A labor of love

I took most of the last year off from painting while we were renovating/selling our house and then searching/buying/moving into a new one. I had forgotten how long my varnishing process takes. It is so much more than just putting on a layer of varnish....its a slow, meticulous process...

Since I use mixed media, i.e. pastels, graphite, etc., along with acrylics, I need to make sure that the other media doesn't smear and is fully protected. So first I apply a fixative. Then once that is dry, an isolation coat., which fully seals the surface before the final varnish is applied.

Only after this all completely dry, do I apply a UV satin removable archival varnish. I use a removable varnish because this enables the varnish to be removed if the painting ever needs to cleaned for conservation purposes.

All this insures that my paintings will be around for many years....to bring beauty and joy to the lives of future generations as well as yours. 😊

New painting series

I've started a new painting series that I'm super excited about! Having a serious love for texture, I wanted to explore that in my work.

Don't these remind you of weathered things that have seen much life and stood the test of time?

Hmmmm....haven't named this series yet, but me thinks I might just be onto something here. 

What do ya think? 

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Friday, in the studio...

I got back in the studio today and added a bunch more layers to this beauty....still more to go though. No more time to paint until Monday, so it will be waiting 'til then.

Have a wonderful weekend y'all and I'll see ya back here next week, ok? xo

Back to work!

The new studio wall has finally been "christened"! Yee haw!!!! 😄😄😄

On feeling unproductive...

After weeks of unproductive house hunting, I decided it was time do something productive.....so I got my art studio back into a working state and got the custom color palette worked out for my next custom painting. Felt good!

Mixing custom paint colors to match client's room.  

I've got many plans in the works (limited edition prints, clothing, and accessories featuring my art), but with most of my time and energy going into finding a new home for us, I haven't had much left over. I've found it difficult to switch gears between house hunting, family, and art with my energy reserves being so low. So just stick with me....I'm hopeful that we will find a new home soon and I'll be able to get back to art and regular life before too much longer. :)

Much love and hugs y'all!!!!