The Art Of Color

The Color of the Day Is....White!

2008-05-13T14:10:00.006-05:00

Oh, I have been so very busy the last week to 10 days! We have more than 100 acres of wooded pasture that has mushrooms sprouting like crazy...we're trying to get the garden tilled, up and ready to go...Mother's Day flew by me like a super sonic jet plane...I need more time in a day!

White is today's color. Alot of people think that white is the absence of a color, but in fact, it is all of the colors in one place. It's a little hard to describe, but it's true. Absence of color is actually black. Of course, when you mix your water colors together, it turns quite nasty black, doesn't it. Are you confused yet?...Good! Then let's get going on today's picks!

I just love this print of white, wild horses from AnneE's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9300051

And this art quilt from pelecypods2's shop is simply fantastic!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9969529

Go and check out this fantastic watercolor painting of Spring in thecreatorspalette's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9402433

Are you a soap lover? Then go to TheVagrantPoodle's shop and check out this and many other great items!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10944104

Now, here's a photograph after my own heart. As much as I love macro photography, I just couldn't let this little tuft go unnoticed today from TreasuresByTina's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9661949

And I will be adding more items to my own Etsy shop in the next few days, so be sure to go and check them out!

The Color of the Day Is...Periwinkle!

2008-04-30T10:04:00.007-05:00

I have been so busy the past few days. One of these days I will get a faster computer, so it won't take me so long to do the things I do online.

I have opened up another store over at Cafepress.com. I wanted a way to get more exposure for my art and photographs. I want everyone to go and check it out, and tell me what you think...just leave a comment on this post. And don't just be nice to me...tell me what you really think about the items, the graphics and the prices. I've left 2 links over on the right for everyone. One is for my Cafepress shop, the other is a referral button, if you decide you'd like to open up one of your own. (yeah, I have alot of referral buttons in here, don't I...?)

Periwinkle is probably THE hardest color to find amongst the artisans on my list. Not quite light blue, yet not quite lilac, either. I love it, though, and I think you will too when you check out all the neat items I found with that color somewhere in them.

Go and take a peek at this really cool framed print in amandajean's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11041060

Here is a very nice piece of art with Italian glass made by luluvillage:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9085807

You'll find many great jewelry items, along with this gorgeous ring over at cassowaryjewelry's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11015500

If you love art, you'll just love this ACEO print in keecojo's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7264855

I wish these had been around when my kids were small enough to wear them! Check out these baby booties at kaboogie's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10937322

I see that I'm going to have to do some rearranging of my blog soon, as I've been adding neat little buttons for everyone to use. I'll be doing that as well over the next few days. Make sure you watch for construction signs! LOL

The Color of the Day Is...Baggavond!

2008-04-26T12:14:00.007-05:00

All right...every once in a while a girl just has to have some fun. Baggavond is a GREAT lady with a TERRIFIC shop on Etsy. She has awesome hats, handy bags and bead mats. What I think is so very unique about some of her hand bags is that she has incorporated a chalk board into the design...a real, working chalk board. How COOL is that??!!

So, just to surprise her today...my color is all about Baggavond, an Etsy shop owner from Michigan who loves to have fun, and it shows in her creations. Make sure you go check her out! err...I mean check out her listings....

Here is a 'just tooo cute' chalk board bag with Spongebob Squarepants for a theme.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11238309

Now, I would wear this hat anywhere, especially to a Garden Party...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9972412

This cute little number would look smashing with just about any outfit this summer
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10062481

Here's a traveler's bag with a story to tell. Careful now...we wouldn't want it to tell the wrong story...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7329610

Pink...it was love at first sight...like red but not quite...Okay, who has that song going in their heads now?...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10540324

Orphan Works Act....will it take all of the goodness out of the art of color?

2008-04-25T08:32:00.004-05:00

Okay...I have never been the kind of person to be politically active. It tends to put people off, and I don't like making people mad at me. And God forbid I should be labeled as a radical or something just as stupid. At 40 years of age, I've voted once in my life, and it was, in retrospect, the wrong choice. But recently, I've been hearing quite a buzz about a 'new' old bill that could be going before congress. It's called The Orphan Works Act. Back in 2006, this act was not passed, but it is being re-worded and gone over again, ready to be sent back to Congress. There is alot of 'he said - she said' about this legislation, and I feel that it affects all artisans, no matter your craft of choice, and I wanted to give you a couple of view points of both sides of it, so that you can make up your own minds. There is a petition out there, the link is below, against this legislation. I Googled this bill myself, and tho I really didn't want to wade through the immensely boring and long winded Act itself, I have also included a link to the 2006, non-updated version.

I signed the online petition. Simply because I do not believe in ANY legislation that could even remotely be construed to interfere with, injure or otherwise impede, my right to my own hard work, or my ability to be compensated for it...my copyright is MY COPYRIGHT...not Joe Q. Public, no matter how it's worded, or who words it that way. (in other words...I don't like being told what to do with my own art)

I don't want to coerce anyone into doing anything without having both ends of the argument out where they can see it. So follow the links and make up your own minds. Whatever you do...DON'T JUST SIT THERE THINKING IT WILL GO AWAY!! Good or bad, this is not just going to disappear. Tell people about it, do what you have to do to get word out about it, whether you are for it or against it. And remember...It's always better to be pro-active then reactive...once you have to react, it's usually too late to do any good.

Here is the Orphan Works Act of 2006 from the Library of Congress. Do your own Google search as well. Be informed, people...read it and study it. It DOES matter.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c109:H.R.5439:

In the following blog, Meredith Patterson states that the law doesn't even exist, that the buzz that's being created is idiotic and retarded. Form your own views on this one folks...I know I have.
http://maradydd.livejournal.com/374886.html

In this article, from Mark Simon, you get a completely opposite version of the story, letting you know that your art can be stolen and there really won't be a whole lot you can do about it. Again, make your own INFORMED decisions here.
http://mag.awn.com/index.php?ltype=Columns&article_no=3605&

Now, no...Congress does not have, as far as I can assertain, the actual Orphan Works Act of 2008 in their hot little hands...or at least they haven't released it yet. However, they did get together to work on re-working the 2006 version back in March...and I doubt they would waste their time with that if they weren't going to try it again. Here's a link to the pdf of that Congressional testimony.

http://judiciary.house.gov/media/pdfs/Adler080313.pdf

Now, if, when you have read all there is to read about this that you can find, you want to sign the online petition, you can find it here.
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/no-to-orphan-works-act.html

I signed it, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I'm signer #6780.

As it stands now, your work is copyrighted the instant you create it. Free. You don't need to register it, tho many people do..this costs money and can be quite cost prohibitive to those of us who literally fall into the Starving Artists category. Don't sit by and do nothing and think 'Ah well, someone else will take care of it'. Trust me...they won't.

I am now getting off my soap box... there will be more of 'The Color of the Day Is...' tomorrow.

The Color of the Day Is Slate!!

2008-04-24T11:46:00.006-05:00

Slate. Not quite true blue, not quite gray. Very quiet and calming and just plain lovely. It goes well with any color...pinks and browns the best. One of my favorites!

okay...I confess...I have A LOT of favorite colors lol

So, grab your slate from Mr. Slate and clear the slate so you can make notes on these Etsy shops!

Everyone needs to get a business card holder, especially this one from WonderfullySewKnits' shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10406084

I've heard that Tatting is becoming a lost art...it's not lost on TotusMel! Go check this one out:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6923095

Labels are just so much fun...the lovelier the better, like these from VanessaCavacoDesigns' shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10773810

Are You An Artist?? If not, don't fret...go see LeoaDesignStudio's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6221621

And I took just a bit of artistic license on this one...there IS slate in there, somewhere...I'm sure of it! It's so lovely, I just HAD to include it today from ImagineStudio's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11215181

Well, I think I've done it! I have finished my Fairy drawing. I added three more flowers, 2 pink and 1 white with pink, and lightly shaded green into the background. I haven't decided if I want to darken the green background or not...I need to stare at it some more lol

But...here's the finished product, with a little black added here and there to add depth to the shadows. I REALLY hope you like it!

The Color of the Day Is...Teal!!

2008-04-23T07:49:00.011-05:00

Ahhh....finally, Spring has sprung here in central Iowa. It's 7:51 a.m. and the sun is shining, the grass is finally green and the songbirds have finally come out of hiding! My thermometer reads a glorious 70 degrees and all is well with the world!!

Teal...not a lot can be said of this tweener color. It's right 'tween blue and green, yet not quite turquoise...but it goes splendidly with pinks, purples, browns....almost any color out there, really. That's why I've chosen it for today...well, that, and it happens to be the colored pencil I picked out of the jar ;)

Need an Etsy promotional package? Then you MUST stop by gleepsie's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9299310

Want to Congratulate some special? Go check out this lovely card from LadyGil's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10581975

marshatoh has used a beautiful combination of pink and teal in this gorgeous necklace:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10205669

This amazing painting is hanging in artkitten's shop just waiting for a home on your walls!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10329108

And while you're shopping, these earrings are a 'must have' for this spring from outofthepinksky's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8650944

As I looked at the fairy drawing that I'm working on, I realized that my fairy's just a little bit on the bright side. It makes her look out of place amongst the dark purple of the flowers. So I decided to add a bit of sunshine to certain things in the drawing. I did this by first scraping most of the color off of the left edge of the flowers and the stems with my exacto blade. After this, I used Mango and Yellow Orange to give the flowers that look of first sunlight touching them. I then did the same with the leave that the fairy is resting on as she pulls open one of the blooms. I think it worked well. Tell me what you think by adding a comment to this post. (you have to be polite, but by all means, be HONEST about it)

I will be adding more flowers of the same variety in the background, smaller and different colors, and green as well. I'm really hoping I can pull this off...

See you next post everyone!

And I've added another photographic print to my listings, so go check out my shop as well at http://AreYouAnArtist.etsy.com and check it out!

The Color of the Day Is...Money...

2008-04-21T07:51:00.002-05:00

Money is...that green stuff that seems to make the world go 'round...the root of all evil...that thing we need if we want groceries...something that burns a hole in our pocket....that one item we never seem to have enough of. I know I don't :)

Over the weekend, I did some browsing through the forum threads. I found a forum for a new payment service called Revolution Money Exchange, or as my fellow Etsians call it, RME. They have a sign up special from now until May 15th. You get $25 bucks for signing up, and I get $10 for everyone who signs up using the link I have at the top of the right column over there>>>>>>>

RME is quite similar to PayPal, with a few exceptions. I would like to put on my sales person's hat and tell you the pros and cons of this new way of paying for things, and let you decide. (I never could get the pushy sales man act down pat) So read through this post, and if you want to check it out and sign up....make me a little spending money and get yourself some of it while it lasts (because once you sign up, you get referral bonuses too!!), use the link I mentioned in the above paragraph.

Pro #1:
You get $25 bonus when you sign up! This one is legitimate. I signed up and got $25 bucks...it was a snap.
Con #1:
I have read in the forum thread that you have to spend the $25 before you get any type of referral bonuses, or you lose the $25 sign up bonus. I haven't seen in any of the site's Terms and Conditions where it says this, but I haven't gotten a referral yet to see if it's true.

Pro #2:
You get $10 bonus for each new account holder that you refer to RME.
Con #2:
You can only earn up to $500 in any bonus program per year. Which means that if you refer 50 people to sign up, yes, you get $500 bucks, but you are ineligible for any future bonus programs, say, in July.

Pro #3:
Accounts are free. Transactions between other accountholders is free. Free to get money, free to send money, free to sign up, free to transfer to and from your bank account.
Con #3:
The transaction is only free if it is between you and another person with an RME account. It says that right on the site, but doesn't say if there can even BE transactions between an accountholder and non-accountholder, or what the fee is if you can have such a transaction, so it may be a moot point. There are fees, such as a stop payment fee, insufficient funds fee, and the usual bank fees that you have even with a free checking account. So make sure that the person you want to deal with signs up too...the transactions are free for both parties, and you could get bonuses, depending on the current special at the site.

Pro #4:
The site appears to be very secure. It is much like PayPal, only it is run by an actual bank in South Dakota and backed by FDIC. This is just like a non-interest earning account.
Con #4:
The site is extremely slow. Now, I have dial-up, and last nite the site moved so slowly that I just gave up. Today was slow, but much better. The home page has the word 'beta' on it, so you know it's going to be slow as they work the kinks out of it. Of course, I'm a patient person, so it doesn't bother me TOO much to have to wait on websites...it wasn't any slower today than my DirecTV website, which just CRAWLSSSS because of all the fancy buttons they just have to have.

Pro #5:
Several, and I mean SEVERAL, Etsy shops have started accepting RME as a payment method. You can spend your sign up bonus on Etsy and others can do the same at your shop!
Con #5:
Not everyone on Etsy takes RME, so you have to go to this forum thread
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5561326

and you want to go to the last page of the thread to find the most recently updated list of Etsy shops that accept RME.

So far, I've found more good things than bad about RME, so go ahead, sign up for it...the most you'll be out if you don't like it is time spent.

The Color of the Day Is...Yellow Orange

2008-04-17T08:01:00.014-05:00

Sunshine go away today. I don't feel much like dancin...Obviously, someone was singing this and doing a little bit of ye good ole rain dance, cuz the only place to find sunshine here in Iowa is right here on this blog. That's right!...Direct from Etsy.com for your viewing pleasure...It's Yellow Orange!!!

If you need a card to send to a friend, then simplyexpress has just the one you need:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10125803

Need to knit some sunshine into your life?...check out ThePaintedTiger's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10360523

Go and grab yourself this sunny NotYerAverageLobster from sojournquilt's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=313624

Already have sunshine in your neck of the woods? Then go check out pinkmarshmallow's shop for this way cool flip flop/t-shirt ensemble!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10567701

And how about a matching pair of earrings to wear with it from SOUNDandFURY's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10033997

You know, I was plugging away at this cute little flower fairy, proud as a peacock at not only my choice of colors (which wasn't even an original idea lol) but at how well I was layering them on the paper, when I had an idea that would just look so cool...so I thought. I decided to outline the inner most red/orange part of her wings with the blueberry pencil. Let me tell you about bright ideas...this one wouldn't have lit up the refridgerator.

So....now what?!! It's dark blue/purple over pink and red! I can't just erase it, but I can't just leave it there and hope no one sees it. Actually...quite by accident I learned this neat little trick to fixing fully saturated swatches of colored pencil...but you have to use a light touch for this one.

Take out your handy dandy exacto knife, and put any blade your are comfortable with. Of course, I've forgotten if mine has a #16 or #11 in it, but they both work smashingly! GENTLY scrape off the colored pencil from the paper until either you get rid of the error, or until you have exposed your drawing surface. Then go in with the color you needed, in this case, I colored back over the red/orange/pink of the wing and made it as good as new.

This is a better trick on Illustration Board than it is on drawing paper, but with the right touch, you can do it without tearing it. And, this trick comes in handy not just for mistakes, but for changes made mid-stream, as you will see a bit further on.

I decided to make the Fairies clothes a bright yellow...same color as my pick for today, actually. I did this because it went with the rainbow like theme of the wings. It also really brightened up the entire drawing. I actually use 3 shades of yellow-orange for this, plus light brown and brown for the shadows. I also used Pale Flesh and the same browns for her skin. I think she turned out quite lovely.

Flowers always look best in odd-numbered groups. I'm not sure why that is...but there it is. I drew a grouping of 3 Morning Glory blooms, and decided to make them lavender and dark purple, with yellow centers. ALWAYS use your lightest color first...purple will cover yellow, most of the time, but yellow only turns burnt sienna when placed over purple. The yellow went down first, starting at the center and in a sunburst fashion, out from there. Then the lavender next to the yellow. If you put enough layers of yellow down first, the first layer of lavender glides over it, leaving no mark unless you push hard to make it leave a mark. This characteristic is what makes it easy to see where your colors are at. Then, I blended the dark purple into the lavender around the very edges of the flowers. They turned out really lovely, but something was missing.

I took my exacto knife out again and scraped away a little circle spot in the middle of the flowers. With the dark purple, I filled it in, giving it little rays into the yellow. You see...nothing is really permanent, is it?

I'm almost done with this little drawing. The completed drawing will be offered in my shop, as soon as I decide how I'd like to do it. I still have a sale on the drawings in my shop, and will be adding more nature photographs as well. Go check it out!

The Color of the Day Is...Coral

2008-04-15T08:55:00.013-05:00

Coral...the lovely pinkish-orangeish-reddish color that just conjures up pictures of underwater reefs and beautiful tropical fish...that's going to have to be next on my list of things to draw. Some day I may even get to see one in person, but until then, let's go see what we can see!

If you go to susansheehan's shop, you will find these and other exquisite lampwork beads:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10668435

And this really cool recycled notebook can be found in subu's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9803062

For those who love to knit...or just love looking at those as talented as iWunder is, you gotta check these out:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9800816

You can find a lot of journals and notebooks on Etsy, including this awesome notebook found in LadyGil's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10608222

Tired of using the same old pincushion your Great Grandmother used? Then go to verybigjen's shop and get your own!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9906069

As for my newest creation...I haven't yet decided on a name for the drawing I'm using for this Work In Progress...or WIP from here on out. But after I picked the colors, I started adding color to the lifeless drawing on the obnoxiously blank paper.

I first laid down the Orange on the inner most parts of the wings...the little pointed ovals nearest her body. I then took Maroon and colored the outside of these little ovals, blending it with the orange. After that, to brighten it up and blend it more, I colored over that entire area with Red-Orange, making it stand out a bit more.
For the outer part of the wings, I used Pink nearest her body.

I did come across a problem with the second wing. Only part of it was visible, and just shy of outlining the whole drawing in black, I didn't want it to get lost back there, so I colored lightly in Magenta first, then Pink, so that it was darker than the closest wing. (you can see this in the above pictures)

I then took Magenta and colored in the next area of color, being careful not to cover the wing edges. I blended the Magenta into the Pink, and then went over both with Pink again to get a subtle fading of color from one to the next.

Then it was Blueberry I added to the outer edge of the wing, blending it into the Magenta much the same way that I blended the Magenta into the Pink. I then drew the wing section 'lines' with the Blueberry.

And that's when it happened...
The worst possible thing to happen to an artist as obsessive/compulsive (anal retentive) as I am...

I MADE A MISTAKE!!!
...and I'll tell you all about it next time

(gotcha again)

The Color of the Day Is...Lime Green!

2008-04-14T08:50:00.011-05:00

You put the lime in the coconut and shake it all around...ha ha got you humming that one now, didn't I? :)

Sorry I've been away so long. I've been organizing my volunteer list, drawing pretty flowers and fairies, searching for long lost Macaws (long story) and taking pictures. It's been a nasty Spring so far this April...we woke to find snow on the ground this week! Where's my 80 degrees and tornado warnings?! Even that is better than SNOW!!

For every volunteer in this blog, I have a list of every color I see in their listings. Some are short, being silver and black and white...some have every color imaginable. To decide what a color is, and which color to choose, I have a very complex and time consuming method that involves formulas and collates, theorems and algebraic equations...Basically, I reach into my box of colored pencils and pull one out. :) And I have a box of 120...

So, without further adieu, in this weeks Lime Light are the following 5, that's FIVE, Etsy shops. Let's go take a look!

Now, you have got to check out this terrific Shea Butter Soap and the many other wonderful items in TheVagrantPoodle's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10958449

And while your at it, check out this adorable kids knit hat from poisdoux's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10573776

Go and take a look at this sweet ABC Box from joydevivredesign's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7107008

Need a tote? Go and look at this adorable number in ChicBoutique's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7164133

Now, I know this next one says Apple...but hey, this is my blog...I can call it lime if I want to :) Go check out this great skirt/top from sweetcharlotte's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9808687

Now, I have been busy drawing an OSWOA size drawing for a work in progress demo to be part of my post. Keep reading and check it out. (OSWOA stands for Original Small Work Of Art, remember?)

In the first step, I did the obvious thing. I traced my drawing ;) Now, I don't think tracing is cheating in this case because I did actually draw the original myself. I just chose to draw it on tracing paper to save my good paper the stress of my mistakes. Keep in mind that it was really cloudy and snowing and raining when I took these pictures...they're a tad bit off.

Next, I decided on the colors. For this little lady, I received outside inspiration. I made a friendship bracelet for my extremely gifted niece. When she picked the colors, I thought she was nuts at first, until I started to braid and knot it together. The colors she picked absolutely matched and complimented eachother. Not bad for a 12 year old! So that's what I picked.
I like to leave a small margin around my drawings so I can check the colors before I start drawing 'for real', as you can see in this picture. Once I was sure that I had the right colors, I started on the fairies wings.

And you can read more about it in my next post...HA! Cliffhangered ya, didn't I?!

As always, go to Etsy.com and check out all of the great stuff there! And while your there...check out the sale I'm having for Mother's Day. Great deals on my drawings!!

The Color of the Day Is...Red Violet

2008-04-09T18:19:00.008-05:00

Huh? Red Violet? But of course! You remember old red-violet...the only crayon in the box that never quite seemed to have as much color to it as any of the other ones? Not quite red, yet not quite pink, this lovely shade has alot going for it. Come on...let's go check it out!

If you visit tealchic's shop, you'll find this really neat skinny scarf:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9958691

If you like jewelry, you'll want to check out chendric's store:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10686890

And take a look at this lovely wristlet from PhriendlyK8's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8166973

Go immediately and check out this super set of earrings from capitolagirl's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8793646

And when your done there, go to ChrisFred2008's shop and take a look at this gorgeous pet necklace:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10428674

I was going to have a contest, as I stated in an earlier post. Well, after reading up on the How-To's and Wherefores of having an online contest with all of it's rules, I have decided against it. I will instead have the drawing listed in my shop as a Pay It Forward, or some such thing, and I will post when I list it, so keep checking in.

The Color of the Day Is...Gray!

2008-04-06T13:46:00.008-05:00

Gray just sort of fits today. The sun is hiding behind clouds that can't decide if they want to rain or not...the grass hasn't quite come into color...BUT...gray is a cool color that I would wear more often if it actually looked good on me ;) So, let's just see what Etsy has to offer to the lovers of Gray!

Here is a really neat tunic/halter top from tangente's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10669695

You just GOTTA go check out this backless top from sweetcharlotte's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9264033

Check out this cute cat painting in carlasonheim's shop: (okay...so the background is gray...but that still counts! lol)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10593464

Go take a look at this awesome A-line purse in ChicBoutique's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9788664

And here is another adorable DiDi Doll from FeltLikeStitchin's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8636922

I'll be back on Tuesday, April 8th. Be sure to check out the blog and etsy links in the side bar! If you come across one that does not work, let me know right away and I'll get it fixed. I've got some friendship bracelets to make for a customer tomorrow, so everyone enjoy your day!

The Color of the Day Is....I Need A Itty Bitty Little Break

2008-04-04T13:14:00.002-05:00

Oh, I know...it's so disappointing, isn't? I'm kinda bummed out about it myself, but I've got a whole bunch of things that I've been neglecting to do...most likely because I hate doing them...but I have to get them done. I'll try to get in here this evening to add another group of great people to the list of great people, but it will have to be after the laundry, the unfinished masterpieces, the dishes, teaching my kid how to embroider, and giving the dog a bath. And you all thought that YOU were busy! :)

Take care everyone...I'll be back tonight or tomorrow morning, I promise!

AYAA

The Color of the Day Is...Red!

2008-04-03T07:55:00.005-05:00

Yes! I made it in here TWO days in a row! Today's color is Red. Gotta love that color. Hearts are red, roses are red, Rudolph's nose is red...I think you get the idea. Grab that glass of Red Red Wine and let's take a look at some fine Etsy artisans!

Check out this great photograph from WillowsWorld's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9829198

Take a gander at this adorable doggie coat from 4paws' shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8868764

Here's a fantastic Art Card from DianeClancy's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5857010

Feel like writing a bit? Go check out this nifty notebook from LadyGil's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9609330

And while your at Etsy, check out this monstrously adorable DiDi Doll from FeltLikeStitchin's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8421068

And I've got a super cool ACEO photographic print in my shop that matches my color of the day...along with many others. Go check them out! (don't make me make you do it!!)

Here are the first two steps that I have taken towards my Faerie colored pencil drawing.

The very first thing I did was sketch out a faerie. I've never drawn one before, and I have a hard time drawing what isn't sitting right in front of me, so I think she turned out pretty good.

My next step was to use a piece of tracing paper and 'copy' my drawing onto it, so I can transfer the image to my drawing surface. Super, duper easy steps here, but it took me a while to do, between hubby and kids and housework....anyone wanna volunteer their maid services?? I guess not, ey?

Check back in for more!

The Color of the Day Is...Cream!

2008-04-02T13:23:00.009-05:00

As my Grandpappy always used to say...I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream...yeah, I know...tis corny. I think everyone's grand parents came up with something like that to make us giggle as kids, or at least, I hope your's did. So, with such great things as Cream, Eric Clapton style, and Cream, Prince style (back when he still had a name...sort of), let's go find some great stuff!

If you go to zephi's shop, you'll find this great monotype print:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10137967

Here are a pair of awesome earrings from outofthepinksky's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10607436

You just gotta go check out these vintage leather bags in WillowsWorld's shop, and be sure to check out her fantastic photography too!:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10017706

Need some wonderfully decorative coasters/tiles for the other room? Check out these from BARL9758's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10347031

Here is some great Lavender Vanilla Salt Glow from Scentsationalsoaps' shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8913356

Now...be sure to keep checking back with my blog. I've started a new drawing, and am going to be using this 'work in progress' to show some techniques and how to's. It should be entertaining for all, since I've never drawn a Faerie before. On top of this, I'll be opening a contest soon, the winner of which, will be the new owner of this drawing...boy, it had better turn out good! :)

Just taking a moment

2008-04-01T14:11:00.002-05:00

Etsy seems to be down...not at all sure why, but since I can't get to my 'volunteers', I wanted to stop in and say 'Thanks!' to everyone for your support. I am feeling much better now...it seems that just clicking on the 'publish' button and seeing the post helped immensely!

I'll be back in later today, I'm hoping, and will get another group of magnificent artisans together to show off to you. In the mean time, feel free to browse around my blog...that's what it's here for!

AYAA

The Color of the Day Is...Teddy Bears??!

2008-03-31T10:32:00.009-05:00

WHAT?! Teddy bears isn't a color...is it? Well, actually, today's post is going to be a bit different. Today's post is dedicated to the memory of my 'baby' sister Tammy.

You see, Tammy's birthday was on Friday. She would have been 38...but God had other plans for her. She passed away from cancer on April 10th, 2006. So, this week has been really rough on me, and I needed to do this today so I can get back my rapidly deteriorating 'even keel' and move forward for another year. She was my best, and some times only, friend in the whole world, and I really miss her. This isn't for sympathy, mind you. It's more of a celebration. Tammy was a wonderful person, trusting me without question no matter how much trouble I got us into...and believe me, I got us into plenty! Being only 21 months apart, we were inseperable.

So, today we have both teddy bears and lilacs...Tammy's favorite things. Now, I know I already did purple, but lilac is different (hey, it's my blog, I can split hairs if I want!). Lilacs come in many different shades of purple...right?! :)

Here is a terrific teddy bear book mark from lilblackdog's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10586735

Check out this oddly humorous pocket mirror from PenguinLove's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9693796

Here is a great pair of earrings from ArtisticDetour's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8891757

Go and take a look at this awesome Princess Purse from Baggavond's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10548333

And while you're looking at all the great stuff on Etsy, check out this cool skinny scarf from Creations4Causes' shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10345137

Thanks to everyone who has put up with my whining this last week....and today ;) I really want to thank every one of my special 'volunteers'...you know, the etsians in my posts?...Without them, I couldn't do this! If you want to volunteer your shop for it's 15 minutes of fame, go to Etsy and 'convo' me...I'll write you down! And while you're at it, check out my new nature photography listings! (SHAMELESS PLUG!!...)

The Color of the Day Is...Pink!

2008-03-27T11:56:00.005-05:00

Pink is such a lovely color, especially this time of the year. Spring hasn't quite sprung here in Iowa, so every little bit of color helps ease the pain of seeing still dormant grass and leafless trees.

Here is a peacefully pink bar of soap from tworiverssoaps' shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9074272

The weather is still pretty chilly in most of the country, so check out this lovely pink children's scarf from Prettybird20's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9198765

Spruce up you car with really COOL vinyl from Ceejay77's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10563754

Poochy feeling the chill of spring mornings? Check this cute little dog sweater from CapeCodConsignments' shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8249917

Your doll will look like a princess in this adorable dress from jillsfabricdesigns' shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9512506

And, if you like pink flowers, I've got some really neato ACEOs in my etsy shop:
http://AreYouAnArtist.etsy.com

The Color of the Day Is....Light Blue!

2008-03-22T15:30:00.007-05:00

Man, this whole blogging thingy is a lot harder than it looks! Sure, anyone can talk and talk...or should I say type and type...but to get in here everyday as I had hoped is turning out to be quite difficult! I'll get it all organized yet, though. Don't you worry! I did manage to snag an Etsy Treasury, showing off some of the many wonderful items made by my fellow Iowans. Check it out here for one more day:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=35152

Today's color is Light Blue! Why light blue, you ask? Why not just blue, or dark blue, or cobalt for that matter? Because I LIKE light blue...that's why :)

Here are some outstanding earrings from rgrdesign's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6873995

Check out this necklace and earring set from cherryscreations' shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6924334

This lovely ocean scented bar of soap from tworiverssoaps' shop would make a terrific gift!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10202563

Not to mention this fine example of beadery from BeadedArt's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6445328

And make sure to check out JANETLILY's shop for more elegant and beautiful jewelry:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10426779

And don't forget to check out my shop while you're visiting Etsy.com I gladly accept custom orders for colored pencil drawings. If it can be drawn....I can draw it!

The Color of the Day is....Yellow!

2008-03-19T12:03:00.009-05:00

Yellow. It's got a nice ring to it, doesn't it? You've got Yellow Gold, Yellow Fever, Old Yeller...actually, I'm not sure if that was because he was a yellow dog, or because he yelled alot, but it doesn't matter...Yellow is a wonderful color pick for today, so hop into my Yellow Submarine and let's go find it!

With these vinyl items from ceejay77's shop, you can dress up nearly anything!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10205483

Check out this cute and useful lip balm case from MindysEmbroidery's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6385815

Here's a great gift idea for the new mom on everyone's list from CapeCodConsignments' shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9858845

Check out this awesome ACEO from artworkbyimelda's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9964268

And here's a terrific Spring hat from Baggavond's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10061246

I wanted to take a moment to do a bit of Acronym definitions for anyone who may not know what some of the abbreviations that appear in here mean.

ACEO stands for Artist Cards Editions and Originals. They are also know as Artist Trading Cards, or ATC's. They are baseball card size works of art that are becoming highly collectible by lovers of art everywhere. They have a standard size of 2-1/2 inches by 3-1/2 inches and can be made of any material or medium the creator wishes. Use caution when making them, as they are very addictive little things ;)

SFA stands for Small Format Art and is a work of art that is less than 14 inches across in any direction. I usually reserve the SFA label for any of my art that is larger than OSWOA size, but smaller than 14 inches.

What the heck is OSWOA???? Original Small Works Of Art. They are 4 inches by 6 inches and fit quite nicely into photo album sleeves. Again, they can be made on any material, and of any medium the creator wishes. These, too, are fast becoming quite collectible to lovers of art.

You can find other examples like those above and many, many more from dozens of talented artists on Etsy. Go check em out...c'mon...you know you want to!

The Color of the Day is...Green!

2008-03-18T07:46:00.005-05:00

Green?! That's right, you heard me! Green. Green fits, with St. Patrick's Day yesterday, Easter coming on Sunday, the 23rd (less than a week!!). What better color than green for Spring, fast approaching me here in the Midwest, not to mention all of the Green Eyed Monsters out there playing their Green Tambourines??? ;)

Check out this really cool reversible cat purse from quiltlady50's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6056815

Today, I have some jewelry to spotlight, like this green jasper and garnet necklace from Prettybird20's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9625968

...or this beautiful green turquoise necklace from cherryscreations' shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9706579

Add some green to your life, and help out the cause for Autism research by checking out shortsupply's terrific little onesies:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7108747

And....I just couldn't resist a little bit of shameless self-promotion here for my secondary shop ClassicVintage:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10010458

Yeah, yeah...I know...but Etsy has some great vintage 'stuff' too! It's just a great site for everything! Go check it out, you'll see that I'm right.

If you read this blog regularly, you'll notice that I was gone for a few days. (I hope you noticed, anyway lol) After playing a very nasty round of 'Catch me if you can' with good old Mr. ColdandFlu, I'm back up and running...slowly, tho ;) Getting back into drawing and creating used to be so easy for me. Fatigue, depression, lethargy...all of these things seem to go hand in hand and make it very difficult to get back into the swing of things. So, to get back into your creative mood...pick up your green pencils...oh, four different but matching shades of green...and with the lightest one, start making figure eights. Do a doodle patch of around 3 inches or so, without filling in all of the white of your drawing paper.

Next, take the next darker shade, and again, make figure eights over the lighter green, filling in a bit more white as you do. As you pick up the 3rd, darker green, try to picture in your minds eye where the darker shades of a small bush might be, and start your figure eights there, only make them smaller than the previous. With the darkest green, further define and fill in the shaded areas. When you have used all four colors, go over your doodle again with the lightest green, going over any area you think would have highlights. Finally, take your secondary green and lightly blend all of your green together by drawing over the entire image.

If done the right way, you can see a treetop or small bush emerging from the paper, with the texture and color of leaves without drawing each individual leaf. If not, then you have an awesome doodle to practice off of, right? The creepy little spider at top right of my blog was set against a background done in this manner. It still looks like a green plant of some sort, but is not focused enough to detract from the beauty of an everyday garden critter. Keep practicing, you'll get your own style to it.

The Color of the Day is....Fuschia!

2008-03-14T11:26:00.005-05:00

Ever heard the saying 'A rose by any other name is still a rose?' Well...pink by any other name is not Fuschia! There is just something exciting and at the same time, mind blowing, about this vibrant twist on the everyday pink. It's one of my personal favorites...you've no idea how many different styles of sweaters come in this color :)

Here is some totally awesome yarn coming from ThePaintedTiger's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9749924

If you like the world of art, check out this masterpiece at keecojo's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10150269

By all means check out this way cool ACEO from DianeClancy's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9680341

Look at this awesome ceramic tile from martaharvey's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10223643

While you're at it, go visit jillsfabricdesigns' shop and check out this adorable ballerina doll dress:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9443535

Now, as I said in my last post, my art lessons are on a kind of hiatus at the moment. I'm working on these little buggers.

Each one takes roughly 6 hours to make, if I stop for a drink of water now and then. If you are interested in friendship bracelets, check out my Etsy shop. I've got custom order bracelets there. http://AreYouAnArtist.etsy.com

The Color of the Day Is....Orange!

2008-03-12T08:11:00.008-05:00

Hooray for Orange! Everybody loves orange. The leaves in the Fall...Orange popsicles...Orange juice...not to mention Oranges! Well, I love Orange too...and here are a few items from Etsy to show off today's color!

This is an adorable Cat Dog from amandajean's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7415378

Check out this coooool mushroom and owl ACEO from gleepsie's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9042714

Gotta love these coasters from BARL9758's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10002735

Just look at this ADORABLE baby hat from LanaHandknitting's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10065904

And don't pass by this elegant bracelet from ShyViolet's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7481125

Now, I know I promised a new drawing lesson every time I posted a new color....but today I just can't. I'm right in the midst of an 'I want this done yesterday' order for 4 large and complicated friendship bracelets. I'll show them off when I'm finished. Until then...be sure to visit Etsy.com and have fun shopping!! (I know I do! lol)

The Color Of The Day Is....Brown!

2008-03-10T13:33:00.009-05:00

Now, I think that brown has gotten a bad reputation of sorts. Mud, dead leaves, brown bagging it...But brown can be such a lovely color, and it will match almost anything, for any of you fashion minded folks out there. Take a look at these picks, and you will see what I mean.

This is an awesome looking artistic papercut design from bittystarr's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9892800

This is a really neat looking felted Beagle pin from PitBullLadyDesign's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9174246

Here is an awesome bar of soap from nordeasoaperie's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9212970

This is a cool looking pyramid candle from the craftinator's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9804295

And here is a very stylish purse from sheilascrafts' shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7652576

See! I told you brown was an awesome color!!

Now then...for those of you that read my post yesterday, I promised to talk about graphing to enlarge or reduce an image when drawing. For those of you who already know all there is about graphing and grids, be patient...not everyone does ;)

You will need the following:
ruler longer than your drawing surface, or a really good straight edge to go with the ruler
soft lead pencil with a sharp point - I use a good old 2b drawing pencil
white eraser - these erase well, and leave no colored marks behind like pink or other colored pencils do

Step 1:
Decide the finished size of your drawing. Will the subject fill the entire page? If the answer is yes, lucky you....skip to Step 2
If the answer is No, then decide on the placement of your main subject. You don't have to grid the entire drawing surface, just the area where you are placing it. What about the other elements of your drawing? Is your main subject going to be floating on the page? (Don't get me wrong, I love minimalist drawings...but perhaps a small patch of grass, or tree branch...something like that...should go in as well?) Are your secondary elements proportional on the reference material you are using to that of your main subject? If they are, GREAT...this will be a breeze. If not, that's okay too, because this really isn't that hard to do.

Step 2:
Decide how big or small all of your elements should be to make a great composition.
To Enlarge from the original, I like to go in increments that are easily multiplied. I use 1/4 to 1/2 inch grids on the original, and scale up to 1/2 or 1 inch on the drawing, depending on what the size is that I need. You can do more or less if necessary.
To Reduce from the original, once again I like to do it the easiest way possible for me. I use 1/2 to 1 inch grids on the original, and scale down to 1/2 or 1/4 inch on the drawing surface. You should use whichever size grid is easiest for you. I have a proportion wheel, but never use it :)

Step 3:
Making the grid on the drawing surface.
Tread lightly. You want to erase these lines later AND colored pencils pick up every dent in your drawing surface, leaving white lines behind if you aren't careful.
Make your grid by marking the intervals at the space you have decided. Do this about every 1/3 of the surface, making sure that you keep the ruler straight. Having the ruler off by 1/16 inch or more will through your grid out of square. Line up the marks with either your ruler or the straight edge and lightly draw the line.

Step 4:
Making the grid on your reference image.
These lines can be dark enough for you to easily see, but not so thick that they hide details. Make your grid just as you did in Step 3.

Step 5:
Now, draw what you see, using the grid as guides. If you start on grid A4 (or however you choose to name your columns and rows) be sure to start in grid A4 on your drawing surface...this saves alot of time erasing...trust me on this ;) I prefer to make a simple outline before laying down color, putting in just enough of the detail to be placeholders.

When you have finished drawing all that you want from the reference, erase the gridlines carefully from your drawing surface.

See how easy that is? Okay...an art projector would be MUCH easier, but who can afford one of those??!

Okay....stay tuned for another exciting installment of 'How to Get Realistic Effects With Colored Pencils Without Losing Your Sanity'

The Color of the Day is....Purple!

2008-03-09T11:23:00.002-05:00

Well, all right then. I haven't been on the ball this week, for which I feel quite ashamed of myself. I can't get the word out about Etsy and its wonderful community of crafters if I don't make a more serious effort, can I?

Today, it's all about Purple! Lots of cool stuff out there comes in shades of purple...purple mountains majesty...purple people eaters...you know, stuff like that :)

Here is a great purple and cream pair of leg warmers from LanaHandknitting's shop:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9709761

Here is a wonderful flannel lobster from sojournquilts' shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6145251

This is an exceptional lavender travel candle from GoodScents' shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8911362

This beautiful inspiration bracelet is from carolinesdesign's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9931776

And last for today, but definitely not least, is a beautiful bracelet from struckmyfancy's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10035140

I also intended at the start to give tips on drawing with colored pencils. There are so many styles and techniques that I feel a bit overwhelmed with this task. I do that more than I should...think too hard about something and make it larger than it should be. So I made myself rethink my original idea. Obviously, I can't teach anyone something that I don't know how to do, right? So here goes...

The very first thing one should do when they want to create a masterpiece is decide on the subject matter. To draw a realistic looking piece of art, you must have a very good reference, whether that means drawing it out on the spot, or using reference photos as I do. If you use reference photos, be sure that they are clean and crisp so you can see the details, or at least know your subject well enough to be able to make an educated guess on something that doesn't show up well in your photo. I take my digital camera with me everywhere...and I mean everywhere. I've got hundreds of reference pictures saved to disc that I print out on my inkjet printer.
Proportion is everything when it comes to realistic drawings. I prefer to sketch from the photo I've taken, but if I need to make my main subject larger or smaller, I'm not against graphing off my picture and my drawing surface. I'll get more into that in my next blog.

What kind of colored pencils to use? That one is easy! Whichever kind you want to use. Some are softer than others, and blend more easily, but because of that, it is more difficult to get a crisp, sharp edge. (I didn't say impossible, just more difficult) If you are on an unlimited budget and money is not a factor, buy the best you can. Prismacolor is just one of the many great, yet expensive, colored pencils out there. I happen to be a starving artist, so Crayola is my pencil of choice. They have harder leads, but with practice can be manipulated quite well. On the down side, they will accept fewer layers without getting 'muddy'.

Colored pencils need a surface with some tooth to it. Rough artist paper is a good choice. Rough illustration board is more costly, but well worth the investment. Pencils must be layered at times, and maneuvered in other ways, and while artist drawing paper is good for a few layers, it does flatten out and get a 'warp' to it's surface if you push it too far. Illustration board is more forgiving than a mother is to a wayward child. Again, that starving artist rears its ugly head, so I draw with acid free artist drawing paper.

When it comes to sharpening my pencils, I love my handy dandy electric pencil sharpener, but it doesn't play well with the softer leaded pencils such as Prismacolor...so I keep a good hand held pencil sharpener in my art bin as well. Mine has a removable stainless steel blade that I can remove and put an edge on if necessary. The cheaper plastic ones from the dime store are not recommended for quality pencils, as you have to twist the pencil to get them to sharpen, which will most likely break the lead inside the wood casing.

If you are outlining with your pencil, get as sharp of a point as you can, using care not to press too hard on your drawing surface at first. This also helps get that crisp edge. If you are laying down wide areas of color, use the side of the pencil, laying it more horizontal to the paper. (yeah, I know...everyone knows that, don't they?)

Well, that is going to have to do you for now. Stay tuned for my next exciting installment of 'How to Get Realistic Effects With Colored Pencils Without Losing Your Sanity'

Color of the Day Is.....Turquoise!

2008-03-01T13:47:00.001-06:00

Hi again everyone!

I have picked Turqoise as my first Color of the Day. I love every possible color in the spectrum, so it is so difficult to pick just one to spotlight!

I have picked out a few items from different Etsy shops that I think are very nice. I hope you enjoy them as well! Please bare with me as I learn how to do this ;)

Here are a great pair of Turquoise and Copper Earrings from funkyjunkfunkyjunk's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7562183

Here is an adorable amigurumi bunny from trinlayk's shop...it says sky blue, but he looks turquoise to me :)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6721575

Here is a beautiful set of painted turquoise wine glasses from marysworkshop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9318144

Here is a lovely stoneware budvase from Hodakapottery's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9302381

This is an adorable turquoise Owl Candle from Jyesika's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8064184

That's it for the time being, but I think it's a great start!

Welcome to The Art of Color!

2008-02-29T18:14:00.000-06:00

Wow...How exciting! My very first Blog!

Now what?....Well, I decided to start this blog to promote a great site called Etsy. It really is a place to buy and sell all things hand made. There are currently over 100,000 shops there with wonderful items made by very talented artisans and crafters!

I'm going to make this a multi-tasking blog. 1st - I will promote certain Etsy shops based on the primary color of an item in their listings. 2nd - I will have basic lessons on the techniques I use in my drawings and paintings. Hopefully, I can get in here daily, but I can't promise it. So, while you are waiting for my first installment, check out the items I have in my own Etsy shop at http://AreYouAnArtist.etsy.com I know you'll like them!