A View From My Porch

12 Days of Christmas

2012-01-14T17:14:00.001-06:00

I know our secular holiday of Christmas is over, but since January 6th we are now in the official 12 Days of Christmas. January 6th is Epiphany which is known as the 'Christian Christmas.' The reason for this is because it is the day we celebrate the Wise Men bringing their gifts to Jesus. I did not grow up in a church that celebrated Epiphany, but now see the importance of celebrating this holiday. The wise men were not Jews, but they still came to worship Jesus. In doing so God shows us that He is a God for all people. When I came across the following music video I decided to put it on my blog even though it's after Christmas - in honor of the 'Christian Christmas.' Happy 9th Day of Christmas!

Becoming...

2011-12-31T11:01:00.002-06:00

We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.

Max de Pree

Merry (Blessed) Christmas

2011-12-21T18:45:00.000-06:00

There are just some things in life that are way more precious than silver or gold! Today I have been blessed with two such things. First, my kids are home from college. The second was a surprise. My cousin sent me a Christmas card that my mom had sent to their family in 1958. The verse she wrote was:

'God's love to enfold you, His wisdom to guide.
May these be your blessings this glad Christmastide.'

What else is there to say? That is my wish for all of you this 2011 Christmas.

That's me on the right.

Chase's 3rd Birthday Party

2011-12-09T22:17:00.001-06:00

A picture from my grand nephew's 3rd birthday party. Had a great day!

Seated on the floor Brandon's dad holding Chase, Cheryl holding Alex, and Anthony (my son). On the couch is Brandon (Chase's Dad), Brittany (my niece - Chase's mom), Ryan (my nephew) and me. My husband said that looking at this picture, you can sure see that Brittany, Ryan, Anthony and I are all related.

Double the Imagination

2011-12-05T20:14:00.001-06:00

Christmas Tree Collage

12"x12"

My Christmas Tree Collage is a painting I did for the show Janet Olney and I are in at the Marshall Area Fine Art Center, Marshall, Minnesota (MAFAC). Our show is called 'The Power of Two and it runs from December 3, 2011 to January 13, 2012. The following article was printed in the Marshall Independent on Dec. 3rd. You can find the article by clicking on this link: Marshall Independent.

Hand-woven baskets, collages and themed paintings

are part of MAFAC’s new exhibit

December 3, 2011

By Cindy Votruba , Marshall Independent

MARSHALL - They may work in different art mediums, but they're good friends and are now doing an exhibit together.

The exhibit "Power of Two," featuring baskets by Janet Olney of Willmar and paintings and collages by Violet Dauk of New London, will be on display from Tuesday through Jan. 13 at the Marshall Area Fine Arts Council's arts center.

Dauk attended the School of Associated Arts in St. Paul, which is now known as Visual College of Art and Design.

"I started out in oils," Dauk said. About 15 years ago, she switched to watercolors, she said, and just a little more than a year ago, she began to dabble in acrylic collages. "I love the color, the flow of it," Dauk said about watercolors.

Olney, who had graduated from Alma College in Michigan with a degree in philosophy and religion, started doing basket weaving back in 1984. At the time, her family was living in Nebraska and had adopted 11-year-old twins. She said her sister-in-law, who is also a basket weaver, said "I'll teach you how to do baskets."

"I immediately took to it, I just loved it," Olney said. She made her first basket on her youngest son's first birthday.

Olney teaches the art for guilds, at the Textile Center at the University of Minnesota and at art centers. She is also coordinator of the Willmar Area Arts Center. "I love the feel of the material as I shape it into something useful and beautiful," Olney said about basket weaving in her artist statement for MAFAC. "I love the sense of accomplishment I feel when I have created something wonderful out of a pile of reeds. The process is almost magical."

Except for a couple of summers with her sister-in-law, Olney said she is self-taught in basket weaving.

When she was a single mother, Olney said she supported her two youngest children working full time doing her basket weaving. "It was a challenge to do that full time," she said.
Olney used to do 20 to 24 art fairs a year from June to October. "I have cut way back," she said.

In her artist statement for MAFAC, Dauk said creating art has always been a healing experience for her. "I pour my heart, soul and dreams into every piece of artwork," Dauk wrote in her artist statement. "As a young artist, it was difficult for me to get beyond the feeling that people were reading my private story in the art I created. I've now grown to enjoy comments that my work is whimsical, unique, colorful and spiritual."

Typically, Dauk works around certain themes with her art - such as coffee, florals, her children or animals. The coffee series will be part of the MAFAC exhibit, she said.

Dauk is also having her Christmas collages in the exhibit. She uses mixed media, which includes found objects, such as beads, pages from a choral book, along with newspaper backgrounds and acrylic paint.

Dauk grew up on a dairy farm and said the drawings she does of animals are not "photo-reality. I draw them as I see their personalities," Dauk said.

Olney said she's experimenting different forms with her weaving. She usually uses reed cut from came palm or rattan. For the basic structure of the basket, Olney uses the reed, but then mixes in other fibers, such as yarn, wools, seagrass, pine needles, wood splints and other materials.

"I have developed a technique for making tapestry baskets which involves weaving a double walled basket with the inner basket becoming the mold for the outer, tapestry basket," Olney said in her artist statement.

Olney said her baskets are mainly "sculptural. I do some functional baskets, but most of them are sculptural tapestries," she said.

Fireplace

2011-11-19T20:14:00.001-06:00

Jason is putting stone on our new fireplace. Thanks Jason!!!

The View From My Porch Today!

2011-11-19T14:30:00.001-06:00

I Love Snow!!!!!

Small Works Silent Auction

2011-11-19T12:55:00.001-06:00

I sold both of my pieces of art at the auction last night!!! Yea!!! They are acrylic/collage.

Visit

2011-11-15T19:34:00.001-06:00

Had a nice visit with some cousins.

Me, Peggy and Ken

Barb and Peggy

Peggy and Aunt Elda (90 yrs old!)

Barb, Peggy, Aunt Elda, Bruce and Janet

Bruce - Isn't he cute???

Annual Small Works Silent Auction

2011-11-07T19:42:00.000-06:00

You're Invited!

Bayfield Vacation

2011-11-01T21:53:00.000-05:00

Minnesota Pelicans - Summer 2011

2011-11-01T21:19:00.000-05:00

Sleeping Cat

2011-11-01T21:03:00.000-05:00

Summer 2011

2011-11-01T21:01:00.000-05:00

After the Fire

2011-11-01T16:36:00.000-05:00

Small Works Silent Auction

2011-11-01T13:59:00.000-05:00

We set up the 'Small Works Silent Auction' at the WEAC building (611 5th St SW) in Willmar today. This show takes place every November. The Small Works Auction offers artists an opportunity to sell up to three pieces of artwork smaller than 12 X 12 X 12." The show closes with a reception the Friday before Thanksgiving - November 18th from 4-6pm. This show is open to the public to bid on.

October 31st Morning Frost

2011-10-31T11:57:00.000-05:00

Autumn Art Stroll

2011-10-31T11:03:00.000-05:00

My Pilot

2011-08-19T11:28:00.000-05:00

Congrats Becca on getting your pilot's license this morning! I'm so proud of you! Love, Mom

Summer at the Brown's

2011-08-16T15:31:00.000-05:00

Life is so unpredictable! I haven't posted for quite some time because we had a house fire the end of February. We have been living in a furnished apartment at the Brown's home. They are wonderful, kind people who have been willing to put up with us and our dogs. We are hoping to move back home in the next couple of weeks. The house won't be finished, but it will be easier to finish while living there.

Because of the fire I rented studio space downtown New London. Since it is on Main Street, I have opened it as gallery space, very small space, but just enough to sell some of my work and that of some of my friends. I am open when I am there working and the 2nd weekend of the month along with other 'occasional sale shops' in town. The name of my new little gallery is Whimsical Pelican.

You can find my blog for it at whimsicalpelican.blogspot.com. Below are a couple pictures of my space.

Coffee Stories Solo Art Show

2010-12-16T20:54:00.000-06:00

It sure is a great feeling of accomplishment to have my solo show finished and hanging at the WEAC Gallery in Willmar. My reception was on Thursday evening December 9th. It was well attended, a lot of fun and very encouraging.

I would like to share a few photos of my reception with you. Unfortunately there isn't a picture of my Aunt Esther. She came and stayed with me for the week and was such a help to me. Luv you Aunt Esther!

I am also posting a couple of paintings with their stories later in this post. Enjoy.

Paintings and Stories:

Coffee Stories

I believe everyone has a story, and a lot of those stories happen over a cup of coffee - or a series of cups of coffee - shared together. These ‘life' coffee stories happen whether coffee is sipped alone while doing devotions, or taking a morning stroll through your garden, or with a family member, or with a friend, or even with a foe.

A simple cup of coffee has a powerful influence in bringing back memories of sharing time together. Those memories are summoned by the aroma and the taste every time we sip a fresh brewed cup. Each new cup of coffee adds to the warm experiences from our past.

I created this series, because coffee makes us stop what we're doing for a moment. We take time to savor the aroma and the taste. We share time together with others. Time, that all-important factor in building friendships. When I worked at the coffee house I would get a bit nervous when a line would form and people would have to wait for their coffee. I would then remember that it takes time in order to create that perfect blend of espresso, steamed milk and chocolate and that would help relax me.

Coffee takes time whether in the brewing or in the drinking. Coffee gives us the time and excuse to build those important relationships in our lives.

More Coffee Please

Acrylic Collage 24”x24”

Goodwill Dishes???

I can't believe this set of dishes almost went to the Goodwill! And, it would have been my own fault.

My husband is an only child. His parents were 40 when he was born, and by the time we were married and had kids, they were good and ready to downsize and get rid of many of their belongings. So, every time Grandpa would come to see us, he would bring another box of things. I would tell him, ‘Grandpa please, we have way too many things already. Don't bring any more.' He called one day and told us that Grandma's best friend had died and she left a set of dished for David. ‘Great,' I thought, ‘another set! How many sets do we have already? Let's see, there's our wedding set; a set I had when we got married; the set David had when we got married; two sets from my mom; one from David's aunt and two from Grandma.' Granted some of the sets were given as heirlooms for the kids, but to just put another set into storage seemed like one to many! So I told him to just give them to the Goodwill because we have way too many sets of dishes already. We visited for a while longer and this little nagging thought kept coming to the surface, ‘Maybe you should just look at them before he gives them away.' Man am I glad that I listened to that little nagging thought. They are beautiful!

I take them out from time to time when I have friends over for coffee. They always enjoy using the set. I don't think I've ever in my life received so many comments on a set of coffee cups as I have on these. I think they must remind us of our younger years of playing coffee and tea parties.

Goodwill Cups

Watercolor 11”x14”

The Last of a Generation...

Aunt Elda and Uncle Johnny, siblings, my dad's brother and sister, the only two left from their family. She is 89 and he is 87. I just had to snap a couple of pictures of them (to draw later) as they sat visiting at our last family reunion. I couldn't hear what was being said and I'm not sure they could either, but somehow I know it was important. They live far enough away from each other that they realize this may be their last visit. Love has no age limit, they are very important to each other. Yet I have to smile because they still have this little sibling rivalry going on. Elda comes to stay with me every spring and fall for a few days while my cousin goes to Fargo for meetings. This fall she informed me with a shake of her head, ‘Johnny thinks he's the only one who ever did any work on the farm! Where does he think the rest of us were???'

It never goes away does it? That sibling stuff! I have to ask, ‘Why is that?!?!?'

Uncle Johnny & Aunt Elda

Pencil Drawing
Not for Sale

Folgers in Our Cups

I don't drink Folgers any more. In fact, after working at the Agape' Coffee House for a few years, almost hate to admit it, but I've pretty much become a coffee snob - only the best! Even so, there is just something about the aroma and taste of Folgers Instant Coffee that will forever make it reign supreme in my mind. I'm sure it's because of those crazy memories that smell and aroma evoke in us. . .

. . . My dad was a Folgers Instant Coffee drinker. Every morning he would heat up hot water and make a cup. Many times he would make an extra cup for me, and we would sit at the table, or walk around the farm just visiting. I learned a lot about my dad, about farming, about trees and birds and life those mornings. What good memories! Folgers, how good it is!

Coffee in the Fall

Watercolor 11”x14”

New Puppy

2010-12-16T19:39:00.000-06:00

We got a new puppy for Anthony for Christmas. We still miss Clara, but he has helped fill a void that she left. Anthony named his new little puppy Hemingway. The puppy is very sweet tempered and a lot of fun.

My 'Coffee Stories' Solo Art Show

2010-11-28T15:00:00.000-06:00

I finished working on my show this past weekend and hung it on Monday. What a great feeling!!! Here are some pictures I took. After my reception I will post paintings for sale. Some of them have already sold - yahoo!

My show is at the WEAC building in Willmar, MN. It runs from November 22nd through December 22nd. the gallery is open Mon-Fri from 9am-4pm. An artist's reception is being held on December 9th from 4pm-6pm.

Anthony and Clara

2010-11-28T07:46:00.000-06:00

We lost our little Clara last week. She was actually Anthony's dog. We had her for 9 years. It was heartbreaking.

Our Cats

2010-11-28T07:38:00.000-06:00

Our Triplets

2010-11-28T07:36:00.000-06:00

Worthington Sailboard Regatta

2010-11-28T07:32:00.000-06:00

Fish Gone Wild Update

2010-11-27T22:51:00.000-06:00

My 'A Cup of Coffee in the Middle of Mae' fish was auctioned by the Spicer Beautification Committee. Two thirds of the proceeds went back to the committee and each artist received one third. It was pretty exciting, My fish went for the highest bid of the evening. $2,000. A number of people told me that she was their favorite fish sculpture. It's a good feeling to have your work appreciated.

Looking At My Porch

2010-09-29T20:10:00.000-05:00

I had a busy - good day today. Started out with my Wednesday morning ladies' Bible Study, then went to see my friend, Michelle and her garden. She has been doing a community sharing garden project along with selling at the farmer's market this summer. Very inspiring! She's also a very wonderful artist - I'm amazed by her talent. I will be posting an interview with her and photos of her garden next week.

I then listened to a message from my friend, Kim and went over to visit with her for a while. Her garden looks wonderful still too. Her and her husband, Lee are going to can tomatoes this weekend to celebrate their anniversary. Spending time together is what matters most and next winter when they are enjoying those yummy tomatoes she'll have the warm, fuzzy memories of time shared with her husband!

So, even though my garden is pretty weedy right now, I decided to post photos from it. I angled the camera so you don't see my weeds! Hope you enjoy the pictures.

My Flowers

2010-07-12T10:34:00.000-05:00

Minnesota Pelicans

2010-07-12T10:28:00.000-05:00

My 'Fish Gone Wild' Sculpture

2010-07-12T10:14:00.000-05:00

The name of my sculpture is 'A Cup of Coffee in the Middle of Mae' because each side is painted as a different friend - having coffee together - they both have the name 'Mae' - my middle name.

Minnesota Twins Home Opener at Target Field

2010-04-15T08:50:00.000-05:00

We were able to attend the Minnesota Twins home opener at Target field on Monday. What a great and fun day it turned out to be. We love their new stadium! The weather cooporated - it was supposed to rain, but it didn't and it was beautiful.

The Twins won 5 to 2!

Becca, Dad and Anthony

Dad and Becca

Kirby Puckett Statue Unveiling - with Kirby Jr.

American Flag - Really Cool!!!

Minnesota Twins Players

Becca's Favorite Twin - Joe Mauer. She was able to get this picture while he was in the bull-pen.

Chicken and Goose Eggs

2010-04-15T08:31:00.000-05:00

The other day David and I were out walking and we found an abandon goose egg. Of course I had to bring it home. If it hadn't been ice cold, I would have tried to hatch it. I did take pictures of it sitting next to a large chicken egg - quite a difference. David is going to drill holes on the ends of it so I can drain out the yolk and keep it. Someone told us that it has a goose egg has a green yolk, so I'm very curious to see.

Felted Wool Pins

2010-03-06T18:28:00.000-06:00

I have created some new pins for spring and Easter. Hope you enjoy them!

Is it Summer Yet?

2010-02-28T16:18:00.000-06:00

Kim's Farm Market Stand

Callas

2010-02-23T20:43:00.000-06:00

New Series - 'Coffee Stories'

2010-02-22T11:11:00.000-06:00

I have started a new series called 'Coffee Stories.' Coffee is so satisfying. You drink it in the morning to wake up and warm up; you drink a cup as you visit with a friend or friends; the aroma is better than anything; it mixes with many flavors, cream, sugar, chocolate, vanilla, caramel, or anything you wish; you can drink it hot, iced or blended; it's nice to drink by a nice warm fire as the winter winds are raging outside, and my husband's thoughts - a guy's perspective - like gasoline is to your car, coffee is to your body.

Here are a couple of paintings and greeting cards I have done in the past along with some new drawings. In this series I will use a number of mediums to accomplish my coffee related artwork. From time to time I will be posting some of my work. My intent with this series is to have a solo show and possibly shows at a couple coffee houses.

Here is a sample of what I already have done and what is to come. . .

This is a photo of the beautiful china that I almost sent to the Good Will !!!

Things I've Enjoyed This Weekend

2010-02-22T09:54:00.000-06:00

My Aunt Esther put a post on her blog 'Things I've Been doing.' So, I decided to copy her and put this post on my blog.

Some Things I've Enjoyed This Weekend:

Anthony's surprise visit home - even if it was to see a friend home from the service - we enjoyed as much time with him as we got to have.
Worship service on a sunny February morning.
David's sermon on relationships. He's doing a Lenten series called 'By His Stripes We Are Healed' which is about God healing relationships.
Making homemade chicken alfredo pizza with my daughter Becca - yum it was good - I should have taken a picture!

Below is a photo I took of my dried roses - a nice reminder of how sweet my husband is.

Minneapolis Institute of Arts

2010-02-19T21:17:00.000-06:00

David and I went to the Foot in the Door 4 reception last night. It was fun to see all the artwork. It was easier then I thought it would be to find our work. We went early before a lot of people got there. My firend, Kim, her daughters, Hannah and Emily went later and said that it took them a half hour to find a parking place. They also had to stand in line for 20 minutes to get in. She said the people watching was good - like looking at artwork! Here are some pictures I took:

Minneapolis Skyline

Foot in the Door 4

Walls of artwork!!!

My Tiger

Clara in Her Winter Jacket

2010-02-15T14:48:00.000-06:00

Our Driveway

2010-02-15T14:41:00.000-06:00

This is our driveway - shared by four homes.

You can see our house through the trees on the right side of the photo.

Happy Vanentines Day!

2010-02-15T10:41:00.000-06:00

Becca made Valentine Cookies for her Sunday School Class.

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

It's Time to Work

2010-02-15T10:12:00.000-06:00

Another Snow Day for the Kids!

2010-02-08T12:21:00.000-06:00

Minneapolis Institute of Arts

2010-02-08T12:02:00.000-06:00

I took artwork for three friends and myself to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts on Saturday for their Foot in the Door 4 artshow. Foot in the Door 4 is an open exhibition for all Minnesota artists, which takes place every ten years at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. It runs from Friday, February 19, 2010 till Sunday, June 13, 2010 and is free. The line was long, but went along well. I visited with a lady in line ahead of me. She is a psycologist and has a background in art. Her son is also an artist. It was an interesting conversation and helped make the waiting time pleasant.
Third Thursday: Foot in the Door 4 Premiere - Thursday, February 18, 2010 - 6 – 9 p.m.
Celebrate opening night of 'Foot in the Door 4' with Live music by Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles.

Check out the other events being held on their 'Third Thursday' evening at Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404 • (888) MIA ARTS (642-2787) (Toll Free)

Peacock

2010-02-02T13:18:00.000-06:00

Bananas

2010-02-02T13:14:00.000-06:00

This is today's drawing for my other blog 'A Drawing A Day . . . An Ocean Away.' I share this blog with my friend's daughter, Becca. She is an art major at the University of Minnesota currently studying in London, England. We have decided to do a blog together posting daily drawings, info and photos. Please check out our blog, 'A Drawing A Day . . . An Ocean Away.'

A View From My Porch Today

2010-02-01T19:01:00.000-06:00

We had light snow today - beautiful!!! This evening, at about dusk, I spotted a cardinal sitting on the bush by the driveway. He looked almost fluorescent. This is a photo taken with my new camera. I am happy with the results, especially since this picture was taken through my porch window while it was snowing.

Snapshots from Melvin's Art & Wine Event

2010-01-26T11:20:00.000-06:00

2010 Melvin's Art and Wine Event in Spicer, MN. As usual, we had a fun weekend. Here is a collage of artists from this event. I wasn't able to photograph all the artists since some left early because of the weather.

Click on the image below to see a larger view of it.

Zinnia Flower

2010-01-19T08:50:00.000-06:00

I am getting ready for our annual Melvin's Art and Wine Event this coming weekend. I am working on four paintings. Here is a painting in progress - one of my zinnias (12"x16"). I will post it again when it is finished. I haven't painted flowers for a while and am in the mood to again. Could be looking forward to spring (oh spring)!

Check Out This Blog...

2010-01-11T08:03:00.000-06:00

A Drawing A Day...A Ocean Away

I started a new blog with my friend's daughter, Becca. She is an Art Therapy Major studying at the University of Minnesota and is heading this coming Tuesday to London, England to study for a semester. We decided to do a drawing a day - so this blog was born to keep us accountable to that commitment. We will also be posting photos of paintings, travels, adventures, friends or other tidbits of info.

I live in New 'London', Minnesota, she will be living in London, England, so we will be creating our art in two 'Londons' an ocean away from each other, so the title. . . 'A Drawing a Day, an Ocean Away'. Please check us out!

Dried Roses

2010-01-07T14:32:00.000-06:00

Deer in Snow

2010-01-04T21:12:00.000-06:00

This is what looked like this afternoon.
We had three deer visiting. I love living in the country.

Christmas Poinsettias

2010-01-01T21:33:00.000-06:00

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I haven't had a poinsettia plant for many years at Christmas. I thought I would buy one for myself once this year as a treat. I ended up with two plants!!! My friend Lori gave me one with pink tones to it and my daughter brought one home from work with bright red tones. What a nice surprise and treat! Thanks Becca and Lori!

Featured Art

2009-12-29T11:24:00.000-06:00

* * *

My art was featured on Jodi Reeves 'the creative JAR' blog. Jodi has a nice blog featuring many artists and crafters - check it out.

* * *

Quote

2009-12-23T11:12:00.000-06:00

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”

Albert Einstein

Winter Storm

2009-12-23T08:09:00.000-06:00

We are headed for a Christmas winter storm. Over the next three days we are supposed to get from twelve to twenty inches of snow along with twenty to thirty-mile an hour winds. I love snowstorms! The sad thing is for everyone who is heading to grandmother's house for Christmas. I'm not a grandmother, but we were looking forward to my aunt and uncle coming for Christmas. They will be missed, but I sure don't want them traveling in bad winter conditions!!!

Christmas Pins

2009-12-19T12:24:00.000-06:00

Wool Felt Pins

I took a couple quick photos of my felt pins before I sent them off to some galleries I'm in. The light was not good and they didn't turn out very focused, but I thought I'd put a couple of them on so you could see them anyway.

Thought you might like to see some of my Christmas Pins pins.

I will be adding more pins in the next few days.

It's a Wonderful Life

2009-12-15T07:37:00.000-06:00

It's a Wonderful Life is my favorite Christmas movie - it makes me cry every time I watch it. This movie shows how precious George Bailey's life is to all those who are known, even casually, by him. He thinks of himself as a failure and wants to die. God grants him the gift of seeing what the world would be like if he had never been born. He sees how his life touches so many others and the impact he had on their lives. To have the gift of seeing what life would have been like if we had never been born, I believe would impact our lives in such a way that we would never be the same again.

University Visit and Flying Lessons

2009-12-14T20:13:00.000-06:00

What a week for our daughter Becca! She wants to go to UND Aerospace College for a commercial pilot degree. So we went to Grand Forks, ND on Friday to check out UND's Aerospace College. They have a wonderful facility, but it is verrrrrrrry cold!!! I'm not sure what the temp was, but it didn't get above zero and the windchil was around 30 below! We took an hour walking tour of the campus - sure was glad when that was over. We also toured the aerospace buildings and the airport. It was pretty impressive.

On Saturday she took her first flying lesson. The weather was quite a bit nicer with beautiful sunshine. She had a great lesson. Some day she may be flying your plane!!!

Clara

2009-12-08T22:13:00.000-06:00

This is Clara's new warm, cozy spot next to the warm fireplace.
Looks like I need to get her a nice soft pillow.

Handmade Holiday

2009-12-08T21:37:00.000-06:00

We had our Handmade Holiday mini art hop this past Saturday. The show was fun and a success.

Joann and Julie - ceramic artists.

Julie and her husband Glenn own the Pottery Workshop in downtown

New London, MN, which was one of the stops on our Handmade Holidays Show.

Some of my work.

There was plenty of mulled wine to be had by all - yum, it was good - thanks Joann!

Her recipe:

Mulled Wine

1 bottle 'cheap' sweet wine

1 gallon cranberry juice

mulling spices of your choice (cinnamon stick, nutmeg, cloves)

Winter Watercolor Paintings

2009-12-02T13:25:00.000-06:00

Here are some of my winter paintings.
We're having very light snow today - I am ready for more!

Winter Barn - Watercolor - Sold

I took a photo of this barn during the summer, but painted it as a winter scene.

Sledding - Watercolor - 18x24

This is a painting of Anthony and Becca a few years ago returning from a day of sledding - I added the 'holding hands' for the effect, you can bet at that time of their lives the last thing they wanted to do is hold hands!!! Our dogs that are in the painting are Clara and Amy.

P.S. Now that Anthony has moved away to college they are treating each other nicer. Yea!!!

Winter Feast - Watercolor - 18x24

This is Anthony and Becca eating snow.

Winter Cabin - Watercolor - Sold

Heading Home - Watercolor - Not for Sale

This painting was chosen by The Emergency Foodshelf Network in New Hope, Minnesota as an 'Artwork for Tummies' Christmas Card. Purchases of any of their Christmas cards benefit Minnesota’s hungry children.

The Emergency Foodshelf Network uses 100% of the proceeds from Artwork For Tummies card sales to stock our foodshelves, on-site meal programs, and other hunger relief programs with nutritious children’s foods such as whole grain cereals, baby food, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, fruit juices, pasta and much more. If you are interested in purchasing this card, or any of their Christmas cards, follow this link: Artwork for Tummies. Cards are $2 each. Thanks for helping Minnesota's hungry children!!!

I Love Snow Pin - Handcrafted

Sure is a good thing I live in Minnesota cuz I love snow!!!

Handmade Holiday

2009-12-02T13:06:00.001-06:00

We are having a mini-art crawl this weekend in New London. I am in with Glenn and Julie Joplin at the Pottery workshop. I have a number of winter paintings that will be for sale, along with prints, cards and jewelry. We are serving mulled wine and chocolate for our treats! Should be fun!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-28T22:36:00.000-06:00

Hope everyone had a great day! We just have so many things to thank GOD for!!!

We had a great day. It was a two and half hour drive to get to our Thanksgiving celebration. David, the kids and I had a very nice time visiting on our drive there and home. Our kids are turning into nice adults. I enjoy them so much. I am blessed - Thank you GOD!

Becca - mostly Becca, and I made six pies. Two caramel pecan, one pumpkin, one peach, one chocolate french silk and one strawberry cheescake. They turned out great, if I do say so myself.

My buttery pie crust recipe is on my 'A Farmgirl Foodie' blog. Check it out.

Small Works Silent Acution

2009-11-19T11:18:00.000-06:00

This is the postcard I created for our Annual Small Works Silent Auction. The auction ends tomorrow evening with a reception (The Final Bell) so the public can meet the artists and have a chance to get a final bid on the artwork.

Note: The reception turned out nice and the auction went well. I sold all three pieces of work - yea!

Kidnapped!

2009-10-28T09:07:00.000-05:00

She's sooooo cute!!!

Oh yea, sorry, Beautiful, like Esther!

My Aunt Esther kidnapped me last Friday.

Now I'm not usually a spur-of-the-moment kind of a person, but we sure did have fun! I love how silly and fun my aunt is. We went to a craft fair in Odin, Minnesota. It was a pretty impressive show for a tiny town in the middle of nowhere. She then taught me how to play train dominos and I beat her 10 out of 13 games - hmmm, I wonder if she'll ever play that with me again!!!!! I am so glad to have her living close enough that we can get together often. Looking forward to getting together the beginning of December
and also spending Christmas together. Last Christmas we had so much fun!

Luv U Aunt Esther!

One Day Frost the Next Snow

2009-10-24T23:03:00.000-05:00

Our First Frost of the Season!

October 7, 2009

Our First Snow of the Season!

October 8, 2009

Friday's Quote

2009-10-17T11:10:00.000-05:00

Oops - I guess it's Saturday - oh well!

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
Eleanor Roosevelt

Willmar Area Arts Council

2009-10-01T15:34:00.000-05:00

As a new member of the Willmar Area Arts Council I am in charge of organizing and helping put up solo artist shows at the Willmar Education and Arts Center gallery located at 611 5th St SW in Willmar, Minnesota. I have enjoyed viewing the artists' work and also visiting with them and getting to know more about them and their work. I would encourage anyone interested in art to go these solo shows. You'll learn interesting stories about artists through their work.

This morning I went and helped take down our Celebrate Art! Celebrate Coffee! art show that featured artist, Sharon Schuetze. She works in watercolor, oil, acrylic, and pastels. I then helped Joanne Carmody Meierhofer set up her show for the month of October. Joanne works in pastel and watercolor.

We have a great website that features our local artists and events: Willmar area Arts Council.

Friday Quotes

2009-09-25T17:32:00.000-05:00

This is one of the views from my porch.
I love the fog this time of year.

We got a call from my aunt and uncle this morning - the roof was leaking. They rent my husband's parent's home. So he got in the car and drove down to fix it. They sent him home with squash, tomatoes and, for me, a wall plaque that had the following saying on it:

God put me here to accomplish
a certain number of things; right now
I'm so far behind I will never die!

I love it!!!

Celebrate Art! Celebrate Coffee!

2009-09-25T11:07:00.000-05:00

Got an email with a link to a Picasa photo album of pictures taken at Celebrate Art! Celebrate Coffee! My booth, with the 'Hollyhocks on a Stick, Lunch at the Fair' painting was in the album. In the email he said to share and pass on the link.

Hollyhocks on a Stick, Lunch at the Fair

Watercolor - Original 18"x24"

Koi Fish Painting

2009-09-24T12:02:00.000-05:00

'A Koi-ful Day' Painting

is at the
Minnesota Watercolor Society's

'Ripples and Reflections, Views from the River'

2009 Fall Art Show

at
Bloomington Art Center

September 24th - November 13th

Watercolor - Original - 9"x12"
Prints Available
* * *
This year in conjunction with our Fall Exhibit, some of Minnesota Watercolor Society members' artwork was shown at the Bloomington Art Center's 'Water' presentation at the Black Box Theater. My 'A Koi-ful Day' painting was shown in that presentation.

Dragonfly Watercolor Painting Series

2009-09-24T09:40:00.000-05:00

Eight years ago we moved a 1920's farmhouse fifty miles onto twenty acres outside of New London. That summer, we had millions of dragonflies. They would flit around, land and sun themselves - even on us when we were outside. Each summer since, we have had many, many dragonflies, but not as many as our first summer. I was amazed at how God created dragonflies in so many colors and styles. I love them. I have painted a number of dragonfly paintings. Here are some of them.

Dragonfly - Yellow

Watercolor - Original - 11"x14"

Print available on my Etsy Store

Dragonfly - Purple

Watercolor - Original - 11"x14"

Print available on my Etsy Store

Dragonfly Bay

Watercolor - Original (Sold)

I was commissioned to paint this watercolor to be used as a wine label for Glacial Ridge Winery which is located between New London and Spicer, MN

Dragonfly at Home

Watercolor - Original - 18"x24" (Sold)

Prints available at my Etsy Store

2009-09-24T09:39:00.000-05:00

Dragonfly Pond Ripples

Watercolor - Original - 18"x24" (Sold)

Prints available at my Etsy Store

Dragonfly - Pink

Watercolor - Original - 18"x25"

Prints available at my Etsy Store

Friday's Art Quote

2009-09-18T23:29:00.000-05:00

All art requires courage.

~Anne Tucker~

Art Fairs

2009-09-17T11:41:00.000-05:00

Well, I've been in two art fairs since August 29. I have two more to go by the 25th of September. Whew! I will defiantly need a break from art fairs for a while!!! This weekend is our Celebrate Art! Celebrate Coffee! event in Willmar, Minnesota. You can check out the web site at: Celebrate Art! This event is put on by the Willmar Area Arts Council, which I am a board member. We have a wonderful, new website. It has a page with examples of work form many of the local Willmar, New London, Spicer and surrounding area) artists. We have a great artist community in our area. Check us out!

These are some photos of the Art on the Lake Summer Art Fair
at Melvins in Spicer, MN. As you can see, it was a tad bit windy.

Here are some photos from the

Glacial Ridge Winery Grape Stomp Festival in Spicer, MN

My Apple Trees

2009-09-14T17:52:00.000-05:00

A Farmgirl Foodie

I started a new blog on September 5th for gardening and recipes. I will at times post photos from that site on this one. Today to took photos of our apple tree which my Aunt Esther suggested I do. You can check them out at 'A Farmgirl Foodie'.

mnrtists.org

2009-09-14T15:54:00.000-05:00

Callas for Doris

I ran across this painting when I went on my mnartists.org site today. It was painted two years ago while I was staying with Doris. She had been sick for quite a while and I was giving her daughter and my good friend, Joan a break so she could take a vacation. Doris passed away not long after that. I miss her, so this one is for her today.

I would like to invite you to check out my website on the mnartists.org site at: Minnesota Artists. You can send my artwork as an e-postcard to your friends.

The mnartists.org website is an online database of Minnesota artists and organizations from all disciplines. It offers to Minnesota-based artists a free website. If you are a Minnesota artist, check it out for yourself.

9-11-2001

2009-09-11T22:21:00.000-05:00

A Day that changed our lives. I just want to say thank you to all our service people. Whether in military, or civil jobs. I appreciate all that you do!!!

Friday's Art Quote

2009-09-11T15:01:00.000-05:00

Creavivity and Art

Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes.

Art is knowing which ones to keep.

~Scott Adams~

This morning my friend, Kim and I drank plenty of coffee and created art together - I still feel a bit buzzed! She was talking about this very thing - creating art along with mistakes and imperfections. So when I ran across this quote, I just had to make it my 'Friday's Art Quote' for this week.

Kim just started a new blog today. I'm sure she will have many interesting and fun things to say...
You can follow her new blog at: http://kimwendlandt.blogspot.com/

Quote

2009-09-06T22:27:00.000-05:00

My Coneflowers

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."-Anais Nin

Another 'Friday's Art Quote'

2009-09-04T22:24:00.000-05:00

My Bee Balm
(Phyllis Diller hair as my friend, Joan calls it)

It's still Friday, so I want to add another quote:

'One person with passion is better than
forty people merely interested.'

~ E. M. Forster ~

My husband, David and I just got home from seeing the movie Julie & Julia. After seeing the movie, I thought of the above quote. It is one of my favorite quotes. I think the reason I loved this movie so much, (David wasnt' as thrilled as I) is first, because of how they lived with such passion for what they loved to do, and didn't make excuses of why they couldn't do it, just went ahead and did it. Also, they both had such a commitment in their relationships with their husbands. If only I could live with such passion and commitment - I hope I do!

Friday's Art Quote

2009-09-04T12:59:00.000-05:00

Winter's Cotton Candy
Waterolor - 18" x 24"

Every artist dips his brush in his own soul,
and paints his own nature into his pictures.

~Henry Ward Beecher~

This is one of my favorite art quotes. It is so true. It took me a very long time to become comfortable with people looking and and commenting on my work. It was almost as if I felt that they could see right into my soul. I have somewhat become used to it now.

The painting I chose for today is called 'Minnesota's Cotton Candy.' There is not a person who has grown up in Minnesota who has not at least once eaten snow. It's the best in the world! I just started the almost empty nest era of my life - in less than a year both kids will be gone off to college. I have become a bit sentimental and have been painting pictues of my kids to help survive. This is one of those paintings. My paintbrush dipped deep in my soul when I painted this painting. I doubt there is a stronger love (except God's) than that of a mother.

Painting for Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center

2009-09-03T15:28:00.000-05:00

Watercolor - 18"x 24"

Painting Donated to
Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center

This is the painting I donated for the 'Second Annual Prairie Evening Under the Stars' silent auction for the Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center on September 11, 2009. It is an earth conscious event to benefit the environmental education of our youth and programs at Prairie Woods. This year, they are facing pretty extreme funding cuts from the county and other sources that fund PWELC. Their green silent auction will feature everything from locally grown foods, environmentally friendly products, original artwork and handmade items by local artists!

Zinnias

2009-08-28T13:22:00.000-05:00

My artist friend Kim was telling me that she took a picture of her zinnias with her barn in the background. I think it's funny how artist's minds kind of work alike... maybe I should say scary! This is a picture I had taken of my zinnias with my barn in the background.

Below is Kim's barn photo. Her blog is

http://kimwendlandt.blogspot.com/.

Gone Fishing

2009-08-28T12:59:00.000-05:00

Gone Fishing - Watercolor
Original - 18"x 24"

This is a painting of my son, Anthony and his friend, Ben when they were about 4 or 5 years old.

Beach Chairs - Watercolor

Rain

2009-08-15T19:01:00.000-05:00

My fuchsias love the rain!

The Smell of Coffee is in the Air

2009-08-14T13:43:00.000-05:00

Today the breeze was perfect to carry the smell of fresh-cut hay through our windows. I had to stop what I was doing and breath in the fresh scent. Hmmm, I love that smell! As a kid I knew it always meant hot, hard work. In spite of that, I enjoyed that aroma and still do. Then, last night we had rain - another pleasant scent. Now this evening, my husband is mowing the lawn - still another great scent. It seems that all I need to do is bake bread. Oh yea that’s right, my daughter baked banana bread yesterday. Hmmm, for some reason I think I’d like some coffee.

Life

2009-08-13T20:30:00.001-05:00

“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass….it’s about learning how to dance in the rain."

Koi Fish

2009-08-13T20:24:00.000-05:00

Watercolor - 9"x12"

I did this painting as a demonstration for a watercolor painting class. I have taught private drawing, painting and ceramic art classes for the past 15 years. I love teaching – especially kids – they are so creative and I think they’ve taught me more over the years than I’ve taught them.

David's Pet Goat

2009-08-13T20:14:00.000-05:00

Watercolor
My husband, David (an only child), had a number of pet goats. His mom, (I could write a book!), thought he was allergic to just about everything in the world, including cow’s milk. She had Albert, his dad, buy goats and milk them so David could get his calcium. David says his goats were great pets. They would climb up on the fence and watch for him every day when he walked home from school. So, I painted this goat for David in memory of all his pet goats. Oh yea, he’s not allergic to cows milk either!

Our Delicious Rooster

2009-08-13T19:58:00.000-05:00

Watercolor - Original Sold

I love having chickens and roosters around. Love to hear them crow and cluck outside my windows. Love farm fresh eggs. Many people have told stories of at least one ‘mean’ rooster from their growing up years. We also had a mean one that we called the ‘Left Winged Rooster’. He reminded me of an out-law starring in an old western movie. He sure was a mean old cuss! As kids, we were terrified of him. None of us ever wanted to be around when my mom would need us to fetch a vegetable or two out of the garden, or milk from the barn. We would spy out the windows and door to see if he was anywhere in sight. Then make a mad dash, hoping not to get trapped out there with him between us and the house. If we did get trapped, he would stare us down, put his left wing to the ground and charge. I do remember how revenge smelled sweet and tasted sweeter as the aroma of barbaque chicken wafted through the air while he was being grilled for supper one evening!

Visits to the St. Louis Zoo

2009-08-10T12:53:00.000-05:00

Pencil Drawing - Original Not for Sale

Seems like forever ago that we lived in St. Louis. The kids were toddlers. The area we lived in was called Dog Town. Our 'flat', (was actually a second-story apartment with a flat roof and very hot in the summer!) was across the freeway from the St. Louis Zoo. Many times we would stroll the kids across to the zoo, I guess to get out of the hot and into the extremely hot. In spite of the heat, these excursion were always fun. This is my St. Louis Zoo Giraffe.

Penguin Dad

2009-08-10T12:49:00.000-05:00

Pencil & ink Colored Pencil Drawing - Original Not for Sale

I try to name all the animals that I draw. My family sometimes gets in on some of the naming fun. This penguin was one of those animals where I just wasn't sure what name I should give to him. My family all thought he was pretty funny with his standing-up hair and all. Then, my daughter said that he looks just like dad does every morning when he gets out of bed. So he became 'Penguin Dad.' Her dad is always thrilled that one of his main purposes in life seems to be that he can give us a laugh. I guess when you have teenagers in the house it's a given that you just aren't as cool as you once thought you were!

Greener Grass - Our Cow Stub

2009-08-10T12:40:00.000-05:00

Pencil Drawing - Original Not for Sale

I grew up on a small dairy farm with two sisters and a brother. All of our cows were named. They were very tame, and they were our pets. My dad would fence off different areas of the farm and pasture the cows out in them. Many times we would be sent out to bring the cows in for evening milking. One beautiful, warm summer afternoon my sister and I talked and played as we walked out to bring them in. Stub (named for her stubbed horn) had just calved. Her baby had gone under the electric fence and wandered into the cornfield. Stub was obviously distressed and trying to find her new baby. She took one look at us and decided that we must have taken him. If you have ever seen an angry bull, you have seen nothing compared to an angry, red-eyed mother cow whose baby is gone. She took off after us full speed, and we thought we were goners. We were under the fragile fence, into the cornfield, and out of there! We were so surprised that our pet would charge us, but . . . I haven't seen many 'moms' who wouldn't do the same for their children!

Ostie

2009-08-07T13:21:00.000-05:00

Pencil Drawing - Original Not for Sale

Crossroads

2009-08-06T23:21:00.000-05:00

My life is at a crossroad. My son graduated in June and my daughter graduates next June. I told my daughter that the best job I’ve ever had is being a mom. She smile and told me I’d better start looking for a new one.

As I went through Anthony’s old photos, school work and artwork to prepare for his graduation party it took me on a journey down memory lane. What a great journey we’ve had as a family. Not always easy, life never is always easy, but very good. I have been blessed!
o
This blog is mostly about my art, but also about life, my family, my friends, my relationship with God and any number of other events and thoughts I may want to throw in. Much of the telling of my story will be done in artwork and photos. A journal for myself and anyone else interested in following along the path with me.

My Aunt Esther was a great help at graduation. She stayed with us for the week. I can’t imagine how I could have done it without her!!! Love You Aunt Esther!