Pastel portrait and the outdoors

While watching TV with my DH I thought I'd try drawing a portrait in pastels from a photo of my friend Vicky I took with my phone. Amazing how technology enables us to be so portable. I think I bought a brand new 35mm Canon EOS about a few days before Mom bought me a Sony Digital Camera. Needless to say, my EOS has simply sat since and I don't believe I have used it for anything else than taking slide photos of my art that I needed to enter in shows.

I am thinking of entering a local pastel juried show so I thought I'd visit an old friend. Actually pastels are more like "old acquaintance" as I've never really gotten to know it as well as charcoals, oils and watercolors...in fact I've used acrylics more than pastels. But with all the pastels I have, I should really give the show a shot. Often times I wish I wasn't so happily involved with all my art mediums/media as it would REALLY make my life so much SIMPLER!

Now that I've shown you I do use my art room occasionally. Ok, I did the pastel in the computer room not my art room, so? :-p

Last weekend, I've convinced Dear DH to enhance my FAVORITE SPOT. My FS was just but a space between 2 pine trees but the gentle breeze blows through that it's an instant high for me. All drugs would be useless if people were all as easy to please as I am lol! So he moved a swing which was never accessible to me right between those trees and he built me a natural rock planter area so I can garden and be able to reach the soil a lot easier. I pretty much hang out there daily since last Sunday :) Yesterday I sat in the swing until the fireflies were visible and the sun had pretty much set. Thanks sweet man!

EBSQ Art of the Day today!

Today I had the honor of being EBSQ art of the day (AOTD). Here is the piece if you want to read more: http://www.ebsqart.com/Artists/cmd_30_profile_portfolio__2_5_G.htm

We had a wonderful 3-day weekend. Our next-door neighbor invited us over and only asked us to bring drinks and fireworks. I think their grandkids had a blast with all the fireworks they ended up with as they started at daylight until we were all tired of watching any more lol The food and company were the best!

Hubby trimmed a few trees and somehow it took 2 days to burn them! It's not often we have burn days anymore, but thanks to the rain it was safe to do it and even to light fireworks last Friday. It was nice to be outdoors most weekend though it was hot and humid. I do enjoy being away from the computer :)

A tattoo tribute to my art

Today I saw a big surprise on the Internet! One of my Internet friends and collector of my art had her arm tattooed with one of my art work from last year! The original sold on Ebay and I have since sold prints on different Internet venues and in a local gallery.

My friend Truly posted some photos in the Ebay OSWOA group along with this text:

Some time ago, one of my favorite artists created a watercolor painting that took my breath away. In my opinion, this artist is the best watercolorists that I know. She is also a very dear friend that has provided endless inspiration in my life. Well, I could not afford the hefty price tag on the original painting, but I contacted the artist and kindly asked her if I could use the painting as a basis for a tattoo that I wanted. Fortunately, this kind soul allowed it and yesterday I went to get this piece on my arm. It took 8.5 hours, and we are about half way done. The detail involved is incredibly and I will forever remember Mrs. Erika Nelson every time I look at my arm. Erika, you are a friend, a confidant, and a spectacular artist. Thank you so much for allowing me to do this. You have entered my life and positively altered it forever. Love You!! Truly Younts


Here is the original watercolor painting 4"x6" watercolor /OSWOA















Here is a pic of the tattoo 8.5 hours into it (5.5 hours spent mainly on the hair) Photo courtesy of Truly Younts Tattoo by talented German artist Annie Frenzel.

I don't deserve all those kind words from her. But I'm extremely thrilled and wonder if I have finally made a dent in this world with my art after all :) Gotta love that woman, she always makes me feel like I'm something special! xox

More update when it's done!