Shoe Inspirations

If you've read my blog awhile, then you know I part-own a cool little shop in Historic Downtown Newnan called The Vintage-Flea. We have chic shops downtown, including Boulignini, a shoe and accessory shop three doors down from us. The owner Kim came in at least a month ago and asked me, "Would you draw this shoe for me so I can use it on my business cards, as a logo?" "Sure" I said. So this little kitten heel sat on my art desk for the past month, literally. My daughter walked around the house in it a bit, I even tried it on. See: Shoe on right is my regulation Jenni shoe, the fitflop. So far, the backside is not slimmer, but I keep holding out hope! As I've stared at this sexy shoe, and placed it on my foot a couple of times, I wonder, just wonder how Carrie Bradshaw did it in those heels...all over New York City! I will say this shoe has quite a cushion system. It is a $150 shoe, it better have cushion!
So here's my final piece. I think Kim will be pleased! This shoe sitting on my art desk this past month has inspired a series of shoe paintings! Since sitting here I've created Mailey and Mattie in their orange crocs and the Mattie wanting to be an Anthropologie girl. Let's see, next month maybe I'll put a yummy cupcake on my desk to inspire me. I'd have to replace it everyday though!

On Saturday....

"On Saturday, Mattie wanted to be one of the Anthropologie Ladies." So I think I've found that- A. I see a trend in my art with shoes, I'll explain that come about in my next post and B. I see a new series of paintings for Mattie....and possibly a book idea about just being who you are, not anyone else! So I guess I'll start back with Sunday, the first day of the week and see what she'll be on that day!

These fabulous Anthropologie catalogues come to my door ever so often. I usually drool over the layouts, textures, clothes, and furnishings. Oh how I wish I had a body to be one of their models! Just to be on the set....that would be cool. Anyways, this month I was smitten with the shots of the models like the one above, cute tights, fabulous shoes and funky little outfits. I've been mulling over this idea of collage lately...and voila! The idea came to me. I was also doing my Sally Jean trick of finding words in a book to inspire my paintings. In my recent book selection, Pride and Prejudice, I've found a ton of great word selections, like "one of the ladies". Oh how it all came together after that! I did apply beeswax at the end and was a little upset that it changed the appearance of her tights, but there are no mistakes in art and I used it as a lesson to not use beeswax on magazine anymore!

"I like your shoes Mailey. I like yours too Mattie!"

"I like your shoes Mailey. I like yours too Mattie". This is a new idea for my Mattie paintings, introducing my little people, and pets to Mattie through the canvas. Today I started a fun one of Mattie and our silly little dog, Lily. Oh the fun those two are having in my painting! This painting was inspire by my baby girl Mailey. She has been over my shoulder all summer while I paint. When I started this one she was so tickled! I even used her shoes as a model. Those crocs are a necessity around this house! The little words on the bottom you can't make out say, "I like your shoes". Every girl has a favorite pair of shoes...what are yours?

Krista Part 2

After a pecan stain, and orange flowers becoming yellow ochre, I think this painting is about to ship off to Krista in Tennessee! Enjoy!

For Krista!

This painting is for Krista! I took your want list and came up with this composition and color combination. My William really likes it. I hope you do to!

Mattie Has Flown to Chicago!

I'd read about this super cool craft fair called Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn, Chicago and now San Fransisco. I was thinking how cool to be in a craft fair full of artists a little like me.....and I dreamed of setting up a booth in one of these great cities. So I jumped over to their site one day and found out they have a brick and mortar store now called Renegade Handmade. They feature about 200 artists from all over. It's like a real etsy shop! I filled out the consignment application, sent over my photos and voila! I am now selling in this store! YEAH! My name is already on their website. Here it is:www.renegadehandmade.com

So we'll see how my little pendants do up there. The photo above is of their store front. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that today while reading Home Companion, they had like a 6 page article on Renegade Handmade the store and the craft fairs! Talk about great publicity!

New Mini Paintings

"Henry Turns 6"

3.5 " x 8"- mixed media on wood

"Steady Friends"

3.5" x 3.5"- mixed media on wood

I was doing my usual blog reading and found out that Sally Jean now has a blog. It reminded me of a workshop I had with her in Portland awhile back. One of her techniques to get you going on collages is to pick words from a jar and go from there. I did my own spin on this by reading a book and snipping little passages that were funny together or could inspire a new painting. She always uses vintage papers, charcoal pencil, and white paint to embellish. I of course had to use my little birds and flowers with a bit more color! These two little guys I made up last night. It was great fun, and a great mess! I think I'll add a layer of resin to give them the ultimate shine.