How 2 Draw a Cup of Coffee

Back to Work!

2012-02-08T16:59:00.000-08:00

I started working in my little office studio this morning. I was able to get these two small illustrations done. I also got our garage in fairly good shape, and I'm hoping to get in there to do some painting this week. Good things all around.

2012-02-07T15:45:00.000-08:00

I'm back!

Pittsburgh was fun! I love going to a new city and doing a bit of exploring. Nate's family is also great! I'm not just saying that because I know that his mom reads my blog either! Hi Mary Lynn!

Love how all the houses are built into the hill.

There are tons of little neighborhoods and places to explore in Pittsburgh. I lost count of the number of bridges and cool industrial buildings we saw.

taken at the top of the incline. lots of bridges!

We visited both the Andy Warhol Museum and the Mattress Factory Museum. Of the two, I thought the Mattress Factory was the most interesting. I believe the museum is an old Mattress factory and on each floor (and in some rooms) it's all installation works.

Mattress Factory - Yayoi Kusama's Installation

Mattress Factory- Than Htay Maung

more mattress factory! - Kusama

at the Mattress Factory - Kusama

at the Warhol Museum

The Andy Warhol Museum was cool too. I learned quite a bit about him while being there. For instance, I didn't know that he was born and raised in Pittsburgh. He is also buried there. I also didn't realize that he had such an amazing career as an illustrator before becoming a famous artist. The size of some of his screen prints is truly amazing and it's incredible to see just how big they are. I would have taken more pictures there, but photography was prohibited.

We were also able to do some much needed relaxing and hanging out. I had a great time and I'd like to go again.

Chloe had a great time too, just in case you were wondering. Her sitters were great, and she was even able to befriend their cat. Something she's been wanting to do for some time.

Vacation

2012-01-31T14:01:00.000-08:00

Today is the last day in Portland for a few days.

We're leaving for Pittsburgh tomorrow and I'm excited about it! I've heard that there are some cool bridges, and lots of industrial areas. I'm hoping it helps jump start my creativity a little bit.

We decided to leave Chloe with some friends of ours. They have a little dog named Carly whom Chloe gets along very well with. This is the first time in a few years that I've been without my pup. It's going to be weird at first...I miss her already, but it's good. You don't realize how important they are to you until they're ill, or you have to leave them for awhile.

I tried to get as much work done as possible before our trip. I did manage to get quite a few things listed in my shop, and I added a lot of work to my sale section. I've been including some originals, so if you haven't checked it out in awhile, you should!

I doubt I'll be blogging while I'm away...so until next week!

Running in clouds.

2012-01-30T11:57:00.001-08:00

Running in clouds.
Originally uploaded by michele_maule
I took this photo a few weeks ago while I was running through the park.

Just wanted to share it with you today. It's one of my favorites.

Portland, Oregon

2012-01-27T11:24:00.000-08:00

Oh hey!
Have you seen the show Portlandia yet? The first season came out last year, and the second season is currently running on the IFC channel.

I have to say, this show sums up this city very well. I admit, it's a bit strange watching a skit comedy show on the place where you live. It's even stranger when it's spot on.

My friend and I were talking about this clip and the countless number of times we've been in this situation. Even when the other person doesn't have even a stop sign!

This season is much funnier, in my opinion, than last season. I'm convinced that it's going to get better.
There are many people here who are opposed the show here. They refuse to watch it and write article about it for the paper and all the weeklies here.

I think it's fun. Don't take where you live so seriously, people.

Wishful Thinking

2012-01-26T16:43:00.001-08:00

Anemone.
Originally uploaded by michele_maule
Today the sun came out for moments at a time.

It started my mind thinking towards Spring. It got me thinking about gardening, green trees, and open windows.

I love when I'm standing in my kitchen, in the summer, prepping dinner and feeling a warm breeze come through the window. Sigh.

I quickly put all of these memories out of my head. Silly me. Spring weather is still months out, let alone Summer days... :)

Until then, I'll enjoy flowers from the store.

Tuesday Work

2012-01-25T08:52:00.001-08:00

Work for the day.
Originally uploaded by michele_maule
I've been starting paintings with no real plan lately.

I started working on these yesterday and I'm not sure where to go with them. I'm going to step away from them today and maybe something will come to me.

Happy Wednesday!

Dark and Grey

2012-01-24T15:34:00.000-08:00

Oh, my, it's so dark and rainy today. a good day for staying indoors and listing new items in my Etsy shop. although, not the best day for taking photos for my items. I'm going to need to re-shoot them, but at least they're up and ready to go. I feel good about that.

I listed my newest Portland postcard and also one of the small paintings from the Tilde show last month. I think the postcard really sums up the weather we're having today...

Not Much

2012-01-23T16:26:00.000-08:00

Not a lot to report on today.
It was a great weekend that included beers, donuts, antiquing, and cozy movie time.

We bought tickets to head out to Pittsburgh, and that is also exciting. We're planning on visiting the Warhol Museum and also The Mattress Factory. at first we thought The Mattress Factory was an actual mattress factory, and we were pleasantly surprised to learn that it is in fact an art museum!

Many people have told me that Pittsburgh is a lot like Portland, or a lot like Portland used to be. I've heard there is a lot of industrial architecture, water towers, and bridges. So, I'm looking forward to seeing the city, and maybe even gaining some inspiration.

On another note, I've been adding to my sale section on Etsy. Some prints, and now some originals. I'll be adding to this section, so keep your eyes open!

Friday

2012-01-20T08:54:00.000-08:00


Neighbors

I didn't sleep well last night, but for some reason I feel ready to go today. We'll see if I'm still feeling the same around 5 this evening. ;)

It's been a productive week and I am feeling good with the amount of little paintings that I finished.

I've been trying very hard to do just a little bit of drawing, or painting, everyday. I feel like it helps me focus and regroup.

January is almost over, and it's been a great month. I'm looking forward to February and what new things it brings.

Old Friends

2012-01-19T16:12:00.000-08:00

I have been having a very full, yet very satisfying day.

I got my hair did this morning by my friend Staci who has been doing my hair for the past 12 years. Yes, she's that good. If you live in Portland and need a good stylist, let me know, I'll give you her contact info.

I also went and had tea with another old friend. She's known me since I was 17 and although we lost touch for a very long time, we finally reconnected today! She has the sweetest little dog named Mo, whom I am going to paint a picture of.

Mo is such a great little dog, and I am so happy I get to paint her. Jane's son found her in an In N' Out parking lot in California. Not being able to find the owner inside, and not being able to find a no kill shelter, he decided to pay the extra money and fly her back to Portland with him.

Jane was skeptical at first, but on the ride home from the airport she quickly fell in love and decided to keep her. I can see why. She is such a little bundle of energy and love. I'm looking forward to painting her!

Tiny Pieces

2012-01-18T09:21:00.000-08:00

We got quite a bit of snow last night around 9pm.

I tried to get a picture of it, but the light was just too low. It was so lovely. The whole neighborhood was quiet and still. It was beautiful.

This morning is a different story. It started raining at about 4am and now everything is a big sloppy mess.

So instead of playing outside in the snow, I opted for listing one of my newest in my Etsy shop. :)

Craving Color

2012-01-17T16:09:00.001-08:00

Not sure what to do next...
Originally uploaded by michele_maule
It's been a dark, grey, wet and very cold day. We're supposed to 3-5 inches of snow tonight...

I don't know about that. We got quite a bit of snow today, but it didn't stick.

I've been doing a lot of puttering in my little office studio the last couple of days. I don't have much direction. My goal is to just sit and create and watch what comes of it.

I did this little piece yesterday. I think I was hungry for a little color in my day. I don't know what I'm going to do with it next. I might just leave it. I kinda like it the way it is.

Today I made some tiny paintings that reflect the dark weather we've been having. Maybe I'll share those on the blog tomorrow!

Winter

2012-01-16T12:10:00.000-08:00

It's been so cold here! It snowed a bit yesterday, and this morning. My morning run today was a bit slippery, so I didn't get very far...

We haven't really left the house in a couple of days. We've been doing a lot of cooking and reading. I've been messing around with paint, paper and pencil. I'm not really sure what I'm doing, but I'm trying not to think about it too much. I'm trying to just let go a bit and do what comes naturally.

I like it.

Chloe has been trying to find the warmest spots in the house....

I also managed to get this deer painting listed on Etsy. Not really sure how I feel about it. I like it, I just feel like it seems out of place. But, maybe that's a good thing. Branching out, expanding and experimenting are all good things to do. So, I'm going to continue in that direction.

Sickness

2012-01-14T07:26:00.000-08:00

Oh my...
I had a short bout of some sort of plague yesterday.

I'm feeling much better this morning, however! Hooray!

Wonderful Place - Mixed Media Collage

Despite feeling like death yesterday, I managed to get two new little pieces listed in my shop. Wonderful Place lives here and Be Brave lives here. For the record, I didn't start to feel too terrible until just after I posted them ;)

Be Brave - Watercolor Painting

anyway, it's Saturday! We're supposed to get snow tonight and tomorrow! We'll see if that really happens... Thankfully it's a weekend so we won't see this city totally loose it's mind. Hope the weekend is treating you well.

Matisse

2012-01-12T13:36:00.000-08:00

I found this quote by Matisse while at the art museum this past weekend.

"There is only one thing that counts in the long run: you have to abandon yourself to your work. You have to give yourself over entirely, without thoughts, especially without afterthoughts. Only then does your work contain you totally. You also have to forget completely that the work you have created whether it has really been seen or experienced or not will always be judged by others. "

Something I've been thinking about the past few days.

Collage

2012-01-11T08:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday!

I've been adding some new pieces to my shop the past couple of days! Yay! I like adding new work.

These pieces were in the Ristretto Roasters show that I had this past summer. I sold quite a few, but these were the ones that didn't find homes...

I'm hoping to add some brand new items, that I've been working on, tomorrow.

Hope everyone has a great day!

Robert Hanson

2012-01-10T16:52:00.000-08:00

Nate and I visited the Portland art Museum this past weekend.

We got to see some beautiful drawings by Robert Hanson, who was an instructor at Pacific Northwest College of art for a number of years.

We both loved the simplicity of his lines as well as his use of bold colors. There are elements of his drawings that remind me of the blind contour drawings we used to have to do in school. Then there are moments where he works out the details and creates a more finished area. It is quite lovely.

We were also able to get a glimpse of Titian's "La Bella." It was a little hard to get too close to it. There were quite a few people, and no one seemed brave enough to stand in front of the bench that was sitting in the front. It was beautiful and we were lucky to get a chance to see it in person.

Overall, a great weekend!
If you live in Portland I suggest you go out and see these works before they're gone.

I've been updated my shop with some pieces that I made this past summer for the Ristretto Roasters show. I've also created a sale section! I want to make room for new art and let go of some past prints. Once these prints are gone, they're gone forever! Change is good.

Alberta Morning Run

2012-01-09T10:16:00.001-08:00

Alberta. #morningrun
Originally uploaded by michele_maule
I took this picture on Saturday morning. It's not the best, but it's hard taking a photo with little light...

I love my Saturday morning runs on Alberta.
I'm typically the only person out on the street. There's no cars. I can run down the middle of the street if I'd like.

I can see all the cooks, baristas, prepping their cafes and restaurants. I can smell the sent of freshly baked donuts on one block and the smell of carnitas on another block. I can see inside Pine State Biscuits where the cooks are cooking up Reggie plates for people.

In a small cafe there is an older man who is in the same spot, sipping coffee, writing in a journal every week. I run past cute boutiques with the cutest clothes. One in particular always has shoes that I would love to own, but could never afford. I run past art galleries and tiny jewelry shops.

It's one of my most favorite runs all week. It's just me and Alberta and the people who exist in these buildings.

We're all in this Together

2012-01-06T09:50:00.000-08:00

I was able to post one of my newest yesterday.

I'm very excited about this new direction. I'm not sure where I'm going with it. I'm going to take a couple of days to think it over and then see what happens.

It's Friday! Hooray!

Here's to 2012

2012-01-05T14:57:00.000-08:00

Well, I must say this first week into the new year has been more than great!

I've been productive, I've gotten fabulous mail, and my tiny busy is doing well. Hooray!
Speaking of fabulous mail, I received this in the mail from Megan from Studio MME sent me this lovely print in exchange for one of my prints. I'm not sure where I'm going to hang it quite yet...I think it might live on my typewriter for a little bit.

print from Studio MME

I've also been busy working on two new postcards. Forgive the lighting in the pictures. The light in my office isn't that great...

I'm liking them so far, and I'm crossing my fingers I can get the back of the cards done soon. I'd love to be able to send the one with the umbrella out to friends in time for Valentines Day.

I can't even begin to explain how great it's felt to be drawing, painting, and blogging again. When I'm doing this, and it's going well, I feel so in my element. Like, this is exactly what I am meant to be doing with my life. It feels so great.

I Believe

2012-01-04T17:39:00.000-08:00

Don't you love great mail days?
I do. I really do. Today was one of the best mail days ever.

My friend Shana sent me this wonderful reminder today. She made it herself. She's made a lot of them over the past few weeks. You can read all about it right here!

This little gift is just what I needed for this year. Last year was rough and I believe that it can only get better. It's also a wonderful reminder to take time to be less selfish with my time when it comes to my friends and family...

Thank you Shana. You're an inspiration.


I know my calendar still says December. I'm waiting for my new calendar to get here ;)

New Things

2012-01-03T19:17:00.000-08:00

This is what I'm working on tonight....

Published!

2012-01-02T16:04:00.000-08:00

Oh yeah!

So, last week was a bit of a rough week at work for me. It's the end of the holidays, it's super busy, and on top of everything else, it's also inventory. I was not a happy camper...

However, I came home to such a pleasant surprise.

Remember months ago when I mentioned that I was going to be in Somerset Studio magazine? No? You don't remember? It's okay, I didn't remember either, until I went to my mailbox on Thursday. There it was! There I was! Not only that, but there was a check in there too! They paid me for my writing! How amazing and awesome is that? I was amazed, pleased, and estatic. I still am!

What agreat way to end my day and my year. What a great way to start my year!

Great day. Looking forward to the rest.

2012-01-01T16:31:00.001-08:00

Great day. Looking forward to the rest.
Originally uploaded by michele_maule
The first day of the new year is quickly dwindling. I spent it cleaning up what was left of Christmas, getting a bit of work done, and relaxing with my favorites.

I'm looking forward to this new year. I want to read more, work harder, and continue making art.

I'd also like to travel to Pittsburgh for a visit with Nate's family and I'd like to possibly make a trip to San Diego.

I'd like to take more time off from my day job, and work more on my "art job."

I want to give more of myself and to be less selfish.

Overall, I'd like to work on myself as a person - finding happiness with what exists now, in this moment. I want to let go of the what ifs and have nots, and concentrate on the wonderful life that I have right now.

Christmas!

2011-12-30T09:07:00.000-08:00

We had a lovely Christmas last week!

Nate woke up with a terrible migraine, which was a bit of a bummer. So, while he slept I went for a five mile run and watched movies for the rest of the afternoon. Thankfully the migraine dissipated later and we spent the day relaxing and eating!

Chloe is a big fan of Christmas. I believe she received more toys than an average kid! We both had lots of fun watching her ripping the paper off her presents. Luckily, this is the only time of year she tears paper apart...

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas.

2011-12-23T11:33:00.000-08:00

Loving this song, by The National, right now.
The lyrics, "Be brave and be kind," speaks volumes to me.

Little Helper

2011-12-21T08:35:00.001-08:00

My little "helper" for the evening.
Originally uploaded by michele_maule
The days before Christmas are always full of things to get done before the big day.

as you can see by this photo, my personal helper isn't as helpful as she stated on her resume.

Oh well. It's a good thing she's so cute, and such a good snuggler. Otherwise, she would have been fired years ago.

New glasses!

2011-12-20T07:52:00.001-08:00

New glasses!
Originally uploaded by michele_maule
Oh yeah! I got some new specs!

They're a bit on the big side, but I really like 'em.

Beaumont Market

2011-12-19T09:27:00.000-08:00

Christmas is less than a week away! Egads! I feel like I have a few more presents to get before the big day...

Luckily, we did get all of our presents out to our families who don't live nearby! Hopefully in time...

It's going to be a very busy week in the world of grocery stores and today is my last day of peace and quiet before heading out into the world of lines, phone calls, and pages. I'm planing on making some cookies, going for a run, and getting some last minute gifts.

I also managed to get a new mixed media piece listed this morning!
It's from the show I did this past summer for Ristretto Roasters. It's a bit of an homage to the handmade grocery store signs of the past....

Crafty Wonderland Love

2011-12-12T16:51:00.001-08:00

Selling!
Originally uploaded by michele_maule

Wow.

The last two days have been so great. Selling at Crafty Wonderland is one of the most exciting things a small indie artist can do, I believe.

I had so much fun and there was such a great turnout. They speculate that over 16,000 people came! Holy cow. That's a lot of people.

I've spent most of this day trying to recoup. My friend Shana said she had a craft fair hangover and yes, that is what it feels like.

I ate a huge breakfast, drank lots of water, and I even took a nice nap. I'm feeling somewhat back to normal!

It was such a fun weekend, and I felt really honored to be part of such a brilliant community of artists and crafters. Walking around and seeing just how many of these truly talented people live in Portland is incredible. I am proud to call this place my home.

at some point of the show I realized that being there is so much more than just selling. It's seeing people I haven't seen in months, or years. It's about catching up with friends, laughing, and generally just having a really great time. That's what I love most about doing craft fairs. That's what makes me so excited to be there. I also like sharing my work with other people, and being able to show it to others in person.

anyway, a big thanks to everyone who came out to shop and say hello to me. It was a really great weekend.

Baloney Sighting.

2011-12-09T08:08:00.001-08:00

Baloney sighting.
Originally uploaded by michele_maule

This is my dog.

She makes me laugh. Especially when she does this...

Prep

2011-12-07T08:19:00.001-08:00

Little banners!
Originally uploaded by michele_maule

Craft fair prep is officially underway. I made these last night for Crafty Wonderland which happens this weekend!

I'm really trying to make my booth look as professional as possible this time around. I feel like so often I get caught up with making items that I forget to address the table. Not this time! I've made several of these cute little banners, and one big one for across the front.

I like them. I'm just hoping that this vision I have pulls together.

2 days until I set up, and I'm working at my other job too. Whew! I will be so happy when I can relax again :)

New!!

2011-12-06T07:56:00.001-08:00

Oh my! I have two new prints available in my shop! Yay!

You can find the links here
and here.

I feel like it's been ages since I've listed something new.

Hope you enjoy it and hope you have a lovely day.

Shine.

2011-12-05T11:38:00.001-08:00

Shine.
Originally uploaded by michele_maule

We put up our Christmas decorations yesterday! Hooray!

Our house is looking mighty festive.

This is an ornament that my mom made years ago. She used to make all of these really wonderful ornaments. I had a couple, but she recently sent me a few more.

I am really glad she did.

Show Time

2011-12-03T08:53:00.001-08:00

My work is the top 12. The bottom 6 are by APAK.
Originally uploaded by michele_maule
My group show opening was last night, at Tilde in Sellwood. It went really well! I got to see some friends I haven't seen in awhile and I even sold a piece! Yay!

as usual, I promised myself I would take a lot of pictures of everyone, and of the artists work, but I got so involved with talking, that by the time I realized I needed to take pictures, everyone had left. Nate and I were the only ones left hanging out! Opps!

Oh well. I did get this picture! The bottom row is by ayumi piland. She's a local artist who draws and paints these really sweet scenic scenes.

It was a fun night and I'm so glad I was asked to participate!

Everything Is Going to be Okay

2011-11-30T09:28:00.001-08:00

The vet called this morning and the unidentifiable spot is just a flipped intestine. She said it's nothing to worry about. Whew!

Good news!
She needs to rest for a few days, to get over her cough, but she should be just fine.

In other news, I'm feeling really great this morning. I feel like I am ready to get myself back into my art. Back into listing things on Etsy again. I feel like I am ready to approach more shops with my cards.

I feel like I've been focusing so much energy into my day job lately.
But, really, I need to be focusing that energy into the work that I want to be doing. It is challenging because sometimes my day job really zaps all that energy away. I need to rally. I need to work a bit harder. I realized that although it's a great job, and I like the people I work with, it by no means makes me feel happier.

I am happiest when I am working on new pieces. When I get share a bit of my work with others. That's what makes me happy. That is the work that I need to focus on.

Today

2011-11-29T21:03:00.001-08:00

Today was rough and it ended with an emergency trip to the vet.

Chloe is going to be fine. She's had a cough and it's been triggering her to get sick. This evening when I got home, she threw up blood, and I rushed her in to her vet. Her vet thinks that she just broke a blood vessel.
She's on some antibiotics and everything else seems to be fine, so thank goodness for that!

They did some x-rays and her vet found something that she can't quite identify...so she's going to have a radiologist take a look at it tomorrow. I asked if maybe it was a tumor, but thankfully she doesn't think it is. She said if anything it's just her little intestine doing some acrobatics. Let's just hope she's right!

Oh, my little dog. She's been to the vet more times in the past 6 months than she has in her whole 4 years of life. I wonder if the vet would start taking paintings as a form of payment? ;)

2011-11-25T07:59:00.001-08:00

Yikes! It's been awhile!
I have been so busy lately. Between my day job and getting my show for Tilde together, it's been a bit of a hectic couple of weeks.

I thought I would share a couple of my pieces that will be up at Tilde in a week!

If you're in the area, and would like to come, please do!

The reception is a week from today, Friday the 2nd, from 6-9pm. The shop is located in Sellwood at 7919 SE 13th ave.

In other news I'm hoping on the Black Friday sale wagon! You can enter coupon code happyday, at checkout and get 30% off your order! I'm also offering free shipping! Shop is here.

what?! Yes, it's true.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! :D

My Brightest Diamond

2011-11-07T17:32:00.000-08:00

Last night Nate, our friends, and I went out to see My Brightest Diamond play. Nate and I had never heard of Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond is her moniker), but our friends really like her and they have some pretty good taste in music, so we went!

It was a lot of fun and her voice is amazing. Really amazing.

If she is ever coming to a town near you, I highly recommend you go see her. Plus, she moved to Detroit. By choice. anyone who moves to Detroit, buys an abandoned house, and starts a garden is pretty awesome in my book.

Here is a video for you to enjoy :)

Terrifying Spider Time

2011-11-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

I know Halloween was a couple of days ago, but I wanted to share this experience with you anyway.

We discovered this monster Halloween night, when our front porch light went out. Nate was trying to change the bulb when this beast came out of no where. He yelled, "Come see this spider!"

Thinking it was just one of the big black spiders that are common in our yard, I took my time getting out of bed to take a look.

When I saw the mother of all spiders I've ever yelled and tried to keep my gaping mouth shut. Ugh. The thing is a nightmare.

We haven't seen the spider in the last two days. I was kind of hoping to see it again, just so I could get a better photo. also, it would be nice to know that it didn't somehow get inside the house.

I don't know what I would do if I found this thing in my house. I think I would just move. Just pack up what I could and leave. This is not a spider you just step on. I don't even want to imagine the sounds this thing would make if you stepped on it. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh.

Well, have a good day! :D

November!!

2011-11-01T20:00:00.000-07:00

Oh my, it's already November.

Thanksgiving is 3, yes 3, weeks away! Unbelievable.

I work at a grocery store. The holidays are our busiest time of year and I am talking busy, busy, busy. It gets so busy that the lines loop around out the outer perimeter of the store. We have to line people up and assign them to registers. There are some moments where we can move our carts around to stock the shelves, so we load up hand baskets, and sometimes it's so busy we can't even navigate around the store, so we try to help out in other areas.

It's crazy, crazy, busy and most nights, when I get home, I in silence for 15-20 minutes. ah, silence.
So, that is what I have to look forward to in the upcoming weeks! :D yay!

I'm hoping to get some art made during this busy time. I did get accepted to the Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Sale! So that in itself will be a very busy week for me.

The next two months are going to go by so quickly. I know the time will pass in a blink of my eye. I'd really like to take some time to enjoy the holidays. Balance... It's going to take a lot of balance.

I managed to get a couple of little bird illustrations done on my weekend! You can see one in my shop right now, and I'm hoping to get the other one listed tomorrow evening!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T14:44:00.000-07:00

It's Halloween!

Nate's is on the right!

Nate and I carved pumpkins yesterday, and he made some tasty pumpkin seed snacks. This is out first Halloween living in a house, and I'm really hoping to get lots of Trick or Treaters. We've got a couple of bags of candy, some Halloween hats, and some decorations. Hopefully we get some kids!

Halloween also marks the beginning of working 40+ hours a week at my day job...

Well, it's only for a couple of months, then I'll be back to part time day job, and full time art making. Besides, with two Chloe surgeries, my funds are very tight right now. Working extra hours will definitely be very helpful right now.

Speaking of pups, Chloe had her stitches out this morning and is almost fully mended. Hooray!

Hope everyone has a safe and wonderful Halloween!

Chloe!

2011-10-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone is having a good week. Can you believe November is right around the corner?! Yikes!

This is Chloe today. She still has her stitches in. They come out Tuesday.
I really hope this is the last time we do this for a very long time. I did find a small bump last week, it's still there, but it seems like it might be going away. I really hope that it is only a bug bite...

I don't know why she's getting these tumors. I know it's not my fault but I wish there was something that I could do to prevent it. I'm currently looking into a grain free diet for her. I've been reading that it has some very positive results...

Well, in other news, it's a beautiful, chilly day here in Portland. The sun is out, the leaves are changing color, and there is a chilly breeze in the air. I've been making a lot of progress on my little paintings, but I'm not ready to share them quite yet!

Not so sad.

2011-10-22T08:21:00.001-07:00

Not so sad.
Originally uploaded by michele_maule

Hey!

Chloe is recovering well. The incision is healing, so that means it's very itchy.

The vet sent her home with a plastic e-collar and she really didn't like it. She would run into things when wearing it, and I think it scared her. She would just end up standing there, in one place, even when bribed with treats.

So, seeing as I am a working gal, and I can't stay home to keep my eye on her, I needed an anti scratching solution.

a friend suggested an inflatable collar so I ran out to get one. She's still not a fan, but at least she will walk around, drink water, and take a nap.

We've got about a week and a half to go before the stitches come out! Let's hope it goes by quickly.

In Between Things

2011-10-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

Sunday my friends, Nate, and I had a chance to head to Sauvie's Island. We picked out pumpkins, drank some hot cider and ate caramel apples. It was fun. Very fun. Sauvie's Island is about a 20 minute drive from Portland. It's a small island that has nothing but farms on it. In the summer there is lots of berry picking and in the fall it's all pumpkins, hay rides, and corn mazes :)

In other news, Chloe had surgery to remove her tumor on Tuesday. I came down with a cold the same day, so it's been a sleepy, sick, weekend for us.

She's doing well. I most likely will hear about what stage the tumor is later today. Fingers are crossed that it's only a stage one, in which all of the cancer cells have been removed.

Between taking care of her and myself I haven't gotten much of anything done art wise these past few days. I did manage to get some painting done and I came really close to getting some sketches done!

Next week will have to be much more productive. The images for the show at Tilde are due!

Hope everyone is having a good week so far!

New Paintings in Progress

2011-10-15T09:04:00.001-07:00

Tiny paintings test my patience.
Originally uploaded by michele_maule

I had a chance to work on my tiny paintings this week.

They're making me happy.

Work!

2011-10-12T18:42:00.001-07:00

Work!
Originally uploaded by michele_maule

I was able to bust out a lot of new drawings on these little panels of wood today! Hooray!

It felt so great to be productive and to like the things that I am creating. I'm hoping to get started on painting these little guys tomorrow!

Sock Weather

2011-10-11T19:28:00.001-07:00

Acorn socks!
Originally uploaded by michele_maule
Oh my! This week has been the quintessential Portland Fall. It's been chilly, rainy, and windy, and I've been loving all of it.

I know I'll be singing a different tune in May when it's still rainy and cold outside, but for right now, I'm really liking it.

I've been working on my group show at Tilde this week. I'm trying not to take these little paintings so seriously. I'm trying to have as much fun as I can.

This is something that I should take into account in other areas of my life as well :)

Hope everyone is having a good week!

Little pup, big world.

2011-10-06T18:34:00.001-07:00

Little pup, big world.
Originally uploaded by michele_maule

Well, the little bump behind Chloe's ear is a tumor. She's having it removed on Tuesday. Send good thoughts!

The start of tiny arts.

2011-10-05T19:39:00.001-07:00

The start of tiny arts.
Originally uploaded by michele_maule
I've been asked to participate in a tiny art show at Tilde, in Sellwood, this coming December!

I got started on working on these 4x4" panels today. I'm thinking about doing 6 collage pieces, and 6 simpler pieces.

We'll see. I'm focusing on what I want to create rather than what I feel people will want to see. The ongoing struggle of an artist/people pleaser :)

I've been taking a lot of time to mull my art over. Taking my time, writing, and wandering around the city. I'm hoping to absorb all the inspiration that I can from the place I live.

In other news, I found another lump on Chloe last week. I'm taking her in to the vet tomorrow. Send good, positive, thoughts our way. Not that we'll need them, because it's just a weird little bump, right? :)

2011-09-22T16:59:00.000-07:00

Well, Etsy has been making a lot of changes in the last two months, and I've become almost invisible.

My profit, after expenses, last month was $45.00 and so far it's $22.00 this month. Le sigh. Now, they're creating some ad system where you buy ad space on the site. This new system charges you a certain amount of money for the keywords you use. The more you spend on keywords, the better your chances are of showing up on the first page of the search within the site. That's how I understand it, anyway. I think I'm going to wait and see how others respond to it first, but I'm very skeptical.

I'm officially not counting on Etsy for any of my income. It makes me sad to say that, but the last 2 years have been so frustrating for me. I put so much work into my shop. I spent so much time and effort trying to get traffic there, and the last two years have just been so disheartening. The last two months have been even more disheartening. It's gotten to the point where I've questioned myself as an artist and it's made me kinda depressed.

So, I decided that I don't need that in my life. Nope. Not one bit. I've been working really hard this week at trying to get my work in stores around town. E-mailing those who have done orders with me in the past and creating new postcards for shops. I'm getting my wholesale sheet updated through Trunkt and trying to get more work up on Big Cartel, although, I'm not sure online sales are really where it's at...

I'm so determined to make this work, and I'm crossing my fingers, and toes, that it does :)

I won't be closing my Etsy shop. In fact, I'm still adding new things to it weekly. I just won't be totally relying on it for funds. Whatever I make with it will be "fun money", whatever that means. Maybe treats for Chloe? Maybe new socks for me? Maybe cake and coffee? Who knows. all I know is that I what I need right now is not to worry about something that I obviously have no control over no matter how much work and effort I put into it! I feel good about this.

Heart shaped plum.

2011-09-20T22:38:00.001-07:00

Heart shaped plum.
Originally uploaded by michele_maule

I ate this today...

It was so delicious.

Fall

2011-09-15T15:35:00.000-07:00

Well, the official first day of Fall is about a week away, and it's already feeling very Fall like today.

Grey skies, cool air, and I even saw some leaves changing color on my walk with Chloe this morning. Where did Summer go? I feel like it had just gotten here last week. Oh well, that's Summer in Oregon. Gone in a blink of an eye.

I've already started prepping myself for the long winter. I'm envisioning lots of tea and cozy blankets. all I'm missing right now is a new winter coat and some new rain boots. My blue boots have giant holes in them... I guess they don't make rubber boots like they used to...

In other news, I got so much work accomplished today! I organized over 300 greeting cards and got some new paintings listed in my Etsy shop. The upside to not selling a lot at a show is that you're able to add all of that hard work to your Etsy shop when it's over. Now, hopefully people will enjoy them there! Maybe enough to purchase one ;)

Silver linings exist everywhere.

Oh Wednesday

2011-09-14T14:12:00.001-07:00

Dead chicken.
Originally uploaded by michele_maule
Chloe killed her chicken the other day...

I bought her a new one today. Needless to say she loves it and won't leave me alone.

I'm managing to get a lot of work done in between games of chicken tug o' war...

Okay, back to chicken tug o' war.

p.s I have a new painting posted in my Etsy shop :)

How I Spent My Summer Vacation by Michele Maule

2011-09-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

We spent most of our week last week going to music shows. Literally.

Music Fest North West was all that week and we had a wristband that let us into all the MNW shows. There were free shows at the Doug Fir during the day, so we went to those as well.

I'm going to try to remember all the bands that we saw starting (in alphabetical order) with:

agesandages
Blitzen Trapper
Dirty Mittens
Elenore Friedberger
Emily Wells
Finn Riggins
Jared Mees and the Grown Children
Little Dragon
Loch Lamond
Mini Mansions
Mnemonic Sounds
Morning Teleportation
Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside
Sean Flinn and The Royal We
Sebedoh
Sharon Van Etten
Typhoon
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
and
Y La Bamba

Needless to say it was a busy week and weekend and it was SO MUCH FUN.

I don't really know why I stopped going to see live bands...
Maybe it has to do with the fact that my bed time is often 10pm and staying out past then often makes me cranky... I also tend to hibernate in the winter. Going out in the wet and cold at night gets harder and harder. When did I get so old?

sigh.

Well, I will try to make more of an effort to get out and see bands more often. It's good for you. Somehow.

I thought I would post a couple of videos of my two favorite performers for you to enjoy!

Postcards!

2011-09-08T11:36:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I picked up the postcard project I've been trying to finish for months now!

Whoohoo!

You can now buy them in my Etsy shop!
If you'd like more, or less, please feel free to contact me. I can always make special arrangements!

Hope everyone is having a great September so far. It's been very hot here... I think Summer was a bit confused this year.

River day.

2011-09-07T11:51:00.001-07:00

River day.
Originally uploaded by michele_maule

Nate, some friends, and I went to the river yesterday! It was perfect. The water was a bit chilly, but we had a really great time. Drinking beers, eating snacks, and laughing. a lot.

I'm kind of taking this week off from my day job, and Etsy/art things. Music Fest Northwest is this week. We bought tickets for a main show, which means we get into all the other shows this week for free. That is, unless, the show has sold out. We're crossing our fingers that doesn't happen!

So I'm planning on seeing some really great bands this week and generally getting in all the things I didn't get a chance to do this summer. It's only a few more weeks until the cold grey days descend upon us! I need to soak in as much sun as I can!

By the way, Chloe's stitches came out yesterday and she is doing very well :)

It's Friday!

2011-09-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

Well, for most people it is ;)
For me it's the start of my other job work week.

I was able to get so much done this morning!
I updated my Big Cartel shop and even listed a new small painting in my Etsy shop.

and now I'm blogging!

I think I'm going to try to take Chloe for a short walk this morning. She's doing really well and I'm afraid she is getting a bit depressed because of her lack of walks and play time..
Just a few more days until those stitches come out. I've already promised her a long walk up at Mt. Tabor and a romp around the awesome dog park there.

Hope everyone has a great and safe weekend!

Good Place

2011-09-01T15:04:00.000-07:00

It is the most perfect day in Portland today. I'm finding myself in a good place for the first time in weeks.

It feels good.

I'm focusing on adding new illustrations to Etsy while focusing on what makes me happy.
I get too caught up in what I think people would like to buy, and so that's what I try to make...

So, I've been doing some little exercises to try to prevent that. Mostly making art for myself, knowing I won't be sharing it with anyone. It's good. I like it.

Okay, this is the last stop on my to-do list!
I did update the shop with some new illustrations, so be sure to check those out as well!

Okay

2011-08-31T13:37:00.000-07:00

Chloe is doing just fine today and her stitches come out in less than a week! yay! I think we're both looking forward to next week, very much.

In the mean time I've been trying to get some new work done for my Etsy shop!
I start working full time again in a month! Oh my! I seriously can't believe September is tomorrow. So, I need to get my shop in order before then.

I completed two new illustrations yesterday, and I'm hoping to get two more done today.
I'm also hoping to get a good screen print done by the end of the day....but we'll see how that goes.

hope everyone is having a wonderful Tuesday.

Stage 2

2011-08-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

Chloe's vet called me Thursday to give me the results of Chloe's biopsy.

She said that the margins around Chloe's tumor weren't as clean as they had hoped. There was about .3 centimeter between the tumor and her muscle tissue. So, although she did get all the cancer out, there is a slight chance that it could come back. She said that overall it is a very positive outcome and that she thinks that Chloe is going to be just fine!

It wasn't exactly the news that I had hoped for, and I'll admit when she said the words aggressive, stage two, and tumor all in the same sentence, my hand started to shake and I almost dropped my phone.

I've thought a lot about it over the last few days, and I've gotten some very kind words from my friends. My friend Leigh says, "One day at a time. " and my co-worker put it best when she said,"Of course it's scary. It's something you have no control over."

So anywho, I'm taking it one day at a time. Hoping it doesn't come back. Ever.

If there is one positive outcome to this whole ordeal (other than the cancer is pretty much all gone) it's that I have taken a whole new appreciation for my little pup. I've also come to the realization that I'm not alone in this. That there are some really wonderful people in my life that I can count on when things aren't so great.

Screen printing!

2011-08-25T15:06:00.001-07:00

Screen printing!
Originally uploaded by michele_maule

I attempted to screen print this afternoon. I thought if I got started early enough, I could bust out some prints before it got too hot.

I was wrong. I always seem to be wrong about screen printing. It's not something I've mastered. There is a rhythm to it that I just haven't figured out.

Plus, the ink kept drying super fast because of the heat. No prints were made. Sadness...

In Chloe news, she napped all day yesterday and has spent the majority of today sleeping. She's getting lots of rest, which is a very good thing. :)

Thanks to all who have sent her well wishes! We both appreciate it.

Healing

2011-08-24T15:52:00.001-07:00

She's being so good about being still and quiet.
Originally uploaded by michele_maule

Chloe has been sleeping most of the day. I'm sure yesterday was pretty traumatic for her...

She did wake up ready to take on the day. Trying to play and jumping on everything I told her not to.

I think she's on a fast road to recovery.

It's warm today, and it's supposed to be pretty warm the rest of the week. Looks like Portland finally decided that it was summer!

My Sweet Girl

2011-08-23T12:47:00.001-07:00

Originally uploaded by michele_maule

about 4 weeks ago I noticed a weird bump on my Chloe. I kept my eye on it thinking it might go away.

It did so I chalked it up to a bug bite.

It came back, went away, and came back again. Not sure what it was, and having very little money for the vet, I didn't know what to do...

Well, it got to a point where I just didn't want to ignore it anymore. I took her in and lo and behold it tested positive for a mast cell tumor.

Ugh. I felt sick. I felt like I should have done something sooner. I felt like if anything happened I would never forgive myself.

The vet informed me that it's common in Boston Terriers and that it would definitely need to be removed.

She gave me some info on the growth, but I'm pretty sure it freaked me out more than it gave me any reassurance. The first line on the second page stated, "Mast cell tumors are notoriously invasive and difficult to treat."

WTF does that even mean?!

There was no way in hell I was going to let some stupid tumor make her sick, or take her from me.

Needless to say, I've been beside myself for the past week. I think general panic and freaking out are better terms, actually.

I couldn't let anything happen to my girl. She's only 4 for crissakes! Right?! I'm aware that pets die but I was no way prepared for anything like that, yet.

I talked to just about anyone who would listen to my situation and I consulted with many dog owners, especially those who also have Bostons.

The general consensus is that many dogs get them and many survive just fine. I also talked briefly to the vet and she assured me that there was a very slim chance that the tumor was more than just a skin growth...

So, fast forward to today, the day of her surgery. I don't think I slept for more than 3 hours. I kept thinking about how much this little dog has changed so much of who I am.

as someone who deals with anxiety and depression, she has brought me so much joy and happiness. She has taught me not to take life so seriously in certain moments. She makes me laugh out loud almost every day.

The vet called me a couple of hours ago to inform me that her surgery went well and that she was just waking up.

I felt like I could breathe for the first time in a week. It's going to take a few days to get the test results back in regards to the spread of the tumor, but the doctor feels like she was able to extract it very well.

She informed me that Chloe will have to be very quiet with limited activity for 2 weeks. I have no clue how I am supposed to keep a Boston Terrier "quiet" for 2 weeks, but at this point I am so happy that she got through the surgery I don't even care.

There, that's all I have to say about this. I can pick her up in a few hours and I will be so very happy to see her little face.

Oh Hello!

2011-08-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile, huh?

I've been out enjoying Summer as much as I can this month.
My Birthday was last week and we went hiking, played Bingo, had dinner with friends, drank great wine, ate good food, and generally had an amazing time.

I've also been back to my studio for some printmaking time. I have also been getting back to screen printing! It's so much more physically demanding than painting, or drawing, but I'm really loving it. It's helping me with this block that I've been having lately and it's been forcing me to re-learn some things.

all in all I've been trying to stay away from the computer as much as I can and redirecting myself to making things and enjoying the sunshine as much as I can.

Hope everyone else is having a wonderful summer!
I may, or may not, be posting more this week ;)

Day Dreaming

2011-08-01T20:07:00.000-07:00

I painted this illustration this weekend.

I've had this little picture of the Oregon Coast, at Cannon Beach, for years. I've wanted to paint it forever, and I finally did.

I've been thinking about the coast for some time now. I'd love to go visit, but this time of year isn't really possible. Besides, going in the middle of March, or February, is so much fun. There are lots of storms and we usually rent a house with a fire place...It's cozy and very relaxing. Definitely one of my very favorite places to go.

anyway, all the day dreaming of fire places, storms, finding my photo, and thinking about the beach led to this drawing....

Where did it go?

2011-07-28T14:06:00.000-07:00

What happened to my fearlessness?

Thinking back to when I was a teenager, I practically had no fear. I moved out of my house when I was 16, I started taking college courses when I was 17. I worked part time, when to high school full time, and went to college part time. People told me I couldn't do it, and all I wanted to do was defy them. and I did. and I wasn't afraid that I was going to fail. I knew somehow that I just would.

I feel so afraid of everything now. afraid to put my work, put myself, out there. afraid that maybe I will fail. afraid that maybe everything that I want is just a joke. afraid to make connections, afraid to get involved. I want to stay inside, not come out of my home.

I'm not sure where I lost that nerve I had when I was a teenager. Maybe someone needs to tell me that I can't do it. Maybe someone needs to say that I am never going to succeed. Maybe that's what I need right now.

Someone I can prove wrong.

"When you hit a wall, kick through it."

2011-07-26T15:12:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to avoid the internet the past few days.

To occupy my time away from the interwebs, I've been reading Patti Smith's " Just Kids."

Let me tell you, this book makes me want to sell everything I own, time travel, and move to New York.

I'm about half way through and I am enjoying this book so much.

The book is mostly about her, and her relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe, in New York, in the 60's and 70's. She moves to New York, from New Jersey, when she is only 20, and has no where to stay, and doesn't really know anyone to stay with. She's got some guts that I truly admire.

The most inspiring, and amazing, thing is how they managed to make it through such hard financial times on such a low income. She doesn't deny worrying about money, but it wasn't something they focused on. She mentions how happy she was that they were free, and that was all that really mattered.

They wrote, drew, made art, and met some incredibly talented, and famous, people. Yeah, there were a lot of drugs involved (although Patti does not do any) , and some extremely hard times, but reading about New York in that era is so exciting.

This book is making me seriously consider my work. Where it fits in, the direction I'm going, the direction I want to be going. It also makes me want to read more biographies on other artists and musicians. I'm finding that it is helpful to read what other creative people experience, how it effects their work, and how they deal with things motivation.

She talks about a time in her life where she thinks about her own art, where she wants to go, how unhappy she is with it, and how she hits a wall. Patti says, "When you hit a wall, kick through it." That quote resonated with me and I will remember it forever.

These Days

2011-07-21T17:18:00.001-07:00

Originally uploaded by michele_maule

Days like these make me want to curl up, drink tea, and sleep all day...

Newness

2011-07-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

It was the most beautiful day in Portland. It was so hard to sit inside and do any work, so I didn't.

Well, I did, but I tried to get it done as quickly as possible, so that I could go outside and enjoy the sunshine when I could. It's so hard to imagine the rest of the country is in a deadly heat wave, while here, we can barely make it to 80 degrees. I'm not trying to rub it in, or anything, it's just hard to imagine.

We've definitely had some hot weather here in the past, and I'm also not complaining of our lack of it. I'm enjoying this weather and feel very sympathetic to those who are suffering the heat of summer.

Well, in other news, I got a cute little print listed in my shop yesterday, and I'm in the process of having another new one made! I've also been working on some new greeting cards, which hopefully will be getting printed very soon!

Next weekend is my opening at Twill, on Division! I've got everything framed and ready to go for that, and I hope to see some Portland people there. Starts at 4 and goes until 8!

also, if you've made it this far, I'm having a 30% off sale in my shop! Prices are as marked, and it ends Friday at 12am Pacific!

3 Days

2011-07-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

Wow.

I had the last 3 days off and they were so wonderful.

It was Nate's birthday weekend and we went hiking, we went out, we took naps, we hung out with friends, and we had so much fun.

It was really hard getting back to work today. I had so much catching up to do but it was totally worth it.

NW Summer

2011-07-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

Well, the weather hasn't felt much like summer, here in Portland.

I think the high today was 70, and it was mostly cloudy, with some rain. That didn't stop me from working out in my garden, however!

I finally got my rosemary in and I planted some nasturtium. It felt so good to feel light rain on my face, and smell the dirt, and grass, that I was pulling up. It was definitely what I needed today.

Chloe enjoyed being outside for the most part, but ran inside when it started to sprinkle. She is not a NW kind of gal.

Two New

2011-07-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

Two new!

I got these two new paintings listed in my shop this morning.
Still working on this Ristretto show, and I think I'm getting close to the end!

That's all I got.

Collage

2011-07-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hey!

Here's a sneak peek at some of the work I'm doing for the Ristretto show :)

My focus is on, neighborhood, neighbors, and the place we live.

Exciting Things!

2011-07-06T18:50:00.000-07:00

wow, today has been a day.

almost first thing this morning I got an e-mail from the production team of Portlandia asking if they could come pick up a couple of my pieces! What?! That's crazy, I know.

I submitted some work to them when they put out a call to artists last week. I didn't think anything would come of it, and then today I got the email. I am pretty sure that the show is going to mock, heckle, and poke some sort of fun at all the pieces that they decide to use. So I am preparing myself, and getting my skin tough. It could be possible that it doesn't even make it on the show. We won't find out until Fall, but it's still a fun idea!

The other thing I wanted to mention, that I thought was exciting, was that I am going to have a little opening at a shop in Portland called Twill. On July 30th, from 4-8pm, I'll be having a little part at their shop. I'll be selling some prints and framed pieces! Yay!

What a fricken' busy month. I hope I can get out and enjoy the summer weather, before it disappears, soon!

almost here

2011-07-05T22:08:00.000-07:00

Well, my show in Fayetteville, Arkansas opens this week!

This Thursday, you can see my work here, at the Fayetteville Underground.

I'm really excited, and I wish that I could be there. However, I will not be, but if you live close, please stop by!

These are some of the pieces that will be there. :)

Happy Weekend!

2011-07-01T07:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was soooo busy, but I did manage to get a new painting finished and listed! I really like this little red typewriter. It has a very sweet personality.

also, Nate, some friends, and I went down to Last Thursday last night and got to see Portland at it's best. If you don't live in Portland, Last Thursday is basically a huge street party with artists selling their wares, musicians playing in the street, and people dancing.

I ran into an old friend, Garrett Price, at Flight 64, where he was part of a group show. His lovely work is etched onto steel plates. He prints the images onto paper, but also shows, and sells the steel etchings from time to time. Most of the images are based on iconic, industrial, Portland architecture, and bridges. They're truly inspiring, and beautiful, and I hope you check out his website.

Okay, time to get ready for work! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

New Things

2011-06-30T09:25:00.001-07:00

New painting in progress!
Originally uploaded by michele_maule

I started this painting last week and began to finish it up yesterday. I'm really happy with the way it's turning out. I'm hoping to get it done by next week!

another busy day for me today...
Trying not to let little things discourage me this week, but it's certainly been challenging.

Exciting!

2011-06-28T20:50:00.000-07:00

It has been such a hectic week. Oh my!

I've been trying to get a show arranged, work on this upcoming show at Ristretto, and finalize a magazine feature for Somerset Studio magazine.

I did manage to get one of those things accomplished and I'm really excited about it. I'm going to be a featured artist in Somerset Magazine! It's not going to happen until January, but I'm excited nonetheless!

They've chosen two paintings that they want to feature and the next step is to send them the pieces so they can photograph them!

Hooray!

In other news there are only two days left to take advantage of my buy two 8x10 prints for $30.00 deal-y. If you have any questions in regards to this you can send me conversation through Etsy :)

New Things

2011-06-23T15:33:00.000-07:00

Oh, I just completed three new pieces and listed them in my Etsy shop!

Yes!

I started two new paintings yesterday, but I'm not ready to share them quite yet.

Soon.

Hope everyone is having a great Thursday. I think I need to get outside, and plant a rosemary bush, before it gets too late.

14 Years

2011-06-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

I moved to Portland 14 years ago yesterday.
Well, I actually moved to Vancouver, Washington which is about 10 minutes outside of Portland. 10 minutes if you're lucky and hit no traffic.

I officially moved to Portland when I was 20. SE 89th and Powell to be exact!

Thinking back on how the city has changed is mind blowing. New condos, new homes, new restaurants, and completely different shopping districts. It's sad to say, but a lot of gentrification goes on in this city. Some of the most trendy areas in Portland used to be home to the very small African American community. Many African Americans wanted to start their own businesses in those areas but either were denied the permits, or simply couldn't afford them. The new condos and businesses forced rents to go up, thus pushing this already small community to the outskirts. There is an unspoken racism that happens in this beautiful city, unfortunately.

I realize that I am part of this problem. I totally support those new businesses in those areas. I buy their coffee, I drink their beer, and I shop at their cute clothing stores.

I'm not really sure how I came onto this topic...
Just thinking about all the changes that have happened in the last 14 years. There used to be a grittier side to Portland. It's become so polished and clean.

So many new places and so many new people. I forget where I am sometimes. I feel lost in neighborhoods that I lived in for years...

It's like when someone discovers your favorite hiding spot and takes over, makes it theirs.

all of the music venues I "lived" at are gone now. La Luna, Stage 4/Meow Meow, The Paris Theater, Thee O! Those places played such a huge role in my life and now longer exist. So many memories live inside, and outside, of those walls. Great memories, like seeing old friends and the huge hugs and exclamations that came after. Sad memories too, like the time a boy I liked (oh I liked him so very very much) told me he just couldn't have a girlfriend at the moment...crushed. I still think of that moment every time I happen to drive by that building...

I guess that's what happens when you live in one place for more than a decade. I've never lived anywhere for longer than 4 years. My dad was in the military, so we moved quite a bit. I've never been back to any of the places we lived. I barely have any memories of them. Well, there is San Diego...but that's a different story.

But as far as childhood memories of places, I don't have many...

The changes that are occurring in this city are natural progressions. Things can't stay the same forever. Like people, cities change. I've changed so much over the last 14 years. I've become a grown-up! Well, almost, anyway. I've made friends, lost friends, gained (and lost relationships), and I've moved in a much more positive direction. I've become a much more open, understanding, educated, confident, and balanced person.

Much like Portland, I have become less gritty, and more polished.

I still have a lot of things to learn and so many more ways to grow.

I wonder if Portland will continue to grow and change with me.

Two New

2011-06-15T16:25:00.000-07:00

I started two new paintings today, and I got very far on one of them.

They're small. I like small.

I have several large panels in the garage, but I am so afraid of them. I have no idea how I am going to fill up all that space....

On another note, I've been doing a bit of gardening lately! My neighbor let me borrow some containers and I've planted some tomatoes, peppers, cilantro, strawberries, mint, and some basil. I had forgotten how much I love planting things and working in the yard.

It's so meditating and there is such a feeling of accomplishment from it. Chloe loves it too. We bought her a long lead so she can hang out in the yard with us while we work. Lots of sunbathing is going to be in that little dog's future.

Gather

2011-06-14T21:31:00.000-07:00

I said goodbye to my paintings today.

They are on their way to Fayetteville, Arkansas. They are going to be in a show at the Fayetteville Underground starting July 7th. I hope they arrive safely. I hope they are well received. I hope they are enjoyed by people and that people are able to connect to them.

I spent the rest of my day puttering. a little of this, a little of that, trying to gather thoughts and figure out the next step. It's an ongoing part of my life, and many others too, I think.

I was able to list a new painting in my shop. It was extremely hard to difficult because it has a layer of varnish on it. It's very, very, shiny. If anyone has any tips or tricks on photographing shiny paintings, please share! :)

Hope eveyone had a wonderful Tuesday.

Friday

2011-06-10T07:23:00.000-07:00

Wow. It's 7:30 am and I feel like I've already gotten so much accomplished.
I feel like this is a good sign.

anyway, I wanted to share some new prints that I added to my Etsy shop!

You can find them here...

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

Hello

2011-06-08T15:39:00.000-07:00

Well, not a lot to report.

Lots of trouble sleeping these days and it's catching up. The cloudy gray weather does help. although I am very happy to be wearing a hoody, than to be sweltering hot, like I hear most of the United States is.

I'm shipping my paintings off to Arkansas tomorrow. I'm very nervous. I hope they all make it there.

I'm going to celebrate the day by eating pancakes with Littleputbooks, planting some veggies and working in the yard.

I'm very much looking forward to it.
Hope everyone is having a fantastic day :)

Pssst!

2011-06-03T17:33:00.000-07:00

It's kinda late, and it's Friday, so it's a little weird to be blogging, but I wanted to let people know about my sale section in my Etsy shop :)

also, I'm running a special, buy 2 8x10" prints for $30.00, promotion through the month of June.

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend! I think Nate and I are going to go on an epic bike ride :)

whoohoo!

Smile

2011-06-02T18:08:00.000-07:00

Things that made me smile today:

Chloe. always. We bought this cute bench this past weekend, fully intending it for Chloe Bean. I'd love to have it re-upholstered someday. It's super cute, and Chloe instantly jumped up so she could keep an eye on the neighborhood.

My neighbor Caroline. She's about 65, born and raised in Portland. She's about 4' tall but has the biggest laugh and an even bigger personality. We've been going on walks when the weather cooperates, and that always makes me smile.

My hair stylist, Staci. I've been getting my hair cut by her for over 10 years. She always makes my hair look so amazing. I often wish I would run into ex-boyfriends after getting my hair done, by her. I never do ;)

Ta Da!

2011-06-01T18:03:00.000-07:00

I made these.
With my hands, eyes, and practice.

It's not the best photo, but hopefully you get the idea.

Happy Wednesday.

Etsy Favorites

2011-05-31T19:17:00.000-07:00

Some of my Etsy favorites today!

This wonderful vulture painting painted by Leigh Jackson of Noisy Dog Studio.

Beautiful, vintage, Herman Miller Eames Chair, of CoMod vintage.

This lovely wool, herringbone, bag from Infusion. My friend, Kim, gave me an Infusion bag for Christmas last year, and I must say, it is beautifully made!

Finally, this sweet dog coat from Bean Town Handmade! I got to see these sweet dog clothes up close at the Crafty Wonderland Spring Show, and they are just as cute in person :)

Rainy May

2011-05-26T14:51:00.000-07:00

It's been a very rainy day here in the Rose City.

I spent the day running errands, taking Chloe for walk in the park, putting finishing touches on my paintings, and cleaning.

It's been a great, productive day.

also! My illustration was part of an apartment therapy post! yay! They didn't mention my name, directly, but it was there. I saw it. You can see it here!

also, if you haven't checked out the Poppytalk Handmade blog, you should! there are some great artists there, including myself!

I'm going to get started on my Ristretto Roasters show soon, and I'm also working on a new project. I don't want to say what it is right now, but I'll show you when it's all done!

It's been a very slow, hard month, and I'm so looking forward to June and all the new ideas I have.

In other news, I've been listening to Emily Wells on repeat all day. One of my favorites is this one...

almost done!

2011-05-25T17:02:00.000-07:00

I am getting so close to being done with this current series of paintings.

I'm excited and of course worried. Worried that they're not god enough. Worried that maybe I could have worked harder. Worried that no one is going to like them. all those voices of worry can be so overwhelming, and I've been fighting a good fight with them today!

I'm just ignoring everything that they're saying and moving forward. I did what I could. I pushed myself into a new direction. I worked hard. I sacrificed beautiful sunny days to get them finished. I know that in the end, they are exactly what I set out to do, and now they're almost done, and I'm ready to move on with my new projects.

That's the best that I can do in this moment and that is just fine with me.

Hope everyone is having a good Wednesday.

Puglandia

2011-05-24T10:50:00.001-07:00

My friends and I went to a pug parade! a pug parade!!

It was a benefit for the Oregon Humane Society, and it was so much fun.

Pugs + costumes + friends + beer = fun.

We left Chloe at home because we thought it might be too overwhelming for her, but in the end we really wished we had brought her. We not only saw pugs but Bostons, Boxers, and many other pups. Some were just tiny little puppies! cute! I turned into a squealing 6 year old for the afternoon :)

almost there!

2011-05-19T17:11:00.001-07:00

Oh my! I'm getting closer and closer to finishing the paintings for an upcoming show in Arkansas!

I'm excited to be done with this body of work, and I'm getting excited about the next show I'll be working on.

I think these two paintings are done. They're almost done, anyway :)

I'm hoping to be completely done by this time next week. I really hope I am because the weather is getting beautiful and I would really love to take a day off so I can enjoy it!

Chloe is LOVING this weather. Chloe gets to hang out in the back yard while I paint in the garage. She loves the sunshine and the grass. She's been doing a lot of sunbathing lately and that makes her a happy dog.

Finished!

2011-05-17T16:46:00.000-07:00

Yay!

I got some paintings finished and listed in my Etsy shop!

go me!

You can see them here, and here, and here!

I bought galkyd yesterday and I've been playing around with it today. If you're not familiar with galkyd, it's a oil paint medium. It allows for faster drying time and it acts as a type of varnish, so it can really pull your painting together.

anyway, it's been a fun experiment thus far. I hope it looks alright on my paintings. Fingers crossed!

Fences for Fido

2011-05-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

Hey! I wanted to write this post last week, but Blogger was down for a couple of days, so it didn't get done.

anyway, a few weeks ago I saw some people at the store I work at wearing t-shirts that said Fences for Fido. Then last week one of my Facebook friends posted a link to Fences for Fido, and announced that she was going to do some volunteer work for them.

I was very curious, so I checked them out. It's a non-profit organization who builds fences and insulated dog houses for dogs. These dogs have never been free from a chain, and have never had a decent house to hide from the elements. How incredibly sad and awful is that?

I honestly don't know why some of these people have dogs in the first place. If you are just going to keep your dog out on a chain in the yard, what's the point of owning a dog? I guess I don't know the entire story, but I do know that this organization is wonderful.

Some of the stories, and photos, brought tears to my eyes.

a fence and a house can cost up to $900.00 and they build both on donations. I would love to volunteer for them, and I have already donated a small amount to them.

anyway, if you're in the Portland area, and even if you're not, you can help out too.

Even if you can't donate money, or time, I just wanted to bring it to peoples attention. There are some really wonderful people out in the world who deserve recognition :)

Hope everyone is having a good week so far!

The photograph is taken by David Childs and his website is here.

Great Weekend!

2011-05-10T19:37:00.000-07:00

Wow. I had such a great weekend.

Crafty Wonderland was great! I did really well and I got to see so many of my friends, and so many wonderful artists. I laughed, and sold, and said hi to tons of people. Great times.

I think there were a few factors to a more successful fair. Like I mentioned in my last post I limited the amount of items I sold on my table. Last year I had a ton of stuff and I think it might have been overwhelming my buyers. The other factors had to do with the date and the time. Last year it was the weekend before Mothers Day and it was a two day event. This year it was the day before Mothers Day, and it was only one day.

The next day I spent relaxing, mostly. I took a nap! We also went out to see Mirah and Thao at the Wonder Ballroom. Video here! I love them. It was a very fun show, and a great way to end a good weekend.

Over Prepared or Under Prepared?

2011-05-05T20:33:00.001-07:00

Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Sale is this Saturday!!

Normally at this time I would be freaking out and trying to wrap things up as quickly as I can. I'd have a ton of things to sell and I'd have a million things left to do.

Now, I'm not sure if I planned really well for this, or if I am just really not ready, but I have nothing left left to prepare for on Saturday. Nothing. I'm done!

It's a weird feeling. I feel like I should be doing something. I feel like maybe I'm missing something. Like, maybe I'm not really as ready as I think I am? But, really, I don't know what else can really be done.

I'm bringing about half the amount of items I normally bring to a craft show. Now, I know this might seem strange, but I haven't had a very successful craft show in quite a long time. So, I'm taking a different approach. I'm going to test out limiting options and keeping things simple. I think maybe people might be overwhelmed not only by the amount of items I have, but maybe the atmosphere of the venue is also a factor. It's a huge venue and there is so much to see! I'm hoping that by keeping my table simple, and clear cut, people will be able to shop from it with a bit more ease.

I'm looking forward to the results of my "experiment." It may, or may not, be successful, but either way, I am looking forward to showing my work, and seeing many of my fellow crafty friends.

If you live in the Portland area, you should come by! It's this Saturday from 11-6 at the Convention Center. :) Here is a full list of the other sellers that will be there.

Paintings in Progress

2011-05-04T19:08:00.000-07:00

Today was beautiful.
It was so hard paint this afternoon, but I managed to get a solid 3 and a half hours of work done!

I've been taking a lot of time, and care, painting these.
I'm trying to slow down, build up my layers, and meditate a bit more with these pieces.

I'm pretty happy with the outcome so far.

Vintage Obessed

2011-04-27T19:24:00.000-07:00

So, after settling down a bit in our new house, I've been obsessed with decorating.

I typically go to Ikea and Target for my decorating needs, but this time I want to take a different approach. I want to start decorating with things that have a bit of character.

This approach is so different for me. I like to get my house decorating out of the way when I first move in to a space, but finding vintage items is not something you can really speed through. It's a process finding those items that speak to you. Plus, these items typically cost more money, so I'm buying things one at a time, given my current financial situation ;)

I've been looking for items, and inspiration, on Etsy, Craigslist, and at local vintage shops. It's really fun! I could spend hours perusing Etsy's vintage section!

Here are a few of my favorites:

Little Byrd Vintage
Lack Luster Co.
Little Red Mercantile
Modish Vintage

It's going to take quite a long time to acquire all of the perfect items, but I'm hoping to share the experience with everyone along the way! If you have any tips or suggestions, I'd love to hear them.