A Gift

Twas the night before Christmas, and I decided to make myself crazy by attempting to paint a pet portrait for the first time at the very last minute challenge myself by doing something I hadn't done before.  My mother-in-law's dog Chip got hit by a car a few days ago, and I thought she'd like a portrait of him to commemorate his life.  Here's how it turned out.

We had a nice Christmas, and Santa brought Harper new toys to keep her busy.  As we speak, she's using her new art station keyboard to make drawings on an old computer we set up for her.  When she's not using the computer, she's getting her exercise on the mini-trampoline from Grandma and Grandpa.

Hope you had a really nice Christmas and are continuing to enjoy the holidays!

Hope your Christmas was very...

Deck the Halls

Having a fun day making cookies and last minute gift projects.  Hope you're having a wonderful holiday!

Another not about art post

Harper said this morning that when we went to Home Depot that she wanted to get supplies to build a rocket ship so we could go to Mars.  Which explains this afternoon's post nap project...

A not about art post

Non-art news flash!  I got my hair colored and cut!  WOOHOO!!!

On the left, the just got outta bed and took my preschooler to school look.  (Ok, for school drop off, I had a pony tail, but that wasn't really a good photo for showing "before" hair disaster.)

And on the right, the not so great photo of my "after" hair.  In person, it's much better, and I'm much less green.  (Grinch, anyone?) We seriously need new lighting in Harper's bathroom.

 And the back!

P.S.  Taking a photo of the back of your head is not as easy as you'd think.  Go ahead and try.  I dare ya. :)

Doodles of Christmas Past

Found these yesterday in an old sketchbook and thought I'd share.  I put these in my little black and white doodle journal last year too, so I guess I must like them or something. :)  The four calling birds are my favorite.

Journaling + Studio Wall

Merry (early) Christmas to me!

I first saw this piece of art that Kim Rae Nugent was selling on her Etsy site and just had to have it. Unfortunately at the time, it was reserved for someone else. It must have been really meant for me though because a few weeks after I drooled on my computer screen over it (and let Kim know that I wanted the piece if it didn't work out with the other person), she let me know that whomever had originally wanted it didn't reply to emails. And... she said that if I still wanted it, the piece was mine! YAHOOOOO!!!! I had the great pleasure of meeting Kim at the Inspire My Life art retreat this summer. Kim is a very talented artist, instructor, and is also the author of the inspiring book Interactive Art Workshop. And to top that all off, she's a lot of fun too!
Her beautiful creation is now hanging in a special spot on our fireplace.
P.S. A special THANKS goes to Kim Geiser. Without Kim G., I never would have met Kim Rae Nugent or all of the other special people that Kim G. pulled together for a magical art-filled weekend. That time was one of the highlights of my whole year!