Should I start to submit some of my art  and really get it out there to be seen? If, so what companies should I start with? Magazines, Card Companies, Gift Stores?

So, with much consideration I have decided to educate myself more about what I really want to do with my art. I have decided to paint more, learn better technique, develop some of my characters, learn how to use more color in my paintings. I want my art to better reflect me and my style and right now I'm still working on that. I want to become more prepared. I want there to be no doubt in mind that when I start to send out submission of my work that they aren't the best.

A step back to re-adjust thinking. A step back to re-evaluate my art technique. A step back to honestly look at my goals and re-write my list. A step back to really consider if Rebubble to the best place to showcase my artwork. A step back to prove to myself that my art is good enough.

Right now, I'm considering a new outlet for my artwork. I'm going to start a new creative e-course which will give me tips on how to grow my creative business. Invest in making my blog into a website, and try to learn as much as I can about painting and this creative business. 

So if any of you great people have any suggestions that you want to give me, I'm all ears!! Have any books or magazine you think I should invest in let me know. Have you taken a e-course that was mind blowing I want to hear about so leave me a comment below!!!!!

Strawberry Margaritas ?

I found this sweet summer treat on How Sweet It Is.  I'm not much of a drinker but this looks so good!

The recipes is super easy too! I cant wait to try it. Love the way that she put the drink in the in vintage mason jars so me !! Want to try it out,... hop over to the blog and check out the recipe or click the link above !!!!







The Ups and Downs of being a Artist ...

 As an a Artist it's always a joy for me to see other artist succeed in their own art career. To be honest sometimes I'm a little jealous. For example, Kelly Rae Roberts has just introduced a brand new art and home decor line with Creative Co-Op. You have got to check out her blog to see all the pictures of all the new products. While reading the post last week I felt excited and a little depressed. Excited for Kelly and happy  to know that art can displayed and made into such things as furniture and lamps but, depressed and fearful asking myself will that ever be me?

 A few weeks ago I submitted some artwork to be review for a Artist Reception but, was denied. The reason "even though we feel your art is cool, it wont be the best fit at this time"  This was a big blow for me. Sometimes when I'm denied I cant help but to fear those dreadful words " Am I good enough?" Then all that follows that : Maybe this art thang isn't going to go anywhere? Will I ever reach theses far fetch goals I set for myself ? Am I just fooling myself into thinking that I'm a Artist? 

To put your art out there to be judged is hard for anyone. It's really hard to be rejected. I know that I'm a new artist and there are things that I have yet to learn about this Art Thang. I  know that as a new emerging artist I'm not going to get everything that I apply for. I know that but, I'm still a little depressed about the whole thing. I just want a chance. A chance to show this world what I have to offer that's all. So, It's hard to hear " No, not at this time"

Don't get me wrong I am proud of myself for what I have accomplished. I have only been doing this a little over a year but I want to continue to push myself to do more. I'm always trying to find ways to get my work seen. It just hurts sometimes when there is a stumbling block put in the walk way.

So,...... after I get over this hump that I'm in....... I'll continue to sketch, paint, research companies and apply, apply, apply. I am determined to have this creative career that I've always wanted. I'll continued to email companies even if I never get a response, I'll also continue to buy books and read blog to give me  the encouragement I need to continue to be creative. I'll continue to strive to be who I am "ARTISTICALLY URBAN"   

New Art

So, this is my New Art. It was really a gift for me niece. She wanted me paint her something that she could hang in her room. The colors were hot pink and zebra so.....this is what I came up with. I think she's cute. I love her hair and the nude lips. If you didn't notice, I tried to do some highlighting in this painting. It was the first time I tried it.....I think it came out okay since this was the first time I didn't want to go overboard with it but, I'm happy with the way it turned out. This also one of the painting that was on display at the showing I had a few weeks ago.

This is another one of my new paintings. I  call it "Hollywood Glam". It was also on display at the art showing. I got alot of compliments on her. Love the boa and the circles around  her remind me of those old vintage mirrors! She is a gift for my older sister "The Boss". I hope both her and her daughter enjoy the paintings !

Sneak peek at First Art Showing

I am glad to announce that I had my first small Art Showing a few weeks ago! I had the pleasure of showing five of my painting at the Annual ArtNSoul Lyrical White Linen Event.This was their annual fund raiser and they we're supporting The Annual Got Your Backpack School Supply Drive and other endeavors. There was Open Mic so, there was all kinds of performers. Singers, Musicians,  a Mime Performance and some really, really talented Poets!!!  With the help of a few Veterans there at the Event I was able to make a few connections!  The event was Great !!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to all those behind the scenes that made this such a great event and thanks for allowing me to showcase my Art!! I also wanted to say thank to all the wonderful people that came out to support the event! This grown folks event was one that I look forward to attending again  in the future.

Me and My Assistant ( my Twin Sister) came early to setup.She is so supportive. My art was displayed around the stage. One of my favorite paintings was setup right behind the mic. That meant, that every picture taken of the performer that night had my artwork in the background. I thought that was pretty kool!

Since, this was a adult event, and most of my babysitters were out of town my hubby stayed at home with the kids.I reasoned with myself saying " It's not a big deal and I'm only showing a few of my paintings " But really  I was feeling a little nervous about the whole thing. I mean, It was OK for prefect strangers to see my work but, family.... they tend to be a little more honest and I just felt really excited and really nervous about the whole event. And let it be said I'm a little shy...I'm not the kind of person that feels comfortable about talking about myself or my work. I know, I know that this is something that I have to work on ! But this experience was a little intimidating. Think about it, you put your heart out there for people to judge! Sometime they get it sometimes they don't.

How relieved, I felt to see not only my hubby walk in but his cousin too. ( which is like a brother to both of us) He found a babysitter last minute and was able to come and support me at the show. He said that he wanted to surprised me, and wanted to support even if I felt like it wasn't a "big deal". He got alot of brownie points that night LOL!!! I was glad that he was there along with my bestie and my brother!
I loved the way they sat back and smile every time they mentioned my name and my art. They way they helped me work the room and bragged about how proud they were of me for doing this. I love you guys! If you guys haven't heard it enough Thanks for being there with me and sharing my moment!!

Painting a dollie on cardboard.

I found this artist on YouTube a few weeks ago, I thought that it was a pretty cool Video! Enjoy !

Art Lockets Are Now For Sale

I'm so excited to announce that I have Art Lockets for sale. They come in a few different designs. Some are of painting that haven't been released yet!. So,So, Super excited to share these with you guys!!!

Where are they available and How can you order them? Well you can leave a comment for me below or inbox me and I can give you details of how to purchase them from me or if you have a pay pal acct that you would feel more comfortable paying with my wonderful friend Cat has listed them in her Etsy Shop!! You can view her shop Here!  You can also click the button on my tool bar to view the listing!!! So go shop buy 2 or 3 they make great gifts !!!!

Much Needed Vacation!!!!

So, after a much needed vacation, I am back more relaxed and more inspired to do more of my Art Thang!!
 While at the beach, I had alot of time to think about all the things I want to do with my art. Goals I hope to accomplish and how determined I am to have my art seen my the millions of people out there.

I have been working on so many projects:


1st...There are the postcards ( that I failed to post pictures of...sorry) I have been secretly handing them out to family and friends with the hope of them doing some advertising for me. It's worked I have got incredible feedback from them. I'm even working on a few orders. Right now I'm working on packaging. I want it to reflect my style and be cohesive to my style of art. ( which is really difficult) I did find this cool website -----that gave me some great ideas. Some of the packaging there is a little over the top for just postcards but I was able to get a few ideas from some of the simply packaging. My hope are to approach some boutiques or consignment shops. Wouldn't that be Kool!!!


 2nd.... Is trying to figure out how, what, and when I'm going to ship some of my art to a Magazine. I have been doing alot of research and it has been one of my goals but, the doubt and fear is starting to consume me. I tend to put it off for a month, then another month and etc, etc. I guess I'm afraid of not being accepted. That would be devastating to me right now...then...I think Trena, you may be accepted and do you know how many door that could open for you, how much exposure that would be for the blog and the business? I know that I have to put myself out there and take a chance but it is very scary! But....I'm glad to say that I have took that leap and said to myself Yes!!!! I AM GOING TO DO THIS. Boxes have been purchased and art will be sent very soon !!!!


3rd....I found this cool website about a month ago its called A Beautiful Mess and looking around on that website I found out that they offer a few different  e-courses.There are 2 that I'm very interested in taking 1.) Dream Job a creative business e-course and 2.)Style your Space designing a home you love with Rachel Denbow. Really cool courses that I cant wait to take.I really want to take the Style your space. Right now I'm in the middle of redecorating my home and I want it to reflect my creative and artistic side. Oh, did I mention how reasonable these courses are! $30 bucks !!!!! Now, all I have to do is  find the time to take them with my busy sch.


4th....Is my Urban Art Lockets!!!!! Can't wait to post pictures of them! Those who are friends with me on FB did get a chance to see a preview of what they will look like. I have have had all kinds of comments about when they will be available to buy. All I can say is Soon! people Soon! Hopefully I will be able to do my 1st Giveaway with them !!! Cant wait! They are so me! I love, love, love them!!!!


5th....Still painting, painting, painting. Right now I'm working on about 5  different painting!! Yesterday I started 2 more so I'm busy, busy, busy! All this while still working my 8-5!


But......It's ok...like I said before I am very determined for all to see this Art Thang!!!! :)

New Art In Slideshow

So....after spending about a hour on flickr, I finally got my slideshow updated. Enjoy!!!

Chris Brown & Benny Benassi - Beautiful People- My Summer Anthem!!!

OK, I know I have been gone for about a week, but I just wanted to post a little something! I am loving this song and this video. I swear I played this album all the way to the beach and back. Thanks Big Sis. for the CD. Now every time I hear it I think about our 2011' Beach Trip. (Details about that in my next post)

I thought the video was so cute! It shows a candid side of Chris. I like that. And the Cameo's from all the other celebrities are kool too! If you haven't heard the album I encourage you to listen.. I'm Lovin it..(In my McDonald's Commercial voice LOL)

Artist Interview: Meet my creative and afrocentric Friend Toni!

Artist name: Toni Daley 

Website: www.tonidaley.com 

 Description of art:  A large majority of my work tends to be colorful  vivid portraits with a surreal feel 

Places we can buy your art:  My online shop and gallery can be accessed at www.tonidaley.com  I have some of my pieces for sale as well as prints available.   You can also contact me for custom requests. 

When did you first realize you wanted to do art: I’ve always loved to draw and paint as early as I can remember so I think it’s something I always wanted to do.  I was in my late teens/early 20’s when I realized I wanted to also share it with the world! 

 How long have you been doing art:  I graduated from drawing in my sketchpad to painting on canvas when I was 13 and have been hooked ever since.  I love manipulating the colors to bring the portrait to life. 

Were you formally trained:  No formal training, it just comes naturally 

What inspires you :  I draw inspiration from day to day life, it could be a song on the radio or a bright dress in a shop window.  Just something that captures my attention for a moment and really stands out to me usually ends up on canvas later that day. 

 Favorite artist:  There are so many....but to name a few, I love Justin Bua’s style , he creates such unique characters and backdrops .  I’m also really inspired by Kevin Williams (WAK). His imagery is stunning and his characters are beyond beautiful,on top of that he is the best selling artist in the print market of black art.

Art tool you can’t  live without:  My small round paint brush….i like to do a lot of detail in my portraits so I find myself using this brush all the time….i have a few…one of which I use for eyeshadow which also works great.

Art goals:  Eventually I’d love to be able to do my art full time 

Advice to other artists:  Find subject matter that you are passionate about  and you will never get tired of creating  

Art Feature on Website

Yay!!!! So happy to announce that my art work has been featured on Word xpress. 
Go and check it out! Its located in the left toolbar under Art Gallery

I'M BACCCKKK!!!!

Sorry it's been so long....for the last week I have been so busy trying to get caught up at work and getting the home life back in order.So, I told you that I was going to tell you guys what I experienced a few weeks ago well.......

It all started Wednesday April  27th ( doesn't that sound like the opening for a story book lol) it was nothing out of the ordinary? We have storms like this all the time. I was at work and some of my co-workers were talking about the storms, and how the news was stating that we it was  going to get really bad today. side note: I never watch the news but anyway, I was just thinking if it does get bad none of our patients will show up and then maybe we will get to go home early ( I know that's bad but that's what usually happens everyone starts getting nervous and nothing ever happens) The Dr told us that we  needed to just go ahead and cancel the afternoon schedule because there was talk that the schools were going to let out early. Then about 12:00 it really started to look scary. The sirens started going off and the sky got really dark ! So, that's when the office moved to the exam room! There with my coworkers and a few patients we sat and listen to the news trying to figure out if the storms were coming our way?

After about 45 mins. we got the OK that there was a break in the storm just long enough for us to get home safely. It was still pretty dark after I left and still raining pretty hard but I made it there safely. When I got home the sirens were still going off and my husband decided that he would go to the store just in case it got really bad. So, now I'm glued to the TV yes watching the news and all I see on the radar is red! The new anchor is constantly telling people to take cover there are tornado's on the ground and that's when I really started getting nervous! THEN...they said that the tornado was near us and we took cover in our bathroom my husband was on his way home and said that the whether was looking crazy and that all the lights were out and everything was dark and right before he walked in the lights went out!

So, that meant no phone, no Internet, no radio and the cel was on it's last bar!!! We tried to contact family and friends with our cel phone but no answer. There we sat with no power. In the middle of a tornado storm with no way of knowing if it was going to hit us or not?

Thankfully we got thur the night no damages to the neighborhood. Still no power so we had to resort to listening to the radio in the car along with using our car charger. I had finally talked to my mother the night before and she told me that they didn't have light either but at that point I really didn't think much of it. It was until mid morning that I learned that the whole town was without power and that they were uncertain when we were going to have power restored and the county was on curfew.

Now the whole town was in a uproar. Running for gas, food, candles, flashlight, charcoal,basically anything that they could get there hands on. The lines at the pumps and the stores were CRAZY!!! Keep in mind we still hadn't spoken to family or saw any of the damage that the storms had done to parts of Alabama. We made due with what we had. It wasn't so bad. I even got a little painting done during the daylight hours. Our neighbors were really kind and were willing to help if we needed them. My mother-in-law even let us borrow her hot plate to cook dinner with ( which reminds me I probably need to return that to her) Mostly everyone was driving to neighboring towns to stock up on gas and supplies or just to get away. We were without power for about a week and I have never missed hot water so much in my life that first hot bath felt so good!

All of our families and friends were OK. So, I was very, very,  thankful. But when I got back to work Tues. (yes I had to come back to work you know It's hard trying to get dress in the dark.) I learned that our Dear Friend Kim our mail lady lost her home. Our office tried to help her as much as we could and she was so thankful. She is so grateful everyday she come in she still smiles and still jokes with us. She is such a strong woman she says that she is so thankful to have her family and right now she staying with a friend. It's funny how some people were complaining about not having power but think of all those families that didn't have homes or lost loved one. I continue to pray for my friend Kim and her family and ask that you guys keep her in your prayers as well along with all the other families that lost not only homes but loved ones during these storms.

Alabama Tornados Storms

Due to the storms in Alabama I have been without power. I will try to update my blog as soon as possible to tell you guys about what we have experienced in the 5 days....

ARTIST INTERVIEW: MEET MY WONDERFUL FRIEND JENNY !!!

Artist Name: 

Jenny Lee Wentworth
 

Blog/Website: 

http://www.jennyleewentworth.blogspot.com/
 
Desrciption of your art:
That's a tough one.I never really thought of how I would

describe my art.I can tell you that when I'm making art

is when I'm the happiest.I hope when people see my work

that happiness if reflected. 
 
Places we can buy your Art: 

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Wentwortharts
 
When did you first realize that you wanted to do art?  
In early 2009 I was feeling incomplete.I had a wonderful

husband and two beautifulkids but I was so wrapped up in

doing everything for my family that I kind of forgot who

I was.I read a book that year by Katherine Center titled

Everyone is Beautiful and really identified with the main

character.She was a mom who found her way back to herself

through photography and in doing so was able to appreciate

all the blessings in her life.I started following Katherine

Center's blog and through that connection discovered Kelly

Rae Roberts and I just knew I needed to draw and paint.It

wasn't long after that that my kitchen table was covered 

in art supplies.  
 
How long have you been doing art? 

Only two years.I used to dabble in art and

poetry as akid but I didn't think was very

good.  
 
Were you formally trained?  
No, I wish. :) I've taken online classes 

with Suzi Blu and Misty Mawn and was lucky

to take a class at Art & Soul last October

with Judy Wise.You tube has been a great 

resource too.  
 
What inspires you?  
I always find inspiration in classic novels,poetry,music...

just about anything really.If I see something in a magazine

that I like, I'll cut it out and save it for inspiration.

I also try to have a pen and paper with me if I have an idea

so I can write it down.I will 

completely forget if I don't.   
 
Your favorite artist? 
Wow, there's so many amazing

artists it's hard to choose.

One of my veryfavorite artists

is my friendJudy Wise.I think

she can do just about anything

and she is so kind.She has taught

me toalways keep trying new things

and follow your intuition. 
 
Arts tool you cant live without? 
Do I really only get to have one? Hmmm,I can't get along

without a good pencil.There's something so soothing about

putting pencil to paper.
 
Your Art goals?  

I've been thinking about trying to get some of my work

into a local gallery and submit something for publication

in an art magazine.Fear sometimes holds me back from trying. 

A long term goal would be to be able to leave my day job 

behind to paint full time, that would truly be a dream 

come true.I may dabble in other mediums too, like clay. 

It looks like so much fun.
 
 
Advice for other Artists: 
If you've found something you love to do then do it. 

Do it for the rest of your life.Surround yourself with

loving friends who will encourage and inspire you. 

Believe that what you are doing matters.You never know

the impact for good you may have to those around you.
 

My Munster!

Meet Joey my munster!!! Isn't he cute! He enjoys hiding under beds, finding missing socks and hanging out in dark scary corners. Unlike most scary monsters he's there to protect. A nice guy. Got a pesky kid sister that wont leave you alone? Call Joey he'll make sure she never come in your room again! Don't want to eat those peas mom made for dinner Call Joey He'll take care of it !!! Call 1-800-nice-guys they will find a Munster for you !! Call today !

Joey was painted on a small canvas. Just something I came up with. I was trying to come up with a signature animal or sidekick. Kelly Rea and Mindy have birds, and Juliette has her owls. I needed something and this is what I came up with. Don't think that he will be my sidekick but I think he's cute.
What you about you guys what do you think ?