Creating Art in the burbs

3X4 abstract a cat and a video

2012-02-10T08:10:00.000-08:00

I haven't worked on my painting in a few days. I'm waiting on some stabilo pencils to arrive.

I kept trying to make the ground portion of this painting like earth and it just kept coming back looking like mud. I decided I to put down some paper bag art on top of the ground to look more like a field or grass.

I like this much more. I plan on doing something very different for me with this painting...Cant wait for you to see and I am still filming myself as I go.

Chunk always wanting to be right in the center of it all

When I don't get to spend a full day in my art room, I work on these little art books

I need to work on centering the camera and what I'm filming...practice makes progress

Have a great weekend

We have Hannah's home tournament this weekend

busybusybusy

Lisa D.

Abstract art

2012-02-06T05:07:00.000-08:00

Just a small portion of my work table

All these brushes in this little tin cup

First I covered this canvas in left over holiday tissue paper, then threw some white paint on it

I keep seeing a landscape, so I went with it.

Close up

Until yesterday afternoon I wasn't sure if the sky was orange or blue

Then I went outside and took some photos of the sky

Sky

sky

Then I went back in and made my decision

close up

I'm home alone for a few hours today
Maybe I'll see whats under the sky
Can't wait to finish and see how the video turns out.

Have a great day
Lisa D.

Which way is up?

2012-02-03T13:57:00.000-08:00

Is the sky blue or the grass green?

Is the ground brown or is the ground green?

Is the sky white or blue?

Color~Canvases & Cats

2012-02-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

The first 3 photos are the first 3 stages of my abstract painting.

There was already a layer of tissue paper and probably 2 different paintings underneath that.

This canvas is a 20x20

There was a time that this was big to me : ) Now it seems a bit small

I'm trying so hard to break away from my usual colors as I did in the photo above...

...but then here they came without even thinking about it.

This is the 2nd layer of color...I'm thinking I'll do it at least one more time before I call it done.

Here you can see the 20x20 in front of the 3x4foot canvas.

This large canvas I decided to do a video of while I turn that what space into art.

As always, there is Chunky Monkey

I have filmed the 1st step on the large canvas

I hope to learn this weekend how to combine videos

and hopefully by this time next week, I'll have a start to finish canvas along with the video.

Have a great weekend.

Lisa D.

Wanted to brag a bit about my little sister

2012-01-31T10:18:00.000-08:00

Site Coordinator Hillary Gramm brings needed resources to more than 90 at-risk students.

Communities In Schools site coordinators are all about impact. And if we’re talking impact, then we need to include Hillary Gramm. At McWhirter Elementary School, a site supported by Communities In Schools of Bay Area in Houston, Texas, Gramm brings needed resources to support more than 90 at-risk students. And there is no better example of the impact she’s making than what she was able to provide last April for one of her students diagnosed with kidney failure.

After it was determined that nine-year old Katherine Beltran would receive a kidney transplant from her mother, Gramm set out to help the entire family have one less thing to worry about – household expenses. With the young student remaining in ICU, her mother would have to miss work while staying at home to heal, and her father would need to miss work caring for Katherine’s mom. Gramm rallied local church members and community donors to raise more than $2,000 to cover rent and utilities, and to donate Kroger gift cards and food while the family was taking time off from work.

In three years at McWhirter, Gramm has also started a mobile dentist program, a clothes closet and food pantry, and she has coordinated a book fair where she collected and gave away nearly 1,000 books.

In October of 2011, Gramm was one of four site coordinators to receive honorable mention for the Communities In Schools Unsung Heroes Award.

“Is she making a difference? Absolutely,” said Dr. Michael Marquez, the principal at McWhirter. He mentioned that outside of Gramm’s office window he can see four cartons of food, donations made thanks to relationships the site coordinator has built over the years. And that he went to her office this afternoon to bring a student who had no jacket but was too embarrassed to ask for a handout. Marquez knew Gramm was the one person who would be sure to provide the girl with what she needed from the school’s clothes closet.

“Hillary has a dignified way of helping our students and their families. It is a complete benefit to our community to have her.”

Considering all that her background includes – mentoring, advocating on behalf of foster children and volunteering for a crisis hotline – Gramm’s role as a Communities In Schools site coordinator came as a natural fit. She’s the first to admit, though, that her initial plan to follow in the successful footsteps of the previous site coordinator did not get the results she’d hoped for. After just one semester Gramm realized she needed to create her own campus plan, one that better reflected her passions.

For Gramm that meant journaling. Soon after introducing her fourth and fifth grade students to the process of self-expressive writing she began to see positive results.

“My seventh-grade teacher had us journal,” she said. “It increased and improved my confidence, and helped me with my writing skills. I see the same happening with my students.”

The students write weekly and the assignments are never graded. They are given a topic, but there is no right or wrong subject. The initiative has been so successful that the younger students are looking forward to their turn at journaling. Gramm has even given the journals to the Communities In School middle school site coordinator so the students can continue writing. “Each year I aim to do more,” said Gramm, who completed her Master’s degree in December. “I like spreading the word that Communities In Schools is effective, and that I’m here to help.”

And in being there to help Gramm, will continue to make an enormous impact in the lives of students in need.

Congratulations Hill!

Always great to spend time with you.

Love Sece

Winter Art Retreat Weekend 2012

2012-01-30T05:05:00.000-08:00

Cindy's art project for the weekend, was to build a birthday book for her sisters birthday

Once we arrived at the retreat center (my in laws lake house)

We built a fire in the wood burning stove and started open bags of art inspiration.

Got some chips and dip and started in on our art

The main table in the house was filled with papers paints color sprays

We decided to get a little air...hey I like building fires...so it did get a bit warm in the house

As you can see, the outdoors were just beautiful

Photo taken from the end of the dock

So many branches

Remains of the Cattails

Part of the most beautiful stream in the whole wide world.

There is always room for a sewing machine, even if you didn't bring any fabric.

Arting girls

One of my file cabinet cards

I just love the plate of paint, the bowls of orange chittos, my daily art journal, stamps and just so much!

A found photo of Mike & I about 15 years ago with Daisy Mae

Arting into the night

Even on the floor

A bit of Cindy's book

A good time was had by all

The next retreat will be a four day instead of a two day.

Catalog cards, cookies & Cats

2012-01-27T04:22:00.000-08:00

Once or twice a year I like to throw a small art retreat for some of my friends and fellow artists.

Well that weekend starts at 11am today! and will run through mid~day Sunday.

Here is a card catalog from 7 gypsies

I cut out 4 cards per month. My plan is to do a card a week.

I'll show photos after I catch up on the last 3 weeks.

Cant wait to see this drawer full!

Hannah has been baking cookies and cup cakes

Here is her first batch with very little assistance.

Some animal photos

So funny how Chunk will sleep on top of anything and anywhere!

Mr. Cooper

Everybody wants to be in the sun

Have a great weekend!

I'll be back Monday with some fun photos

Lisa D.

A few more art books

2012-01-25T04:59:00.000-08:00

The first book is my magazine/catalog water color paper book

The second book is what I call a tuck away/travel journal

The third book is more for someone who wants to add a lot of their own images

The last book is a small Love book, made from left over water color paper. Big and puffy!

Enjoy

See above video

2012-01-25T04:53:00.000-08:00

This video didn't seem to want to work

I am tone deaf & depth blind

2012-01-24T06:49:00.000-08:00

Sometimes things don't dawn on me, for example...I thought a gappers delay was a spot in town where there was always delays. Duhhh I find this happens to me every so often. Well here I find myself in a similar situation...

For nine years I've been trying to paint portraits, portraits I feel good about and have always struggled with the shading part, tones and such. I've probably taken six on line classes and studied numerous books. January 9th I started a 5 day 5 week course with Misty Mawn, which I was way excited about. The idea of changing my color pallet a bit, seeing how she shaded and toned her portraits. Three weeks into the class I find myself frozen, my hand and wrist just can't seem to find the shadings and tones! AAAAAAHHhh So I run across a class with Pam Carriker called shades of grey and even though I'm in the middle of Misty Mawns class, I decided to sign up for it! I'm thinking for sure I'll be able to see it, the shades and such. I can see her doing it, but when I do it, there always hard lines. I'm not sure if it has to do with following rules? I have a very hard time following rules outside of the law at least. the rules make me feel tight in my arm and wrist.

Some portraits done over the years

The top center painting is a selfportrait from 2005

Sometimes I can get a burst in me to do a portrait at the last minute before an event.

This was done 3 hours before Ell's birthday party, probably over five years ago.

The morning after my return home from France I sat down and did her.

lol...I remember the feeling of excitement I felt from being in Paris and all its art.

This was a large painting, in hopes that I would be able to see the depth and tones if it was larger scale

When I do my Omo People, I don't feel like I need to add much shading.

I think this one says it all!

I'm stressed and can't follow the shading rules!

On this guy you can see my stress in his nose...but I love him so.

He hangs in the kitchen...made from one of our kitchen cabinet boxes and that makes him the right size

A little art block of Hannah & me

Am I destined to paint flat? Will it ever dawn on me?

btw...I'm loving all that Misty Mawn is teaching! She is a really encouraging teacher.

I only watched the first 2 videos of Pam Carriker, but am enjoying immensely so far.

Enjoy your day

Lisa D.

A short film of a few art books

2012-01-21T12:49:00.000-08:00

Here are a few I listed today on Etsy

Enjoy

Spending the day redecorating my Etsy art shop

2012-01-21T07:59:00.000-08:00

Almost nine years now that I've been doing art : )

Because life moves forward, I'm now at a stage of learning to promote myself and sell things more often.

I bought a white box thingamajig to help my photo turn out.

Worked ok, I think I need more practice with it.

Here's the loot

I also made a short film on my art books

Look for that later today.

Lisa D.

Our trip to San Francisco

2012-01-19T05:26:00.000-08:00

Here is the view from our hotel in San Francisco

Michael Hopkins Intercontinental

The sun was coming up

Our last day there Mike & I took a trolley ride to the Warf.

Mr D.

Alcatraz

Was a great time. Mike was a the Fancy Food Show while I explored SF, except the last day.

I went the the De Young with Mikes cousin Scott

I spent another day at The Moma

Visited China Town

Walked up & down Haight Ashbury Street

Ate dinner in The Castro

I took few photos and did little art.

Time for catch up

Have a great day

Lisa D.

Someone once called these bouquets

2012-01-13T04:54:00.000-08:00

I wanted to show off a few of my brush holders

The red one is from my trip with Mike to Baltimore

the blueish/brown one next to the red one

is from a potter I met a few years ago at an art sale along with the blue and white one.

This orange one is from Italy, but my sister and I found it at a second hand store and she bought it for my birthday a few yrs back.

Funny this orange one came from the thrift store and its from an eatable arrangement place.

My newest ones are from Paula

Because of traveling I had to wait a few weeks to see them in person. I think they fit in nicely.

May need one for the middle.

Several yrs ago I bought this chicken bird thing...makes me think of Paula's art.

Have a great weekend

Hope you enjoyed my week of posts

Lisa D.

Last potty pics

2012-01-12T04:30:00.000-08:00

Today's post is on the art in Mike's bathroom

3 Above were bought a few years back with my now 22 yr old son in mind

These 3 ... 1 made me think of Mike...a head full of numbers and figures

Middle 1 I just got and love the colors! This one made me think of my nephew, now that his Dad has passed, he seems to be a new boy hanging with us (3 boys, Mike Zack & Cal)

3rd painting is me of course with our beloved Matilda Rae

My largest one above is also about Mike, this one has many people on his mind.

The 2 above... 1 made me think of Mike & Zack...being pulled in so many directions

2nd one I had to have, because of my daisy obsession.

The 2 above. Top one for my brother in law who passed on last summer, he was a fisherman and this some how was a farewell kind of image I had.

The bottom one I bought for Cal, he said he didn't want any people paintings in his room, so I kept it for now. The people in it..man in brown rep. my brother in law, Cal in red at the bottom and my in laws behind them both.

Top painting made me think of Zack...that he needed to branch out to new friends

Bottom I bought when Zack left for collage

These 2 small paintings are

Penelope Picasso and Andy Warhol

from 2004

My home is filled with art!

My art and other artists art...sometimes it must feel like we live in my studio.

The man who has done all but the bottom 2 paintings is know in our house as

I have many many more of Dans work, this is just whats in Mike's bathroom.

Dan from Spain

I only have 2 bathrooms

We'll see what room I do next.

Enjoy the day

Lisa D.

More bathroom art

2012-01-11T07:41:00.000-08:00

I decided to show some of my other art work from the powder room

The green framed piece is one of the other Lisa D.'s The two smaller ones with the purplish background is from my collection of Melo Earth. The winged lady and small lady with a towel is from my dear friend Sharon aka around my house know as the purple potato Lady.

Naked truth, another one of Lisa D.'s

Maybe tomorrow I'll photograph Mikes bathroom art.

Off to class now

Lisa D.

In the powder room with Lisa D.

2012-01-10T17:45:00.000-08:00

Before my shower

Some of the art work in my bathroom

All showered

Had my hair cut last week

Ready to attack the day

of a girl in overalls and a green wool sweater

Class with Misty Mawn is going well...Had to think about words today...

Was good

Lisa D.

Class starts today

2012-01-09T07:56:00.000-08:00

My class with Misty Mawn has started and I needed to find my charcoals and knew where they were hiding. Once I dug them out and opened my boxes I discovered so much color in them.

My breathing changes when I see these colors...so rich

As I was piling up my baskets of paint, I decided I liked the way this little corner looks there with Mystels two paintings : )

Little Ms. Ladycat looks like she is going to hatch some eggs.

Happy Day to you

Lisa D.

3/12/2011 travel art journal

2012-01-07T15:03:00.000-08:00

For my birthday last year Mike & the kids gave me a little video camera, but because I was using a rank computer, I could never view or download anything.

Well with my new computer, I've been able to finally download this video taken so long ago.

Once I can figure out the tripod thing, I'll video me painting something maybe : )

This was a commissioned travel journal I did last year.

Happy weekend to you

Lisa D.

Morning Glory Stained glass window

2011-12-26T15:42:00.000-08:00

Here is my Morning Glory window

A sweet gift from Michael

Not only do I love stained glass I love Morning Glories

and these are in oranges and yellows!

Mike hung it for me this afternoon and I was able to watch the colors changed as the sun set

I love it!

Mother in Laws and Crabtree tins

2011-12-26T05:41:00.000-08:00

Years ago when my mother in law retired, I began collecting tins, tins from the Crabtree & Evelyn company, a company that my mother in rept for so many years. Someday I may write a book about them. At this point, I'd like to think I own all of them and even some that were the demo for what the finished one would look like. I do not own any from recent years though. I use some, have a few packed away, I have given them to other family members who also find my mother in law important. Some how all my Crabtree tins have been a shrine of sorts to her for all she has done and who she is to each one of us. I have a 14 ft shelf above my work table in the art room where they are on display.
Here is my dilemma...For Christmas, Mike bought me a 6 ft morning glory stained glass window from this antique store that I had been eyeing for some time. The shelf along the wall also has 14 feet of window, I'm afraid the much loved light that comes through those windows would now become a bit too busy for my purifial vision. Did I mention my collection of Crabtree tins consists of anywhere between 45 & 50.
Before Mike hangs the window I will climb up there and unfortunately dust and then maybe condense some of the tins, smaller into larger maybe.

I adore my mother in law and miss her living so close.

Since its already 7am I should go get started on that dusting...oh wait, I have to clean the work table so I can stand on it to reach this shelf...Its a good day for cleaning, I'll just keep reminding myself of that
...Thanks for thinking that through with me ; )

Lisa D.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

I usually start ending my year in September/October, ending my year of creating/painting. So here I am at the end of the real worlds calendar and I'm itching to paint with a large brush with lots of colors on a huge canvas! I spent a lot of time this year making paper bag art, using it in ways that I never would have imagined and I love it! In some ways it has allowed me to step back and see my passion for color. But its very time consuming, almost as though I've painted the canvas twice. I'm excited to see what comes out this year : ) Mike says he is done with my trees and to some degree, I agree, yet I sell them all the time, the outside world is not ready for me to be done. We'll see what comes of that. I'm also feeling a bit tired of painting flowers, don't get me wrong...moving that paint all around in the shape of flower petals...mmm doesn't get and better then that for me.

Christmas feels different this year, my kids feel somewhat grown. I know Hannah still loves it and enjoys the festivities, Zack on the other hand probably wishes he could sleep through and wake to gifts at his bedroom door. Oh well I have Mike and he always everyday makes me in some way, feel special, as I do him. Takes work keeping it good : )

24 Hours from now we will be waking to see what Santa left, have a beautiful breakfast prepared by my Mr. D. along with the delicious dinner he will then spend the day preparing and I'm going to make a t~shirt scarf inspired by the Sew Wild book

Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas

Summer fun

Lisa D.

Hills painting...Congratulations on that Masters Hillary Margret

2011-12-20T04:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays

I spent last week in Texas visiting my sister and what fun we had : )

She requested a painting, with Starry Night being my inspiration.

Here is what I created

Two 16X40 canvases

Close up

Its actually more blue then green and silver/pearl stars

Enjoy the day

Lisa D.

Super Star

2011-12-12T06:53:00.000-08:00

With all the support I've received this year from so many people, I feel like a Super Star.

Thank you, a big Thank you

This was my busiest year as an artist.

I hung my art in two different locations, I bravely set up a tent at a summer art festival & ended the year with two craft shows.

I find it interesting that most of my sales are to people that know me or have rated with me. When strangers come up, I think they feel unsure of all that on my table. I think its a little similar to how people have reacted to me all my life, unsure, that is until they spend some time with me : )

Maybe that's how it is for you too.

I have had endless computer problems for well over a year now and because of my sweet man Mike and wonderful in laws, I am now the owner on a mac desk top with a 17" screen : )

I'm so looking forward to learning all that I can about using this to help me along the way with my art.

I was also treated to a pair of Uggs : ) For a girl that has always been cold...they are the best for warmth!

Thanks to my friend DiNunzio, a year ago I started keeping my heat at 64 during the day, 62 at night and when guests were over 66. Over last winter I saw our heating bill go from near $300. down to $80.

Put a sweater on.

I'm off to Texas this week to see my sister Hillary graduate with her masters. I'm looking forward to seeing her new home along with spending some time with Hill and Paul. While I'm there I will be doing a painting for their bedroom : )

I'm pretty much done with holiday shopping, I do my best to keep it simple.

Most of the photos from above are from years ago

Have a great day!

Lisa D.

Come out and see me and my art 11/18 ~ 11/20 or 12/11

2011-11-15T14:53:00.000-08:00

Come out and see me if you haven't had the opportunity to this year. My last 3 sales/shows are below. On Fridays event we will serve some treats and drinks.
Friday November 18th from 6pm to 9pm I will be at the Evanston BooCoo Cultural Center showing over 20 pieces of art. The corner of Dodge & Church ... 1823 Church Street

Summer photos

My girlfriend Stacy & I

The work table

Sunday November 20th from 11:30 till 3:00 Wellington Ave. UCC 615 W. Wellington Ave. Chicago I will have smaller gift giving items.

Sunday December 11th I will be participating in The Glenwood Winter Market

from 9am to 3pm 6962 Glenwood Ave. Chicago I will be selling smaller gift items and a few paintings.

Hope to see you at one of these events.

Lisa D.

I needed an artist statement for The Glenwood Sunday Winter Market

2011-10-21T05:47:00.000-07:00

Artist and Craft Statement for Lisa, written by Mike

I proudly consider myself part of the “outsider” art movement; with no formal education, my perspective is unique in that arises from what I feel rather than what I have been taught. I take my inspiration from what moves me, not where I have been instructed to.

I enjoy working in different mediums; from acrylic paints to three-dimensional objects, from ink to cardboard, from glue to paper. I enjoy texture; I use recycled paper and material, help it evolve and become part of my art. I enjoy using reclaimed wood; it makes a wonderful canvas. Everything I see becomes a medium I must use.

Sunday, December 11 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at The Glenwood 6962 N. Glenwood

It takes a lot of work always being honest and fare.

2011-10-19T08:24:00.000-07:00

I often think of Jake at this time of year as well as in spring, spring is birth and autumn is death.
I've been keeping myself sane by doing lots of paper bag art. The physical movement of applying the paint and rolling it out, then the crumbling of the paper with paint all over my hands, the tearing of the paper and the adhering the torn pieces of paper to the canvas. All so good for my soul.

Char & Hannah in Georgia this summer at Ritas for some ice cream

Hannah is doing well in her 3rd year of high school. No needing to come home sick : ) No barfing at the front door. She continues to practice and play wheelchair basketball...go BULLS go...HUH! This year Hannah is learning some job training along with life skills courses. This summer she was in a 3 week work program at IKEA and did very well! : ) Go Hannah Grace! and as always I have to add on her behalf how much she loves scrap booking. Who knew we would turn out to be artists : )

Mike is good : ) Enjoying the new company he has been working for since January this year. A year ago at this time Mike was unemployed : / So glad we are not in that place anymore. I'm so proud of Mike and so grateful for him and all he does with us and for us.

Zackery now 22, decided to not go back to school this fall and has been living with us. I hate it! Sorry to just put it out there. I think because I see myself as a different parent to him now, I think he needs to see me/us different and give more respect to us. I need to come up with a contract of sort. That way its all on table.

Me...trying to do a self portrait : )

Here is my 5x4 canvas

A few months back I had painted it red and green and then I "lost it" whatever it was that inspired me to paint it that way. So after this large piece has now sat around, I decided it needed some paper bag art on it.

This time I challenged myself to not use oranges, yellow and reds

Here I laid out the land

I have gotten my inspiration for this piece from the painting by Egon Schiele's painting Four trees.

At this point I will leave it for when I have a full day or two all to myself and put some trees on it or something.

Here it stands with another paper bag art piece. I had made a piece exactly like list for the festival this summer and really felt the need to do it again. I only had it for four days...I made it and sold it...then I missed it.

I will be putting leaves on these 2 trees next.

Hope you are all well

Now I'm off to do some blog catching up.

Enjoy your day

Lisa D.

Living gratefully and thinking of you all friends~family~bloggers

2011-09-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

As I sat in the living room this morning putting my socks & boots on, the thought came to me "how lucky I am" I'm not really one who looks for bliss, or living the dream, I don't think I've ever thought of myself as being lucky. Today though, while walking through the house half dressed, cup of coffee in hand that Mike had made before his 3 mile walk with PeJoe. The pile of clothes in the bedroom and then the pile on the dining room table that was there from last night after drying it all day outside because I don't want to buy a new dryer. The living room table with the morning sun on it showed a lot of our animals furr, which we have our animals because of me. I could go on and on about how living with me can be difficult, most days, but my man Mike...he is the best and I am totally lucky that he loves me and gets me and understands that it is more important for me to art then it is to put all these fricken piles of laundry away or vacuum or such.

Journal page from the other day

Journal spread after my trip to DC with Mike

My girl Matilda Rae 1999~2011

My girl Char ready to make some art!

I'm beginning to think Cal has his Dads legs.

Zackery and Amy

Oh Mr. Brady with PeJoe good friends

Its hard at times to believe this is my son...I thought he was like six or something...Time does fly

One of my best paintings recently.

SOLD at the festival.

Maybe its time I make another : )

Festival~Smiles~Friends

2011-08-23T07:09:00.000-07:00

Well, my first festival was a success! I so enjoyed seeing people that I haven't seen for a bit and meeting new ones. I spent the weekend smiling : )

This piece "paperbag tree" was the talk of the tent : )

Here I am with a lady I haven't seen for a bit! Joey took my "first" Omo people and my new paperbag tree.

I'm honored.

Another friend, Joyce came to see me.

Her son is the same age as Zack and Joeys son Jeremiah.

Was nice to connect with others who are going through raising a 22 yr guy. Funny...thinking about it now, on Friday Joann came to see me. Three J's in a weekend.

At the last minute I grabbed my Let's art sign to hang on the tent : )

I am off to unpack from the festival and still from GA.

This has been a wild and emotional summer and I am so

looking forward to autumn normalcy...lol...whatever that even means.

Happy day to you

Come see me Saturday or Sunday August 20 & 21 noon to 9 pm

2011-08-06T14:48:00.000-07:00

I will be here all day Saturday and Sunday August 20 & 21

GlenwoodAve Arts District

Come see me if you can

Noon to 9pm

I plan on having several paintings, handmade art journals, who knows what I might come up with.

I appreciate all the support all of you have given me : )

Allowed me to feel brave enough to "go" out there and show my stuff! : )

Big hugs everybody

Come see me on August 20 or 21 and give me a real hug.

I have several large pieces hanging right now at The Glenwood Bar...you can join me there September 1st from 5 to 8 pm

Did someone say August was here?

2011-08-05T19:02:00.000-07:00

Cal~El~Lisa~Char~Hannah

Costumes for Cal's video

This year 2011 has been one huge emotional ride for me and my family.
Mothers Day happened to fall on my Jake's death day, 12 years ago.
Loosing my brother in law to cancer.
I have had art commitments and have felt pushed at times to create, when all I wanted to do was mourn.
I paint from within and my from within is usually about Mike and the kids, regular life issues with a special needs kid.

Now I'm full of emotions for Jake and for Dan also.
Today Dan would have been 44
His children are here with us.
The girls and I went to the bakery to buy Dad a birthday cake.
Char & Cal said Dad loved chocolate, so we got a chocolate cake with chocolate inside and chocolate frosting. L0L...we'll go to the park and have it there, so Dan can look down and see his children playing on his day. Cal told me he had a dream that indicated to him that daddy was comfortable living in what seems to be a cafeteria and he can eat all he wants all day long!
I love these two kids

So here I am letting you know my life has been consumed with emotion and love and art
I made several art journals before the children arrived and when I get my chances, I'll go work a bit on them.
Next week we will be back in GA and able to see all the lovely people that Dan introduced us to and we will once again celebrate Dans life, this time among hundreds of people that he touched in one way or another.
When we return, I will have 5 days to prepare for my VERY first art festival : )
I hope I have enough to cover the two tables I'm renting.
I will post the info for the festival, just in case you're in town that weekend.

Hugs to you all
Lisa D.

Just a few photos

2011-07-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

My art is going up this Thursday at The Glenwood

With so much going on this summer I don't know how I've managed to paint anything.

This photo is of the Round Robin I did a few months back, this one is mine

and this one is Granny's

I think in the end we were all very happy with what we started with and what we ended up with.

A few more weeks and Cal & Char will be back : ) and we decided to do my art show that week.

Back to painting

p.s. as I gather the paintings that I'll be taking this Thursday I hope to do a photo with them all.

Keep cool

Lisa D.

I never knew being an aunt would mean so much to me

2011-07-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

I love the way Hannah's hair is laying

I love Chars curls and unwashed hair (bathing at Aunt Lisa's is rarely mandatory).

I love that you can see my earrings that Char is wearing.

I love their BIG sunglasses

their pink and yellow shirts

The leaning in is probably what I love best, I could never have asked for these two to care and enjoy each other so much.

Michael & I leave for a trip to Washington DC for a long weekend

Mike has an event that will keep him busy during the days of Sun, Mon, and Tuesday

I will spend my time exploring art museums!

A big thank you to everyone who has shared supportive words, sent lovely thoughtful cards

This has meant a lot to us while we mourn the loss of Dan

and learn to celebrate his life.

Lisa D.

Our beloved Dan Dalke

2011-07-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

Michael, the children and I have been in Atlanta for just over a week now to spend time with my in laws and be a part of my brother in laws last days here on earth.

Here is one of the songs Zackery played for Dans service

Home (Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros)

Alabama Arkansas I do Love my Ma & Pa
Not the way that I do Love you
Holy Moly Me oh My your the apple of my eye
Kids, I've never loved two like you
Man o man you're my best friend, I scream it to the nothingness
there ain't nothing that I need.
Hot & heavy pumpkin pie chocolate candy Jesus Christ
Ain't nothing please me more then you.
Home, let me go home, home is wherever I'm with you.
Lalalala take me home
Mama I'm coming home
I follow you into the park, through the jungle through the dark
Kids I've never loved two like you.
Moats & boats & waterfalls, alleyways & payphone calls
I been everywhere with you (thats true)
laugh until we think we'll die, barefoot on a summer night
Nothing new is sweeter than with you
And in the streets you run free, like it's only you & me,
Geez, you're something to see.
Home, let me go home, home is wherever I'm with you
Lalalala take me home
Daddy I'm coming home.

We will forever keep Dan in our memory.
Char & Cal will always be a part of our lives and we will always celebrate their Dads life with them

Lisa D.

Is it next week already?

2011-06-13T06:18:00.000-07:00

Last week was non stop! Tuesday I picked up my niece (9) and nephew(12) from Ohare, Wednesday we all, plus another niece(9) went back to the airport to pick up Uncle Mike who had been in CA for almost a week.
Now we had to finish up anything that needed tending to before the BIG sweet sixteen event! Thursday & Friday flew right by and when Saturday arrived we were just about ready to go! Hannah went with Granny to have her hair put up in an "up do" , she looked great! The party was a success! Sunday morning was also a blast! Mike made breakfast for the "after" party people who managed to stay the night. There was lots of trampoline time, video game time, got a walk to 7/11 in there. Played some badminton and a little volleyball.
Now today is Monday, I can breath again : )
This week, we'll spend some time in Michigan with my brother in law, all the children and Mikes parents. I have photographed all the art that's been being made here and hope to get those into the next post.

Thank you to everyone who attended Hannah's party. Its great to be able to sit back and see how far she has come.
There was not one blood relative here from my side and most of the people here are our "extended family". What a great group of people we have : )
A few tears in my eyes and a whole lot of feel good in my heart.

Lots of love to you all

Lisa D. ... Hannah's Mom

Where ya been Edie? Looking for the cat Mother Dollling

2011-05-29T06:39:00.000-07:00

I think its been a month since I've last been here.

Please forgive my absence.

Here is a small 8x8 canvas I made for Mikes bosses wife,who was visiting Chicago last week from Hawaii

Its funny how the internet makes things seem so large and some things so small.

This canvas below is 30x30

Here is a tree I did awhile back and just finally finished it

36x48

The studio has had a big overhaul and here are a few before photos

You can see my easel is empty.

Just a little art block I did while trying to keep sane during this rush of a month.

I have missed all my blogger friends and seeing their updates.

I will do my best to keep on track and keep you all posted on all the goings on at the House of Freedom.

Next week my mother in law comes to town, then my brother and father in law next, then a week after that my niece and nephew are coming for a 2 week stay. In between all the family and fun I will be creating art for several shows starting in July and August.

The sun wants to come out

2011-04-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

While preparing for the summer and fall shows has been taking all my waking hours that aren't being taken by family members. I so often find articles about making time for art in your life, I need a book on how to allow other things in your life when art is an every day thing.

I am Hannah's mother, an artist and Mikes partner.

I painted six paintings using the same colors, here are 3 of them.

Chunk, not understanding why he cant go out with the dogs.

On one of trips to AZ to spend an art filled week with my friend Dawn, I picked up 2 sets of the 7 gypsies house shape sets. I love them, but have yet to find a way to make them stand.

Here are a few things I made during Earth day

I took some paper bags, threw some paint on them and proceeded to make art with them

This is my favorite so far.

The only Easter photo. Zack and our minister Dan Dale

They look so great!

Hope you had a good weekend.

I have creative energy coming out of my ears!

Have a great day!

Lisa

Arting Arting Arting Arting Arting and being silly silly silly!

2011-04-14T17:08:00.000-07:00

The silliness that goes on here sometimes is pretty silly!

My Hannah Grace with the sassy face turned 16 this weekend.

Here she is with our god daughter Abby.

Lady cat wants everyone and their mother to leave!

They are trying to break into the studio!

The round robin I mentioned a few posts back is well on its way and moving quickly!

Just by chance while my mother in law was in town we managed to get all the canvases in one spot!

Here is our boy Chunk, he has brought me his mouse and I think he wants me to stop painting and play with him.

I'm taking part in Jane's on line class, papers and portraits and this is what I've done so far.

This canvas is from the last post about the church painting.

I also did this last week

Hope you are all well

XXXX"s

Lisa D.

My favorite nephew is here with us this week.

2011-04-04T07:08:00.000-07:00

We have a busy week ahead of us and I still don't have my video issues resolved. Calvin said he might be able to help me : ) If nothing else he has been able to capture the studio from his eye level that will be added to my ever evolving video. Today he & I are alone together, while uncle Mike works and Hannah's at school. He requested to stay in, play video games and do art. We will be picking Hannah up from school and then going over and getting Eleanor from school. I'm sure they will want 7/11

I want to give a big double hand wave out to my church family : )

Thank you for taking the time to touch base with me yesterday.

While at church yesterday I picked up a painting that I had left there three yrs ago. Three years ago I was invited to hang a piece of art in the sanctuary and this painting on your right was what I painted, well once they put it on this ginormous wall, this 3x4ft painting was dwarfed, so I went back home and Suzanne & I met at Dick Blicks and she was able to put the 5 footer on her van, so this one I forgot about I guess.

The tree on your left I painted last week

I love to see things from the past to see where I may have grown.

Here I see my backgrounds have changed dramatically, I don't use iridescent as much as I use to I also see more of a freer tree then the one from 2008

My plan is to either paint the tree turquoise or cover it completely.

I love this shot of us a few weeks ago

Saturday my girl turns 16

Have a great week

Lisa

My blog turns three today

2011-03-28T04:54:00.000-07:00

Please forgive me for not showing up with my video yet.

Life has been hectic. Mike is my go to man for my computer needs and now that he is working again I've tried to keep my needs few and far between, so I haven't asked for help yet with my camera or my new printer. Suzanne is coming by today and she is a bit more techy then I, so we'll see if she can figure it out for me.

When I started my blog three years ago, I was looking for a way to connect with other artists. I have achieved success with that! This month also marks me becoming an artist eight years ago! I never planned on being an artist, but doing art everyday has taken me now to places I would never have thought to travel.

I've been consumed with painting and preparing for two big shows this summer and of course my canvases are almost as big as Iam and it takes a lot of time to cover them. I will do my best to always post on Mondays and get this dang video up asap.

Have a great day

Love to you all

Lisa D.

I'll be right back

2011-03-14T11:03:00.000-07:00

This weekend I celebrated my birthday : )

One of my many gifts was a camcorder, sony bloggie actually, so I've been taping everything in my path!

The photo here is a peek at the wedding book I was commissioned to do.

Me at 43

Always with a scarf and bibs.

I'll be back on Wednesday with a video from this past weekend.

Hugs

Lisa D.

Athletes and travel journals

2011-02-28T07:03:00.000-08:00

Hannah was published in her high school newspaper, she was interviewed for an article on wheelchair basketball. She was such the star : ) Here she is in the car on our way out to dinner to celebrate her celebrity.

Last week I was contacted to do a few travel journals and a love book for a wedding gift!

This is one of the tables this morning.

XoX

Lucky Girl

Lisa D.

2011-02-22T15:30:00.000-08:00

I'm still trying to keep to a "work" schedule...but dang it...I'm ahead of myself. Now I seem to just want to keep adding things to my Etsy. I'm an artaholic!

I made this 1.5x2 for Mike today.

I love those Artchix clipart!

XoX

I always have such a hard time with titles

2011-02-22T06:40:00.000-08:00

Some new art blocks

I love how you can take some wood and make a little piece of art out of it.

I'll be posting a few on Etsy later today.

"Working" has taken my art journaling time away!

I did manage to sew in a few things though.

This Creed image is from a calendar Zack gave me instead of putting it in the recycle bin when the year was over. I decided to use it for the envelopes for the round robin.

Aren't they great! .

While moving things around in the art room this weekend I came across this 5x7 painting.

Eleanor painted this for Chunk last September. She wanted it hung near the floor for him to enjoy. LoL!

Have a great day today!

Lisa D.

Happy Friday to ya! or as Hannah likes...TGIF!

2011-02-18T08:46:00.000-08:00

I average six hours of sleep a night.

Here are two shots of my travel journal. I haven't had much "free" play time in the studio to add more images, but as you can see in the photo above I have been collecting things to adhere to it this weekend.

Here are a few blocks I worked on this morning.

I was asked to hang my art again at The Glenwood this summer : ) Wahoo! So excited for that! What an experience, having my stuff out there for all to see. LOVED IT!

The photo below are a few paintings I've started on to get me going for this summer! All I can think about is big canvases on those lovely large walls.

My mother in law (granny) who is also an artist and continues to live uprooted in Atlanta has been having a hard time getting motivated to work in her journal. Because I'm so far away from her I was trying to figure out a way to help her from here.

While my mind was trying to move things around to make room for new thoughts and ideas, I decided I would start a "round robin" type thing with her, myself and 3 of her arty lady friends.
I mailed out everyones 8X10 canvas boards this week and am looking forward to getting started on that : )

Hugs

Lisa D.

Proposals on my mind

2011-02-17T14:28:00.000-08:00

Here I am nearing Friday, the end of my work week.

I have to say it was a successful week.

I painted several pieces, I sold several pieces

I've spent today on a whole another batch for tomorrow.

These 4 sold : ) Thank you Dawn & Suzanne

This one I started yesterday and finished today, very grungy background.

These green ones I did this afternoon after the post office and food store

I love painting on wood and as you already know I love art blocks

Here they are for the night, we'll see what comes of them tomorrow

L.D.G.D.

Hugs

Sorry, I'm a day late

2011-02-16T04:55:00.000-08:00

While trying to put the studio back into some sort of order I came across a few items Mike brought me back from Hawaii. So funny...he knows me so well.

There once was a time I struggled with knowing whether I was an artist or not...you know...like a real one...lol...well I am one and now I'm finding that I struggle with a need to earn money. So, since I do best on a schedule of sorts I decided that Monday would be my day to clean and do my chores. Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday I will go to work so that on Friday I can post items for sale. Sounds like a plan to me : ) We'll see

I'll keep you posted

These two photos are of a tablet I used with Mike & the kids ... our chores for the day or what we needed to get from what store and what kid needed what, kind of tablet.

Well...we ran out of blank pages and I decided all those written on pages held the first layer of what was to come.

I'll post my other journal pages next time, I seem to be having trouble with this post and my photos.

Our basketball weekend was wonderful!

The Glenwood fundraiser was a ton fun : )

Next up is the Heat It Up chili cook off

Mike will judge this time : )

My Valentines was good : ) I had lots of dark yummy chocolate

Hugs

Lisa D.

Have a great weekend

2011-02-12T02:43:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the inspiration Mary

Happy Valentines everyone

I'll be at the Glenwood Winter Farmers Market this Sunday from 2 pm ~ 5 pm

with lots of fun Valentines for those sweet ones in your life : )

Have you ever stood on the edge of the arm of the sofa that was balancing on the corner of the end table?

2011-02-09T08:35:00.000-08:00

I decided to stand on the edge of the arm of the sofa in the studio and lean as far as I could to reach for something that was clearly out of my reach and CRASH can many many art blocks.

The 3 on your left I painted in 2005

If I look long enough I think they are all me.

The pink & blue one is Hannah, under her is my mother and the one with the crazy hair is me.

the 2 on the right were from last year I think.

Top one is Hannah & me and the one under I think is me as an Omo girl.

I love seeing progress / change

I came across this journal the other day and decided it would travel through 2011 with me.

The receipt is from 2008.

Inside cover

page 3 & 4

I love these belts

A few things I sewed in the pages.

Mr. Cooper wanted me to take this photo to show off how large he is : )

He loves the sun and seems pretty happy to lay ON TOP of baskets and art supplies.

Have a great day!

ATC's

2011-02-08T12:03:00.000-08:00

Three artist trading cards I made while Mike was unemployed

Spots in the studio

2011-02-06T09:28:00.000-08:00

February's center piece

Three spots where I keep my stamps and little collections.

The box in the above photo holds all my chipboard letters.

I had been trying to photograph some small paintings.

Mikes making his famous chili today for the super bowl!

The house smells so yummy!

Fundraisers and a bunch of snow!

2011-02-04T16:23:00.000-08:00

http://glenwoodsundaymarket.com/

I'm super excited to be back at the Glenwood

Here are few photos of what I'll have with me on the 13th.

Mike made it back home, safe & sound.

He was so good to cut my wood for all my little projects.

Then a day or two later we were hit with the blizzard of 2011

Hannah took a photo from the living room window.

Mike along with two wonderful neighbor guys moving all that snow off of our huge driveway.

Happy weekend to you.

Lisa D.

Mikes almost home!

2011-01-28T04:39:00.000-08:00

As I'm preparing the house for Mikes arrival I find myself being very domestic.

The hart to your left is one of my many valentines : ) The one with L&M on it, Mike made for me last year.

I decided to make a paper bag art gift bag.

<~~~inside

Here I sewed a few images on

Here I sewed it all together and made it into a sweet little gift bag.

A few cards and some harts

I spent Thursday cleaning the art room. It really needed it. When I'm arting, I don't think about mess...I think about moving and creating as quickly as it is coming to me.

The photo above is one of my girls we call EL she'll be 9 soon and has been doing art here at Auntie Lisa's all her life : ) She is about 3/4 of the way through her journal, she started in 2008.

You have to step down a few steps to get into the studio

This is a view from sitting on those steps.

I think the bottom shelf needs some hauling out! What a fricken mess!

When I don't know what to do with something...I push it under there, have been, prolly for about five yrs maybe : )

Here are a few Valentines from other artists

Here is my purple potatoe valentine

Bottom center

The cabinet card on the left is one from Dawn : ) I love the fish he is holding as well as the paintbrush in

her hand. The one on the right is an art block I made using artchix clip art. So fun!

Mike is in the air right now on his way back to me. During the last 12 days I have watched Cold Mountain 10 times. I love a good story about a real true passionate kind of love. Nicole Kidman repeats to Edman in a letter come back to me. Ok so before I get all mooshy about my man Mike.

Subconsciously I started a sewing project and after sewing enough body parts to make 6 dolls, I realized. Sewing on a machine reminded me of the feeling I had when I was a kid and would bite my nails.

I will continue making my body parts and wait for Mr. D. to call and let me know he is in San Fransisco and when he might be at Ohare.

Happy Friday

incomplete walls, sleepy cats and the winter market

2011-01-24T08:45:00.000-08:00

This wall has become "the incomplete" wall.

A place for the paintings to rest until their final destination.

Chunk says all this art stuff makes him sleepy.

I'm continuing to make/work on my valentines for

The Glenwood Winter Market

Mike has been gone for over a week now and I'm missing him dearly.

Makes it a bit easier to make these love cards, while I'm thinking of him.

Happy Day to you all

Lisa D.

Valentines and old dogs

2011-01-21T14:50:00.000-08:00

I was invited to sell some valentines at a local Farmers Market : )

I'm pretty excited about it!

Here are the beginnings of a few of the cards

Last week while playing around with the large canvas I came across Kelly Rae Roberts blog and saw a painting a friend of hers did for Kelly's new baby. I was so moved by the large flowers and the grey background. I decided to sketch it some

and then I went and put it on the canvas

I like the sketch better.

but I'll look at this for a bit and see where it might take me.

Reminded me a little of a Hawaiian flower and my Mike happens to be in Hawaii right now for the next week!

A photo of the other 2 babies we have.

Mr. Pe Joe & The Old Lady dog

A few more cards.

Have a great weekend!

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

2011-01-17T15:04:00.000-08:00

A small nest from a few yrs back

I started this canvas a yr ago and kept adding through out the year in hopes to find what it was that was suppose to be painted on this huge 3 ft by 4 ft canvas.

There were so many places on the canvas I just didn't want to cover up

I have learned over the years that painting over paintings just means I'm adding another layer...and I love layers : )

Above I plopped down some heavy paste to give it a little more raised texture

Then I dropped paint down onto the canvas

and began to apply my newest layer

So much of the original background is gone, yet if you get up close you can see so many of the past colors in little corners. I hope to paint some flowers on this tomorrow with a title.

My latest Omo girl

A photo I found behind the washer the other day

Two of my favorite guys

Mike and Dan

25 yrs ago?

Happy day to you

Lisa D.

Here we are at the end of the week

2011-01-14T08:34:00.000-08:00

I've had this girl around for a bit now. The other day my friend Ling came over and when she saw this painting she said she saw an angel. I don't paint many angels to be honest with you, as much as I adore other artists angels, I've just never really had much desire to paint them.

After looking at it from a different point of view I decided to make her an angel.

I may just put her back on the wall for awhile and see what comes next. Mike will be in Hawaii for 2 weeks and with that kind of time on my hands I may end up finishing all my started paintings.

I've started another Omo girl, I was feeling inspired by the one in the book above.

Some studio pics

As much as I resist selling my art, I really have to focus on bringing in some more money this year.

I need a new living room set and I want to take the kids and Mike to Disneyland for Christmas. So I must paint to produce.

I plan on posting this flower painting on Ebay some time today and will continue listing new things as they come.

B~Ball practice tomorrow

Mike to Ohare on Sunday

Martin Luther King Day on Monday

Taking Hannah to see the new Fockers movie.

Happy weekend to you

Keep warm

Lisa D.

Getting back into the studio

2011-01-10T08:53:00.000-08:00

I was 16 almost 17 when I walked into the best church ever!

One of the many church members that approached me was a woman by the name of Judy. Judy always had something good to say to me, she always made me feel kind of special with out even knowing it I think.

Judy has been fighting a cancer for some time now and I'm not sure she has much time left with us.

I made this for her this weekend

There are many layers

fabric

paper napkins

string

pattern paper

I then went and painted a few flowers, added some butterflies and hand stitched the centers.

I will put this in the post tomorrow and hope that Judy finds a little comfort while holding this piece and feeling all the layers underneath.

Backside

This is one of my 3 mannequins

I'm going to post this for sale in my Etsy store

I have always been attracted to other artists art : ) These are two of my paper dolls that I got over 4 years ago.

The chubby girl pulling herself up from the scale to show a lighter weight so reminds me of myself right now.

Here is a 30X30 canvas

I think it still might need a bit more of some watered down white before I start adding the subject.

Happy New Year to you all

A week from today Michael will start his new journey with this new company.

Zackery will be back at school (departing today)

Hannah continues to have a good second year of high school.

I will be back in the studio full time

Life is never perfect

but we should find the good in each day.

Love and hugs to you all

A few catch up photos

2011-01-10T08:23:00.000-08:00

This weekend we were in Whitewater WI for a Jr. Bulls tournament.

A great time as always!

I fell in love with this Christmas card and have started a painting based on it.

The sillies came out on the last few nights of our holiday trip to Georgia.

Always fun to spend time with cousins.

June of 2010 I sat in the dining room with my brother in law and listened to him tell me about this F ing cancer and what its doing to his bones. That afternoon I painted this on one of those boxes we had from the kitchen remodel.

When we got back from Atlanta a few weeks ago, I pulled this out and realized how it still felt right, even though I had a few tell me it wasn't my best. Sometimes best doesn't really matter, what matters is how it felt while creating it.

Lisa D.

The simple things can mean the most

2010-12-24T18:03:00.000-08:00

Here is a leaf my nephew gave me this afternoon. He told me he brought it to me because of the beautiful color. Boy who knows what his Aunt Lisa likes.
Mike finalized his new job and will be starting soon. I thank all of you who kept us in your thoughts during this tough time.
We have a few more days here in Atlanta with my brother in law and his children. This may be our last Christmas with Uncle Dan and we are making the best of it.

Merry Christmas my loyal followers.

Lisa D.

Bird nests and a naughty kitten

2010-12-17T14:48:00.000-08:00

Here is the completed nest...I love it...I just hope it's not too orange for its new home.

The nest made me think about...why nests?

They seem to have started when Zackery left for college and Hannah entered high school.

It feels good in all the rooms I put it in.

Mike and Nan doing some baking

These were peanut butter with a chocolate kiss on top. The other cookies or I should say treats...Kalochkies 3 different flavors, Macaroons, Chocolate covered Macaroons and I suppose I'll mention the baklava that he made us few weeks back.

Like I've said in a few posts back...I bring the color and Mike brings the yummy.

Hannah is so proud of her sign she made last week at school with friends.

Naughty Chunk

I want to wish you all a great holiday and thank you for a stupendous year in art blogging. All the comments you have left, all the emails I have received all the friendships I have made.
Thank you

Big tight hugs all around
Lisa D.

The happenings of this weekend and just random order of pics...Enjoy

2010-12-12T19:28:00.000-08:00

My inspiration

Friday at 3pm my friend Cindy called...I had neglected to reply to an email from her the week before and she tracked me down as I feverishly vacuumed and picked up the house before people arrived and all I did that day was make artist trading cards to hand out at a Christmas party at Aunt Bobbi's on Friday. So anyway, Cindy wanted to know if I had any more nest paintings left and surprise to me...I didn't. Sine I had El here finishing up her Christmas gifts for Mom & Dad I asked Mom to stop on her way and pick up30x30 canvas on her way here to get EL. An hour later I was already starting the nest. Thank you Stacy.

He was just there and I love this painting so I added him in tonight's post.

This is on a cardboard box that my kitchen cabinets came in 3x4 ft.

He hangs in the kitchen with the other Omo ppl.

Here's that corner again : )

If you look closely you will see my Mr. Pe Joe under the covers on the sofa.

The wind has been blowing and he feels safer under the covers.

I see the colors here are not as vibrant as they are in person.

My computer wasn't letting me do any adjusting.

Chunk watching the wild animals outside...prolly thinking back on the days when he was all by his lonesome in that milking barn in Vermont.

He seems very happy and content amongst the art stuff.

We were in Rockford IL all day Saturday for Jr. Bulls

Go Bulls Go...HUH!

Three friends on DEFENSE!

I happen to see these yellow drops of paint on my sewing machine today and knew that this machine was here to stay.

The mail came the other day and this was in my box.

An Omo book! from my girl Suzanne...now I can see the Omo ppl right in my hands.

and a few ATC's from Dawn : ) She is my ATC idol. Thank you Ms. Dawn B.

I thought it interesting to see my thread is pretty close to my paint colors.

Dawns ATC's

Cindy's background

Chunk being his adorable self...he seems happiest sleeping on top of everything : )

Mr. Cooper

Lady Cat

Chunk again...he is just our doll baby...funny how Mike & I are with our animals now that our children are a little older.

Cooper waiting for me to make Hannah's lunch, he knows I will give him some turkey and he is there waiting for me every day. Cooper has been with us several months now and seems to be finding his place amongst our silly household. At first I thought he was to serious for us and I was looking for someone to play with Chunk...months later, Cooper seems to be a good uncle figure to Chunk. He tolerates Chunk jumping on him and biting his ear and wrestles him to the floor. Too funny.

Mr. Pe Joe aka...Peter Joseph or some even call him Peter Joe and you never have to call him twice to jump in bed with you...he says "I'm a cuddler" and climbs in.

He does happen to have a piece of drool on his snout in this photo and he says to tell you all...he has big lips and does his best to keep the slime off of the Misses walls.

Matilda Rae, our black lab isn't feeling well and asked not to be photographed today.

I hope you have enjoyed your time here : )

I wish you all Happy Holidays

and will check in when I can.

I have just a few more days to finish the nest painting for Cindy.

Lisa D.

In the studio~Paint~Sugar~Kids and sewing

2010-12-08T13:21:00.000-08:00

I wonder how I ever am able to create in such disaray

This canvas is 32 X 32

There is a painting underneath that I got tired of and decided to give it a new look and changed the background, then it hung for almost a year till I decided a bird would work.

I am no where near done, but this is where I'm at with it at this point, I think I may like it better in red.

One of my favorite coffee mugs.

Monday will be two weeks of putting Truvia in my coffee instead of regular sugar. I love sugar! on everything! but my jeans are getting a bit too tight and thought I could try to give up a few things.

Hannah & cousin Eleanor making holiday bags from the Cloth~Paper~Scissors magazine.

El's first time using a sewing machine...she loved it!

I hope all of you have had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

I am off to make some Christmas gifts.

Have a great day

Lisa D.

Lakeview Alternative Holiday Bazaar

2010-11-24T06:30:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to be doing this once again.

When I first started painting, my church asked me to sell some of my stuff at the annual bazaar. Once a year I would pack up the car and take it all church. I think I'm just as excited this year as I was the first : )

615 W. Wellington

Chicago

Happy Thanksgiving

A day at our house

2010-11-23T15:11:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite corners in my house : )

Two of my favorite paintings high up on the wall.

Then, a small amount of my large collection of art blocks that I started collecting when I was first introduced to art (7yrs ago) as a way of self teaching myself to become a painter. I own over 40 paintings from my dear Purple potatoe lady friend in Canada! over 40! lol I am a nut when I'm moved by something. I have several of Danita's pieces, Tasha's, Wendy Ryan, Priti Lisa, Dan from Spain and some of my own all in this little corner : ) It makes me smile when I look over there.

Today I had my girl Eleanor over, here she is when I painted here 5 years ago!

I love to see the progress of doing art every day of my life for at least 5 to 9 hours a day.

I have gotten better at so many things and I am proud.

and thinking about it, you all have really helped along the way. Thank you

I have been having trouble with photographing what I've been making...sorry...I want to show you all, I just rather be doing art then trying to photograph things.

Michael is still without work, but I have to tell you like I told my Mother in law...our marriage has never been better. Funny how things work sometimes.

I am proud of Mike for going to all these interviews and daily keeping up with looking and finding a company to work for. I've always banned him from reading my blog, because of my punctuations and grammer : ) Maybe I'll forward him this one.

Zackery will be home tonight...he turned 21 in September

I may have liked him better at 4 : )

Happy Thanksgiving everyone

Lisa D.

International Overalls Day 2010

2010-11-20T15:53:00.000-08:00

Chunk is here to wish everyone a Happy Overalls Day

I love always having a place for my phone : )

Here is one of two stacks.

I've got quite the collection after all these years.

The sexy side of overalls

Lisa D.

International Overalls Day

2010-11-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

Most days are Overalls Day for me : )

Always fun to celebrate!

I've been busy creating all sorts of fun stuff for the annual Holiday Bazaar

I'll be back with photos

Happy day to you

Lisa D.

A few things I've been working on

2010-11-09T04:30:00.000-08:00

While I painted the trees I listened to a lot of music, but I found in the last week of the painting I watched Amadeus over and over at least six times...while Mozart played in the background I felt this exhilaration while finishing the painting. Since the painting has left I've watched my Jackson Pollack movie twice...Beatrix Potter and now I'm on my third viewing this week of Fried Green Tomatoes : )

Since coming back into the studio with the trees not being in there, I've been making things for trades and for the bazaar at my church. My mind was on those trees for over a month!and now I feel like my brain is on full force at lighting speed.

I love paper bag art!

Hannah and her friend Ann on Halloween

Great chili Hank!

Sunday Mike & I attended The Glenwood Market Fundraiser.

What fun we had...we really needed an evening out.

Thanks Sheree & Maria!

I hope Autumn is finding you all well.

Lisa D.

Cats and trees and my girl I call Nan

2010-10-25T10:16:00.000-07:00

So rare to get all 3 cats in one spot.

Mike was preparing the chicken for or from the chicken stock and we decided to give the cats a little chicken meat. We really don't feed our animals table food, but Mr.Cooper Ellis the red male we adopted awhile back really likes table food and begs from Mike when Mike is preparing food.

Oreo aka Chunk said he prefers what comes from the bag every morning at 6am

Cactus Renee was enjoying it until she looked up and realized she wasn't alone and ran out.

A photo of Hannah and me after hanging Nathan and Maria's trees

This time of year always makes think about the story "The fall of Freddie the leaf"

I am off to finish up some Halloween things.

Love to you all on this beautiful autumn day

Do for one as you would have one do for you.

2010-10-20T14:36:00.000-07:00

I was raised in a home where hate was a common word. where bigotry was a daily topic. and love? well that never seemed to show up much, not sure it ever did...at least the kind of love that I vowed to have with my own family. Here I am at 42 1/2 and can see with my 21 yr old son and 15 yr old daughter, that Mike & I have done it. we raised a loving, fair, open, honest household. I guess why this comes to me early Sunday morning is that yesterday Hannah spent the day at wheelchair basketball, then out to have her nails done with three other girls from basketball and then to a surprise party for one of the players. I saw some of the photos from yesterday and as much as I have already known we raised them right, seeing Hannah with these kids really brought it home for me. We are all equal.

Nothing comes overnight.

Mike has been with out work since early August, so life has been a bit upside down, my brother in law still battles this awful ugly cancer. My good friend aka my mother in law has been in GA to help where she can. Life right now seems so unfair.

We lost Jake over 11 yrs ago and that taught Mike & I a little about life early on.

You have one life to live and doing it with fairness and love will only supply you with the same back.

My Matilda Rae (9yr old blk lab) developed a bump in her mammary gland early this year and as we watched it and tried to do what we could, it continued to grow. I told Mike & Hannah, that we might have to put her down. This bump grew from her sternum to her pelvis. Our vet, who happens to live across the street and knew of our situation preformed surgery this past Monday on Matilda, and cut the bill in half and I was told I can pay when I can pay. In my heart I believe this has happened because Mike or I have done good for others. Weather it was equal to this or not, one will never know, you just have to go at it with a blind eye I suppose and know that doing right will make right come your way also.

I know there is a company out there that is going to find Mike and take him on, in the mean time we keep living as we have always done, spending less of course. I know for Mike he feels bad when we have to tell the kids no. I believe sometimes that all that life has sent our way has made us stronger and with fairness and honesty being important in our home, we have learned to be a good couple. We fight, we love, kiss passionately, slap each others butts, I may even tug on his hair! : ) we both know when we have hurt the other and 99.9% of the time we'll step back and walk away for a breather or apologize right away. We realize we are partners here in our one time life and we want to make the goodest of it!

I once heard or read...Don't take more then you give and I think that is what keeps us going through this life.

I read a post the other day on Jennifer's blog about judging people, how we might offend people by what we post on our own blog. The first thing that came to my mind was...um...its ok, say what you must, just as I have today. If people are offended by anything I have said, well then just don't come back. It will be ok. Maybe we just wouldn't be friends in real life or on line and that's ok, I know I don't care for EVERYONe or everything. You should not worry about offending...just be yourself.

I started this post early Sunday morning and today is Wednesday.

I did this small wood block painting for a friend this week...The little kitty I got for Mike for a little Halloween gift...made me think of his kitty Oreo aka Chunk.

We have never had such a social cat! He is just wonderful.

My tree painting is complete. This weekend Mike & I will take it to its new home. Then Monday will come and I'm not sure I'll know what to work on.

Have a great evening

Lisa D.

Happenings in the art room

2010-10-12T14:38:00.000-07:00

What will history say about Me always painting these trees?

Here is the top of my large ikea cube shelf thing...I don't know why I just love painting letters and I found these letters 1/2 price. I did EAT recently and sold that on ebay : ) maybe next I'll do pray. The tin next to the LOVE (seeds) I got in one of my favorite antique malls in Michigan. I miss those days Granny. My life has been consumed with Hannah and this painting and after years of doing art I realize I still need a little rule breaking art even when times are stressful, so while I've been working on my trees I have made the alphabet in atc's for my atc carousel. My fellow artist friend LEE had a post the other day about how many pieces you work on at a time...The post made me smile, I am capable of working on gosh I cant even say at a time, 10 maybe. So the abc atc's was a fun outlet and it helped fill my carousel : )

Do you recognize the Lisa sticker Dawn : ) and Mystele's Omo girl...that shelf is probably 5 things deep.

I plan on adding my ornamentation to the trees this week and here are some things that came to me.

I found this girl looking at me.

Well, Mr. Mike is calling to me that my...don't laugh now...beef bourguignon is ready...I know...he just keeps cooking it for me and tonight he has made me flowerless chocolate cake. I fill the house with color and laughter and he fills it with good smells and oh so yummy food.

Happy evening to you

It's already Thursday!

2010-10-07T05:02:00.000-07:00

A few fun photos

When I see this pic I think to myself

How do I work on that table?

Even this past weekend with our party...

...I cleaned the house

even my bathroom : O

but at the end of the day before people began to arrive

I looked in the studio and thought

ehhh...its fine, everyone will stay in the other rooms.

NOPE!

Half of the party was in the studio! and of course when Nathan and Maria came I sat them right across from their painting while they ate Mikes beef bourguignon.

My Zack turned 21 last month and his sister will be 16 in 6 months

I just love this shot of them.

Zack & I at my sisters wedding 2 years ago

I cut it out of an 8x10 with hopes to glue it down in one of my journals.

I'm off to continue working on the trees.

Have a great day!

Lisa D.

The party...The Team...The winners and The trees

2010-10-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

I'm opening my blog post today with the only 2 photos that were taken at our party Saturday.

Above is the bouquet my neighbor Maria brought...from her own beautiful garden!

Below is one of the dishes Mike prepared for us, beef bourguignon the other dish was homemade pot pie, crust and all : ) YUM!

This photo does not even come close to how fricken good it actually tasted. I don't know what Hannah & I would do with out Mike.

And the party was a blast!

These 2 photos are of Hannah playing wheelchair basketball. A team of kids that she met this summer and is now on their team. GO Jr. Bulls!

Of course the winners of my give away

UpstateLisa

Eva

I'm moving along with my painting

I feel like I have to get a solid feel for the trees and their branches, then I can go back into the background a bit or just paint over the whole thing and start over, something I've been known to do. I told Mike today I will give it till Friday to come together better for me, if not, then it just becomes another layer. We'll see

Thanks everyone who posted in my giveaway! I came across to ATC Halloween cards if anyone wants to do a trade.

Eva & UpstateLisa drop email me your info and anyone wanting to trade do the same.

Back to my trees before my girl gets home from school.

Hugs

Lisa D.

~An update and a halloween give away~

2010-09-30T16:31:00.000-07:00

I have two 5X7 Halloween cards for my give away.

Just leave a comment about your bestest Halloween costume.

On Monday I'll draw two names : )

Good Luck

Here is the painting behind the garage .. I felt like I needed to look at it from a distance.

I laid some elephants on top to see how I liked them.

On top of all life's crazy things, we are having a party on Saturday.

The invites went out to 4 of our neighbors and a few of Hannah's school friends with their families and

Nathan & Maria, so they can see their painting.

I saw on my friend Priti Lisa's blog this ad type thing for art journaling called The Sketchbook Project

So I decided I didn't have enough going on in my life to add another thing!

It arrived today all 8x5 of it with its blue cover.

I used a letter opener to free the journal.

I looked at it felt it I probably even smelled it : )

Then I gathered a few spray paint cans and took it out to the yard.

The small book has been here a few hours and already it feels at home with me.

The theme they gave me was Help! Not sure where I'll go with this wee book.

I just know it needs to be handed in by Jan 15 2011

so that it can travel to museums and art libraries. Places where people will look at it hold it and hopefully get something from it.

I continue to have camera troubles...so much so it makes me want to cry.

On the menu for Saturday evening

Mikes Beef Bourguignon & Chicken Pot Pies

My man Mike is so the best : )

He feeds us so much good loven food!

and if you've ever eaten here...you know what I'm saying!

I hope for no rain so that we can do smores over the fire.

Love to you all

Lisa D.

Don't forget to leave your comment to win a Halloween card

~The room of many colors and swirls~~~

2010-09-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

I wasn't in the studio today, but couldn't pass up the view.

Is it the camera or the photographer?

2010-09-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

I can only think with one side of my brain at a time and for a period of time now my brain has been consumed with the artist side (can never remember if that's my R or L side).

A few weeks ago I met this great couple who asked me to do a painting for them and here is the start of it and here is where my brain has been.

Unfortunately I'm working off of my standard style cell phone when I've photographed the painting so far.

down side~~~~>Since I'm on the art side of my brain so much I cant find time to fix the situation with my camera. Upside~~~>I know the painting will be that much better for it.

After meeting Nathan and Maria

I came home and started sketching

The first 3 sketches were two trees coming together.

The next day I met Maria to purchase the two 36 X 36 canvases. Maria told me after looking at my blog she found that she liked my elephant tree painting...two trees coming together.

I was pleased and decided that was what I was suppose to be painting for this lovely couple.

The bottom looks so muddy on this photo

I hope to have some better photos soon

Hope you are having a good week and I'll try to post more picks soon.

Hugs

Lisa D.

Cezanne and The Prius

2010-09-03T10:33:00.000-07:00

Here I am in AZ with Dawn and a fellow artist also named Lisa

Great exhibit and great food.

As I have already said...what a summer this has been!

My beloved BMW became to needy for me to keep up with all her repairs

After much thought and research

I got what I wanted : )

Thank you Michael

40 plus miles city traffic

I have to fill my 11 gallon tank every 450 or so miles!

I LOVE THAT!

Have a great weekend

I just posted a bunch of stuff on Ebay and hope to put a few more on this weekend.

What makes success?

2010-08-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

Success

Over the last few weeks so many people have asked me about my two art shows and if they were a success of not. I have to say I have never given this word so much thought as I have in these last weeks.

Below is a just started journal page with two stickers, one giving the definition of success

1.a favorable result

Yes, I do feel the results were favorable...lots of friends came to see my art hanging and I've been able to get public feedback about my art.

2.Gaining of wealth, fame and recognition

Wealth...I already had the wealth : )

Fame? In certain circles

Recognition?

3.attaining one's aspirations

Sure

I just can see all my paintings hanging on those lovely walls at The Glenwood

and I know I have achieved what the second sticker reads...Victory

I have to say it wasn't easy stepping out of my comfort zone and letting my paintings be in public, but gosh how rewarding in the end.

I hope to spend this week getting reacquainted with my studio

Cleaning, dusting maybe even reorganize some

I plan on coming around to all my blog buddies and see how you all have been doing.

Have a great day

Lisa

Getting ready to head out

2010-08-27T12:01:00.000-07:00

Ok : ) I am off
Cya soon
Lisa D.

One day until CREATE art retreat!

2010-08-26T06:18:00.000-07:00

Hannah has left for school and while I was sitting here trying to answer emails I thought I would send you a wave from where I'm at.

I have no good photos of what I'm working on so I decided to photo this twist of yarn that Dawn gave to me while I was in AZ with her. It does look so much more inspiring in person. Hannah & I just love looking at it and touching it. Next to it is a paper doll that I got from this vending machine with my friend Elena : ) Off to the other side is an old photo of Zack & I...my hair is in a bun...lol....that was a long time ago. Underneath all of this is a house shaped shadow box thing I got while shopping with Hannah & Char over the summer. I painted it with some light blue and have been having fun putting small things in it that I happen to pick up throughout the day : )

The photo above is one you all may have seen part of. Here is the finished painting.

My mother in law added the photos...which look great Granny! and some writing I think at the top of the boat. I love it! Can't wait to see it in person!

I plan to do a mock set up for tomorrows sale and will photograph it for you all to see.

Enjoy the day

Lisa D.

My Bio at The Glenwood

2010-08-19T08:48:00.000-07:00

Lisa Dalke Artist, Mother and Lover

My art is a reflection of who I am, at that very moment; what inexplicable force moves my hand in certain ways and which muse inspires me to create a piece of art from a vision or feeling I cannot let go. Always the rebel and never accepting the “norm”, I create what I feel with no mind towards what is acceptable in art or in life.

With no formal art education, I began this outsider’s journey into art after needing a creative outlet for feelings and emotions that stirred inside me. I read and studied artists from Alice Neel to Klimt, Pablo Picasso and Modigliani; sharing their passion and vision, they moved me to release what I saw and what I felt.

I sometimes doubt my artistic abilities, but never question how creating art makes me feel; alive! I enjoy working in different mediums; from acrylic paints to three-dimensional objects, from ink to cardboard, from glue to paper. Everything I see becomes a medium I must use.

I truly enjoy sharing my art with family and with friends, but especially those who I know need that release. My home has become the House of Freedom, as my impish nephew has termed it, where anything is possible and fun is around every corner. No rules, just what feels right. With a glass of red wine in hand, I love helping those that come to my art space looking to participate. It brings me joy to see the enthusiasm and passion I helped create.

Finally, I could have never been able to express myself without the life experiences that preceded my journey. Motherhood opens many emotional doors, some scary, most joyful. Having a lover who supports me in whatever I decide to do has been paramount; I feel free to express my needs and desires artistically and physically; never to be judged, merely accepted.

Art at The Glenwood

2010-08-19T08:29:00.000-07:00

WoW What a summer this has been!

Every week we seemed to either have someone staying at our house or someone from this house needing to travel to someone elses house.

I was offered to hang my art at this wonderful place called The Glenwood. Was a great experience, thanks Joann & Renee

These photos are not the best, but do give you an idea of how it all looked : )

This was the first time I have ever shown my art like this. So many of these pieces are from years ago.

My two girls for the night

Hannah & Char : ) They are standing by the painting that their Grandmother and I painted the night before : )

Self portrait 2004

Our niece & nephew left Sunday : (

We had so much fun with them! Even on the days we never even left the house we still found fun.

I love this photo below of Cal...this pic really proves that he never stops moving. The mustache was added before leaving for the The Glenwood reception...once on our way, I looked in the backseat and saw an unshaven Calvin.

Before being invited to hang my art at The Glenwood I decided to do something different and instead of signing up for classes at this art retreat that was coming to town I would sell there! LoL Lisa! Then a week later The Glenwood called...So on top of the comings and goings here I've had to gather, scramble and create art for these events.

Next Friday August 27, 6 to 9 pm I will be at

The Artist's Faire

My Zack left for his Junior year of college

Hannah will start her second year of high school next week

Next Friday 8~27 I will be at The Artist's Faire

Some time in September I want to have a late night back yard dinner party with the movie Chocolate in mind.

Have a great day

Lisa D.

Gallery Showing 2010

2010-08-11T10:45:00.000-07:00

I know I've been away too long : / When I said change was coming this year for me...I had no idea what that really ment...just decided to go with it. Well here I am the day before my first "Public Show"
I've been crazy busy with preparing for this day. We have our niece and nephew with us this week. What great memories we will all share. I'll be back as soon as I can. Happy summer to you all.

Lisa D.

Creating Art in the burbs

3X4 abstract a cat and a video

Abstract art

Which way is up?

Color~Canvases & Cats

Wanted to brag a bit about my little sister

Winter Art Retreat Weekend 2012

Catalog cards, cookies & Cats

A few more art books

See above video

I am tone deaf & depth blind

A short film of a few art books

Spending the day redecorating my Etsy art shop

Our trip to San Francisco

Someone once called these bouquets

Last potty pics

More bathroom art

In the powder room with Lisa D.

Class starts today

3/12/2011 travel art journal

Morning Glory Stained glass window

Mother in Laws and Crabtree tins

Happy Holidays

Hills painting...Congratulations on that Masters Hillary Margret

Super Star

Come out and see me and my art 11/18 ~ 11/20 or 12/11

I needed an artist statement for The Glenwood Sunday Winter Market

It takes a lot of work always being honest and fare.

Living gratefully and thinking of you all friends~family~bloggers

Festival~Smiles~Friends

Come see me Saturday or Sunday August 20 & 21 noon to 9 pm

Did someone say August was here?

Just a few photos

I never knew being an aunt would mean so much to me

Our beloved Dan Dalke

Is it next week already?

Where ya been Edie? Looking for the cat Mother Dollling

The sun wants to come out

Arting Arting Arting Arting Arting and being silly silly silly!

My favorite nephew is here with us this week.

My blog turns three today

I'll be right back

Athletes and travel journals

I always have such a hard time with titles

Happy Friday to ya! or as Hannah likes...TGIF!

Proposals on my mind

Sorry, I'm a day late

Have a great weekend

Have you ever stood on the edge of the arm of the sofa that was balancing on the corner of the end table?

ATC's

Spots in the studio

Fundraisers and a bunch of snow!

Mikes almost home!

incomplete walls, sleepy cats and the winter market

Valentines and old dogs

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Here we are at the end of the week

Getting back into the studio

A few catch up photos

The simple things can mean the most

Bird nests and a naughty kitten

The happenings of this weekend and just random order of pics...Enjoy

In the studio~Paint~Sugar~Kids and sewing

Lakeview Alternative Holiday Bazaar

A day at our house

International Overalls Day 2010

International Overalls Day

A few things I've been working on

Cats and trees and my girl I call Nan

Do for one as you would have one do for you.

Happenings in the art room

It's already Thursday!

The party...The Team...The winners and The trees

~~~~~An update and a halloween give away~~~~~

~~~~~The room of many colors and swirls~~~~~~~

Is it the camera or the photographer?

Cezanne and The Prius

What makes success?

Getting ready to head out

One day until CREATE art retreat!

~An update and a halloween give away~

~The room of many colors and swirls~~~