Award "For Outstanding Recognition" at the 20th Annual International Exhibition

A friend told me that "Good things come in small packages" When my little portrait "Vintage Beauty" was accepted into the 20th Annual CPSA Exhibition in Covington, Kentucky this year. I was thrilled with being juried in, and even more so  when I was notified that "Vintage Beauty" had won and award for "Outstanding Recognition"!! WHOOT!  
This little piece has quite a history, not only was it juried into the CPSA Exhibition in 2012, but also into the CPSA Exhibition in 2011! If you have followed my blog you will know why I was unable to ship the piece in 2011. I didn't get "credit" for being accepted, because it wasn't sent, which made this piece eligible again this year. So, Vintage Beauty was juried in twice, won an award and if I'm not mistaken is the smallest piece to do so. 

I'm very honored to be included in such an awesome group of artists, if you would like to see the complete list of winners on the CPSA website, here is the link , enjoy!

http://www.cpsa.org/coloredpencilartists/AWARDS/WINNERS2012/awards2012.html.

"Capturing the spirit of a portrait, the sparkle of a moment in time, or the soft sounds of your memories."

"August in Autumn"

As the CPSA Convention week starts, I am very sad that I am not there. Oh well, there is next year! If I am lucky enough to get accepted in 2013 I will earn my 5 year pin, something to strive for! I  have been busy with my Photography and Family as of late, but I am getting ready to start my next big colored pencil piece, which I will share at a later date. 

Oh, the suspense... 

Today I want to share "August in Autumn" with you. When I traveled to Ohio to teach a portrait workshop a couple years ago. I spent some time with Gene and Debbie Hook, where I met there 4 legged family member, August. August was approaching her Autumn of life, but the love she has Gene and Debbie just radiated so beautifully in her eyes. That is what I wanted to capture in this portrait.. that big ol' Lab heart full of love. 

5x7 Uart 600 Prismacolor Softcore Pencils

My initial layout, included Debbie's rocker...  

I didn't like the way the rocker felt, at a small 5x7 it seemed to take up more than 
it's share of space, so.....

I simply removed it, gotta love Uart!  

 I  also wanted the bright October sun to really shine, and darkening the background helped with this. Without dark, you can't have light. 

 Here is where August is today, still awaiting her final tweaks. I will share the final with you soon!  

Have fun at the Convention everyone!!!

"Capturing the spirit of a portrait, the sparkle of a moment in time, or the soft sounds of your memories."

20th Annual CPSA International Exhibition, Covington, Kentucky

I can't believe how long it's been... wow. I have news to share finally! 


20th Annual Colored Pencil International Exhibition
July 13 - Aug. 30, 2012

http://www.thecarnegie.com/galleries/gallery.php?page=current_show

Last year, my little portrait "Vintage Beauty" was juried into the 19th Annual CPSA Exhibition
that was held in Dallas, Texas. Sadly, I was unable to send my piece, which made it eligible for re-submission this year. So, I'm glad to say "Vintage Beauty" was again juried into the CPSA International Exhibition! I'm so thrilled! At a whopping 4"x6" this piece is probably going to be the smallest piece in the show. But that's OK with me!!! :D

Keep Scribbling! 


"Capturing the spirit of a portrait, the sparkle of a moment in time, or the soft sounds of your memories."

CP Treasures Colored Pencil Masterworks ....

From Around the Globe.


Doesn't that sound AWESOME???


I know it's been awhile, but I have exciting news! (No, I haven't done any artwork)


 I was one of the artists invited to submit work in this new colored pencil book, from Ann Kullburg.
My "Vintage Beauty" is on page 29, I'm so excited! 


Check it out!  

"Capturing the spirit of a portrait, the sparkle of a moment in time, or the soft sounds of your memories."

Bling Bling Says the Magpie...

Yes, that's me. I will admit it, I am a magpie at heart.

Fall has arrived, and with it some much needed rain. We had a lovely light rain well into the night last week, and in the morning, I found all these sparkling jewels, strewn out amongst the weeds, like diamonds and precious gems at a fancy jewelry store. I was so excited!!!  I will admit, I love bling..it's the Magpie in me. Love, love, love to look at the sparkle and shine.
The flash of light and the colors it creates,but in reality....

I do NOT want to take it home!!!
.
These jewels from Mother Nature are my very favorite kind of bling, hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoyed capturing the sparkle and shine they created, for the little bit of time they lasted.

There is no doubt in my mind that laying in the mud and wet was well worth it!

"Capturing the spirit of a portrait, the sparkle of a moment in time, or the soft sounds of your memories."

Prismacolor releases 18 new colors..whoot! NO CA Prop 65 warning label!

As a pencil artist who uses Prismacolor Pencils exclusively, it's always like Christmas when we hear of a new pencil color being released. It kind of takes away the pain and sorrow we feel when they stop producing a favorite well used color for whatever reasons. Some of the new 18 colors added to the Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencil line are more of the "old friend" variety.  It's so nice to see them again, and welcome to the new ones.. we hope you stay around a long time.

http://blog.prismacolor.com/2011/10/introducing-18-new-colors-revived-and-refreshed-for-2011/?utm_source=November2011Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=NewColors&utm_campaign=November2011Newsletter


Rumor has it floating around the net that these new pencils carry the "CA Prop 65 warning label". I have contacted Prismacolor directly, they assure me that in incorrect. Our beloved Prismacolors are still non-toxic as always. 

Enjoy!!

"Capturing the spirit of a portrait, the sparkle of a moment in time, or the soft sounds of your memories."

Saying Goodbye and this Artists Soul

We said good-bye to my Brother in the spring. His passing hit me harder in several different ways than I expected it to.  I came from a family of 7 brothers and sisters.  Bill was the first of us siblings to pass from this world, and his passing has made me feel vulnerable. Something that took me awhile to realize and is just as hard to admit. 

Then, while we were on our way to Vegas for a Wedding Celebration we learned of the passing of a beautiful Niece, who's time to pass from this world came way to early. She had turned 23 just the day before. A beautiful girl with a beautiful smile, Sweetie, you will be missed by many. 

We also said Good-bye to my Husbands Favorite Aunt. I was lucky enough to be asked to portray Uncle Bill and Aunt Nelly a few years ago. Uncle Bill had already passed, and now she has joined him.

This summer has certainly taken a toll on my artistic drive, please forgive me for falling behind. I am working on catching up!   But enough melancholy, time to move on.... stay tuned!



"Capturing the spirit of a portrait, the sparkle of a moment in time, or the soft sounds of your memories."

Concho's and Belt Buckles...

Over the summer.. (did I happen to mention it was a crazy summer?) I was asked by Steve Edwards of Queen Valley Mule Ranch to sculpt a mule head for him. The design would be cast into conchos for his Signature Series Saddles and Belt Buckles.  Here is the finished head, sculpted in Sculpey, cured then shipped to Advanced Castings in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  When it arrived it was digitally scanned and prepped to cast into the final items. I'm so excited! I've seen the digital scans (so cool) and the first test cast. I can't wait to see the conchos on one of Steve's Signature Saddles, and a buckle in real life!

I know these images are flipped .. but they really are the same one.

I really enjoyed working with the Sculpey, can't wait to do it again!

"Capturing the spirit of a portrait, the sparkle of a moment in time, or the soft sounds of your memories."