Being Crafty

Looks like a nice place to relax, right? This is the front porch of The Kentucky School of Craft in Hindman. There are no rocking chairs strangely enough. Students and staff at the accredited school are too busy for that.


On Friday we dropped in to see Julie Cain's jewelry show inside. Later that evening about 100 people came into our studio around the bend. Old Fashioned Christmas felt like a Charles Dicken's story.


Nothing beats the buzz and excitement at this time of year! In any way you can please support local artists and writers this Christmas! Julie's show was magical; just look at her "plume" piece. Come see Julie and the rest of us in Hindman anytime you need a splash of color!

On the Surface

Having the right workplace really matters. One needs plenty of room and the best light. Recently I bought an old table like this one. Mine is red and gray with legs as strong as the Brooklyn Bridge. Though not as graceful and feminine as this one, it works just fine in the studio where I sketch and paint. At home, I paint on an old table I bought at a junk shop near Campton. The refinished top is checkered with burns and initials. That table resonates. Visual art for me comes from antiques.

Writing is different altogether. I need a crisp, pristine surface to wordsmith. I hate it that now I never write poetry or prose in longhand. Computers have possessed my writing habits. Basically, I am very OCDish, I admit. There is order to my chaos. How about yours?

Taking the Cake

Today is my birthday; cause to celebrate and give thanks. My life has been like a mountain roadway. Though not to the top yet, I can look down and say it has been an amazing journey. I can see a cake in the future!

This picture is of our youngest boy celebrating Senior Day with the baseball team at Kentucky Wesleyan. For those who don't know him, he's the tallest player and in the back row. Life feels almost as good today as that day in Owensboro. Mucho to do! Have a great day!

You Can Take It With You

We had a houseful over Thanksgiving and our youngest leaves today. Feast to famine. The empty nest will return like always.

Next week I'll be back at my spot in the studio. Over the break, I finished one portrait and began another, the second of which is more a study than anything. It has been great to get my kids' opinions on these pieces. Before long I may depict them or try a self-portrait. Scary thought there...

In December, I should get to see the release copy of The Holler. That will be like a birthday present. So I guess the feast continues. Hope you had a great respite.

Words in Bloom

Check out this awesome writer's contest from Angela Ackerman of A Bookshelf Muse.

http://thebookshelfmuse.blogspot.com/2009/11/massive-followers-contest.html

I've been busy with my WIP and have been out and about at Christmas bazaars. Currently I'm sold out of my book, All Roads Lead To Hazard, but it can be ordered easily online in time for Christmas. Excited to get four commissions. Now if only our little Bichon Boudreaux would get over his funk.

Deeply Rooted

In our Appalachian forest, trees are often revered. Along a ridge line at dawn they salute the day. In late fall and winter, bare trees evoke mystery.

Lately I've been painting trees a great deal using negative painting techniques. I have a lot to learn but have gotten the basics down pat. If only I could invent a camera chip for my eye. Everyday I see trees that blow my mind and want to recall them. Tulip Poplars are one of my favorites.

When I was growing up a family friend told me he was a Druid. I believed him! Of course I was gullible and still am but worshiping trees seemed normal. One painting is called, Deeply Rooted; the other Fanciful Forest. Catch them at ArtWalk in Whitesburg, KY on Dec. 11th.

The Big Picture

Oil painting takes a steady hand and uncluttered mind. Here is Nellie Vanover from our group Art in the Mountains at our Christmas at the Cabin 2009 event. She creates paintings that almost breathe. It is pure joy to watch her paint.

For three days last week I hit the local craft fair circuit. Last year I mostly sold books. This year I sold out of my book and sold two big paintings and a bunch of prints and knick-knacks. It was a series of sales as perfect as one of Nellie's paintings. On Nov. 20, and 21st, I hit the road with my art again and have a store opening on Wednesday where they have asked to display my art. Just wanted my blogging friends to know where I am. Jingle bells, shotgun shells....