Dibble the Dragon Children's Book by Carmen Beecher

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My children's book makes a great gift item for your little ones who like books one can actually hold, and pages one can turn rather than swiping. This book is about a little dragon who has doubts that he is really a dragon, because he can't breathe fire.

Carmen

New Rosie, 12x9 Watercolor Painting by Carmen Beecher

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This painting was part of a series of working people done for a pipefitters union. This one was my favorite. She reminds me of Rosie the Riveter, as she does what is traditionally a man's job.

I am so impressed that she makes a few fashion statements in spite of having to wear ugly overalls and those white gloves that are not going to be seen at any tea party. She has a hairdo, hair ribbon, and earrings. She also has a career with an excellent pension, a rarity these days. Don't bother to badmouth unions to her.

Speaking of women in men's jobs, did you know that over 400 women fought in the Civil War, disguised as men? Some were discovered when wounded, others when their bodies were recovered after battle. Discovered women would usually be sent home, although a few were imprisoned or institutionalized.

It was also illegal for them to vote--and now a woman is running for President. The times, they are a-changin.'

Carmen

Flamingo Dancer, Pen and Ink by Carmen Beecher

$38, Click to Purchase

This is for all those who call "Flamenco" "Flamingo." Just a gentle hint that they are mispronouncing it. I like the rose in her teeth--if she had teeth. After seriously painting so many birds in oils, this is just plain fun.

Fancy Feathers, 5x7 Pen and Ink Drawing by Carmen Beecher

$38.00, Click to Purchase

 I felt a bit Seussical and Zentanglish at the same time, so I made up a bird. It's the Mantilla-Crowned Checkertail.

Fabulous Guest Speaker Diana Gessler

Diana 

One of Diana's Books

Thanks to Cindy, the Pieces were fortunate enough to have a talented, witty and informative guest yesterday, Diana Hollingsworth Gessler. Diana is the author of the highly successful series of hand illustrated travel journals about Charleston, California, New Orleans and Washington, D.C.. We also found out today that because of her beautiful journals Diana was invited by the Sampoerna family to do a privately commissioned work about the journey, over several generations of the Sampoernas, from impoverished immigrants from China to the third richest family in Indonesia.

Diana shared the story of her life so far: her childhood as an Air Force brat, attending The Ringling School of art, and her long career in New York City in many art-related fields. She was such a successful, busy woman she didn't have the time she would have liked to devote to painting. While on vacation she decided to keep a journal and sketch in it. That was the beginning of her love affair with illustrated journaling.
Diana was full of information on how to adapt your art to your life no matter where it takes you. She has developed her journals into works of art. She is an accomplished watercolor and oil painter who is represented by The Shaw Gallery in Naples, Fl.
Diana teaches Journaling Workshops and has developed a wonderful "Sampler" to help you get started. She has also put together a kit that contains everything you need. They are available on her website. She has also been asked by Artful Gatherings to develop an online six-week course called "Fantasy Journaling Charleston" which will be available online in June.

A rapt audience

Cindy, Kathy and Carmen were lucky enough to take her Workshop and have become sketching fools who cannot say enough about how wonderful the experience was in so many ways.

Thanks so much for a wonderful day, Diana.
www.dianagessler.com
www.shawgallery.com
diana@dianagessler.com