Repurposed mirror

A few weeks ago Crystal pulled in my driveway and couldn't wait to tell me about a "frame" she saw on the side of the road.  When I saw it I thought "are you crazy"????  It was plastic, cream, pink and ugly, and it had a few jagged pieces of a broken mirror hanging on it.  Into the back of her car it went...I might add "at her insistance".  After painting it to look like old painted iron,  I then coated the backing  in chalk board paint and wa-la~!....an old broken piece of junk became a wonderful treasure for my studio. 
I've always loved to have inspirational sayings posted and now I have a great place to display them.  Thanks Crystal...let's go junking~!

Snowing

It's snowing here in Columbia...not enough to make a snowman but enough to coat the roof tops and trees with a bit to spare sprinkled on the ground.  I think of Jason Sanders and Kevin Minck (amazing local artists)who are probably outside painting the beautiful countryside, eager to capture the snow on canvas before it melts away. Though I love painting in plein aire, I think, given I have a terrible cold, I'll wait for a warmer day.  I hope you're all picking up your paint brushes on this chilly day.  What a great day to get started on something new.  Don't forget to send a photo of your latest.  Some of the photos you guys have sent I would be proud to hang in my home.  Hope you've had a Merry Christmas and continue in the spirit through the new year. 

Painting on display

Imagine my delight when yet again I pulled up to a local gallery and saw one of my paintings displayed out front for their open house. 

Laine's Riverside Art: Tina and Willow, Tori and Kaylee

Laine's Riverside Art: Tina and Willow, Tori and Kaylee: "Brandy sent me a photo of my grand daughters walking their horses on the farm. As soon as I saw it I knew that it had to be painted......"

Tina and Willow, Tori and Kaylee

Brandy sent me a photo of my grand daughters walking their horses on the farm.  As soon as I saw it I knew that it had to be painted....I just didn't know where to begin.  I kept hearing Ms Hazel's words..."just get some paint on the canvas".  Little by little it came to life.  It was so much fun to see the surprise on the whole families face when Shelton and I took it to them last weekend for them to hang before their Christmas party. Yet another reason I paint.  I love the expression of love I am able to give with a paint brush. I must admit it looks a lot better in their home than ours though it was hard to part with after working on so many weeks.