Painted Pumpkins and stuff

Last weekend I worked like a fiend.

I finished up 16 prints and mounted them on painted canvases and then sealed them and took them to work.

I hung several in each exam room and I have even more up front at the reception desk. 

I also worked on painting paper mâché pumpkins. I finished up three so far and also took them into the clinic to sell.

I went out to my booth and it's sold down and I need to replenish it.

I picked up my check while there.

It's my second one. I made rent, paid their commission fee and had a small amount left to buy some art markers.

Slowly my house is emptying out and each month I've been able to pick up some art supplies.

I'm sure some people would say that the amount of time and energy spent, isn't worth it but it's working for me.

To be able to get rid of stuff and have a few dollars to buy art stuff. 

While out at the mall where my booth is, they told me that next month, on Saturday November 21st, is the big Open House.

I guess everyone gets their booths in super shape and they make goodies to give away to customers up front.

Yep, a real social deal.

I usually just scurry in to work on my booth and leave. I'm polite, say a quick greeting but I keep walking.

I notice other vendors stop and socialize at the front counter.

Sigh.

I just want to empty my house and make a few bucks.

But I'll make some sugar cookies and put my booth number in frosting on top.

I can do it, be social I mean.

I don't want to but, I will.

I guess.

Other stuff... I got my dot.com and secured my art name for a shop on Etsy.

I'll share more when I have more to show.

THEN.... A LOT is going on at my day job.

The one girl that was such a problem is gone. I won't go into it here. At least not right now, but I took care of that situation and I also came up with a new plan for work. 

My co-workers LOVED the idea and Doc grudgingly went along with it.

It involves much more responsibility and more hours and in the LONG run it will be for the best. 

I won't bore you with the details right now either because this post is getting overly long again!

And finally, I need to get the front part of my fence up before it gets COLD.

I'm thinking it needs to be this weekend because the forecast is warm and sunny and THAT kind of weather is for sure not to last.

So right now I've got more balls spinning in the air than ever.

But I actually feel OK about it all!

Really I do! because eventually it will all fall into place...

And don't worry! 

I will have the calendar and cards very soon too!

Wish me luck and I'll "see" ya when I see ya!

Xoxo

Inktense and Prints

I did 2 little illustrations for Fall.

They are originally on watercolor paper and done in ink pen and Inktense pencils.

If you aren't familiar with Inktense, They first appear to be watercolor pencils but they are not.

It's ink and it's permanent.
Unlike watercolor, you can layer over it and it won't get muddy.
Not that I know anything about watercolors but...

What you do is, or at least what I do, is to color it in then go over it with water. 

I learned by watching a YouTube video.

Rather than a traditional brush and water, I use a water brush.

The water is in the handle and dispenses as you go.

Maybe everyone knows about this and it's nothing new but I discovered them both last year and I love it.

I still use acrylics and papers and things in most of my paintings but these two were done in just ink and Inktense.

I will now get prints of them and sell them at the clinic and eventually online.

I always think the problem with prints is that then you have to find the proper frame.

Well, not mine!

I've mounted my prints on canvas that have the sides painted black and
sealed the whole thing with several coats of gloss finish.
It doesn't really show it in the photos of course, but they have a nice smooth "feel" to them.

Here are a few that I did and are now hanging up at the clinic.

I ordered the prints from two different sources.

One puts a border around the print and does it in a more matte finish.

The other does no border and only gloss unless I want to wait several days.

So far different people like different looks.

I prefer one but I won't say yet.

Do YOU prefer one over another?

Anyway, I think I'm really on to something!

I also decided on the "NAME" of my Art business!!!!!

But I'll share that later.

xoxo

One thing ✓'d off my List!

I took my paintings and framed prints to work.

To the Veterinarian clinic.

So far I have 18 paintings and 14 framed prints hanging for sale.

There is a big empty spot above the exam table in Room 4.

I need to finish one more painting for that spot

and I'm done.

Yep, except for 3 paintings that I have to yet to start, for a baby shower this coming Sunday.

and then 3 for Christmas gifts.

I had business cards made up

and everyone loved them.

When I showed them to my sister, she actually laughed out loud!

I asked her what was so funny and she said -

"It's YOU!"...."I mean, it's totally you!".

So, I guess it IS me.

I hate having my picture taken because I'm always startled by the middle-aged chubby woman in the photo, but yeah, this drawing is me.

I guess it happens to us all.

Sigh.

Ok, I'm getting away from my intended topic.

But, that's one thing checked off my list, the paintings for the clinic.

I have several other paintings, just partially finished

but those won't go to work.

Those I intend to try to get into a "Call for Entry".

What "Call for Entry"? 

I have no idea but I intend to be ready this time.