Wall Mural, 12x9 feet, "River of Dreams" by Carmen Beecher

This was a pretty exhausting project, but at least I had a peaceful place to rest. I was still in my working clothes, so not exactly a fashion plate, but very happy with my completed mural.

The mural is in the soon-to-be-cafe in River Run Christian Church on Croton Road in Melbourne. "River of Dreams" is appropriate, because our Church dreams big and accomplishes wonderful things, like Thanksgiving dinners for the needy, our backpack program that sends food home on weekends for children in need, an active Food Pantry, and much more. River Run Christian Church rocks, and I'm not just talking about the music!

Carmen

Eye of the Eagle, 6x6 Acrylic Abstract Art on Canvas Panel, Red, White and Blue

SOLD

I posted this abstract today because it has a patriotic flair and it fits my subject for the day. My friend, the talented poet JoAnna O'Keefe, has written a wonderful poem called America at the Crossroads. It speaks to what is happening today in our country and both the lyrics and the music are poignant and beautiful. I first heard it when I was with a large group of people, and everyone there was visibly moved, as would be anyone who has an ounce of patriotism.

To hear a snippet of the song or to purchase it, go to this link: America at the Crossroads

Carmen

Come Sail Away

Last week Kathy posted some photos of our "chalk" paintings.  That was the day Cindy showed us how to draw on black gesso then paint the drawing, leaving the chalk outline.  After the paint was dry you could wash off the chalk and it left a black outline.
That was a really fun exercise for all of us.  None of us really paint in acrylics that much so it gave us a chance to try a new project with a new medium.  I did little sailboats from a photo Carol Schiff had brought in.  This is what my painting looks like after the chalk has been washed off.  I just love the whimsy that painting in one color and outlining the colors in black creates.  In fact I like it so much I am going to give it to my grandson James for his room.
Donna Vines

 

Fascination

Besides fire and water there is one other thing I could stare at for hours and that is a Lava Lamp.  I know, I know.  Firstly a lot of you may not even know what that is but anyone of a certain age will remember when they were quite popular.  I don't know what it is but there is something about suspended jello slowly moving through liquid that is quite fascinating.
The results of pouring fluid acrylics mixed with a pouring medium can also be exciting to look at.  The results can remind you of anything from outer space to lava flowing down a volcano.  You can just pour the paint on a canvas or pour and use an object, like a comb, to make a design.  Either way it can give you something to ponder.
Donna Vines

Hmmm
 

Join the Pieces of 8 at our Eau Gallie Arts District Location:
Ralph's Art Supply
1420 Highland Avenue. 32935
Our 8th Annual Holiday Sale and Show
Has expanded to give you & your friends more time to shop!
First Friday: Dec 5 from 3:00 - 8:30 pm.
                                   AND
Saturday: Dec 6 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Early birds find the bargains!

Back to Serious Painting on Mondays

The Pieces are back to Monday painting. And I wandered around every now and then with my camera to capture the activity. It's so inspiring to see what everyone is up to and to watch the magic as it's happening. (This time, I combined my photos into one because THEN I can control where it goes. Seems when I add in lots of photos they take on a mind of their own with Blogger and don't like to sit where I put them.)

Everyone was doing their own thing, from catching up on collages to serious painting (and for me, not so serious painting). I'm hoping some of the Pieces will jump in and comment about their work shown here. And if they have an updated piece, especially since I'll have to miss the next two wonderful Monday painting days, I'd love to see them here. Hint! Hint!

PAINTING GIVE-AWAY FROM CAROL SCHIFF STUDIO

I am excited to say that my art is being featured on a great blog called "art by Karena".  To celebrate this honor, I am giving away this painting of the famous bridge in Prague.  It's 4x12" on stretched canvas.  The sides are painted black, so you may hang it without framing if you so desire.  To enter the drawing, just go the the blog  Art by Karena and follow her instructions.  The winner will be announced on Sunday March 13th.  Good Luck!

My First Pieces Of Eight Vacation

Hello Pieces of Eight fans. I am the newest piece and my name is Phillis Holland. I was lucky enough to join this wonderful group of eight creative women just weeks before the annual Pieces of Eight retreat. We headed for the mountains of North Carolina for a week of fun, food, and comradery with a bit of painting thrown in for good measure. It is such a great joy in my life to have made friends with this extremely talented group of women. They are all so nurturing and encouraging that one cannot help but grow as an artist. With the gracious help of Kathy Garvey, one of our pieces, I am finally creating my first post to our blog. I have included several pictures that I painted on our retreat. Now that I have learned the new skill, I will try to keep posting as the paintings accumulate.