shelley scarbrough art

Merry Christmas Cards

2011-12-01T19:48:00.001-06:00

Now it's officially December, I feel like I can share my Christmas card.

MERRY CHRISTMAS from my house to yours!

Adventure to the Dept of Archives - Homeowner Photos

2011-11-29T13:01:00.001-06:00

First of all, thanks to Julie Young for this wonderful idea. If you know someone who is a new homeowner with an older house, you might want to take note.

Hunter had a birthday a couple weeks ago (I was happy for the excuse). He just bought a house this past August in an older area of Bham. Julie had given some friends of hers (new homeowners) the best gift - old pictures of their houses from the archives of the library! She and I snuck away one lunch to do some research....

We climbed down to the basement of the Birnimgham public library (adjacement to the courthouse and Lynn park for those of you who are familiar with Bham). The archives department means business. You have to check your bags in a locker in order to be allowed to access the files.

Julie had already called with the addresses so she had the needed parcel numbers. We were in luck! Both files had pictures. Most do. In the files you can also find the original homeowners, how much they paid for the house, and what year the picture was taken.

You will notice there are two pictures. The picture on the left is where Hunter grew up. With a little digging Julie and I were able to find the address. Actually, sweet Julie went back one lunch to get his childhood house picture because I was stuck at work. She was able to find his parents' address through old phone books. He and I drove by his childhood house probably about a week before but there was NO WAY I could remember the address.

The picture on the left was taken in 1938 (I believe - this is from memory) and the one on the right was taken in 1955. I don't know if you can tell, but the one on the right has a for sale sign in the front. It is pretty neat!

His childhood home had an actual photograph in the file we had copied and then scanned. It had writing (lot # and etc) all over the picture but my friend Kyndall Waters (using her mad photoshop skills) was able to remove the writing! The picture on the right (his new house) had a negative so we had to place an order and come back to pick up the DVD with the picture. It was ready in time for his birthday with a little stalking on my part.

Now some advice on printing. The pictures are odd sizes and don't fit the normal 4x6 or 5x7 frames of today without cropping a large part of the picture. I wanted to get the whole picture so I had mattes cut to fit the pictures at Hobby Lobby. After trips to Walgreens and Ritz, I ended up just printing on photo paper with my inkjet at my house to get the correct sizes. It was worth it. Hunter asked me what I was doing or thinking one day. I didn't want to say, "Oh nothing. Just examining the color of your moulding." I was trying to match the matte colors to his moulding. Did you know there are about 6 colors of off white?!

I know you can't see the pictures great but I do think they turned out well....

UPDATE: Here is the picture of Claire's house! She and Hunter bought their houses about the same time. Claire's house is from the 30's. Isn't it great?

Fall Photography

2011-11-14T22:26:00.001-06:00

I really do think this is the longest painting hiatus I've had since I picked back up after college. But that is ok, because I have been enjoying my new toy. It is much easier to transport than painting supplies. I will leave you with a couple of my favorite fall pics.....

With Hunt hiking Ruffner to see the Bham sunset (click to enlarge and see the buildings in the distance)!

This is from my own backyard (practically)...International Park.

I am going to try to keep my favorite pictures here: http://500px.com/smscarbr so check for updates! Included already are some modeling shots from Claire's crew (animals).

Happy Girl

2011-10-21T16:26:00.000-05:00

Why am I this happy? (pictures compliments of bess...she wouldn't let me post the very first pic....it was taken of her!)

Because of this. I got it in preparation for Australia...

The back screen and the features are definitely an upgrade. I am THRILLED!!!

Fall has arrived!

2011-10-10T22:34:00.000-05:00

Since I haven't picked up a paintbrush lately and may not for awhile....here is some fall decor to get you in spirit!

This is my first craft project (many to come) from Pinterest! Thanks, Hunt!

It makes me happy when I come home from work. What's even better...I don't have to water it.

Bess and I utilized our Whole Foods Groupons during a lunch trip...it took us about 15 minutes to pick out the perfect mum!

I am a sucker for pumpkins. Thank you Western in Vestavia...they had SO MANY cool ones!

Happy 6th fall from the house!

The Godwin Girls' Door Sign

2011-10-06T09:00:00.002-05:00

The secret is out! Allison had her twin girls. I had a little something waiting on them....

It seems like yesterday Riley was born!

I apologize for the poor photography. It was night and I was lacking light (and the pictures were still wet/shiny)! I was working with a quick deadline. I received notice Allison was in the hospital about a month ago and panicked because these were not yet completed. Needless to say, those girls weren't quite ready to come into the world yet, but I wouldn't know that. The signs were in the mail the next day.

Congrats to Michael and Allison...I can't wait to meet Currey Elizabeth and Mary Pace!

Isn't it ironic...

2011-09-06T09:12:00.002-05:00

don't ya think?

Thanks to Sarah and Cecil for pointing out the irony in this picture. Leaky roof...umbrella. I just moved this painting upstairs a few weeks ago, too.

Darn you tropical storm, Lee!

-Shell

Secret Project

2011-09-05T16:43:00.000-05:00

I actually did an art project today. Finished it and it will be in the mail tomorrow. Pictures to come later. Recipient, you know who you are. :)

Pinterest and Etsy

2011-07-19T12:27:00.002-05:00

Those of you who know me well know my new obsession, Pinterest. Think of it as electronically categorizing your magazine tear-outs. It is hard to explain but in a matter of days I have become a fan. It is a great place to organize ideas (that might have been formerly bookmarks and etc). I am going to use it to keep track of my ideas....I have a board dedicated for my art inspirations and ideas. Here is a glimpse:

If I only had more time these days I would fill it up!

Also my friend Julie is having fun these days with art, too. She has some sketches and is having with with Etsy after a mutual friend bought some similar prints online herself. So fun! Vintage Violet Couture

Sailfish painting

2011-07-10T10:45:00.006-05:00

Remember this painting? It found a home. I am rather obsessed with navy and white so when I spotted this set and pillow at the Pottery Barn outlet (for a steal)...I went for it. Catherine can tell you, it wasn't without debate. But I must say, it was worth it! I am tempted to put it in my room downstairs for a change...

Always fun to see paintings in their new home...

I hope to get back to the art room soon. It's been awhile. Two words. Summer school. Good news is that in two weeks I will be done with summer school and on the home stretch!

Blog Update

2011-06-13T22:55:00.001-05:00

I have new tabs at the top labeled "about me" and "portfolio." They are linked to actual pages. Blogger has come a long way over the years.

I'll try my best from now on to keep my paintings categorized and organized into the portfolio page/slides because they are all over the place now! I have been on a cleaning/organizing spree like no other these past few months...it continues now on the blog!

City Grocery Update 3

2011-06-12T16:37:00.000-05:00

Do you remember City Grocery Update 2? Probably not because it was over a YEAR AGO. I kid you not. What DID I do with this past year?

March 2010

May 2010

June 2011

I am vowing not to stop or rather START anything until I am finished! I worked on it a little today. It doesn't look like I did much but I did. The white columns may be the last thing I tackle since I plan to do it with the opaque white and hope to cover any imperfections! It will come together in the end much like Dad's Square Books picture.

Hobby Lobby Birthday

2011-06-03T20:29:00.000-05:00

I am SO very excited to paint this weekend and FINALLY finish one of my paintings (so I hope). My upstairs has been 88 degrees...a HOT 88 degrees. Currently it is 72. We are in business thanks to a new AC coil!

My high school friend, Hayley, was in a wedding with me a couple weeks ago for another high school friend. How well does she know me? Well enough to gift me a Hobby Lobby gift card (very well)!

It had been entirely too long since I had been to Hobby Lobby. I know this because they have rearranged and now carry a wide selection of LARGE canvases. I need a larger house to store all my large paintings. I love painting large canvases. I left the store with a much needed disposable pallet and am going to get to replenish some of my paint which I desperately need.

THANK YOU HAY (YOU TOO JOHH)!

Chair Recovering - Memorial Day Project

2011-05-29T22:17:00.006-05:00

Before/after pictures are the best. Luckily I located the "before" picture this morning.

I have this shot of an old chair cushion. They came with the chairs I bought back in 2005 for very little! They were a Columbus find.

I didn't want to spend a lot of money recovering the cushions but my tush was getting store when studying (the padding had worn down along with the fabric itself). The studying starts back up next week so I really wanted to get these done this weekend. I am very impressed how they turned out. Did you know to cut foam you can use an electric carving knife? I bought one just for the occasion. Best $14 ever spent!

This is the war zone. Note the electric carver.

Old cushion vs new cushion...

Lining up the fabric

AND the finished products...

The fabric was from HOBBY LOBBY!

I may or may not have caused myself 3 injuries (with blood) throughout this project. Not too surprising...this is why I should stick to painting.

Updates - Triumph Art Show and Etc

2011-04-30T21:46:00.009-05:00

Thank you to my amazing friend (/little) and art show supporter, Ashley Vines. She made me take this picture at the art show when we stopped by. Otherwise I would have been shy and would have regretted not taking the picture. I actually met the girl today at the Magic City Art Show who purchased the painting. I am more than flattered and am waiting to see how the other paintings fare.

It's been a somber week around Alabama. I am extremely blessed and so are most of my friends and coworkers. An event like this makes you grateful for all you have when you see pictures of those who have lost everything....just miles away. I have heard many sad, depressing stories. In fact, I have had to pry myself away from radio and tv. Today I visited the Boy Scout troop drop off in Vestavia loaded with water, diapers, and batteries. They were working tirelessly and the amount they have collected is simply amazing. That is just one small Boy Scout troop. Examples like that are all across town. The help and support from the community and across the country is heartwarming.

I had my fence built 2 days before the storms hit. We knew storms were on the way and I wanted to get it built before the rain while I had a "not-so-busy-week." I am lucky it is still standing and tried to ensure it's going to last for a long time by painting it today with polyurethane. Not exactly the painting I like to do but I hope it pays off...

Off to paint. I did some paint room organizing when I was without power. It was needed!

First Art Show...

2011-04-17T21:38:00.001-05:00

I delivered these paintings to Triumph Services today. The show is a week from this Thursday. (By that time I will be on summer vacation...yea!)

Fish Out of Water 2 (30x40)

Girl towers (10x20?)

Couple Dancers (16x20)

Dance Floor (16x20)

Calm after the storm...

2011-04-16T19:02:00.018-05:00

It is amazing how BEAUTIFUL a day can be after a storm. My azaleas LOVED the rain. I was going to give them another day before I photographed but I couldn't wait.

I also wanted to show my growing list of precious invites (baby announcements and showers). My friends are multiplying! Two years ago these would have been wedding showers! I will never get sick of invites. To me, invitations are art...an art that is unfortunately becoming extinct (or rather morphing into an online medium). It was my dream in college to open an invitation/stationary store. I still haven't completely let it go...

(P.S. I think vuvox is having a problem. My slideshow has been mia (along with their website). No complaints...after all...it is free. :))

Fish Out of Water 2 - Take 3

2011-04-15T23:23:00.000-05:00

I wish I had better lighting but, yet again, it is late at night. I spent the last several hours on cost accounting and made myself finish a chapter before I had a break. The break, much like college, was painting! Here is the painting...round 3. I may touch up a few things in passing but I am rather pleased with it!

(Reminder: This is for the Triumph Art Show!)

On another note, my social media class has me exploring different website and blog options. This is why you might see my site changing daily. I plan to spend some time with the blog in May. Of course I have said that before I already have a jam-packed May. Stay tuned.

For now I must work on using Goop (as featured in other blog posts and used even more than that) to get the paint out of my new City Grocery T-Shirt. It is officially initiated. :)

Fish Out of Water Take 2

2011-04-04T22:04:00.001-05:00

Still a-working...I should have waited until it was dry. It started to get muddy so I had to stop...for now.

Fish Out of Water 2 - Prepping for the art show

2011-04-03T17:56:00.000-05:00

I have been hard at work. I am donating some of my old pieces to the art show but I wanted to complete at least one newer one. Look familiar? Instead of a marlin I am going with a sailfish. Stay tuned!

Triumph Services Art Show

2011-03-31T22:09:00.004-05:00

My dear friend Rebecca Hughes works at a nonprofit, Triumph Services. They have an annual art show to help create awareness for their nonprofit - a nonprofit that reaches out to those with developmental disabilities. I have been asked to create/display/sell artwork for the event. I am more than flattered. I will be painting from now till April 28th, 5:30-8:00. If any of you want to come with me, let me know!

City Grocery Returns

2011-03-28T22:28:00.002-05:00

Tonight I decided to take a stab at an old painting in my art room. This is after I tried to gesso (recover) two canvases I had started for something else to find out they cracked and look terrible. I swear I have covered them before and they turned out just fine. BUT now I won't start on anything until I finish this guy. I've made a promise to myself! Forgive the phone post but it is late and I am POOPED!

Shelley (sent via phone)

Spring 2011

2011-03-27T08:56:00.023-05:00

This time every year I get spring fever.

This is a dogwood staked very obviously so I don't have to threaten the yardmen if they destroy it! :) Thanks to Bess' dad for delivering it to me while we were in DC. He has babied it for well over a year for me.

I have been wanting one for years. In fact, I had one planted 4 years ago when Caroline and Nancy lived with me. Then the tree men came next door and took my dogwood with them. Call this round 2. There is one a few houses down so I have reason to believe it is doable!

I planted a camellia out my window. I told myself I didn't need another plant but I had an empty spot and I love them. As much as I love receiving flowers...I love cutting them from my yard just as much. Did you know Camelias are the Alabama state flower? I didn't.

Remember what I was doing this time last year? See my post, "backyard makeover." It looks great this year. (Shoutout to Dad, Lance and Matt.) The sod even survived a dog, Julie (which I would have taken for dead grass any day). Hopefully a new doggie will be arriving this year....stay tuned? (whoop whoop)

And this addition is thanks to Lance and Julie (and Costco). We found it on the shopping trip to fill their new frig. It's a mandevilla vine. Last year mine died early on in the season. Let's hope this one lasts through the summer!

I also have a tomato plant from Costco in my backyard. Last year Julie had one that produced an AMAZING amount of fruit. It well paid for itself. I am going to try my luck.

Happy Spring!

Update: Planted my tomato plant and thought a video would be fun on this beautiful day. (ahhem procrastination)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ouR_s2HSmY

(I couldn't get it to load so click the link above.)

Easter Coloring Contests

2011-03-22T09:54:00.005-05:00

Do you know what seems to be missing these days? Easter coloring contests at the local drugstore. I passed one of these bunnies in the grocery this weekend and remebered these coloring contests.

They would provide you an Easter picture to color. Once completed you would bring it in and they would hang them around the store. Harco was our local drugstore. Jill, Carol, and I loved these contests. I think it is safe to say we dominated the Harco coloring contests every year. I remember one year getting creative and making mine 3 dimensional with a cotton tail. Mom, you probably remember this better than I do.

Why did the chocolate bunny remind me of these contests? I remember winning and receiving one as a prize. I also remember the disappointment when I bit in and learned it was hollow. Even so, it was chocolate so I got over it pretty fast. Bring back the coloring contests!!

Photography Post - DC

2011-03-19T09:05:00.000-05:00

Sometimes it's just nice to get away...even if it's for work...and even if you miss the Cherry Blossom Festival by a week. I definitely carried my camera in my carry-on...along with a week's worth of suits. It was worth it for the afternoon we had free. Spring is just beginning at the nation's Capitol!

Update: Baby Henry's Room

2011-03-13T21:57:00.004-05:00

Update: To see the painting in Henry's room, visit his parent's blog by clicking here.

Baby Henry's Shoes - Completed

2011-03-12T10:51:00.003-06:00

Introducing Baby Henry’s Shoes! It took me awhile to complete due to life’s events BUT, it will be dry in time for Baby H’s arrival. I will have to take a picture of it in the nursery. The nursery is absolutely perfect and now it will be completed. Yeaa!

I am thankful this morning for the bright sunshine that allowed me to finish this painting. (My power has been off and on since last night. It’s been more off than on…on the weekend I have dedicated to catching up with schoolwork!)

New Toy

2011-03-01T22:00:00.006-06:00

One thing remains the same...I love electronics and gadgets. It took me a solid month to get this pico (mini) projector due to a mix up in shipping (my brain has not been fully functional).

No doubt, this will be a great investment! A few weeks ago I didn't know these existed or that they were so affordable. (I guess the secret is out...I have been known to use a projector on a tough painting.)

Update: They sent me a dud. It won't hold a charge when I turn it on. Little did I know when I took these pictures. BUT that is indicative of the month I am having so it toootally doesn't surprise me. Now to wait another week for a new one...

Booties #2

2011-02-07T21:13:00.002-06:00

I might be able to do this after all...

New painting, new theme

2011-02-06T09:20:00.002-06:00

Despite the craziness of my life lately, I have found time to paint. Nancy reminded me last night I have been a "bad blogger" so this is my attempt to get back in good graces.

This painting will be for baby Henry Smith's room for above his crib. In case you cannot tell, they are kid's booties. I have a ways to go.

Fish Out of Water - Completed

2010-11-25T21:34:00.001-06:00

And here it is. My first try at painting sealife. I think I chose a good subject and I am pleased with the results!

Fish Out of Water - Take 2

2010-11-21T22:53:00.000-06:00

This is my first creature to paint. So far so good, I think.

Pic from my new Droid (G2 which I love)...

Fish Out of Water - Take 1

2010-11-07T00:53:00.000-05:00

I started my new project tonight. This one will be 24x48. I've already named it "Fish Out of Water." It will be for the Smith's beach condo. They were our gracious hosts on numerous beach trips this past summer!

Paint overload

2010-07-15T19:11:00.004-05:00

I paid a visit to Forstall's art this week to use a 40% off coupon. I came back with all this. The paint is high quality, 70% off, and they were so sweet to throw in the already squeezed tube. Ill take it!

It is hard to get a good perspective in this photo. My new brush is on the left. The brush on the right was previously the largest brush I owned. This extra large brush will make painting large canvases MUCH easier....

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Magnolia

2010-05-11T14:10:00.001-05:00

Ok, folks. It looks like it'll be awhile before I can work on the painting due to scholastic activities. But I will leave you with this for now. I took this the other day and it made me think...a magnolia painting would be fun to attempt! I already gessoed a canvas in preparation!

City Grocery Update 2

2010-05-09T22:51:00.002-05:00

It's been awhile. Here is a reminder with a few updates from this past weekend. I forget how long building paintings take me. Right now the painting is in its ugly stage. It always frustrates me but causes me to work harder.

I had a little help this weekend from this girl. (Meet Savannah who belongs to the Smiths. Savannah's Mom is Julie from my cooking blog! She might look a little tired because she had just gone on a 2 mile jog with me. Never mind the fact her legs are 1/4th as long as mine. I've always wanted a dog to run with!)

Damar Varnish

2010-05-02T22:25:00.001-05:00

During art shows I notice some paintings have more of a sheen than others. Mine always carry a good bit of sheen because I love linseed oil. That is part of the reason I started and stuck to oil paintings. I want to be sure to protect my paintings as well (some of which in my house are over 8 years old). I researched and decided to test out damar varnish on one of my older paintings I do not care for, the child in the pumpkin patch. It passed the test. I've applied several thin layers. (Can I just say this stuff smells? I know it has turpentine in it but I think it actually smells stronger, if that is possible. My whole house smells even with my paintings upstairs WITH the door shut.)

The camera doesn't pick up the sheen well without it being a big flash of light. Instead I will focus on a picture of the damar I used and save my City Grocery painting update for another day. (Yes, I am back at it!)

Dean's Nursery Painting - Completed!

2010-04-28T22:10:00.006-05:00

Dean's painting is done just in time for him and his family to visit this weekend. I am so excited to meet him. Next up... I am experimenting with a new Hobby Lobby discovery!

Double Decker Arts Festival (Oxford, MS)

2010-04-27T20:33:00.003-05:00

My past weekend was spent here:

The Double Decker Festival (Oxford, MS) had a 24 hour delay due to the severe weather that passed through. We were spared but unfortuantely Yazoo City was not. It is amazing how beautiful the sky can appear after a storm. Driving home was the perfect example. I think this would make a perfect painting. (So perfect that I turned around and stopped the car for a picture.)

And before I forget...I left the show with this...thanks to my parents for the unexpected early bday gift! It's a magnolia ( Mississippi appropriate).

Stay tuned for some artwork updates. I am motivated!

Sod - Backyard Makeover

2010-04-18T17:55:00.007-05:00

This is not technically art related. (I guess you can put a landscape art twist on it if you wanted.) Last weekend my sweet parents came and helped me with my backyard. (We ended up getting some additional help. Big thanks to Lance and Matt for being on-call). I tried to prepare Dad for the worst. Hopefully I built it up so it didn't end up TOO bad. The first 3 pics are examples of what we had to work with (including a tribute to the streets to my house)!

And of course I can't resist a good before and after...

Isn't it wonderful?!

Dean's Painting - Update

2010-04-18T17:27:00.000-05:00

It's almost done...waiting on it to dry so I can add wording!

Dean made an early appearance and surprised us all! I am sure he won't notice it will get there a little late...isnt he a cutie?

Dean's painting

2010-04-08T21:29:00.002-05:00

My bff, Ginny, is having a baby. (It is still sinking in.) Little Dean needs some art on the walls, and since he will be here in a MONTH, he takes priority! It needs time to dry, be packaged up, and sent to Florida! I'll let you guess the nursery theme. :)
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Miss me? (my recent travels)

2010-04-01T21:38:00.010-05:00

Last week I made it to Texas, Florida, and Illinois. It made for a great mini Spring Break, although I was working half of it. 6 years later I still get spring fever and the itch to travel. I left my pocket camera at my first stop in Dallas. I am actually glad I did because it forced me bring my DSLR to Florida/Chicago.

Having my DSLR with me was the most fun!  When my days of client visits were over in Florida I would "b-line" to take pictures before the sun set. I had the perfect weather and I am so very thankful.

After Florida I headed to see a friend in Chicago and perfected the role of tourist.  The trip was a blast. I wish I was going back this weekend. I keep trying to find the best way to share my pictures. I think they are fun (I may be biased). I paint primarily from pictures so we will see what comes out of these.  I am going to try to share via flickr this time.

Pompano Beach, Hillsboro Inlet, Lighthouse Point:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/smscarbr/sets/72157623567535501/

Ft. Lauderdale:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/smscarbr/sets/72157623557401229/

Chicago:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/smscarbr/sets/72157623626515841/

*In case you were wondering...my pocket camera was found and given to Ryan, which made its way home by way of Ohio. I was disappointed in myself but not surprised, if you know me and cameras.

City grocery update!

2010-03-15T21:00:00.001-05:00

blackberry style

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Couple Dancers and City Grocery

2010-03-14T22:45:00.003-05:00

I still have detail work to do on the couple. I am debating painting windows in the background looking through to dark branches. Thoughts? I almost like it simple. Why am I painting this? Because I found a picture I like.

I sketched this from the picture to the left a couple weeks ago. I started with the underpainting tonight. I am trying to follow the rulebooks and paint the underpainting first. (Ok, the dark blue is too dark for a typical underpainting but it'll be fine.) Remember, don't judge by the underpainting. They are always ugly and the colors are never final! This one should be challenging to say the least. Straight lines are my enemy!

yesterday afternoon

2010-03-07T08:24:00.003-06:00

I present my first video in Lightroom 3 (in beta). I have no idea what I am doing...

P.S. I had a fun song playing by the Monkees but YouTube removed it due to Copyright infringement. Boo

I did it...

2010-02-22T23:15:00.002-06:00

I can't say that I completely know what I am doing. I also can't say the design will look completely the same tomorrow...but you have to start somewhere, right?

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Painting on the brain...

2010-02-22T12:55:00.014-06:00

I painted this weekend (had a GREAT weekend filled with adventures, parties and friends)! Once I have painting on the brain, ideas pop up at random times. Normally they happen in the shower or lying in bed. Today, however, they popped up as I was sitting at my desk. I write everything down and have a bit of an obsession with sticky notes. (They are one of the best inventions!) I wonder how many sticky notes I will accumulate this week between work and art (I have several on my office door)! Those are my random thoughts for the day. I will update you more of what I did this weekend at a later date!

Poll Results

2010-02-10T19:07:00.001-06:00

These results shouldn't come as a surprise (since I've had the poll on my page since December 14, 2009). Thanks to you guys who voted...all 19 of you. It looks like buildings were #1 and that is just what I plan to do (once I can get some pictures of my next project). I am waiting on a very busy (ahhem) sissy to take some pictures in Oxford. I will keep you posted!

42% buildings

21% people

21% sports

16% abstract

Sewing detour - apron

2010-01-30T00:50:00.002-06:00

So tonight I didn't paint but I spent a lot of q.t. in my art room...sewing. I had on every light, the tv, the sewing machine, and you will see I carried in my iron/ironing board. I was seriously close to blowing a fuse. The lights would flicker when the iron would switch to sleep mode. (Mom can tell you I've always been an electricity hog. Even paying the electric bill on my own now makes little difference. :))

This week I decided to take on an apron sewing project after visiting a couple stores. I examined the aprons in the stores and thought "I could do that." So off to Joanns I went. The ladies in there talked me through a 50,000,000,000 foot overview but I REALLY relied on the girls in the office. Julie is a sewer and Emily has sewn some as well. Katharyn learned with me (she has sewn more than I have as well). I would work a little each night and, the next morning, bring in my list of questions. A BIG "thank you" to them...Julie especially. I seriously couldn't have done it without y'all. I never would have guessed we would use the term 'interfacing' outside the technology world we live in.

So this is what I decided on Tuesday night (I would have to go back and get interfacing once I learned that is not a technique but a product to make the waist band stiffer):

The next two pictures are my 'scrap bins.' The girls were saying how it is a great idea to have a material scrap bin. Well, I have PLENTY of material left over so I a bin to contribute scraps. I've kept a bin for the random pictures I like and tear out of magazines for some time now (to the right). Pictures I want to paint, for decorating, and even some clothes...

In case you are interested in the fabric I selected....

When I told Julie about my project she hinted (in a very tactful way) that I may need some major time to get this accomplished. I, of course, was initially thinking I would knock it out in one night. The first night I learned why Emily hates the patterns. They don't come pre-cut. Good thing I aced cutting in kindergarten....this picture is after 2 nights of work. Not ONE stitch done. (end of Thurs night)

Below is my workstation. I'm going to be finding string and pins for weeks....Efox, this table is WELL used now!

All this while watching....name that movie...

This is my view and you can tell I am actually READING the instructions. UNBELIEVABLE...

I quickly learned that the iron is my best friend. I can seriously say I got this iron for high school graduation and it hasn't been used too too many times since. Tonight it earned its keep...

Everything became a little easier when it began to take shape tonight!

And it's DONE!!! Next time I would make the ruffle on the bottom smaller and the body of it larger. I might add a cute white button something on the pocket... but not now. Alison has a shower tomorrow and I am going to surprise her. (Good thing you have been gone all week, Alison, so I didn't spoil the surprise!) The theme of the gift is baking because....well. It fits.

New art

2010-01-24T22:24:00.004-06:00

I might or might not have read the manual of my digital camera for 2 hours this weekend. Is that really surprising, though? I had figured out how to make the photographs look more natural and less dark by playing with white balance and appeture. Then I go to take pictures this Sunday night and I completely forgot everything I learned. It's going to take some practice. In the meantime, here is a peak at what I started to paint. I am going to tackle a big painting here soon. More on that later...

In good company...my partners in crime...

2010-01-19T10:33:00.005-06:00

My camera arrived JUST IN TIME for the girls reunion weekend. It arrived Thursday night. I knew it was 'out for delivery' at 3:45 AM due my UPS.com stalking. Of course I had to wait around for a 6:50 PM delivery (I am sure the UPS man laughed when the door magically opened the the second he walked up). 4/6 of us have new Canon DSLRs. 3 made the trip. 300 pictures later I think we made some advances. I was in good company this weekend....we had an AMAZING weekend (and best of all pictures to document it ALL).

Note: The best part about the pictures above is the fact they were not staged. We are cool like that.

Rebel (No, not the Ole Miss kind...)

2010-01-12T15:48:00.006-06:00

Meet my newest toy.

Between my new art easel, sewing machine, and this, I doubt I will have time to sleep. The camera is scheduled to get here on Thursday (just in time for my friends and their cameras to come in town). I can't contain my excitement. I bought it on a whim from B&H photo. Ok, I say 'whim' but I have been stalking cameras since April as I mentioned here. When I saw this Canon EOS Rebel XT, at a price less than my current point-and-shoot elf, I bought it. (I did make myself wait a few hours before so it wasn't completely an impulse decision.)

Keep your fingers crossed that it's what I expect. I need to review what I learned in photography class in college. Matt and Carol, I am going to need to borrow Toby for action shots. Thanks.

One minor and one major update

2010-01-11T12:01:00.006-06:00

Major update first:

It appears I might be able to actually sew a thing or two. I made the pillow to the right yesterday. It's made of cream fleece. I have a throw LP(G) gave me in the same fabric monogrammed in brown so when I found this fleece on sale at Joann's, I knew it was meant to be. I literally sat at my table and followed along with the instructional DVD on how to thread my bobbin and etc. This pillow is the result. Is it 100% quality? No. But it's a start (especially at $11 total...fleece and 20 inch pillow insert)

Here is a view of the pillow on the couch. I am debating doing one for the other side....it's just more usable than my other pottery barn pillows which are starting to look rough.

AND here is what I worked on until I started the sewing project....yep, still intimidating. But like I've said, my favorite ones start out that way. The easel makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE in the world. ALL the difference!

Merry Christmas and MY VERY OWN REAL ART EASEL

2009-12-27T20:21:00.006-06:00

I hope every one of you had a very Merry Christmas!! It went by too fast as always.... One of my Christmas gifts has to do with my art endeavors so I thought I would share it with you! 'Santa' brought me this. (Obviously not the painting but the art easel.)

This easel is just like the ones we had in the art studio in college. I CAN'T WAIT to use it. (After I type this I am actually heading to use it.)

To give you an idea, I worked on an easel I bought at Home Goods for about 5 years now. When I moved into my house I had 2 roomates and nowhere to store this big of an easel (nor was I sure I would get the use out of it). Imagine painting the large painting you see here on the easel in the back left corner of the first picture! It was difficult. If I pressed too hard on the corners the canvas would flip off the easel. Now I am secure and I can move it up and down, tilt it backwards or forwards, etc!

I WISH I had taken a picture of the assembly. That would have been the best picture of all. It didn't take us long to realize the easel would not fit in my car. Mom and Dad would have to bring it to me at home point. I had fully prepared myself to wait but they were sweet enough to drive back with me and bring it TODAY. Little did they know they would also be helping out with assembly. The instructions were some of the WORST I have seen. 3 minds and about an hour (I think) later, we had it up. THANK YOU MOM AND DAD. I LOVE IT!!!!!!

Ok, off to paint. :)

P.S. There is a sewing machine under that white box. I am about to learn how to use it. Wish me luck. Fabric has always been my enemy. I am determined to start making aprons!

Bluff Park 2010

2009-12-13T20:46:00.005-06:00

I just found out the 2010 Bama schedule is released. Guess what football game is ON the day of the Bluff Park art festival?

Florida AT Bama.

I am bummed.

That means half of Birmingham will be out of town. The other half will be in front of the tv. Did I mention how I am bummed....(Auburn is a home game too but not a big one.... vs. Louisana-Monroe...)

painting...still not what you probably expect

2009-12-13T19:04:00.002-06:00

Before and afters are always fun so I thought I would share. Those of you that have been to my house KNOW how bright red the bathroom was. And while the pics don't show the colors exactly, I think you can see the grey which i LOVE. I now have to figure out what I want to do to accessorize. Since it took me 5 years just to paint it, I think I will take my time to find the right towel, rug and etc. :) (P.S. Those pictures are from my college photography class...back before we had digital! AND I still love them. )

Public service accouncement: I always buy the expensive brushes and rollers. It makes a difference on how easily the pait goes on...BIG DIFFERENCE. This time I decided to be cheap with my paint trays and got the disposable ones (because I was lazy and didnt think I wanted to clean one). It collapsed on me when it was full of paint when I first picked it up. They are made for use INSIDE the pan. OOPS! My hardwoods survived but I think they cried too!

it's the most wonderful time of the year...

2009-12-09T21:41:00.004-06:00

I am writing to let you know I am fully aware that my Bluff Park art show submissions must be ready by April 1st. I am fully prepared to have them done in time. I have a million ideas in my head. BUT because pictures make everything better (in my opinion) let me explain myself....I have been busy and somewhat distracted.

Most of all I have fully gotten into the holiday spirit. It started with the annual cabin trip...

Yes, can you believe it? That is SNOW you see. And this was our "cabin." (It actually belongs to one of my best friend's parents. They have worked hard on it for years and it shows!!! How blessed are we?!) We are actually in Arley, AL despite what it may seem. We felt like we might as well have been in Montana and not on Smith Lake.

I cannot take credit for the awesome photos above. You can tell which ones are not from my camera. Ann Wade came along with us (if you are in need of a wedding photographer....she is one for you!). She brought along her "backup" professional camera. I am telling you. We had a BLAST with it. The weekend made for some great pictures and I am now convinced I need an SLR camera. Thanks, AW! I NEED one for painting, right? MAYBE that should be my goal to save up my profits on painting (and encourage me to get my butt moving). MAYBE? I think that is motivation. I am leaning towards a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi. I have always loved my Canons....all 5 of them.

When I got home on Sunday I was inspired to craft. I've been doing a lot of work/calculus and my creative mind needed some exercise. My friend (thank you Jarred!!!!!!!) brought me some awesome pine cones. They try to sell ones at pottery barn that are half this cool. I guilded them and put them in my garland and on my wreath and that is what I needed for the finishing touches of my Christmas decorations. Pottery barn...watch out.

That is all I leave you with tonight. Next time maybe I will have an oil paint related post to share. :)

Stadium is DONE!

2009-11-03T20:57:00.007-06:00

And here is a slideshow of the progression - I think it's fun to see!

It only took 5 years...

2009-10-21T17:03:00.011-05:00

I picked this painting to hang in my first office at White Plume when I started (it will be 5 years ago this January). Just this weekend I FINALLY framed it! It may be my favorite painting so I should have done this a long time ago. Besides that fact, I basically look at it for hours every day!

I have to say, Hobby Lobby remains my old faithful. I went for a frame and they special ordered one for me. The frames tend to get busted around in the store. I learned a valuable lesson after I started to paint. Always buy a canvas in a standard frame size if you ever intend on framing it. I was able to find a ready-made open-backed frame for $20 when a custom frame would have been $90.

Onto a different subject. I was at my fav place to go when bumming around on a Saturday night, Barnes & Noble (to buy a nonfat caramel latte and to wander when I found a Jack Vettriano book on the sale rack. It includes all his favorite paintings and is a mini biography. It was very interesting to say the least...(and more scandalous than I imagined).

I've always been drawn to his style paintings. His were the first I tried to imitate (like this one framed). Little did I know HE learned by imitating other impressionists as well. So there is hope. I am trying my hardest to find my own style and subject matter. Last night I got rather frustrated. Do not worry, Seth. I will fix it.... but I did something to the Alabama painting that I do not like. It is on the bottom two corners...I was trying to make it shadowed. The last time I had such a 'disaster' I ended up with the end result of the painting above. I almost gave up because the sky was frustrating to me and I thought I "messed up." This just goes to show sometimes the best mistakes can be for a reason. So yes, I am telling myself that once again!

The website - sneak peak

2009-10-17T13:36:00.003-05:00

So, I have the website up and running. Check back often for updates.

http://shelleyscollection.showitsite.com/

#3 on my list - check

(I am struggling with some of the gallery photos I've taken of my artwork over the years. I don't have the artwork anymore and the pictures aren't all that great!)

2010 Goals

2009-10-15T11:44:00.019-05:00

MAYBE my longest to date...so brace yourself...

I mentioned in my previous post I have goals for next year. This year, once again, I attended the Bluff Park Art Show (and once again with Carrie by my side). We talked, did some thinking, and I came to a realization. I really CAN do this. I WILL do this. I like to think once I put my mind to something, I complete it (this is what I tell myself regarding my MBA decision lately...but that is another story). So with the decision to exhibit at a show came some other necessary puzzle pieces. Without further ado here is the list, to my friends, and the blog world. No turning back!

2010 Goals

1. Exhibit at the 2010 Bluff Park Art Show
Is there anyone in Birmingham with an extra 10x10 booth available the first Saturday of October 2010? :) I believe I know how I will hang most the paintings and I believe I will frame a good many. I need to determine pricing and a few other details. I hope to complete at least 15 paintings. Please mark your calendars and come see me....first Saturday in October. If there are football games on the tv, I will have a radio for you to come listen. You can't beat October weather.

2. Determine my niche
I tend to be all over the place in what I paint. I need your help deciding what to paint for sale. I will be placing a poll on the blog. PLEASE give me your opinions. The hardest part of a painting to me is determining where to begin!

3. Create a (non-blog, grown-up) website
I actually have gotten underway with this project (my love of computers also helps this goal). What about my blog? Isn't that a website, Shelley? This will be more professional and a page intended to print on business cards and one you can send people to find current and past artwork. But don't worry. There is a link on the page to the blog.

4. Purchase business cards
This will naturally follow after the completion of the website. I have high standards on what I want to do with these. I am looking on Etsy and other places for ideas. Do you know of anywhere? Please advise.

and last but not least...
5. Attend Double Decker Weekend in Oxford
Mom and Dad talk about this each year and they are certain I must exhibit. For those of you wondering where this is...it is in Oxford (MS) of course. I do not feel like I can exhibit until I have attended (you know, to scope out the scene).

I think that is a long but achievable list. I am hard at work on it already. Nothing like getting a jumpstart on 2010.

Intimidation!

2009-10-13T21:24:00.004-05:00

Never have I been more intimidated in my LIFE about finishing a painting as I have been with this stadium. I've procrastinated painting players/spectators on the sidelines until last night. And then when I got down to it, wasn't sure what colors to paint the uniforms and had to seek advice from an avid fan. Here is a taste of the people that are appearing...

Happy 2 Years, Blog

2009-10-09T16:00:00.009-05:00

I started thinking this past weekend about my blog and how many times I've mentioned the Bluff Park Art Show (which I will mention in its own post later). Then I looked. My first blog post was October 10, 2007. WOW. Has it been two years? Really? I am sure we all feel time has flown by but at the same time it feels like the two years have been a century long. I think of what I've done (and where I've been) over the past two years and I am amazed.

In honor of shelley's collection's 2 year blog anniversary I have done some research. Have fun with the results:

First post: October 10, 2007 - almost exactly 2 YEARS
Total posts: 88
Total comments: 44
Total paintings blogged: 13
Kids paintings: 3 (Caedmon, Eleanor, and Katelyn...which only touches on how many friend spawns I've gained over the past 2 years)
Trips mentioned: Seattle, DC, Skiing, Minneapolis
Projects tackled: map-making, calligraphy, poulty wire jewlry holders, chair recovering, rehearsal dinner ribbon bouquets, and HARDWOOD FLOORS

I have some goals for this next year. Pretty ambitious but it is about time I do something. More to follow!

last stop...

2009-10-01T22:11:00.006-05:00

I promise. The posts will get more exciting soon. :) This guy will be done this weekend!

Channeling Football

2009-09-26T18:06:00.007-05:00

I got to view the real stadium today on TV...and it actually helped. :) I'm plowing through and I think I'm over halfway done. WHOOP WHOOP!

Other uses

2009-09-24T13:32:00.004-05:00

Have any of you read Real Simple segment where they show alternative uses for everyday items? I am tempted to send this their way.

Yes, I am a neat person but not neat enough to squeeze my toothpaste from the bottom. I AM cheap, however. I saw this nifty contraction on the isle with the oil paints. I hate letting paint go to waste so this device is exactly what I am looking for now I have gotten to the end of come crucial colors. I think I may have to go back for another to actually use for paint. With my coupon this was only $2. Worth every penny if you ask me...

I'm painting!

2009-09-08T20:12:00.003-05:00

Actually, I'm creating 100000 dots and its taking forEVER!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Full Moon

2009-09-05T23:42:00.005-05:00

I took this out the window of my Altanta hotel!

Tell me someone else saw this last night? This was taken from the parking lot of Academy Sports. (Note to self. Never go there the opening weekend of football season. EVER!)

These are the very reason I have a camera small enough to fit in my clutch.

Calligraphy Flashback

2009-09-05T12:02:00.002-05:00

Carol recently received her professional wedding pictures. I scanned one of them. I'm a little partial to this one. I don't even want to think about how long it's been since I picked up my calligraphy quill!

Another small update

2009-08-12T22:08:00.008-05:00

Sometimes it helps to turn the painting upside down. It forces you to look at the shape and it helps me with straight lines....

This picture I took (upside down) to give you an idea of what it looks like....

I have LOTS of dotting ahead of me. Good thing I can watch HGTV while I do it...anyone else annoyed with the new show "Real Estate Intervention." It's unfortunate that man is on during the 9:00 hour because that is my prime time for painting!

Fun at Work

2009-08-07T10:30:00.007-05:00

I must say, I am pretty darn lucky to work where I do. We have some VERY creative people. In fact, this is a great example of my fun (we work too) work environment.

Carol (my boss) had her 10th anniversary with the company today. Chris and LK, over the past 4-5 years, have collected all the room keys from onsite implementations. They complied it into this masterpiece for her. The pictures below cannot capture quite the detail and thought that was put into this....(They can pretty much account for what trip they were on for every key. They almost have every state represented. The ones they have are in alphabetical order!)

...and last but not least, the title of the piece...

Stadium Update

2009-07-28T22:32:00.013-05:00

I leave you with this picture tonight. I have a looooong way to go. I was toying with trying to finish before season starts but who am I kidding? That gives me how many days...I know you Bama fans out there can rattle that off...

All the 'mess-ups' and crooked lines happened when Jillian let out a squeal. Ok, kidding. It was me cringing when Wes' name was brought up.

Onto another subject: Goop. Those of you out there who do not have this in your house (especially those of you who craft) go buy a container. Seriously. It is less than $3. Your clothes/apholstry/towels will thank you. My professor had this staple in my Painting 101 class. If you ever were to get oil paint on your clothes, you glob on a layer of goop. It keeps the stain from setting and, when you wash the clothes, the paint magically disappears.

I have a beautiful, very white hand towel in my guest bathroom upstairs. This bathroom is 'lucky' enough to double as the bathroom to my 'art studio.' I'm normally pretty good about keeping my paint contained.

I wish I had a before and after picture of my white cotton towel. Imagine the blue of the above sky splattered on a stark white handtowel. Goop. A miracle in a small container. I will leave you with pictures so you know what to go and buy.

Discovery

2009-07-23T21:27:00.003-05:00

Well, well. Look what I noticed going into a shopping center on the way to my gym...

I now have 3 art stores on my way to the gym. THAT makes me very happy. I can only hope they have competitive prices and a variation of canvas sizes! More updates coming soon. Lots of painting to be done this weekend!

Food blog?

2009-07-17T10:04:00.007-05:00

Art blog...I have been cheating on you...with this. Yes, I now have a baking blog. If I can do it, you can do it. In the meantime I temporarily abandoned Shelley's Collection. The food blog has inspired me to give this blog a new look. I am open to suggestions. (I am also wishing I knew XML.)

The good news is, I really have been painting. (Just not posting.) Summer has kept me busy and I love it. I do have the underpainting down on my latest project and a picture from last week to prove it:

Stay tuned...

I love you, Alabama Art Supply

2009-07-02T13:21:00.006-05:00

My canvas is in JUST in time for the weekend. Yeaaaah! Of course I am now going to the lake (with the Downings) but I can certainly squeeze in a little A&R (art and relaxation)! Can I tell you how great the people are at AL Art Supply? I hadn't been since college and I will totally be going back. This is a longer canvas than I originally planned. When I started sketching on the canvas I had, I was disappointed. In order to get the perspective right (of how crazy big the stadium is) I needed it.

disappearing act..

2009-06-07T20:00:00.003-05:00

Despite what it may seem, I have not fallen off the face of the earth. In fact, I have traveled a large part of it in the past month. (It's been great!!!!)

I will be back in action shortly! Happy summer to everyone!

Stop and smell the flowers...

2009-05-21T21:56:00.004-05:00

...or if you are me...stop (at the redlight) and take a picture (or two or three) of the clouds. I am constantly looking to get better at the art of painting clouds. Something happened to me during college in my painting classes. I started to look at the colors within colors. Who would have imagined that a green leaf can have orange,reds and greens in it?

Have you ever noticed the many different kinds of clouds? Well, have you noticed them since you were in 4th grade science class? Some are whispy, some are heavy/dark on the bottom, and then you have the picture perfect cotton clouds. These are the picture perfect cotton clouds (otherwise known as cumulus with a stratus or two up top...thank you google).

They will be PERFECT to study for a paiting. One thing is certain, when I go to paint clouds or a sunset...there is never one to go look at outside. So this is just the reason I got my camera. WHICH, I have a great new camera to take great new shots. But that is another post!

Jill Graduates from college next weekend...

2009-05-02T12:39:00.003-05:00

....I know. Really? Am I getting this old? Her subtle request were these so I was challenged to do them within 24 hours before I jet off to Austin, TX on Sunday. Minus a few issues, I did it!

it's me!

2009-04-26T21:03:00.007-05:00

I'm having some fun! Can you tell? This is a picture from the reflection on G (which is my car and those scratches are sadly on my car...not a broken lens). After the traumatizing loss of the Sony camera I'm debating whether to move onto bigger and better things. Sarah lent me her DSLR. I've forgotten all I learned in college photography class. Granted, when I took my class I was using a film camera from the 70's and a dark room. There is something to be said about that. But those days are gone and i LOVE technology. (I'm a nerd.)

Oh and Seth, get ready. Your art project is next up. Others, stay tuned!

Baby Katelyn's Painting

2009-04-25T01:12:00.001-05:00

OR I could just start over...

2009-04-24T12:31:00.006-05:00

and that is just what I did. Start over. For the first time (besides sips n strokes) I painted in acrylics. Hey, I was on a deadline and I didn't want Katelyn to be born into a room smelling like oils. (Plus, I am hoping to give this on Saturday at the baby shower.) Little did I know HOW fast acrylics dried. I notice there is a type of slow-drying acrylic medium. PROBABLY should've purchased this. Each time I failed to mix enough paint and there is no blending once that stuff dries. NONE. I will grab some pictures later but the tubes of acrylics look similar and are the same named colors and my oil paints. It made me feel more comfortable. After all, I am actually doing this FOR someone and I want it cute!

Here are the pics:

Day 1

(Look closely and you will see my laptop on a chair. This is what I had to do in order to watch tv. Thankfully I was able to catch up on some Sunday night shows after the fact due to lovely Alabama storms.)

Day 2 (late last night)

And another...(Next step is a circle in the middle with Katelyn's initials in hot pink.)

if i could turn back time...

2009-04-14T22:41:00.004-05:00

if I could find a way....

I probably would have kept it the way it was.
Darn it.
At least that is the great thing about oils. You can always change things...

its that time of year!

2009-04-14T21:25:00.000-05:00

Invitations are piling up. I have to say. This year there are some freakin cute invites hanging above my sink. You all know my love for invitations so I had to share!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Katelyn Painting update:

2009-04-14T21:04:00.003-05:00

I worked again last night. I am about to change my mind and rework a lot of this so stay tuned. (This is a blackberry pic. NOT the best...)

Baby Katelyn's Beginning

2009-04-11T16:24:00.005-05:00

Before I left to go home for the Easter holiday I sat down and finished the underpainting. It didn't occur to me how approriate the cross was for this time of year until I sat down to make this post. Now, when I come home on Sunday night, I can work on the 'fun part' - what I enjoy the most ....the details and the layers. If you pay attention to the first picture, I sketched ideas of what I plan to do on the cross. Stay tuned. This painting still has a long way to go and a lot of changing to do!

HAPPY EASTER TO EVERYONE!

P.S. I apologize a whole MONTH passed without a post. Things have been crazy in my life...but what is new. And, well, to be honest, I had a DirecTV change and I've been without a TV in my art room for 2 weeks now. That has a direct coorelation to my art productivity. Sad, but true. This should be fixed mid-week! :)

Paintings with a Purpose

2009-04-09T11:48:00.010-05:00

So, I have the shelves in my art room that are home to several paintings I painted on a whim, without a purpose:
This week I got an email from my church regading "Celebration of the Arts." This is an event held April 26th for the child care center. It is an art sale and a silent auction. They were asking for artists to donate work.

Immediately I thought of the art on my shelves. I can't think of a better purpose for these two:

Don't lose faith...

2009-04-02T23:02:00.001-05:00

I have a project coming up and will be posting and painting soon! It's been a MONTH since I have posted. Terrible, terrible....

Baby Dabal

2009-03-07T23:41:00.008-06:00

And I am done! I will let this sit upstairs for awhile. No baby (NOR Jamie) needs to smell these fumes! I have to say, I can't take credit for this painting. It is a 'copy' but it worked too well for Jamie's lamb themed nursery. She doesn't know exactly what I am doing but has an idea! I will surprise her in a week or so!

My friend (and coworker) Sarah and I were talking about brushes this week. I have to be honest. I am not picky at ALL on brushes. (Well, until I used one tonight that frustrated me when the bristles started to fall out.) I usually pick out what is on sale and stock up. I have a variety of synthetics and animal hair. I use SO many brushes when I paint that I always have a tough clean up job. I use some for detail, some for the large canvases I love to paint, and some for blending.My brushes don't get complete TLC. I read one woman's blog recently where she hung hers with closepins to dry on line so the ferrel of the brush (part where the bristels are glued in) doesn't ruin. Not me.

(I have recently become concerned for my plumbing...cause gosh knows I have gone through that mess lately.) I am currently using Master's Brush Cleaner and many shop towels to squeeze and capture the paint before it goes down the drain. If anyone has any better ideas/solutions/tips I would be HAPPY to hear them.

I've lost my right arm...

2009-03-02T22:18:00.002-06:00

Ok, not really. But those of you who know me know that I LOVE taking pictures and I love my camera that gives me those pictures. Well, I lost that camera this Friday night along with some pictures on it I REALLY wanted.

Some of them were the before and after pictures of me "painting" my bathroom ceiling....the result of a hot water leak. NOT the type of painting I would have chosen to do. So you are spared from those photos.

But for now I will have to resort to my blackberry camera. I have an old elf digital camera I am going to punish myself and make myself use. Serves me right. It was a good old camera but it is just that...old. And it is STILL charging.

I started on Jamie's painting tonight. I think it is going to turn out perfect. Here is a sneak peak....

Bakerella

2009-02-17T22:47:00.006-06:00

Some of you may have noticed my baking blog I listed on the side bar. Meet Bakerella. I may not know her and just stalk her blog but she and I have a something in common. We both like to bake. :) So I pretended to be her this week...in preparation for Gin's shower, of course. Here is my version of her Red Velvet Cake Balls.
Wallah:

I sacrificed one for a picture:

I test out on my coworkers:

Muted Fruit

2009-02-12T21:40:00.005-06:00

I'm back in the game and feeling 100%. I never thought I would apprecaite the smell of oil. But it's nice. It's nice to be able to breathe. Time to finish some projects. I am going to touch this up some tomorrow after it sits.

And then when I'm done...it's time to tackle this....which scares me.

Ready for Spring

2009-02-07T13:48:00.005-06:00

Today is amazing weather! It makes me realize how ready I will be for Spring. I took advantage of the opportunity and opened the windows to let the oil smells "air out."

I have done NO painting lately due to a TERRIBLE cold. Did I mention it is terrible? But that is ok. At least it waited till I was home from this:

I guess that is another reason I haven't been painting. I took many nighttime light pictures to use for paintings, though. WHEN I finish all I have started!

Off to the outdoors!

Catch-up collection

2009-01-25T22:37:00.008-06:00

I have some catching up to do...

First off, remember back when I made my first ribbon rehearsal dinner bouquet for Nancy's wedding last April? Well, Carol got to reap the benefits from my experience. She plopped a HUGE bag of bows on my bed so I had plenty to work with... Here is the result. Her boquet...and one for each 7 bridesmaids.

ALSO, this is my first try at video posting. Pictures didn't work out so well. My upstairs is looking fabulous. My sweet parents made a quick trip to deliver a beside table/chest that Santa brought me for Christmas. I also recruited their help in hanging a million pictures I had yet to hang. You will see some newer additions in my art room!

Last but not least I am working on a fun fruit painting. I have the background but keep changing my mind on the fruit. Do I have a reason to paint this? Nope. I just have fruit withdrawls now and then. A fruit painting is so forgiving.

Fine Art America

2009-01-22T19:40:00.004-06:00

This is one of those sites where I sit back and think "why didn't I think of that?!" A friend sent me over to this link earlier in the week. I wanted to work more on my profile/site before I posted the link on my blog. But I don't think that will happen for awhile so here you go:

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/shelley-scarbrough.html

This site is pure brilliance and free. This is a gem to all the artists like me out there. It ultimately connects artists and provides an easy way to display and sell artwork. I found myself lost in other's art. Too much fun! Maybe I can sell some things. I am starting to get attached!

baby paintings!

2009-01-07T15:42:00.003-06:00

Well, it has finally happened. My friends have caught the baby bug. (Just keep good notes kids. And teach your kids to be good babysitters. :)) I am SO thrilled for the Clines and Dabals and can't wait to spoil these kiddos. Allison and Michael have given me a taste of how fun it can be. I am going to begin paintings for both of the nurseries soon.

First up, Baby GIRL Dabal. Jamie Dabal is due in May. Kathryn Cline is due a little later on and we will have to figure out the sex of the baby before I get to work on that painting. Both of the little ones will be here before I know it and I can't wait. I am rather excited about these paintings. It's a nice change from what I normally do.

Oh and if you want some entertainment go to makemebabies.com. I discovered this fun little site the other day.

poultry wire and projects

2009-01-02T20:58:00.011-06:00

I can imagine I looked out of place carrying chicken wire out of Home Depot. But then again, they are probably used to my projects by now.

I discovered Michael's across the street from Hobby Lobby. Yes, it has been there for years. I probably passed it 1000 times (thanks Sarah). And they have some great canvases...on SALE. Sometimes I think I spend more money in art stores than a normal girl spends on shoes. (Ok, maybe not...)

Square Books - Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T12:12:00.002-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! I can finally let you in on what I've been creating the past few weeks. :) This is Dad's Christmas present - for the new Oxford condo. For those of you familiar with "The Square" in Oxford you will hopefully know what this is...for those that don't...this is one of the 'landmarks.'

...and the cards were hung by the chimney with care...

2008-12-23T21:23:00.002-06:00

I am off to celebrate Christmas. I hope each and every one of you have a great holiday visiting with family and old friends. I was thinking today about how VERY lucky I am. I am so very blessed. There isn't much more a girl can ask for...bring on 2009.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOODNIGHT!

Christmas Joy!

2008-12-14T19:24:00.012-06:00

Allison and Michael received QUITE the Chrismtas gift this year....little Riley. I made a quick (minus a few dozen expected shopping detours on the way home) trip with Nancy today to meet the precious boy. Isn't he fabulous? If it was up to me, I would have taken hundreds of pictures of him. My camera thought otherwise. I had a dead battery. Here is one of the shots I did manage to get...

He is one lucky little boy. His mother, Allison, gave me the most thoughtful and wonderful gift this year.... Just last week I was thinking, "I have ruined most every t-shirt with oil paint." Thanks to Allison that will be the end of that. She must have read my old post. Here is me modeling the painting apron. I love it Allison, thank you! Excuse the photo timer picture. It was the best I could do after I charged the battery.

The painting I am working on is coming along wonderfully and I can't wait to share it!