REFLECTIONS, The Collection

           

So many of you asked when I presented the 'REFLECTIONS' calendars last Spring and Autumn, can I buy a card, can I buy just one photo?? Well, now, the answer to one of those questions, is a resounding YES! I have compiled all 16 photos into the 'REFLECTIONS' Collection, selling each one individually, in my Etsy shop, Lilleypics!

Each photo is double matted, the cover matte is a Solar White, or bright white, and the secondary matte is Polar White, which is a shade darker, giving each of the photos depth. The greatest challenge I faced listing all of these pictures was taking a photo of a photo AND getting that bright white matte to read as bright. Each photo is backed with foam core and ready to be framed or to be enjoyed 'as is'. The dimension of each matted photo is 14 3/8" square, so, not small!

July, August, August II, September II

June II, April, March, May

June, February II, January, October

September, November, February, December

I discovered that I can ship PRIORITY, as the difference between 'regualar' shipping and PRIORITY, for one print is pennies!! All photos are linked to the Etsy shop, Lilleypics, just click on the highlighted type and enjoy!

Colorado, the gift that keeps on giving!!!

“If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves.” Thomas A. Edison

Wednesday Thought...

...enough said...

A Good Night in the Greenhouse...

Instagram pic of the display

My point of view...big long greenhouse!!

LOTS of greenery to make us all look better!!

Vintage Garden Art

Red Leaf in Resin

 Whew!!! My first show in Colorado is finished. Given that the temps were in the low 20's and falling, and that the show was literally in the greenhouse of Phelan Gardens, it was a very good turnout! I met some lovely, creative vendors, from making jewelry w/ pressed leaves and flowers (Wildflower Jewelry), to Vintage Garden Art, which is hand stamped flatware for your garden or plants (we made a trade!), to beautiful glass and grass jewelry from the Maasai women of Kenya! I had wonderful feedback and some excellent suggestions of 'where to go next', w/ the photographs. So much of selling art on-line, or @ shows like this one, is all about networking, and it was a good start!!! A hearty thank you to Jen Pelto for finding me on Etsy and including me in such a lovely event!

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house...'
Mt. 5:15

Saturday Date

Jimmy and I realized after beach season was really over, that we still had to be 'running somewhere' on the weekend. So, living in the small and historic state of Rhode Island, we have been making the most of it. We decided that each Saturday we would visit a town, city or village, and find the best place for soup...yes, that's right soup. We're talking lobster bisque and New England clam chowder. Although, we did find some amazing sweet potato bisque at 'Z Bar and Grille' in Providence. We're geared up to find the best of the best. It's a great date! We've been to about 6 different restaurants since October. Today, we stayed in Providence, where eateries are plenteous. We have been eying 'Cav' for a long time, we have poured over the menu, discussed our options, brunch, lunch or dinner. The time was right. We had no idea that the ambiance would be so interesting. They have art objects from around the world, all for sale from the finest rugs, to African sculptures and Asian bronze pieces. All with a festive, holiday touch too boot. Jimmy had a big bowl of clam chowder, with fresh clams, visible to the eye, and I had a cup of lobster bisque. It had a smokey taste, with a little heat..interesting. So, we'll keep you posted as we eat our way from one end of the state to the other!!

Dinotopia

Dinotopia, where author and illustrator James Gurney escorts visitors—adults and children alike—to the wondrous lost island of Dinotopia, an enthralling world of art, science, exploration, and invention in which humans and dinosaurs live peacefully together. James Gurney introduced Dinotopia in a series of illustrated books beginning in 1992, based on the journals of explorer Arthur Denison, who was shipwrecked on the island in 1862. Dinotopia also appeared as a TV miniseries in 2002.

James Gurney is the best-selling author and illustrator of the Dinotopia book series and creator of more than seventy illustrated book covers. He has worked on assignment as a National Geographic artist and has illustrated seventeen United States postage stamps. An accomplished, award-winning artist, Gurney is the recipient of many prestigious honors, including seven Chesley Awards from the Association of Fantasy Artists, two Hugo Awards from the World Science Fiction Convention, and Best of Show from the Art Director's Club. Gurney's art currently appears in museum exhibitions around the world. Gurney lives in the Hudson River Valley of New York with his wife, two sons, and a blue parakeet—a living descendant of dinosaurs.

Another Opening of Another Show..

Yesterday was the 'virgin voyage' for the Craftopia creators. It was a good day. The event was well organized, the organizers were very thoughtful, the space was airy. I did 'okay'. I think that, as has been said by many a vendor, doing shows is unpredictable. I also think, however, the economy had alot to do with all the compliments, all the lookers, but not too much cash being doled out. It was the first show of the year, maybe not close enough to Mother's Day. Who knows. There is always a learning curve. I was happy to see some friends come out and enjoy the venue. My husband, as always, was and is invaluable with his support of my art, but also with the down and dirty task of lugging of tables, and crates. I could not do all of this without him. Thank you Jimmy, you are so appreciated.

Thank you again, Ladies of Craftopia. May this be the first of many shows for you. A job well done!

As a postscript, I must add, that many vendors did very well on Sunday!!!!

Music & Art

I had the pleasure, years ago, to draw a friend's violin. The whole instrument has remained ingrained in my being, especially, the 'F-holes', for the sound. I decided, as I was playing with this drawing, that I would make the shape exactly what it is, rather than, 'it just looks like'....for fun. Hence, there are strings, along with the graceful shapes for the soulful sound which came pouring out of the violin I drew so many years ago.

Time for Renewal! Work in Progress...

I'm re-evaluating, I cleaning house, I'm moving some things around because I need to change my focus. I will be spending less time dropping EC's. Since the big change in the EntreCard community, things have slowed down to a snail's pace and I simply cannot take the time anymore. I have enjoyed being in the top spot in the art category for quite a few months now. However, it seems that I am doing less art, less photography and less jewelry making. I am already working on some new art projects! I will be keeping up with my blog because I love blogging. Spring is in the air, and it's time to plant new seeds, so that's what I'm doing. I'll keep you posted as they say!

This drawing is a 'work in progress'. I have drawn a series of 3 Victorian doorknobs. I penciled in all three very, very gently, but it's time to bring them to life! They are all so different, with amazing detail, and what I love most about them is that they are over 100 years old!! Like living in a Victorian house, often the thought, 'if only these walls could speak', applies to these brass doorknobs as well!

Butterfly Lady

This drawing, this very detailed drawing has so much pencil work in it, that light actually reflects off of the lead (hence, no flash). The colors are from Hana Mori markers and prisma colored pencils. You have all seen people pull out their knitting, or crocheting while visiting you for tea, or on the subway, or sitting in a park. Well, this is what I did with this particular drawing. I just took it with me where ever I went, pulled it out and carefully worked on it, until I reached that all important moment, where as an artist, you have to know when to stop. There is no right or wrong in that decision, it's personal. So, this is where I stopped.