Little Bird

This little guy just arrived in my mailbox the other day, and I couldn't be happier. He hails from Connecticut, which means I only have 48 more states to go. Only! I guess my collection is going to take a lot longer than I anticipated *nervous laugh* Oh well, I'll get there. He's a little 4 x 4 oil painting, a swallow to be exact (I don't have the sort of budget yet to splurge on big ol' pieces). The painter included a mini easel with him and wrapped everything up in the cutest way possible. I almost didn't want to unwrap it. So here he sits contently on our fake mantel.

I must admit I may have a problem though. You see, when I checked out my account on Etsy for tracking info to see if this little bird was delivered yet, I may or may not have stumbled upon something that I had to have. You'll have to wait and see once it arrives. Although it doesn't fit my criteria for this collection, it's a photograph and from Canada, perhaps this means I'll just have to start another collection of non-paintings from countries around the world. At this point I will either have to learn to comfortably live broke, or find a job that will sustain my art habit.

But how can you say no to that little bird?!

Loteria

I was recently asked by the squeeze's (and now happily my) friend to work on a project for their business. Taco Escobarr comes up a lot in convo these days, one of the owners has been friends with the squeeze since high school, and aside from eating there frequently we've both gotten involved with the restaurant in some way. That huge amazingly well done sign hanging out front on Congress Street? Courtesy of Le Squeeze. The cascade of thousands of chili pepper lights strung from the ceiling? Also courtesy of Le Squeeze (and a few participants, as those lights didn't come with the chili pepper covers already on them).

I participated in their first First Friday Art Walk, even managed to sell a few things! But Meg claims it's been tough finding someone to fill the wall space for every art walk, she wants something more along the lines of a permanent display. Have you ever heard of Loteria? It's essentially the Mexican equivalent of Bingo, a game of chance. Instead of numbers there are pictures, things like skulls and roses, perfect for the vibe over at Taco.

So here they are, six wooden panels that I have to paint to look like slightly weathered Loteria playing cards. I'm excited! Also very nervous. Projects have always made me anxious. I should really take a note or two from this Mexican proverb: Para dejar el pellejo, lo mismo es hoy que mañana.

Letters and Espresso

I've recently gotten into hand-lettering. Thanks to the almighty resource known as, Pinterest, I found this most excellent book on the subject. Typography Sketchbooks is a collection of various artists' hand-lettering sketches, doodles, and drafts. It's full of color, bright imagery, and is just plain exciting to flip through. Although I haven't quite figured out what to create with this new found interest in hand-lettering, this book has definitely given me many ideas.

I like to think I have a steady hand, but some of these fonts and designs are so smoothly done that I wonder if I could replicate that same clean appearance. I guess I'll never know unless I try! I took a calligraphy workshop at a summer art course at USM two years ago, I enjoyed it and found it very satisfying to create letters that were works of art on their own. I'm so used to seeing the world of writing through a computer that I forget fonts were created by the human hand long before hard-drives took over. Each one perfected by the specific tilt or unique angle of the pen, how much pressure or ink was applied, and on what type of paper it was used on.

All this in-depth thinking about letters and lines and evenness makes my head swim. Here is where the espresso comes in. Best Christmas gift, ever!! Much credit and appreciation goes to the squeeze for remembering that one time I mentioned my desire to someday own an espresso machine, and then making it a reality this past holiday. We use that thing almost every day. A cappuccino and a good book make for some great down time.

New Collection

           

I've always wanted a collection of artwork, preferably not of my own (although I do like to occasionally toot my own horn). I've always wanted to have a wall filled to the edges with paintings, drawings, hearty sketches, etc. A piece from all 50 states would be ideal.

I finally took the plunge and purchased this adorable little oil still life on Etsy. It hails from Montrose, Colorado from an artist named Pamela Munger. It's relatively small, about 5x7, and is painted on a beveled wood panel.

I love my newest little art addition! Even though it does look a little like a poorly painted tennis ball (these are the words of a comical friend, not mine).

In a world where everything doesn't cost a million dollars, I would already have four walls filled with artwork of sorts. Unfortunately, this is reality and even small pieces like this cost quite a bit.

*le sigh*

Why does art have to be so expensive?? I should probably know the answer to this Q seeing as how I ended up with a Fine Arts degree. Frankly, I don't though. Perhaps I should start selling my art out the wazoo just so I can afford to pay other artists out the wazoo. Sounds like a vicious cycle.

Anyhoo, cheers to at least taking the first step towards this goal. Only 49 more states to go.