Saturday, May 21, 2011

Not Enough Hours.....

.....in  the  day  for  everything  that  that's  been  going  on  with  me  right  now.   This  is  the  longest I've  gone  without  blogging.   I  haven't  had  that  much  time  to  visit  my  favorite  blogs  either.    Aside  from  getting  ready  for  my  show  in  2  weeks  (Yikes!),   we've  been  doing  some  much-needed,  long-awaited  remodeling  to  our  house.   One  of  them  is  our  entire  bathroom---we've  been  putting  if  off  for  so  long (years),  but  we  finally  decided  that  it  was  time.   We're  in  the  process now.   It's  half  done,  and  it's looking  pretty  good---I  just  don't  enjoy  doing  stuff  like  this....but  I  love  the  results..

And  also  I've  been  dealing  with  a  sick  turtle  for  the  last  5  weeks.   I've  never  talked  about  Leo,  have  I?   Well,  he  originally was  a  Christmas  present  for  my  son  a  few  years  ago,  but  you  know  how  that  goes--he's  now  my  little  guy,  and  he's  very  sick.  So  after  going  through  one  Vet  who  nearly  killed  him,  I'm  very  happy  with  the  one  I  have  now.   There  are  only  3  Vets   in  our  town  who  specialize  in  reptiles/turtles  and  our  town  isn't  that  small  either.   He's  trying  to  save  him,  but  it  may  be  too  late.   I  have  to  say  that  I  admire  little  Leo's  fighting  nature--he's  not  giving up  and  neither  am  I,  but  quite  honestly,  I'm  tired  of  taking  care  of  a  sick  turtle.   I  actually  learned  how  to  give him  antibiotic  injections---you  could  have  knocked  me  over  with  a  feather  if  you  told  me  2  years  ago  that  I  would  be  giving  shots  to  a  turtle!    So....needless to say...Leo  needs  good   thoughts  from  everyone.    You  may  be  smiling  about  all  of  this,  but   believe  me---you  become  completely  attached  to   these  little  guys  just  like  any  other  pet---he  definitely  has  his  own  personality,  and  he  knows who  his  Mom  is  too!    And  for  those  of  you  who  are  curious,  Leo's  a  Russian  tortoise.    Russian  tortoises  have  a  life  expectancy  of  50  to  75  years--basically,  they  outlive  their  owners.   He's  no  more  than  6  years  old--still  a  baby--he  still  has  a  lot  of  living  to  do,  but  as  I'm  writing  this  right  now,  I'm  pretty  sure  there's  not  much  hope--he's  just  too  weak  now.......but  I'll  keep  you  posted.

And  yes,   my  art---I  have  been  making  it--the  only  thing  I'm  really  enjoying  right  now.    I  decided  to  make some  art  pieces  of  one  of  my  favorite  simple  pleasures---coffee!





I  really  do  love  coffee,  but  just  in  the  morning--something   I  look  forward  to  every  morning.   And  I  always  like  to  drink  it  out  of  one  of  my  fun  mugs--I  have  quite  a  collection--



And.....I  also  love  to  treat  myself  every  once  in  a  while  to  an  extra-hot  Starbuck's  Latte--

 
So  I  was  planning  on  taking  photos  of  my  works  in  progress---completely  forgot.   But  I  still  want  to  share  with  you  some  of  the  new  products  that  I  used  (well, new to me)  that  I'm  very  excited  about.

From  7  Gypsies--

This  tissue  paper---I  used  it  for  the  background  for  a  couple  of  my  pieces.   It's  great,  because  since  it's  tissue  paper,  it  becomes  transparent  when  you  adhere  it  to  the  surface  with  matte  medium.   I  found  it  at  scrapbook.com  or  you  can  get  it  at  Christy  Tomlinson's  Scarlet  Lime  Shop.

Also  I've  had  these  for  a  little  while  but  haven't  used  them  yet  until  now--

Both  from  Faber  Castell--Albrecht  watercolor  pencils  which  I  used  on  these  cups--



I'm  not  very  experienced  with  watercolors,  but  these  were  very  easy  to  use.  I  love  how    transparent  you  can  make  them---I  wanted  the  text  to  come  through--a  lot  easier  to  control  when  it  comes  to  this  than  acrylics,  and  the  colors  blend  very  easily  and  well together. 

And  the  other  ones  are  the  gelattos.  They're  like  water  soluble  oil  pastels--very  fun  to  use.

I  also  used  some  old  magazine  pages  on  my  one  piece---not  even  looking  at  the  contents  of  the  page  that  I  put  onto  my  surface--but  my  muse  must  have  been  helping  me,  because  look  what  happened to  end  up  on  my  piece--


Gratify  that  wish--never  even  saw  it  until  I  was  finished!

And.......one  more  thing--all  of  these  pieces  are  on  5 x 12  wood  planks  which  I  found  where?

Where  else--but  at  a  garage  sale  a  couple  of  weeks  ago--forget  about  using  these  for  grilling--they're  great  for  painting  on!

SO.........that's  what's  been  going  on  in  my  life  right  now!

54 comments:

Suztats said...

I love the coffee art! Hope your Leo gets better.

Becca said...

Oh Diane! I am so sorry to hear about your little Leo. I really hope he hangs in there and gets better. I am such an pet/animal lover, and know how attached you can get.
Your artwork is stunning as usual! I love coffee too, and what a fun theme. Do you free hand the coffee mugs and stuff? I have been practicing my sketching a bit so hopefully I can create some fun pieces like this.
Keeping you and Leo in my thoughts...
Becca

Anonymous said...

Awww...little Leo. I do hope he gets better and very soon. He is lucky to have you for his Mum!

Loving the coffee mugs! They are gorgeous! You are SO clever!

Janet Ghio said...

I am loving your coffee art!! And poor little Leo--sounds like he's fighting the good fight with you to help.

kluless said...

Gosh Diane, it sounds like you've got your hands full! I hope little Leo recovers!

Kelly Berkey said...

oh diana, i'm so sorry about leo. i hope the little guy pulls through. it's such a crazy time for all. i'm glad you have your art to keep you sane. your coffee cups are mega adorable!

i'll send loving thoughts to leo!
xo

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I'm really sorry to read about your precious Leo. And yes, under "normal circumstances," he should out live you, but that seems rather bleak now, doesn't it?

I'm so, so glad to read that you are staying active by making your coffee pieces. I LOVE the latte one with all the texture. I can't seem to get into any art at all, so I'm happy you are doing well with yours. Good luck with your upcoming show, too.

Janine said...

Diane, these pieces are wonderful I love them!

(((((((((Leo))))))))

Kay said...

Me too..love the coffee paintings..and coffee..and oh my I love turtles! Poor Leo. Hope he gets better.

Cameron said...

Coffee is my absolute can't wait to get a hot mug in the morning favorite beverage!!! These are amazing artworks, Diane! Just amazing!!! I did an art piece inspired by my love of coffee, too....here:

http://paintmyselfpretty.blogspot.com/2010/03/altered-for-perfect-fit.html

...as for Little Leo....we (Maggie and I) will send all our healing thoughts to him! (Maggie cares very much about animals and wishes she was a vet right now so she could help him....gotta love how kids minds work!)

All the best,
Cam

GlorV1 said...

Aw, poor little Leo:( Hope he gets better soon. Love your cups. I'd love to drink coffee out of one of them. Kenya AA coffee beans, truly outstanding. Have a great Sunday and your work is always the best.

GlorV1 said...

Aw, poor little Leo:( Hope he gets better soon. Love your cups. I'd love to drink coffee out of one of them. Kenya AA coffee beans, truly outstanding. Have a great Sunday and your work is always the best.

Giggles said...

So sorry about your little Leo! I would be the exact same way! Also very surprised at some of the things I do for love!!

Coffee is also a big love of mine, in my array of funky artsy mugs too. I have quite a few! These painting you did are so awesome. Just love them, and the colors are spectacular! So beautiful, and thanks for sharing your process!!

Hugs for you and Leo!
Giggles

Jennifer Grace said...

Your coffee art looks fabulous - and I don't even like coffee! I like how you can see through the watercolour mugs.

Hope leo gets well soon.x

rachel awes said...

express yourself...
love that & all your mugs!!!
thank you for filling my cup,
love!! xox

Diane Writes said...

Hello Diane! I am not really an animal lover but I was amazed by the story of your pet. You really have a heart for animals. It takes patience to give him those meds regularly.

I am not a coffee drinker but I love your works! The paintings looks so homey, refreshing and of course so beautiful!

Good luck on your upcoming show and your bathroom makeover! :)

Theresa Plas said...

ACK! I wondered where you were Ms. D! Poor baby Leo, poor you dealing with a reno and the pressures of getting all ready for your next show. So generous of you to take the time to post and share your sweet art and tips. Good Vibes to You and Leo:)

Buffy said...

awwww thats so sad about your little turtle,I do hope he makes it!
Love your coffee art and the transparancy of the mugs. Those will probably do great at your shows!

Kathy said...

You painted on the cedar?! I love it!! What a selling feature. Use it in your grill OR paint on it! LOVE the coffee pieces. Good stuff. And lastly, dear little Leo. Please keep us updated. Poor little guy...

Cheers,
Kathy

Jonny J Petros said...

Hi Diane,, I agree there are never enough hours in the day--Sorry to hear about Leo that is sad-- I figured this time of the year the show's start and your probably extremely busy they take a lot to get ready for -and to try and squeez in house progects is diffa cult --Love your coffee paintings Gosh they would be nice in someones little cafe or as big posters in starbucks-- I love how you experiment with so many mediums one day I would like to try some stuff that is out there. Sincerely, Jonny

Šolanje na domu-Waldorf said...

Nice to hear from you again, Diane. :) Sorry to hear about your turtle. Everyone that has ever owned a pet knows how you feel about him. I'm keeping my fingures crossed for him.

And you've made such a beautiful collection of art. I love those stacked up cups and love the transperancy. :)

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Leo's struggles. I hope he does get better.

Lesley Edmonds said...

Ooo busy, busy, busy. Thank you for taking the time to visit me.
I am so sorry to hear about poor little Leo. Of course I shall be sending healing and positive thoughts to him and you Diane. I hope the little fella perks up and thrives under the ministrations of his new VET.
Your peices of 'coffee' art are just fabulous.
I always love your use of colour and detail. Such a joy to behold.
Hmmm I was wondering about that tissue from 7 Gypsies - I think I may have to splurge on some.
Take care
Lesley x

mama bleu said...

You coffee art is wonderful.

WrightStuff said...

Warmest get well wishes for little Leo. Hugs to you too xxx

wandamarie.blogspot.com said...

oh how you make me smile and laugh and then feel like i just left an art gallery full of wondrous ideas. ya light my fire, diane! i really do hope leo makes it. i know this story well. i am highly allergic to the cats my daughter left behind. one just continues to hang on and is so sweet, i have to plan my petting him, and then go shower, Ha! as for the surprise words, that happens to me so often, it just stirs up good stuff, eh?
ALL your pieces are fab!!! xo

Terri Kahrs said...

First. . . lost of healing, positive thoughts are being sent your way for sweet Leo. So sad when an animal isn't well. Don't you wish they could talk?!? He's lucky to have you for a Mom, Diane.

Second . . . Your coffee pieces are exceptional!!! And Last . . . good luck with the bathroom renovations. I've been through a complete kitchen remodel and two bath remodels, so I feel your pain. Just think . . . in a few weeks time, all of the pain and discomfort will be a distant memory!!! Good luck prepping for your shows. Hugs, Terri xoxo

Serena Lewis said...

Poor Leo! I will keep him in thoughts and send healing prayers his way. I sure hope he pulls through. It must be very worrying for you, Diane. :(

On a happier note, I do LOVE your coffee art!

Keep us posted on Leo....

Serena xo

Emelie said...

It is Sunday and I am thinking of you and Leo. how does it happen we end up loving these little animals that we didn't really want but there they are counting on us and us counting on them. I am always looking at the pets here with an eye of worry, things happen to them and after thee manyyears of having them, well you know.

I am also not find enough hours in thae day, and I get sort of tired trying to keep uo, I have thought of you getting ready for shows, wondering if it is the right art, and if youhave enough, and yes you do, and it is so right and so beautiful.

We also have a bathroom that needs a redo and I just can't face it, I will and I will know when I can.

i love your stories about how things turn out and about how you use the things you find at sales, also seeing what you have found.

Hope things are on the upswing for you today.

Priti Lisa said...

My son's name is Leo and he does a great turtle impersonation too. Maybe he(your Leo)needs to go out into the wild...our turtle has a great home in our neighbor's pond. They hybernate in the winter...but he always comes back.
Your artwork is a joy to behold! as always...totally you...totally priti :)
♥♥♥

Theresa MacNaughton said...

I am SO sorry to hear about Leo. I hope that he can recover. Poor baby. I am in LOVE with all your coffee art. I relish having my coffee each and every morning. Your pieces are so much fun. :) Thanks for sharing that cool tissue paper. I like using it, too. I've not seen that type before and I really like it. :)
Good luck with your home renovations - and I hope you will share good news about Leo! Theresa

Isabel said...

Love the new coffee cups:O) And sending hugs and prayers for leo!!!

Unknown said...

I'm sending my thoughts your way that your sweet little turtle pulls through. Sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now. I'm glad your still able to find time to create. I hope your show goes well.

Carrie Martinez said...

Lovely coffee series, and best of luck at your show... well wishes to the turtle, too :)

sharon said...

Wow Diane! Your new pieces are incredible....I love how you alawys show what you use to create, and you use them so beautifully!
So sorry to hear about your turtle....sending prayers.

Cathy Bueti said...

Diane, sorry to hear about little Leo :( I hope he hangs in there.

On a brighter note though I love your coffee art! Just stunning! You use such amazing colors! Your style shines through in each piece you do!

Thanks for your lovely comment on my botanical photos yesterday! xo

joanna said...

I love coffee and I love all these coffee paintings of yours Diane!! fantastic! xoxo

Melisa said...

I love coffee and tea art. Cups are always interesting to me. These are wonderful! I hope your poor little turtle gets better.

Anonymous said...

I love your work displayed here and have copied one of your pictures for my blog post. Hopefully some of my readers will stop by and see your gorgeous pieces. Also, you've inspired me to try my hand with the medium. Thanks so much.

Tara @ Aquamarine Art said...

Love your coffee paintings Diane. Sending Leo healing wishes from over here. And thank you for the recommendations too, especially those papers, they look fab. :)

Sunny K. Lee said...

How lovely~
I love ~ love coffee paintings~!!!!!!!!!!!

Lorraine said...

love all your coffee cups..you are such a talented artist..Hope Leo is ok soon

Kristin said...

You always offer your readers so much goodness! I LOVE this pieces - and I too am a BIG coffee drinker - not just for the morning though (shy smile :) - Thank you for sharing and big wishes and love to the little turtle that could. I will be thinking of you both, xoxo

Anne said...

Hugs for Leo, I hope he is feeling better and on the mend. Adore your coffee art.
Hugs,

Deb Harvey said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Leo. Poor little guy. I hope he feels better soon. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.
I'm like you...love coffee in the morning and fun mugs! Your paintings are so fantastic...really love them!

I hate to cook! said...

Love the coffee cup pieces...very cute...you have such a unique eye!

Lisa said...

Sorry to hear about Leo - I completely understand about how these little creatures become such a part of our lives. I hope he is feeling better soon.
xo

Tammie Lee said...

hello,
I am so sad to hear about Leo, I send him light, healing light!

your drinks cups art is completely charming!! perfect for kitchens and cafes, dinning rooms and more.
thanks for sharing your art supplies with us, i love hearing about them.

wishing you the best with your remodeling and shows!

Heather Foust said...

Ahhh poor Leo!!!! Your a good egg Diane for taking care of him.
He is very lucky to have you!

Thank you for sharing your ideas!!! I love your coffee paintings. I learn something new everytime I visit your blog!!!

E Makes Art said...

Poor Leo! I hope he's OK!! And your coffee pieces..drool...are amazing!! The one with the froth is making my mouth water!!! I LOVE coffee!!

And thanks for your comment. That's exactly how I feel about starting a blog..."it's the best thing I could've ever done for myself and my art journey"... exactly!!! And the best of luck winning the book!!

xoE

Pam McKnight said...

Sorry to hear about Leo. Love your coffee art, I've gotta get some of that tissue paper!

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Diane,
Oh sorry to hear about Leo. Sending healing hugs his way.
How wonderful you've learnt to give him antibiotic injections.

Oh yes, me too, I looovve my coffee and these pages are fabulous!
Wonderful background tissue paper~I'm off to check it out.
Thanks for your visit,
Take care and time to smell the roses honey,
Hugs,
Anna

Terri Smith said...

Ah..I'm So Sorry To Learn About Lit'l Leo. I Promise To Send Up A Prayer For Him. Promise.

You've Been Very Busy! Your Work With The New Watercolor Pencils Is Wonderful! And Thanks For The Great Share With The Graphic Tissue Paper. I'd Love To Try That Sometime.

I Definitely Heard Ya About The Remodeling..A Real Mess Going In..But Always Most Pleasing In The End! Hey..Good Luck On The Upcoming Show! Your Work Is Sure To FLY! It's Lovely Diane..P.S. I'm Gonna Continue To Pray For Leo Until You Update Us Next, Okay. Hugs, Terri

Juls said...

these are just such amazing works of art!! Loving the whole coffee theme!! Hugs Juls

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