Painted Chic!

you can find me here

2010-06-06T18:16:00.000-05:00

I've got my blog moved over and looking good! Please stop by and say "hi!"

just being me

2010-06-03T22:10:00.000-05:00

Right now in the Kelly Rae Roberts ecourse we are talking about blogging. I have SO many blogs that it's almost embarrassing. Well, actually, it is embarrassing!

So, I have come to a decision today...I'm going back to my "Heather Bennett" blog on blogger. WHY?

Why going to my name - because the blog is about my art and life and if my art does change over the years, which I'm sure it will, it will still work.
I can change the header images to go with the seasons or a specific project I'm working on. Such as "summer 2010".
I like blogger because it can really be customized to meet your needs. I like the simplicity of it and all the widgets that work with it. It's FREE!

So, those are a few reasons. I have been blogging for many years, but unfortunately, I haven't been leaving many comments, just because I don't know which blog I want to leave the comments with.

Whew! It has all been SO confusing. I've only run into another blogger who went through this to. And she also just started using her name and combined her paintings and jewelry in one blog.

So, I'll be working on my other bog soon and get it ready to go. Right now I'm specifically using it for my "painting a day" challenge. But, it can easily be used for everything AND it will be much more interesting to read.

"soar"

2010-05-31T11:37:00.000-05:00

Many times when I am working on a mixed media piece I tend to feel like it's missing something. I feel like "The Wedding Cake" is missing something and "Madam No. 13" is missing something.

So I thought it would be great to have some sort of checklist...do you need to use charcoal pencil?, do you need to use stamps?, etc. I haven't come up with my checklist, but I remembered a little exercise from Sally Jean Alexander's book PRETTY LITTLE THINGS. It's called "Abracadabra Collage Technique."

So I thought I would give this a whirl today. What you do is write down a bunch of collage technique prompts on pieces of paper and draw them randomly from a hat or bowl or whatever you have.

It was fun! At first I was going to do a cake, but after making the large circles I thought flowers! I have been wanting to paint some flowers.

Still working on my goals for the class. Hope to have something to share with you soon.

my creative journey...so far

2010-05-30T23:08:00.000-05:00

I am enrolled in Kelly Rae Roberts ecourse, FLYING LESSONS TIPS AND TRICKS TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS SOAR. Today was the first day of "class".

Kelly really makes you think and of course the first thing you want to think about is - where do you want to go? What are your goals?

Before I share with you my goals I thought I would share with you my artistic journey...so far.

It all started in Middle school when I met the most wonderful art teacher...this may be a little too far back. So, let's jump out of the 80's, run through the 90's and imagine it's the year 2003.

In 2003 it actually hit me that I really wanted to be an artist. I had a "creative" job as a graphic designer, but that really wasn't the kind of creative I was looking for. I was looking for the get your hands dirty and on a project kind of creative.

So, I started searching and I wanted to be an artist instantly!! The first creative thing I tried was to be a OneStroke Certified Instructor. Take this class, teach decorative painting. BAM! An artist! Well, it wasn't for me.

I was intimidated to even try drawing or painting. But finally, I started looking around and I saw the work of Paulette Insall, Claudine Hellmuth, Lisa Kaus, Kelly Rae Roberts (to name a few)...and LOVED the whimsical style. But I didn't feel confident that I had a style of my own in painting. I was just seeing what these other artists were doing and training myself.

But I really wanted to be an artist yesterday!!

So, I discovered art quilts. And thought...that's what I'll do. I've had a lot of experience sewing and so I developed a style and had a solo exhibit in November 2008. The exhibit was a success. I sold at least half of what I had exhibited. Then I felt trapped...I was a quilt artist, but I didn't want to be a quilt artist...I wanted to be a painter!!

In June 2009 I finally summoned up the courage to quit my day job. I had been working at this particular job for 6 years, so it was pretty hard for me to leave. I had a lump of money squirreled away and my husband was willing to take on most of the expenses. The plan was to develop a body of larger quilts and seek representation at a local gallery.

Well, I started working...and nothing was happening. I went and dabbled with painting. I tried again...nothing happened with the quilts...went back to painting. I was absolutely miserable!

So, now it's 2010 and I have got nowhere! I was beginning to think getting a job would be the only way to go. Then I rationalized that since I had success with the art quilts I should just keep going in that direction...it was better than going back to work. So I started my "Color Story" series. I have 9 pieces complete in the series and I'm not sure what to do with them.

I don't want to say that I don't want to be a studio quilter, but I keep being pulled back into painting. So, I feel that I really need to give myself a chance to be what I had always wanted to be...way back in middle school and until now.

As a painter I am still struggling with my style. I know what subjects I want to paint, now I just have to work on how I want to present these subjects. Should I work in oils or acrylics? Should I include bits and pieces of papers, and other odds and ends in my work? Is the subject whimsical enough that I just need to paint? Those are questions I ask myself now. It's just going to take some time. I think by then end of the summer I will have a lot of this figured out.

I have more goals that I will share with you tomorrow.

Thank you for reading my story...so far.

"the wedding cake"

2010-05-30T08:07:00.000-05:00

“The Wedding Cake”

from the COUTURE CONFECTIONS series

5″ x 7″

mixed-media acrylic with collage pieces on Ampersand Clayboard

Here's a sweet little piece I've been working on. I latched onto a "bridal guide" at the thrift store a few years ago and like to incorporate pieces from it in my cake paintings.

"madam no. 13"

2010-05-29T12:33:00.001-05:00

“Madam No. 13” from the COUTURE CONFECTIONS series

8" x 10" x 1-1/2"

acrylic, collage on stretched canvas

Click here to bid.

I think I finally got this how I want it. It took a lot of toil and re-working. I especially love the name. She does look like a "madam."

I'm also very excited to be taking Kelly Rae Roberts ecourse called FLYING LESSONS TIPS AND TRICKS TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS SOAR! I'm sure I'll learn a lot, but also hope to meet lots of other creative types. The class starts tomorrow!

many paintings available on ebay

2010-05-26T20:46:00.000-05:00

Just listed a bunch of paintings on Ebay. They start at $9.99 and $14.99! Won't you stop by!

"pitch some woo" series

2010-05-24T19:10:00.000-05:00

Just finished my second piece from the PITCH SOME WOO series.

You can see the first piece I did here.

on the same page

2010-05-22T20:40:00.001-05:00

Hello~ how have you been?

The last time we "chatted" in march I was telling you a little about Golden® Open Acrylics, moving my "studio" space to my bedroom and some WIPs.

Well, it's May now...and I think I've finally found the direction I am heading. Painting! I just love painting...I love my studio quilts, but I love the challenge that comes with painting. So, you are going to be hearing a lot more from me.

Painted Chic! is still going to be a frou-frou place with cakes, mixed media, collage and probably some crafts. But a lot more of it. YEAH...finally!

I have also been working on painting a small painting every day. You can find these paintings here. These paintings will be a still life or plein air, basically a LIVE painting experience. Whereas my paintings on painted chic! are from my imagination and a collection of imagery that I paint.

To follow-up with what was going on with the Open acrylics...I didn't really find that much of a difference and returned them. I just moved my studio back down to the living room. I'm calling it the "Painting Parlor." (There will be another move when my daughter moves into the dorms this fall. I will be using her room then and eventually, if we don't move before then, that room will be my permanent studio. I still like the term "painting parlor.) The WIP I showed you...I have one final thing to do and it will be finished!

Thank you for sticking around and stopping by now and then. I will be around much, much more. If anything please check out my 365 days of painting.

new supplies

2010-03-07T12:54:00.000-06:00

I’ve been waiting for these! I really enjoy ALL the fun mixed-media techniques you can use with acrylics, but I have always hated how they dry so FAST. I mean really fast.

So, I thought I would give these OPEN acrylics by Golden a try. They are supposed to stay wet for a few days on your palette and stay workable for a few hours on your work surface.

new studio

2010-03-01T17:43:00.000-06:00

I've been neglecting my art, but for a good reason. I'm moving my studio from our living room to the bedroom. There's just a little too much distraction in the living room and I've been schlepping my stuff to my sons bedroom to work...and got tired of that. So, now I've made a permanent (I hope) spot in my bedroom.

More painting coming soon!

some WIPs

2010-02-09T15:07:00.001-06:00

This piece I'm calling "Snowy Night"...incidentally I don't have much of the "night" part in the painting yet, but anyway...I think I've gone to far by adding the pink polka dots on the scarf. What do you think? I'm thinking small polka dots and NOT pink.

And I've been playing around with more patchwork! Just trying to clean out my stash of supplies a bit.

frou frou friday

2010-02-05T15:53:00.002-06:00

For this weeks Frou Frou Friday project I'm going to direct you over to a F A V O R I T E blog of mine...Jane's Apron.

What I specifically want you to check out are her tutorials on how to dress up an ordinary clipboard. You'll want to stop here, here and here.

Above is the clipboard I made. I just love it! It's tres chic in a pattern that was a knock-off of my FAVORITE fashion designer of the 1960s Andre Courreges. Famous for his "space age" fashion. See pics here, here and here.

I also have some more vintage patterns for sale if you interested AND some packs of scrapbook paper cut down to the size you need for this project for sale.

Enjoy!

scrap packs for sale

2010-02-05T15:34:00.001-06:00

Scrap Pack #1

Scrap Pack #2

Scrap Pack #3

Each scrap pack contains 18 pieces of scrapbook paper from Basic Grey's "Lily Kate" collection. The pieces have been cut down to 8" x 3" (there are a few smaller pieces in each pack) - perfect for this weeks Frou Frou Friday project. I've also thrown in 4 matching tags and 3 1/2 yard cuts of ribbon.

$4.00 USD each includes shipping

Please email me if you are interested in purchasing or have any questions. When purchasing, please indicate the scrap pack(s) you are interested in.

more vintage patterns for sale

2010-02-05T15:16:00.001-06:00

Pattern Pack #1 - SOLD

Pattern Pack #2 - SOLD

I have just 2 more vintage pattern packs for sale. Each pattern pack is a 1/2 pound package of sewing patterns that are from the 1940s to 1960s. They are a little banged up, but will work great for craft and collage projects.

$5.00 USD each includes shipping

Please email me if you are interested in purchasing or have any questions. When purchasing, please indicate the pattern pack(s) you are interested in.

"love mug"

2010-02-05T15:01:00.002-06:00

© 2010 Heather Hingst Bennett
Red, Pink, Black & White Series - Love Mug
6" x 6" x 7/8", Oil on stretched canvas

Click here to bid.

still no cake?

2010-02-04T09:11:00.001-06:00

© 2010 Heather Hingst Bennett
Red, Pink, Black & White Series - Still No Cake?
6" x 6" x 7/8", Oil on stretched canvas
$25 USD - free shipping in US

Please email me to purchase this painting or for more information.

Stop by tomorrow for this weeks Frou Frou Friday!

where's the cake?

2010-02-02T19:34:00.001-06:00

© 2010 Heather Hingst Bennett
Red, Pink, Black & White Series - Where's the Cake?
6" x 6" x 7/8", Oil on stretched canvas
$25 USD - free shipping in US

Click here to bid.

I saw this cake stand and HAD to have it. To paint, of course!

frou frou friday

2010-01-29T16:45:00.002-06:00

Welcome to my first Frou Frou Friday! Hopefully this will become the first of many Frou Frou Friday's, but we will see how it goes. :)

So, what's going to happen on Frou Frou Fridays?

Well, I'm going to take the day off from painting and share a craft project with you.

Today's project is...

Pattern Paper Flowers

Here is what you need to make a dozen flowers:

1 sewing pattern that has not been used. ~~(I have some vintage patterns for sale here.)~~ SOLD
Ruler
Scissors
Floral wire - 12 pieces

Here's how to make a flower:

Cut six 7-inch squares from the pattern tissue paper.
Stack them and fold them like you are making a fan. I folded mine six times. You will end up with a rectangle that is about 1-inch by 7-inches.
Round the corners of your rectangle with your scissors.
Tightly twist the wire around the center.
Seperate each layer and fan paper out to create a blossom.

Do this until you have a lovely frou frou boquet and enjoy!

Stop by next week to make a fun vintage clipboard using a pattern envelope!

vintage patterns for sale

2010-01-29T16:19:00.002-06:00

Pattern Pack no. 1 - SOLD

Pattern Pack no. 2 - SOLD

Pattern Pack no. 3 - SOLD

Pattern Pack no. 4 - SOLD

Pattern Pack no. 5 - SOLD

Pattern Pack no. 6 - SOLD

Pattern Pack no. 7 - SOLD

Pattern Pack no. 8 - SOLD

Each pattern pack is a 1/2 pound package of sewing patterns that are from the 1940s to 1970s. They are a little banged up, but will work great for craft and collage projects.

$5.00 USD each includes shipping

Please email me if you are interested in purchasing or have any questions. When purchasing, please indicate the pattern pack(s) you are interested in.

purse straps

2010-01-28T17:50:00.001-06:00

© 2010 Heather Hingst Bennett
Red, Pink, Black & White Series - Purse Straps
6" x 6" x 7/8", Oil on stretched canvas
$25 USD - free shipping in US

Please email me to purchase this painting or for more information.

I'm trying to come up with a good place to take pictures in my house. I hope to have better photos soon!

hanging around

2010-01-27T18:49:00.004-06:00

© 2010 Heather Hingst Bennett
Red, Pink, Black & White Series - Hanging Around
6" x 6" x 7/8", Oil on stretched canvas
$25 USD - free shipping in US

Please email me to purchase this painting or for more information.

red purse

2010-01-26T15:40:00.005-06:00

© 2010 Heather Hingst Bennett
Red, Pink, Black & White Series - Red Purse
6" x 6" x 7/8", Oil on stretched canvas
$25 USD - free shipping in US

Please email me to purchase this painting or for more information.

From now until Valentine's Day I am going to challenge myself to paint a red, pink, black or white object.

a little something sale...

2009-12-28T16:24:00.003-06:00

Here's a little something for that empty space in the office, bathroom, guest room, bedroom, entry, kitchen, hallway, etc.

I'm cleaning out my art and getting ready for a whole new inventory for 2010.

The pieces I am offering at HALF OFF were made between 2007 - 2009 and are an example of all the different kinds of art I have been dabbling in over the past 2 years.

All are is 50% off with FREE shipping!! This offer will be good until January 2, 2010.

yippy!

2009-12-09T20:37:00.001-06:00

My baby turned 7 today! It's so hard to believe. Where has the time gone? To top it off we had another SNOW DAY!

It has finally stopped snowing and the streets are being cleared as we speak. Life should return to normal tomorrow.

I'm anxious to get back to work.

AND I'm super thankful I didn't have to write any snow reports OR be called back in the office when I finally made it home from a long day at work to post a snow report on line. Man, I hated that.

yesterday...

2009-12-08T10:24:00.001-06:00

Was one of those days that had many quirks, arguments and some good stuff. I don't know how to describe it any other way.

First the good stuff...I started two paintings yesterday and can't wait to show them to you!

My husband and I argued about how to keep the house warm. (Old house...it's always super warm upstairs, but on the main floor we freeze.) So, he wanted to tape plastic up in the doorway to the upstairs and I had an "aesthetically pleasing" fit. So, that came down promptly.

I went to pick up my son after school from his arts/crafts club and he was wearing a shirt I had never seen before. When I asked him what happened he said someone threw up on him. Nice! (Which was the quirky thing.)

Today is a new day and a snow day. We are getting TONS of snow. The kids love it, but I can't say that I do...AT ALL!

One thing I am grateful for is I don't have to go into work today AND I don't have to post snow reports on line AND I won't be getting called at 4 a.m. to write any snow reports!!

I will be back soon...with improved chic painting

2009-10-18T21:03:00.001-05:00

I haven't been doing much chic painting lately. I have visions of what I want to achieve, but I'm not quite there yet. The next few weeks...months (hopefully not longer that that) I will be working hard at improving my painting and developing more of my own style. I started a separate blog and you can check on my progress here.

Monday's Painting

2009-10-01T14:43:00.001-05:00

This weeks plan was to paint a still life every day. It's Thursday and I got one painting done. Above is Monday's painting. I sketched the outline using only my paint brush. No preliminary drawing and no sketching on my surface.

To make up for my lack of "daily painting", I have been working on getting some encaustic paintings completed before it's too cold to work outside. More on that coming soon!

What I Did This Summer...

2009-09-22T10:22:00.003-05:00

Tried Painting in Encaustics

Here are a few encaustic pieces I've been playing with this summer.

This was created using an image transfer (the polka dot pattern) and a graphite transfer (the drawing of the dress) I then painted the background with oil paints. I'm not sure if this is finished yet. I still might add more...

For this piece and the one below I layered colored wax and incised line into the wax with a plastic hotel key, pizza cutter and sewing pattern rotary marking tool. After creating the lines I added more depth to the piece by applying oil paint into the lines.

I took an Encaustic class this spring with a local artist, Margret Berry. I don't know if I have a future with encaustics. Maybe if I have a studio separate from the house someday I would work with it some more.

I really like the image transfer technique and can't wait to try it with acrylics!

It has been a LONG time!

2009-09-21T20:58:00.001-05:00

Boy, it has been a while since I've blogged here!

What have you been up to?

I have decided that I want to paint from life! Most of the paintings I have been doing are from my imagination. But I feel that if I paint from life for a while my non-life paintings will be even better.

I have set up a shadow box and just finished my first still life with controlled lighting. I still have a ways to go, but since I'm trying to paint EACH AND EVERYDAY I feel that my skills will improve quickly.

Here is the PURSE & SHOE painting I completed using a shadow box. I'm also using oil paints, which again is something NEW and I mixed all my paints before I started painting. (I'll have to post some photos.)

It turned out better than I thought. There were times when I had my doubts, but I just decided to keep plugging away at it today and I'm satisfied. I had quite a struggle getting the red colors correct.

Day 14 - Cupcake

2009-07-12T19:08:00.004-05:00

"Cupcake on Yellow"
8" x 8" acrylic, pattern pieces, tissue paper on stretched canvas
© Heather Hingst Bennett

Busy, busy! Here's another cupcake.

Cupcake on the Lawn

2009-07-08T14:18:00.006-05:00

"Cupcake on the Lawn"
16" x 20" acrylic, pattern pieces, tissue paper on stretched canvas
© 2009 Heather Hingst Bennett

Here is what I've been busy with. When I was working on this my son asked me..."Why is the cupcake sitting in the grass?" I had not thought of this and just thought a nice contrasting color to use for the pink cupcake would be a green.

Can you guess who one of my favorite painters is? I'll give you a hint he paints cakes and doughnuts, among other things.

This painting with be available at my booth in Milford, Nebraska on August 22.

My daily painting exercises have been going well. Must get back to work!

July 4th Cake

2009-07-02T12:56:00.006-05:00

Independence Day Cake
7.5" x 10"
acrylic, scrapbook paper, vintage sheet music on paper
© 2009 Heather Bennett

Day 2 - Painting Practice

2009-07-01T09:39:00.004-05:00

Face practice

Yesterday was day 2 and I jumped from one project to another. I tried a little color play like Mary Beth Shaw talks about on her blog.

I also worked on painting faces. I really struggle with the eyes and just thought it would be a good idea to just concentrate on faces for a while.

Day 1 - Daily Painting

2009-06-29T22:01:00.004-05:00

Just a peek at what I have been working on my first day back painting. I can tell I haven't done this in a while, but it's starting to come back to me.

I broke out my Golden fluid acrylics. This is the first time I've used this paint. It was a little different than what I usually use. It has kind of a gloss to it when it dries.

Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Starting Monday...

2009-06-28T21:38:00.005-05:00

I'll be back painting daily! Yes, you heard it DAILY! Finally!

This has been my goal for a long time and this summer I'm going to try to finish a painting at least 3 times a week.

As you can see, I've got my paints out and I'm ready to go!

Tres chic!

A Giveaway and Announcement

2009-06-03T06:34:00.005-05:00

Boy! It has been a while, hasn't it?

My daughter takes her last set of finals today and graduation is this Sunday. Yeah! My sister and her family will be visiting from Minnesota and my brother and his family will be visiting from Arizona. I'm so grateful to has such lovely supporting siblings. I can't wait to see them and everyone else who joins us in celebrating Hattie's big day!!

Over on my other blog I am hosting a giveaway. So, please check it out when you get a chance! :)

Yesterday, I announced my resignation from my job of six years as a graphic designer for the City of Lincoln. I'm excited to start creating full time. It's what I've always wanted to do!

I'll be back soon! Missed you!

Keep in Touch!

2009-04-13T15:57:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to let you know I'm going to be posting to my other blog mainly for the next month or so.

I don't expect to get much painting or art done, just a lot of organizing and decorating and party planning.

So, if you're into that sort of thing, stop by and check it out!

TTFN! I'll see you over here!

I Can't Get Enough of this Song Lately...

2009-04-07T20:58:00.003-05:00

"Miss Hattie" could actually be a character in the movie O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU.

I love the look of the 1920's and 30's.

Rain Barrel Project

2009-04-07T09:44:00.005-05:00

Here the rain barrel project I have been working on. I'm very happy to say that I'm almost finished.

After this I am afraid I will have to keep my painting and other projects to a minimum. We will be preparing for my daughters high school graduation and the very important part of graduation...THE PARTY!

I have heard that in other parts of the United States there aren't big high school graduation parties. For some reason, in Nebraska, we go all out for this.

The good news is my house might finally get decorated!

So, I'll try to keep you updated on our preparations and the craziness that I'm sure will come along with it.

Did you know it's April?

2009-04-02T16:49:00.007-05:00

My daughter will be turning 18 this Saturday. 18! Where did the time go?

I've been having a hard time keeping up with all the online classes I signed up for. I pretty much have decided that I will finish my faces on fabric class at a later date and I haven't logged into my graffiti class in over a week. The only class I'm trying very hard to keep up with is my still life class here. This is the first time I have painted with oils. They are so creamy, it's like painting with butter. AND they don't dry out.

I'm actually working with Genesis Heat Set oils, so they don't dry until you heat set them.

It's not that the other classes aren't wonderful...they are. I just think that I "get them" more than I do the "traditional" painting techniques.

Another project I've been working on is painting a rainbarrel for the Watershed Department for the City. I REALLY HOPE TO HAVE THIS DONE THIS WEEKEND! Then I can move on to more "chic" projects!

Of course, I have a zillion ideas about what I want to paint next. Can't wait to share them with you.

Think chic thoughts!

20 Years Ago Today....

2009-03-20T08:00:00.008-05:00

I was at a Duran Duran concert.

They were my FAVORITE band.

I thought John Taylor was SO HOT!

Here's Simon LaBon, John Taylor and Nick Rhodes.

This was the "Big Thing" tour and the concert was held in a small theater (I can't think of the name right off hand) in Omaha, NE.

Who was your favorite band in the 80's? :)

Graffiti Chic

2009-03-19T21:06:00.003-05:00

I'm off to a slow start in my Graffiti Chic class. It's a really great class and I've got a bunch of ideas, but I haven't had much time to work on projects.

Here's the start of a background I did last night.

Don't forget to stop by tomorrow and see what I was doing 20 years ago...can you guess?

What were you doing 20 years ago?

2009-03-19T13:15:00.003-05:00

Stop by tomorrow and see what I was doing 20 years ago!!

Graffiti

2009-03-11T16:45:00.006-05:00

I think the Graffiti Chic class is going to be excellent for 2 reasons.

Alisa takes you through some great surface design techniques which she does on flat canvas and even "junk". Whew! The ideas are rolling in!
I think for my paintings it's going to help me loosen up. Which is what I talked about in December. Maybe some drippy, gooey cakes! I think I'm too much of a control freak. (I've been a Web/graphic designer too long!)

One thing I have been wishing lately is that I knew how to compose an abstract painting. Why is it that when I compose an abstract painting I just feel so uninspired by it, but I see the work of others and I'm just blown away.

Two painters right off hand: Mary Beth Shaw and Martha Marshall. It looks so simple, but I know they have put a lot of effort and thought into their work. Maybe like ballet...it looks so simple, but it takes a lot of effort and practice and technique.

The Faces Class

I was able to get my pattern pieces cut out last night. So I hope to audition some fabric tonight.

OTHER

I really hope all these things I'm trying and doing will make sense some day. I hope to find a style that is mine, so I can pass it along to others.

AND of course make some $$ doing what I ENJOY!

Stay Chic and warm (it was -5 here today).

Painted Chic Meets Graffiti Chic...

2009-03-10T10:14:00.005-05:00

I signed up for another class! I'm a sucker for these online classes. This class is with Alisa Burke and it's called Graffiti Chic...doesn't it look like fun?!

I'm going to be working on my Fabric on Faces class project tonight. So, I hope to have something to share with you soon!

March is Going to be Busy!!

2009-03-05T11:58:00.003-06:00

I look at my calendar and March is full of doctor appointments, college registration appointments (for Hattie), classes (for me), soccer practice (for Gabriel) and SPRING BREAK!!

Looking forward to spring break. We're heading south. That's the only plan!

I've been trying to decide if I want to have a little booth at a few local farmer's markets. That might be kind-of fun.

Hope you're having a chic March! Spring is on it's way!

Faces on Fabric Online Class

2009-02-26T11:31:00.007-06:00

I thought this looked like a great opportunity to combine my 2 creative interests: painting and sewing.

In the first class we start by drawing the face. Here is what I have so far.

I'm not quite sure what I'll be doing for the background yet.

This weekend I will be painting a rain barrel for this City of Lincoln project. I'm actually not an official participant for this project. I'm painting the Watershed logo on a rain barrel for their department.

IF - Celebrate

2009-02-19T16:22:00.004-06:00

I haven't participated in Illustration Friday for a while. This weeks challenge was "Celebrate."

Something Blue

2009-02-13T08:31:00.010-06:00

Finally I get to show you "Something Blue!" I will be offering prints of this in my new Etsy shop soon.

Lately, my cakes have a lot of "bling" to them. They are just a lot of fun!

"Something Blue"
COUTURE CONFECTIONS SERIES
Original Painting
12" (H) x 6" (W)
Acrylic, collage elements, "bling" on canvas
$50 USD*
*If you are a Nebraska resident 7% tax will be added to your total. Free shipping if you live in the continental United States. If you live elsewhere please email me before you purchase.

Tickled Pink

2009-02-10T21:09:00.008-06:00

COUTURE CONFECTIONS SERIES
Original Painting (click on photo for larger image)
11 3/4" (h) x 9 1/4" (w)
$75 USD*
*If you are a Nebraska resident 7% tax will be added to your total. Free shipping if you live in the continental United States. If you live elsewhere please email me before you purchase.

Side view

Detail

Making "Tickled Pink"

2009-02-10T20:56:00.007-06:00

This is the painting with the pink tissue paper added to the wood board I'm using as my support. You can also faintly see the drawing lines for the cake.

Here I have painted in the background of the cake and I started playing with collage pieces.

Almost, but not quite...

Oh Bother!

2009-02-10T10:20:00.011-06:00

It's my last FREE day on Typepad. So, I have to make my decision...do I stay or do I go!

TONIGHT I'm posting my latest painting "Tickled Pink." I finished it last night.

Updated

Well, I'm going to stay with Blogger. You just can't beat FREE right now. I'm really trying to cut my expenses and it doesn't make sense to go with a blog that costs money.

FREE is Chic!

Stay tuned for "Tickled Pink." TONIGHT!!!

Taking Classes

2009-02-09T10:26:00.004-06:00

Yeah! I'm so excited...I love to attend classes and workshops. For work I'm going to be taking a Flash class. I learned Flash a long time ago (version 3) so this will be a good refresher for me.

AND what I'm really excited about it I'm going to be taking a class with Lincoln artist, Margret Berry. She is an encaustic painter. The class is March 14th at the Lux Center for the Arts.

Behind the Scenes

2009-02-06T09:16:00.009-06:00

I've been working on many business related aspects to Painted Chic! lately.

I opened a new Etsy shop. There is nothing in it so far, but that will change soon.
I ordered this printer and just got it yesterday! (Prints for Etsy shop among other things.)
I've been exploring Typepad. You can check out Painted Chic! over there. I am torn about moving. I love the ease of Typepad and all the bells a whistles, but Blogger is FREE. AND Blogger has a lot of nice gadgets. Either way I'm going to be using my own domain soon on one of these blogs, so eventually you'll just go to painted-chic.com!
I purchased some NEW art supplies and can't wait to try them out!

Unfortunately my list of things to do is MUCH longer.

I've got two pieces of art that I can't wait to show you. The first one is "Something Blue" and the second on is "Tickled Pink" both from my COUTURE CONFECTIONS series.

I have SO MANY IDEAS of where I want Painted Chic! to go. I wish I had more time to devote to it, but for now I juggle day job, family/home and my love for being creative! I am working on saving money so I can quit the full-time day job, enjoy the summer (job free) and then start a part-time job in the fall - if I have to. That's my plan! It keeps me motivated.

Have chic thoughts!

Plans

2009-01-28T15:38:00.004-06:00

Where has January gone?

I completed only 1 cake painting...wasn't I going to do 15? I have another one almost done. I'm not even close to my goal. And I thought that was a very reachable goal. Maybe I can only crank out the art when I have to.

Oh well...there's always next month. I've enjoyed relaxing, but now it's time to get back to work. Maybe I'll get 2 paintings done in February.

I guess I've been doing a lot of research and getting other business stuff out of the way, so I haven't been totally slacking.

3 Day Weekend

2009-01-16T13:15:00.003-06:00

YEAH!

I can hardly wait.

I'm in kind of a funk. The kind where I don't know which way I want to go so I'm going in all directions. UGH! Hope I can snap out of it and get some things done this weekend.

I went to the eye doctor this morning. I actually scheduled the appointment because the muscles around my eyes keep twitching. This has been going on for about a month. It's about to drive me crazy. My eye doctor said that the cause of the twitching is from: stress, lack of sleep and caffeine. Great!

Hope you have a lovely weekend!

Colored Pencil & Beeswax

2009-01-13T19:32:00.011-06:00

I have always loved working with colored pencil and I've been taking some time to do a little experimenting with these lately.

Here is a girl illustration I created with Prismacolor colored pencils on Ampersand Pastelboard. I'm having a hard time painting eyes, so I felt like I accomplished something by drawing this. I have been sealing my paintings with beeswax, so I thought...what would happen if I added beeswax to my colored pencils?

Well, I'll show you...

Here she is with a layer of wax. After applying the wax I have been making it a little more even by using an iron over the entire surface. (I followed this video at Gritty Arts Studio.)

Which made all my colored pencil colors smear. But there was something that I liked about it. I kind of liked the gritty, messiness to it. It also "fixed" some of the things I didn't like about the initial drawing. So, all was not lost. What I didn't do before I applied the wax was use a fixative on the colored pencil. So, I'm going to try that next time.

Anyway I kept plugging away at her and here is how she has ended up...

I like it...but I'm afraid to apply another layer of wax to her. I think she would look wonderful with a wax layer if I didn't get so much smearing. Maybe the fixative would work...anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks for stopping by!

Off to My Parents House & A New Cake

2009-01-12T20:09:00.009-06:00

I spent the day at my parents house. My mother has Parkinson's Disease and since my dad was going to be out of town for work today they needed someone to be on hand. That was me!

I always come home with a bag of "stuff" when I leave my parents. My favorite find today was these books...

I took them with me mainly because I knew my son would like them, but the Bird book is also going to be a great reference for future art!

Of course, when I was little I made sure everyone knew something belonged to me by putting my name in it or on it...

Don't you love coming across little pieces of writing like this?

I've also got a new cake coming!

Here's the start...yummy pink tissue paper that I got with a Christmas gift from my brother and his wife. I don't know what I like most the sweaters that came in this gift or the tissue paper. lol! It's the perfect color pink!

The sweaters are lovely too!

Ahhh...a re-organized studio

2009-01-06T19:19:00.008-06:00

I didn't plan to do this, but I reorganized my studio today. My studio is located off the kitchen in what could probably be a pantry area. It's about 4' x 6'. I like it because it makes me stay focused. I used to have a larger room, but it was always a crazy mess and I couldn't get anything done. I had knitting projects, painting projects, felting projects, quilting projects, etc. going on and NOTHING would get done. So, we turned it into our media room. Which is very nice.

This is my temporary studio. Until my daughter moves out, then I get her lovely room. It won't be for a few years and I'm in no hurry to see her leave. I just recently bought 2 items for my studio. The cute little crystal like lamp and the pink rug. I found the lamp at the Goodwill for $3.99 and just have a basic white shade on it for right now. I'm thinking of covering it with some vintage flocked wallpaper. Wouldn't that be chic? The rug is from Target. My favorite colors are pink, orange and green. So, I just need to add something green and I will have my favorites covered.

Here's what's on the shelves above my work table. The top shelf is the fabric I have for sale on Etsy. The bottom shelf are painting that are in the process of being finished or are finished and need photographed. Does anyone have or know of a tutorial on how to photograph art to make prints? I've been wanting to do this, but just haven't got around to it.

Thanks for taking a peek at my studio!

Updated January 7, 2009

Regarding the photography tips, I posted about making a photo box here.

But if anyone has information about how they create prints (send out; make at home) and they would like to share that would be really super Chic!

Painting Goals

2009-01-02T13:19:00.003-06:00

I'm so excited that we are in a brand new year!

To start off the new year it is my goal to create 15 new paintings for my COUTURE CONFECTIONS series this month! AND in the month of February I'm planning to kick-off a new series "On the Line". Images of dresses and clothes, somewhat inspired by the movie 27 Dresses.

I also have a little something I've been working on that I want to share with you soon. I will need audience participation for this one. So STAY TUNED!

Have a chic 2009!

Wishing You...

2008-12-31T09:51:00.005-06:00

Checking In

2008-12-30T21:05:00.003-06:00

Hope everyone had a chic holiday!

Are you working on you goals for 2009? I've been starting to give it some thought. I'll share them with you in a few days.

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-23T09:59:00.003-06:00

Have a chic holiday with family and friends! I will see you in 2009!

Snow Day!

2008-12-19T09:11:00.004-06:00

With the snow, sleet and ice that we got last night the kids get to enjoy one extra day off from school for Christmas break!

Gabriel has been saying that he needs 10 days off school. We kept telling him that he will soon get his wish when he is out of school for Christmas break. But now he will get 11 days off school. He is a very happy boy!

Of course my daughter, Hattie, is a senior and is extremely happy whenever school is not in session. She is very much a senior and is looking forward to graduating and moving on. Although she won't be going anywhere until she gets her French grade up!!

My husband has oodles of vacation time so he is taking time off.

Unfortunately, I don't have very much vacation and had to trudge to work on icy roads. But, I made it. Early even. As soon as my 8 hours are in for the day I'm OUT of HERE!!!

I can't help but feel that there is something very wrong about this. Why do they get to stay cozy at home and I have to leave the nest?! Not for long though. YEAH!

I am very happy to report that I will have a new painting to show you very soon. It's a piece from my cake series and I'm calling it "Something Blue".

Stay warm and safe! And of course CHIC!

A Snowy Day

2008-12-16T16:56:00.004-06:00

It snowed today. I was going to go out Christmas shopping, but it looks like I'll try to get the rest of my shopping done online.

Stay warm!

Baby It's Cold Outside!

2008-12-15T09:46:00.004-06:00

-5 and colder (-20) in other parts of Nebraska!!

That 1-1/2 block walk to Gabriel's school this morning was almost too much!

I had a great weekend PAINTING! Working on a cake painting "Something Blue" and a girl. Not sure what to call her yet. So, I hope to be sharing those very soon.

I also did a lot of brainstorming about a ZINE! Yes! A Valentine's Day ZINE! So, I hope to share more about that soon too!

I still have a lot of Christmas shopping to do! I'm running out of time!

I've Been Reading

2008-12-12T09:15:00.009-06:00

The Pink Boutique by Karen Fields

Just wanted to share with you a new to me blog that I've been checking out.

It's Karen Fields' blog, Unexpected Art. I not only like her art, I really like how she showcases her art. I like the title, the dimensions and the link to Etsy to buy it. The next day she grabs her favorite Etsy item and posts that with some information about it and a link to the shop that it came from. How thoughtful!

I just might have to copy her.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. - Coco Chanel

A Busy Week Ahead!

2008-12-08T10:17:00.005-06:00

It's my son's 6th birthday tomorrow! I can't believe he's already 6 years old! Where has the time gone?

We finally purchased our Christmas tree. We were going to go with an artificial tree, but after I read about tree farmers in my latest issue of County Living magazine, I decided to support them instead. So, we'll have to see how it turns out this year!

I'm so excited...my sewing machine is packed up and my paints are out. Maybe it's time for a new studio picture soon!

Well...gotta' run!

Stay Chic!

Mail Call!

2008-12-05T13:39:00.007-06:00

This was waiting in the mail for me today!

Have you seen Robert Burridge's paintings! Spontaneous! Loose! Fun! Happy!

I have a few quilts to finish up this weekend and hang. I had to replenish my stock at the exhibit.

BUT, that will be it for a while! Now it's time to get messy with paint!

Inspired by Children's Art

2008-12-05T10:31:00.004-06:00

I can't help but be inspired by my son's art work.

His process is so great...he doesn't over think anything. He sits down with crayon and paper and goes!

In the next year I'm working on making my art more fluid. That I can let the colors, line, shapes, textures, etc. guide me. That I can accept flaws in my work. I'm only human...I'm not supposed to be perfect.

If you have children draw with them. If you don't have children, borrow some. You will be truly inspired!

ORBIT Series

2008-11-30T18:58:00.004-06:00

Just wanted to share with you a fun quilt series that everyone seems to like.

If you want to see more of my quilts on exhibit take a peak at my other blog or if you're in Lincoln, NE stop by A to Z Printing!

Kind of out there chic!

Frustrated...

2008-11-24T10:42:00.002-06:00

I'm trying to catch up on things and I really wanted to start painting this weekend, but organization and cleaning got in the way.

Think chic thoughts!

The weekend list

2008-11-21T12:40:00.003-06:00

By now you all must know I love the weekends. What 9 to 5 girl doesn't!

I've got a list of stuff to get done and I can't wait to tackle it...

Stay chic and I'll see you on Monday!

Keeping the momentum going...

2008-11-18T13:20:00.007-06:00

To prepare for my exhibit I created more art in 4 months than I did all year. It was crazy, but I hope to keep some of this momentum going. It is challenging to divide my time between family, full time job and creating art.

I'm getting everything in place to start painting and work on my drawing skills. YEAH! I think I've learned how I get something done. I have to put away all other distractions. So, right now is painting/drawing discovery time. I have to pack up the fabric, knitting needles, etc. and just have at my disposal my drawing and painting materials. This is another reason why I put myself in a 4' x 4' studio. I don't have room to go off on a tangent. I must stay focused.

So, this is how I'm hoping to break my week down.
MONDAY - Marketing Monday!
I have decided that I REALLY need to concentrate on my marketing. This could be putting items on Etsy, finding different venues to exhibit, working on my Web site and other marketing materials, commenting on blogs
TUESDAY - Painting Project Day
WEDNESDAY - Painting Project Day
THURSDAY - Painting Project Day
FRIDAY - Day off
SATURDAY - Drawing Day
SUNDAY - Drawing Day

That's the plan. I hope I can stick to it. I hope to spend about 1.5 - 2 hours working on studio stuff during the week and about 8 hours on the weekend. (That's with my current job. If that changes, then I hope to get more hours of studio time in.)

Stay warm & chic!

Going for it!

2008-11-17T14:55:00.004-06:00

I have had a goal to save up for 3 months expenses and then quit my job. I'm really close to making this happen and I almost can't believe it's going to come true. My projected date is December 18. Which means that for the first time in YEARS I will get to enjoy the holidays.

AND my exhibit is all hung and ready to go, but am I? I hope so. I hope I don't get very many questions.

I started cleaning up last night. Getting ready to paint chic-ly! hee-hee!

Stay chic!

Yeah, Friday!

2008-11-14T14:00:00.004-06:00

There is light at the end of the tunnel...

It's going to be a busy weekend! (Like the last few haven't been.)

I have 6 pieces I need to finish up. Hang them. Then I'm done. I took the exhibit day off.

Now I just need to keep finding places to show my art quilts! That will be next along with painting!

Yeah!

More Crazy Ideas

I have ALWAYS wanted to be an art teacher. OK, maybe not always, but probably since I was 26-ish. So, I was thinking of making a classroom in the basement of our home and offering art classes to K - 5th grade. HMMM!

It's getting colder

2008-11-10T12:57:00.008-06:00

I know it's November, and that what we should expect, but I'm really not ready for it.

Above is a picture of my son, Gabriel, climbing the tree in our back yard. He loves to climb this tree and it looks gorgeous in this picture. It lost almost all its leaves this weekend.

EXHIBIT UPDATE

I feel really good about how my exhibit is starting to look. I have about 4 pieces to finish up and 7 more pieces that need quite a bit of work. Fortunately, these are not HUGE pieces. So, I should have everything ready by opening night.

It's a great feeling. I'm ready to move on to some different projects.

A NEW HOME

Maybe one of those projects will be getting our house ready to sell in the spring. There are so many houses to choose from. When we bought our home 5 years ago we had about 3 in our price range to choose from. Now, there are so many!

TWITTER

I'm also on TWITTER now. Haven't made many entries, but I'm sure that will be a lot of fun!

TOMORROW!

City offices are closed tomorrow. I'm so excited! The kids are in school and I'll have the whole house to myself to get a lot of work done!

What I've been working on

2008-11-06T10:13:00.002-06:00

Here's a sneak peak at what I've been working on for my exhibit.

Here is a series that I’m really having fun with. I’m calling it my HOME Series. These HOMES have just been pieced and are ready for quilting and binding. I like how the home on the far right tilts. These will be included in my exhibit.

Happy

2008-11-05T10:03:00.003-06:00

I woke up this morning with renewed energy. I just felt happy!

While I listened to the voting results I worked on some pieces for my exhibit.

Yesterday I stopped out at A to Z Printing and took a look at my exhibit space. I think it's going to all come together really nice. I'm going to start hanging my art this weekend.

Maybe I'll have some photos to share soon!

Stay CHIC!

Why?

2008-11-04T11:26:00.005-06:00

I voted! Won't it be nice to have this over with. I'm so tired of politics!

I've been working on pieces for my contemporary art quilt exhibit. Gosh! I'll be so happy to have this in the past! There is SO MUCH involved in quilting and for art quilts there is no difference.

Here's the process:

1. Design the quilt - this involves picking out fabrics, embellishments, and coming up with the design. I usually start my design process in my sketchbook and come up with a plan. My plan consists of how large I hope the quilt will be, how big to cut the pieces and how I'm going to construct it.

2. Cut and assemble - this involves cutting fabric, putting it up on my design wall and then sewing pieces together. This is where I usually get frustrated because there is quite a bit of shrinkage when you account for seams (or don't account for seams, like I do). So, what I think is going to be a huge quilt comes out half its size. So, then I usually try to find a way to add to it.

3. Make the quilt sandwich - at this step the quilt to has been assembled. Traditionally, a quilt consists of quilt top, batting and backing. So, all these are layered together and pinned, so there is no puckering.

4. Quilting - time to sew it all together. This is another design element to think about. I like my quilting to accent the design, some people like to do an all over design.

5. Finishing the edges - called binding. This can be done or not in art quilts. For some reason I have chose to do it.

6. Adding a hanging sleeve - we need to hang the quilt some way. You can also attach your quilt to a stretched canvas, board, etc.

7. Label - I always label my quilts. I attach a little label that I make with the title, my signature and Web address

That's it in a nut shell. There is another process that starts before this...that is dyeing the fabric.

The moral of my story is to be careful for what you ask for. I wanted to have an art exhibit. I'm good at sewing. I had made a few contemporary art quilts. I knew someone who has artist exhibit and asked her if I could exhibit. She said YES!

So, I've had a year to get this all together and of course I'm doing it all at the last minute!

We'll see how it goes!

Hey Lollishop Chicks!

2008-10-24T08:20:00.004-05:00

It's been a crazy, busy week and I'm excited to get to know you all. I'll catch up with you this weekend!

Still Waiting for Good News Part 2

2008-10-20T15:40:00.005-05:00

It's all up to me and I keep putting this particular task off! I don't know why. This is really driving me crazy! It's going to happen first thing tomorrow morning!

Good News Part 1

2008-10-17T10:33:00.007-05:00

I have 2 things to announce today and I'm breaking them down into two parts. The second part is not official YET! But I hope by this afternoon I'll be able to spill the beans! :)

The good news is that I applied at LolliShops and have been accepted! I'm really pleased because I think Painted Chic! is a great fit.

New work is coming...

2008-10-15T10:34:00.005-05:00

in November! Yes! Just in time for the holiday!

My contemporary art quilt exhibit starts November 20th with an opening reception that night at A to Z Print.

Then I will get to start painting again! I'm so ready...so many ideas. Can't wait.

I must get back to my sewing machine!

Think pink, it's chic!

MORE past art...

2008-10-07T10:42:00.011-05:00

Another older painting. It seems like I'm living in the past, but I'm working on a bunch of fiber art projects for an exhibit in November and long to be painting.

I do have a wonderful new idea for my next Miss Hattie painting. It has a Halloween theme, which I can't believe is just around the corner. I always want to decorate my home, but it never gets done! Bummer! Actually, I should start decorating for Christmas right now! ANYWAY...I hope I can get it done!

Here is the same image created digitally. I did this for an Illustration Friday entry. I really want get back into creating something weekly for Illustration Friday.

Lots of Chic stuff to do! We'll talk again soon!

Yeah! Friday...

2008-10-03T08:34:00.003-05:00

Actually, this week went by FAST!

I'm going to be hard at work in my studio. Hope to share some new stuff next week!

Have a wonderful weekend!

The REAL Miss Hattie & The Lincoln Arts Festival

2008-09-29T15:53:00.004-05:00

This is my daughter, Hattie. She is a senior this year and a part of the graduation requirements is 20 hours of volunteer service. So, she volunteered at the art festival.

She is pictured with the Americana frame I mentioned earlier.

We had a beautiful weekend for the festival and there were lots of people who attended.

Photo is courtesy of Diane Gonzolas.

Miss Hattie

2008-09-29T10:24:00.008-05:00

Here are two pieces from my Miss Hattie - Bird Watching Series.

The top Miss Hattie was created on a stretched canvas covered with sewing pattern tissue. The bottom Miss Hattie's background is a checkerboard with X's and O's.

She needs some friends, don't you think?

My Sweet (a later version of Cake!)

2008-09-26T13:25:00.005-05:00

This is how Cake! currently looks. (Boy, I like to use exclamations points!)

On this piece I started with the diamond painted background, kept it visible within the cake with just hints of it peeking through the background. Add some pages from an old math book, a fleur de lis, glitter and voila!

Have a chic weekend!

How to make your own photo box...

2008-09-25T15:41:00.003-05:00

with a rubbermaid container. This is very cool, so I had to pass it on. See it here.

Cake!

2008-09-25T10:16:00.005-05:00

Since I don't have any new paintings to show you, I'm going to show you one of my first paintings in this style.

I used Martha Stewart scrapbook paper I found at Michael's with cute lady bugs, apples, little daisies, etc. and pieces of sewing pattern paper.

For the outline I used a water soluble colored pencil and then painted over it with a little water to smear it a bit.

While I'm not thrilled with it's outcome, I thought it was a good first attempt at something I hadn't done in years. I'm thinking of trying beeswax on it. Jane DesRosier has a great video about this on her blog, Gritty Arts Studio.

See you again soon!

How I start a painting

2008-09-24T08:34:00.007-05:00

When I'm working on stretched canvas I usually start a painting by creating the background. Currently, I like to layer my background with sewing pattern pieces and patterned tissue paper or paint a design like the diamonds below.

When I get into the actual painting, sometimes I leave this area alone and don't paint it and sometimes I let it just peek through.

I don't usually do Americana

2008-09-23T09:49:00.008-05:00

But when asked by the Mayor, I did. This is a little piece I did for the Lincoln Arts Festival, which will be going on this weekend in Lincoln, NE. (See more about it here.) This is one of the Famous Frames that will be raffled off.

I think it turned out really nice and it was actually a lot of fun to do.

10 Score is the theme for the upcoming celebration of Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday. The City of Lincoln will be putting on quite a celebration. The top of the frame contains the first line of the Gettysburg Address:

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth, upon this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that "all men are created equal".

Thanks for stopping by!

HELLO!

2008-09-16T13:41:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Painted Chic!

I hope to share with you my paintings, techniques and bits of everyday life.

See you again soon!