February 12, 2009

No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.--Calvin Coolidge

I did this little 4"x6" watercolor postcard for Arts for Global Development. They have a show featuring postcards depicting women's issues, all done by female artists from around the world. They raise money for great causes. This year the proceeds will go to help support Friends of Orphans in Uganda. I was a part of it last year and it's very rewarding. The have a lot of ways you can help, if you like. Just go to the website and check them out!

February 11, 2009

To accomplish great
things we must
not only act,
but also dream;
not only plan,
but also believe.

Anatole France

2.5" x 3.5" watercolor

February 10, 2009

This is a 6" x 10" watercolor I did over the weekend.

Baby shoes are a 2.5" x 3.5" watercolor.

Do not wait; the time will never be "just right". Start where
you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your
command, and better tools will be found as you go along.

Napoleon Hill

Ooooo, I can be the Queen of Procrastination! I need to sit up and take notice!

Wonderful Art by Alain J. Godbout, February 10, 2009

This wonderful painting was done by the fabulous artist, Alain J. Godbout. I am especially fond of it, because it is a portrait of my husband. Alain gave me his permission to post it here for you to see.

Watercolour 11x15Paper : Strathmore windpower NOT 300gm²Colour : Da Vinci & Holbein

See more of his work here. Thanks, Alain!

February 10, 2009

4" x 8" watercolor and pen on YES! canvas pad.

To thine own self be true; and it shall follow as the
night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.

William Shakespeare

Today have the courage to follow your own inner
voice that you hear in prayer and meditation. Today,
dare to be true to yourself and your own needs,
whether anyone agrees with you or not.

from: Time for Joy, Daily Affirmations
by Ruth Fishel

February 6, 2009

Another 2.5" x 3.5" painting of yesterday's shoes. Of course, the laces have been changed to protect the innocent!

It's amazing what I have been discovering, through the exercises of marketing my art. I have been making signs for 17 years and they generally speak for themselves. After all these years, they seem to pretty much sell by word of mouth and reputation. I would love to be there someday with my art. It is interesting that sign people generally do not group together and help each other. It's a very competetive business. I am finding the opposite to be true with art. The more artists I gather with, the more confidence I seem to gain. We are a real community! I am very thankful for my artist friends.

Genuine beginnings begin within us, even when they are brought to our attention by external opportunities. -William Bridges

February 5, 2009

2.5" x 3.5" watercolor painting. Are you tired of the shoes yet? I am loving them! They have been so much fun and I can't wait to start on the large versions. Probably the tennies, though. I don't think too many people would want to have these scruffy old brown shoes hanging on their wall. They do look as though someone loved them and wore them often. Maybe they were super comfy!

Choose to spend your mental energy on the positive and watch it create
abundance and happiness in your life and in the lives of those around you.

from The Don't Sweat Affirmations
by Richard Carlson, Ph.D.

The negative principal negates. The positive principal creates. The
negative principal doubts. The positive principal believes. The negative
principal accepts defeat. The positive principal goes for victory.

from Positive Thinking Every Day
Norman Vincent Peale

2.5" x 3.5" watercolor

February 3, 2009

"Change your thoughts and you can change your world." -Norman Vincent Peale

I finished the pastel painting I was telling you about yesterday. It's not very good, but I hope to learn a little more every time I try pastels. The photo is of an old farm house in Wisconsin by upnorthtim at wetcanvas.com.

Here is today's little shoe painting. 2.5" x 3.5" watercolor.

February 2, 2009

The mind, ever the willing spirit, will respond to boldness, for boldness,
in effect. is a command to deliver mental resources.

from Positive Thinking Every Day
Norman Vincent Peale

Another little 2.5" x 3.5" pair of shoes. I painted 24 shoe paintings recently, so I'll be posting a lot of shoes here. I also did this little lady Saturday. She is 4" tall. I did a pastel painting Sunday, but it's still a work in progress. I am not experienced in pastels, so it's an adventure and a messy one at that! heehee