Cray, Cray, Be Gone!

On occasion   time seems to run away from you and you only notice its passing when its smacks you in the face.  That was the case when I saw the date of my last posting on this Blog. I was so caught up in cray cray that I would forget to breathe. After a long inhale and exhale I think I’ve caught by breathe. If you been following my sporadic Facebook postings you know of the cray cray I refer to, no need to elaborate, for those that haven’t lets just say that your health is the most precious gift and blessing we posses.

What kept me sane through all the madness was my art, however infrequent I was able to create. I managed to keep a steady keel in rough waters. I’m posting some of the WIPS here so you can see what’s coming down the pike. 

                                             

On another front, I was determined to submit some artwork to various publications for consideration. That effort, I’m happy to say, bore fruit. I’m thrilled to announce that some of my work will be in this falls editions of Art Doll Quarterly and Somerset Holidays and Celebrations.

Surprisingly enough another accomplishment is the opening of my Etsy Shop…Finally! So now, those of you that cant make it to either Halloween and Vine or Spirits in Sanford can always get your Halloween fix there year round and not miss out on the fun.

                                             

Of course as usual I look forward to seeing a lot of you at this years Halloween and Vine and or Spirits in Sanford.

It's Show Time!

A Lemony Season!

My how time does fly! Especially when life hands you lemons by the bushel. All one can do is make lemonade... like mad, and that's what I've been trying to do. So many Shows in the coming weeks. Between commissions and show preparations it's no small wonder that I've been slack on postings, apologies are in order.

Somewhere in a sea of bubble-wrap and boxes I found a moment to put some words together. Albeit disjointed, rambling but words nonetheless. The first shipment went out Thursday and another one sits ready and scheduled to go out next week. Some of the works produced during this craziness you can see below.

I have done as much as I can do before flying off to the first event, the 2nd Annual SpookyTime Jingles Soiree.

Im always grateful for all the encouragement and support from the online community, some of which of you I am now happy to call friends. I look forward to seeing many of you again this year at all the upcoming events. I've been amazed by the scope of work that you've all executed and I've been trying desperately to keep up, I hope I've met the task.

In just a couple of weeks time I'll be happy to be at this years Halloween & Vine,

The final icing on the being Spirits in Sanford.

It will be a whirlwind season, but a fun one. Hope you'll join us at one of these fabulous events.

There's bound to be one happening near you so come on down and introduce yourself!

Say What!

Say What!

Could someone please tell me when this year came to pass, it seemed to go way to fast for me, as if to reiterate my surprise my posting is belated. I know some people are just rising as if from a stupor. It's been years since I've fallen into this category.

While others counted down the minutes with anticipation and goals in hand. While most seem to say "Oh well...", this year I fell in this group. Which once again explains my belated New Years posting.

Once again we've embarked on another year! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for an even better one to come. New years resolutions begin and some old ones are resumed, since for most people, there are resolutions left over from years past. The thing to keep in mind is to never give up, nothing ventured,nothing gained, not to mention pain .

One of the things that New Years bring is reflection.

For me there is much appreciation. Despite all my difficulties I have been blessed to rekindle my creative spirit, and share it with all of you.

This year, I plan on expanding my horizons beyond Halloween much more and offering many new characters for different Holidays. You'll see some themes that seem to be favorites from years past as well as new and exciting ones. Of course this means getting down to some serious work and maintaining somewhat of a schedule. That includes blogging more often. All this, while trying to work within my physical limitations. With a little planning, some timed rest periods and the help of modern medicine I should be OK.

First up on the agenda is catching up on commissions, so for those of you patiently waiting for your creations, it won't be long before they'll be in your hands. Halloween items will be offered year round of course, but the first new venture will be Easter. Bunnies, hip-hopping and chicks a' clucking in festive vintage style fashions. Stay tuned for sketches and WIPS.

There will be the usual yearly Shows to attend, and the exploration of new venues near and far. I hope this year will be as much fun for my cherished collectors as last year was for me. I hope to meet even more of you, rekindle old acquaintances , and start some wonderful new ones. Happy Belated New Year!

New Year’s babies from the illustrator J.C. Leyendecker; and some of his numerous Saturday Evening Post covers which captured the essence of the year into the theme surrounding the baby.

Catching my Breath!

Well, the last of the Halloween shows I was attending came to pass. What a ride it was this year from September to date, Halloween and Vine seems ages ago, it seems it was only yesterday that I was in Spirits in Sanford and of course I’m still reeling from all the fun had by all at Spookytime Jingles Soiree and after party.

After all the prepping, packing, repacking setup and breakdown, the most memorable moments are those shared with old friends and new ones.

I thought Id share some of those memories in pictures, that is the ones I was able to capture. Why does it always seem you've taken a thousand pictures, then when you upload the camera it's a quarter of what you thought. When you get a chance you visit and since you visited you think you took a picture, arrgh!

Before the setup we had a chance to visit the surrounding areas that were full of promise for exploring and picturesque to behold.

New Hope gets in the spirit.

Lots of shops and restuarants to browse through.

a quiet moment before the show.

It begins!

Of course there was Dani in Charge, our fearless leader who kept everyone on track.

It wasn't long before we were all set up and Dani was all decked out at the door to greet everyone.

Lori Rudolph's table

Brandi McKenna's giant creations

Sweet B's treats!

Elaine Thomas of Albhabet Studio's

the crowds were soon in and doing more than just browsing.

We had special visitors like Chris Klingler, seen here with Marie Patterson and Lulu Kellog,

Carolee Clark, Jennifer MacNeill Traylor who were to quick to capture in picture form, as well as the Charming and supportive Hugh Alan Luck

Thanks for stopping by guys it was great fun meeting all of you.

It was a fun day that didn't end at the Soiree.

Sweet Marie Patterson was gracious enough to open her home to us for an after party were fun was had by all.

the spread was incredibly delicious!

Of course it wasn't long before we had to say our goodbyes, but not till we promised to all come back next year and keep in touch till then.

I thank all of you collectors and artist alike from the bottom of my heart for all your support and encouragement. It is because of this support that I am able to continue to explore and share my creative endouvers.

Onward and Upward!

Well folks, I'm just catching my breath between shows. But I wanted to share the fun had by all at the second annual Spirits in Sanford show this past weekend. I apoligize for some of the blurry pics, I think it's time for a new camera.

A great big thank you to all those of you who ventured into the gallery this weekend to grab a piece of of Original Halloween Art and fun.

The Town of Sanford really gets into the Holiday spirit as seen in these pics of some of their window displays including the local newspaper.

Take a peek in the lower left corner and catch one of Joanna Parkers creations.

Jeanine Taylor of Gallery on First put together a great group of Artists this year.

There was Chris Klingler of Designs by CK with his whimsical and elaborate drawings and prints; you can't appreciate the detail until you see them in person.

The Lovely Dianne Waldron of Sew Primitives and her oh-so infectious creations.

A Sweetheart of a Gal, Deb George and her humorous and spooky characters.

The Charming Sara Whitmore and her fantastic mixed media art.

Not even a broken leg could keep an old hand like Melissa Menzer away form a second show, I have a feeling that cast around her leg will turn into some of her wonderful creations.

And of course there was me and my dog and pony show.

It was great fun getting to know all the new artists as we set up on Friday.

The Fun started that evening with a great Champagne reception for dedicated collectors and a raffle. Jeanine put on a spread that would make Martha Stewart proud.

All black and orange foods. Yummy!!

Me and Jeanine Taylor enjoying a moment at the preview.

Folks were already in the Halloween spirit wearing their creepiest finery for the event.

It was an intimate event that let artists and collectors get to know each other. I certainly enjoyed it. It allowed everyone to wind down and relax before the big day.

Me and a visiting Glamorous Ghoul!

The doors opened and the FUN began. The room soon filled with familiar faces from last year, the night before and excited new ones. I can't thank everyone enough for the warm welcome and encouraging words that were offered to us.

As the day wore on and the tables were cleared by collectors, we all reluctantly tore down our little worlds knowing that goodbyes were at hand.

There were old freindships renewed and new ones forged between artists and collectors.

Now I'm back for a couple of days before heading to the next great event, the First Annual SpookyTime Jingles Soiree this Saturday the 16th with a preview cocktail on the Friday 15th.

Judging from the fun had at Sanford, this next shin-dig being put together by the gregarious and industrious Dani Nelson should will top off my Holiday show Schedule. So don't be late and come join the fun!

The Patry's Over...

And what a party it was. The 15th annual Halloween and Vine has come and gone, but not before old acquaintances were renewed and new ones sewn. A great big thanks to all those of true blue as well as new collectors who continue to support this talented group of artist. It is through your efforts that we can continue our creative endeavors.

I got there a little early so I jumped in and helped getting some of the decorations together with Ginny Diezel one of the original founders of Halloween And Vine.

It wasn't long before others started to arrive like Dani Nelson and Wendy Leaumont from Spookytime Jingles.

It didn't take long to realize I had to get my act together so after a little caffiene fix ti was to work I went, and at the speed of light as you can see!

after a bit I was all set up and ready for the next day.

I apologize for the lack of pics of other Artists booth but when in a rush and at a certain age taking pictures without a tripod produces, shall we say a nebulous result.

I had the pleasure of being situated next to Allen Cunningham his work is so amazingly detailed in person, the scale he works in just blows me away! My hazy pictures did no justice to his work.

David's table from ChickenLips was all set and done as was everyone else's by the end of the day.

An encouraging line of collectors almost 200 strong ready and waiting for the doors to open at nine, many had been there since before dawn, amazing ,right. Thank you all!

The doors opened and the crowds thronged to the artists tables.

Not long into the event did William Bezek's table looked sparse as his collectors picked it to the bone in no time.

One thing led to another and before you knew it in much too short a time it was over.

But the fun didn't end there most of us ended up at the after party held at the Adobe Pumpkin Farm. Great food, lovely live music fantastic crowd all made for a delightful evening. After many goodbyes we were off early the next day. For some reason my TomTom plotted a route back to San Francisco that I had never taken, I went with the flow and was I glad.. the scenery was spectacular as you can see.

It was the perfect ending for a great weekend. Till next Year!

Now to get ready for Spirits in Sanford and SpookyTimeJinges Soiree, see ya all there!