Acrylic Revolution

This is one of my favorite books about art. It is written by Nancy Reyner and gives instructions and amazing photographs with steps to create every imaginable technique using acrylics. Nancy has been a rep for Golden's Acrylics for years so that is what she uses for all techniques in the book. This is a must have book for any artist. I have landed an extra copy. If anyone is interested in purchasing it, I'm selling it for $20. and that includes stateside shipping.... or make me an offer I can't refuse! The list price in the cover is $27.99.

Japan

I wrote a post fairly recently about sending socks to Japan. The man who started this drive is Jason Kelly. I insist that every person who reads this go to his blog and subscribe for updates. He is giving the most heartbreaking account of his one on one interaction with the Tsunami survivors as he and his team deliver socks and letters of hope. Powerful stories and photographs. And to find that such a small gesture as a pair of socks has such an affect on those who lost everything. Amazing! Please go read his latest post!

Decisions, decisions....

Today's progress with my painting consisted of adding in the floor and then transferring some of the floor color up into the stones. My big decision is in the color of the jacket. My initial thought was deep red. I've thrown it out there on FB for opinions and am only getting more confused. Votes have ranged the full spectrum of the rainbow! It gets harder to work late in the day because of bad lighting so I may have to stop for now. Besides, trying to cook dinner and paint at the same time is a really bad combination!

A morning walk

Yesterday morning, I was feeling anxious and stressed. My friend with whom I usually hike, was unable to go as she got sick so, I decided to walk my neighborhood instead, with camera in hand. I have always said Autumn was my favorite time of year because the leaves turn my favorite colors however, there really isn't much of an Autumn in Phoenix. But we do have Spring! It is my favorite Phoenician season. Here are a few glimpses into my neighborhood.

First of all, I have to get past this:

My cats perch at the door every morning enjoying the fresh air. While Kenzy races to the kitchen for canned food as soon as my feet hit the floor, Bob racing to the door and meows at me. Because it's been so nice out, if I'm home, the doors are open so this is the usual scene at my front door. Got this shot of Marvin from overhead. I love how he lays with his front paws stretched way out and crossed! He looks so proper! This poor guy is going to be my bank drainer as he has autoimmune issues. We went back to the vet again yesterday. UGH! But we love him so!
This was my first shot out the door!

The following two photos are cut rocks in a yard. Aren't they amazing?

And on to the sure signs of spring in the Sonoran Desert!

This photo below is my favorite. I MUST get one of these cacti... have to find out what kind it is. The flowers are just exquisite!

And yes, in the midst of my neighborhood are several HUGE, old pecan trees! Quite a mix going on around here! Unfortunately, the photos of the chickens didn't turn out well. Maybe next time!

Amazing giveaway!

Trudie Davies is having a giveaway on her blog. She makes beautiful jewelry so go check her out! This is the amazing ring set up for grabs in her April giveaway! Gorgeous, isn't it?

Movin' right along, folks!

Ok, so I finally finished the base color for the stones. And, did you know:

1.) When you work on a big painting, it is literally a pain in the neck?
2.) If you are short like me, a couple of phone books duct taped together make a great little step stool if you don't have one. Unless, of course, you live in a little town in the sticks where your phone book is the thickness of a brochure. In that case, you made need a case of them. However, if you are in a big city, a couple work perfectly!
3.) Your hand goes numb after painting a while if somewhat overhead.
4.) Your elbow sorta' locks up from holding a palette too long at a time.
5.) If you have any type of vision problems or wear glasses, you will need an assortment so you can change out depending on what part of the painting you are working on and the distance between the brush hitting canvas and your eyes! LOL!

Have to take a break for now to work on a few other things... and hopefully get full feeling back in my fingers of my right hand.

Mid-day progress report

Ok, it's slowly taking shape. But painting this size is really hard on my body. My neck and lower back hurt. I'm heading to the shower for a break and hope to get back to this later this evening.