Guest Curator

Hello...and good Monday morning! Head on over to Crescendoh.com, a fantastic site for all things creative... run by the wonderfully talented, Jenny Doh. I am a Guest Curator there this week so I will be spotlighting other Artists and Blogs that inspire me. Hope they inspire you too!

New in 2012

"The Dwelling Place"

acrylic and collage on canvas

30" x 30"

Have to admit that I've been taking quite a bit of time away from blogging. I decided I needed to concentrate more on painting and less on posting. I always find that I'm more creative and productive when I do that. I seem to need those blocks of time to float above the technical world.

Here's my first painting of 2012. I have three more in the works so hope to be able to show you those soon. May be revamping and moving my blog as well. Not sure exactly what and when so I'll surprise you!

Hope you're all doing well and loving the New Year so far!

When life gives you lemons...

"Lemons on Red Plate"

My Lemons made it into an Etsy Treasury today. I love the burst of yellow color in all of the selections. Thank you, Arlene and Yakira! Here is the print on wood reproduction on Etsy.

In my last post, I mentioned that I had some news for you? I'm honored to have been invited to display my work at "9th Avenue Collection" in Denver. It's an antique and design center that showcases several Colorado Artists along with beautiful furniture, sculpture, and other treasures of design. If you're in the area...stop by and browse around...it's a great place for Christmas gifts!

Hope you're all enjoying the holidays...and not getting too frazzled in the process!

Free Shipping on Etsy!

"Last One From The Tree"

7" x 12" acrylic on canvas

available in my Etsy Shop here

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving out there. We had a really nice few days. My Dad was in town and it was so great to be able to spend some time with him. James cooked Thanksgiving dinner and it...was...awesome!

News from the Abby Creek Etsy Shop...shipping within the U.S. is free on all artwork until December 1st. All you have to do is use Code FREESHIP when you check out. I also just relisted my painting, "Last One From The Tree" with a special holiday price.

Back soon with some great exhibit news! Have a great Monday!

New SNIPPETS - prints on wood

I'm starting to create new "Snippets" from some of my recent abstract paintings. I have a lot of fun with these compositions. They also give me ideas for new paintings. I'll be adding a few more to the Etsy shop soon...just in time for holiday shopping. Art is always a great gift!

From the painting, "Safe Haven"
8" x 8" x 1.5" canvas print on wood
available here on Etsy


From the painting, "Beyond the Glass"
8" x 8" x 1.5" canvas print on wood
available here on Etsy

Art Unleashed

"Beyond the Glass"
24" x 36" acrylic and collage on canvas

Finally got a good photograph and a title for my recently finished painting. Might have to make a couple of snippets out of this one! You can email me here if you're interested in purchasing it. It will also be available on Etsy soon.

Have a great Monday!

New work!

"Safe Haven"
16 x 16 acrylic and collage on canvas
Available here on Etsy

I'm still here! Recently made a few changes to the blog...and listed this new painting today. Let me know what you think!

Hope you're all doing well! Back soon...

Inspiration Visits!

Happy Friday to you! Just finished this painting today so it's hot off the easel. I haven't yet decided on a title...ideas are starting to form though. The size of the painting is 24" x 36". I'll have a decent photo of it to show you soon.

I worked and worked and then worked some more on this painting. Finally, inspiration came! My work seems to be turning a new corner so we shall see where it leads. It's exciting when that happens!

Hope you have a beautiful first weekend of Fall!

New and Blue

"Dream in Blue"

16" x 16" 

acrylic and collage on canvas

available for sale on Etsy    

Time is flying by and I have been a blog slacker! Seems like with Facebook, Twitter and Blogger...it's sometimes difficult to give full-attention to all three. Anyone else having that problem...or is it just me? :) Hmmm...new interface on Blogger too.


I'm presently working on a new large canvas painting but it's still building a personality. Hopefully, I can finish it this week to show you.

Hope you're doing well out there and enjoying the beginnings of Fall!

Dogs and Poetry

Here's Miss Maisie, on duty in front of my studio this morning. This is one of her many favorite sidesaddle poses.

I'm working on two abstracts right now but won't have them finished until I return from my second trip of the month to California. James is coming with me this time...we'll be helping my Mom again with some things around the house and property, including taking care of the queen of the farm, Lulu the cow.

I'll leave you for now with this awesome poem from Delights and Shadows. See you soon...maybe while I'm there I will post some pics of beautiful Petaluma!

A Box of Pastels

I once held on my knees a simple wooden box
in which a rainbow lay dusty and broken.
It was a set of pastels that had years before
belonged to the painter, Mary Cassatt,
and all of the colors she'd used in her work
lay open before me. Those hues she'd most used,
the peaches and pinks, were worn down to stubs,
while the cool colors - violet, ultramarine -
had been set, scarcely touched, to one side.
She'd had little patience with darkness, and her heart
held only a measure of shadow. I touched
the warm dust of those colors, her tools,
and left there with light on the tips of my fingers.

~Ted Kooser

New Abstract

"Stepping Stones"
16" x 16" acrylic and collage on canvas

Here's a new abstract that finally came together after lots and LOTS of layering. I'm not complaining though...layering gives my work a more interesting texture and depth.

I've been struggling to get painting time in lately. Lots of health issues going on with my Mom so I will be flying out to California again in a week to help her with things.

Hope to be able to keep in touch more often on this blog, Facebook and Twitter soon. Hang in there with me!

Hope you've all been doing well!

New work!

"By an Open Window"
24" x 24" acrylic and collage on canvas

Just completed this new painting. I'm almost finished with another one so hope to show you that soon. I'm thinking this piece will be part of a new series, but I'm not sure what I want to call the series yet. I think the words will come as I keep painting.

I had to take my show down at My Sweet Bakery yesterday. It was sad to see the bare walls...but I'm happy that another Artist will be able to show her work there next. The Owner, Kelly, took a few pictures when my work was up and you can see them here on My Sweet Bakery's Gallery page.

So after packing up the artwork...James and I drove home with a car load of paintings...and a big box of pastry which we have almost entirely consumed (licking almond paste off fingers). If you live in Denver...get thyself to this place...their pastry tastes like the pastry in Paris!

Paris Sizzle

Street at Night in Paris

I love this shot that James took of a beautiful street at night in Paris. One of the things I loved about the trip was there were so many people out walking late at night. Even at 11-12:00pm, lots of people were sitting in outdoor cafes, walking around with friends...and just enjoying the night lights of the city.

“I love Paris in the summer, when it sizzles.” - Cole Porter

Have a fun weekend and create a little sizzle of your own!

Ahhh, Paris!

Returned from Paris late last Friday, the 15th. What an incredible trip! I'm back in body but I don't think my mind and spirit have landed on American soil just yet!

Next week, I will be up and running in full work mode. For now, I'm easing back into reality and dreaming about a week of beautiful sights and memories.

In the meantime...here are a few photos I hope you enjoy. See you soon!

Paris rocks!

View from our apartment in the Saint Germain

Inside the Palace of Versailles

One of the my favorite gardens at Versailles

Sculpture at the Luxembourg Gardens

Brunch feast at Un Dimanche A' Paris

The City of Lights

...in progress

I've been off the blog for a bit...working in the studio on two new abstract paintings. The picture above is part of a large 30" x 30" I'm wrestling with. My communication with the canvas is going up and down, back and forth...and I'm not getting what I want yet. Hopefully a little vacation will ignite some new ideas!

James and I are heading to Paris for a week! Some very generous friends of ours have invited us to stay with them in a beautiful apartment they bid on and won in an auction. We will all stay there for five days...then they fly home. James and I will stay on in a hotel for three more days. We've never been to Paris...so I'm sure we're in for a visual feast!

I'll be back in the studio after the 15th. I hope to have some wonderful pictures to share with you then. Bye for now...xox!

Malcolm

"Malcolm"
16" x 20" acrylic on canvas

Here's Malcolm...my latest dog commission. I decided to keep the background simple on this one...because I wanted Malcolm's beautiful markings and vibrant collar to be the showcase. It was fun to see him come alive on canvas!

So yes, I have now finally joined the ranks of additional social media (warning: can be exhausting) by becoming a Tweeter. I have heard so many good things about how great a tool it is to promote art. I would love it if you would follow me! and I would love it even more to have you as a fan on my Facebook page!

Hope your weekend is fabuloso!

Support Cancer Charity

"Opening"
30" x 30" acrylic and collage on canvas

Happy Friday! So just FYI...you can now purchase this image of my painting "Opening" on a greeting card through the "Love From Me" Project's Etsy Shop. There are lots of beautiful images to choose from...so buy a card, send it to someone special and YOU will be supporting cancer charity (The Rose Fund) at the same time!

I'm hoping to finish my second dog portrait this weekend so stay tuned. Malcolm is his name and cuteness is his game.

Have a great weekend!

Tennyson Art Walk

Geez, it's been awhile since I last blogged...just lots goin' on; taking one show down, putting another one up, working on abstracts and finishing up my next dog portrait.

These photos are from my show which just went up at My Sweet Bakery on Tennyson St. in Denver. It was time to take down my exhibit at the University last week...but I was invited to put eleven paintings back up in THIS beautiful space.

A big thank you goes out to Kelly McBride, the Owner of the Bakery. She has been so generous in inviting me to show my work there. I should also thank you, Kelly for your amazing pastries. I have enjoyed each and every one of them...especially the coconut cupcakes!

My Sweet Bakery opens it's doors during the Tennyson Street Art Walk which takes place the first Friday of every month. James and I went last Friday night and it was hoppin'! Between the art, live music and good food...we were pretty blissed out by the end of the evening.

So stop by and see the show if you live in the Denver/Boulder area...it will be up until the end of June. Make sure you try one of those cupcakes...and maybe one of their almond croissants too! :)

Hope your weekend was good!

Rufus

"Rufus by the Pool"
10" x 11" acrylic on canvas

Whoa...the days are flyin' by lately. I've been busy in the studio working on two dog commissions and two new abstracts. Working on the dogs has been lovely, the abstracts are being a little stubborn...screaming for more layers.

Here's the first dog commission to be finished. This is Rufus, who belonged to a very special client of mine in Denver. He was a beautiful, sweet Golden Retriever who apparently liked the finer things in life like lounging and playing by the pool. :) It was an honor to paint this adorable boy. Your spirit is definitely still here with us, Rufus!

Speaking of beautiful dogs, Michele Maule wrote a great post this week about FencesForFido.org, an organization that builds fences and dog houses so that people don't tether their dogs and leave them outside all day and night, alone and unprotected in the elements. Another good link for the same cause is DogsDeserveBetter.org. Thanks for bringing this really important issue back into focus, Michele!

Returning soon with one of those stubborn, sassy abstracts!

Today's Palette

Today's Palette

Been working in the studio on two new abstracts and two dog commissions. Haven't had much time to surface since returning from California last week!

James and I went to visit family there for five days...and to help my Mom around her farm in Petaluma. I had to show you a picture of one of her dogs, Bravo. He's a big brute with a bigger heart and loves to chase Possums and wrestle with James. He's a rescue so we don't know exactly what kind of a mix he is. For SURE...he's a mix of lovin' goofiness and devotion!

Back soon with some new paintings!

Bravo

New work #2

"Light As Air"
16" x 16" acrylic and collage on canvas

Here is #2 in my new series. I shifted to a bit of a different color palette and composition with this one. I'm trying to push myself into unknown territories that are not quite as comfortable for me.

So in my last post, I mentioned that I had some exciting news to share with you? Well, I am happy to say that I have another solo show of abstracts scheduled for June! My work will be displayed for a month at a beautiful new Bakery, "My Sweet Bakery" in the Denver Tennyson District. Tennyson St. is booming with new art galleries, shops and restaurants and they have a monthly Artwalk. The Bakery will be part of the Artwalk so I am thrilled to be able to participate!

I'm about half way finished with a new dog painting so I'll be working towards finishing him next. Hope to show you next week!

New work

"Rising Voices"
30" x 30" acrylic and collage on canvas

Here's a new painting fresh from the easel. I'm loving working with this Phthalo Turquoise Blue color from the Amsterdam Expert Acrylic Series at DickBlick.com. It is so lush and rich and I love how it plays off other colors.

I've got some exciting news to share with you next week. In the meantime...hope your Easter weekend is filled with blue sky and lots of love!

"Love From Me" Project

My page in the 2011 "Love From Me" Project

Sara Harley has done it again! She has created another beautiful art book which will help to raise funds for cancer charity. Last year's book, "PAWS for Charity" was a great success in raising money for breast cancer charity. It was dedicated to the love we have for our animals.

The purpose of this years book, "Love From Me" is "to provide inspiration to people going through a period of personal challenge, and to raise funds for cancer charity." Artists who wanted to participate were asked to submit images that were inspirational or uplifting in some way.

My painting, "Opening" was selected as one of those images. I was thinking of so many things while I was working on it...love, healing, inspiration, growth and light. It seemed like the perfect image to send Sara.

"Love From Me" is now available for purchase at Blurb.com where you can see a full preview of the book. This would make a very special Mother's Day gift...so think about purchasing one to support cancer charity. All proceeds from the book go to The Rose Fund.

Thank you, Sara...for putting together this beautiful new book and for your generous spirit!

Workshop with Flora Bowley

Our painting workshop space

I had such a great time at my painting workshop at The Makerie Art Retreat in Boulder last Friday. If you get a chance to attend the 2012 Retreat...do it!...because it's such a great experience to be able to explore and expand your creativity with some amazing teachers.

As I've mentioned before, I've been inspired by Flora Bowley's work for some time. Her painting workshop filled every expectation I had...of learning new techniques, letting go of self-imposed expectations and just experiencing the joy of painting for the day. Flora's method of teaching is open, gracious and motivating...allowing all of us to experience a wonderful day of artistic expression.

I'd like to send a big thank you out to Ali Dejohn and her team who brought The Makerie to life and provided such a warm and welcoming environment for all.

And a very special thanks to Flora, for giving all of us in her Friday class a day of art to remember and cherish!

A critique with Flora

Flora and Linda

My workshop painting #1

My workshop painting #2

The Makerie Retreat

Chautauqua Dining Hall ~ Boulder, Colorado

Ooops, ran out of time today so I shall be back Monday with my exciting news!

Talk about exciting though...I am going to take a day long painting workshop with Artist, Flora Bowley at the Makerie Retreat tomorrow. The setting will be at the beautiful Chautauqua Park in Boulder Colorado. Can't wait!