Etsy.com & Wintering in the South

I am posting from my snug little spot in Florence, Alabama. While my artistic colleagues, spouse and other Cincinnatians are hibernating in 4 (yes, 4!) degree weather, snow and ice covered grounds, and electrocuting each other with each touch, I am visiting my parents in a comparatively balmy 28 degrees Fahrenheit.

I'm trying out an Etsy showcase today. My public shop is visible here. It's a neat little website and I get emails from people who like my work pretty frequently. As far as web traffic goes, I've gotten more feedback from this site than any others I have posted my work to in the past.

I'm reading a book on Churchill & his contemporaries. Churchill enjoyed painting as well - more on that another time.

-Katie

Vote for Best Of Cincinnati

Arts Organizations are listed, too... check it out (if you vote for every category you are a saint):

http://www.citybeat.com/cincinnati/best-of-21-best-of-cincinnati-2009.html

-Katie

My Wine Education

A local blog I really enjoy reading - she gives some great wine recommendations and frequently has local tastings listed. What goes together better than wine and art? Even better, you can subscribe to email feed...

www.wine-girl.net

Just Another Sunday Morning

I'm sitting here, coffee in hand, waiting on some danish to finish baking, and wondering when I'll be able to get back in the studio yet again. I think there is some supreme being conspiring against my artistic efforts this week.

There was the comedic collapse of the easel and now I'm redecorating the office. Not to mention the run of the mill challenges that go along with using my plein air easel as a temporary fix. Constantly needing to tighten the screws and other machinery makes having an unbroken creative process a myth.

In any case, I had the pleasure of hearing from Jessica Daman, a jewelry artist who has just moved to the area. You can view her jewelry here: http://www.sugarmountainjewelry.com/. I'm adding a permanent link to her site under a new section I'm adding; Regional Artists. Jessica also is a commanding mosaic artist and everyone should check out her site. ***Note to regional artists: if you want a link to your work, just send me an email or comment on this post. No requirements except that your work is clearly artistic & not a crafts site.***

I'm trying to get my mind wrapped around what shows I'll be participating in this year. I will probably be sitting out most of the festivals just because of the baby-artwork setup challenge, but I may participate in Art Off Pike again. It was a favorite the year I did participate - I met a lot of great artists and being setup in close proximity on a gorgeous day gave you a great opportunity to take a look around yourself and get your fill of artistic inspiration.

In any case, I'm off to admire our other paint job - the walls of the studio/office. Cheers!

Rabbit Hash

The BCVAA is putting together details for their show in Rabbit Hash, KY in April. More details posted when I get back from my February meeting but what I do know is that it is member only!

A New President and a New Start

After watching bits of the inauguration yesterday I feel refreshed and rejuvenated to create. It truly was an historic moment in history and I have hope for a renaissance of patriotism in the modern age.

Perhaps jadism will take a back seat and volunteerism, civility and heroism will take the front, who knows. This artist feels inspired, that's for sure.

Transition Art Studio in the News

I keep a link to Transition Art Studio on my page. The director, Teressa Barnhill, is a fascinating artist and the studio sponsors my artistic endeavors as well.

Check out the article on Teressa and the studio on Cincinnati.com.

Cheers,
Katie

Girl At Play - Finally A New Piece!

Hi All,

My first new piece of 2009. Girl At Play - 20" x 30".

-Katie

Back in the Studio... With Complications!

I'm officially back at work, painting and trying to keep a good flow while being a new mom (which, may I say, is the best experience of my life - except at night when she won't sleep). I started back at work on a piece I started originally in October, Pumpkin Farm.. it has a decidedly fall feel to it but I'm continuing because I love this piece and want to be able to have it online before the end of the month. I'm also toying with some new painting ideas, implementing new subject matter and possibly some new techniques.

While all of this sounds great, my easel collapsed on me last night... one screw must have been missing in a strategic location, and its brother decided to give up the hard fight mid-painting. What a shock! Of course, any excuse to go out and buy a new one is fine by me, so until then I'm making do with a table easel and my desk. Not the best solution, but temporary all the same.

The BCVAA has been hopping lately, and I've volunteered to be on the judge's panel during Burlington, Kentucky's first ever chalk art festival. Don't have a lot of details, but the date will be May 9 & I'll blog more when I know more. Until then, I've got it listed under my exhibition schedule.

Hope everyone is doing well and happy painting~

Katie