We're having our first ever Cyber Monday sale this year! The sale starts Sunday, 11/27/11 at 6 a.m. PST and ends Tuesday 11/29/11 at 8 a.m. PST. Bookmark the special Cyber Monday page, and check back Sunday for some special bargains.
0 comments - Posted by Diane at 12:17 PM - Categories:
We have our "Win Your Wish List" contest winners! Congratulations go out to:
Grand prize winner: Alisa Vogt $50
Second place: Diane Cook $25
Third place: Cathleen DiNardo $10
Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to everyone who entered!
Happy Thanksgiving, and happy painting!
0 comments - Posted by Diane at 10:53 AM - Categories: Contests
When I first saw the Holdiay Buddies, I thought painting a design would be a simple, coloring book approach. I can't express how much fun it was to play with color and design on these 3-D surfaces. What a pleasant surprise painting these figurines compared to a traditional flat design. I just had the best time working with these pieces.
Because many features are carved there is no frustration about placement and proportions such as painting facial features in the right place, getting the arms and mittens the same size, making sure the legs and feet are “holding up” the bodies. Since there is absolutely no concern about overall shapes, all focus can be channeled into color and design.
I was thinking how easy it would be to change colors to co-ordinate with any décor. Think country by using hunter greens, deep blues and rusty reds. How about a traditional look with Christmas tree greens, holly berry reds, and rich blues. Switch to Renaissance with jewel tone purples, golds and jade greens. Soft crèmes and pastels lean towards Victorian.
It is so much fun to be a painter, think outside the box, and be creative. One design, one idea is a pebble in the sea of creativity. The ripples of inspiration just keeps going on and on...
7 comments - Posted by MaryJo at 9:17 AM - Categories: Artist Bios
For as long as I can remember, I have loved anything to do with art. I love color, and it is very gratifying to create something pretty out of a blank piece of paper or a piece of wood. I love finding an old piece of furniture or anything paintable at a flea market and redoing it. I have also painted the house, inside and out….walls, floors, ceilings, etc. I love to do all of those things.
I have a degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in Art. There were some art classes in
college, such as life drawing, watercolor, ceramics, oil painting, but none of those hit my “hot button” at the time. I have been a school teacher, a secretary, a realtor, but I am happiest when I am working on artwork at home. In the late 90’s, I wrote and designed 6 decorative painting books. I have also designed several pattern packets.
Working with the Artist’s Club is a nice outlet for me. The people are wonderful to work with,
and, after being away from my artwork for awhile, it has been a wonderful way to get back into the swing of things and to show some of my work. One of my favorite pieces was the “Love Warms Our Hearts” project with the little bears. It has been a wonderful seller, so I guess others have loved it, too.
My latest project for the Artist’s Club is a Christmas piece, Happy Santa. It is featured in the November catalog
I don’t paint creepy things. It is my hope that all of my work brings a smile to those who view it.
0 comments - Posted by MaryJo at 7:10 AM - Categories:
When we got this new Wine and Glass Holder in, I decided that it needed a really universal design that would work with anyone’s décor. Then I got to thinking what a great hostess gift it would make. Just think what a hit you’ll be when you show up for that holiday dinner with not only a great bottle of wine, but 2 glasses and a fun and functional piece to hold them. The bottle sits at an angle that keeps the cork wet, and the glasses hang just perfectly – it’s big enough to do all of this, and narrow enough to not take up valuable counter space. Since I’ll be cooking dinner, I guess I’ll find my favorite bottle of wine and give it to myself!
0 comments - Posted by MaryJo at 9:43 AM - Categories:
If you read my last blog, you will remember that I had spilled paint on my kitchen floor and so I wanted to update you on the results. It's now painted with various sized black dots. It looks kind of kooky but it does go with my kitchen table that has a black background and white dots. I like that funky style, and I also like a fun whimsical style of painting so everything in my house is miss matched. Sometime, I will send more photos for you to see.
As I'm writing this, we are getting our first big snow of the season. It's been a while since I've painted scenery, but the resin snowman seemed to say Winter weather is coming. Some of my early painting was scenery on unsealed wood using oil paints and I really loved it. After painting the resin snowman, it's kind of brought my interest back, but now in acrylics. I could see this scene on a canvas as well maybe adding a snowman or two playing the front yard. This scene might look difficult to paint but really is very easy. Read
the instructions and paint it a step at a time. Voila! it will look just like it does right now outside.
Until next time, paint and have a good time.
Sandra
2 comments - Posted by MaryJo at 8:15 AM - Categories:
This is my first project for the Artist Club. I was so excited when MaryJo asked me to design a project for them. I really enjoyed sitting down at my painting table to design and paint for all four seasons. My favorite seasons are Autumn & Winter. I think it is because of all the lights and sparkles I can get away with during that time of year! I hope you enjoy painting these designs and remember to always add your own special touches to everything you paint. Happy Painting!
Holly Carr
0 comments - Posted by MaryJo at 8:11 AM - Categories:
