New Painting: The Diva

So, next friday I am going to hang several paintings to display at Heller Theatre in Tulsa, Okla. during the run of their March show. I'll be displaying some pieces I already have, and have been creating a few 'show' themed pieces to debut there. The latest one--- and largest--- is this pretty little tattooed singer called "The Diva":

It's been a good long while since I've been in the mood to paint a flapper, but this lady just wouldn't take "no" for an answer! She came out very dark and gritty and intense. I think I like her :) I also get to play Kat Von D and make up some tattoos ;) I am way too chicken and way too wishy-washy to ever get a tattoo, but I do admire it as an art. Have you ever watched LA Ink? I am just amazed at what those artists are able to do-- and on a person! I admire the steady hand it takes and the detail they can get in one shot. Because there's no erasing and starting over with a tattoo! Yikes!

Truthfully, finding inspiration to paint has been hard lately. I've just been extremely distracted and at times unhappy with what I'm making. Working on making some changes... I'm happy to say that I can tell these latest pieces are better and more refined than paintings I made a few months ago. And that's the point, isn't it? To keep getting better.

I plan on working on some other paintings today, and then its time to buckle down and prepare for the open house we're having this weekend. Oh, I hope it goes well. Then I can stop boring you with all this house stuff, haha.

I'm debating with myself if I should take my art with me when we clear out so the realtor can host the open house. I mean....you and I might like tattooed flappers but....would the general public be so receptive? I always wonder what viewers think of the studio...I try to keep it clean as possible, but I am running a business out of there. Hmmm......

Are you an artist who has had your studio space up for sale? How did you handle it? Did you let it all hang out, or did you try to keep it under lock and key? I know they say prospective buyers try to envision themselves in a space...that might be difficult in a space covered in paintings of old timey girls ;)

Ah well...the weekend is almost here! And each day brings us closer to spring....

~H

Bee Darling

Well, the bee girl is mostly finished...I need to decide how she will hang. But I wanted to give you a peek at "Bee Darling." I quite like her little bee friend. He's cute enough you might forget that they sting ;)

Doing a little cleaning up and then going to take my little miss skating. Watching all these Olympic programs, makes me miss my own skating a little. Wondering if perhaps I might take some lessons some time in the future. Because, you know....I need one more hobby ;)

Have a lovely day!~

h

Tasha Tuesdays Post # 23

I'm sure one of the things my dear husband likes best about my love for all things Tasha is the random hobbies and/or interests she inspires ;) Like my latest one....a longing for finches.

What? Yes....birds. The funny thing is, I have never been a bird person. We had a love bird when I was a kid, and he was one mean and conniving bird. He'd sit right by your hand and gnash his beak like he was planning to bite you when you got in his cage to give him food or water. Once, while hanging outside during the summer, he made a cat-call at a woman jogger and got my poor dad (who was innocently doing yard work at the time) a mean glare. George was sneaky one.

A pretty little spice finch

But I guess after watching "Take Joy" about 500 times at nap time and seeing Tasha with her funny parrot and feeding her sweet little finches...my heart softened. And then...I went to the pet store...and saw these little birdies flitting around, bright eyed and curious, snuggled up in their little nests...and my heart melted. I asked my husband, "so...what do you think about finches?" He sighed. The Tasha crazies had struck again....

Some Society Finches in their little nest....awwww....

Aren't they just the cutest? I mean, really....surely these little peepers don't have a mean feather in their body. And since finches can't be tamed, I've read that you basically just keep them in their home and let them do their thing. Also, the breeds that I'm most drawn to (the society and spice finches) seem to be pretty easy to care for, happy, social birds who can also breed in captivity. I'm sort of in love with the idea of tiny itsy bitsy finch eggs and babies.

But, alas, one of the many things put on hold while we get house things figured out. But I do dream of one day having a little spritely brood of tiny flitting birds to watch and get inspiration from. Til then, I'll just have to visit the pet shop and sigh, and read up on the little guys. I love to read up on things ;) that's a hobby in itself!

Just curious--- any of you out there bird lovers? Have you ever owned finches? Any advice on bird owning?

And for you Tasha lovers...has Tasha inspired you to take up any new hobbies/loves?

Til next time...

~H

Sketches, Bees, and Home Dreams

Last night I finally decided to crack open the old sketch book and start sketching. I didn't even really have a plan....I was just glad the girl was finally asleep and the house was quiet and calm. And out of this calm came.....bees?

I'm not sure where the bee theme came from. Perhaps out of a longing for spring? For all that bees bring--- imagery of blooming flowers, blue skied days, warmth... The girl came along first and as I started imagining what she would hold in her hands, the idea of a big fat fuzzy bee came to mind. Which is curious because....I would never ever try to handle a bee. I've read a bit about the resurgence of bee keeping in the homesteading movement, but the whole idea of keeping bees gives me the heeby-jeebies. Because at some point, you're gonna get stung...but that's a chance bee keepers know and accept. I am not so brave ;) However, the idea of bees and hives and pretty things kept coming....

I think I might try this sketch in a painting. I've got a couple of boards all collaged and ready for inspiration to hit. But that's been the hitch in the plan--- finding the inspiration.

I know it's just because my mind is racing with all the house stuff. Its been a crazy and emotional process. Mostly because I am a worrier and I like clear definition between 'point A' and 'point B.' Learning to trust that things will work out as they should without me forcing them to, has been a big learning process for me. I just hope and pray so hard that all happens as it should. And I appreciate all your support and suggestions!
We did finally have a showing at the house--- the realtor called and gave me 30 minutes to straighten up and get a girl and dog whisked away. That was an afternoon when I was very grateful I'd been cleaning like a maniac ;) Nothing came of that showing though, which was disappointing, but I was glad just to have the chance to have someone come look. It's hard to keep cleaning and straightening for people who never show up ;)

It all just has to work out because.....this is a little secret....we've already found the house we want. I like to call it "the Anthropologie Dream House." You know me, I have to name everything! Yes, its the one I've been in love with for a while....Sigh. It's hard to be in love ;)

Til then....let's paint bees and strange old timey girls and dream of a spring when all is settled and lovely....

~H

Gifts~

A couple of days ago I was having a pretty down day. Then I went out to the mailbox and everything changed! I opened it up to find letters, gifts, and many unexpected things from lovely friends all over the place. A letter from my artsy pen pal.....a pretty ornament from a talented artist...and a pair of Tasha Tudor-style handmade candles that smell like honey from a dear friend. Suddenly, a brooding day had exploded with color and love and I felt so lucky....

I love an unexpected treat. And several at once, well, what could be better? I decided then that I should give you all a bit of an unexpected treat. Especially since this blog just reached (and topped!) 300 readers in the last day or so. And so....to brighten your day, and celebrate our friendships, I'm offering a bit of a treat!

Starting now through Tomorrow (Friday) you can get 10% off your entire purchase at www.audreyeclectic.com! Sound good? It's good for anything--- prints, originals, anything in the shop....

so....

For 10% off

your Audrey Eclectic Purchase

type in the code:

Happy300

Go to www.audreyeclectic.com to get your coupon!!

*remember, this coupon code only works at the above shop. It doesn't work on etsy....they don't offer a discount function.

Thank you all so much! Have a lovely day! Hope you get an unexpected bit of happiness today.....

~H

PS: Don't forget to come visit me and Holly at Mama Says Vintage! I've been musing on hair ribbons, old family treasures, and all sorts of vintage-inspired love....

Tasha Tuesdays Post # 22

"Nowadays, people are so jeezled up. f they took some chamomile tea and spent more time rocking on the porch in the evening listening to the liquid song of the hermit thrush, they might enjoy life more....Joy is there for the taking."

--- Tasha Tudor, "The Private World of Tasha Tudor"

**************************************

I don't know about you, but I think this is a very important quote for me today. My goal for the day is to relax and let the day unfold. Try to remain optimistic. Take the joy that is out there for myself. I hope you do as well.

In search of home

Someone's home sweet home....

Happy Monday friends~

I wish I had some new art to show you. Sadly, the most action my studio is getting is frantic cleaning. I never knew you could clean a house so much as when you are trying to sell it. Cleaning has become my new occupation. Did I mention I am much better at painting?

I've also heard some very curious folk remedies for home selling. I've been told to place a well-used broom by the front door...to buy a St. Joseph medal and bury him upside down in the backyard....any other suggestions? ;)

To calm my pinesol-coated nerves and relax a little I've been indulging in the wonderfully twangy and prairie-fied music of Daisy May Erlewine. I absolutely love her. Go HERE to her website and listen to a few of her tunes. Also losing myself in the pages of the gorgeous book New Farmhouse Style, my Valentine present from my sweetie. Don't give me roses! Don't give me diamonds! Give me decorating books....

And if you think about it, say a little prayer for us and this little house on the prairie....I know everything will come together as it should. I'd just prefer sooner rather than later ;)

Now where's my sketch book?.....

~H

~Nevermore~

All the gray skies, bare trees and deep hibernation has put me in a bit of a spooky mood. I decided to work on a halloween inspired project, and out of that idea came this pretty forlorn little lady and her beloved raven. It's called "Nevermore" after the poem by Edgar Allan Poe.

I've been doing some new techniques in my last few paintings, don't know if you've noticed. I've tried to add a little bit more of a haunting look to my girls. They are very thoughtful, with big dark eyes. Don't worry, I haven't lost my love for rosey-cheeked ladies, but I suppose the weather and my mood has inspired a little bit of a darker look.....

It's not shown here, but this painting is done on another oak panel with a decorative edge. I plan on adding a handle. So....I suppose she's not officially done yet. I'm impatient, what can I say. She just insisted on being posted....

Here at the little house, things are quiet. We ventured out this morning to do errands, and at the post office we were greeted by the cheep cheep cheeping of dozens of little baby chicks in the back, on their way to some farm or feed store. It was just so adorable. And a little reminder of why I love small town life.

I also think I am in love with a house. Oh my.....

Longing for spring

Good morning my friends! Since there is so much cold and snowy weather out, I hope you are safe and warm!

Well, we DO have a winner for the give-away! I'm pleased to announce that Andrea of Andrea Creates is our giveaway winner! She chose the sweet print, so a copy of "Where Ever We Wander will soon be on it's way :)

I also tallied up who preferred 'spooky' and who preferred 'sweet' in their paintings. It was literally neck-in-neck! "Spooky" won by ONE vote! Lol, I guess I'll just have to keep doing both ;)

"Spring Bride"

The painting above is definitely sweet. I painted her a few years ago....5? 4? When I was a new bride myself. I've been thinking of her lately because I've been longing for spring. I've tried my best to take winter slowly, to enjoy the hibernation, but I'm losing steam.

The other day I saw some tiny sprigs of daffodil leaves poking slightly out of the front garden. I gave a sigh of relief. It's coming. Just not soon enough. I think I'm looking forward to spring most to bring me some clarity. I'm having one of those down time where I'm not sure where exactly it is I'm going. Inspiration seems to be hibernating, and the uncertainty of (literally) not knowing where I'll end up this year since we're hoping to move....overwhelms a bit. I am not one who embraces change easily. But when I decide on something, to change, I like to do it right now. Get the show on the road! And any of you who have ever tried to sell a home...you know how painstakingly slow the process is. Maybe i should stand outside by the 'for sale' sign with cookies to lure people in ;)

I just feel like I need to get out and go for a long thought-sorting walk, but it is just too frigid and brown out there at the moment. So I will do the next best thing....Little one and I will go out and skate it out. Hopefully that will be just what I need.

How are you doing at this edge of winter? Are you longing for spring? Feeling tired of the cold? Or are you making it through with flying colors?

Best to you~

H

Tasha Tuesdays Post # 21

Hello friends, and welcome to another Tasha Tuesday :) Just a few days away from Valentine's Day, I thought it would be fun to look through my little Tasha book "All For Love." I found this volume at one of my favorite treasure hunting places--- the antique mall! It's probably my only vintage book of Tasha's that didn't start its life out as a library book, and despite a torn cover, it's in pretty good condition.

Inside, Tasha has illustrated many love-themed poems, story excerpts, sonnets, and even songs. Here's one of my favorites:
I hope you have a lovely Valentine's Day, spent with someone you love. Be it your sweetie, your child, your dear friend, your pet....there is always someone to celebrate and show that you care.

Til then, Happy Tasha Tuesday!

~H

Giveaway: Lovey Prints

Don't worry! I haven't forgotten about the giveaway ;) so many things have been going on though....so many projects, home and otherwise.

I thought for this giveaway we'd celebrate LOVE! With St. Valentine's Day just mere days away....it's only fitting! So....I'm going to give you a choice--- between sweet and spooky! Because we all see love in different ways. The winner of this giveaway will win one of the two prints listed here, whichever one they prefer. Here are the choices:

"Where Ever We Wander..."

"Til Death Do We Part"

All my prints come neatly packaged in a plastic sleeve with cardboard backing. I also got the sweetest new business cards, I can't wait to share them with you!

Now....to enter the giveaway....just leave me a comment here on this post, tell me what sort of paintings you like best-- the sweet and flowery? Or the dark and spooky? Can't wait to hear what you all like best.....

This giveaway will last until February 10.

Happy Friday!

~H

Hearting Art and other things

Sitting here on this very gray morning with a warm cup of coffee feeling loved by you all :)

These have been crazy busy days as of late....what with us suddenly deciding we're going to put the little house up for sale (I think we're making it official today) and Little Miss suddenly deciding she's ready to start potty training. But there's also been lots of nice things from dear readers out there!

First off--- Melissa at "A Magical Meliss" has been so kind as to list me among the artists in her "Heart your Art" campaign. She's interviewing several artists about that interesting journey to becoming an artist and having faith in what you create. You can read my interview HERE.

And THEN....I got some lovely goodies in the mail! I was so lucky as to be the winner of a pretty great giveaway at Faerie Moon Creations--- I won this dreamy cream cowl, the most gorgeous and dainty little tea cup and some homemade hot chocolate! I mean--- how perfect--- you know how I heart knitting, pretty cups and ofcourse...chocolate!! So thank you Theresa, I love it all!!!

All this love has inspired me to do my own giveaway! I'm thinking I'll do the official announcement Friday....and come up with something sweetl for you :) so bring your favorite hot drink and come by for a visit....you might win something special!

Tasha Tuesdays Post # 20

Yes, there is still snow on the ground....yes we still need hats and mittens....but I thought a little spring time visualization was in order ;)

Here are some photos of Tasha's spring garden. Doesn't it just give you hope? I've been thinking about all those bulbs I planted last November....ruffle-petaled tulips, pink-tinged daffodils....sweet little hiacynths with their gorgeous fragrance....they're all there, under the snow and mulch.

If you're anything like me, this last bit of winter hibernation has you longing for spring and flowers. There's a gorgeous book that I always turn to to feed this need, one with a forward by Tasha and a photoshoot and indepth look at Tasha's garden. It's called "English Cottage Gardening: For American Gardeners."

It is such a feast for the eyes, and inspiring too. Each year I try for that pretty English look out here on the prairie...each year I get a little closer ;)

Have a happy Tasha Tuesday....and don't forget! Holly and I are writing away and having such fun at Mama Says Vintage. Come by for a visit :)

~Heather

Snow and the Sea Captain's Wife

Last night I put the finishing touches on The Sea Captain's Wife. Nothing like trying to seal a painting in drifts of snow ;) but she doesn't seem bothered by it. I think she turned out to be a very winsome and thoughtful lady...each day going down to the shore, searching the horizon for her beloved's ship. I can't imagine the wait and worry and faith needed for a woman such as a sea captain's wife...
For a while now I have been enamored with the idea of the sea...and ships...and ports...and the life that goes on around the sea that is just something imagined to me. There are few of us as landlocked as those of us out here on the prairie ;) The closest we get are the rolling waves of grasses or our lakes, so tiny in comparison.

If you'd like to look over this pretty lady or see more pictures of her, she is now listed HERE in my shop.

I suppose we are lost in a sea at them moment....a sea of snow. The storm, thankfully, wasn't as terrible as we were preparing for. We never lost power and driving wasn't too bad. The blizzard on Christmas Eve was much worse. But still....this snow causes isolation and caution. And of course at a time like this we've gotten it into our head to try to sell the Little House....

The whole idea of selling our house and buying a new one is cause for lots of mulling and tossing and turning. It's all so complicated, and I don't want to make the wrong decision. We are fast running out of room here though....it is becoming the too little house ;)

So we shall see where this new adventure takes us....until then, enjoy the new painting~

~H