Made it to the middle of the week, and we're all still alive! Norah is getting some rest, and hubby stayed home, now sick too. Thankfully, I still haven't been hit with it, just a scratchy throat and runny nose..... allergies?
Wednesdays I try to make into web work days and painting if I can squeeze it in. I work on my Etsy shop if it needs attention, my personal website, and the Iowa Watercolor Society website...which I volunteer my time to do.
Today it was updating my Etsy shipping profiles to now allow calculated shipping costs. Yay! I really hate over charging people for shipping, and now I don't have to worry. Thank you Etsy.
I have also discovered today that I may need to invest in covered trash baskets. >_<
Looking for the Real Thing?
Purchasing an original is a big deal.
Not only is the price demanding, but you're investing in something unique, one of a kind, fragile, and ultimately an asset to you and your legacy.
Sounds deep, but art collecting truly is just that.
My goal this year is to make my originals
more obtainable to you. Throughout the year you will find them on
Facebook in a photo album, here under
Art for Sale, and hopefully soon on my
website.
The blog is the simplest way to purchase an original. Visit
Art for Sale (found at the top of this page), find the piece, and click
Purchase.
It goes through
Paypal, and if that doesn't work for you, please
Email me and we can make an arrangement. If you've ever done business with me, then you know I'll do whatever is in my abilities to make it work for you.
Buying art isn't like buying something from the store, it's an investment...remember? I make that investment too by serving you, getting to know who you are, and if possible check in and see how that piece is working for you and your home.
I also create Custom Work If you're interested in owning an original, but don't see one you'd like to purchase simply request a custom piece by visiting my
Etsy shop and contacting me through the
"Request custom item" link there, or email me.
New works will be added often, so keep your eye on the
Art for Sale page by bookmarking it!
I would like to start a new tradition around here, and I want it to be something special given at least once a year.
I want to give away a painting, and I think Valentine's Day is the perfect time.
Title: "Love Floats"
Image Size: approx. 6.5 x 11 inches
Paper Size: 9x12
I created this piece just for the giveaway, and it's particularly special because of how I went about the process. In my previous post I mentioned I was going to take a watercolor class and I found many awesome videos/tutorials on youtube.
I applied much of what I learned, and something clicked last night as I completed
"Love Floats". I am VERY excited to see the new discovery in my later work.
(discovery will be revealed in next blog post)
Why the original giveaway? I truly believe my artwork goes to those it was intended for, and I know in these times it can be difficult to obtain something extra that isn't a necessity.
So, is this intended for you?
Here's how you can find out...
Mandatory Entry: Post below about one of the biggest blessings you've ever received. What truly touched you and made you stand up straight knowing you were/are loved?
Additional ways to enter (get your name in multiple times):
2 entries - Visit
my shop and share your favorite art print below
3 entries - Write a blog post about this giveaway and share the post here
Please be sure to post all comments here so that nothing gets lost. If it's not below it won't count. I will use Random.org to determine a winner.
There's More?!
Yuppers! There will be a second and third place winner too!
Second Place Prize: *Two (2) 8x10 prints of your choice from
my shop and one (1) Print of
"Love Floats"
There has been some talk about opening the vault.
It's scary.
It's old.
It's saturated.
It's outlined.
It's purple.
What's in the vault?{ Right Image: "Lady of the Lake" } The vault means surfacing work from 2007 and back. There may be a piece here and there from those years still floating about on my etsy page or website, but those are rare. I've had several requests/comments to bring the old work back.Why open the vault now? In 2007/2008 I began to change my way of painting, which has been in constant change till about now. That's natural, I believe, but my past work personally doesn't do it for me. I have adored the concepts, compositions, colors, etc. always, but relying on black lines is not something I teach. It was a way to make sure my lines showed up, and to clean up the pencil from sketching. The black lines were used as default, without any real purpose. I thank one of my college professors for pointing that out. And I took him seriously.I moved onto sepia pens, but that still...in my o
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My biggest blessing, with out a doubt, is my husband. He has been with me most of my life, helped me when I needed it, scolded me when I need that and loved me with every breath he takes. He always takes the time to make me feel good about myself, our marriage and everything we have yet to do. He's an amazing man, and I would be lost with out him.
[ [email protected]
Posted to FB:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000299524584
And twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/danielles83
& Currently my favorite print is:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/60655569/guardian-angel-art-print-with-woman-in
I think one of the top times I've felt both blessed and loved was recently when my whole world was falling apart, my dog Pixie became seriously ill and required major surgery. Many of my artist friends online got together and we raised the money to get her the surgery and aftercare she needed. It was beyond love, it was spiritual.
Posted on Facebook & my favourite art print (at the moment!) is: Fairy in Gold Art Print - Owl Mask - Autumn Masquerade - Warrior Princess
If I were going to be honest, I would have to say that the biggest blessing I have ever received is Eternal Life from God. He took me in when I was despicable, loved me, and cares for me no matter how wayward I can be, or how foolishly stubborn I am. That is truly the greatest blessing of all.
I Facebooked this, and my favorite print (well, ONE of them; honestly, I can't pick just one) but I LOVE Guardian Angel. I also adore the Fairy With Mask and the Celtic Fairy. =) And also, I'm blogging about this!!
I'd have to say the greatest blessing in my life is Christ. But I wouldn't have said that even a few weeks ago. I guess the real greatest blessing is that God has placed certain people in my life that care for me so much that I can't even understand. The motherly figure that pulled me aside when I was living for myself and just said simply "You do realize you only have one life to live". It woke me up and since then I've began to see the blessings that I thought were not there all the more clearly.
My (two!) favorites in your shop are your "Forest Guardian" and your Chrysanthemum "Mum".
I came out of hiding just to share the contest post on my wall <3! I haven't been feeling well lately, hence I'm just stalking lately on Facebook. Here's my share post about the contest.
http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=242452405831560&id=1135656005
Also, my current favorite print of yours on Etsy is the Be My Valentine print.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/91325249/be-my-valentine-fairy-art-romantic-moon
I had a blog, but I currently avoiding it for similar reasons.
Such touching stories! Thank you so much for sharing. :)
Danielle, I feel the same way about my husband. To have a partner who's in it with you through thick and thin, completely committed, changes the world. So overjoyed hearing that you have that in your life!
Nora, that's astounding! What a gift!!! I think when money and time are the two biggest sacrifices because it forces us to look beyond ourselves. To know that many people rallied around you. Wow. Pure love.
Mirriam, I'm right there with you sister. :) I'm a daily stubborn and independent woman. His love is so great!
Bethie you are so right about your circle. A little over a year ago I had people but no Christians other than my husband who were in my intimate circle. I prayed craving what I saw others having...nothing clicked. Now I'm surrounded, my circle is very wide, and I have some of the best relationships! I pray that this year is just filled over the brim for you and your heart. :) What blessings He has planned for you!
Heya Sonia! So glad to see you peek out and make an appearance! Thank you so much for your support. To officially enter the drawing can you - when you're feeling better - share one of your biggest blessings? Get better soon! ^_^
What touched me the most and was my biggest blessing was having my daughter. I am struggling now for a second child and this helps me to realize just how much of a blessing she really is! I love her dearly and would do anything for her. :) Thank you for this giveaway.
amymccarty at hotmail dot com
WOW these are all so amazing!! It was hard to pick but I really liked the.. Love Valentine Fairy Art Print - Flying with Pegasus' - Red and White Hearts - 10x8 inches
:) I really hope I win!
amymccarty at hotmail dot com
entry 2
WOW these are all so amazing!! It was hard to pick but I really liked the.. Love Valentine Fairy Art Print - Flying with Pegasus' - Red and White Hearts - 10x8 inches
:) I really hope I win!
amymccarty at hotmail dot com
entry 1