Funky Bar Stools by Carmen

These bar stools are old and the fabric was faded and stained. Since I long ago lost interest in the torture that is called Upholstering, I got out my acrylic paints and painted them to strategically hide every blemish. I did use some tape to mask the lines so they would be straight, but I added a lot of wiggles and dots. Look around your house: see anything you would not normally think of painting? Try it, it's fun!

Carmen

Yellow Roses, 8x6 Original Floral Oil Painting by Carmen Beecher

$95, Click to Purchase

Wouldn't this be a romantic Valentine's Day gift? Flowers and candy are nice, but they don't last. Diamonds and oil paintings are forever.

I painted this twice. I was not satisfied with it the first time, but I learned a few things from my mistakes. The second time I was able to get what I wanted, and did it much faster.

Hydrangea, 6x6 Oil by Carmen Beecher

Purchase

I think this piece is what inspired me to paint a large floral painting (my "Dragonflower"). This hydrangea was like painting a big bouquet on a small canvas, and it was a lot harder than I expected. I have been very busy on my projects for our December Christmas Sale, but at some point I want to paint another large floral painting.

For those of you who have been asking about our annual Christmas Sale, it will be December 7. We will have many new creative surprises this year, and as usual, our original art at very affordable prices. Save the date!

Posted by Carmen

More Collage Demo

Femme Fatale

As Donna said, we both talked about collage at the Cape Canaveral Pen Women meeting. There are so many kinds of collage, and I was taught by Derek Gores, so it's very different from Donna's style. Her way has no rules, and mine has Derek's rules. In actuality, it can be anything the artist wants to do, but certain things I learned from Derek stuck, and I like the effect I get. For instance, he says, "Don't use the thing for the thing." Don't use a picture of lips for the lips, for example. 

Below is a partially completed collage of a tree frog that I used to show the process. I sketch my subject then draw over it with a Sharpie so that I don't lose my drawing while slapping paper and glue around. One thing I like is the fact that the paper wrinkles don't matter. I like anything in which wrinkles don't matter. In fact, they add interest and character. Learn to love the wrinkles. 

posted by Carmen