tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36127648399251686812024-02-20T23:09:07.279-09:00Quirky Dame's Art BlogMy name is Julie Behm. I'm an artist who lives in Alaska and dreams of Hawaii. I live to create colorful, whimsical art and sell my paintings both online and locally. My main shop, Quirky Dame Designs, is at http://quirkydame.artfire.com.Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-62754742843095440252011-06-12T23:17:00.000-08:002011-06-12T23:17:45.723-08:00The Quirky Dame is back!So it’s been a while!<br />
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I had a lovely vacation in Hawaii and it ended up being such a good break from reality. I went with six other lovely people and it was so hard to leave. So hard, in fact, that I had quite the difficult time getting my groove back when we returned. It took at least a month to finally settle in to something resembling normal.<br />
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Complicating matters was a certain little neighborhood rabbit. You might remember I mentioned Hopper in my last two posts. (If not, well, it has been a while!) While I was in Hawaii, my wonderful and talented brother-in-law built a fabulous hutch and rabbit run. It is truly an amazing little home for a rabbit and better than anything I could have bought at the store. (Believe me, I looked!) <br />
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So, less than a week after getting back, Operation Rabbit Rescue commenced. At 8:30 am on a Saturday morning, I was able to grab a very surprised rabbit and put him safely in his new home. The next few weeks were full of adjusting to having a new pet and helping the new pet adjust to us!<br />
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I have enjoyed every second I’ve spent getting to know Hopper and learn about his unique personality. I can’t believe what a blessing it’s been. He’s become such a happy, loving little bunny and a special part of our family. And he’s also become a major focus of my artwork. Every day after I get home from work, I go outside and let him out into his special playpen for two hours, twice as long on the weekend. I sit out with him and spend lots of time petting and playing with him, then I use the rest of the time to read or draw. I just received a portable easel for my upcoming birthday and will be using that to start painting out there.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/whoa.jpg"><img alt="Hopper" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-413" height="224" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/whoa.jpg?w=300&h=224" title="Hopper" width="300" /></a><br />
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Spending this time with him has given me the chance to observe him endlessly and record it with photos, videos and drawings. I am inspired and now rabbits are popping up everywhere in my art! One of the goals I am working on is to build up my collection of rabbit art and I plan to donate a portion of every sale to a rabbit charity. These furry little critters have hopped their way into my heart and it has become an important, heartfelt goal for me. Plans are in the works and I am having a good time putting those plans into motion.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/thekingonhisthrone.jpg"><img alt="The king on his throne" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-414" height="300" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/thekingonhisthrone.jpg?w=224&h=300" title="The king on his
throne" width="224" /></a><br />
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The latest piece of art that I am concentrating on is a block print. A local gallery, the <a href="http://www.upstairsstudioart.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Upstairs Studio</a>, features art challenges very month or so that anyone can participate in. This time around they are doing a summer block print challenge. I have completed my sketch and plan to start carving the linoleum this weekend. I’ve been working on some others, as well. It’s been great fun to get back into this medium. As soon as my entry is completed for the challenge, I will be sure to post it on here. (In case you are wondering, it does include a rabbit!)<br />
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I hope that all of you are having a wonderful summer so far. I promise it will not take nearly as long for the next update!Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-10878359573338885382011-04-03T16:45:00.000-08:002011-04-03T16:45:16.599-08:00New pet portrait in progress!<div style="text-align: left;">Meet Hopper.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/hwip.jpg"><img alt="Photo of Hopper" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-403" height="225" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/hwip.jpg?w=300&h=225" title="Photo of Hopper" width="300" /></a><br />
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I mentioned him in my last post and he’s still hanging around. (He just started showing up around our house around the end of January.) He just makes my heart melt. I go out every night and feed him by hand while talking to him. Slowly building up the trust with him and hoping one day I’ll get to hold him. I took this picture recently and it’s one of my favorites of him. I felt inspired and decided to do a portrait of Hopper using this photo as inspiration.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/hwip1.jpg"><img alt="Initial sketch of Hopper" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-404" height="224" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/hwip1.jpg?w=300&h=224" title="Initial sketch of
Hopper" width="300" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">So I grabbed my sketch pad and pencil, then got to drawing. First step was to create a sketch using the photo. I’ve done a couple of simple quick sketches of him, but this portrait will be a more realistic version done in oils.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/hwip2.jpg"><img alt="Underpainting of pet portrait" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-405" height="224" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/hwip2.jpg?w=300&h=224" title="Underpainting of pet
portrait" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Next I transferred the sketch to the 16×20 canvas I’ll be using for this painting. Then I grabbed some burnt umber oil paint and painted over it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/hwip4.jpg"><img alt="Initial blocks of color" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-406" height="224" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/hwip4.jpg?w=300&h=224" title="Initial blocks of
color" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">After letting the underpainting dry, I then mixed up some paint and added the initial blocks of color to the painting. Because this is a more realistic painting, I am using oil paints.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/hwip5.jpg"><img alt="Progress so far" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-408" height="224" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/hwip5.jpg?w=300&h=224" title="Progress so far" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Then yesterday I got down to work. I painted in the background and the branch on the upper left of the canvas. Next up is to make any changes I feel are needed to both of those, then I get to start on the rabbit himself. This painting has been quite wonderful to work on. I felt a little lost with the background at first, but I’m pretty happy with it now.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I won’t actually be putting this painting up for sale. I’m being selfish and keeping the original painting for myself. I really want a special piece of art honoring this adorable little critter. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s2.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif?m=1221158505g" /> However, I do hope to add prints to my shop and will be using the image for my Zazzle shop, as well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I’m hoping to finish this painting by the time I go on vacation, which is April 14th. I’ll be sure to post updated pictures as soon as I can!</div>Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-6824495522307746982011-03-12T11:53:00.002-09:002011-03-12T11:53:54.337-09:00Red hat owls and bunnies, oh my!<div class="entry entry-content"> <a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/redhat.jpg"><img alt="Red hat owl painting" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-399" height="224" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/redhat.jpg?w=300&h=224" title="Red hat owl
painting" width="300" /></a><br />
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Just finished a brand new 7×5 custom acrylic painting for someone very special in my life. I visited my aunt in November and, knowing that she’s been interested in my owl paintings for quite some time, we sat down and figured out just what she wanted. She’s the one who came up with the idea to add the purse and I just love it. I’ll be taking pictures this weekend – for possible prints and to add to products in <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/quirkydame" target="_blank">my Zazzle shop</a> – then I’ll be mailing it off on Monday. I can hardly wait for her to get it. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s2.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif?m=1268958006g" /> <br />
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Some new projects in the works involve a little critter named Hopper (thanks to my seven year old niece) who has decided to adopt us and steal my heart. <img alt=";)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s1.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif?m=1268958006g" /> <br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/hopper.jpg"><img alt="Hopper and the sketch" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-400" height="169" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/hopper.jpg?w=300&h=169" title="Hopper and the
sketch" width="300" /></a><br />
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I’ve gotten some great photos of my little buddy and used one of them to do this quick little sketch Thursday night. I’ll be working on some art featuring this fun little fellow soon.<br />
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I’m off to go run errands now then hopefully do a bit of creating. I really must finish up the last of the Art-o-mat blocks, as they are almost out of them. Then I’ll be ordering 80 more and starting the process again! I hope you all have a fabulous weekend.<br />
</div>Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-59422323452042854942011-03-07T03:00:00.002-09:002011-03-07T06:54:11.493-09:00And the winner is...That's right, it's time! I checked all my blogs and the mailing list, gathered names and let random.org work it's magic. I'm pleased to announce that Staci Sharp has won the giveaway celebrating <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/quirkydame" target="_blank">my new Zazzle shop</a>!<br /><br />Thanks to everyone who entered. Y'all are fabulous and I appreciate every wonderful comment. I hope you all have a great week. :)<br />Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-51725312313964967122011-02-23T21:53:00.002-09:002011-02-23T21:53:45.391-09:00Quirky Dame Designs on Zazzle!That’s right… I now have <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/quirkydame">a Zazzle shop</a>! I’ve been busy setting it up over the past few weeks. My paintings are available on a variety of things so far – mugs, note cards, magnets, plus tote bags and I am adding new items every week. I’m retaking photographs of my paintings so that I can add the images to an even bigger selection of products. I’ve had a lot of fun with this and along the way, I’ve ordered a few things to see how they turned out. I’ve been pleased with the results! (I ordered myself one of the mugs with my Rainy Day Owl painting and it’s quite a kick to drink my morning coffee from it every day. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s2.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif?m=1282902770g" /> )<br />
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I decided that, in celebration of the Zazzle shop opening, I would give a prize pack of Zazzle products away!<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/giveaway.jpg"><img alt="Giveaway!" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-368" height="141" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/giveaway.jpg?w=260&h=141" title="Giveaway!" width="260" /></a><br />
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I will be giving away a tote bag and pendant featuring Quirky Dame (the painting that I use as my avatar and on my banner), plus an assortment of five note cards!<br />
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My shop opening was announced late last week in <a href="http://eepurl.com/o4tP">my monthly newsletter</a> (click on the link to subscribe!) and the newsletter subscribers already have two entries in the giveaway. Want to enter? New newsletter subscribers will get one entry. Also, check out <a href="http://quirkydame.artfire.com/">my ArtFire shop</a> and then come back to this blog and leave a comment on this blog post telling me what item is your favorite in my shop. That will get you another entry in the giveaway. Make sure to leave your email so that I have a way to contact you in case you win!<br />
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You have until the end of the day on Friday, March 4th to enter. That weekend, I will gather all the entries and will choose the winner through a random drawing. I will announce the winner on Monday, March 7th. The winner will have three days to respond to my email. If the winner doesn’t respond, I will then choose another winner and give them three days to respond, etc.<br />
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I’m excited to have this chance to say thank you my wonderful fans. You guys are the BEST!Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-35054825513692519212011-02-13T16:07:00.000-09:002011-02-13T16:07:01.729-09:00In honor of Valentine's Day...I'd like to present my latest (almost) finished painting titled, "Thinking of You."<br />
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<div class="entry entry-content"> A bunch of artist from ArtFire are starting up a blog where we choose a monthly theme and create a piece of 2D art according to that theme. This is our first month, so we went with Valentine’s Day. It’s been cool to see how everyone interprets it and what they’ve created. Here’s my (almost) finished painting:<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/thinkingofyoublog.png"><img alt="Thinking of You" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-359" height="300" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/thinkingofyoublog.png?w=220&h=300" title="Thinking of You" width="220" /></a><br />
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I still have a few tweaks to make and then the sides to paint. After she dries a bit, then she’ll be listed in my ArtFire shop. She was quite fun to work on.<br />
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I’m also hard at work on a new collection of paintings for my shop! I have three completed so far and I’m planning to finish up at least five more before I introduce them. I’m getting a new delivery of 5 inch round canvases tomorrow and those will make up half of the initial paintings, while the rest have been done on 5×4 inch canvas paintings. My little inner child has been enjoying these mini paintings and I really hope that you’ll like them, too. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I can finish up the other five this week and introduce them the week after.<br />
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Wishing you all a very creative and blessed week and I look forward to sharing the latest news with you soon!<br />
</div>Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-73824843846460583712011-01-10T22:29:00.000-09:002011-01-10T22:29:10.875-09:00New Year Updates from Quirky Dame Designs!Hello everyone! I hope that your new year is off to a good start. I’ve got several projects in the works right now and there is excitement about each of them. Plus the ideas are bombarding me constantly. I’m making plans, writing notes and taking steps towards turning these ideas into actual pieces of art!<br />
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Early last year I came up with a sketch of a woman with flowing hair and a bird perched on her hand. I loved the sketch and immediately started to paint it. Right from the start, things went wrong. Horribly wrong. I ended up putting the painting aside after keeping it out for a month. I just kept staring at it and every time I saw it, I felt worse.<br />
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Last month, something sparked in my brain and I came up with an idea that used that very sketch. I made a few changes, added a background and a foreground, and voila! I love this sketch even more. I’ve transferred the sketch over to an 18×24 gessobord and the painting has begun.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/20110103_507.jpg"><img alt="woman with bird in rainforest" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-341" height="224" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/20110103_507.jpg?w=300&h=224" title="woman with bird in
rainforest" width="300" /></a><br />
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Here is a look at the sketch for the painting. The first layer of the background has been applied and my next step is to fill in the foreground and the woman and bird. I used photos from my recent trip to Hawaii as reference material for the jungle. I visited the Hawaiian Tropical Botanical Gardens in Hilo and was blown away by it. The beauty and diversity of plants and trees was overwhelming. The path through the gardens ends at a spectacular view of the ocean and I was in tears. I snapped hundreds of pictures and am so happy I did, as I can use them to inspire new artwork in the future. I’ll be talking more about this (among other things) in the first newsletter for Quirky Dame Designs that will be sent out later this month. If you are interested in receiving it, you can sign up at <a href="http://eepurl.com/o4tP">http://eepurl.com/o4tP</a>.<br />
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Another project is the next series of 30 Art-o-mat blocks! They’ve already sold over half of the first batch and are running low, so I’m continuing work on the remaining 30 that I have left.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/aompreview.jpg"><img alt="art-o-mat preview" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-339" height="259" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/aompreview.jpg?w=300&h=259" title="art-o-mat preview" width="300" /></a><br />
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A preview of four blocks that are completed so far. I have a total of seven done. Once I finish them all, I’ll be ordering 80 more blocks and the work will continue! I’m thoroughly enjoying my experience with this project and am so happy to continue participating. I also found out that my blocks have been available in Winston-Salem, NC at the Reynolda House Museum of American Art. Not sure if they are still available there, as I know that some have sold.<br />
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I’ll be back again soon with more news from Quirky Dame Designs. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog!Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-75640803845969587562010-12-26T21:26:00.000-09:002010-12-26T21:26:46.911-09:00New Oil Painting titled Mutual Admiration<h1 class="entry-title"></h1><a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/20101224_269.jpg"><img alt="Initial sketch for Mutual Admiration" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-332" height="300" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/20101224_269.jpg?w=224&h=300" title="Initial sketch for
Mutual Admiration" width="224" /></a><br />
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A few years back, my best friend and I started a tradition. For our Christmas gift (or at least part of it) we would create something for each other. I’ve given paintings each year and in return I’ve gotten a wonderful hand-painted plaster mask, a painting and this year, a wonderful piece of art done with watercolor pencils, plus a gorgeous handmade necklace and earring set. I’ve been very spoiled!<br />
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This year, I was pondering what to do. I started out with the idea to paint a realistic nude and the initial sketch came out gorgeous. Somehow, things went downhill between finishing the sketch and transferring it to the gessobord. I didn’t like the composition and I found I wasn’t very excited about it and realized that I needed to rethink things. I do enjoy the challenge of painting realistically, but honestly, I don’t want to do that every time. And this time I wanted to do something different – something fun and colorful but not too realistic. By the end of the day, I had a new sketch of a woman and her cat completed. And I found myself getting excited about painting this one. It just felt right. By this time, it was already into December, but I knew that I wanted to do this one in oils.<br />
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So, I got to work. The skin tones came together fairly easily. Painting in oils was the right choice. I’m so much more at ease with the oils, especially when it comes to painting people. Working on this painting helped solidify my decision to focus more on oils this upcoming year and less on acrylics. Some things, such as my owl and the Art-o-mat blocks will still be done in acrylics. But the rest will mostly be done in oils. And I’m really excited about that!<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/womancatflickr.jpg"><img alt="Mutual Admiration" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-333" height="300" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/womancatflickr.jpg?w=219&h=300" title="Mutual Admiration" width="219" /></a><br />
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Above you can see the finished painting. I’m pretty happy with it and feel that I made the right decision to scrap the original idea for now. Best of all, it was done before Christmas and in time to exchange today, though just barely! Thanks to <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/thesunnysidebiz">thesunnysidebiz on ArtFire</a>, it has a name, which is Mutual Admiration. (I’m simply horrible at naming paintings and when I mentioned it needed one on the forums on ArtFire, she put forth her idea. I’m very grateful!) It was done on a 9×12 stretched canvas.<br />
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My next project is another owl, a special custom painting for my darling aunt. This owl will be a red hat owl and it promises to be a fun project. After that, another oil painting and I’m narrowing down the possibilities out of several promising sketches. I hope to spend New Year’s Eve doing what I love best… painting!<br />
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and may the New Year be filled with many blessings!Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-78868223677234177542010-12-10T22:34:00.000-09:002010-12-10T22:34:31.607-09:00Now Available in Art-o-mats!<h1 class="entry-title"></h1>That’s right, I just received word that my mini paintings have been shipped to the following three locations:<br />
<ul><li>The Smithsonian in Washington D.C.</li>
<li>The Studios of Key West in Florida</li>
<li>The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas (Opening on December 15, 2010)</li>
</ul>Ah, now I’m wishing I could arrange a long weekend in Vegas! <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s2.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif?m=1221152000g" /> It feels great to know that my paintings are now out and about and available for purchase. I have started painting backgrounds on a few of the remaining 30 blocks that I have left to paint. Ideas are brimming in my brain and I’m excited to start creating some more pieces soon! If you have found this page after purchasing one of my pieces, please comment or email me. I’d love to hear from you and find out which painting you received!<br />
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While I was in Seattle at the beginning of last month, I had the pleasure of visiting a delightful shop called <a href="http://www.venueballard.com/">Venue Ballard</a>. It was full of wonderful jewelry and art. I found a charming owl print that I just couldn’t resist.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/owl.jpg"><img alt="Owl print" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-322" height="232" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/owl.jpg?w=300&h=232" title="Owl print" width="300" /></a><br />
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And how did I discover this business?<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/aom.jpg"><img alt="Art-o-mat at Venue" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-316" height="300" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/aom.jpg?w=224&h=300" title="Art-o-mat at Venue" width="224" /></a><br />
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Art-o-mat! Yes, they have one there and I was lucky enough to pick out six wonderful pieces, though I’m wishing that I had gotten a few more! <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s2.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif?m=1221152000g" /> I took the pieces back to my Aunt’s home where we were staying and had a great time checking out the pieces I had purchased. Here’s what I got:<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/toycamera.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-323" height="253" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/toycamera.jpg?w=300&h=253" title="toycamera" width="300" /> </a><br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/monster.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-321" height="256" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/monster.jpg?w=300&h=256" title="monster" width="300" /></a><br />
<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/mixedmedia.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-319" height="218" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/mixedmedia.jpg?w=300&h=218" title="mixedmedia" width="300" /></a><br />
<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/birdsonawire.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-317" height="300" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/birdsonawire.jpg?w=212&h=300" title="birdsonawire" width="212" /></a><br />
<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/3dpics.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-315" height="224" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/3dpics.jpg?w=300&h=224" title="3dpics" width="300" /></a><br />
<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/20101110_160.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-324" height="224" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/20101110_160.jpg?w=300&h=224" title="20101110_160" width="300" /></a><br />
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The little robot dude makes a great pendant. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s2.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif?m=1221152000g" /> My aunt was kind enough to give me a silver chain and I ended up wearing him to the Art Walk the next day. I’m looking forward to the day when I have another chance to visit one of these machines!Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-42915051660997970172010-12-03T23:35:00.000-09:002010-12-03T23:35:05.649-09:00Holiday Happenings at Quirky Dame Designs!<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/flower1.jpg"><img alt="Fantasy Flower pin" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-304" height="225" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/flower1.jpg?w=300&h=225" title="Fantasy Flower pin" width="300" /> </a><br />
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I am back from a much-needed, very restful vacation and am getting back into the swing of things creatively. I’ve added a few new items to my shop. Above is the <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2525199">Fantasy Flower pin</a> and there are two more featuring cats. I also have some hand painted pendants in the works. I’ve been having fun playing around with the smaller scale pieces. I love unique, playful jewelry and creating it? So much fun!<br />
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While I was away, I was gathering inspiration. I spent two weeks soaking up the sights in Hawaii and have come away with many wonderful photos to use as references and a couple of sketches. I attended two one-hour demonstrations featuring Hawaiian musicians and hula dancers. I am fascinated by the hula and plan on studying it more in-depth. In the meantime, I worked on a sketch of a hula dancer and hope to turn it into a painting soon. I’m also working on a whimsical 8×6 oval painting of a mermaid.<br />
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But first, I must paint my Christmas present for my best friend. Each year, we create something for each other instead of just buying something from the store. I love having the chance to dream up and create something special with her in mind. That’s also one of the things that I love about custom orders. Being able to tailor something to another person’s taste and vision is quite a challenge and it’s so rewarding when you have managed to capture what they wanted and even more in a piece.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/spotcat1.jpg"><img alt="Polka Dot Cat pin" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-305" height="225" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/spotcat1.jpg?w=300&h=225" title="Polka Dot Cat pin" width="300" /></a><br />
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Okay, I had to share the picture of this crazy cat! It is another one of the hand painted pins. He was a fun one to work on! If you are looking for some colorful, quirky items as gifts for Christmas, I do have a few special deals at <a href="http://quirkydame.artfire.com/">Quirky Dame Designs</a>.<br />
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First, all prints, cards, hand painted magnets and pins ship USPS first class for free! If you need quicker shipping, please contact me. I will deduct what the first class postage would have been from the total of the faster shipping cost.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/night1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sleepy Owl" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-307" height="300" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/night1.jpg?w=292&h=300" title="Sleepy Owl" width="292" /></a>Also, all mini paintings with easels, such as the one to the left, are 20% off! I do accept custom orders, so if you see anything you like, but would prefer different colors, etc., please contact me about having something special made to your specifications.<br />
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Be back again soon with more news from Quirky Dame Designs!Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-7240357301866350692010-10-24T17:28:00.000-08:002010-10-24T17:28:11.579-08:00Done! Well, mostly...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgfNNVqn8u00fTB-QcKlryymiFn1tYOj2OTKqs5ewdUvU51_YT7QOpeu7uL_ezOub1CsSo5lDSEcXjCf-bXkxi17wr3jp6GJ6sfbNAzGPT2HaNYt2vLNawnvqtfFTubR_JHhq14lZnUg/s1600/aomfirst50.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgfNNVqn8u00fTB-QcKlryymiFn1tYOj2OTKqs5ewdUvU51_YT7QOpeu7uL_ezOub1CsSo5lDSEcXjCf-bXkxi17wr3jp6GJ6sfbNAzGPT2HaNYt2vLNawnvqtfFTubR_JHhq14lZnUg/s320/aomfirst50.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
That’s right, the first 50 Art-0-mat blocks are done! Okay, mostly. I still have to paint the sides, sign them, print and attach labels, then package them along with the inserts. Oh, and I want some photos. LOL! So a bit more to do, but the hardest part is done. I will be ready to ship them out by or before next Monday. Which is awesome, because I leave state on Tuesday. I’ll get to attack the next thirty blocks when I get back.<br />
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Woo hoo! Feeling very happy and productive today. Now to celebrate by making dinner. :)Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-56233902711626242072010-10-23T17:22:00.000-08:002010-10-23T17:22:27.204-08:00Update on the Art-o-mat blocks!The last time I updated, I had just received the blocks. It’s been a crazy few weeks and I’ve been fighting to balance my time, making room in my schedule for everything that needs to get done. I’ve had to curtail some art time until recently. I’ll be going on a glorious three-week vacation to Seattle and Kona as of November 2nd, so it’s been a little nuts around here, trying to finish various tasks at the day job and home, wrapping things up all while doing three house-sitting jobs. By the time I leave, I’ll be needing that vacation!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixV6bVp83doZ-fo2qLx19dZe2UT9BR__CLNZab8GY_9WX13y3LlGgPmwuy1Z80L9YNCEq7Bk1a9wo0rtd09LL5RC3fisG0kfWhJKMNjRmxGh0I2eps8ziRaExRJQ10LLdfqyCzDjuNog/s1600/AOM45.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixV6bVp83doZ-fo2qLx19dZe2UT9BR__CLNZab8GY_9WX13y3LlGgPmwuy1Z80L9YNCEq7Bk1a9wo0rtd09LL5RC3fisG0kfWhJKMNjRmxGh0I2eps8ziRaExRJQ10LLdfqyCzDjuNog/s320/AOM45.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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Well, despite the harried schedule, I just finished my 45th block and wanted to share a little peak at the blocks. It’s been fun trying out new colors and ideas. My goal is to finish at least 50 blocks before I go. No problem, I’ll be over 50 by tomorrow night. (I’d love to finish all 80, but that may be a little ambitious!) Then I’ll send that batch out and finish the rest when I get home (and bring a few along on the trip to work on at night when I need an art fix!)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNo7Lq5ozGXVm6Eu5Fn8ZbgVhE_INi8V9v3Nn-J5q8gCDpaD-e-BkbOkQQZcCOerzO93ePpuUJjRVwhaZ8OgwCzv7B4848NP9JLloRv-bTsovZrRP9K4dzymFrWmLptivulyo4rcO6h8/s1600/angus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNo7Lq5ozGXVm6Eu5Fn8ZbgVhE_INi8V9v3Nn-J5q8gCDpaD-e-BkbOkQQZcCOerzO93ePpuUJjRVwhaZ8OgwCzv7B4848NP9JLloRv-bTsovZrRP9K4dzymFrWmLptivulyo4rcO6h8/s320/angus.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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For now, it’s time to head back to the pets. It’s getting near their dinner time and I’ll have this sweet little guy begging for his meal. Remember this face, one day next year, he’s going to be the subject of an oil painting. I’ve been house-sitting him for a few years now and I’ve known for a while that he was going to be the subject of a painting. I’m still working it out in my brain and can hardly wait to dive into it. I plan on playing around with it and integrating the quirky style of the acrylic paintings I do into the oil painting. It’s going to be fun!Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-21029965999146608772010-09-08T23:19:00.000-08:002010-09-08T23:19:37.727-08:00Art-o-mat UpdateI came home from work today to find 80 Art-o-mat blocks waiting for me. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /><br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/aom2.jpg"><img alt="A big pile of blocks!" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-270" height="224" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/aom2.jpg?w=300&h=224" title="A big pile of
blocks!" width="300" /></a><br />
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I carted them downstairs to my work area and lined them all up. Then I got out my gesso and got to work.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/aom3.jpg"><img alt="The work begins..." class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-269" height="224" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/aom3.jpg?w=300&h=224" title="The work begins..." width="300" /></a><br />
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I went through and did two coats of gesso on each block.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/aomblocks.jpg"><img alt="Ready to paint!" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-268" height="223" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/aomblocks.jpg?w=300&h=223" title="Ready to paint!" width="300" /></a><br />
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And now I’m ready to start painting! I’m going through my sketches and deciding which one to do first. Mapping out my strategy. Looking forward to beginning this process. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" />Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-77910615612552470792010-09-08T22:27:00.000-08:002010-09-08T22:27:35.451-08:00My Artsy WeekendI’ve been enjoying the long weekend and being very productive. It’s been a nice change from the previous weeks and the weird mood I’ve been in regarding my art. I haven’t been very productive at all and it’s been bugging me. But I finally dove in this weekend and ended up working on several things. What’s really nice is that it was a mixture of realistic and non-realistic. I like a little of both.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/catsides.jpg"><img alt="Cat Portrait" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-240" height="224" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/catsides.jpg?w=300&h=224" title="Cat Portrait " width="300" /></a><br />
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First, I’ve been putting the final touches on the pet portrait. I was going back and forth between painting the sides brown or gray. I consulted a few friends and finally decided on gray. I’m rather happy with the results. It was a bit nerve wracking painting them, but I took it slow and easy and I didn’t get any gray on the front of the painting. Success! It’s now hanging and drying, waiting for the retouch varnish. I’m trying to decide on a name. That is my least favorite part of painting. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /><br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/summerpoppies11.jpg"><img alt="Summer Poppies" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-250" height="265" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/summerpoppies11.jpg?w=300&h=265" title="Summer Poppies" width="300" /></a><br />
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After working all that time on such a realistic painting, I wanted to just play around and have some fun with something less realistic. I had taken a photo of a poppy earlier this summer (which you can find in an earlier blog entry) and that poppy has been sticking with me. I finally decided to do something with it. So I watered down some acrylics and put them in some small spray bottles then grabbed a series of three canvases I had bought on impulse the other week, then sprayed them with the paint. Then after it had dried, I sketched some poppies and started painting them. They were quite fun to do.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/sketch11.jpg"><img alt="Coffee and a Sketch" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-252" height="224" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/sketch11.jpg?w=300&h=224" title="Coffee and a Sketch" width="300" /></a><br />
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Saturday I had some running around to do, but I wanted to have a little fun, too. I was in great need of some coffee, so before I left the house, I grabbed my sketchbook and pencil. I decided to stop by Barnes and Noble and sketch for a spell in the cafe. I’m a little addicted to the Starbucks Frappucinos and they have that delicious M&M blondie blast treat. Mmmm!<br />
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I have a photo of my best friend that I’ve wanted to do something with for a while now. Just on a whim, I grabbed that, too. So, after getting my sugary treats, I sat down and did a few sketches for the Art-o-mat blocks (which are on their way!) and then whipped out the photo and got started.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/sketch21.jpg"><img alt="Progress so far" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-253" height="224" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/sketch21.jpg?w=300&h=224" title="Progress so far" width="300" /></a><br />
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I worked on it for quite a while, at least until a couple sat down next to me that I thought would end up breaking out in some violent spat. That got a little uncomfortable. I’ve continued to develop the drawing and will be updating this blog as progress continues. I’m hoping to get an even closer resemblance by the time I’m done. I need and want to challenge myself more often by attempting this. I love to do the quirky, fun sketches, but it’s just as important that I do realistic, as well.<br />
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Saturday night I sat down to get caught up on some TV and I grabbed a small 5×5 canvas that I had painted previously. It had this hideous pink background that I couldn’t stand, so I thought I’d just slap some paint on and see what came of it.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/palmtree11.jpg"><img alt="Hawaiian Sky" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-254" height="298" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/palmtree11.jpg?w=300&h=298" title="Hawaiian Sky" width="300" /></a><br />
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The summer we’ve been having here in Alaska can be described with one word: rainy. It’s been driving me crazy and I keep dreaming of the vacations I have planned for November and February. I’ll be going to my future home of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. One of the things I love seeing in Hawaii is those gorgeous palm trees against the brilliant blue sky. That’s what I ended up painting on that little canvas. I can hardly wait to see the real thing in two months, but until then (or until this piece sells) I’ll enjoy seeing it on the canvas. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /><br />
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While working on the sketches for the Art-o-mat blocks, I’ve stumbled across some girls that I call The Quirky Girls. They’re a little kooky or nerdy, but I love that in a person. These girls have been great fun to create.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/frankie51.jpg"><img alt="Quirky Girl Frankie" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-255" height="288" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/frankie51.jpg?w=300&h=288" title="Quirky Girl Frankie" width="300" /></a><br />
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I had an 11×14 hardboard and another 5×5 canvas lying around, so I have used both of them to bring two of the Quirky Girls – Quincy and Frankie – to life. Above, you’ll see Frankie. She was done on the 5×5 canvas and, like the palm tree and summer poppies, is available in my <a href="http://quirkydame.artfire.com/" target="_blank">ArtFire shop</a>. I’m still working on Quincy, but she’ll be making your acquaintance soon. It’s been good to do these pieces and it’s helped me to work out a few things for when the blocks get here this week.<br />
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So that’s the update for now. I tend to do longer updates for this blog every week or two, rather than shorter updates a few times a week. However, if you follow me on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/quirkydd" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/quirkydamedesigns" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, I do show pictures of works in progress and update people on various projects.<br />
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I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and I’ll be sure to post my progress on the above projects soon!Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-44208155915737785202010-08-24T22:40:00.000-08:002010-08-24T22:40:08.999-08:00It is done!<br class="clear" /> <br />
<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/penny1.jpg"><img alt="Pet Portrait of Penny" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-232" height="224" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/penny1.jpg?w=300&h=224" title="Pet Portrait of Penny" width="300" /></a><br />
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Finished the pet portrait tonight! For now, I will put it away for a week or possibly two, then take another look. If there are any minor touch-ups that are needed, I’ll make them then. Plus I will be emailing a photo to Linda, the artist who taught the pet portrait class I took in June. If she has any suggestions, I’ll be addressing those as well.<br />
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This portrait took longer than I expected, mainly because I hit a bad patch with it. There was something not quite right and it took me a while to figure it out. I spent way too much time avoiding painting so that I wouldn’t have to work on it. Not the best way to handle it! But yesterday I had a breakthrough and the changes I made just seem to turn the painting (and my attitude) around. It was such a relief to finally be happy with where the painting was heading and to actually want to paint again! <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /> <br />
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Now the only other major decision I have is whether to paint the two-inch sides a dark brown or a dark gray. Decisions, decisions…Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-27430785830069551512010-08-07T22:13:00.001-08:002010-08-07T22:15:00.029-08:00Fun With Flowers!<div class="snap_preview">I have a Nikon Coolpix P80 that I hadn’t seen in months. Maybe as long as a year. I loved this camera – 10 megapixels with an 18x zoom. So fun to play with it and I’ve really missed it. I had a simple point and shoot that I’ve been using for pictures of my art to post on ArtFire, but recently I misplaced that, too.<br />
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I decided it was time to replace the Nikon. I needed to list paintings in my store and I have a trip to Seattle and Hawaii coming up in November. So I ordered a new one, a Kodak camera. Unbelievable zoom and 14 megapixels. The day after I ordered it, I found both of my other cameras. Go figure. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /><br />
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Thankfully, I was spared the hard decision of whether or not to keep the new camera, even though I knew I shouldn’t. It came and I eagerly put it through it’s paces. And it SUCKED. I happily sent it back the next day. I ordered a new battery charger for the old, beloved Nikon and was thrilled to receive that on Friday.<br />
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Today, I decided to pull out my Nikon and have a little fun. It’s been months since I’ve been able to just play around and shoot hundreds of photos. And I had forgotten how very much I loved doing it. So I started out with birds. We have a bird feeder outside the windows in our living room. I spent 30 minutes crouched in the recliner, poised to grab a shot whenever I could. I wished I could have opened the window so I didn’t have to shoot through it, but the birds were banging into it repeatedly today and they would’ve flown right into our house if I had. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /> Here’s a few of the pictures I took:<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/bird2.jpg"><img alt="Bird eating at feeder" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-216" height="225" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/bird2.jpg?w=300&h=225" title="Bird eating at feeder" width="300" /></a><br />
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<img alt="" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-217" height="300" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/bird1.jpg?w=246&h=300" title="bird1" width="246" /><br />
<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/bird3.jpg"><img alt="Bird on top of feeder" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-215" height="249" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/bird3.jpg?w=300&h=249" title="Bird on top of
feeder" width="300" /></a><br />
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That whetted my appetite. My mother and decided to take a walk and knowing where we would be walking, I grabbed my camera and took it with me. I knew we’d be around a lot of flowers and I thought it’d be the perfect chance to grab some pictures. Try over 200 of them! Thankfully, I have a very patient mother who was willing to sit and wait while I indulged myself.<br />
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Out of the 200+ pictures, so far I’ve gone through and edited 14 of them that are my favorites. I’m going to take another look at the others, but I thought I’d share a few of them.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/flower13.jpg"><img alt="Flowers against the wall" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-220" height="300" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/flower13.jpg?w=216&h=300" title="Flowers against the
wall" width="216" /></a><br />
<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/flower1.jpg"><img alt="Orange flower" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-223" height="222" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/flower1.jpg?w=300&h=222" title="Orange flower" width="300" /></a><br />
<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/flower4.jpg"><img alt="Flower" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-222" height="225" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/flower4.jpg?w=300&h=225" title="Flower" width="300" /></a><br />
<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/flower5.jpg"><img alt="And another flower!" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-221" height="225" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/flower5.jpg?w=300&h=225" title="And another flower!" width="300" /></a><br />
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If you’re interested in seeing the other 10 pictures, you can find them posted on my Facebook fan page at <a href="http://tinyurl.com/39b3fr6">http://www.facebook.com/quirkydamedesigns</a>. I could’ve taken hundreds more and I do plan on going back. So many more flowers I didn’t even get to explore. Hope you enjoyed seeing these!</div>Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-80600260620918757622010-08-01T21:00:00.000-08:002010-08-01T21:00:56.391-08:00So many projects, so little time!<div class="snap_preview">So I’ve been spending my time working on a few different things. Thought I’d take a moment to post a little update on each one…<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/blogcat.jpg"><img alt="Cat portrait update" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-205" height="224" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/blogcat.jpg?w=300&h=224" title="Cat portrait update" width="300" /></a><br />
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First, the cat portrait. I’ve made slow progress on this. I’m posting a picture of mainly the cat, as that is what I’ve focused on. I’m thrilled to say that I’m almost done filling in her fur. She’s got pupils, so she’s looking a little less creepy. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /> I was over at my friend’s house this weekend and spent a little time with Penny. I took a closer look and realized that her eyes are actually much greener than the picture I’ve worked from. So I will be correcting that as I complete work on her. Once I’m done with her, I need to turn my attention to the bird and the feeder. My goal is to finish this by the middle of the month, so that she’ll have a little over a month to dry before the auction.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/blogmermaid.jpg"><img alt="Mermaid painting" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-204" height="224" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/blogmermaid.jpg?w=300&h=224" title="Mermaid painting" width="300" /></a><br />
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I started this piece as a way to get used to painting in oils again after an eight month break from them. Plus I have a bigger mermaid painting forming in my mind and this was a good way to work some things out. About all I have left to do on this painting is to add some detail to her tail and touch up a spot or two on the water. Then I’ll be listing her in my ArtFire shop.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/blogsketch1.jpg"><img alt="Art-o-mat Sketches" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-202" height="224" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/blogsketch1.jpg?w=300&h=224" title="Art-o-mat Sketches" width="300" /></a><br />
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I’ve also been sketching away, coming up with some fun new ideas for the Art-o-mat paintings. I’m having such a good time indulging myself with all sorts of fun ideas. I’m looking forward to getting the wood blocks so I can finally get it going. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /> Some (especially ones that don’t make the cut for the Art-o-mat pieces) I’m even contemplating expanding and painting in a bigger format. Many thanks to my best friend Alicia who came up with many ideas for titles during our lunch this weekend. I’m awful with titles and she’s such a fantastic writer. I’m so blessed to have her input!<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/blogbunnies.jpg"><img alt="Art by auntie and her niece" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-206" height="224" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/blogbunnies.jpg?w=300&h=224" title="Art by auntie and her
niece" width="300" /></a><br />
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Another fun thing about these tiny sketches? Seeing the delightful drawings that my six-year-old niece comes up with when she sits down to copy them! She’s been adding her own art to the pages and I love seeing her put her own twist on things. Here she’s decided to copy one of my pictures, but to do it with a real bunny instead. Love it!<br />
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So that’s the latest on things. My main objective over the next week or two is to get the cat done and set aside to dry and then to get the mermaid done and listed. That way I’ll be free and clear when the blocks arrive. Plus I have many other unfinished paintings to create and a Christmas project to continue doing. Just wishing there was more time in the day to do all of it!<br />
</div>Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-68133421413102146662010-07-23T23:21:00.000-08:002010-07-23T23:21:24.858-08:00Awesome news to share!<div class="snap_preview">About six weeks ago, I was perusing the forums at Etsy. I did a few searches for “art” and “artists” just to see if I could find any hints or advice from other artists. Maybe learn something new. I came across a thread about something called an Art-o-mat. My curiosity was piqued, so I took a look.<br />
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What are Art-o-mats? I learned that they are old cigarette vending machines that have been repurposed to vend miniature works of art instead. (They have a website at <a href="http://www.artomat.org/">http://www.artomat.org</a>, check it out!) How cool is that??? There are over 90 machines and for $5 at most locations, you can buy a small piece of art, jewelry, or even a little sculpture, for example. I was enchanted by the idea, absolutely smitten. What a creative way to recycle and put these old machines back in use. And I love how it makes art friendly, accessible and affordable for people.<br />
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I spent some time browsing Art-o-mart’s website, Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Art-o-matR-Dont-Go-Round-Artless/234778157983) and even a group on Flickr where artists submit photos of their work and people who have bought some can post their pictures, too. I studied the artwork and realized that my art might be a good fit for this. Feeling energized and inspired, I went for it.<br />
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I ordered a sample of the wooden block (pre-cut to the exact specifications they need) that they have available. I love painting on wood, so that was the perfect choice for me. While waiting for it to arrive, I started working on possible designs. The painting must measure exactly 2 1/8″ x 3 1/4″ so I created a template in Word with 8 squares that size on a page, then printed out multiples copies and started sketching my ideas in the squares. I also developed and created the designs for the promotional card to be included with the work and the placard that they would use to advertise my art on the machine itself.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/aom.jpg"><img alt="Art-o-mat prototype, placard and leaflet" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-190" height="300" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/aom.jpg?w=253&h=300" title="Art-o-mat prototype,
placard and leaflet" width="253" /></a><br />
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Once the block arrived, I decided on the design to use, then transferred it and painted. Then I covered the sides and back of the block with black gesso and then, after letting it dry, I sprayed it. Then it was time to put it all together. Your submission must be complete and vend-ready. For the back of the block, I printed out a label with the title of the painting, my name and my email address. Then I wrapped the block and the promotional leaflet I had designed with the strip of acetate. I packaged that up with my application and placard and sent it off around the first of the month.<br />
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Then I waited. That was the hard part! It was only three weeks, but it felt like three months. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /> But while I waited, I continued to sketch out more ideas in case I was accepted. I’m unbelievably thankful now that I did that.<br />
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This morning I arrived at work before it was time to punch in. So I decided to finish checking my email. And there it was… the email saying that they had accepted me! I was giddy all day. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /> Made it very hard to concentrate on the day job! But now the fun part of gathering the supplies and finishing up the designs commences while I wait for my package of 50 blocks to arrive. (Plus I have to finish the pet portrait!) I’m going to be a very busy painter, but I’m so excited to have this chance.<br />
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I’ve not yet had the opportunity to visit an Art-o-mat in person yet, but I’m visiting relatives in Seattle come November and there is one there! I will be visiting it and starting up my own Art-o-mat art collection. I’ll also be in Hawaii, but Kailua Kona. The Art-o-mat there is in Honolulu. Oh well, one day. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /> They have a list of locations on their website. Check it out… maybe you’ll discover one in your hometown!<br />
</div>Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-44342391019479283842010-07-04T20:04:00.000-08:002010-07-04T20:04:07.585-08:00Just a little update...<div class="snap_preview">Happy 4th everyone! I spent Friday night and most of Saturday at my parent’s cabin with my family. They’re still staying out there until Monday, but I can only take so much of the woods (I’m more of a beach/ocean person) and I needed a little alone time, too, so I came back after one night. Plus a three day weekend? I needed one of those to work on some paintings! <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /><br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/cat7410.jpg"><img alt="Filling in the fur" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-167" height="225" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/cat7410.jpg?w=300&h=225" title="Filling in the fur" width="300" /></a><br />
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Here’s the latest update on the cat painting. I’ve filled in the fur on the body – though I have to make a few corrections – and have done a little over half of her face. So much fur. LOL! I finally had to step away to give myself a break and let some of the paint dry. I’ll be working on it some more tomorrow. I’m hoping to finish up the fur. Then I get to tackle the bird and feeder. I’m not happy with how they look.<br />
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In the meantime, I’ve dragged out my unfinished acrylic owl painting to work on for the rest of the night. It’ll be a fun one to work on and a nice break from trying to do a realistic animal. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /> <br />
</div>Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-82658116179384466242010-06-30T17:00:00.000-08:002010-06-30T17:00:32.746-08:00Day Five of Pet Portrait Class!Tried to post this earlier this week, but my internet connection was down. Giving it another try!<br />
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<div class="snap_preview">So… I’m a few days late. I pushed myself a little too far last week and my brain and body just shut down this weekend. I needed a long time out to regroup.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/mewithpenny.jpg"><img alt="Me with painting" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-161" height="225" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/mewithpenny.jpg?w=300&h=225" title="Me with painting" width="300" /></a><br />
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Friday night was a rough night. Mentally I was working against myself, overthinking things, doubting myself and any ability I might have, comparing myself to others (unfavorably, of course) and such. It was a hard night of painting. The painting wasn’t going well, the colors just weren’t right. At one point, Linda and I were talking and studying the painting and determined that the values of the cat weren’t right. Which mean I got to paint the undercoat all over again. But that was a good thing as it corrected something that needed to be fixed and I loosened up a bit in the process. The class ended on a positive note with me feeling much more confident than I had felt at the beginning. And yes, that’s yours truly posing alongside her creation. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /> (Picture is courtesy of Kristen, another student in the class.)<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/weirdpenny.jpg"><img alt="Penny looking weird" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-162" height="225" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/weirdpenny.jpg?w=300&h=225" title="Penny looking weird" width="300" /></a><br />
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I learned so much from this class. It was a good way to throw myself back into the oil painting again. And this time I really have vowed not to let it go. While I didn’t work on the cat this weekend, I forced myself to sit down tonight and mix up some paint colors. Then a little while later, after an impromptu visit from a friend, I sat myself down to start the process of painting in the fur. Linda warned us it would look and feel weird at first, but that as we continued the process, we would see it start to come together. Well, Penny is looking a little weird right now. *g* I can see a few spots where the values aren’t quite right and will fix that tomorrow. However, you can’t see it in the picture (sorry for the lousy iPhone pictures – I can’t find my camera) but on the right side in the dark patch of fur on her body, I started to fill in the hair a bit and I can see how it will come together.<br />
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I’m pushing myself to keep at it, to keep learning and playing and experimenting. It’s just little moments of fighting the fear of messing up or making a horrible mistake or just painting bad and doing it anyway. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /> </div>Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-71170230721239739222010-06-24T22:34:00.000-08:002010-06-24T22:34:12.590-08:00Day Four of Pet Portrait Class<br class="clear" /> <a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/catupdate1.jpg"><img alt="Cat Painting Update" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-154" height="225" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/catupdate1.jpg?w=300&h=225" title="Cat Painting Update" width="300" /></a><br />
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As I was typing this entry, talking about how tired I am and how this entry would be short and sweet, my &%#$ laptop decided to shut down and install some updates. So now I start again.<br />
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So today in class we went over painting fur and cat eyes. Very helpful. I’ll be using that tomorrow night! Tonight I finished filling in the background. One of these days I will learn to actually fill in the background as I go along, instead of trying to painting around say, a cat and bird. I know better, but still I don’t do it. I’m learning, slowly but surely!<br />
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Now I get to start adding in the fur and all the other details. Fun! One last class to get some hands on help from Linda, though I guarantee you I’ll be emailing her a picture to get her input. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /><br />
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Tonight I’m keeping this entry short. I’m giving myself a break tonight and will spend oh, 45 minutes or so playing with the new computer game to relax (got Sims 3 Ambitions!) and then it’s time to get ready for bed. Will write a bit more tomorrow night!Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-2236709411931305912010-06-23T23:07:00.000-08:002010-06-23T23:07:17.918-08:00Day three of pet portrait class!<br class="clear" /> <div class="snap_preview"><a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/undercoat1.jpg"><img alt="Beginning of undercoat" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-147" height="300" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/undercoat1.jpg?w=225&h=300" title="Beginning of
undercoat" width="225" /></a><br />
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Day three of pet portrait class and we’re now more than halfway through. Despite the killer schedule of having class every night, I could really use another week at least! Thank God Linda welcomes us emailing her with pictures if we get stuck or have a question. Since I’m hoping to donate this painting for a silent charity auction later this fall, I will totally be taking her up on that! There’s no way I’ll be able to finish this painting by the end of class on Friday, but I hope to make great progress the next two days.<br />
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Today she went over a little bit about colors then we all got busy working on the paintings. I had experimented with mixing up some colors last night to help speed things up tonight and boy, was that a good thing! I got a nice gray mixed up for the undercoat and started blocking in the cat. I hate this part. This is the part where I want to give up and walk away from the painting. But I know if I stick with it, I’ll get past this part and it’ll get better.<br />
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Really doesn’t help that I hadn’t painted with oils for around 7 or 8 months before taking this class. I will NEVER go that long again. This is my new resolution and I will be sticking with it. I take a class and make great progress, then once the class is over with, I stop doing it. Then when I take the next class, I feel like I’ve been thrown in the deep end and I’m struggling to get back to where I was before. Then just when I’m feeling like I’m getting there, the class is through and again, I stop. I’ve done this with various things through my life when it comes to art and slowly, I’m starting to mend my ways.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/underdoat2.jpg"><img alt="Cat undercoat done!" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-148" height="300" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/underdoat2.jpg?w=225&h=300" title="Cat undercoat done!" width="225" /></a><br />
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Anyway, I persevered and kept on painting and finally, I started to get to a place where it began to actually resemble the cat. That was a good moment! I started to feel hope that it might all turn out well in the end. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /> I finally did finish the undercoat of the cat. I can spot a few areas that aren’t quite right, but overall, she’s looking so much better than I thought she would be!<br />
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Towards the end of class I started to move on and got the base of the bird feeder blocked in. I have to look for a few reference photos for the bird so that I can be prepared to work on him. I think that blocking in the rest of the painting will go much faster, especially since it’s not as detailed as the cat itself and then I can get started on adding the layers of fur to her.<br />
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Anyway, now I’m off to go finish up a few things and hopefully be in bed by midnight. As much as I would love another week of this, I really need sleep! So thankful I was able to take this class. I always learn so much in Linda’s workshops.<br />
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Be back again tomorrow night!<br />
</div>Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-22949821858750887222010-06-23T00:14:00.000-08:002010-06-23T00:14:53.145-08:00Day Two of Pet Portrait class!<h2>Pet Portrait – Day Two</h2><span class="jump"><a href="http://quirkydame.wordpress.com/2010/06/23/pet-portrait-day-two/#comments"></a></span> <div class="snap_preview"><a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/photo.jpg"><img alt="sketch" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-138" height="300" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/photo.jpg?w=225&h=300" title="sketch" width="225" /></a><br />
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Back from class and ready for bed. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /> But before I hit the sack, I wanted to get this written and posted.<br />
Headed to class again, this time prepared to sketch the cat onto the gessobord. Got there a bit early, chatted with folks, looked at their sketches, then started to finish up mine.<br />
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The picture I”m using of Penny was taken when she was sitting on the window sill. I was driving home last night, thinking of how she used to jump up there, then sit and chatter at the birds on the feeder outside. It made me laugh every time. Then it occurred to me that I could add a bird on a feeder in the upper left corner, along with a bird peeking it’s head out. So I added that to the sketch and decided to use that. I wanted to do something that would reveal part of Penny’s personality and that reminded me of her. Perfect!<br />
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While we worked on sketches, Linda got things set up for the talk/demonstration. Once she was ready, we gathered ’round and listened hard. A lot I was already familiar with, but it never hurts to get a refresher course. Plus sometimes you catch something that you missed last time and that was the case today.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/photo-21.jpg"><img alt="a good start" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-135" height="300" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/photo-21.jpg?w=225&h=300" title="a good start" width="225" /></a><br />
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She went over a little color theory, strategies for deciding how to attack the painting, and demonstrated by sketching on her canvas, then she sent us all off to do it ourselves. I cleaned up the sketch and then mixed up my paints. Opened up the odorless mineral spirits and dished out some Neo Megilp. (The strangest product name I have ever heard. I want to know how they came up with it and what possessed them to use it!) Then I got to work.<br />
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I switched between the sketch and the black and white photo. I spent a lot of time trying to make sure that all the measurements worked out and tried to get the best resemblance possible. The better a job I do today, the less mistakes to fix and the less reworking to do later in the process.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/photo-3.jpg"><img alt="final outline" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-136" height="300" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/photo-3.jpg?w=225&h=300" title="final outline" width="225" /></a><br />
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I will admit that I dragged my feet a little. I was nervous about figuring out the colors and actually taking that next step, so I hemmed and hawed. I fiddled around and thought a lot about the color scheme I was going to use. Then suddenly it was 8:45 and since class got out at 9:00, well, why bother. I excel at this kind of stuff, can you tell?? I ended up stopping at this point, rather pleased with the results, but wishing I had pushed myself to go a little further. Only three more sessions left. <img alt=":(" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif" /><br />
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All the way home, I kept thinking that I really should break out the paints and mess around with the paints tonight. Try out a few color combos and see what works and what doesn’t. I really didn’t want to, but I decided to make up for my earlier procrastination and save myself some time in tomorrow’s class.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/photo-5.jpg"><img alt="paint samples" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-137" height="225" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/photo-5.jpg?w=300&h=225" title="paint samples" width="300" /></a><br />
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I got home, whipped out the paints and got to work. I knew I wanted to go with the complimentary color scheme of blue and orange, but the colors just weren’t turning out right. I figured out the orangey brownish color of her fur early on, but the gray was escaping me. But as I continued to work, I started remembering bits and pieces of things I had learned before and after 45 minutes, I found the color combinations that would work for a good part of the painting. Unfortunately, by the time I found these color combos, the canvas board I had been using to test them was nearly full. But I dabbed some of the correct colors on there and made a couple of notes.<br />
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I’m so very thankful that I sat down to work this out tonight. This way tomorrow I can get to class, immediately whip up the colors I need and not have to waste valuable class time struggling to get the shades right. I”m so looking forward to working on this painting tomorrow.<br />
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I was speaking to Linda about being asked to donate a painting for the Mayor’s Charity Ball this fall and she suggested that I could donate this one. It hadn’t occurred to me to do that, but I’m keeping it in mind. If this painting turns out, I just may set it aside and save it. It would be wonderful to have that project done and not hanging over my head.<br />
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Coming tomorrow will be the recap of the third day and more pictures!<br />
</div>Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-44052067554396349592010-06-21T23:45:00.000-08:002010-06-22T00:16:41.921-08:00Day One of Pet Portraits Class<div class="entry"> <div class="snap_preview">Today I started the first of five classes (one each night this week) on painting pet portraits in oils. I have several portraits I’d like to do, all based on some of the darling animals that I pet-sit, as well as the cat and dog that we had while I was growing up. I no longer have pets of my own due to allergies, but for the special people in my life, I drug myself heavily and pet-sit for them. It’s how I get my pet fix and earn some extra money, too. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/pennywp.jpg"><img alt="My kitty-niece Penny" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-128" height="225" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/pennywp.jpg?w=300&h=225" title="My kitty-niece Penny" width="300" /></a><br /><br />I had printed out a number of photos, then I had to narrow down the choices. I ended up choosing the picture of my best friend’s cat, Penny. I’m really pleased with the picture and still can’t believe I was able to get her in such a good pose. It has some good contrast going on (especially once I played a little with it in Paint Shop Pro) and it just brought back a lot of memories from when I watched her that time. I was thinking of some of those memories driving home from class and they’ve given me some ideas for the background. I’m still not sure which I’ll end up using.<br /><br />It’s a sweet picture of a sweet, affectionate cat. She is, by far, the most attention craving cat that I have house-sat. Most of the cats will come up every once in a while to be loved, but this sweet girl would hang around for hours. Books and laptops don’t deter her, she just plops down on top of them, demanding to be petted.<br /><br />Anyway, back to class. I arrived and got settled. Recognized some old faces from previous classes I’ve taken with the artist, Linda. Chatted a bit amongst ourselves, then got down to business. We introduced ourselves, went over some basics and talked about drawing the animals, trying to get the angles and proportions right, etc. Then we settled down to sketch.<br /><br /><a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/catsketch1.jpg"><img alt="Cat sketch in progress" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-129" height="225" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/catsketch1.jpg?w=300&h=225" title="Cat sketch in progress" width="300" /></a><br /><br />There are times, rare and marvelous times, when I sit down to sketch and the lines just seem to flow on the page with little effort. This was not one of those times! Trying to figure out what’s beneath all that fur, getting the angles right, double and triple checking measurements, and then erasing it and starting over again. That’s how my night went. But thank God I love a challenge! I get riled up and refuse to quit. I refuse to let the sketch defeat me. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /><br /><br /><br />Linda stopped by as she made her way around the room and she was able to pinpoint what was messing me up. I knew something was up around the mouth area, but just couldn’t figure out what was going on. Once she took a look and steered me in the right direction, things started going much, much better.<br /><br /><a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/catsketch3.jpg"><img alt="Final cat sketch" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-130" height="194" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/catsketch3.jpg?w=300&h=194" title="Final cat sketch" width="300" /></a><br /><br />I spent the last bit of the night working out the last of the kinks. By the time class was over, I was quite happy with the results. I gathered up my things, hopped in the car, and stopped for some Haagen Daz on my way home. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /> I figured all that hard work deserved a little treat!<br /><br />Tomorrow during my lunch hour and before class, I’ll be playing around with different background ideas. The thing is, my favorite idea involves adding yet another creature to the painting. LOL! I guess I really do just like to challenge myself. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /> Then once I get to class tomorrow night, we’ll begin the process of sketching the drawing onto the canvas, or gessobord in my case, using the paints. So yes, I get to do it all again!<br /></div></div><br />Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3612764839925168681.post-36215318234860275252010-06-17T23:10:00.000-08:002010-06-17T23:10:39.142-08:00Mermaid Update<div class="snap_preview">After nearly falling asleep on the couch after work today, I roused myself up and headed down to the studio area. I decided to work on the Christmas project first and actually did more on that than I intended. Once I get going, I just want to keep going at it. Very hard to make myself put it down and walk away. But I finally did.<br />
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<a href="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/mermaid2.jpg"><img alt="Progress of mermaid painting" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-124" height="112" src="http://quirkydame.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/mermaid2.jpg?w=150&h=112" title="Progress of
Mermaid Painting" width="150" /></a><br />
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I’ve been feeling all day like I wanted to tackle the mermaid painting again. Taking advantage of that mood, I moved on to the mermaid. I mixed up the grays for the rock and dug in. I did have a sketch that I was working off of, but I also just played around with it a bit. It’s been months since I painted with oils, so I’m trying to get used to working with them again and I’m letting myself experiment. However, I’m really happy with how the mermaid is coming along, so I don’t want to mess things by playing around too much. LOL! I had a bad moment where I messed up the tail a bit, but I think that I rescued it fairly well. <br />
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I still have more work to do on the rock, then I also have to add in highlights and the foamy water around the rocks. And I have to fix a few areas of the water. I’m shooting for finishing it by next week. I want to take it to my class to have Linda take a look at it and see if she has any feedback before I declare it complete.<br />
All right, time to get away from any and all things digital so I can settle down before hitting the sack. Happy dreams everyone! <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /> <br />
</div>Julie Behmhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374751924582059816noreply@blogger.com0