Happy Holidays

The last few months have been very busy and I'm now working full time.  However, I just wanted to  share pictures of ornaments I've made for an online class.

Merry Christmas 

Susan

Being Published

Along my artistic journey one of the greatest pleasures I've received is being publish in Stampington & Company magazines.  I was eager to submit my first piece, but just couldn't seem to get it in the mail.  My husband finally took it and mailed it! My shock turned to thrill and amazememt when I learned I was going to be published in Somerset Studios 10th Anniversary Issue in 2007.

The thrill of being published never dies for me, its sort of like Sally Fields when she made her acceptance speech at the Academy Awards, "You like me, You really like me!" It's priceless to me.  To add another special touch to this story, this is Somerset Studio's 15th year.  What a wonderful privilege and honor to share the pages of this magazine with so many talented artist's.

To see my artwork along with many other wonderful pieces, please go out and buy your copy of this magazine.

Your Creative Friend
Susan

Keepsake Card & Flowers

I just sold this keepsake card "For the Bride" on my Etsy store this past week.  The card is custom made using the wedding colors.

Thursday night was art class where I started and finished this flower piece.  It is true, art is very therapeutic for the soul.

May you have a wonderful weekend.

Your Creative Friend
Susan

Feel the Spray

We recently found out that Delta Airlines, our parent company has elected to shut down Comair Airlines.  My husband has worked for Comair  as a pilot, instructor, and check airmen for 23 years. All that will end on Sept 29th 2012.  My entire family is going through a variety of emotions, which include fear of the unknown, the what if's, where do we go, what about the children, etc...

To handle some of this stress I've encouraged my husband to attend art class with me the past couple of weeks.  I figured if it helps me relieve some stress, it may help my husband.  I find it allows me to put all my worries aside for a couple of hours.  In this environment we are encouraged by the instructor to create from the heart, opening ourselves to the possibilities.   I'm always transported to a place of meditation allowing a sense of  peace to enter my heart. Here's the result of our latest class, mine's titled "Feel the Spray," and my husband's pieces is titled "Bell Flowers."

This is when I realized that none of us really know our future, that fear of the unknown is normal, and that anger is a by product of fear and that's unproductive.  

The wave in the painting for me represents how life sometimes crashes upon my world/family (the rock), but the rock will continue despite all the waves that come.

Your Creative Friend
Susan

Lettering Spontaneously

Calligraphy or lettering and the magic that happens when I'm working spontaneously without too much planning gives me the most pleasure.  Yes, I feel its necessary to practice the basics, however, I find it  becomes more fun when I let myself play with different techniques, instruments, and styles. 

So I'm going to begin a series called "Lettering Spontaneously." You will see samples of spontaneous lettering.  Sure, some will be filed in the trash, others will be saved to create more structured pieces of inspiration.

Just playing with my pens, markers, paint brushes to letter everyday on envelopes for your kids, bills, anything I have to mail, has been something I've been doing for years.  It is a fun way to practice and develop my own style. Today, while I was going through my book of quotes, I stumbled on a quote that spoke to me and I just knew I had to letter the quote.   I love being spontaneous, creating unrestrained lettering in the moment, without planning it out.

Don't be shy. Play with your letters!

xxx

Susan

Art Class

I decided awhile back that I wanted to take a painting class at a local art studio.  The environment is very open and conducive to the creative process.  So far this is by far my favorite pieces to date.  I will be posting more pictures soon.

I also completed this very simple, but cute lettered wall hanging for a kids room.  I really love the blue jean pockets, the lettering, and the owls.   If you are interested in this piece, please stop by my Etsy store.

Have a wonderful weekend and week.

Your Creative Friend,
Susan

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

Thank you to all the brave men and women who have fought and are fighting for our freedom.

xxx

Susan

Jewelry & Friends

Plans had been made for me and two of my new girlfriends, Colleen Pike and Victoria Miller, to attend the Little Black Dress event sponsored by Summerfair in Cincinnati.  Unfortunately, Colleen couldn't attend, but after seeing the jewelry she makes I asked if she would consider making a custom piece.  Colleen asked what my dress looked like, and if I liked color, pearls, bling. I had a sneak peak of the necklace and was so excited.

My necklace arrived beautifuly packaged with a lovely tag and card. My favorite part is that Colleen didn't know when she made the necklace that I love the dresses and jewelry of the 1920's Art Deco era. It's so wonderful to make new friends. Colleen somehow was able to tap into who I am and it showed in this piece.  

I look forward to wearing this necklace.  To learn more about Colleen stop by her website here: http://www.fleurishcreativestudio.com/
  

Your Creative Friend

Susan

Bridal Shower Card

I recently made this card for a lovely Bride to be, she will be marrying my best friends son this June.  The bridal shower was lovely, the hostess had arranged an outdoor setting under the most amazing oak tree.  We enjoyed ice cold lemonade and iced tea, sandwiches, yummy cookies and cake.  We toasted  with Champange, played games and watched the bride open her presents.   It was a wonderful afternoon spent with some charming ladies.  

My last picture came out a little blurry, it's not your eyes.  This card will be offered in my Etsy store, or you can always email me if you would like to purchase a keepsake card for a Bride to be.

Your Creative Friend
Susan

My Abstract

I recently completed my online line abstract class that was so inspiring.  These are some of my favorite pieces.

 I used acrylics and white out marker on this pieces  

 Self portrait

 This is by far my favorite piece

 A study in shapes

Not sure what my next project will be, it could be a combination of calligraphy and abstract painting. 

Your Creative Friend

Susan

New Abstract Work

I have put aside my calligraphy the last few weeks to learn more about abstract.  I am taking an online class that ends next week, but I see a future for me in the abstract world.  I'm loving each piece I have made, ultimately because of what I've learned about myself and how I see the world.  

  I can express my opinion but my art is still open to interpretation.  Essentially that is why abstract art appeals so much to me.  

  

You can see more of my work on my Flickr site.

Your Creative Friend

Susan

Gifts

This week I had the pleasure of giving and receiving a gift.  Whenever JoAnn Fabrics opens a new store they give a gift to the community in honor of the arts.  My boss ask me if I would  make the presentation check, and I was so flattered.  Donations like these help local art programs that are struggling to stay alive. 

The second gift was personal and from my dear sister, Lillian.  Over the years I have developed a love of owls.  They are so wise, beautiful, intelligent looking animals.  My husband suggested I use this log to display these precious owls.  Just love it!

 Mommy and her babies

 Mommy owl

Her 3 children

Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful week.

Susan

More Abstract Please

I'm loving this class with Alisa Burke,  it has definitely opened a door for my muse.  In the pieces below I am working on a techinque that Alisa share with the class.   

Each one of these pieces appeals to me, let me know what you think.


Susan

The Art of Abstraction with Alisa Burke

I have always gravitated to abstract artwork and admire artists who express themselves through this art form.   When I saw Alisa Burke was offering "The Art of Abstraction" class, I just couldn't pass it up.  Here is a look at my sketch book, I really like the way my pieces developed using different tools.  My favorite part about abstract artwork, is it's open to interpretation.

That is all for now, thanks for stopping by.

Susan