We finally have some sun and I am able to get better pictures of my latest pieces. Hopefully, a little truer to actual color.

I am blessed to be married to my own art instructor/critic/encourager. Clay pointed out that my sketch needed more contrast in some areas and to push back details in others. After making adjustments he suggested, I like the sketch better!

Angel Sketch

I decided to do a sketch for my fourth angel in my series. It was a learning experience as I usually don't do many detailed sketches. It really forced me to pay attention to value.

Aha Moment

I have finally had my "Aha!" moment, although in a few months or weeks I may be questioning my sanity. I have been searching for inspiration and focus in my art and after reading the October issue of Watercolor Artist, I have decided to begin a series based on angels. Specifically, on two angel Christmas ornaments I picked up last year. I have already two paintings done to begin with and have just completed the third. I plan on doing 100 pieces, hoping to stretch myself creatively. If you want to join in this challenge with me, just post a link in the comment section.

Whether you do 5, 10, 50 or 100, challenge yourself!

Rainy Days and Cookies

It seems that some rainy days are just cookie making days! The house is full of the scent of molasses and ginger! We are forecast to get 3-6 inches of rain today! Wow! We may float away! I would usually use a day like this for painting or creating something (in reality, probably reading a book), but I am in the 4th day home with a sick kiddo. She is recovering finally and ready for entertainment. That would be me!

Here is my recipe for when you are in the mood for some yummy Oatmeal Molasses Cookies.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

1/2 C shortening

1/2 C sugar

Cream together until fluffy.

Add:

2 eggs

1/2 unsulphured molasses

Mix together in a seperate bowl:

1 1/4 C all purpose flour

3/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp

Add to molasses mixure and mix well.

Stir in:

1 1/2 C quick oats, uncooked

1 C raisins

1 C chopped nuts

Place in heaping teaspoonfuls on ungreased baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Cool for 2 minutes and move to a wire rack until cool.

Enjoy!

Crown Hotel

I am still working on finishing up with the Virtual Tours and was so inspired by looking at everyone's space and art. I have been in a bit of a desert creatively lately and was looking at the photo's I have taken so far this year. Well, if you take out pictures of my kids and new puppy, creatively speaking, I haven't done much. I need to get it in gear!! While I was looking at my pictures, I came across one I had totally forgotten about. In my small town there is an old, run down hotel used for apartments that has a vintage sign out front. On my trek around town, looking for photo opportunities, I took a picture. Played with it a little in Photoshop and posted it on my Facebook page. Not too long after that, I ran into a Facebook friend who really couldn't understand why I would take a picture of THAT hotel sign! She wondered if there was some kind of connection to the hotel (probably thought I was a little strange!). I remember wondering why did I need a connection to the hotel to need to take a picture of it! Why not just take a picture just because?

Thanks

It was so much fun participating in the "Quilting Arts" Open Studio Virtual Tour! Thanks for all the lovely comments! I really enjoyed visiting everyone else's studios, as well. So interesting to see the differences and similarities to other creative folks.

My Studio-a work in progress

I seem to have a dual personality in my studio. Some of it is extremely organized and the rest of it is seemingly cluttered. (I do know where everything is, despite appearances.) It is definitely a work in progress that I began this summer. Organizing, decluttering and a little bit of creating! I really have just a corner of the breakfast nook in my kitchen, so I am forced to really be organized. I do spill over now and then, and take over the kitchen table as well! I am now at the point where I want to start decorating and having a little fun in my little space!