ART FOR LIFE

GORE "Y" STAGE!...YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE UGLY DUCKLING STAGE TO GET TO THE HOPEFUL SWAN!

2012-01-27T08:54:00.000-07:00

In every painting there is usually an ugly duckling stage...USUALLY it comes in the beginning as you are putting in a background or sketching something in. For these "layer" long skinnies I have found it can come anywhere during the process. For all practical purposes I am painting several different paintings and blending them into one complete painting. As I move downward I am often changing my mind from what I had originally wondered about doing to what it becomes. Things can change as the painting shows itself.

I put the meadow with the yellow and purple tiny flowers and a hill that originally had pines all along it...and at the bottom is the dark color laid in for what will eventually be aspen. The aspen will come much above the dark color...THIS is where I make decisions...

First...just what do I do about the pines on the steep sloping hill...will I put some in and lay aspen in on top for added depth or do I skip them.?..I will play with that decision today...

Second...Do I bring the dark colors up a bit to eliminate the "line" that always screams BORING negative shape...probably so I answer myself...

Third...the foliage on the aspen trees...hmmm...this piece has shown itself to be a spring"ish" piece with the spring snow on the mountains, but color bursting on the scene of the lower elevations...so a decision as to HOW I will approach the leaves of the aspen as well as COLOR of the foliage will be another decision...COLOR and VALUE will play a big part here as I see where the tops of the trees will land and what is behind them...all the while keeping in mind the fact that one "layer" blends into another...AND...always keeping in mind the negative shapes that are made (the outlines of the subject matter at hand) can sometimes make or break a painting...

ALL IN ALL...it's a fun piece to do as it is a challenge and things can change in an instant. The next photo will be quite a change from what you see here as far as what happens towards the lower parts of this..so stay tuned!!

HAPPY CREATING!!

WORKING SECOND LAYER OF GORE MOUNTAINS

2012-01-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

I've been inching along with the second "layer" of my long skinny Gore Mountain painting...The fun challenge of these layer paintings as I call them is to try to blend each layer with the layer above it so it looks seamless...like it really belongs. In reality I am using several reference photos of scenes in and around the Gore Mountain Range...so, blending each scene or "layer" is important. You have to keep in mind the colors and values with each layer and make sure you bring unity to each step down the support. It is FUN, but challenging, which is what every artist wants when working...otherwise it becomes tedious and boring...well, for me anyway! You can see the unpainted section at the bottom just waiting for me to add layer number 3! FUN DOINS!

This detail section is me laying in the water and beginning to put trees in and going down to prepare for the next layer...at this point I'M not even sure what scene I will incorporate....that is exciting stuff for me!!

For the larger tree on the left I grabbed my sandpaper and oils and painted it in oil. I wasn't happy with the viscosity of my acrylics to get the effect I wanted in the tree, so I sanded a little behind it to give the oil a surface to grab on to and painted it. I have to have this painting finished in a few days for a show on the 20th of February, and now that I've incorporated a bit of oil I need to give it time to dry a bit! I'm not laying in the oil very thickly so it should have plenty of time to dry!

So...as life demands I'm off to do asundry things and hopefully back this afternoon to play some more!!

HAPPY CREATING!

MOVING ALONG...OR DOWN...GORE RANGE PROCESS

2012-01-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

I'm still working my way SLOWLY down the support for my big ole long skinny of the Gore Range here in Colorado...as you can see I've moved a little away from the snow scene...have added some trees and have begun to add papers that will eventually be one of the many lakes that can be seen in and around the range. You can see where I've blocked in a bit of color for the water...and on I go! This photo shows the sky MUCH too green...but our light is rather strange here on the mountain this morning...that is why you may see a slight color change from day to day...fear not...on the day it is finished I will make sure the colors are true...well...at least on MY monitor!

Time has been my enemy of late...the good news is I've been preparing and delivering paintings for various shows, competitions and shops in the area...this takes time...precious time...but important to keep things moving along! The frustrating news is it leaves me only moments here and there to come in and slap down some paint or paper! LOL...this too shall pass!

HAPPY CREATING!!

THERE IS MORE TO SNOW THAN JUST WHITE!

2012-01-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

I've begun to lay in the section of the Gore Mountains that I chose. As you can see, there is very little "white" in the snow...there are shadows, and reflections in snow. So, remember when you are painting snow it is the shadows and darks that make those white areas sing! From what I can tell the Gore range is a lot of rock, so you can see it peeking through amidst the snow. As I begin to move down I made the decision to add color to the trees and valleys. I think I will incorporate papers with my trees that are laying at the base of this interesting section of the Gore Range...

Yesterday was a frustrating technical day at our house which left me precious little time to paint. We got an update for Cisco (the makers of our Lynksys router)...my husband innocently clicked on it and that caused us to loose our wireless connection on our laptops and ipad. As I spent over 3 hours on the phone with their technical department I became more frustrated. What started out as a request for passwords that the update didn't supply ended up with them telling us our router was broken and they could do nothing for us! I had to argue with them for half that time as they wanted us to buy an extended warranty before they would help us! SORRY...but NO...so, after much discussion and explaining to the service people out in the Philippines they got on with my husband and led him through an exhaustive diagnostic which left our router non functional and him late leaving for a very important conference out of town! WHEW!

WELL...as I should have done FIRST I called my friend and computer expert who had us back to functionality within minutes on the phone...still with the wireless problem...but functional all the same! SO, today she is driving up here to help fix the situation...The moral of the story for me...DON'T LET CISCO TRY TO HELP!! DON'T automatically click on updates...they mess up your system!! WHEW...as much as I love our techno world...I HATE how complicated they make the fix!!

SO, as soon as I'm back to 100% on my computers and other wireless devices I'm back at the easel! Here's hoping your day is MUCH more CREATIVE!!

HAPPY CREATING!!

THERE'S ALWAYS A BEGINNING...GORE RANGE BEGINNING

2012-01-17T12:37:00.000-07:00

Process is FUN...creating is AWESOME...sharing the vision...not so easy! As you can see I've begun the Gore Mountain. layered painting...The CHANGE in the plan came with the size. After thinking about it I decided to go with the big version right off the bat. (18" x 48") There is a show coming up next month that it would fit in and IN case the collectors who asked me about this in the first place liked it...it's fresh...it's the size they wanted and it will soon be finished...a win win...and, if they can't swing it...I have a big ole piece! YEA! So far I've just put in the sky....those beautiful Colorado skies we are so famous for...and I've sketched in part of the Gore mountains and put in some texture. I've decided to put in a bit of snow like might be in late spring...and put in greens and such for trees rather than the dead trees of winter...let's see how my vision progresses!

So...the top has begun...now I move DOWN...and try to figure out how to keep the section I'm painting at eye level as I go....FUN DOINS!

HAPPY CREATING!

LOTS OF GORE "Y" FUN!...and PROUD!!

2012-01-16T14:37:00.001-07:00

Playing with images of Gore Mountains in Colorado.

A while back I had someone ask me to do a painting of the Gore range in the same manner as I did "Colorado Layers" and "Nebraska"...only BIG...well...there was no commission, and I am playing with different images that I might put in a long skinny (as I call them). The size I'm doing this on is like these two...apx 24" x 6" on MDF cradle. If I like what comes out I may do a larger one for the collectors if they decide they want me to do a big piece.

The Gore Range (elevation approximately 12,000 ft) is a mountain range in the Rocky Mountains of north central Colorado in the United States. The range runs for approximately 60 miles (100 km) northwest-to-southeast, through western Grand and Summit counties, and eastern Routt and Eagle counties. If I could pick a city that you would recognize that is near a part of the range it would be Vail. So...of I go on this little challenge.

My most wonderful son Jonathan, who lives out it California is training to hopefully make it to Calgary in a few months for another world Skatebording championship. The last one he competed at he won 6th in the world in his Freestyle Skating division. I saw these pics on his facebook over the weekend of him training...He is so talented and has unique tricks...I'm ever amazed and EVER proud!! YOU GO JONATHAN!! This is HIS art form...

HAPPY CREATING!!

"SITTING PRETTY" ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA PAINTING OF RED CARDINAL SITTING ON ASPEN BRANCH © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

2012-01-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

"Sitting Pretty"

12" x 36" mixed media on canvas/MDF

framed in grey metal frame

$400; includes shipping in the US

This is the re-work of the original piece titled "Tree Line" as seen below...

When I began working in mixed media this painting just nagged me to death...screaming to be spruced up with my papers and paint...I added a few papers...making sure to include a bit of red to help the unity of the piece when I added this little red cardinal. I thought about adding more...but folks, more is not always better...so, this little pretty red bird sits enjoying all the attention among these most beloved aspen!

detail

Last night was a fun reception at the Madden Museum of Art in Fiddler's Green near Denver. I was tickled to find out my painting "Late Summer Aspen" had been added to their post cards...

and...I always take a pic for my mom and hubby...

The Madden Museum is a wonderful place in a beautiful building where Mr. Madden (a real estate tycoon I hear) made room among his famous works by famous artists for 100 artists to display their paintings. IF you are in the area...hop on down to see some beautiful pieces!

HAPPY CREATING!!

MY ZAZZLE STORE is RE-OPENING and REWORKING early paintings! FUN DOINS!

2012-01-12T16:15:00.001-07:00

"12 Cherries"

12" x 36" print

it's back...well, in print form

The original was mixed media; which is SOLD, but due to many requests I've brought it back for prints at my RE-OPENED ZAZZLE STORE...you can click on the Title to go to my re-opened store; well, give it 24 hours as I think it takes that long to show up in the store.

I don't know if you've noticed or not, but several things have dissappeared from my side-bar. I did some thinking the past few months and have pared down my involvement in different associations. I considered what was working and what wasn't...so, I'm no longer with CFAI on line and have focused on the things that have worked...like my website and associations with different guilds in my area. I've been terribly remiss in working on my newsletter for my website and a few other things like finding a place where people can order quality prints of my work...After much consideration I closed my FINE ART AMERICA store (just too many zillions of artists where work is often lost in the crowd) and decided to re-open my zazzle store where you can not only make prints but can put images on other products as well. I actually ordered a print from Zazzle of my mom's cat and it came out beautifully on canvas...so, I can attest that the quality is awesome! SO...bear with me...there are only three little ole paintings on Zazzle right now...BUT, IF YOU SEE A PAINTING YOU LIKE...e-mail me (art4life44@hotmail.com) a request to add it to my Zazzle store and I will!! I want everyone to be able to purchase work as they can afford!!

SO, that done I had a few minutes to work on my RE-WORK of Tree Line...I added papers and have begun to paint the trees I want to stand out...and, if I'm feeling like it I want to add a redbird to the mix...I've been thinking about it for awhile...so...stay tuned!!

"Tree Line" rework in process...you can already see where my focal tree is...and most likely where the little bird will go...:)

"Tree Line" rework detail...

So, off I go...again!! HAPPY CREATING!

"SANTA" ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA PORTRAIT OF SANTA © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

2012-01-10T13:01:00.000-07:00

"Santa"

2'x2' mixed media on cradled panel

FINALLY!...Santa is finished...well, at least for this year...SINCE he is for our house...no telling how I may change him when I pull him out for next season! BUT, for today...for now...he's done! WHEW...I played with the beard and put a few tiles for accent on his buttons...

I enjoyed slapping paint on his face...now that's more me!! It was fun, but as I said I'm SO over him by now!

My next project will be to do some fun collage and painting stuff to an old painting...

"Tree Line"

acrylic on mounted canvas to MDF...

This painting was a beginning of my collage work. I had grown tired of the typical painting and sort of abstracted my beloved aspen...BUT, since I've moved into mixed media I've had my eye on this for some time to do MORE...so...off I go!

HAPPY CREATING!

PROCESS STILL!!...but almost there!

2012-01-09T16:38:00.000-07:00

Wowie Zowie...THIS painting is on my easel WAY too long...I've been so swamped with deliveries and pick up and getting my house back in order after company that I have literally had minutes at a time to get this jolly old elf finished...TODAY was blocking quickly and preparing for finishing.

For those of you who have followed along...NO, I didn't take the dark out of his eyes...it's just waning light this evening so some of it washed out...BUT, the final product will be tomorrow and we are supposed to have sunshine...so the pic should be better!

Things left to do...finalize the beard...some of it is just quickly thrown in...put some bling (maybe) on his buttons...and look at those little things that can enhance...BUT, to be honest with you...I'M OVER THIS ONE! HA...so hopefully I can hang in for those final moments and then MOVE ON TO OTHER THINGS!! Wish me luck!!

HAPPY CREATING!

COMING ALONG...AND...some unfinished business...

2012-01-06T12:01:00.000-07:00

Santa is a comin along...I'm having fun with all the big ole strokes and quick movements...much different than when I painted my little grandson so many times this year...He felt so little and delicate my hands just couldn't do big strokes...with this jolly old man I'm taking a few liberties...:) I've GOT to take a break and help my poor hubby clean up some Christmas stuff...but, Santa should be finished in the next day or so...and then I'm gonna go totally different subject matter...duh! :) and..ps...I'm just slapping paint on right now...later will be time for a look to add and adjust this and that...It's not like I can paint him from life or anything! HA

When I got up this morning the skies were fascinating...I'm sharing...clouds swirling around our trees, and in a matter of a few seconds the sky was orange...LOVE LOVE our skies up here!!

As I was putting away my ornaments I came across the empty picture frame for my little grandson Paxton...so, I asked for any pics my daughter had with his little Santa hat on (that his Nana got him) and was rewarded with two very fun pics...and YEP, I'm gonna show em!! I cropped the laughing little guy and put him in his first Christmas ornament before I put it away! FUN DOINS!

Remember all you parents out there...we grands that live far away LIVE on photos after you are gone...I know it seems hard sometimes, but try to remember that and always take tons of photos!!

HAPPY CREATING!!

SLOW AND STEADY...

2012-01-05T08:41:00.000-07:00

You know when you have something on your easel...and you're dying to work on it, but you have errands and deliveries and Christmas clean-up...yep...that's me...I literally had 10 minutes to slap paint down yesterday, and alas today I'm off to deliver a painting to the Madden Museum and a few errands...so all I can do it show you the measly progress I'm making on my Santa. I do like to show process at times because we can all learn from that...and most surely from the mistakes! I already see that the hat on the left needs some work...looks a little off...but, at least there is a hat on this jolly old elf! Soon will be his face and beard...and on down it will go! I think I want to play around with more 3-D something here and there...so that will come when it is time! And I'm not sure I'm finished with my papers...I think I need to see Santa develop before I decide that... FUN DOINS...however slow they may be...at least it's steady!!

HAPPY CREATING!

MORE ON SANTA...REALLY?

2012-01-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

WELL...I am a little behind schedule on my Christmas duties...YES, I HAD planned on getting this Santa Claus painting completed BEFORE the holidays...but, alas...more of that life stuff...so, I decided I'd go ahead and do my Santa!

SO, I started this 2'x2' cradled piece with some acrylic painting. I actually looked at a lot of Santa paintings; specifically the background colors...and, ultimately I decided on this less traditional color of a coffee "ish" color with some red oxide thrown in...AND, of course my papers...I think I will paint him next and THEN decide if I want others in there...but, for now I like what is beginning to be...

Santa will be painted in oil...so, for this...mixed media really speaks loudly. I love trying to fit as many elements as possible...ooooohhhhh...while typing I just remembered I wanted to add other collage materials...thanks for the reminder!! SO, off I go!!...a little slowly as is kind of typical for the first of the year for me...but...it's not a race now is it??

HAPPY CREATING!

HAPPY NEW YEAR...AND IT BEGINS AGAIN!

2012-01-01T16:03:00.000-07:00

Jerry and I trying to keep ourselves busy after everyone left today...We miss our kids and that grandbaby already! We tried to get a photo of that baby and his parents in front of the tree...but life got too busy...so you'll have to settle for just us wishing everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Paxton chillin with the headphones on his way home!! Miss he and his momma and dad!!

So, now it begins...shows to enter...paintings to deliver...like...

LATE SUMMER ASPEN that will be hanging at the Madden Museum for awhile...

and...COLORADO COLOR will be hanging at the Foothills Art Center in Golden...

and on it goes...so, family gone and it's back to work!! HAPPY CREATING!!

ZOO LIGHTS with the family

2011-12-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

It was a COLD and WINDY night last night as we all attempted to go to our Denver Zoo and see what our city calls Zoo Lights. Basically it is the zoo at night in lights! HA. I'm laughing as we were at the zoo and the ONLY animal we saw was a hippo as he came out for a short jaunt in the water...Paxton was a cold little package...so our visit was short...but I made sure there was a record of us being there...MY LITTLE BUNDLE OF GRANDSON! and his NANA!

I think this is the first little family photo I have since Paxton was born! What a pretty family!

Paxton was a happy little camper when we got back to the warm car and he was able to shed the winter clothing! Gotta love that boy!!

All this family time has made me miss that son of mine out in San Diego...This is his landscape on this December 2011...He's always so good to send me pics of those places he goes to unwind and relax!...I'm thinking a warm San Diego Christmas next year sounds really good!!

Where ever you are...what ever you are doing I hope you are having a blessed day!

HAPPY CREATING!

WHY I'M NOT PAINTING THIS WEEK :)

2011-12-29T10:07:00.001-07:00

It's family time for us this week as my daughter, son-in-law, GRANDSON and more family are here to celebrate Christmas with us a week late! Paxton likes opening presents...His mom and dad are so patient to let him help!

We got him a little giraffe that plays soothing sounds so he can possibly sleep better...he really got into this! FUN DOINS! I think his wonderful parents are enjoying seeing him so interested!!

Of course his Nana had to get him a book that I recorded so he can always hear my voice...I was tickled to see he was fascinated with it as well...Look at his pretty mama! SOOOO my blogger friends...I'm afraid that is what I am doing this week...playing and soaking up family! But, all too soon they will be gone and I will be back at my easel! Hope your holidays are going wonderfully...just like ours!! HAPPY CREATING!

SANTA BEGINNING AND...:)

2011-12-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

You'll have to squint on this one...my 2'x2' beginning drawing of a Santa I've wanted to paint like forever!...I had hoped to have him finished by Christmas, but, alas...life...you know how it is during the holidays!...I'm going to incorporate papers in the background of this one and am thinking of painting him in oil...FUN DOINS!

My favorite pic to date...my little mountain man that's coming in just a few days to visit with his Nana...I can't WAIT!

HAPPY CREATIVE HOLIDAYS TO YOU ALL!!

"NEWBORN PAXTON" ORIGINAL OIL PORTRAIT REVISITED © NANA

2011-12-22T11:06:00.001-07:00

"Newborn Paxton"

6"x6" oil on canvas

Well...due to overwhelming love and nagging I decided to quickly revisit my earlier "failure" at Paxton's newborn portrait. I'm glad you all nagged me...this is a better likeness, so I'll throw it in the pot for family to choose from...I played with his eyes a bit...I changed the background, I blended a bit and voila a little better!

I'm happy to report some earlier concern over his swallowing ability (a swallow test at the doc's office) has shown that he is fine...just a little thingy not fully formed...should be all good by the time he's a year old! YEA! I didn't want to say anything cuz I was nervous...you know how it is...but we are relieved and happy that they will be coming just after Christmas so Nana can get Christmas pics in front of our real tree (his first and only this year) of that precious baby! Can't wait! Here are all of them together...:)

We are snowed in today...ha...so what else is new...it's COLD and a little isolated...but will give me a great opportunity to start a big ole Santa head I've been wanting to paint forever for our house...I'm looking for great references...and SINCE the real Santa is so busy I may have to borrow from what I find on the web...wish me luck!! Both for the painting and the digging out...

Yep, I'm goin nowhere until we find the rest of our stairs to the garage!!

HAPPY CREATING!!

"PAXTON WITH HIS FIRST TOYS" ORIGINAL OIL ON CANVAS © NANA

2011-12-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

Paxton about 1 week old...with his first toys

8"x10" oil on canvas

I took this pic of my grandson when he was about one week old...this is Paxton's very intent look as he sees his first toys hanging above him...I love this little serene face of his...I just HAD to paint it. I DO think I will soften the toys a bit to bring him to the strongest focus, but I'm going to let it sit a day or so in my brain first. WHEW...5 portraits...only one I'm not happy with...which I've had SO many letters about not giving up I WILL most probably play with it instead of trashing it...Thanks for all the confidence you all...and the challenge!

The holiday time is fast approaching and I still have tons to do...one self imposed job is to paint a big ole santa face for our house...I'm dying to do a big one after all these little paintings...but, for now...we are temporarily down to just one car...MINE...so I have to drive my dear hubby down to meet a client...HAPPY CREATING!!

TIS THE SEASON...FA LA LA LA LA LA...LA LA LA LA

2011-12-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's that time of year when we sing holiday songs as we work and we decorate and we clean house for company and we mail packages...and, all the other fa la la la things that sometimes keep us from our easels...WELL, at least it is that way for this household! WHEW! I've got the last Paxton portrait up on my easel patiently waiting for his Nana to apply paint to canvas...and I will...as soon as I mail the last package and do some grocery shopping and finish decorating the tree! sheesh! but, FUN DOINS all the same...SO...I thought I'd share some fun decor with you...(an also to prove I haven't been sitting on my rear end just watching old reruns of desperate housewives) (though there has been an episode or two)

If you knew me you'd say "Saundra, I see a few new things...but...basically it's the same"...yep...my house looks a little Christmassy most of the year...I have a favorite Santa (I collect them) that has been on the shelf for a couple years...

to me he just looks like a colorful mountain man just coming in from a hike :) and he goes with my tree collection...:)

and, there is always a bit of greenery...though for the season I sprinkled a bit of holly berry in for good measure...

and, I love red birds...but I admit I don't leave out the birds that say "Merry Christmas"...but I DO leave out my photos of Paxton!

One of my favorite pics of him...looks like he is either whistling or saying "OOOOHHHHH Nana...your house is FUN" tee hee

I'm thinking of family as I put out my wonderful Santas...like this little guy that was carved from an old wooden thread spool...a favorite gift from my mom and dad one year...

My dad isn't doing to well this year...but we are hoping to have him a bit longer...We're praying for you my dad!!

So, as I leave you today...I wish for the red bird of happiness to light upon all of your shoulders...and I'm hoping the holiday season is giving you a little time for rest among the creative work you are doing either in or out of the studio! HAPPY CREATING!!

EVERYTHING DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK...AND THAT'S OK!

2011-12-14T07:47:00.000-07:00

I'm not even going to enlarge this painting because it is a disappointment to me. I didn't capture what I was going for and so I stopped working on it. It is a lesson to me to be very careful the photo I choose to work from and to really focus on what I'm doing. I admit I've been rushed to do these for the holiday season; which I LOVE doing...but as with you all there is a LOT of other things going on that make these types of things a rush. Things wrong...didn't capture the mouth, and because of that it gives him a bit of an "off" look. In the photo you see his eyes...probably shouldn't have painted this particular scene with the eyes looking up and off like that...in the photo it's fine...in the painting, not so much...but I think mostly it is the mouth...and, quite frankly I lost interest. I decided about this point that I wanted to do a different scene with more color and more interest...so, the last photo I'm going to paint of Paxton at this age I'll save until I actually DO the painting! HA

I don't mind sharing my failures with you...failure is a learning tool...it doesn't even FEEL like failure...it's more..."no, this one isn't working" and so on to the next! HA. And, as I've said I'm not really a portrait painter...just a humble Nana who loves this little guy and family enough to do what I can! HA...

It's off to do some last minute Christmas shopping, but never fear...I WILL get this little boy painted at least one more time!!

HAPPY CREATING in this busy time of year!!

"PAXTON LAUGHING" ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING OF MY GRANDSON AT NEARLY 4 MONTHS © NANA

2011-12-10T08:45:00.000-07:00

"Paxton Mark Grimes...laughing"

6"x6" oil on canvas

FOR FAMILY

I loved this little bit of my grandson...laughing...the photo was blurry and dark and...well, NOT a good image in pic...but I did my best to get him sharpened up. His uncle Royce is good at making this boy laugh...a good memory!

I feel a need to do one of him when he was born...It took me a little while to find one with his eyes open...cuz, in the beginning he slept a LOT! HA...So, this is the pic I've chosen...

I just love that little mouth of his! FUN DOINS!

My goal with this little project is to do several so those who want can choose their favorite...but, I think I'll make prints available so they can order any they want...

My next project is to try to make a quilt from my daughter's mission t-shirts from when she was at York Christian College...a great memory...IF I can get it done...HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE LEFT?? Am I crazy?? Yep...:)

HAPPY CREATING!

NEW CHALLENGES AND NEW ACCOMPLISHMENTS!

2011-12-09T10:05:00.000-07:00

I realize that the entrance of my most wonderful grandson has captured my mind and heart these past few months, but I also still am SO proud and thrilled that I have others in my life that capture my heart and soul completely. My son is one of those who will ever be one of my favorite people...I love him, I adore him, I'm proud of him...I'm his biggest fan...and wanted to brag a bit...He is quite the skater out there in San Diego...has won national competitions, and local...he is sponsored by several organizations and I found this on the home page of the Ska8 Kings this morning. YOU GO JONATHAN!

My next challenge in the Paxton series will be a very fuzzy, very poorly lit, but very delightful smiling baby pic I took when we saw them for one short hour on our way home from Thanksgiving at my parents...WHEW...I know I'm not really a portrait painter per say...but I try...and I will try to make something special from this little vignette of our little boy!! Wish me luck!!

HAPPY CREATING!!

"DAVE'S DEER" ORIGINAL WILDLIFE PAINTING IN OIL © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

2011-12-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

"Dave's Deer"

8" x 10"

oil on canvas

FER MY NEIGHBOR

As I said, this is for my hunter outdoor neighbors who have been SO good to us this year! Well, every year! They shovel, they save me from wild animals...they are just NICE! They've gone the extra mile for us, and I wanted to say a special thank you.

We had a couple of days of sunshine and I found it very hard to stay in the studio...Those 5 days of pure winter really affected my creative soul...so, two days of sun and I was recharged! BUT...alas...the cold has returned...

Brrrr....outside my studio window...COME ON SPRING!...tee hee... HAPPY CREATING!!

WORKING IN THE STUDIO...and SNOW!

2011-12-05T09:08:00.000-07:00

Yep...still working like crazy to do all I want before Christmas...This deer is for my mountain lion remover and snow shoveling neighbor! As I wrote last time I took many photos of all his animals in his home and this one is on his way to being completed...REMEMBER...daily painting does NOT mean finishing one every day! Stay tuned to see if he comes out ok. You can see I work from top to bottom on my pieces...I find it MUCH LESS messy...I sketch some major lines and then go to it!

We have been experiencing some snow events...almost 4' in 5 days up here where I live among the trees...a couple days ago I was feeling cold and isolated and took this pic of one of my baby trees...

and then it snowed some more...and now my little guy is even colder...ME TOO!

The good news is I'm stuck in the studio so I can paint...the bad news is I'm stuck in my studio and can't get out to mail..."Red Buds" that sold over the weekend! sigh...come on SUN!

Whatever you do, wherever you are keep those creative juices flowing...close your eyes and think of something new to add to your creative snow pile...OR...do a little something simple and revel in the success!! Either way...

HAPPY CREATING!

"PAXTON RIDING HIS BUMBO" ORIGINAL OIL PORTRAIT OF MY GRANDSON © NANA

2011-12-03T12:52:00.001-07:00

Paxton on his bumbo"

10" x 8" oil on stretched canvas

FOR FAMILY :)

I was so tickled by my grandson's newest feat I had to paint him for the memory! At nearly 4 months he's holding his head up so well he ridin his bumbo (I think that's what they are called)...a VERY independent young man...wants to hold his OWN head up! I have a few little things here and there to touch up, but this one will have to wait until it's dry so I will stop getting paint all over my hands! But, FUN DOINS!!! I have one in mind next where he is laughing...keep a good thought for me as the light is terrible and the photo is a little blurry...but I love that face so I can't help it!!

ps...for those of you who wonder at my "portrait style"; that it is so different than the rest of my work...well...NOT being a great fan of portraits it has been YEARS since I did one...so, I find I tend to slip back to my older, more tight style...just working so hard to actually get a likeness...plus, babies are so smooth and delicate I feel I shouldn't put lots of texture to them...so...for these, I'm sticking to this more traditional style...IF I did them everyday I'm sure I'd loosen up...but, I have a feeling that they will like them cuz they are Paxton! lol

I also have a special painting to do for some awesome neighbors who are always snowblowing our driveway when we haven't gotten to it yet...and, for those long term followers, remember Dave is the one who "took care" of the mountain lion who tried to eat me a couple years ago...SO...One day when I was over at their house helping him with an invention he created (doing drawings for the patent) I noticed he had many taxidermy animals around the house...so I took some pics...and, one stood out...so, I will do a painting of this deer...(keeping the wood support OUT of the painting of course! HA)...so, stay tuned! For those animal lovers out there...he is a very responsible hunter...:)

HAPPY CREATING!

"RED BUDS" ORIGINAL PAPER CAST MIXED MEDIA PAINTING OF ACORNS © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

2011-12-01T11:37:00.001-07:00

"Red Buds"

5"x5" image size

10"x10" finished size

paper cast mixed media

SOLD (thanks Wendy!)

Found a bit of time to complete this fun contemporary take on acorns and their little bud balls. The acorns are paper cast painted with oil and the beads are some ephemera I found at my local craft store. The substrate on this is 300lb watercolor paper and stamped with my original oak leaf stamps for a rather abstract background that just gives you enough of a feeling to know it is among the tree leaves! Put it all together and you have a contemporary take on acorns. FUN DOINS! PS...I think I'm going to make this my Christmas Card...kill two birds with one stone kind of thing...:)

My little baby in Omaha's latest is he can sit in his boppo (I think it is called that) at the tender age of 3.75 mos! He is very independent, and mom had to hold her hand very near by to take this pic as he still bobs about in the head...but he LOVES his boppo...and I'm just this minute thinking I may try to paint this...too adorable...stay tuned on which one is second in my Christmas paintings of Paxton series!

HAPPY CREATING!

"PAXTON MARK GRIMES" ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING © NANA

2011-11-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

Paxton Mark Grimes at 3 months

oil on canvas 6"x6"

Well, painting number one is complete...as near as I can in one sitting...there will always be the recheck after I've been away from it for awhile...He's my sweetie for sure...And, I'm off and running...I'd like to do several paintings of this boy for different members of the family before I'm done...WHEW...as usual...my December will be crazy busy...A big thanks to my friend Carol Nelson who gave me great advice IF I was going to attempt to paint a baby as to colors...Babies are hard to do as there is so little to them...ha...no wrinkles, no eyebrows...no wrinkles...but, my family wouldn't wait! LOL

I was also happy to find out I got "Late Summer Aspen" in a show that will be hanging at the Madden Museum in January...

And, Thanksgiving was wonderful! I hope you all had a great turkey day too! We were able to see my parents and my brother and his family; some of whom I haven't seen in many years...I'm unabashedly sharing photos of my wonderful family...topped off with my and my little guy of course!! This is my wonderful brother Rick; who just so happens was having a birthday!

My sister-in-law Lori who I have shared MANY moments of pure delight...we laugh well together!!

And...my two beautiful nieces Kensey and Kaitlinn...I got to make jewelry with them and we had a ball!!

Grandpa Jerry got to meet his grandson for the very first time as we drove back home through Wichita where he was meeting his other great grandparents...

I've got to make a blurb book...whew...so little time and so much I want to do!!

AND...of course I couldn't wait to get my hands on our little bundle of joy myself...Nana and Paxton...

What next??...well, more paintings of Paxton, and finishing my paper cast acorns, and doing something new and fun...I best get to it!!

HAPPY CREATING!

COMING HOME!

2011-11-27T07:58:00.002-07:00

I am actually writing this from my iPad IN the car on our way home from Oklahoma to see my parents. It was good to see people we love...but ALWAYS wonderful to come home!

Baby Paxton was in Kansas meeting his other great grandparents for the first time...but I couldn't stand not seeing him so we went home via Kansas and stopped to hug he and his beautiful mom and dad and extended family...grandpa Jerry got to meet him for the first time!

Yep, it was some good times! I hope you all had equally Happy Thanksgiving experiences! I'm comin home to my easel and my own BED!

HAPPY CREATING!

Location:Bookover Rd,Holcomb,United States

NEVER FEAR...I'M A WORKIN...JUST IN PLANNING PHASE!

2011-11-18T17:10:00.000-07:00

we've titled this "The Thinker"...it reminds me of an earlier photo...so he must REALLY be a thinking awake or asleep!

Yep, it's "Family season"...that time of year when I buckle down and try to do as much for family as I can...OF COURSE there have been requests to paint our new little guy...so I'm going to ATTEMPT to do that...I was SO tickled to get to see my little guy last week...and can't wait until New Years to see him again when they all travel up to our mountain home!

The first photo I'm going to attempt to paint is this one...

It's the most recent face pic I have...the problems will be as I discussed last post...NO STRONG CONTRASTS...whew...I'm not really a portrait painter but I have to try...so...stay tuned!! I've got him sketched out on a 6x6 canvas...so, let's see what happens...

It's a busy time at the Galloway house, but I won't forget you all...just squeezing art in between a ton of the stuff we all do at the holiday time...I've entered two shows for Colorado Watercolor Society and should hear if anything got in by December 1 and the end of December...so more about that later...

collage of entries for two shows...hmmm...I see a theme here...lol

AND, I'm tickled that my grandson has had his first driving lesson...I think dad is freaked out, but Paxton is really concentrating on the road! lol

HAPPY CREATING and HAPPY HOLIDAY TIME!!

"COLORADO COLOR" ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA PAINTING OF ASPEN © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

2011-11-14T11:04:00.000-07:00

"Colorado Color"

10x13" 16x20" matted and framed

$250 includes shipping in US

ON HOLD FOR A SHOW

This was a new experience for me. It may look a lot like my signature aspen, but it was done specifically to enter into the Colorado Watercolor State Show that will be in March at the Foothills Art Center in Golden, CO. I don't usually like to paint FOR a show, but I was intrigued to see how I could adapt my work to paper. They have very strict rules as to how you work...it has to be ON PAPER. Any collage materials have to be PAINTED by the artist...no store bought paper for this show...and it has to be under PLEXIGLASS. WHEW... SO, I started out painting on a 140lb piece of watercolor paper with acrylics...

THAT was pretty ok...although the paper buckled a lot so I had to keep ironing it flat so I could work...After that I took several types of paper and painted and stamped on them and then tore them up to add to my piece...After which I added three aspen (remember I did all this yesterday as I've been gone...so the fewer aspen the better)...which I ended up finding just right as I enjoyed the abstract background I'd created using my handpainted papers...and, the end result under glass and matted and framed was this...

After it is all said and done, I'm not sure I enjoy painting my own papers...It might have been my strict deadline...but, I more think I enjoy the art of choosing papers from the stores and seeing how they fit my vision...it is part of the creative process for me...but that is just one artists opinion! I hope to sway the board of CWS that one day they accept more work done on different substrates for more of their shows...we don't want to have our creativity stifled now do we?? hmmm...? :) I won't even know if I was accepted for a month or so...but, at least it is DONE...YEA!

My next projects will be for my family, as I do every year...this year I'm going to try my hand at painting my little grandson. This will be a challenge as all the photos I have of him were taken inside with no interesting shadows from sunlight...but...we work with what we have...:) I'll post things as I get them done...and encourage my family NOT to read my blog for a bit so they won't see what MAY be their Christmas present! HA...We will see how that goes!!

HAPPY CREATING!

EXPERIMENT

2011-11-12T11:20:00.000-07:00

Although I have already posted my handsome grandson today, I'm hoping this little experiment with my iPad will prove successful. I'm attempting to post AND include a pic I took WITH my iPad as well! Are you ready? Let's see if it works...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Yea!! HAPPY CREATING!

HOME and on the run!

2011-11-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

I have literally 5 minutes! Two awesome days with my little guy and I'm back home and running off to work an art show! WHEW. Need I say I had a great time holding my little grandson!! He was a delight...laughing, talking to anything with a face! It was heaven!! I'm really crunched for time to try to complete a finished piece tomorrow to send off in the mail for a show on Tuesday morning...but for now...Paxton talking to his monkeys!!

HAPPY CREATING!

PAPER CAST ACORN PAINTING IN PROCESS

2011-11-06T12:09:00.000-07:00

This painting is definitely in process...I've got my background in and my casts completed and placed with some oil painting on them...all fun stuff...and now I need to go in and add more...more paint, more collage items that I'm considering...but today my computer goes to the computer doctor, so I'm not sure when I'll post again.

Early tomorrow morning I'm leaving to spend a couple of days with my grandson and his parents in Omaha. He is changing tons and I am missing it...so, off I go. I'm going to take my ipad and ATTEMPT to post...but art stays at home, so they will most likely be pics of faces of those I love. That is IF I am able to make it all work on that little ipad! Wish me luck...and

HAPPY CREATING!

ON MAKING STAMPS and TRAVELS...

2011-11-05T08:25:00.000-06:00

Before I go too much further I want to talk a little about making stamps for use in the backgrounds of your work. The example above is from a short video I got from the EMPTY EASEL newsletter that I get through my website Fine Art Studio On Line. For any of you who subscribe to this website provider I encourage you to read the Empty Easel as it often has very informative information to help you in your creative endeavors! The link for this promo for this particular process is: http://emptyeasel.com/2011/10/24/video-making-styrofoam-stamps-to-use-with-collage-paper-and-fabric/. The stamp above is a quick example I made to see how it would work using acrylics...Could be FUN! And, would have worked on my acorn piece had I chose to use it.

The second idea is very simple...I used a little hot glue and glued a stencil on to a square of 6 mm of fun foam. This is an excellent material to use as it washes easily! Even though stencils are very thin, they still have enough depth to make a stamp as you see below:

The third is also not invented by me, but used by me quite alot when I need a stamp that is the exact size and design for a particular piece. I have included this in many of my blogs...but as a reminder these are the stamps I made for some of my acorn pieces. The process was brought to me by a particular favorite blogger artist friend of mine...Alisa Burke. The process is simple...Using 6mm fun foam cut out a design on one and hot glue it to another block of fun foam. It is washable and durable!

to get the design in the center you can do several things. Use a wood burning tool...cut it with an x-acto knife...(even drawing a line with the x-acto knife will cause a line to appear when you stamp!)

Making your own stamps just increases the original material within your artwork, making it that much more desirable and HARDER to replicate...making it THAT MUCH MORE DESIRABLE...or so goes the theory! HA.

Next week I am excited to say I will be traveling to Omaha to see my now nearly three month old grandson...I am SOOOO excited to see he and my beautiful daughter and most wonderful son-in-law...I will be able to get NEW photos of this new little person we all love so much with his Nana...the last photo I have with him is right before I walked out the door in August (where I bawled like a baby for an hour as I missed them so much already!) lol

When I return I will be working like crazy to produce but one more piece I will enter in the Colorado Watercolor State Show. The thing about this show is the pieces have to be done on paper and under glass. Any collage papers we use have to be painted by us...all original stuff...That is where I will be using my handmade original stamps for background papers in one of my signature pieces. It has to be all water media and painted in the last two years...So...stay tuned for that what ever it will be!!

HAPPY CREATING!

ACORN PAPER CAST IN PROCESS...AND ONE MORE ASPEN EXPERIMENT!

2011-11-04T07:00:00.004-06:00

Let's start from the end and work backwards today...This is the paper cast acorn painting as it is today...The whole piece is going to be 10" matted, under glass with black frame. Now...from the beginning.

I started with a 300lb piece of watercolor paper on which I added flexible modeling paste and stamped some texture in. I absolutely LOVE texture, so every chance I get I put some in...THEN I took the acorn paper casts, gesso'd them and laid them in a composition, laying the matt on top to see if I'm going to like placement.

THEN, I stamp the background. I have a favorite stamp I often use that is a bunch of little squares...and I also added an oak leaf stamp on top of that. (I made the stamp...you've seen it in my other acorn paintings)

For me it's about just putting color that will work in the background to imitate a sky color, and a leaf color...

And, that brings us to where you started...I re-laid the pieces down to see if it works with my background...The next step will be to adhere the branch, paint it...and continue to adhere and paint each piece...I'm going to use oil...so it might get a little tricky...stay tuned!

And, to continue with what I did yesterday...My last experiment for the day was to actually glue wire to the base to see if I can get rid of the too obvious thread showing...I used jewelry glue. Later on I will pour another cast to see if it worked. I used the smaller 24 gauge wire as I liked it best in my experiments yesterday!

sorry...the pic is blurry...I got in a hurry before I went down to make dinner...:)

oops...how did this get in here...OH WELL, since it's here...this is my little sweetie in his very first Halloween costume sent to him by ME...his Nana...:) Gotta love that little pea pod!!

HAPPY CREATING!

EXPERIMENTS, EXPERIMENTS...NOT A WASTE OF TIME!!

2011-11-03T14:49:00.000-06:00

I'm never sorry I experiment...it's the path to discovery, and is what got me the style I currently work in...but, sometimes we get negative results...I've decided to show you the negative results...and some that I feel will work eventually. As I discussed yesterday I was playing with an idea as to how to get the veins to show up in my aspen leaf paper casts without painting them after the fact. These first three are different glues...It was my hope that there would be enough of a bump to make veins...The material I've decided to use is the screen from Arnold Grummer that I actually pour my molds on to. I had a little extra, so cut it up...Here is the result of the first three experiments...

Yep...not what I was looking for...You may have to click on the photo to see the results more clearly. The Elmers stuck to the cast even though it was dry when I poured...ps...this is a reminder of what the cast looks like in the mold...

The Beacon's craft glue ALMOST worked, but too spotty of a result to count on it consistently. And, the "OK to wash it" fabric glue just soaked into the material (now that I think about it...duh) and there were almost no lines at all...SO...not to be discouraged I tried something different...

WIRE!...Yes, I took my jewelry making wire from those spools and actually sewed it on to the mesh screen...I wondered if the threads would show...here are the results from that experiment though I layed the wrong example in front of the wrong heading...24 gauge is smaller wire...just remember the bigger the number the smaller the wire...sorry...OH, and I spelled gauge wrong...sorry...when I'm experimenting I tend to overlook some things...bad...

This is really 20 gauge...the bigger wire...see how you can see the thread even! WHEW...gotta be careful...and...it MAY be a little large for veins...

This is really the smaller wire...the 24 gauge...Turned out pretty decent, but I really need to be careful where I place the mold over this to get my veins right...might be my favorite...

SO that was the aspen experiment...It occurred to me that some of you may not know what Cotton Linters are...I order mine from Arnold Grummer on line...Michael's used to carry it, but they stopped due to lack of sales.

I LOVE this stuff...it comes in flat squares and bags like this...I like em all!

And, I wanted to show you an example of my acorn with it's top texture that you will remember is the drippage off of my friends epoxy pours...

If you look closely you can see it poking out from under the acorn I poured...It has to be squeezed under a screen, dry and then I can peel off the top texture...You are looking at the back.

AND...I just couldn't resist putting some color into this blog as most is pretty weak...My latest pic of my little Paxton...grandson...Ain't he cute!!

HAPPY CREATING!!

CANCELLATION LEADS TO A PROMISE...AND NEW IDEAS...

2011-11-02T16:43:00.000-06:00

paper cast acorns with textured tops...(how did she do that you ask)...stay tuned!

It SNOWED last night...Yes, I know...it's winter...but it snowed on the evening before I was scheduled to do a demo for Mountainside Art Guild. We had so much drifting due to wind that I couldn't get out so I had to cancel...something I absolutely HATE to do! SO, I promised the group that I would be posting things that went a little further than the information in the paper cast/wax collage workshop I shared with them I wrote for Cloth/Paper/Scissors magazine in January. In that workshop I detailed how I make my paper cast molds and applied wax as a collage agent. For any of you who are interested in those processes it can be found in the Jan/Feb 2011 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors. I would share it in this venue, but am not allowed to post those pages on the internet. sigh...

I have added a little new thing to some of my paper casts that you can see in my paper cast acorns above...TEXTURE in the cast!! My first casts were merely shapes...which are great for some pieces, but with the sunflower and now my little acorns I felt a little texture would do some good...In the sunflower (my first one to step out into experimental land) I merely found a piece of fabric with texture and layed it face up before I poured my cotton linter (the stuff paper casts are typically made from) When the cast process was completed you see the texture in the middle like in the photo below.

FUN DOINS!

they can then be painted realisitcally, or sort of "Cloth Paper Scissory" as is shown below in my

"Sunflower Lines"

"Sunflower Lines" wax collage with paper cast...sold...:)

And, just so you can see how I get my molds made it in it's simplest form is just taking thin brass strips and bending them over a design you've drawn...like below:

sunflower...not a fried egg...:)

I bet you think I forgot to share what I used for the texture for my acorn tops that will soon be a completed paper cast painting...? Nope...it is something I NEVER would have thought of...but I have a wonderful friend: Susan Gordon who epoxy's her artwork...and...this texture was the drip off of one of her epoxied piece!! It had little dimples in it, and was thin enough for me to draw it and cut it out! MORE FUN DOINS! thanks Susan!!

So...I made a little acorn mold for paper cast...and I made the paper cast

with cotton linter (stuff I order from Arnold Grummer Papermaking company) and let it dry...Imagine in the top area of the acorn...on the bottom (under the mold) with texture facing up is the little epoxy drip texture (not shown)...below you can see a mold with the paper poured in...

nope...it isn't the acorn...it is my aspen leaf...

My new idea is about my aspen leaf casts...I'm playing with a way to use glue on cardboard for leaf veins...I'll let you know if it works!!

The next step would be for me to gently remove the mold and lay a screen on top and sponge it til it has little water left and then leave it to dry...overnight...then I peel it gently off and trim edges if necessary...and I'm ready to use it in a piece of artwork...AFTER I paint it with gesso first to seal it (remember it's paper, so water added directly on top would disintegrate it)

Just as a reminder...below are several things I've done with the paper casts...some are wax collage and some I've treated as a painting and sealed it and put it under glass (as with my aspen pieces)...Next I will share a little about a fun and VERY inexpensive way to make stamps that would be great for background for any of your collage work!! Stay tuned!!

"Rebirth" sold

"Orange Crush" available

"The Heart Wants" NFS

"Blackbird" sold

"Freedom" available

"Sunflowers a' natural" sold

"Star Lines" available

"Aspen Melody" available (can be found in small works on my website)

"Aspen Gold" available through my up the mountain gallery LUNA'S MANDALA in Conifer

HAPPY CREATING!!

SOMETIMES IT ISN'T WORTH THE PRICE! A DISCUSSION ON COMMISSIONS...

2011-11-01T10:24:00.000-06:00

"Three Acorns"

12" x 10" mixed media on gallery wrap canvas

$180 includes shipping in the US

We all have those frustrating stories about commissions gone awry...and today is mine. I got a call from a client wanting to purchase my acorns. She fell in love with "Acorn Duo" and wanted me to paint another one just like it only a different size...and on stretched canvas if it was less expensive than the cradles I make (MY FIRST MISTAKE TO QUOTE HER A LESSER PRICE FOR THE DIFFERENT SUPPORT) remember they are paying for our expertise, not the support...so our prices should reflect the same for size...in reality I should have charged more for the larger support...sigh...(insert "Acorn Duo) for a reminder...So...that necessitated a conversation with her about composition and when we change something that is 6" wide to 10" wide the same view of the subject will not look as good compositionally. She kept saying..."I'm not an artist"...BUT...and after a few minutes she began to understand what I was saying about composition...I told her I could do something similar, but that would work within the scope of the support size. I also told her I would send her a photo of the background to see if she was happy with that...as she had talked about the colors matching her walls and towels (a bathroom piece)...SO, I did a close rendition of the background you see here in Acorn Duo. I sent it over and got a response by phone at 9 p.m. It began like this..."I'm not an artist, BUT" and then she proceeded to tell me she didn't like the green on the left side and the color of the background wasn't the same as the photo on my business card which just so happened to be Acorn Duo. I explained to her that colors translate differently in different media...even on computer monitors...but, to make her happy I told her I'd replicate the color in the background of the photo on the business card. SO, I mixed colors and RE-PAINTED THE BACKGROUND without the green (I was sad that went away) and closer to the color on my business card. That action necessitated a conversation with her about how the leaf stamps (made by me :)) will look differently with the more solid background...she kept saying "I'm not an artist, BUT"...and finally when I explained that with the blue and green being analogous colors the contrast wouldn't be as strong as if the stamp color I used was orange, so she MIGHT be ok with it showing up more...sigh...after that she just said "I'm not an artist, SO...just paint it like you know best...make sure you have more leaves or acorns to make up the difference for the wider support"...whew...I know you all know that I already knew that...sigh...So, we signed off and I finished the painting...

I sent over to her the photo you see at top and these others to make SURE she was happy with the end result... She replied that she LOVED it and wanted to know if I could meet her at a mall that is on the east side of

town from me for delivery...ANOTHER mistake on my part...DO NOT DO THAT...if they are that strapped for cash, then maybe they should wait to purchase something...sigh...again...SO, I get there...she sees the painting and says she loves it, pays me the balance and we go our separate ways...

A few minutes later she tracks me down in the mall and says she really doesn't like the stamping and could I either paint her another one or take out all the stamping! Sheesh...I am a little taken aback and I explain to her that the stamping is part of my signature work, and the color for the background was a mixture that will take some time to replicate.

Well, long story short...I decided on the way home with my painting in tow that to do all those changes OR paint another one would not be cost effective...PLUS...I came to the very clear conclusion that she wanted a more traditional artist, and I didn't WANT to change my piece like she wanted for a few dollars...It would no longer be my work...so, I decided to send her check back and explain she was probably looking for a different artist...which is what I will do...LESSON LEARNED...AGAIN!

The moral of this story is...don't undersell yourself, stay true to what you are as an artist...don't change your price for a commission...be upfront in the beginning and say, after a painting has been approved IF they do not want it they forfeit their deposit (which should be half up front) and that is that...FOR ME...I'm not sure I'm cut out for commission work...I love what I do, the way I do it too much to devalue my work in that way...I admit I've had many successful commission jobs...but for me they have been very willing to take the piece after we've discussed it the way I paint it...so...I am not totally giving up...but, for awhile I am...just until this lesson doesn't burn quite as much! SO, as I do...I'm already on the next assignment, with gusto and a smile!!

HAPPY CREATING!!

"ORCHIDS" ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA PAINTING OF ORCHIDS © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

2011-10-29T09:18:00.001-06:00

"Orchids"

8x6" on cradled mdf panel

Commission

As you can see from the photos I used yesterday I ended up going with the composition (for the most part) of the 1st pic I posted...I didn't consciously do that, but in the end it suited my purposes for this requested painting. However, I used the light and dark idea from the photo with the sun streaming behind (wanted those lights and darks) ...so, I guess it's a mix. I left out one flower for composition purposes as my paper stream seemed to fill in for the 5th flower...but...it is finished.

No matter how many different ways I photographed this one it was a challenge to get the colors to read properly...and, as you all know each monitor is going to read this differently...sigh...but this seems close...on my monitor that is...lol

This is my first orchid to paint. I found it interesting...delicate...fun! Now I have to paint for an upcoming show...on PAPER...and...get ready for a demo in wax collage for Mountainside Art Guild...busy days...

HAPPY CREATING!

THE NEXT THING, AND THE NEXT THING...lalalalala

2011-10-27T14:14:00.000-06:00

As it should be...art moves on...we go from one painting to the next...My next assignment is a painting of purple and white orchids for someone I dearly love...SO, not being one to paint from other photos that I haven't taken or gotten permission for I went and bought an orchid and did a little photo session...One of these will be THE one for this assignment...FUN! I'm sharing several of the photos...and, when I'm finished see if you can figure out which pic I used!

It snowed again...yep...it's winter...as I was driving up to look at orchids I snapped this pic...brrrrrrr...

While up the mountain I visited my friend Cynthia's shop called "LUNA'S MANDALA" where I show some of my work...she's one of the best people I know and has some beautiful things...and is good to the local artists nearby...IF you are ever in Conifer you have to visit her wonderful store!

some of my work amongst the other treasures...

So, off to work I go...HAPPY CREATING!!

REALLY FINISHED THIS TIME...WITH NEW NAME! "AMONG THE TREES" ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA PAINTING OF ASPEN AND ELK © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

2011-10-26T13:04:00.000-06:00

"Among the Trees"

2'x2' mixed media on cradled MDF

$800 (plus $50 for shipping)

So, after a little tweaking here and there I am satisfied with the finished product; plus I found a more suitable name for this piece...You STILL have to look for the surprise elk, but once you find it...that is the focal point. Here is the yesterday version...see if you can find the little bit of leaf correction in both composition and toned down. I added a few to enhance the comp, and I put green and the turquoise over some of the yellow to tone it down a bit...and...I added a bit of the background color in highlights on the elk to help it be more a part of the whole...See if you can see the subtle, but important changes! I had fun with this...SO glad I added a bit and worried less about color...I will be entering this in a show in the next few days and should know if it gets in by December 1. After that I will release it for sale if it ends up staying home for the holidays!

HAPPY CREATING!!

"ASPEN HOME" ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA ASPEN/WILDLIFE PAINTING © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

2011-10-25T16:49:00.001-06:00

"Aspen Home" (working title)

2' x 2' mixed media on MDF with cradle

$800.00 available in March unless it is rejected :)
"I'm going to enter it in a show at the Madden Museum"

I ALMOST waited to post this "finished" painting until tomorrow, BUT tomorrow is going to be even darker than it was today, so for my followers I'm posting this all but completed painting...I will wait until the light is better before I try to take photos for the website, so for now just accept this as the best capture I could do today with rainy dark clouds...It's pretty close...

As I've been saying I was getting a little weary of working with my aspen...so I played with a little unrealistic color (the turquoise in the aspen leaves) and I added a little focal point...can you see it? Look closely...Click on the pic to make it bigger...it's there...someone who lives among the trees...:)

In case you missed it...here is a detail that the light grabbed as it is still a wet oil...but you get the drift...:)

This elk was actually from a pic that I mirrored for the composition of this piece...but was actually on my driveway a year ago...I enjoyed photographing and painting this big guy last year, so decided to slip him into this aspen piece...I rather like the way it came out...he's just hanging out...amidst his trees. It seems to be a secondary focus until you see him, and then it IS the focal point...I rather like that too...FUN.

I'm playing around with names...not sure this will be "it" yet...and I may add a very few other leaves here and there...but, not until I wake up tomorrow and glance at it again...But, for now...let's call it finished!

Announcing that I will have three pieces in the annual Echter's art show sponsored by Mountainside and Arvada Art Guilds next month...I was honored to have one of my earlier paintings chosen for the invite...If you are in the area I invite you to stop by and take a look!! Echter's Nursery and Garden center is located at

52nd Ave and Garrison St. in Arvada, CO

HAPPY CREATING!

AND MORE PROCESS...

2011-10-24T09:36:00.000-06:00

big ole aspen piece (2'x2') process 2

Yep, I knew it was coming...and, with this piece it has...a need to do a little something else...or, something! I've been working this way for awhile, and although I will CONTINUE WORKING LIKE THIS because I LOVE THE PROCESS, I'm searching for a little more...something sparky...and, it may not happen with this piece as it is pretty far along...but my mind is going on it, and if I let it keep going on it I will find some; perhaps subtle thing; or not so subtle thing; to add or do to keep my interest...I originally had thought to just do trunks...but now I'm going to play with some leaves...perhaps with yellows and even the turquoise color...who says we have to stay true to life! HA Can't believe I said that...I'm all about the color...When I taught middle school I kept saying it doesn't matter what COLOR you choose...as long as the VALUES are there it will be successful...They thought I was nuts until they tried it! HA. I believe that...the color is merely a personal choice! Do you know we all see color a little differently? DUH...sorry, I'm still waking up so I'm a little simple minded today.

So, if I could spark any of you on this slow starting (for me) Monday it would be to take a subject you are already familiar with and do a painting, or color sketch in a TOTALLY unrealistic color...just keep your values strong...and see if it doesn't make your brain so very happy!! Try it!! and, if you feel so inclined...share with me your efforts...you know I love that!! art4life44@hotmail.com

so, for me it is back to my easel...HAPPY CREATING!

THAT BEAUTIFUL THING CALLED PROCESS!

2011-10-18T11:19:00.000-06:00

I LOVE, LOVE process...to be able to think and work and almost instinctively create what will make some sort of sense in the end...FUN DOINS for me! After finishing the acorn commission I got back to business on this piece that USED to be Queen Bee...IF you look closely you can still see some of her wings and such...I chose to keep lines present as my signature trees will come in later and the whole thing will blend together in a wonderful explosion of color peeking behind this subject matter I love so much! I absolutely loved the color scheme in this, so just strengthened what was already there...and, added a bit of stamping to just tickle my artistic senses! I am excited to get to my TREES!! Stay tuned...and, FYI...the collector LOVED the acorns so they will be off to their new home when they dry...YEA!

HAPPY CREATING!

THE THING ABOUT COMMISSION..."THREE ACORNS" MIXED MEDIA ON STRETCHED CANVAS © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

2011-10-13T11:33:00.002-06:00

"Three Acorns"

12x10" mixed media on gallery wrap canvas

COMMISSION...we will see...

A few days ago a collector called me with a request to do another acorn piece like "Acorn Duo" but not...ha. I get tickled at those requests. I respect people who want something I've done...and I understand that they found something they liked. This collector needed a different size, and after a couple of conversations I learned she wanted something a little different. We had some conversations and after I understood what I THINK she was after I created this piece.

She liked the color of the acorns...she liked part of the background color and the depth the dark purply/brown of the bottom...but, after she realized the shape of the canvas was in different proportions she decided that I was right that it needed a little bit more. So, I did it.

This process is fun sometimes, but I remember my days when I did many more commission pieces and the frustrations I felt as well as the collectors. It is HARD to take information from one person's mind and get it to match with the other persons mind...I haven't heard back from her yet to know if this is what she wanted...so we shall see.

I often wonder if I should even be doing commission work...and I change my mind constantly. I love, love working like I do...but I feel frustrated when I can figure out what the collector is thinking of. Not their fault, and not mine...so, it is a gamble...This one was pretty ok cuz I was in the mood to do another acorn piece...but for the future of me doing commission work...I'm not sure...

HAPPY CREATING!!

"ASPEN SIX" ORIGINAL PAPER CAST MIXED MEDIA PAINTING OF ASPEN TREES © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

2011-10-11T15:15:00.002-06:00

"Aspen Six"

20x16" completed size paper cast aspen on paper

actual image is 13 1/2" x 10" with double white matt

$225.00 includes shipping in the US

This aspen paper cast was fun to do with my abstracted stamped background using a combination of purchased stamp and my own stylized aspen leaf stamp. The trees are made from my paper cast mold and then painted.

I want to do a couple more this size to play with background! BUT, first I'm working on a new acorn piece that was commissioned similar to acorn duo. Love those commissions!

HAPPY CREATING!

WORKING IN THE STUDIO! YEA!

2011-10-10T14:46:00.000-06:00

After three HARD days of moving things around...tons of plastic drawers and furniture and all that goes in them I have FINALLY gotten all of it in the right place...now just to fine tune it all. When we decided to hold off on moving (I'm beginning to think we're NEVER gonna get down the mountain...ha) we needed this place to work better...for me that was paring down on all my TONS of supplies and decide just what I was going to focus on...and then put it all in it's right place! WHEW!

SO, with a little bit of time this morning I'm already on my next piece. This is one of my signature aspen paper cast pieces; much like the smaller ones I created this past summer, only bigger. This one will be 20x16" matted and framed and behind glass of course! I enjoyed working the somewhat abstract background with some whimsical aspen stamps (from an aspen stamp I made). The tree composition took a few minutes to lay out like I wanted. Now all that is left to do is to paint the trees! FUN!

AND NOW...a quick discussion on being creative and not listening to the "voice of reason". When you want to stretch out your creative wings you first must know the rules...and then, and ONLY then, can you experiment and break some of them when appropriate so you can come up with that "thing" that makes your heart sing.

The piece below is actually one I did in the 70's when I was a young art student in college in Arkansas. I was stubborn and ready to find my own way even back then. I had an art teacher that drove me crazy! Back then I thought he was out to get me...NOW, with my added years of maturity and having taught art myself I understand he was pushing me to excel, and not just fit into a mold. Tricky Arnie!...and I'm glad! I would spend 30 hours on a perfectly executed drawing and would get a B-...It drove me crazy!...so, one day I went to my dorm room and took my pastels and set up a still life on my bed and in 10 minutes "threw" something together with the intent of driving HIM crazy...and low and behold I got an A+...THAT drove ME crazy!! And so the semester went without me "getting" it...He would say, for example..."You can't do a beautifully executed apple with magic markers Saundra"...so, what did I do...? Yep, went back and created marker apples just to prove him wrong! HA...Of course...he had my number...and he knew I was going to challenge him...and...the end result was FUN and great...and, yes...I got an A+ for my marker apples...Yep, thank you Arnie Anderson wherever you are...I never gave up, and now I am a happy artist who adores creating and trying to break the rules!! And, just to make SURE I proved him wrong I also did a huge one with wonderful shading...and one day if I run across it I will share that one too! HA

So...I say...learn the rules, and then find ways to stretch...you WILL find your bliss if you just don't give up!

HAPPY CREATING!!

LIFE KEEPS MOVING ALONG...

2011-10-08T09:22:00.000-06:00

Our view from the front deck...my husband got such a great catch with his i-phone! SHARING with you all!!

You know those paper cast molds...that Queen Bee re-do? They are still there...waiting...patiently for me while life keeps moving along! I'm sure you have had days in life where you were DYING to get back to the easel, but life keeps moving along and you are prevented for a short time so you could attend to other things...whew...that's me the past few days.

I finished my son's birthday present and got it mailed off to him and then took a hard look at making my studio work better for me since we are not moving this year. I need more of what I work with near by...my books..and some other things...so, that launched an all out moving of my things from place to place so I could make room for this HEAVY bookcase in my studio. I've been up and down 30+ stairs many times in the past two days making things work, so I CAN WORK better! HA You know the drill...call it nesting or what you will...but today is the perfect day to finish as it snowed for the first time last night...

My favorite tree...from my kitchen window.

Please, PLEASE make it little fern from our wedding that we forgot to bring in...

Oops...how did THIS get in here...a pic of my beautiful girl making that sling thing work so she could have our little Paxton close by...tee hee...

So, off I go to finish this crazy restructuring thing so I can get back to work!! Hope you all are warm and toasty on this fall day!!

HAPPY CREATING!

"JONATHAN'S PALMS" ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA PAINTING OF PALM TREES © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

2011-10-04T14:34:00.000-06:00

"Jonathan's Palms"

6" x 16"

mixed media on MDF with stained cradled sides

I adore my son...I love him like crazy...his life is a challenge...I hope this brings him some peace when he sees this and remembers the sunsets he's seen, the breeze on his face...Even though he won't see this until his birthday...I hope he knows how much he's loved and how much I believe in him! We all need space...we all need that creative muse...we all need something that brings us what we need...I hope this helps!

HAPPY CREATING!

PALMS IN PROCESS

2011-10-03T07:53:00.000-06:00

As I bounced around this past weekend doing this and that...preparing our house that we will still be in for winter..well, for winter...But, I had moments to work...here you see the palm piece for my most wonderful son where I have added papers to simulate the moving waters and stamped what will be the background to the palm leaves I will paint later.

I've added trunks with paper and have now begun to lay in darks and lights...note how the sun light has not been touched! :) The last steps will be to paint the palm leaves and make sure my highlights and darks are what I want!...

And...a first laugh caught on film...my little grandson LAUGHING...such FUN!

HAPPY CREATING!!...

A PIT STOP WITH PALMS...

2011-09-30T10:53:00.000-06:00

My most wonderful son who lives in San Diego is having a birthday in a couple weeks...and as is my tradition I do a painting for him. He LOVES my work...actually encourages my experimentation, so today I've begun a new piece in my signature style with PALM TREES as the subject this time. I'm very excited to do this piece as I too ADORE palm trees...they are such interesting subject matter!...and, they remind me of my son...This photo doesn't show the changes in value from top to bottom, but you can see a bit of sun as it peeks through.

I've made some palm leaf stamps that will be part of this piece...and will soon start adding papers to bring it some good interest...stay tuned! This has to be finished quickly so I can get it out to him!!

HAPPY CREATING!!

REWORKING PAINTINGS, STUDIO AND LIFE

2011-09-29T11:05:00.000-06:00

Well...as we all know life is full of change and growth and surprises and disappointments etc, etc, etc...We've had those of late! Our house hunt and pending offer came to a screeching halt as the information came in telling us it was getting WAY to complicated! HAD we had the correct information from the beginning it would have saved us months of work and time...BUT, as life goes it tends to come in as needed rather than wanted...SO, we are putting the move on hold indefinitely and refocusing on life and work. I had my 10 minutes of frustration and tears (mainly at all the lost time)...and then began immediately to turn things around for the better...THUS the studio changes. My space is SMALL...so I am re-configuring and changing things a bit so it works better for what I do. New shelves gave me a more open feel and more storage space that works best for me...step number one! (PS...the big Raggedy Ann and Andy are a sentimental addition for me...I made them for my own two children when they were born...)

I am quite thrilled to have more time to get back to my art full time...or as near to it as I want! I am already back at it with new paper cast molds...trees and my newest favorite subject matter...acorns...getting ready for a couple shows coming up. I want to do larger paper cast aspen and a fun acorn piece that is mulling around in my head...

AND...since we are NOT moving in the immediate I have decided that Queen Bee that was originally done for my living room just didn't make me all that happy, so I am going to make her into a wonderful big 2'x2' aspen piece...I'm excited about the color scheme...so, with a little bit of work it will be ready for trees! FUN!!...NEVER fear changing a piece that just doesn't strike joy into your heart...it can be VERY freeing!!

I have another tree piece that I will be reworking in the near future...so stay tuned!!

AND, I can't help it...LOVE, LOVE this newest pic of my little 6 week old grandson, Paxton...This seems to be his signature face...it tickles me to death...I miss that boy for sure!! And his pretty mamma and wonderful dad!!

SO...I am happily creating and dreaming and planning...here's to you all...

HAPPY CREATING!!

"ASPEN IN ORANGE AND BLUE" ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA PAINTING OF ASPEN © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY AND...AN UP AND COMING ARTIST!

2011-09-26T13:25:00.003-06:00

"Aspen in Orange and Blue"

12" x 25"

Mixed media on MDF panel with English Oak stained sides

$400 includes shipping in the US

I was FINALLY able to sit for a few minutes and finish this aspen mixed media piece. That has been a feat considering the house hunt and all that goes with it. I don't think I ever tire of playing with all the combinations that can happen with this way of working...So, YEA!

I want to introduce you to my niece; Kaitlinn Johnson who is an 8th grader in Texas and quite an accomplished artist! My brother called last week to tell me she won a triple ribbon on her landscape that I was so excited to see and wanted to share it with you all here!

I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw this painting and just had to tell her just how it was a winner in my humble eyes...Just look at the great composition and contrast she has shown, not to mention the execution is also lovely!! WAY TO GO KAITLINN!!

It is so important to recognize talent in emerging artists...they need our positive kudos and encouragement...Let's all watch for her name as she continues in her creative endeavors!

SO, the house hunt has been a great bit of time as you have already read...we are now in the financial ho ha as I call it, and I've got to tell you, quite frustrating...If there isn't a new document you need, it is a phone call for info you have to make; and when they don't call you back it stalls the whole process...and then there are all the government rules and hoops to jump through...I've got to tell you there are days I just want to throw my hands up and say ENOUGH...renting is JUST FINE! HA...but, we've come this far...so I feel it would be a colossal waste of time if I stopped now...whew...I need strength!!

Yesterday I had planned to post my sweet niece's painting, but my husband came and asked me to go on a hike up behind our house...a little deeper than we've gone before, so I just stopped and went...and, was glad...it was SO beautiful up there and we had some surprises along the way...But, first to show you some of the color I found up there...

me finding color...ha

a great composition of oak leaves...

I call these pine berries...what in heavens name are they actually called??

And, then...we're waling along and who should we see...but...

I tell ya...you can't go anywhere anymore!! ha...He was just stuck up on a tree and for a second looks REAL...it was a great laugh!

But, as we were walking back I glanced over my shoulder and was greeted with this beautiful view...aaahhh life...for a moment all the stresses of life today went away! Enjoy!!

HAPPY CREATING!!

"PORTRAIT OF A SUNFLOWER" ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA PAINTING OF A SUNFLOWER © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

2011-09-19T11:12:00.001-06:00

"Portrait of a Sunflower"

12" x 12" mixed media on MDF with English Oak cradled sides

$300

AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE by clicking on the title so see others like it

OR YOU CAN USE PAY PAL by clicking on the button below!

It has been SO great getting back to work a little bit between house hunting! I sat down yesterday and created this fun sunflower portrait with whimsical ribbons of the black and white weaving through...if you look closely you can also see it in a spiral in the center of the sunflower. This piece is what I created on top of the "failed" painting from the other day. The fun part of this is all the texture!! To cover the previous work (which someone wanted to buy about 10 minutes too late as I'd covered it already!) I painted it with a layer of gesso...covered that with a layer of molding paste, and another layer of gesso...The English Oak sides fit perfectly with the subject matter (which MAY have been the reason I decided to do one more sunflower before the season ends).

Not to let much moss grow on my easel I'm already at work on a new aspen piece using mainly blue and orange in the background. As we speak I'm busy with the addition of papers...and having a ball!!

HAPPY CREATING!

JOYFUL JOYFUL MOMENTS

2011-09-18T22:15:00.000-06:00

Paxton Mark Grimes - 1 month

Last night I received this photo from my daughter's cell phone. Again, I am thrilled with our technology that we can see things so quickly...especially things so dear to my heart! I have been missing this little guy so much, so this was especially heartwarming! I can assure you it is already printed and in a frame. He is looking at his beautiful mamma here...and, as an artist, I imagine that he is studying her face as we do our subject matter...just planning how he will paint her...I couldn't NOT share this...my emotions run deep these days!

A few minutes later there was another photo that warmed my heart yet again...a beautiful portrait of father and son...My son in law adores his boy, and you can surely see it here!

Aaahhh life...can be so wonderful! And, as if that wasn't enough...I got yet another photo, but this time from my most wonderful son in San Diego...sharing yet another sunset...so, that warmed my heart for another one that is far from me that I love so much! I am surely a lucky woman to have such people to love and miss...

SO, another thank you for letting me use this venue to express my love and adoration for my family...and, I am most happy to report that I finished a painting...the one that took the place of the "failed" mountain scene from a day or so ago...By the time I finished painting it, it was too dark to photograph...so...suffice it to say...tomorrow...until then...

HAPPY CREATING!!

AND SOME PAINTINGS ARE...I AM HONORED TO RECIEVE HONORABLE MENTION!

2011-09-17T07:50:00.001-06:00

I am very tickled to have received the HONORABLE MENTION award from Colorado Watercolor Society's New Trend show that is currently hanging in the CoArt Gallery at 846 Santa Fe Drive in Denver, CO. "Poppy Fields" was the painting. When my friend Susan (who literally had to nag me to enter!!...thanks Susan) and I walked up to the show I was tickled to see "Poppy Fields" hanging in the window...and then so humbled to have gotten some notice later with the award!...so, the moral of the story is...some work and some don't...and I STILL maintain that each experience is valuable for different reasons! KNOWLEDGE IS POWER!! Learn from everything and you will be KING...or...QUEEN some day! HA
So, if you get a minute before Sept. 24th hop on down to the gallery to see this most fun show depicting NEW TRENDS...Thank you to Vicky Tucker to chaired a most successful event...!

NOT EVERY PAINTING IS A WINNER!...AND, THAT'S OK!!

2011-09-14T15:44:00.000-06:00

Well, as promised...the "failed" painting and some discussion. This up top is obviously a detail of the whole thing. I'm including a before and after pic of the painting in it's evolution...and some explanation. As you will see I modified the tree portion of the painting...hoping to bring a little more abstractive (is that even a WORD?) quality to something that, quite frankly, BORED me to death...the first version seen in the left hand side of the side by side pics was just OK...it was fair...but notice...several things bothered me that I had HOPED to help when I reworked the whole...#1...TOO MANY FOCAL AREAS COMPETING!...the mountains were strong...the trees covered a large area...and the orange contrasting with the purple in the mountains...yuck.they fought each other..and then ground...too much going on with what was going on up top... #2...not ENOUGH contrast to bring strength to anything but the mountains...but, come on...the trees were really SUPPOSED to be the focal...(this is due to a lack of true planning in the first place...so, I urge you to take the time if you are "creating" a scene or an abstract, or you too may run in to this problem...

#3...let's face it...squint...similar values...kinda the same as lack of contrast, but I'm so bugged that I let this happen I'm saying it in a different way....In the second version there is a SMIDGE more value change...but it is like a failed romance...too little, too late...sigh...
#4...really...just a too typical, predictable composition...NO TRUE EXCITEMENT...look at the negative spaces (if you can find them)...boring shapes...I TRIED to bring a little more interest in changing the tree line...but...no go...

I was inspired when I was at my grandson Paxton's dr visit one day by the artwork on the walls...I saw lots of circles and ovals and colors and, and, and...It was exciting...so that is where the inspiration for the oval shapes of tree tops came from...I even made a stamp, planning to bring some contrast and interest...as seen here...It was a good idea...and I will probably use it again somewhere...Here's why it didn't work in this piece...
There seem to be two opposing styles competing for attention within the one piece...so...the "lolypop" type tree tops with the stamp was FUN...but the mountains are a bit realistic and traditionalistic (another made up word)...and they just don't work together...

In short...opposing styles...similar values making it boring...bad composition...yuck...NOW, AM I depressed because I produced such a sorry piece of work...NOT AT ALL...just look at what I was reminded of...what I learned...the EXPERIENCE...very, very valuable...And, to share...makes it that much better...In fact, I'm sure you out there can critique it even more...I mean, there are a LOT of issues with this poor little guy! HA...I don't mind...in fact, it would help us ALL...we can learn from Saundra's little "failure" and go on happier and smarter!! YIPPEE!! So give me your criticisms...it is a good thing!! Now, on to a better painting!!

Happy Creating!!

JONATHAN'S SUNSET

2011-09-13T20:32:00.000-06:00

I'm constantly amazed at our technological abilities in this world. I'm sitting here in the mountains of Colorado and I get a text from my most wonderful son who is sitting on his beach...Ocean Beach California and he shares his sunset with me. I got goose bumps...I STILL have them! On so many levels I am in awe of my son. He has stamina to keep on keeping on in a world that is often so tough...he has the soul of a poet, he is amazingly talented on the skateboard...(remember his 3rd place in the WORLD for freestyle skating in Philly last year)...and he is a gentleman extraordinaire...his creative soul is alive and well, and he takes the time to share it with his old mom! I am proud of my son that no matter what trials he faces he gets up and keeps on going...WAY TO GO JONATHAN! I am most impressed with a person that doesn't give up...that doesn't loose his desire to improve...who never stops trying...that is my son. Remember...it is a lesson to us all...NEVER GIVE UP!! To share a beautiful thing with people...to desire to make them smile...that is what we are all about as artists isn't it?...well, here is a beauty to behold from the heart and soul of my most artistic and wonderful son! Thank you Jonathan! You have most certainly passed on some smiles with this view of your world! God Bless!!

Tomorrow I am going to share a "failure". It is a painting I've reworked twice now and have decided that it is enough...I'm not afraid to admit "defeat" on some paintings...IF we can learn from those things that don't "work" then it isn't truly a "failure"...just a process that helps us to grow...so, for teaching purposes...I will share...stay tuned...But for tonight...let's enjoy a most perfect sunset that God gave us through my son...which is most certainly NOT a failure! YEA!

HAPPY CREATING!!

"A MOMENT IN THE SUN" ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA SUNFLOWER PAINTING © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

2011-09-10T15:46:00.000-06:00

"A Moment in the Sun"

6" x 6"

mixed media on gallery wrap canvas with texture

FINALLY I had an afternoon to paint! WHEW...I was beginning to think it wasn't going to happen! This is a commission for a friend...and I'm happy to say it's finished (well, until I look at it tomorrow to make sure!)

This piece had a color scheme in mind...thus the large center which will satisfy that I believe...So nice to do a sunflower at the end of the summer!

I've been back photographing my acorn...it's brown now...the ONLY one the squirrels didn't get at...and that is saying a LOT as we have tons of scrub oak around my house...that's one FAT squirrel! But, had to share!

And, it is official...we finally put a bid on a house...so, the waiting game begins as we wait for the counter offer...it is definitely a diamond in the rough, but we look at it is a creative challenge...SO, along with my studio time will be time spent looking at flooring, appliances, drapery etc...FUN DOINS at the Galloway house!!

I think I've taken so many photos of the acorn I may have to paint it...but, the joyful thing is I can wake up and decide to paint anything I want! WOO HOO!!

HAPPY CREATING!

KNEE DEEP...

2011-09-08T09:00:00.000-06:00

No, this is NOT a painting of mine...it is just an illustration to explain WHY I am miserably behind in my painting! We are KNEE DEEP in house stuff. Ever since I returned from baby I have been working the full time job of finding a house and all that goes with it. Many miles back and forth between lenders and the house we THINK we found to bid on...and today is another one. BUT, the good news is we think we found THE ONE...and it needs buckets of work...but the neighborhood is JUST what we wanted, so on we trudge through the tons of paperwork, the tests we have to take for the loan we want (I passed mine with flying colors...but don't ask me to answer the questions again, cuz I'd be in trouble...ha) and the measuring and meetings and, and, and...they want your SOUL in way of info...so, on I go...HOPEFULLY to be back at my easel post haste!! I'm hoping the rest of you out there are KNEE DEEP in CREATING!!

HAPPY DAY!

FINDING BALANCE...and a new BEGINNING

2011-09-03T09:32:00.000-06:00

I'm noticing since I returned from spending time with my new, adorable grandson that I'm having a bit of difficulty finding balance between searching for a new home and my art. I've spent a HUGE amount of time on line and out "in the field" as my husband puts it...searching for a home that will not dissapoint after living on 5 acres in the mountains, but will serve us both...WHEW...a huge task...HOWEVER, I am working hard to get back to my easel with new work...BUT, I did take time out to go to see the Mountainside Miniatures show at the FOOTHILLS ART CENTER in GOLDEN, CO. I won the CHAIRPERSON AWARD for my ACORN DUO and was tickled. I was tickled to even get in this national show in the first place. The competition was stiff and I felt lucky to even get two of the three I entered in!

I have, however begun a commission piece of a sunflower that was a specific color request...the background is a neutral with a bit of sky thrown in...and I'm playing around with different pics of sunflowers I've taken...haven't decided yet which I will use. Here is another brave soul that decided to bloom on our mountain...so delicate!

And, I'm happy to report that I got at least one more acorn pic from our scrub oak in front of the house that the birds DIDN'T find!...always sharing!! :)

He's SO cute...I can feel another acorn piece in my future!! So, here's hoping that I find that awesome balance between house hunting and creating! I hope you all are finding balance in your lives as well...here's to it!!

HAPPY CREATING!

GETTING BACK INTO IT!

2011-08-27T08:02:00.001-06:00

Part of the task when I have been away from my art for a time is to saturate myself in visuals for inspiration! Aside from all those getting back chores...laundry, errands, pay that bill I forgot...etc, I take my camera EVERYWHERE with me to snap pics of whatever may catch my eye for the goal of finding subject matter! I was having some paperwork copied and saw this fabulous crab-apple tree in the median of the shopping mall! At least I think they are crabapples! FUN!

I came home with a commission to do a sunflower piece...just a fun little 6x6, but I'm on it...If you've been reading I've only posted a BUNCH of sunflower pics...and of course I have plenty of reference, so I'm on that assignment too! I won't use this one as it doesn't fit the client's criteria, but it is the ONE and ONLY little sunflower that has survived our deer up here on the mountain, so I had to post it...such a delicate and pretty little thing!

So, it's off to Cripple Creek to attend a function for my husband's business, and then...aside from looking for houses...BACK TO PAINTING!! YEA!!

HAPPY CREATING!

SAYING GOODBYE...

2011-08-24T09:34:00.000-06:00

WOW...saying goodbye to my precious grandson and my sweet daughter and wonderful son-in-law and friend and co-grandma was HARD! But, it was time for me to head back to Denver to my husband who was a true trooper letting me be gone so long...and my art life.

I noticed that I was getting teary at almost EVERYTHING...I think I caught my daughter's hormones...that was a clue that it was time to let go and KNOW that my kids had it all under control and my work there was done...FOR THE MOMENT! ha. I think someone my age going with little sleep is a bit of a challenge...HA...BUT, I WANTED to get up at the crack of dawn to give my daughter time to rest and to spend alone time with Paxton...so, it was a great experience. I am lucky that I got to bond with this little precious one...and SO lucky that my kids let me have this opportunity! THANKS YOU TWO!!

On the way home...I bawled...yep...cried hard...couldn't hardly believe that I was having to leave him and my girl who was so exhausted! Later in the day I noticed that my arms ached literally in desire to hold him again...WHEW...this stage of life has it's emotions too! HA...All normal stuff...we all have these moments, so such is the joy of life that we can make our hearts bigger to encompass another life to love!

I left my little boy and my sweet daughter and son-in-law KNOWING they will be fine with this totally awesome little life...Yep, I'm gonna post another pic of him...here is what I call the face of wonder...I LOVED his little mouth forming these little o's and ah's...

AND...just to make SURE he doesn't forget his Nana's voice singing to him I left him a little star that played the music "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" while I got to record my voice singing it to him...HONEST...when ever he heard it he got quiet and just LOOKED...I prefer to believe he knows his Nana's voice and he loves me!!

Yep, it was like ripping off a big band aid having to leave these people I LOVE so dearly...but I KNOW we will be a close family and share in MANY more wonderful times together in the future! GOOD LUCK LITTLE FAMILY OF THREE I LOVE SO MUCH!...I believe in you! You will be GREAT!...and, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart Diana, my friend and co-grandma FOR LIFE...you being there when I had to leave gave my heart the hoodspa to leave and let go a little...I will always LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU for that gift!!

And, NOW it is time for me to get back to work...I've already got a comission for a sunflower and some things to work on...PLUS I still gotta find a house...so, here I come!!

HAPPY CREATING!..and, thanks for letting me gush so much to you all!!

8 DAYS

2011-08-21T12:33:00.000-06:00

As you can see I'm still in Nebraska loving that little grandson of mine...this is us together at 8 days...I find that I have a hard time putting him down! I think it is in part because I will be leaving in a couple of days to get back to my wonderfully patient husband and our life in Denver...It will be hard to leave these three...but I'm also looking forward to seeing that guy of mine!

I tried Paxton in his new little playthingy...this morning and he was fascinated...It was fun to watch him so mesmerized...reminds me that we should all find simple pleasures now and again!

Yesterday we went on his first walk...It was a production...his other grandparents and uncle also came along for this first! FUN!

And...as I find myself missing my hubby I often look at the beautiful sunflowers he sent me for my birthday...still sharing some pics! This one was a good composition and the lighting very interesting...

So, it's back to my little guy!!

HAPPY CREATING!

MONKEY FACE...still playing...

2011-08-20T11:18:00.000-06:00

If you have ever done this before you will remember those very early mornings when the little guy is wide awake and the house is quiet...That describes my mornings...I try to get up early and take my little sweetie so mom and dad can sleep a little longer...and, well, today we had a photo session...This one was my favorite one...It just seemed like he was making the monkey face....FUN DOINS!...It was a little challenging as he doesn't sit up yet...duh...do I had one had holding him and the other on the camera...we had fun anyway! I love my little monkey face!!

HAPPY CREATING!!

"CONTEMPLATION"

2011-08-19T05:15:00.001-06:00

Yes, I am guilty...on this trip, while I am in the beginning throws of falling in love with my grandson and tickled at EVERYTHING he does I am unabashedly putting pictures up...I'm loving it...I'm here, there are no paintings to show you right now...and my camera is glued to my hand...This latest pic I'm calling "contemplation"...for obvious reasons...and my daughter said he looked like he was contemplating something...and, maybe he is...hmmm...what could a 5 day old be contemplating...I'm sure we can all guess!!

HAPPY CREATING!

BATH TIME

2011-08-18T05:02:00.000-06:00

Last night was another first...so awesome to be in the life of a new person with all there first things...SCENE...Paxton's first bath. Three grownups are crowded around the bath tub...me standing on the toilet to take pics...mom and dad squeezed in one bathing one holding...and of course Paxton screaming a little...

I don't know how we all managed to be in that little room together, and I appreciate my kids for letting me crowd in too to take pics...but there was a big smile from us all when he got happy the second he was wrapped in his froggie towel...SUCH FUN!!

The other fun thing is I've taken to getting up as early as I can to give my sleepy son in law and daughter a little time to sleep...and I adore spending time alone with this little guy...!!

HAPPY CREATING!

BEST BIRTHDAY!!...

2011-08-16T14:46:00.000-06:00

I'm having such fun playing with my little grandson Paxton! Yesterday was my birthday...the day he got to come home and It was the BEST ever!...It started out playing with him...and before long I was so excited to receive some flowers from my wonderful husband!! SO pretty...and my favorites...SUNFLOWERS! He's getting a big kiss from me when I get home!

A couple of fun compositions for any of you who are in the mood to paint sunflowers!! and, then, as if all that wasn't enough...I got a surprise party last night!! My parents gave me a beautiful necklace...and there was STEAK and my absolute favorite...MOLTEN LAVA CAKE...complete with ice cream!! Thank you to my wonderful friend and co-grandmother...Diana!! She cooked it all and brought it over! FUN DOINS!!

AND...I got some sketchbooks as I'd forgotten mine...so now I don't just have to photograph this beautiful boy, but I can sketch him too!! YEA!

AND, aside from missing my husband, I got the best end of the day too...Paxton getting ready to sleep...our newest little Huskers fan! Good night Paxton!!

HAPPY CREATING!!

PAXTON MARK GRIMES...MY FIRST GRANDSON!!

2011-08-14T00:04:00.000-06:00

Brand new and precious as can be is my new grandson...Paxton. After 20 hours of labor my sweet little girl had a little boy and I'm just so tickled! I appreciate all the lovely words of kindness as I've shared this adventure. I've now been up for 24 hours. As babies do, this one started his journey into this world in the middle of the night...I got the call at 2:30 a.m. yesterday and headed out...so, I'm a little punchy, but I love this little guy so much already I couldn't wait to share my news...

7lbs 13 oz and 20" long his is starting out great!! I'm a happy grand...and just wanted to share before I fall into bed!

HAPPY CREATING!!

STILL WAITING...SOME DAISY'S FOR YOU!

2011-08-12T08:51:00.000-06:00

Yep...still waiting for that baby call...I've been packing and re packing...just to make sure I bring what I want to...and looking for houses...SOOOO...this is the last legs of my sunflowers and daisy's bouquet...the sunflowers didn't make it...but here is a bit of sunshine in white!

Note: for those of you new to the composition game...you don't have to include details that do nothing for the arrangement...and, where you see dark...perhaps some purple mix! It's great for depth!!

HAPPY CREATING!

A MOTHER'S REMEMBERING HEART...

2011-08-10T08:09:00.000-06:00

In just a few days my little girl will be having her little boy...WOW, as you can imagine my heart is soft these days as I remember this little precious girl that came into our lives and has blessed each and every day!...I'm remembering you Michelle...and I can't wait to meet your son. You and Damon are going to be fantastic parents!!

I remember dress-up days...your brother's boots...

mom's hat and your own special brand of fashion...

REMEMBER YOUR BROTHER'S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL??...it was a tough day for you...you missed your best friend...

and, then you grew up a little...

your first day of kindergarten...do you remember you wanted to walk all by yourself?...and you did...but I wasn't far behind...

I remember those Christmases...ones now that will bring you extra joy!

I remember the day we discovered the crimper...doing hair together...FUN!

You have always been such a good friend...(yep all of you...she's the one in red)...

High School graduation...sigh...those years just FLEW...and now you are going to understand...FUN TIMES AHEAD!

You and Jackson...your "first" baby...

That kind of smile could only be because you'd met the man of your dreams and you were going out with him...

And...what a beautiful bride and handsome groom...one of my best days to see of your life!!

Damon you were a fantastic boyfriend, you have been an answer to prayer husband, and I know you will be an incredible dad!

And then you two decided to bless our family even more...and SOON there will be a pic or a thousand of our new little one...THANK YOU...

And, thanks to all my followers for letting me be a little mushy today...I'm gonna be a grandma!!..

FOR OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN

2011-08-08T13:02:00.000-06:00

Since I am now in waiting mode for baby and had much to do to get ready to go at the drop of a hat this morning I didn't have time to paint what I'm going to call my "extra". Extra will be anything I get done in moments I have time before I hop in my car and drive (hopefully) calmly to my daughter while in labor and to meet my grandson when he is born....SINCE I didn't have time to paint...I wanted to share a bit about someone I love very much who needs our prayers.

I can't say names, I can't make too much reference to him at this time because even though he is stateside, he is still military and could be found and hurt if anyone were to read anything specific about him...Suffice it to say...I love him and am SO very proud of him!

Remember a couple weeks ago when the helicopter went down in Afghanistan? and our 30 service men and/or women were killed?? I remember thinking of this person I love and glad he wasn't there as he was called stateside...but sad for those families that were so devastated by the sacrifice they made for our freedom to a country who doesn't seem to appreciate the sacrifice since it was the locals who leaked information...sigh...

This helicopter and company was one that this person I love was a part of...he lost friends...he is left to feel guilty in some ways because he wasn't there with them...and sad that he has lost some who fought with him...and sad for their families...it is hard to have served as he has, seen and experienced what he has...and left to live and work and continue to serve our country here...Please pray for him and those who have lost so much...

I want him to know how very proud of him I am...how I pray for him often!...AND, I will continue to be proud as I have found out that he was chosen to be trained (the best of the best they choose for this) to serve as protection for the president should he ever need it...

NOW, on to sunnier thoughts...I just can't seem to let go of my sunflower arrangement...so here are a couple more fun ones that will signify the end...as they are loosing petals now...but they have left us with smiles and good reference!!

HAPPY CREATING!!

2011-08-05T19:40:00.000-06:00

"Little Cone 2"

5x5" mixed media on gallery wrap canvas

ON HOLD FOR SHOW

The thing that is interesting to me about this piece is it almost has a vintage feel...Not sure what I think of that...BUT, as baby time looms nearer and nearer I may leave it as such...time will tell...

It was hard to photograph this one for some reason...seems a bit darker than it is in life...but you get the idea...

Now it is time to focus on getting my bags ready to go and continue my search for homes...I don't know what time I'll have for doing any other paintings in the next few days...we shall see!!

HAPPY CREATING!

2011-08-04T09:02:00.000-06:00

This is the third little 5x5" offering I've begun for the miniature show in Golden in September. It's going to be a pinion pine cone I snapped when we were in Santa Fe earlier this summer. I decided to add a little pink to this piece as a nice soft contrast to the browns that will be the little cone. When I entered this show I just took generic names and then painted them. I've got another painting called "Little Cone" that I WAS going to use if I got the baby is coming call, thus the name it will have...It looks like I'm going to have time to finish it...HAD I known I was going to have time I would have titled it "Pinion"...but this will do fine for this show!

I am still intrigued by my beautiful flower arrangement from the other day, so here are two more photos you may use if you like! I know I will be painting from some of these one of these days!! FUN DOINS!!

HAPPY CREATING!

2011-08-03T07:41:00.000-06:00

"Sunflower"

5x5" mixed media on gallery wrap canvas

ON HOLD FOR A SHOW

This sunflower is painted over a good layer of flexible molding paste. I love the texture it brings, but there was a practical reason I did this. I have been having trouble with stretched canvas buckling a bit at the corners. It probably doesn't bother anyone because it is so slight...but I hate it!...SO, I put a layer of paste over it and voila it takes the problem away!...I only wish I'd thought of it earlier.

I buy my canvas mostly at Meiningers ( a huge, prestigious art store)...so, I think on my next visit I'm going to have a chat with them about their certain brands of canvas! THERE, I've gotten this off my chest!

I tried taking this pic in several lights and you can't really see the purplish hue that is the background...it comes out mostly blue...sorry...still not the grand photographer!

This will be number 2 to be entered in a miniature show at the Foothills Art Center in Golden, Colorado this September....My next you ask??...a Pinion Pine Cone...:)

HAPPY CREATING!

2011-08-01T11:57:00.000-06:00

Sunflower 5x5 beginning

This is painting number 2 of 3 that I'm getting ready for a miniature show in September. The first was the acorns...this will be a sunflower...I will be using this photo as my reference...

As I do, I usually just use my references as a guide...always making room for my creative expression. Too many years of faithfully reproducing a subject as near to exact as possible left me bored, so I use the reference and then take off to make it work for my format.

I FINALLY found sunflowers at my favorite flower shop over the weekend...though I had to mix others in with them as the sunflower crop has suffered with our weather and their aren't many...but, as usual I took as many photos as I could for future reference...and, as usual, I am glad to share...any photo you wish to use to paint from you are welcome...All I ask is IF you use one...shoot me a pic of your final product so I can ooh and aah with you!! ART4LIFE44@HOTMAIL.COM!

HAPPY CREATING!

2011-07-31T08:07:00.001-06:00

Last night at Market Dayz wasn't profitable in a monetary sense, but a lot of FUN! Up here on the mountain it is like pulling teeth to get people interested in just about anything...it takes awhile to spread the word...but to go an support a group of businesses that are TRYING to bring out the people was a pleasure! I've long been a proponent of supporting the arts in my own community, so I went. I sat next to a group of circle drummers and guitarists that were playing their hearts out...I even jumped in their jam session with my voice (since that was the only instrument I had" and even sang a couple songs with them. THAT was a blast!

During all of this frivolity I was also able to complete my first in a group of 3 5"x5" mini that will be entered in a mini show that will be held at the famous Foothills Art Center in Golden in September. ACORNS is number one. I don't know what it is about these little nuts that brings me such joy to paint...but they do, so I did! As you saw yesterday the background was begun with acrylic. I then moved to adding paper and finished with a little molding paste (as Golden products calls their MODELING paste) a minor bit of stamping and then painted the nuts and two leaves with oil. This was completed on a gallery wrap canvas that I pained around...

Next in line will either be a sunflower or a pine cone...I'll just have to see what I'm in the mood for! :)

HAPPY CREATING!

"ACORNS" A BEGINNING...

2011-07-30T11:20:00.000-06:00

Tonight I will be going up to Conifer to participate in their MARKET DAYZ at the Conifer Center as a support to the local merchants there. I did this last month and have this one more left before BABY MONTH begins...August is mostly dedicated to my daughter and coming grandson which involves me jumping in the car at a moments notice to go meet my new grandson when he decides to come!...

Last month I just went and sat with my paintings up at Conifer...tonight I've decided to bring a little piece to work on while the festivities are going on...This is a 5"x5" gallery wrap canvas that will be another acorn piece when it is finished. Should be FUN!

Last night hubby and I walked up the mountain a bit to enjoy the views and the wild raspberries that are growing rampant about the mountain...I'm not a raspberry person, but I did find this one beautiful orange lily that I brought home to love in my window!

Remember we can find inspiration literally EVERYWHERE! Here's hoping this pic will give you a little inspiration!!

HAPPY CREATING!

2011-07-27T16:12:00.000-06:00

"Queen Bee"

2'x2' mixed media on 13/4" panel

PRIVATE COLLECTION (me)

FINALLY I had time to sit down and finish my bee painting for over my couch...when we move to a place where wall space is actually above my couch...You can see I added papers, painted the bee with acrylic and played with my stylized wings until I was happy with them. I wanted them to be transparent like wings are...so I sketched them in with several colors of paint and then applied a light wash of the blue over the area to give them that almost transparent look.

I think it will add just the amount of contemporary to my very traditional couch with not so traditional pillow fabric...I can still work in blues or warm colors for my "new" living room when we move, so I'm happy with that. I think I'll paint the cradle sides black which will be in keeping with a contemporary look.

You can see how I've applied stamping to the dark areas of the bee body to give a bit of implied texture and the slight wash over the wings to give them the look I was going for.

You may have to click on this pic to see the word BEE I've added above my queen bee...I started with cut out letters in newspaper and then worked to sand and paint over and other things to bring them back down where they are a mere hint of a word rather than the glaring word that would have competed with the subject matter...I rather like it...and since it is for me...knowing how I like adding words to some of my work it satisfied my taste.

I have to say it is a little harder working to create something that is for me...I played and practiced a lot...probably because I wasn't on a deadline...and I enjoy experimenting so much.

I am happy with the end result, HOWEVER...as we all know (if we are artists)...if something hangs in our home it is always subject to being pulled off the wall to add or take away as we get a whim...that is a joy!

HAPPY CREATING!!

2011-07-26T08:20:00.001-06:00

MY BEE..."DAY" 4 (I say DAY, but really...I get to spend an hour before I have to do something else...so, is it REALLY a day...:))

Detail

This has been an interesting piece to do...First of all to PLAN to sand down areas was fun...second, I am not wanting to do a "realistic" depiction of a bee as they are scary and yucky to me in real life...SO, I played with the honey bee photos I have and came up with a simplified, stylized bee that wouldn't be scary every time I walk past it...and third...I am thinking of colors that would go in MY space...that is a little daunting as I want to stay true to my bee piece, but I need it to serve a purpose as a jumping off point for a new room...(So, that last one isn't that big a deal...as I am REALLY staying true to my bee...while I think about my whole room...tee hee)

I have interesting things to consider before I finish this piece...I COULD introduce another color that would change the feel...or, I COULD leave the palette as is...Right now I like the palette...BUT, I've been playing with orange and purple...not together...IF I add purple it will cool the background more and perhaps make the contrast with bee more prominent (I like contrast)...IF I add orange it will tip the scale a bit more to warm...so, I decided that before I added more paper I would paint the bee and then decide about the papers...I like that...SO, here she is today... and when I get back from delivering some things I will be back at it! FUN DOINS!!

HAPPY CREATING!

DAY THREE on tha BEE...

2011-07-25T12:33:00.001-06:00

HARD to see...gotta look for tha bee...:) I've put in a comparison of the two surfaces so you can see what I did...The first one was darker and had a LOT going on...but, it was to get the surface covered with color that I wanted...The second day was to go over the surface with a more neutral color and THEN a FUN PART...which was to take my hand sander to it. I tried several photos but you can't see the subtle nuances of color from underneath showing through...sorry...and then, today was to play around with composition and I think I'm happy with the placement of the big ole bee...I've put a very much lightened pic below so you can see the sketch.

I just noticed that the before is on the right and the after is on the left, but you get the idea...Keeping so much color going would have fought with my subject matter...but don't worry...with strong black and yellow there will be PLENTY of color and contrast!

I had to really lighten this so you could see the stylized bee shape I decided to go with...I decided to leave it at the bottom left so strengthen composition...NOW TO PLAY WITH PAPER and see what happens...this is FUN!

THIS WILL MOST DEFINATELY CHANGE!

2011-07-24T08:03:00.000-06:00

I had to put the disclaimer in the title...as I am so flattered, but I invariably get someone who says it's finished when I put the first step pic up...I LOVE ALL YOU ABSTRACT PEOPLE...however, you should know I just slap it on...THUS THE STEP ONE...This was merely a cleaning of my palette (mostly...I did specifically make sure the blue got in)...a beginning for the bee painting that it will change and grow from. I find it quite satisfying to use up all my paint as a beginning for a new piece!!

So as not to leave you high and dry...as I was walking about last night I found the prettiest leaves...I plan to paint them, or incorporate them in something...you are welcome also if you feel so inspired!

And, I've taken to calling this little guy my fox buddy...he will take naps when I'm outside...FUN!

Have a most wonderful Sunday!

HAPPY CREATING!!

BUSY AS A BEE!

2011-07-23T08:12:00.001-06:00

The past few days have been busy ones...I've been making cradles and traveling about looking at potential houses and preparing to paint something for our house...FUN DOINS! (as my most wonderful and creative son would say)...

This is Mt. Evans as seen from I25 on my way HOME from Ft. Collins where I went to see several houses...all of which were NOT what I would live in...It took an entire day to explore Ft. Collins...and after I finished I decided that we would focus on the Denver area just below our mountain home...sigh...A beautiful day...a necessary trip...but a WHOLE day without painting...however, I was THINKING about painting on my way to a from!

I enjoy making cradles, but I don't enjoy that it takes me from my easel...but, I can't complain too much as this gives me supports so I CAN work at my easel!

My next assignment is to do a 2'x2' of a bee, with my pillow from my new couch as inspiration...this should be FUN!

I also have a fun challenge from someone who stopped by my tent at Summer Art Market wanting a 48" x 18" piece much like

COLORADO LAYERS (sold)

only using the Gore Mountains...FUN CHALLENGE!!

SO...off to work I go!!

HAPPY CREATING!!

2011-07-19T14:28:00.001-06:00

"Sunflower One"

5x5" mixed media on 1.5" gallery wrap canvas; painted around

SOLD...thanks Sydney!

If you remember yesterday; how cool it looked...and today, with the obvious addition of the very warm yellows and umbers it has changed totally...but still a soft little piece.

HAPPY CREATING!

NEW SUNFLOWER IN PROCESS

2011-07-18T13:26:00.000-06:00

This is just in it's infancy...a new sunflower in process...A very small 5x5" on 1.5" gallery wrap canvas...There's a miniature show deadline coming up!! Right now it looks all cool in tone...but, just KNOWING the subject matter...you can see how that will change!

HAPPY CREATING!!

A CHOICE...I PICKED MY HUSBAND

2011-07-17T19:41:00.000-06:00

Today was the first day in awhile I could have done ANYTHING I wanted...no deadlines...no commissions (although I'm VERY grateful I had them...)...just freedom...and my husband asked if I wanted to go on a hike. At first I said I wanted to play with art...do something with encaustic...but I thought about it...and he won...He's so cute...how could he NOT win!

So, we went on a hike above the house. I didn't think it through very clearly as it was in the upper 90's and hot even up where we live...and, even though he said most of it would be in the shade I knew better...I mean, I've been on this hike before...ha...but I went anyway... I thought I'd share some pics...hopefully you will see something that inspires you in some way...or tickles you...:)

The first was this green butterfly I caught on this flower...I always forget what they are called...

oops...the clouds are building...

I LOVE, LOVE watching pine cones grow up!!

ooohhh...we are getting higher up...

Ok, at first this pic may seem so sweet...BUT, I caution you...we were at the top and all of a sudden we noticed that there were a gazillion lady bugs swarming around...and one landed on my leg and BIT me...YES, they BITE...whew...I just barely got out of there with my life!!

At the top it is so cool...on one side you see Denver...and on the other...

Yep...Mt. Evans!

For those of you who don't know...we mountain folk like to stack rocks and such for the next person to come along and add something...can you guess what I added...OH YES...I KNOW...obviously it is the last thing...but...a pine cone...IS THAT NOT ME???

I love oak leaves...I'm seeing a painting...

Guess who was following us down...yep...

PS...these were the clouds the night before...I just had to slip them in...

SO, the moral of the story is...if you have a choice...Pick you love...they deserve it...and you will feel happier...I can always paint tomorrow!!

HAPPY CREATING!

WEDDING BLISS AND MORE HAPPY NEWS!

2011-07-13T11:17:00.000-06:00

This past weekend my stepson Scott and his now beautiful wife Katie were married at the Bluefin resort in Minnesota a mere 50 miles from Canada! Our family is growing! The photographer is Carr Photography in Minnesota. I've seen some of the photos and they are beautifully done...can't wait to get them so we can enlarge our picture wall at home! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Scott Galloway!! HAPPY DAYS!!

The collector contacted me today about "Mt. Evans Panorama II" and they LOVE it, so will be coming up to my studio on Saturday to pick it up...another one happily gone to it's new home!

AND, as if that wasn't enough I am also thrilled to report that after 6 months of unemployment limbo we are now EMPLOYED!! My husband will be working for his dream company starting next week! YEA and YIPPEE!! Now life can move forward! A big thank you to all of you who sent their well wishes and prayers our way...GOD IS GOOD!

Now we can begin packing and looking for that next spot to move to that will be a little less wild animal infested and isolated..whew...

AND...I'm already back at my easel working on a poppy piece commission and something that is just cuz I wanted to do it! FUN DOINS at the Galloway household!

HAPPY CREATING!!

2011-07-12T15:27:00.000-06:00

"Mt. Evans Panorama II"

18" x 48"

mixed media on cradled, stained panel

I hesitate to post this pic as I took it during a rainstorm. It has been dark a good bit of the past 5 days here...with just moments of sun peeking through...sheesh...an artist can't wait forever!! So, here it is...The collector asked for the same orange to be in the foreground that I had put in Arapahoe Peaks...so, of course I did that. I enjoy all my paintings, but I find a special satisfaction in proving to myself that I didn't just accidentally create something...HA!

So, now it is on to the next commission...poppies in jewel tone colors...but...I might squeeze a piece of my own thinking in first! YEA!

I'm also happy to announce that I got three pieces in the upcoming NEW TRENDS show for Colorado Watercolor Society...will be shown in a gallery on Santa Fe in September...Come see these three in person!

HAPPY CREATING!!

IN PROCESS...still...

2011-07-11T08:53:00.000-06:00

Yesterday between gullywashers I began to move across the support surface of my 18x48" cradled surface blocking in my commission of Mt. Evans. There is a different thought process that wars with the creative side when working on a commission based on another piece I've done. There is the need to reproduce what the collector found they loved that wars a bit with my creative side. I want to do what they want, but at the same time give it a freshness that my creative brain needs to do. I think for this piece it will be in the papers I lay in below this mountain.

I will work my way across this panorama and make sure it is faithfully rendered so as to be recognizable...and at the same time I will work my way down. As you can see I've begun to block in color that will mostly be covered with paper...but there are those "moments" in the piece where the underpainting will show through...giving it it's freshness.

I usually lay my papers down quickly...just as I paint; which also helps to keep things exciting and fresh...THAT PART I hope to get to today amidst laundry and other things of life that go with a returning spouse from a trip...

So, off to get to it! HAPPY CREATING!

BEGINNINGS and SKIES

2011-07-10T08:44:00.000-06:00

This is just the top right of the 18x48" commission Mt. Evans I've been working on. Our skies are dark and cloudy as they have been the past week so all my photos are dark...sigh...For a dry climate we have sure had a ton of rain in the past few weeks! We need the rain, but come on...the humidity is high and my hair is frizzy and I spend a good part of the day running about shutting windows and then opening them again when the showers pass...With three levels I am sure getting my exercise!

Along with trying to work on this large piece I've been fighting a battle with bears. They seem to love our property...even our house. They have gotten into our deck box and emptied it all over the deck twice... I awoke the other day to big ole smudges and bear fur on my sliding glass door...so, apparently now they are even trying to get inside. When I caught myself singing a made up song titled "I'm a tasty treat" it really hit me that we need to move! I'm on it the minute we have a job...yep...still working on that one...it's been 6 months...whew...come on ECONOMY!!

I did, however get a beautiful shot of our clouds of late last night...sort of describes how dark, yet beautiful things are around here...still!

Back to the easel...this thing won't paint itself!

HAPPY CREATING!

2011-07-06T08:28:00.000-06:00

"Aspen Patchwork"

my title

COMMISSION

It is not my favorite thing to do to try to repeat something I've already done...but I do it on occasion for a collector. I'm always glad to take care of the interests of my collectors if it doesn't take away from what I am as an artist...This one combines my love of paper and paint. It is very similar to my "Aspen in Collage" done a couple years ago that an admirer saw and wanted but it is sold...so...of course...one very close...but not exactly the same. I added a subtle stamping of leaves in the background (don't think you can see it here) ...used some different papers in the leaves (the papers I used for leaves was discontinued)....but very similar. Let's hope the collector likes it!

My next commission is another Mt. Evans Panorama that a couple wants for their anniversary. They saw the original at the Summer Art Market, but this one sold as well...so off I go to work my hopeful magic for them!...

HAPPY CREATING!

A FUN and CREATIVE evening!

2011-07-05T09:09:00.000-06:00

Last night we went to our most local fireworks show at Indian Hills (the town just below us)...and it was FUN!...for $6,000 this town put on quite a show...I was proud of them for not going over the top and making such a beautiful show!...There was ICE CREAM...

and rides on their vintage FIRETRUCK for any who wanted...

and probably close to 8,000 people laying on blankets and sitting and playing with sparklers...it was a blast!...I loved seeing wholesome fun up here in what will most likely be our last year on the mountain...So, buckle down and see some more pics...to see the whole album friend me on facebook...I'm thinking that you abstract artists out there might just get a little inspiration for something!...FUN DOINS!!

HAPPY CREATING!!

WORKING...I PROMISE!

2011-07-02T07:51:00.000-06:00

YES...summer is a busy time for all of us...artists are teaching workshops, doing outdoor shows, painting (duh)...and all the regular things that come with summer...trips, family reunions, babies coming (tee hee...that's me)...I'm happy to say that I've been working on a couple of commission pieces. This one on my board is another one like "Aspen in Collage" that I did a couple years ago...the first one sold, so of course someone wants another one! HA. I am careful to repeat my work...I want it to be enough like the one that attracted the buyer in the first place, but to still have it's OWN identity. For this one, I've kept the colors mostly the same, and even the tree placement similar, but there are subtle leaf stamps in the background of this one and the leaves will be a bit different paper...After this I have another commission of Mt. Evans Panorama...I'm already planning my next new piece as well...FUN!

This summer has been fantastic for sales...YEA!...so I'm saying goodbye to these guys and dolls...but I've already got more up my sleeve!

I'm beginning to feel like a broken record..."OUR VISITOR LAST NIGHT"...WAS..."A BEAR"...yeh, yeh Saundra...what's new...I KNOW...but I'm tickled to get their pic in the daylight...our latest little one was after the birdseed that my husband THOUGHT he'd hidden well in a deck box...but this guy opened it, politely closed it and proceeded to eat it all...ha...you'd think hubby dear would learn...but he loves his birds...so I suspect we'll have more visits...I just hope they don't come when I have the backdoor open and freshly baked something to entice him/her! WHEW!

HAPPY CREATING!!

2011-06-27T10:34:00.000-06:00

"Colorado Aspen" FINAL VERSION

2' x 4'

I FINALLY got Colorado Aspen like I wanted it! This is the painting that my step-son and his fiancee will get for their wedding present. As I've stated I had to re-work it as the dark areas developed a bloom over the surface due to the varnish that was first applied. After much research I found a Polymer Varnish made by Golden that I think will work...whew! Lesson Learned!

I'm going to be busy in the studio the next couple weeks working on commission pieces...one being another Mt. Evans piece 18" x 48"...that will be FUN!

HAPPY CREATING!

ART FOR LIFE

GORE "Y" STAGE!...YOU HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE UGLY DUCKLING STAGE TO GET TO THE HOPEFUL SWAN!

WORKING SECOND LAYER OF GORE MOUNTAINS

MOVING ALONG...OR DOWN...GORE RANGE PROCESS

THERE IS MORE TO SNOW THAN JUST WHITE!

THERE'S ALWAYS A BEGINNING...GORE RANGE BEGINNING

LOTS OF GORE "Y" FUN!...and PROUD!!

"SITTING PRETTY" ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA PAINTING OF RED CARDINAL SITTING ON ASPEN BRANCH © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

MY ZAZZLE STORE is RE-OPENING and REWORKING early paintings! FUN DOINS!

"SANTA" ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA PORTRAIT OF SANTA © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

PROCESS STILL!!...but almost there!

COMING ALONG...AND...some unfinished business...

SLOW AND STEADY...

MORE ON SANTA...REALLY?

HAPPY NEW YEAR...AND IT BEGINS AGAIN!

ZOO LIGHTS with the family

WHY I'M NOT PAINTING THIS WEEK :)

SANTA BEGINNING AND...:)

"NEWBORN PAXTON" ORIGINAL OIL PORTRAIT REVISITED © NANA

"PAXTON WITH HIS FIRST TOYS" ORIGINAL OIL ON CANVAS © NANA

TIS THE SEASON...FA LA LA LA LA LA...LA LA LA LA

EVERYTHING DOESN'T ALWAYS WORK...AND THAT'S OK!

"PAXTON LAUGHING" ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING OF MY GRANDSON AT NEARLY 4 MONTHS © NANA

NEW CHALLENGES AND NEW ACCOMPLISHMENTS!

"DAVE'S DEER" ORIGINAL WILDLIFE PAINTING IN OIL © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

WORKING IN THE STUDIO...and SNOW!

"PAXTON RIDING HIS BUMBO" ORIGINAL OIL PORTRAIT OF MY GRANDSON © NANA

"RED BUDS" ORIGINAL PAPER CAST MIXED MEDIA PAINTING OF ACORNS © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

"PAXTON MARK GRIMES" ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING © NANA

COMING HOME!

NEVER FEAR...I'M A WORKIN...JUST IN PLANNING PHASE!

"COLORADO COLOR" ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA PAINTING OF ASPEN © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

EXPERIMENT

HOME and on the run!

PAPER CAST ACORN PAINTING IN PROCESS

ON MAKING STAMPS and TRAVELS...

ACORN PAPER CAST IN PROCESS...AND ONE MORE ASPEN EXPERIMENT!

EXPERIMENTS, EXPERIMENTS...NOT A WASTE OF TIME!!

CANCELLATION LEADS TO A PROMISE...AND NEW IDEAS...

SOMETIMES IT ISN'T WORTH THE PRICE! A DISCUSSION ON COMMISSIONS...

"ORCHIDS" ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA PAINTING OF ORCHIDS © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

THE NEXT THING, AND THE NEXT THING...lalalalala

REALLY FINISHED THIS TIME...WITH NEW NAME! "AMONG THE TREES" ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA PAINTING OF ASPEN AND ELK © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

"ASPEN HOME" ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA ASPEN/WILDLIFE PAINTING © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

AND MORE PROCESS...

THAT BEAUTIFUL THING CALLED PROCESS!

THE THING ABOUT COMMISSION..."THREE ACORNS" MIXED MEDIA ON STRETCHED CANVAS © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

"ASPEN SIX" ORIGINAL PAPER CAST MIXED MEDIA PAINTING OF ASPEN TREES © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

WORKING IN THE STUDIO! YEA!

LIFE KEEPS MOVING ALONG...

"JONATHAN'S PALMS" ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA PAINTING OF PALM TREES © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

PALMS IN PROCESS

A PIT STOP WITH PALMS...

REWORKING PAINTINGS, STUDIO AND LIFE

"ASPEN IN ORANGE AND BLUE" ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA PAINTING OF ASPEN © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY AND...AN UP AND COMING ARTIST!

"PORTRAIT OF A SUNFLOWER" ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA PAINTING OF A SUNFLOWER © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

JOYFUL JOYFUL MOMENTS

AND SOME PAINTINGS ARE...I AM HONORED TO RECIEVE HONORABLE MENTION!

NOT EVERY PAINTING IS A WINNER!...AND, THAT'S OK!!

JONATHAN'S SUNSET

"A MOMENT IN THE SUN" ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA SUNFLOWER PAINTING © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

KNEE DEEP...

FINDING BALANCE...and a new BEGINNING

GETTING BACK INTO IT!

SAYING GOODBYE...

8 DAYS

MONKEY FACE...still playing...

"CONTEMPLATION"

BATH TIME

BEST BIRTHDAY!!...

PAXTON MARK GRIMES...MY FIRST GRANDSON!!

STILL WAITING...SOME DAISY'S FOR YOU!

A MOTHER'S REMEMBERING HEART...

FOR OUR SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN

"LITTLE CONE 2" ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA PAINTING OF A PINION PINE CONE © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

"LITTLE CONE 2" IN PROCESS © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

"SUNFLOWER" MIXED MEDIA 5X5 FLORAL PAINTING © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

"SUNFLOWER 5x5 BEGINNING" © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

"ACORNS" ORIGINAL MIXED MEDIA PAINTING OF ACORNS © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

"ACORNS" A BEGINNING...