S.L.Greek's Art Pad

Nose to the Grindstone

2012-01-24T12:35:00.000-08:00

The last couple of weeks have seen me here, there and everywhere.

It seems like it is taking forever to get over the nasty flu/cold virus I came down with during the Holidays. As the days pass I feel better, but 2 steps forward, 1 step back, seems to be the rule of thumb for this kick-ass virus.

So, I plod along trying to get my to-do list under control while my energy is up.

We have had strange weather here in my neighborhood this winter season. December- January is usually our rainy season, and we get the majority of our yearly rain during these months. That is not the case this winter. Sunny and clear skies all the live long days. Some days are warm and some days are cold-as in today- but no rain. until last week. Cold dreary, windy rainy were the orders of the days. This week seems to be back to normal, cold and sunny.

When we don't get the rain the locals worry about fires in late spring and early fall. When we do get rain, they worry about crazy flooding and giant pine tree branches coming down. It's always a balancing act with water and weather here on the Central Coast.

While the weather was rainy I got down to business in the Emporium. I am working like crazy to get some products together to start an Etsy site.

During my High School and College days I did a lot of sewing, after all I was a fashion design major. When I moved to New York (after college) I did continue to sew, but was disappointed with the fact that the seams always looked hand made. I was able to buy designer fabrics, but I felt the items always had a homespun look to them. Little by little the sewing went into the closet.

Until last week-

I had a giggle when my new addition landed at the Emporium. How am I suppose to open heavy duty shipping tape with no sharp objects? I couldn't stand the suspense, I used a sharp object to open the box. Wouldn't you?

I am still getting my wheels running with this beauty, but this is just the tool I need to finish the seams on my sewing projects. Small and compact this little piece of equipment has a punch.

I have been working on some cute lounge shorts to go with my paper doll tee shirts. A nice combo in comfort wear.

When I was looking through my sewing supplies, I found some great fabrics I had forgotten I had. I believe this may be classified as vintage? I had to have bought them in my early years in New York. How many years ago? ( I will have to contemplate that later, much later...)

So a dash of this and a pinch of that. Shorten, make longer, tuck it here... You get the picture.

This past week was a MOST fruitful one. I reconnected with a love I had so many years ago. I also ordered another surprise, which I will share with you as soon as it comes. It's not due in for a few weeks. I also started narrowing the list of things for the online shop.

I am trying like mad to get some some things done before spring classes start at the community college. I enrolled in another Graphic Design class. I think this one is going to kick my butt.

I'd say this year is off to a busy start. The ideas are cooking and percolating all over the place. No telling where these things will lead.

Later
sheree

January 2012

2012-01-08T10:56:00.000-08:00

The first week is officially over. It appears that this year is on the same roll as last...

All of the Christmas decorations are back in the boxes

and it's time to think about what actions need to be

put in play.

The week between Christmas and New Year's

brought my weekly planner from Blurb to me.

The good news is that the color and quality were much better than I had expected them to be. The bad news is that the cost is way high to produce this product for Medusa's Emporium. It started out $29.95 not bad. Add the tax and shipping $11.00 give or take a few pennies and before I knew it,
I was up to $ 41.00. Bam! Way to high for a paperback planner. Back to the drawing board...

But it sure is pretty.

I especially like the s.l. greek/ artist

on the binding.

Shameless plug

So the next few weeks I will be experimenting with a few new ideas for some Medusa's exclusive products.

Here is a sneak peek-

Earrings, pendents? Not quite sure yet. They are made from paper clay. It's a material that models like clay, dries rock hard, but is quite light weight. I'm sure I will be talking more about these pieces in the weeks to come.

I also found a website that will put your photos or images on a variety of hand and tote bags. I will be giving them a try this week.These pieces are still a little pricey, but look more reasonable in price than the weekly planners.

Again, more later.

I see a load of possibilities for this year, and time will tell what actually stays
and what will fade away.

I wish you all a wonderful January 2012. May you plant some good wishes and dreams to be

fulfilled this year.

See you soon-

Later

sheree
P.S. The above image of the 3 girls is by amazing photographer Tracie Taylor form Southern California. More of her work be seen on her website http://tracietaylorphotography.com/ She calls her three girls her "troubles". To me they look like angels for a New Year. I couldn't resist hand tinting her fabulous Black& White image. Sorry Tracie!

Man Down...

2011-12-31T11:11:00.000-08:00

Or should I say Artist Down!!!

I don't think I really need to go on about how much it blows being sick for the Holidays. So much to do and all you can think about is how your head... throat...and stomach are aching.

I felt a little off on Christmas Day and the down slide has been continual as the week past. "No please not New's Years Eve" I begged the Wellness Gods. It is 11:01 on Saturday. I am up for a shower, but still not sure how much more after that. Thanks Wellness Gods

So in case I don't make it back to the computer, because my bed is REALLY tempting me. I want to wish all of my friends, family and anyone else who cares to listen-

Happy New Year- may it bring to each and everyone of you the Best in health, wealth and good times.

later
sheree

5 Golden Rings

2011-12-19T08:58:00.000-08:00

well it's no longer 12 Days before Christmas, thank God, we are getting down to the wire.

In my mind I am on to the New Year and all the possibilities that 2012 will bring.

2011 brought me back to what I truly love doing the most. Working on my artwork and hosting events to show some amazing local talent. Although it also brought unique challenges from our dear friend the Ailing Economy.

It has been difficult with this venture to get people to show up and participate, I'm not sure why? I have had countless interactions with people talking a good game, but in the end do not show up or participate. It was disappointing to me to say the least. As the saying goes "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink"... in all fairness the folks that did show up- were awesome and amazing. Thank You for your courage to show up. Some things will have to change in this area, and my mind is busy percolating a plan. Stay tuned-

I usually do a fair amount of reflection during the entire month of January starting with New Year's eve and ending with my birthday in early February. 2011 may be over, but January 2012 will be my grace period. 30 days to completly get rid of that which is not working and course correct my life to where I am trying to go. Tall orders for 30 days huh? But as we all know "best laid plans of mice and men" can blow me out of the water. Never a dull moment in my realm of reality.

Over the years I have gone to big and small festive New Year's parties. But to be honest, I prefer to be alone, or with that special someone in a quiet setting on New Year's Eve. All of the years I lived in New York City I never saw the ball drop on Times Square. After being hustled and bustled through Christmas the thought of all of those people around me on New Year's Eve- NO THANK YOU!

When 2012 rings in I know I will be with a few close friends sharing food, wine and good memories.

My wish to all my family, old friends, new friends, blog lovin' and facebook chattin' friends is to be able to step toward your hopes and dreams in 2012. Little steps, big steps it doesn't matter. What matters is showing up and participating. As has been said so eloquently before "this ain't no dress rehearsal
it is your life"! Yeah that's my last corny quote for today.

later
sheree

PS- I am off to get ready to meet my father who is flying in from Florida. And the great gathering begins... Have a Very Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year. Stay safe!

Dear Santa-

2011-12-12T16:27:00.000-08:00

And here we are less than 2 weeks to D-day. I realized today that I have not prepared my Christmas card list, and that means that I have not sent even 1 out. I foresee this as a problem since the Post Office has made statements that they will be in a slowdown this season due to the budget cuts in government spending. Really? O.K. whatever.

It usually enters my mind during these few short weeks before Christmas, that maybe I should forget the Christmas cards and favor the Happy New Year's cards. That way the pressure is off trying to get the things there before Christmas. Sure if they happen to make it before the big day I'm a hero. If it gets tangled up along the way I am still safe. You can wish folks Happy New Year anytime in January right?

And if all else fails, I will direct anyone I can to this Blog post and sheepishly admit that my heart was in the right place, but everything got crazy busy and time ran out... Do I know myself or what?

This week my Typography and Graphic Design class comes to a close. I have really enjoyed this class. We had a great teacher and that makes all of the difference in learning a subject or just stumbling along. I also learned some of the finer points of the things in graphic design I don't know. I'm hoping to take another typography class with my new favorite instructor.

We acquired an industrial sewing machine this week for FREE. The dry cleaners next door to Medusa's Emporium went out of business a few months back and the owner left all of the equipment. This past week the managing agent let us know that they were hauling all the equipment out. We asked if we could have the machine and they said go ahead.

I haven't done any sewing in 20+ years. I'm thinking it's like riding a bike and you never really forget. Anyway I'm hoping this is the case because I have some great product ideas for the Emporium.

Well this post is a little bit of this and a little bit of that... and sometimes that's just the way it rolls.

Stay safe and focused friends and oh yeah "Joy To the World"
later
sheree

PS The Girl in the white dress asks that anyone that uses her photo give here credits for her photography, Faestock on devientart.com is where all of her stock lives.

2011-12-07T07:28:00.001-08:00

The countdown to the end of 2011 has begun...

My parents and grandparents would remind me at this time of the year "the older you get the faster the years go" and I am in full agreement with that proclamation.

It seems as though 2011 just started and here I am finding my words to say good-bye.

I have so much to be thankful for. And I believe I have laid the groundwork this year for some fruitful projects. 2012 will be the judge for these thoughts and plans.

For now it's time to remember what the Holidays are all

about - enjoying all of the warm friendships, good cheer and quirky holiday gifts.

Magical Holiday Treasures opened to a light audience. So many things to do and places to be, I totally understand the choices. For the folks that were able to make it-Thank You. I enjoy seeing old friends and meeting new ones.

And of course the fabulous artists that were able to attend. Jill Kroh, Cheryl Kampe, Bill Bouchard and Jeffrey Senna. I enjoyed spending time with you and your friends. May Santa bring you all of your hopes and dreams.

The sun set on a beautiful winter day in Pacific Grove and it was time to say so long to each other. More holiday hustle and bustle tomorrow. Tonight we will be remembering all the magic of the day.

As I said before the countdown is underway- Christmas gifts, Holiday cards and the list goes on...

Enjoy and stay safe

Santa's Helper

sheree

PS much to my disappointment Santa did NOT stop by the show on Saturday. Of course I totally understand, he's busier than all of us right? But the season isn't over and I am holding the faith that he will visit me before everything is said and done. I have been a very nice person this year. (well according to me anyway-he, he, he)

Happy ThanksGiving- A little early

2011-11-13T07:46:00.001-08:00

The next few weeks will be very busy indeed.

I didn't want to get to caught up in the end of year holidays without saying Happy Thanksgiving to all of my old and new friends.

Acouple of years ago when I was looking for figure drawing inspiration for myPaper Doll fashions, I stumbled across a Flickr site called "I Love my CalendarGirl- Pin-Up Girls before 1970".

WOW! I was mesmerized by the talent. Earl Moran,Freeman Elliot, Al Brule and so many others. Many of these illustratorswere from the Midwest and congregated in Chicago attending the famed ArtInstitute of Chicago school. Most were hired to submit images to the calendar printingcompanies of that time period. Many went on to do illustrations for the top Ad Agencies of Madison Ave. in New York City.

Iwas very surprised that this industry had several women that contributed tothese pin up calendars. ZoeMozart, and Joyce Ballantyne were two such women. They even modeled forthemselves. Now that takes chutzpah! I have a hard enough time drawing a modelin front of me, let alone trying to strike a pose -in a mirror- and try todraw it. Who knew?

This final illustration is my one attempt at doing my own pin-up girl. Although she is more of a Burlesque fashion image than a true pin-up girl. And believe me I did not stand in a mirror and draw myself!

This Thanksgivingseason I am very thankful for SO many things...the internet that shines lighton forgotten artists/illustrators that came before me. My crafty cleavercousin who helps me find my way in this virtual world. Myfriends close- when you stop in to say hello it makes my day. And friends far from me-I think of you all often, and blow you a kiss. I am most thankful to havesomeone who believes in my talents. Medusa's Emporium would not existwithout him.

So what are you thankful for? Another day to do the things you love?

Medusa's Emporium will be hosting it's first Holiday Show on December 3rd, and there is much to do between now and then. So off I go to start piecing the puzzle together.

Happy Thanksgiving one and all.
later
sheree

2011 Holiday card

2011-11-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

I have been fine tuning this image for the past few weeks. If you look at my Flickr stream you will see this image with a red background. I had taken that image to the silkscreen printer to have a sample tee printed, but the printer informed me the red was too dense and caused problems for the image. So back to the drawing board I went to fine tune this Paper Doll. The tee shirt should be done Monday or Tuesday and you will most likely see it in one of the next posts. Here is my Flickr address where all of the Paper Dolls live- and I have posted a few other goodies there that could make great Holiday cards. http://www.flickr.com/photos/slgreek/

I have done Paper Doll Holiday Cards for the past 3 years. 2010 was a huge hit and in the Flickr stream you will see that the date has been changed to 2011. All of the cards can be customized to say anything the client wants them too say.

Not many folks saw the 2009 card. I only printed out a few for co-workers that year. To be honest, I had to do a little digging to find her. I couldn't remember which girl I used for the 2009 Holiday card, but there she was in the archives, waiting for her grand entrance.

This was my first Holiday Paper Doll. She is actually a mixed media piece. The ribbon is real -not drawn. She has so much life. I always smile when I see this crazy lady dancing through the Holidays. This image also brings to mind Leanne Womack's song "I Hope You Dance". The song isn't really a holiday song, but it reminds me not to sweat the small stuff and engage in the fun and life going on around me.

I had posted an image on Facebook and several questions were asked. Here is more info on the cards.

I have listed the 2 sizes on the Flickr stream- Large or Small

The prices are listed there as well.

I can ship the cards too you.

We take Master Card and Visa credit cards and I can also take a Paypal payment

Cash and Checks are accepted as well.

I have several of the images printed but by no means all of them. If you are interested in having something in particular printed let me know via email and I will be happy to print one for you.

greekart@aol.com or facebook message me and I will get back to you.

Well it's time to put on my Santa's Elf hat and head to the Emporium to start spreading that Holiday Cheer-

later

sheree

P.S These Holiday cards will be available at Medusa's Emporium Wednesday November 9th

Friday Already

2011-10-28T08:56:00.000-07:00

TGIF!

Although when you work retail, or own your place of business, Fridays are not always a Friday.

This week I have been busy in the Emporium pulling out all of the Holiday Girls I have done over the last few years. There are several, but many of them will have to go into Photoshop to fine tune them.

I started working on the Fashion Paper dolls in 2008. I was working a 9-5 job and was looking for a way to keep my hands busy with my drawing and painting.

I tried several challenge blogs at the time, but only 1 kept my attention. It was named A Fashionable Challenge on Flickr.com. The way that it worked was that the moderator would post a word or a prompt phrase and the participants complete an image that is suggestive of the phrase. I have 165 images from this challenge and they can be viewed on my Flickr pages. http://www.flickr.com/photos/slgreek/

Here is the process I use to complete the images-

I complete the fashion drawing in pencil on a heavy drawing paper. Robert Bateman sketchbooks are my favorite. The paper in these books will hold up extremely well to my watercolor washes. I also add pen outlines or color pencil to complete the look so that the illo holds true to the original photo.

By the way, all of my illustrations are inspired by fashion designers or big fashion labels. I may add my own personality to the look, but most of them are not my designs.

The next step is scanning the finished drawing into the computer. I add a background and type if I feel the images need that extra wow.

I know- I can read your mind. " How does she find anything but that coffee cup on that messy desk? True, very true... Tis the season folks, and I expect it to get worse before it gets better. " A place for everything and everything in it's own place".

So after the file is complete the images appear similar to this Happy Holidays 2010 . The master files are done at a pretty high resolution. I can make greeting cards, tee shirts, coffee mugs and a whole array of gift items with these images.

After Halloween I will post this years Christmas/ Holiday card. I also think the season will bring out several Holiday Dressing Paper Dolls fashion girls from storage. It's all good!

Time to get this show on the road-

Later

sheree

PS I apologize for the last post. There were weird spaces and codes showing... Not sure why and I am hoping this one is better. I am posting through Blogger and I think some wires crossed when it went into the Facebook world. It's all new to me.

Hard to believe The Holiday Season is almost here

2011-10-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

The days have been flying by and it looks as though that will continue to be the case until this year is out the door. Halloween is next week, a month until Thanksgiving and then Christmas. YIKES!

The weather has been sunny and bright this week.
It is often said the weather on California's Central Coast is best at this time of the year. I would agree. Our summers are usually foggy and chilly. The winter and early spring are our rainy season, and we can have some whopping wind storms during these seasons as well. Every household MUST have candles and matches stashed away for the power outages caused by the big pine trees tumbling over from the wind.
For now, the weather is perfect.

I love this Devil painting by Nolan M. Gallagher. This piece is one of the larger pieces from his show. It measures approximately 40"x60. I held back several of his pieces for a couple of reasons. The pieces I chose I thought would add some Halloween Spice to the walls of the Emporium. It is quite an active piece, a bit startling when you see it for the first time. It always brings a smile to my lips as I take it all in while helping customers or sitting and painting.

I came across this image a few years ago. I found it on one of the crafting websites that share images. I saved it as inspiration for a future painting. The black cat looks on as the novice calls for advice from her spirit guides... What a story this image conjures up for me. Much like the story we tell by dressing up for Halloween? Ah to walk in someone, or something, else's shoes for one magical night.

Well it's time to put the finishing touches on this years Paper Doll Fashion Christmas Card. I am also working on a group of fashion girls that revolve around the zodiac. I'm not sure if they will be for a calendar or some other items? I have 10 drawn, so we shall see where they take me.

It's all coming so quickly. Like I said before YIKES!

Later
sheree

New Products for our Spectacular Fall Open House

2011-10-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

The weather is perfect for our Open House tomorrow evening- that is if the fog decides to stay away.

Last week 2 of my fabulous artisans stopped by Medusa's Emporium to drop off and replenish their beautiful hand made stock.

We are so thrilled to be carrying all of this beautiful merchandise. thank you all for creative genius!

Scarf it Up is a mother daughter team from Santa Cruz. These beautiful pieces are so soft and luxurious that you can't take one, you have to take several. A couple for yourself and one for each of your friends and family members. Medusa's carries just a small fraction of the color combos that these ladies create. If we don't carry your favorite color combo, a special order is within your reach.

This color comb is called Monarch, and I say it's perfect for stepping out around town.

Next up is Eleven 3 Jewelry, formerly String Bean Studios. This Partner duo have the same wonderful birthday 11-,3 thus the name.

These ladies do such a beautiful delicate job with all of the handwork they put into their products.

Earrings, bracelets, and fun rings are some of the items That Medusa's carries. And folks I kid you not, the prices are so reasonable that for the Holidays they are a must.

Changing out a show is always bittersweet for me. I have grown accustom to the shapes and colors of the spectacular pieces that come to visit Medusa's walls. I'm sorry to say good- bye to them. I want to Thank Nolan M. Gallagher for a fabulous show. He has left a few of the more unexpected pieces behind for another few weeks-perfect for the Halloween Season.

Still have lots to do for tomorrow, and I hope to see you all at our Spectacular Fall Open House. 4-7PM

-sheree

Butterfly Magic

2011-10-02T20:58:00.000-07:00

This was a very busy weekend for me and Medusa's Emporium.

The first weekend in October is special for my humble little town. It seems that our little guests, the Monarch Butterflies, find there way back to the ancient cypress trees that grow in beautiful groves

around our town.

The grade school kids dress up like butterflies and with their pets march through the downtown streets welcoming the butterflies back, one more year, to their nesting grounds.

This painting, is my humble tribute to the age old nesting ritual of the

Monarch Butterflies.

Saturday I was busy in the shop pulling merchandise for an artists fair- Artists in Chautauqua Hall.

I hadn't done one of these events in several years, and wasn't at all sure what to expect.

Early Sunday the car was packed up and I headed over to the hall.

Pacific Grove was founded by the Methodists from the Chautauqua Assembly of Upstate New York.

They would journey to California and spend the summers in the early 1900's. It's all very fascinating history, and I may share more of it with you at another time.

Chautauqua Hall is one of the oldest meeting halls in the area. Today it is used for events like the Artists Fair, dances and workshops. The building is kept in pristine condition by the town and our local Heritage Society. Part of the entry fee went to this non-profit organization.

So we had music and LOTS of guests walk through the doors. These gentlemen were VERY good. The box type instrument sounded like a harp and the other gentlemen played the guitar brilliantly.

My cards sold very well and I got to meet oodles of my community neighbors and hand them my cards. I heard many times "Christmas is around the corner and we will stop in to see you soon."

All in all it was a fun weekend with beautiful sunshine.

This first week of October is going to be a busy one planning for a couple of events later this month. Planning the Christmas Show and notifying the artists... It's all good, especially with a little butterfly magic in the air.

later
sheree

All in a days work at Medusa's Emporium

2011-09-21T20:12:00.000-07:00

I have been a very busy elf in Medusa's workshop this week.

Several days ago I received an order for 12 of my Paper Doll Fashion Tees.

I had directed my client to view all my Paper Dolls on my flickr site. (if you click at the bottom of the flicker bar on my blog sidebar it will take you to the very same pages) where she choose

her favorite images.

So the shirts were ordered from the manufacturer through my screen printer.

I readied all of the files for the printer and away we went.

I designed some simple hang tags

The hang tags are attached and I am double checking my list to make sure the order is complete.

Yes the order is complete. Did I mention she also order 2 dozen greeting cards?

I love it when a plan comes together!

All of these beauties should make one fashionable presentation for my new best client.

Thank you Debra!

later,

sheree

Up, Down, Right, Left

2011-09-19T20:06:00.000-07:00

Yes Virginia it has been a very long time since my last post... It's not that I haven't been busy. I have done some life course corrections, and there hasn't been enough time to write anything down.

We all know how miserable I was at my last full time paid gig. I tried to motivate myself at every turn to "like" the job. "Stick with" the job. And even fooled myself about why I did the first 2 mentioned. All of it not good- for me or the job.

So January 1 I resolved to course correct. I started by taking a creative digital media class at the local community college. It was a great class, with a great teacher. The image above was made in this class. the female images were shot by a fellow by the name of Marcus Ranum who is a great photographer. In his day job he designs systems for software security for some of this countries fortune 500 firms. Impressive.

I managed to plod through 1 more AT&T Pro Am, and I knew it would be my last. I was sorry to say good bye to a few people, but not sorry to leave.

Word came the middle of March on a store space that was coming available at a great price. And I gave my 2 week notice and said good bye to the day job I had for 4 1/2 years- the longest I ever stayed anywhere. Sucka!!!

On May 21st we opened the doors at Medusa's Emporium. Why Medusa? A strong sassy lady with lots of visual appeal for the logo. Emporium? Well we weren't sure exactly what merchandise we would sell. Yes, it would be our working studio and we would sell and exhibit art. But I also wanted to have local hand crafted artsy items for sale as well. So Emporium suggested shop, with an old world flair. After all I do live in the wild wild west. I tried to incorporate this feeling into the logo.

Oh and did I mention I have a partner in the business this go around? Yes this should lead to some crazy tales from Medusa's Emporium.

I am working on a new header and sprucing up the site... so stay tuned for more fun. And I'm sure a little more course correcting. Up, Down, Right, Left

peace out
sheree

Bell Book & Candle

2010-11-28T16:23:00.000-08:00

In a few days the last Month of 2010 will commence.

This year has been an extremely tough one, especially on the job front.

But with a little bit of fortitude I survived.

There just didn't seem to be enough hours in the days- at all this past year.

I got very little done by way of crossing over to another career and the stress of being the best I can be at the job I have - left me tired and drained.

I am hoping next year affords me more time to follow my dreams and passions.

I can only hope and well,

maybe casting a few spells will ensure everything falls into place.

Now that's what I'm talking about!

Time Flies....Thanks for the Memories

2010-08-09T19:14:00.000-07:00

Summer is almost to it's end for another year here in the States. Here in NOrthern Cali we have been in a El Nino cycle, or so they say. What do I know- a girl from the east coast. glad i wasn't there this summer it was brutal back there with 100 plus degree temps.

i will take the NOCAL temps of 60- ish with drizzly skies.

my ugg boots are my best friends these days.

and time rolls on... the kids will be back in school in the next few weeks. my mind starts to assess if i'm on track. we go into a slower period. yes it's time for changes.

but i digress- my real reason for this post is to thank 2 interns that helped PB duringUS Open. they were 2 of of the best! you never know what fate will bring to you when you are in the luck- of the draw situation. my department won the lottery big time. not once but twice. we love both of you for all you help.

Alicia and Erin you all rocked it! Getting busy day after day, crankin' for the visual team. LUV'D it- and you guys.

Best of luck to all of your hopes and dreams. Keep at it and i know what ever you work for will be yours. cheers dears!

Alicia left at the end of June and we were able to keep Erin thru Aug.15- The last of the properties events for this year-Concours de Elegance. A very impressive car show. oldies but goodies.

So summer is almost over another season about to turn the tables. i'm ready, on to something new. maybe mentally or maybe physically who knows as long as i am engaging in this life that is mine.

the above illo is homage to our youthful, fun interns, let the winds of change continue to blow ladies, XOXO

sheree

IF- Diary

2010-07-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

Wow!!! it's hard to believe that it's been 2 months since my last post.

the US Open of 2010 has come and gone. thank god. i'm slowly getting back into my routine.

i have signed up for an online inDesign class which is very cool. and i am trying to practice my photoshop which is the reason for this very busy post.

unfortunately, i lost the unicorns horn. i will continue to practice and maybe in another post the horn will appear.

the girl is from lisajen on deviant art. thank you kindly.

my goal is to be a little more regular with my posts and show some new art work. we shall see how that works out in the weeks to come. until next time

sheree

THE COUNTDOWN & HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2010-05-08T17:13:00.000-07:00

it's coming and no matter how hard i try to put the breaks on it, it 's coming...

the US Open at Pebble Beach is about a month away.

my boss lady is taking pictures everyday of the progress of the grand entrance, which includes the retail pavilion. i may get around to taking pics of my own and i will post as i take.

my last few weekends have been laying low and resting. i am taking a online class about the photoshop pen tool. all i can say is FASCINATING! i will get back to you after i finish the class.

i've also downloaded some music, the soundtrack from Crazy Heart, break even by The Script,

Train's new album and you and me by Lighthouse. all good stuff.

and of course i've been working on my AFC entries. My submission from a few weeks ago opens this weeks blog entry.

mother's day is tomorrow and i have a very dear friend who has a birthday. she is a mother also and i know it will be a double special day for her. lisa lots of hugs and fun b-day wishes for you.

well until i have a chance or something else to say have a great weekend.

sheree

Revisiting an old friend and getting in the groove...

2010-04-14T08:19:00.000-07:00

i haven't posted anything in almost 2 months. and i miss my time here...

i've said it before and i will say it again, time is moving too fast for me to keep up. and i'm afraid this blog will take a few more hits, or misses to it until after the US open Golf championship takes place.

tiger woods has officially filed the paperwork to play the tournament. that's good for pebble beach company. statistically 50% more tickets are sold when he shows up in the events. go tiger. this community can use the financial boost of celebrities in it's midst.

for me it's only golf and a whole lot of visual merchandising work, which i love.

my team at work has been working fast and furious on the the retail pavilion that is the size of a football field. yes, that's a lot of logoed golf balls.

in my down time this weekend i have been working on a couple of fashionable challenges and going through some old photos my grandmother sent me. hopefully i will have the time to post a few nostalgic scribblings.

until next time-

The winner for the 2010 AT&T Pro AM is-

2010-02-14T19:51:00.000-08:00

the last 2 weeks i, and the team i work with, have been putting together the visuals for this years AT&T PRO AM at Pebble Beach.

in the years past we would use historical photos of bing crosby, being the founder and all...

this year the boss man wanted a new and fresh look and my boss lady aims to please. i didn't take any photos so i grabbed these views from the web to complete this post.

the weather here today was SPECTACULAR! not to hot, not to cool and the waves were crashing along the seawalls as the golfers made their way to the 18th hole.

dustin johnson took the title. he won last year almost by default. the games on sunday were called and he had to play monday lacking much fanfare. and even then the rain called the finals short.

so this year he was redeemed. and i am on to the next project.

tonite i am on my way to toast my favorite valentine. and then i will take it easy tomorrow.

the end of the month takes me back east to visit family.

i had consulted a reader for my birthday. her advice was to keep my bags packed because travels opportunities will come to me out of the blue. baby i am ready. this small town has made me restless and i biting at the chomp to get a move on.

the drawing that i posted would have been something i would have worn to stroll the course watching all the interesting people.

later-

me for such a fetching ensemble!

It's that time of the year...again

2010-02-07T16:20:00.000-08:00

my intention for this year was that i would be a little more diligent in keeping up this blog. well that went out the window with the fast and furious pace work has led me on.

christmas went up and came down in rapid pace. i barely got got my routine back in the swing and preparations for AT&T pro am are underway.

a nasty virus is circling the workplace and i fell twice, last week with a wicked headache and sore throat. this week a horrible cough and chills. it knocked me out.

i did have time to think about a few things in-between fighting it off and feeling the pain. sometimes i get so caught up in the moment doing the right thing i forget about taking care of myself. i was very worried about being sick for AT&T install. i stayed home with the sore thought last week hoping that would be the end of it. i didn't realize that the sickness thought was very much of my subconscious thoughts. and i manifested being REALLY sick for the beginning of install. wow! if i can manifest this why can't i create the life i really want to be living. yes i am pondering this deeply.

and here i am again the week of my birthday. no plans because i will have to work the AT&T event. this is big money for all of the businesses in the area, which translates to my dear boyfriend being to busy with work to do anything special for my special day. oh well who should celebrate their birthday anyway when you get to be this age. well maybe a glass of champagne will do.

oh well i can dream. i was perusing the style website and came across the above number. i photoshoped it a little, just for fun. this is by jean paul gaultier. the whole show is a work of art. if you get the chance stop by and take a look.

so maybe this month i find the time to update this humble blog, but don't hold your breath OK? ta ta till then

It's January...again

2010-01-03T08:13:00.001-08:00

20-10 and so much hope.

i'm hoping i make more money this year. also hoping for a job change. something more challenging on my brain and less on my body.

time to start fresh.

santa was very good to me this year. a new imac was under my tree. it's so much more powerful then my powerbook was. i've been setting up all of the new codes and passwords. can't seem to get my printer to work... but i'm sure that will get straightened out in the next few days.

my closest friends were all sick with a cold for new year's eve, so it was sort of quiet on my home front. that was fine by me. it gave me time to reflect on this new year.

more time for art either fine or digital as long as i create.

and of course there is the new years diet. not sure how that's gonna work yet, but it needs to get done.

i never got my holiday cards out so i will need to assure friends and family that i didn't fall off the planet.

i think that's enough for the today. since it's my last holiday-day. i think i better relax and load and lock for tomorrow.

20-10, bring it on

Happy Holidays

2009-12-19T16:17:00.000-08:00

so much to do in the next couple of days. dad will be here on monday and i am still cleaning, cleaning and cleaning. laundry still to do, carpets to vacuum and as i put things away the more i need to toss out.

mental note to self- "get through the holidays and come back too it for spring cleaning"

i hate to clean. when i lived in NYC i hired folks to do those tasks. here in paradise i don't make enough cash to hire out, so i must do it myself. i do it very sporadically. usually when some one is visiting or when i really, REALLY can't stand the mess. my dad is coming for a visit so that would be this weeks excuse for the complete tossing of my apartment. when i'm cleaning i usually make a bigger mess to get down to the nitty gritty of the layered dust. my allergies go bazerk and i have to stop and take a break to let everything calm down, then i start churning it all again like the tazmanian devil. oh well, it looks and feels good once i'm done.

i still haven't sent any christmas cards or special emails. i know people think i dropped off the planet. not so, just laying a little low after all the hard work on the job the last few months.

well back to my list of things to do. and oh yah, HAPPY HOLIDAYS one and all!

AFC-Belle de Jour

2009-12-06T17:58:00.002-08:00

it's time to start thinking about christmas cards.

that was very much on my mind when i started this fashion illo. the piece i did last year was a great hit and i would like this year's to be the same. although i must confess last year i was ahead of the curve on the time line.

i am working a full 40 hours this week, so i'm not sure how much art time i will have to work on christmas cards. but the following week is is only 16 so maybe then....

or maybe, it will be a happy new year card. that way the pressure is off to get cards out before christmas.

well i'm off to clean up the kitchen. it was a rare occasion in my house today. i actually cooked. and since i am the one only, it will be me cleaning up the remnants of a fine meal.

jingle all the way...

2009-12-03T17:54:00.000-08:00

i may have mentioned at another point in time that i am a visual merchandiser for group of stores that are owned by one of america's premiere golf resorts. now, i'm not a golfer so when it comes to merchandising golf clubs and sun screen i ask my boss for a lot of help. after all, she has been doing this for MANY years. OK 11, to me, someone who changes jobs as often as she can, this is many years.

we have 14 stores that we set up for christmas for, and my band of 3 department makes all of the decorations ourselves. we give the stores a new package every 5-6 years. it takes us the 3-4 weeks before thanksgiving to set it all in place. and that same amount of time to take it out of storage, fluff and change lights.

this year it was my turn to give one of our gift shops a fresh new look. below are a few of the work in progress photos and a few of the store's finished presentation.

wow i can't believe it's done!

visual studio a.k.a, santa's workshop

another angle-work in progress

finished product in the store

gift giving anyone?

this is the front entrance to the store.

in all i built 4 large trees, 5 small trees 10 large and small box stacks and 12 single boxes to scatter around the store. nothing like a beautifully wrapped box to suggest gift giving.

this month i am relaxing a bit before i start my own christmas decorations.

and the countdown has begun...

AFC-Daily Hats

2009-11-29T08:09:00.000-08:00

where has the time gone...

thanksgiving day has come and gone and the weekend is now almost over.

it's been 2 months and a few days since my last post. i can't say anything extraordinary has happen to keep me from blogging, but i will say my time has been extremely busy.

my department puts up all of the christmas decorations for the retail stores in our division. that's 14 stores to be exact. not that they are huge stores- but i'm here to tell you that's a lot of christmas trees, garland and gift boxes.

three quarters of the trees have lights on them and from year to year 80% of the the lights need to be replaced because they burn out. it's a huge job to get everything prepped and ready for installation. we started right about the time of my last post and finished wednesday before thanksgiving. whew, i'm glad that's done.

i also designed a new package for one of our gift stores. i will be showing and telling about that in the next few weeks.

we also lost a position in our department this year with all of the budget cuts. we could have used those extra hands for installing. and to top it off my hours were cut. nothing like getting the job done with 1 hand tied behind your back, or feeling like it anyway.

i also took a photoshop class this semester. it was fun and very cool. i learned some great tricks from an excellent teacher. i love when that happens.

the piece that you see above is a piece i completed for A Fashionable Challenge. Daily Hats was the prompt. since we are entering our coldest months of the year here in NO. CA i choose something to keep my head warm on those blustery days.

after all that, i guess i better start thinking about my own christmas. not sure there will be any decorations up in my house. we'll see...

Dawning of the Age of Aquarius

2009-09-28T13:13:00.000-07:00

the bulk of this design was an old cosmopolitan magazine cover.

it spoke to me as an archetype for a series of astrology art i am working on.

i added a few photoshop touches to give her that aquarius flair.

If anyone knows the name of the illustrator please drop me a note. he/she deserves all the credit.

INT-Open Theme

2009-09-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

i can't believe this is the last weekend in september. fall is here and winter is coming.

i was lost in the chilly coastal fog most of yesterday. i came home cold and tired from a weary week of work.

the end of this month brings a round of changes in our division at work.

nancy's last day was yesterday, joceylyn and michele will leave next wednesday. i wish them all the very best. although change is hard, looking back usually tells us it was the next true step on our paths.

some of these changes were products of the economy and some were self made choices of starting new lives with new and old partners.

september is usually a difficult month for me. the summer is over and the leaves fall. i usually feel melancholy about what i set out to achieve back in january. it usually has been abandoned because of lack of time or energy. and now, september is over and i hardly had time for my usual self pity. i guess that's a very good thing.

one of the reasons the month has passed me by so quickly is that i enrolled in a Photoshop course at our local community collage. i love it! the above image is one of my first completed projects. i wish my mind could keep up with my hands, or vice versa, but it is very cool. another tool for my artist tool bag. i am sure that you will see more of my self proclaimed masterpieces during the weeks ahead.

so on to october, and in the words of one of my favorite southern girls, scarlet o'hara, "tomorrow is another day" have a great journey, where ever it leads you!

IMT-chair

2009-09-03T20:05:00.000-07:00

i have posted this image before for IF,

but it is one of my favorite paintings.

i did a male version of this chair using darker wood tones in the background and a stack of books rather than the wine and slippers seen here.

my boyfriend loved the His and i am living with the Her's. i will admit this is not my color story but there is something VERY warm and inviting about this painting when i come home from a more and more prevalent- crappy day at work.

IMT-Pears

2009-08-30T19:26:00.001-07:00

i didn't have time to research who lizzie a. borden was. i can't help but wonder if she was the original axe murder...

it was one of the few short pear quotes i could find for my digital painting.

have a great last week of summer!

On Guard or kicking a good man when he's down

2009-08-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

yet another week from hell at work.

and my question is, who's on first?

now that hours have been cut, and my coworkers and myself

are forced to take vacations days, communication has gone by the wayside.

so, i'm out of the office for 2 days and all hell breaks lose with deliveries that i am expected to make look beautiful in the stores. HELLO ? i've been forced to not work those days, that you, management decided on, to save thousand for the company. and it was also decided by the next tier down in management to send HUGE shipments to the stores. what did they think, that the staff would just let it sit in boxes? they are low on stock, of course they are going to it out. they think it looks beautiful, because my job can be done by any monkey. though the reality is that they have done a crap job(that i will have to clean up) and the client is totally confused by the mess that sits before them.

i get back to the office after forced vacation and i am expected to be in 3 places at once.

i am a now here to tell you that it really was no vacation

that took me away from a job i needed to be there for. the frustration level mounts.

and to top if off i got a- please be a little kinder to your co worker- speech because one of the managers was offended by the way i spoke to him in front of one of his sales people. SORRY, it wouldn't have happened had he been managing his staff.

well this is me just blowing more steam, again. i am pretty sure that there will be another session listed here on steam blowing in the very near future.

this story is getting more boring by the day.

this digital photo says it all.

TOUCHE

IMT-Cupcake(s)

2009-08-22T14:39:00.001-07:00

no truer words have ever been said.

even if you are not a cake fan, the sight of these little creatures make you wonder what they are all about.

there is a woman who sells home made cupcakes at our farmers market on monday evenings. they are soooo goood! i have to close my eyes and walk by quickly. otherwise i spend a fortune on all of the different flavor combinations.

so here's to you mrs. delish, your cupcakes make me and my taste buds smile.

AFC-Week78, Tribal

2009-08-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

i have native american in my tribal background. it is on my mother's side where this occurs, a couple of generations back. both my my mother's mother and father have native genes. my grandmother's father is descended from the Creek Indian nation. my grandfather's mother is descended from the Sioux Indian nation.

my respective great grandparent mates are descended from english and german clans. several generations prior to meeting my native american great grand kin.

i am 5th or 6th generation american on my mother's side.

my father's family is 100% polish and came to america 2 generations prior to me being born.

like most americans, i consider my self 100 per cent american with a wide melting pot background but, i will always hold a special place in my heart for my native american kinship.

Release The Hounds

2009-08-12T18:12:00.000-07:00

This has been a rough workweek and it's only half over.

....and I swear I will take no prisoners.

Don't you just hate it when people THINK they can do your job better than you. Meanwhile all they are really doing is just f*#king it up and you will have more work to do to fix it. The days are already too short because management has cut hours and you have lost a body in your department.

I say to these all-so- important people who have manager or buyers in their titles. Do your own damn job and stay away from making mine more difficult!

Wow, that's a load off my chest and now I can get back to the business that I know and love.

I will be taking a photoshop class that starts in a few weeks. I wanted to get a little head start. The image too the left is a runway shot that was scanned black & white, hand tinted and composed on to a toile hunting scene. MEOW or WOOF, WOOF

IF-Idle

2009-07-25T17:55:00.000-07:00

illustration friday is really not my thing. i'm not even sure if i will throw this in the pool.

this idea came to me when i was researching images for A Fashionable Challenge, which i participate in over at flickr.

it has been almost 3 months since i posted anything here. oh not that i have been idle. life is presenting itself with many challenges and unique opportunities. which i hope to catch up on in the upcoming months.

but for this evening, no idle time for me. our summer festival has been going on this weekend and i have to be off to help support the efforts. i'm grabbing my camera. hope i find some juicy sights.

May Day

2009-05-01T19:07:00.000-07:00

This was a tough week. I was sick with a cold that slowly has made its way from the tip of my head down to the curl of my toes.

I hate being sick. I am a terrible patient and I never seem to have the correct remedy in my medicine cabinet for what ails me. Since I live by myself, I usually am on my death bed before I brave the out of doors to get what will fix me up.

Oh well, I'm hoping another couple of days and I will be back in the pink.

I found this image in the Great Commons on Flickr and I knew it captured exactly how I have felt the last couple of days. Happy May Day and Here's to Good Health.

IMT prompt- Umbrella

2009-04-30T16:57:00.000-07:00

This week's prompt for Inspire me Thursday is UMBRELLA. I had done this fashion illo for my A Fashionable Challenge a few weeks ago and I thought it might be a fun entry for this weeks IMT challenge.

It has been several weeks since I have had time to work on my art or post anything to this site.

Life has been busy and crazy and as usual there is not enough time in the day.

So life rolls on, and I hope everyone had a spectacular April. And are we ready to welcome a Wonderful May? I hope so.

AFC wk 9-Quirky

2009-04-20T12:11:00.001-07:00

AFC wk 9-Quirky
Originally uploaded by sheree greek

this is pretty cool. i just added this post from my flickr pages.

the image that you are looking at was created in adobe illustrator and it was a very interesting journey completing this lesson.

i learned so much, and still have so much to learn.

for my limited skill set i think she turned out well.

AFC Wk56-Regal

2009-03-14T20:21:00.000-07:00

"May you walk in beauty and splendor on Mother Earth."

There is a hint of springtime in the air here and I am anxiously awaiting sunny days and warming breezes.

Daylight savings time went into effect last weekend and it has caught me off guard. I was sleepy all week long. Daylight saving is another sign of spring although it came earlier this year because of the past president's commitment or lack of, to saving energy. Well my energy sure was dragging because of the step up in the new date. I'm hoping next week will be easier.

March came in like a lion with blustery cold damp winds. I'm looking forward to the lamb side of the equation. I'm hoping it looks like warm breezes with plenty of sunshine.

IMT prompt- Moon

2009-03-01T17:45:00.000-08:00

february is over and march has arrived.

it's been a month since i have had the time to post anything.

work is keeping me on my toes. and a couple of volunteer projects are picking up steam.

and thus is life in our over extended too busy lives.

the painting above was done for a christmas group show. someone bought the piece, but it remains one of my favorite works.

the moon has always inspired me in my drawing and painting. i tend to see the human quality of the moon as a woman. to me it represents the feminine mystery in my world.

this is acrylic on canvas and i hope the moon is an inspiration to you.

IMT prompt- Soup

2009-02-01T09:04:00.000-08:00

i admit it,

i am a font freak

i search the web for free fonts for hours, downloading until all hours of the night.

so, this weeks prompt for soup gave me the opportunity to sift through my font pantry and experiment with few ingredients to create my digital soup.

believe me when i tell you this took a lot longer to create than it looks.

IMT prompt- Peeling Paint

2009-01-25T18:07:00.000-08:00

a week ago it was 75 degrees and summer sunny. it was a perfect beach day.

today is another story...

we are finally getting the rain that this area needs. there has been talk of water rationing if we do not get enough rain.

so in between the raindrops i took to the streets looking for peeling paint.

it turned out to be more of a challenge than i thought it would be. i live in a community that prides itself on it's historical victorian homes. i thought these houses would be sure spots for peeling paint. well, no such luck. my neighbors have gone to great pains too make sure their homes were well painted.

the image to the left is the entrance to our historical town hall. it was a meeting place for generations of the past to come together for community events. it was one of the few buildings, or should i say, the walk way, that was peeling.

oh well, i continued my walk.

i came upon this lovely little garden buddha. upon closer examination i discovered he was peeling. my fingers were numb, i shot my find and headed home for a cup of hot chocolate.

so, here you have peeling paint two ways.

enjoy everyone and have a great week.

AFC Wk49-NYC Girl

2009-01-18T15:30:00.000-08:00

this weeks post for A Fashionable Challange is NYC Girl.

i became very homesick for NYC working on this illo.

i lived in manhattan, on the upper east side for 20 plus years. i spent my childhood in wisconsin, but i grew up in manhattan.

i left my hometown with 2 suitcases, a college diploma and a couple of thousand dollars. i was going to work in the fashion industry. well, that's what i thought anyway.

i had met my future room mate at a college friend's sister's wedding. she was moving to manhattan from a small town in pennsylvania in a couple of months and asked me if i was interested in rooming with her. i said- you betcha!

the wedding was in late june. i put all of my affairs in order and by late september i was living in manhattan.

there were tough times and wonderful times in those 20 odd years.

my heart broke the day the twin towers came down. i worked one train stop from the world trade center. i overslept the morning we were attacked, and never made it to work. i sat and watched the news all day, wondering what i could do for all those people who did and didn't make it out. all i could do was pray and cry...

i knew after 9-11 it was time for me to take my adventures to another part of

the good old U.S. of A. i settled in northern california. it was time to put my artistic talents to work as a visual display artist and sometimes fine artist.

life is good and moving on fast. so much to do and never enough time to get it done. But when there is a moment to remember, i think of all the wonder friends and family i left behind in NYC and hope all is well with my favorite place in the world.

IMT prompt- Fuse

2009-01-11T15:21:00.000-08:00

fuse is the prompt for this weeks inspire me thursday.

i have been catching up on all my art challenges this weekend and i am running out of time...

the piece of equipment you see in this quick digital illo is a hot glue gun. it will fuse together almost anything. i have only recently added this piece to my tool bag and i vowed over the holiday's to never be without it again.

this handy gadget, or the glue that spouts from it, holds cords in place, glues frames back together, fixes christmas toys and the list goes on and on. nope i can't live without my newly acquired hot glue gun. well that and a roll of duck tape. but that's another prompt.

everybody have a great week

AFCwk48-Burlesque Style

2009-01-11T14:38:00.000-08:00

wow, haven't done any fashion illos for a few weeks and i'm feeling rusty.

the inspiration for this illo comes from ms dita von teese modeling for a spread in Harpers Bazaar. the camera loves this girl. i had a tough time settling on a shot for this illo for the simple reason that they are all really good.

here's to you ms dita, i wish i had your figure!

Embrace the Face prompt-Grow

2009-01-10T20:25:00.000-08:00

i remember when i was young wanting to grow up fast

and being able to do all of the things that my heart desired.

now i am older and realize that in order to grow

i must wait for the season so that my hearts desire can become a reality.

this is my post for the january embrace the face challenge.

the prompt was grow.

i voted for the least voted for theme. and then it looked like new beginning would be the theme and of course grow inched ahead and won.

i must admit it was my least favorite of the prompt words, oh well, i will go with the flow...

the painting above is a watercolor piece. my inspiration was the growing relationship of a mother daughter relationship. the old and the new, the giving and taking in the family bond, the continuous growth.

when i finished the piece, the word dream kept whispering to me. so i see this image now as dreaming of the growth from youth to matron and what was- once upon a time.

IMT prompt- Elephant

2009-01-04T15:49:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

May this year be our most creative year ever.

2009 is well underway and this is my 1st post.

All of my Christmas things are back in storage for another year and I am feeling pretty good about my plans for the New Year.

I have decided to take a computer graphics course at our local community college. It's a plan I have had for the last couple of semesters, but couldn't act on, since the classes were always offered during the day. This semester the class I am interested in taking is being offered at night. I'm hoping that's my sign that the time is right for the taking.

I'm not really one to make new years resolutions, but there is one thing that I must make a commitment to do. That one thing would be, get more exercise. I haven't decided how I'm going to ramp this plan up, but for right now, a walk around the block counts for a lot.

And last but not least, I will be more creative. I made a new card on January 1st for my SoulCollage deck and I'm hoping to continue too add at least one new card a month to my deck. (I need a new glue stick to finish it and then I will be sure to post).

So, all that being said- "Let's Get This Party Started"

The above image is a web image, digitally embellished for my post.

Another artist painted the spiritual markings, that I embellished.

IMT prompt- Mistletoe

2008-12-21T09:08:00.001-08:00

i am in procrastination mode this weekend.

laundry, cleaning, shopping- too much to do and not enough time for any of it.

so why not do something to distract me...

the inspiration for this quick-draw was from a costume website.

funny stuff, my entry for IMT's mistletoe prompt.

and now i promise no more red and green entries for my challenge entries.

well until next year anyway.

HAPPY HEALTHY AND SAFE HOLIDAYS TO ONE AND ALL!

Embrace the Face prompt-White

2008-12-16T16:47:00.000-08:00

This is a new challenge site for me. I found it while browsing some other talented artists sites. The name of the site conjured all sorts of wonderful imagery for me, so I decided to join in this month. "Embrace the Face" is the blog title.

I have always loved working with the female figure in my paintings. I'm usually not whimsical in my paintings, except when I look to the moon for my inspiration. I think the moon has such feminine qualities that I can't ever imagine the moon to be a man.

No man in the moon for me!

The painting above was a donated piece I did for the Monterey County Art Museum. Local artists big and small create miniatures and donate the pieces to help raise money for museum needs. $30,ooo. was raised last year for the cause.

My piece is entitled "A Not So

White Christmas"

By the way the prompt for this months Embrace the Face is-

WHITE

acrylic on canvas

IMT prompt- (Holiday)Dress

2008-12-14T14:13:00.001-08:00

this illo was inspired by a shot from the 60's or 70's by famed photographer richard avedon.

he did a lot of people shots, but his fashion photos are my favorites.

as i worked on the illo

fa la la

la la la

kept running thru my head.

every one have a safe and happy week.

IMT prompt- Table

2008-11-29T16:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays one and all!!!

the games have begun...

all of the christmas music playing too early.

all of the running from store to store for the perfect gifts.

all of the holiday housewarmings, brunches, cocktails and office get together invitations.

all of the planning of which family member gets to host what events.

all of the hints about what mom, pop and little johnny really want for christmas.

yes, i'm ready for it.

armed with my datebook, credit card and holiday cheer, i am really ready for it.

as long as i can come home to a little peace and quiet

and some wine and cheese sitting on my kitchen table.

photo with digital embellishment

IMT prompt- Albert Einstein

2008-11-22T18:53:00.000-08:00

i must confess i didn't really know anything about albert einstein.

yes, i knew he was a genius when it came to physics, but that was about it. i'm not much of a science gal.

i read his bio on wikipedia and i now feel well informed on his life.

it was difficult to choose 1 of his quotes. he said so many profound, yet simply things.

i chose the above quote because it seems to apply to things i am experiencing today.

we had 29 layoffs in our company last week. it caught us off balance. thank god no one from my department got the "pink slip", but we lost 3 people in our division. it could have been anyone that got the"axe", and we all wonder why the ones that got it, got it? i have my own theories. i will save those for another day. all i know is that i have to keep moving and do the best job that i possibly can. and if there are more layoffs and the axe falls closer to home, i know i will be o.k. because" when one door closes another opens" and that too is movement.

web image with digital embellishment

IMT-Coffee Break

2008-11-15T15:58:00.001-08:00

we are having unseasonably warm weather this weekend here on the central coast of CA. when i finished my AFC challenge early this morning i decided to hit the streets for my coffee break.

my humble burg became home to a very talented pastry chef earlier this year. i hadn't had the time to head over to this new bakery since he opened, so being up and ready for some coffee i headed to his new spot asap.

when i walked thru his doors i was struck at how warm the place was. did i really want a cup of hot coffee?

the answer was yes. i had another art challenge to complete and i couldn't very well eat my wonderful flakey croissant with soda or ice tea. i'm glad i settled on the coffee because i had not had a cup of joe this good in a very long while.

note to self- walk the extra blocks for the really good coffee.

everybody have a great weekend, if the weather stays as warm here tomorrow as it was today, you will find me at the beach. yes i said the beach, crazy weather.

photography with digital embellishment.

AFC-Movie Inspired

2008-11-15T15:40:00.001-08:00

this week's theme for A Fashion Challenge is movie inspired.

I must have pulled a ba-zillion reference photos trying to find the perfect image for this challenge.

i couldn't really find a movie that spoke to me, but i kept coming up with these great pictures of 1940 and 50's musical stills. so i decided to pick the musical genre of the 1950's.

the reference picture i choose was a promo shot for a 1953 movie named "the bandwagon" starring cyd charisse and fred astaire.

i loved the long lean line that cyd charisse had in the still photo, and this was what was important for me to capture in my fashion illo.

i'm not a fan of musical's, but when i was looking for my photo, i missed these films of bygone days. i haven't seen brigadoon or my fair lady in MANY years. i may need to run out and rent a couple to satisfy my craving for a revisit of this american institution. or maybe my tivo'd dancing with the stars will do. we shall see...

watercolor and tombow pens

IMT-Open Prompt

2008-11-10T18:55:00.000-08:00

Wow! Time keeps on keeping on, and the year is almost over. I have missed a few prompts the last few weeks. Work is crazy and we still have until Thanksgiving to complete our "Christmas Elves" assignments. And so it goes...

I looked through my old and new stash of art to see what I could post for the"open "prompt and here is a piece I thought you might enjoy.

I happen to be a certified SoulCollage (trademarked) facilitator. You can google the process if you have more interest, but the skinny on the process is that you collect images that speak to you on a soul level and use them to encounter your thoughts and feelings- good or bad by making them into a deck of cards.

The founder of this process is a registered therapist, and lots of mental health professionals use this method with their patients.

I have had an interest in the Tarot for many years and this process can help create your own personal set of cards that can help you answer questions about your personal life journey.

I never taught classes in this technique because I was uneasy with the whole psych part of the process. One can touch some deep nerves which I am not equipped to handle.

Anyway, the cards bring clearer meaning to situations in my life when I take the time to practice reading them. I would like to complete my own personal set of Tarot cards some day.

So that is the background to the card you see in the center of this layout. This is my dancer card.

" I am one who-

Enjoys dancing with friends. It makes me feel on top of the world"

The "I am one who" saying is part of the SoulCollage touch phrase, this seems to put beginning words to the images you select.

I added the borders and the words for a bit of fun for this post.

hand and digital collage. enjoy

IMTprompt-Rumi Prayer

2008-10-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

"out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing, there is a field.

i'll meet you there,

when the soul lies down in the grass, the world is to full to talk about.

ideas, language -even the phrase "each other"- do not make any sense."

rumi

When I read this prayer/poem I thought of my need for solitude, laying down in green pastures... field of dreams...

I thought of the beautiful hills and valleys that surround my neighborhood. And I thought of the precious little time I have to work at the thing I love doing most, my art.

The photo you see above is of my studio. It is always filled with light, especially this time of year. I sit in front of this big picture window and view the clouds and mountains across the bay. There is this old tree that leans toward my window and at this time it is filled with these wonderful fire red blossoms. The site is breathtaking.

It's not a field per say but it is my field of dreams, and my sanctuary. It is where my soul lies down.

IMTprompt-Cereal box art

2008-10-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

I was fascinated by this prompt.

As I read thru the instructions I thought "I have to give this a try". My main drawback was the lack of cereal boxes. What can I say, I'm not a fan of the cold cereal breakfast. It has to do with the consumption of boxes and boxes of whatever cereal had the best prize inside when I was a kid. Another story for another time...

So, my task was what to use as a substitute? Most of my abstract paintings (the heart I posted for yellow) is done on gessoed 300# watercolor paper. I tracked down a few remnant sheets and went to work.

I take photos randomly with my camera. I really had nothing usable for this assignment, so I walked the neighborhood and snapped some still life scenes that I thought might have some appeal.

This shot was taken in front of our local library. The hydrangeas are in full bloom here, and these were bigger than my head.

Download, turn to black and white, photo tint, print out on label stock, and adhere to paper.

I have some more experiments to tweak, but I am luvin' these results. BTW, the grey you see is a wash of silver acrylic paint over the entire sheet. It gives the piece a shimmer.

I am excited to use this technique again. Thank you so much for the lesson.

IMTprompt-Paper Cuts_AFC prompt Mini or Maxi

2008-09-30T13:17:00.000-07:00

I have been doing these cut out Paper Dolls for the AFC for a while. Here is the IMT prompt for Paper Cuts (below) and the Mini or Maxi for the AFC prompt.

Well, the last couple of weeks I had decided to move on and venture away from my comfort zone, my paper cuts, and remind myself of another mode of painting that I learned when I was in school. Back in college I had the pleasure to study with the famous fashion illustrator Steven Stipelman. He taught us a technique that incorporated gouache and colored pencil on a color-aid clay coated paper.

It is a very challenging technique. Using the water on any sort of paper is an effort too say the least. I knew, if I stuck with it, this technique could give great texture and color to my art pieces. I still have a ways to go, but I am liking my starts.

If you would like to see more of my AFC postings, scroll to the bottem of this blog and you will find my flickr link to A Fashionable Challenge. We love new people joining us, so feel free to come on in. I have to warn you that there are some pretty fierce fashionistas here, but it is all in good fun.

I stayed home from work today because I am not feeling well. The weather is changing and I 'm feeling cold or fluish, I decided to sleep in. I felt better when I got up so I decided to create and post for this IMT challenge. It's not as impressive as Matisse's work, but it's my fun. It seems like I have so little time to do the things I love doing. Oh well, that's what happens when you grow up. I swear Peter Pan had it right all along.

Everybody have a great week.

AFC-Girls just want to have FUN

2008-09-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

This weeks prompt took me to the Spring 2009 runway show of Betsey Johnson.

When I was in jr. high and high school all I wanted to be when I grew up was a hip trendy designer like Betsey Johnson.

I sewed a lot of my clothes back in those days and I couldn't wait to save up my baby-sitting money, later part time paychecks, and run down to the fabric store to see what inspiration designer Betsey Johnson could give me.

This challenge first took me back to high school and than to NYC in the mid 80's with Cyndi Lauper's song- Girls Just Want to Have Fun. When I Googled the song, the video came up on YouTube. Funny stuff. I remembered dancing in clubs in Manhattan to that song. So long ago, or was it yesterday.

This latest collection of Betsey's is just as fresh as it was the first time I discovered her work. Here's to you Fabulous Fashion Designer Betsey Johnson, and to many more exciting catwalks. Oh, and I love this dress you wore for your finale walk.

watercolor,tombow & pitt pens

IMT prompt- Yellow

2008-09-13T08:33:00.000-07:00

Yellow is a color that I use very little in my work. I'm not sure why. If I use it at all, it is usually to make a bold statement as in this piece. The yellow represents the day and the blue is night. Red is the human emotion we carry with us 24/7. The title of this piece is Black Heart Divided

Way to heavy for a dreary Saturday Morning, but there you have it, my submission for Yellow.

This piece is acrylic on watercolor paper with a high gloss varnish.

AFC-Romantic Goth

2008-09-06T19:38:00.000-07:00

This week for A Fashionable Challenge my research took me to that Goth look. The romantic part of the prompt made it easier to look at, but on many levels the Goth look just looks sloppy to me. Bad hair, too much dark make-up and raggedy cloths.

The dress in this illo was designed by alexander mcqueen for his fall 2008 runway show. He had several goth inspired pieces in that show, but this to me was the most romantic.

Watercolor, micron pens and scrapping paper

IMT prompt- Breath

2008-09-06T19:27:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy week at work. Finishing old projects and starting new ones. My department will be taking a trip up to "TheBig" city this next week. For us, the holiday season is fast approaching. This will be the 1st time I get to design a holiday display package for 1 of my stores. It's very exciting looking for just the right trims to entice the holiday shopper to buy.

It all seems so far away, but it will be here before we know it. And God forbid Santa's elves are caught unaware.

So, everyday in the coming weeks my mantra will be"BREATH"

digital collage

IMT prompt- Notebook

2008-08-30T12:20:00.000-07:00

Personally I hate to see the long days of summer come to an end. I like the sun to shine into the late evenings. I also like the the people who come to visit our area when the kids are out of school. Traveling on my own summer getaways or vacations, at this time of the year, is exciting for me.

That all comes to an end, it seems, come September. I have no children to send back to school, but I long to be in that learning mode at this time of year. So I scour the local schools and bulletin boards for classes or workshops to fill those upcoming long winter evenings. Alas, nothing has caught my fancy.

So, long live the summer-at least thru this weekend. Enjoy the final days of August!

My notebook is a collage put thru filters in photoshop.

A Fashionable Challenge- The 60's

2008-08-23T09:20:00.000-07:00

What can I say about the 60's... For this weeks fashion challenge my research took me to images of Twiggy, the mother of all super models. I adored pictures of her, wanted to look like her. My melting-pot-european-american heritage would have nothing to do with that Twiggy look. But, I could dress like her. In grade school I had a dress like this one in this illo. The image in the background is a painting of Peter Max's. He was a Pop or Mod artist from the 60's. I was not a fan of his work back then, but after doing research for this piece his work has grown on me. Ah the 60's, peace, love and rock & roll.

the figure is done in watercolor and pitt pens.

AFC-Opulent

2008-08-10T20:07:00.001-07:00

Constance knew it was a fine morning for a stroll through Central Park. After that, a stop at the local bistro for her morning Espresso. That's what Sundays are all about for this Paper Doll.

watercolor, colored pencil and pitt pens on craft paper.

IMT prompt- Wardrobe

2008-08-10T18:10:00.001-07:00

Why is it that on Friday evening, after battling the masses all week, my wardrobe looks like it threw up all over my apartment?

digital painting.

AFC-The Classics

2008-08-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

Patty always felt most comfortable in her denim blue jeans and Brooks Brother button down white shirt. This Paper Doll adds an antique paisley jacket and she knows she's stylin'.

think "Forever in Blue Jeans"- thank you Neil Diamond

IMT prompt- Beach

2008-07-24T20:02:00.000-07:00

After running around the sand and the surf it sure is nice to watch the sun set with your best buddy.

I have always been fortunate enough to live near the water. As a child in the Midwest on lake Michigan, and later in life in Manhattan the island surrounded by water, where we would escape to the beaches of The Hamptons. Today I live in a tiny burg in Northen California. Where the beaches are rugged and breathtaking, and the summers are lost in the cool fog.

What can I say I love my beaches.

This piece is watercolor on paper and is 9"x12"

IMT prompt- Polka Dot & AFC prompt-A Little Ray of Sunshine

2008-07-21T19:30:00.000-07:00

Dottie was a dancing fool. The Waltz, Fox Trot, 2 Step, she loved them all. But the dance she was most passionate about was the Polka. No matter where she was when she heard the Polka music start she would dance around the room. It is no wonder she earn the nick name "Polka Dot"

It has been a crazy weekend and I had to do the 2 for one deal here.

I started this illustration for A Fashionable Challenge when it posted last Thursday. I had come across this sun dress a few weeks ago when doing research for another prompt. I loved it and knew that it would be the model for this weeks prompt.

As I was working on AFC, IMT posted The polka dot prompt.

Both seemed to meld for me into one. I use scrapping paper for backgrounds with all of my paper doll cutouts. the illo is

8 1/8" x 11" and she is done with watercolor colored pencils and tombow pens.

Enjoy

IMT prompt- Healing

2008-07-14T17:29:00.001-07:00

This Angel image is part of a tryptich I did for a client last year.

Her only instruction to me was that she needed a Guardian Angel for her stores new location. To me this Angel was a healing angel for the store, community and for her shopping guests that frequented her new location.

The economy in our area has not fully recovered since 9/11 and we all need as much healing as we can get.

This angel has had much strength to help us get through the days.

She also has compassion, which heals her Charge daily.

acrylic on arched canvas, each canvas 9"wide x 15"high

A Fashionable Challenge- Night Moves

2008-07-13T17:38:00.000-07:00

After a long hard day battling the grind, Imogene likes nothing better than coming home and slipping into her fave PJs and robe. And if the mood strikes her she may even bust a move on her ever so neat tile floor.

Sweet Dreams

A Fashionable Challenge- Lean Silhoutte

2008-07-06T19:43:00.000-07:00

Direct from the runways of Paris...

My Paper Dolls strut their stuff.

I loved doing the research for this challenge, these lines are so elegant.

Enjoy

IF-Sour

2008-07-06T19:37:00.001-07:00

Some say Sweet, but to me they are SOUR. A Lemon Drop anyone? Summer is officially here.

watercolor, tombow pens with a last minuet bit of scrapping paper.

A Fashionable Challenge- 1940's Inspired

2008-06-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

Madge waited patiently for her sweetie Henry. There is no nicer way to spend a Sunday afternoon in the city than at the theatre matinee. And a musical to boot. Madge could hardly wait for the show to begin.

Where has the week gone

2008-06-23T20:33:00.000-07:00

It's seems as though I had no time to create this weekend. Life takes the lead...

I have been trying to learn Photoshop, Illustrator and Painter X and no truer words were spoken

"a little knowledge is dangerous." as you will see in my posts.

anyway here are my entries for A Fashionable Challenge, Illustration Friday and 4x4 Friday

PLEASE SCROLL

A Fashionable Challenge- Playful Bohemian

2008-06-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

My Paper Dolls were spotted at a very

trendy, chic BoHo wedding this week.

Blanche was the Maid of Honor. So many times a bridesmaid

and never a bride.

She promised her friend Hester "The Best of Best" weddings.

After all, this was no dog bridesmaid dress, and the bride should be able to get it right after 3 times.

mixed media

IF-Hoard

2008-06-23T19:45:00.000-07:00

Confessions of a closet Hoarder-

I love shoes. Flat, high, really high...

And I can not bear to get rid of the pairs that have not really been worn much, but are totally out of style. I've been around long enough to know that everything old will be new again. The question is, will it be a hit retro or just old?

Whichever, I have bins and bins of wonderful Shoes.

digital collage

4x4 friday- The Fair

2008-06-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

I lived in NY City for many years.

I have had the pleasure of walking the Great Lawn in Flushing.

Queens where the 1964 Worlds Fair

was presented.

I wish i could have attended,

but i was a little girl of 8.

The Center globe is HUGE! and now it's 4x4.

-digital collage

IMT prompt- Art In the Everyday

2008-06-15T18:29:00.000-07:00

i had hoped the fog would break and i could take some photos of my neighborhood. this was the best i could do. don't get me wrong, i love the blue grays of this image. i came home, put on my fleece pullover, sat down and did the following 2 challenges. it was a good day. enjoy!

4x4 friday-Shoes

2008-06-15T18:22:00.000-07:00

well it's not quite shoes, but i find it a rather fetching shoe.

acrylic paint, background stamped and painted over.

A Fashionable Challenge-To the club

2008-06-15T18:17:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since i have found my way to a dancing club. this illo was completely out of my head... i was humming the bee gee's "night fever" while doing this piece. i hope you enjoy.

IMT prompt- Hummingbird(s)

2008-06-08T16:08:00.000-07:00

OK, I admit it. I am no animal painter. But I gave it a shot. I wasn't going to post it, but I worked so many hours on it, it only seemed fair.

I love hummingbirds. So tiny, so fast, it's rare to catch them this still for any length of time.

A fashionable Challenge-Vintage Inspired

2008-06-08T15:52:00.000-07:00

Another Sunday Afternoon and my Monday morning blahs are already settling in on me.

I finished these 2 challenges this afternoon. not some of my best work, but it made me create. And for that I am grateful. Everyone have a great week.

IMT prompt- Purple & Orange

2008-06-01T15:37:00.000-07:00

watercolor and tombow markers.

Theatrical-a fashionable challenge

2008-05-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

water color and tombow pens

not a WORRY tonight

2008-05-23T20:46:00.000-07:00

I love friday nights. The week is over and I can relax and indulge myself in some fun-or not.

No worries for me at 8P.M. Friday. That will start again at 3 P.M. Sunday.

Have a great weekend

acrylic panting on Convex round canvas. (the colors are much more even in person)

WIDE open road

2008-05-20T09:14:00.000-07:00

Well today is the day. Our long awaited wide open road trip. A girlfriend and myself are taking a long overdue break from our crazy weekdays. We are taking a few days of VACATION and driving down the Pacific Coastline. Yeah! Where we will stop nobody knows. We are excited about our adventure and hoping the sunshines down upon us. (It's misting and foggy right now in our little burg).

See you soon on the wide open road.

A WISH FOR PEACE

2008-04-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received an email from a friend I hadn't heard from in a long time. I am posting this painting for her.

Alexa is in the military and we became friends when my studio was street level. She loved walking thru my studio/gallery and many of the others around town. She had bought a couple of my pieces for herself and friends. That meant the world to me.

Alexa got her next order to go to the Panhandle in Florida. She missed this area terribly, but in this last email it sounded like she had adjusted. She even started doing pottery. You go girl!

My friend is ready for her next assignment and this one will take her to the tropics. Before that begins she must complete training in the Gulf. Not ours, the one over there, close that mess that is playing out.

Stay safe and stay in touch my dear friend. Thank You for stepping up to the challenge that is all of ours.

Love and Light to you!

IMT prompt- ENVELOPE

2008-04-13T20:52:00.001-07:00

Back in the day I had a clutch purse similar to this one. It was electric blue with slightly darker small blue polka dots. It had a red button closure. It truly was envelope thin, a credit card, stick of gum and a house key. Forget about hair brushes, lip sticks or a key chain with double locks and car keys.

The things I did to be a fashionable girl. You should have seen the hair and shoes that went with this envelope clutch.

I admit it, I was a fashion victim. Well, we all have our flaws.

mixed media/paper

IMT prompt: Peace Symbol-50 years old

2008-04-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

Wow 50 years old for the Peace Sign! And my birthday wish to you is many more.

When I was looking for images to inspire me, I was taken back to that"Summer of Love". I wasn't old enough to appreciate it as some of my friends were in those days, but I do remember...

Not quite old enough to hitch a ride to Woodstock and not quite young enough to not know what was going on around me in the world.

Music from the Beatles (my personal favorites), Rolling Stones, The Doors, Hendrix, Joplin and Dylan. It all changed back in those days.

With hindsight I look back. Some regrets and some thanks for making it through. All-in-all, I wouldn't change much about those days and the years that followed.

An Angel On My side

2008-04-05T20:39:00.000-07:00

I did this painting a few months ago for an IF prompt for "Soar" and I am just now posting it.

Some trials in my life this week have tapped me on the shoulder and whispered in my ear" hey sister, slow down". I looked at this drawing this afternoon and remembered all of my guardian angels that are there to help me, if only I would ask.

Thank you my angels, spirit guides and people who have passed from this plane for giving the nudge that I so desperately need from time to time.

Watercolor and pen on drawing paper.