Feeling Dandy

Tomorrow is Thursday , it has been a week since I have been here.
I have had the yucky cold & rain, lots of rain in these parts. Plants need to be planted , art needs to be done and "oh my" I have 4 children.
BUT, today I woke up & felt SOOOO much better ! In fact I feel as DANDY as this bouquet of Dandy Lions , Rowan gave me. Dandy Lions, have got to be one of the most wonderful flowers ever,
kids some how no that they can pick as many as they like and you can even make wishes with them, as you blow their seeds across the ground. I can't even begin to count how many Dandy Lions I have received, as a true Gesture of Love. Far more than any other flower. And I have enjoyed all of them. Buttercups are another highly under rated flower. Just think, you can find out if you like butter or wet the bed , just by holding it under your chin. AMAZING!!! Keep them coming Rowan !
The sun was shining. And, the best part, my children were home today (teachers work day), perfect!
Lots of wonderful things were done today.
Backing up a bit. I went to see the Mikado on Friday night, my Mom and oldest daughter came with. It was a great evening, (even with a nasty cold) we ate at the Strawberry St. Cafe and went to the IDR. The show was , well, perfect. Such talented kids, or college students, really amazing. My favorite character was CoCo (spelling) of course. I have been promised good pictures of the set, so we will see. Gilbert & Sullivan , funny , they say they did not like each other much. yet , they needed each other. Neither one did well on there own.

You Must Click

• This is a portrait done in oils. It is about 21x34". I like this kind of pose for a portrait.
• Sorry,I don't have much more to say here. I have a stinking cold. And my head feels all stuffed up, so stuffed up that my teeth hurt. :( ........... How boring is this post? ..........I will do better. I actually have some fun news coming up. :)
• amy
  

Touch Ups

Yesterday ,I was at the V.C.U.'s Performing Arts Building, doing the final bits for the Mikado set. I tried to take pictures, but they came out very dark. But, I can tell you , the set looked very elegant. Cherry blossom trees, you can't go wrong with that. I am going to take Hannah,( my 13 year old) and my Mom to the show Friday night. It only runs for two nights. Friday is the IDR, (invitational dress rehearsal.) IDR's are usually the night before the opening show. And most theaters want audiences, to "warm" up the actors, it helps with timing etc. And they are FREE! So check into it at your local Theatre.
Today, I am going to work on a drawing that I love, but no one else seems to. And he such a cute little ol fellow. Truly, he does not photograph well. He is an etching, ( oh, to have my very own etching press, & I will , by gum !) but ,I am going to sharpen him up with a bit of pen & ink action. I really like this guy and I want him to do well in my etsy. shop.

The SUN is Shining again! Till we meet again, amy

Rain & Portraits

click picture for detail :)It is raining here. Raining, raining, raining. It has rained for days, I think. Great for the May flowers, but not great for taking pictures of art work outside.
So, I will be posting the final picture of the "Leslie & Maria" portrait when the rain stops.
I love the rain, but today I was to go on a field trip to the zoo, with little Miss Rowan's 1st. grade class. It was postponed, so I went & had lunch with her.
Rain or no rain, we had a very special Sunday at my very , very dear Mother in laws. A large family gathering to celebrate her 90th Birthday! I love it, wonderful people, yummy food! Lots of little ones running around. You can't beat it!
So, I leave you with another portrait, (sorry about the flash). I love this painting. Done in pastels. I love pastels. .....And apparently LOVE to to say the word LOVE..... Good for me:)
Have a LOVE-LY Monday! amy

A Little More

A little more detail, looking better. Leslie has one of those cute little noses. Please click on the picture to see detail. It really is amazing how many colors you can squeeze into such a small space. ( remember this piece is only 11"x14") And , these photos I am taking are not, true to all that is there. amy

Closer

These were taken this evening, to dark outside. I just got back from painting on the Mikado set.
I am tired, but I did work on the portrait a bit today. So I wanted to let you see.Even thoe this is a watercolor, I pulled out my trusty Rembrandt pastels. I am working on Leslie's face, her nose is not right yet. But , it is looking better. I am seeing more feeling and life in this painting/drawing now. It is not a large piece, 11"x14".
I think I need to take my Phtalo Blue and put it across the room when I am painting. So , that I can't use it, unless I really need it :).
Well, it is time for me to hobble off to bed now, my a little legs are sore :( . amy

The Mikado

This week I have been painting a set for the Va. Commonwealth University Opera, The Mikado.
Cherry Blossom Trees ! Perfect for spring. As I drive in to paint, I am looking at all the trees & blossoms. I am naturally a very slow driver, even if I am not studying all the trees as I drive to work, I love to drive slowly and look, ( of course I look behind to make sure, I am not getting anyone upset.)
Anyway, I snapped a few pictures before I left. .......These are 14' x 4', there are six of them. I will be sure to get pics. of everything up . These flats will be framed out in a deep reddish brown, so they are Japanese screens. More detail will be added. But, it will be very loose.

I lied, I am not feeling happy with the portrait, I will be working on it first thing tomorrow. The more I look at it. I keep looking at it and it is not done. amy

The finished portrait of Leslie & Maria . I will go back for a little
more detail in pen & ink. But, I am liking it. " have a wonderful Monday"
amy

Popping In

Just a quick " pop - in", to say "Hello" :) !
I have mostly been keeping up with my "drawing a day". But, have not had much time for posting lately.
I am going to try and get better at this. I am almost done with the portrait.
Things have been on hold here as I am painting a set for a friend. She is a wonderful set designer and a very good friend. This set is for V.C.U.'s Opera Department.
Tomorrow should offer me more time to sit at this computer.
Till Tomorrow and have a happy day! Amy

Drawing A day

Two drawings that I really loved doing. I am thinking about doing prints of the "Beach Day " drawing. It was done in pastel. I love the baby in the bloomers. :) amy

Please, click photo to get close up . I really love the baby's bloomers ! Click the boy on the dragon to see his sweet face. Do it, it makes all the differance. :) amy

Computer Says Nooooo !!!

My favorite Wedding Day picture , it was after the wedding :)

O. M . GOOSH, I have spent the last day and a half, with "COMPUTER SAYS NOOOOO !"
It is 10:17 p.m. , my time. And today is my "Happy Anniversary !"
But.... yesterday ,I spent a very large amount of time on my computer., with tecks, because every time I tried to go to the internet...
"COMPUTER SAYS NOOOO....."
So, there I was with my art all ready to post but..."COMPUTER SAYS NOOOO !"
Really it was saying 'Timed Out " when I would try to log on.
Verizon techs had me in the guts of my machine, but nothing. They recommended a more help. Which, I thought o.k. , I deserve this. I did not listen to my gut, that was saying, "you need to take care of your computer."
So, today, "My Happy Anniversary" , 17 years, and we had a lovely day. And , I had plans of talking about my anniversary. BUT !
COMPUTER SAYS NO !
I did not want to deal with computer things on my anniversary, my husband only no's how to turn a computer off.
But, he loves what I am doing.
Anyways, I called a few places, and 99.00, an hour ! Oh my! Not today, says I !

My darling & I had a wonderful lunch at the Strawberry Street Cafe, I waited tables there, in the 80's. Really cool place ,"bath tub salad bar" . It was a really sweet day. We walked talked...tried not to think about "Computer Says Nooo!" Really enjoyed the pretty day......But, later !
I am so amazed ! Because, the Daddy (my husband ), went to go pick up our Gabriel from work, and I went across the street to talk at our friends & my goodness!
John was like" whats the trouble with your computer ? " O.K., lets go fix it.

I am not kidding, he had everything working in minutes ! THANK YOU JOHN ! I really love my friends. AMAZING !
soooo happy to have my puter back !
But, I am pooped ! (if you have done the goofy things i have done in the past day you will understand.)

My first Drawing a Day

Back from our Spring Break. It was so very, very nice. What a break should be.
I started by not letting my kids schedule the week away. You know, "Mom, when are going too....?
Can we....? I want to... Putting my new, " there is plenty of time " theory into practice. I let them know that all suggestions were possible, but we were going to take each day as it came, get up in the morning and do what felt right that day. And you know what , it worked. We had a lovely week and alot of fun.

Big news for me! I sold me first print on etsy !!! I just about fell out of my chair. Oh my, that felt good. ( not the falling out of my chair part, but the saleing something part :)
So, I just sent it off today. I should have sent it yesterday, but I kept fussing over it. My heart is still shaking. I hope she likes it.

I have also started my" drawing a day" habit. I am famous for putting all my focus on one project.
So, now I will be completing a piece of art a day. It may be a drawing or painting or what ever. But, the important thing is to call it done. So they will be small. And then they will be put in my shop at etsy.
The little ink sketch above is the first. It was sent with my esty order as a thank you gift, for being my very first customer.
Tomorrow, the finished portrait. :) Amy

Spring Break

Hello, I hope everyone had a lovely Easter. I am still enjoying mine.
My children are on Easter break for the rest of this week and we have been having such a nice time. I will be back soon, but I really want to have every second I can with them.
The weather has been perfect . I have been in the yard working away. And, right now we have cousins over for the day. We love our cousins.
I will post with more portrait updates and more art I have done over this sweet break.
Enjoy ! amy

Happy Easter ! and Shake Your Tail Feathers !

I know this handsome fellow may not have anything to do with bunny's or Easter chicks. But, I was so impressed with his ability to prove his love for the very sweet lady, he was courting. Love was most truly in the air. And , I feel terrible that I did not get a better picture of her. I am sure she has a very good personality and will make the best Mom ever.
And , well my goodness she was so pas say , as this fine fellow did his very best to get her to notice him, she must also be very picky.
This all took place at a most wonderful place , here in Richmond, called Maymont Park. This 100 acre park takes care of the most amazing animals, in a way that makes you feel good when you leave. They are all kept in the most natural habitats that can be provided. You feel like they really are happy in their homes. ( often I feel really bad when I leave zoo's ) Most of their animals are rescued animals , but not all.
Now , we are not talking lions, tigers , but we are talking bears, oxen, and deer to name a few. And, a really lovely petting zoo, for children. I am really looking forward to going soon to meet the new lambs & baby goats. Too cute. And it is all free. But, I support them , as I am able to. I wish I could do more.
SO EVERYONE SHAKE YOUR TAIL FEATHERS !!!! IT IS SPRING!!!!

Portrait Update

Moving along. Adding color. I still need to do more work on the Mom ( Leslie) , but I am liking how Maria is looking.

About Being Brave

You may have noticed the badge that I have added to my blog, the very pretty one that reads, One Thing, Be Brave. So simple, are these words, but how hard they can be to follow.

I found Jessie's blog last week and without any second thoughts, I joined her in the commitment to be Brave. After all , when I started my own blog, one of my statements and great desires was to rid myself of fear. I wrote about fear way back on Dec. the 21st. Knowing that it was the number one thing that was holding me back. Holding me back, but why, what am I afraid of?
So many things :
I guess the # 1 fear is, can I do this ?
#2- what if I can't
#3- rejection (no more need be said about that)
#4- will it hurt ? my heart & soul
#5- time
#6- and yes, I must say this, it is a reality , CAN I MAKE A LIVING , DOING MY OWN ART ????
#7 - will I let the people who Love me down ?


O.K. :) that is my list. It really is not as long as I thought it would be and I really thought about this. I am sure that if you are an artist & you are reading this, you can totally relate to my list. So, this was very good. I now have written down the things that scare me.

# 7- Is very important to me. Because, I have been an artist my whole life and I am blessed with the most wonderful people, who are wanting only the best for me. They have seen my art for a very long time and can not believe I am not the" most successful artist in the world!", ( that is not what they think, but some times it feels that way.)
Now lets be real. These are the family and friends who , and I so blessed by this, that REALLY LOVE me !! So, back to reality, what they see is a good thing. Because, I will of course never be the most amazing artist in the world. But, they are right in that, I should at the very least be able to make a living with " my own art".
I say my own art, because, if you have read my blog, you will know that I have had the great pleasure to paint for others professionally. As a scenic painter. I felt very powerful as an artist.
I could look at the designers elevations, and would know right away how to handle what they wanted. I could take non- painters and walk them threw what had to be done. I could teach as I completed the work for the show. I could.... and this is very important... paint in front of crowds of people. I loved it very much. I look at movies to this day as a scenic, one that I would have loved to work on was Nanny McPhee , (I am sure I spelled wrong) That was a most magical movie. Anyway, I also love my own art. VERY much

So, what holds me back, when I do my own work? Where is the confidence ?Where is the girl that can stand in front of a crowd and paint, with so much joy ? When you paint scenery, you are never alone. Unless it is 1:00 in the morning .
I have done many a portrait.
Many a interior design job. Faux Finish , marbre, was my favorite.

This is what I will be working on.
My first job is to work on TIME. I have learned from Lovely Jessie to is to have a montrah ,


Mine to start with is " THERE IS PLENTY OF TIME "
sounds simple, but , I feel I am always saying
"I need to slow down time, "how can it be today ?
Things are going to fast for me. "

So , I am now enjoying, TODAY, every last minute of it, and I have plenty of time !



What I am doing today that is Brave ?
I am going to introduce myself to Jessie , who is the lovely lady that inspired this post.

HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY !

You need to know, that , I am 1st. generation Scotch, Irish and mostly Irish. I could give a flaming " i do not care for this holiday !!" It is really not very Irish, in my book. Sorry !!!

I looked for corned beef today , to make corn beef cabbage & fried potatoes. I looked at my favorite store on Saturday also. But, the butcher said they didn't have any , check back on Monday. That is today, and still no corned beef. Well , I decided I was not going to chase all over for corned beef.
So, we are having my semi famous potato soup, nice sausages and Irish soda bread. That is a very Irish meal. Yummy and I have everything I need for it. So, that makes it the perfect Irish meal.

Not, so sure about this PINK background. I will let it stay awhile, but I am sure it will change.

Now, I would like to share with you the lovely Tea Party Rowan & I had yesterday. We first decided on one of my favorite teapots, Little Red Riding Hood. She is very special and perfect for a little girl tea party. Our guests were the little girls that live across the street.
We made chocolate cupcakes with orange cream frosting, made with real butter, yum! There were maraschino cherries in a pretty glass bowl , passed around to pop in your mouth. And, homemade strawberry sorbet, yum.

Then, we made the lovely, glittery shamrock pins you see the girls waring in the first pictures above.The pattern was from the lovely Vanessa at A Fanciful Twist. We made ours and they were a great hit. Thank you so much Vanessa. :) It was a very sweet weekend !

Drawing Today

The beginning of a portrait I started today. Here I am just starting to ink it in. Next I will add color, watercolor. Things will began to get looser as I add the color.
This is a long over due portrait of my best friend Leslie & her daughter, Maria. "Happy Birthday Les," I love ya.
We seem to have the reading to your child theme happening . But, that's a good thing.

Mother & Child Portrait

This a portrait I did of myself and Hannah. I was pregnant with Rowan here. Today I am going to be working on two portraits. Both will be of Moms with their child.
Have a lovely Tuesday . Amy

Today is my sisters Birthday

Anna Bridget Kathleen Gethins Leach, check her out here ,she is 18 months older than me. The oldest of 7 children.
She is everything that a big sister should be. Very strong , with a Beautiful karma. She was my voice for a long time, as I was shy and she seemed to know what was best for me. She is an actress and am an artist. When we were young she would push me forward, she would speak up for me and by doing this she helped my art flourish. She gave me confidence, "you can do that".She helped me see all the wonderful possibilities in the world and the strength that will grow inside you from doing what you love.
Her husband , Greig Leach,( www.greigleach.com), who is also an artist, so talented, you will be blown away by his art, are getting ready to make N.Y. their permanent home , they have had a flat there for close to a year. They have been traveling back and forth and have had to spend too much time apart, but now they have decided to go for it. Their 2 sons are all grown . They will rent out their home here and stay in N.Y. , for their art. That's my sister !!!

This is Bridget in the play Scapino, she plays the Italian father , Argente . My sister in "Drag" ! She was amazing, when I see her on stage, well I get chills all over. This was a particular treat for me, because it was the 1st. time we worked together professionally. I painted the scenery for this play.

Bridget, my Beautiful Sister, Happy Birthday ! Thank you, I Love You So much ! your sister, Amy