Thursday, April 30, 2009

Win Some Lose Some

I was working on a stencil, didn't turn out so hot (imagine that...an omen?). Obviously, you can't win them all. I try not to use black in my pieces maybe it's a sign I lack the skill but I never have good luck when I use black. I prefer earth tones, but I can always change it, it will just have to be another day...

Meet Thane!

Thane is one of the contributing artist for the 'memo board.' It's turned into quite the project! Thane 'has been an artist for ten years, since he could hold a pen.' Below, you see him next to his masterpiece, a portrait of me, of course.
When asked what advice he could offer the world he responded humbly, "Don't be selfish." Words of the wise...

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Moustache!

So I was doing some work in my studio and I couldn't resist this. Sharpies are to much fun. They are like duct tape, multipurpose...even good for body art! I'm being so productive today, no? At least this week is almost over.

Marketing

Yesterday I was grocery shopping and I went to buy some spaghetti sauce. I was looking at all the different brands trying to decide on which flavor I wanted. In the midst of decisions I was drawn to Paul Newman's brand, Newman's Own. I looked at the different flavors and I noticed that a couple of them had different packaging. Paul in the hat isn't that off base. After all, somedays you just need to spice things up with accessories. But, on the other awkwardly packaged sauce was a pair of hands grasping Paul's cheeks, maybe it is suppose to be his Italian grandma? I don't know, it just seemed silly. Is there some infamous Italian joke I'm not getting? I laughed anyway and I couldn't resist taking a photo. Good times.


Oh and just in case you were wondering, I went for pesto and tomato. Who can resist Paul in a hat, right? Sorry for the horrible photos.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Today

So there was a mysterious drawing on my board today:
I had to inquire after staring at it for awhile. It's an elevator. The scoop? There is a secret elevator that is very convenient but takes a special key to operate. I happen to be one of the privileged people with a key (there's quite an initiation to make it into this group). Today I have been pretty scarce so they were commenting on their inability to ride the 'magical, mystery' elevator. Fun times!

Details

I spotted this masterpiece on my way home from work. It was parked in front of a local bike shop down the street from my house. I thought it was very well done. The other side looks like it's still in progress (covered in primer). I will keep an eye on it and try to get the other side when it's done. Makes me want to cruise the country like a 'rolling stone!'

Monday, April 27, 2009

Chairs

Awhile back I bought a set of charis for my kitchen table. They were covered in dirt and rust (I wish I would have taken a before photo) but with a little steel wool and a lot of elbow grease they turned out pretty clean. I chose the fabric to match the backsplash and countertops, it's loud but I really think it has that "throwback" element. My mom was solely responsible for the re upholstery...she is amazing!

A Day Late..

...and many dollars short. That's the story of the patio project. I came up short so it looks like I'm going to have to break my budget. I have tried to think of alternative layouts, flowerbeds, trim decking but I think that I'm just going to have to do what's right and finish it off with rock. I can't hardly believe that a ton and half wouldn't cover it. I am very pleased with how it looks so far and I can't wait to finish so I can have a garden party this summer!

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Practice Makes Perfect

More airbrushing. I still haven't worked out all of the kinks but it's getting better.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Patio Progress

This weekend I started working on the patio. Yesterday we cut the sod and today I bought the stone. I started to lay it out and I'm worried I didn't get enough (we shall see). I am excited to see how it's going to look but there is still work to be done like tilling and leveling (blah). Today has been very windy which makes it tough to move dirt. There is rain in the forecast tomorrow so I guess I will just have to chomp at the bit for another week until I can really start working on it.
The stones are from Oklahoma which is pretty cool (buy locally!). I purchased them here.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Happy Hour

Minutes away from freedom...lately work has been brutal. Mostly because I haven't had a whole lot going on and the weather is gorgeous so I just want to be outside. There are times when it is really fun, like when the student employees come and draw on my new memo board (it's very entertaining to see it change from day to day): Artist, Jordan and Thane. Me+phone=bad photo.

The Blues

Blue is a color that always manages to work it's way into my pieces. I don't think it really has to do with some sob story or pity party in fact I think it's the opposite, It brightens my day. Plus, I love brown and they compliment one another so well. My living room is a color by Behr called 'window pane' which is very appropriate and I think it summarizes the type of blues I'm attracted to. Here are some great examples of "my" blue:
Photobucket
"Something old, something new, something borrowed something blue..."

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Playin'

Today was such a beautiful day! The weather was incredible so I tried to bask in the sun as much as possible. I did finish cutting a small stencil so I could try my airbrush. I found out I could use some practice but it was fun none-the-less.

Looking in the Rear View

I feel like I'm always looking in the rear view. I have this attraction to the past but as of late I have realized the only thing I really have a handle on (and that's questionable) is the present. As hard as it has been for me to accept that, it has been a surprisingly gratifying experience (thus far). I have been noticing little things I have never noticed, such as: how music feels different at certain times of the day or in different rooms and (to throw in a visual) this tree. I drive right by the tree everyday and I have never realized how unusual it is. For the many things I am trying to purge from my life I have opened up positive space for new things that were once minuscule. Again, Sorry for the bad photo (phone). Just look at that clear sky!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

New Toy!

Today I broke down and bought an airbrush and compressor. It's pretty nifty! Motivation through money, I suppose.

Friday, April 17, 2009

One Last Thing...

Today has been somewhat of a slow day. I have tons of stuff to do and then I have nothing and right now idle time is not the best thing. Anyway, in between working I couldn't resist drawing on the white board in the classrooms. At first I just thought being in the law school made me draw this but now that I look at it I think it maybe a reflection of what I need in life...Order!
Sorry for the bad picture quality (it was taken with my phone).

Love His House!

A coworker showed me a really nifty article from the NY Times today about Randy Polumbo. Check it out here. His house is pretty amazing.

More on Nothing...

Is it possible for a heart to break over a stranger? a muse? Am I just crazy? Yes...

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Off Topic

This is how I feel right now:

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Cameo

Today I saw my grandmother and she gave me this really neat cameo. She said that my grandfather had brought it back for her after his tour in Japan nearly 50 years ago. She said that the chain had never really fit her and she thought I might like to have it. I love it and I love it's history. Sorry for the bad photo...It not the typical English cameo, the background is made of glass and I'm not sure what the face is made of but the quality isn't of any concern to me, it's the thought that counts. Also, my grandmother that the Japanese call us 'long noses' and that's why the lady in the cameo has an exaggerated nose. I find it to be somewhat "picasso-esque"...either way it's lovely!

Carpet Extraction

Yesterday I tore the carpet out of my studio. I think it looks much bigger and lighter without the carpet:

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Details

Today I was thinking about the details that would complete my backyard. I am always thinking ahead which often deters me from finishing. I lose motivation quick enough I don't need new ideas interfering with works in progress. Anyway, here are some things that would be nice to give my garden a 'lived in' look:
Find the bird feeder here and the humming bird feeder here. I also looked and looked for an outdoor rug but I haven't had any luck. I have checked overstock, amazon, and target but they just are 'cheery' enough for me. I am up for ideas!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Art! Art! I Want You!

One of my good friends and art school colleague has updated her site! Check it out and buy stuff. It's all wonderful and everyone loves "real" art! Meet Chandra!








Sunday, April 5, 2009

Weekend Work

This weekend we worked in the back yard. We aerated, laid some flea/tick pesticide and spread some grass seed. We also took down a stump and an odd, pole that I suspect once held a satellite dish. I bought a purple-leaf plum tree and planted it and I'm amazed at how much better the yard looks. We also marked and figured the dimensions of our future patio. I am still having a difficult time deciding on what to use (concrete of pavers). Here are some photos:
I am also trying to decide on what type of bushes to plan along the back fence line. I don't like the apartments looking into my backyard of my house. I need my privacy! There are some rose bushes there now, which I am trying to find a new home for. There are a couple of tiny red tipped Photinias but they aren't growing fast enough for me.What to do, what to do....

One Down

[In conclusion to this post] I completed this project today:


I was motivated to finish when I received my package of goodies last week and I plan on shipping this poster out tomorrow as a symbol of my gratitude!

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Mail!

Today I received a package in the mail. I always love getting things via snail mail!
Hmmm..What could it be? Hint: It smells fabulous! Drummmmrolll... t's coffee and tea from DoubleShot Coffee! I can't wait to try it, and just look at all of the other terrific goodies! So exciting....

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

April Fools

I have been humming The Beatles, 'Fool on the Hill' all day long. It also inspired this quick sketch: