Woot.

Something old.

Something new ~ My how time flies.

The E connection...Above: Gabriella painting by Anfinson early days at the old Lemonade Stand and below now at his awesome 
Mockingbird Studios.

So excited to have a couple days off in a different locale. After a very busy season, I need some days where I don't ask people what they want or need. 

Finished up the paintings, framed them and then brought them into the store. She took all of them which was awesome. It was such a big deal to do this the first time that I cannot believe how easy it was now. 

Above is a book release party at Eric's beautiful Mockingbird Studios.

His yard is amazing and although I was totally listening in this pic, it's hard not to scan the property while doing so. 

I'm pretty sure I was staring at the shack which he graciously let me live in for a few months before Spain. Such good memories of that. His backyard feels like a second home.

The way I ended up in that shack is strangely happening again. My good friend Cricket is leaving town for good. Its sad, but not as jarring as she left the first time. 


Things that started a couple years back then seem to be looping around again in a different form. Perhaps the conclusion of what started? 


I do know one thing. After finishing up the framing and taking those paintings in, something finally released and its all gotten a bit easier lately. 

For now, St Louis is calling. Looking forward to heading home for some downtime to refresh.

How you like..

How you like my logo?

Never really liked signing the front of paintings so this is how we do it here. Branding is ingrained in my brain and this time it's for me. 

Welcome to my alter ego. I'll probably add horns at some point.

Love that the watercolor pencil picked out for it was "Spanish Orange". Made me laugh out loud. 

~ very fitting.

First Framing

First attempt at self-framing. That thrift store frame looks pretty damn good if I do say myself. I have visited Ben Franklin every day for the last three days and have enough spray paint to make a mural. 

Gonna get them all done by Tuesday, Yo.

Forgot how important it is to talk with other artists. Got some good juice last night and am all geared up for this stuff.

Finishing

Spring has sprung and riding around today, I forgot how beautiful Old Town can be. 

Been having some fun finding thrift store frames and figuring out how to repaint them so I can frame some of my pieces in an affordable manner. Framing usually costs an arm and a leg but is such an important part. I've always put it off for some reason. I really like this way of doing it.

Treasure hunting in the Salvation Army has become a rush and I hate to say it but maybe Garage Sale Saturdays might yield more. There's something about looking past the surface ugly to uncover pure gold. Sometimes that in the past has lead me astray but in this case, it's working.

So far so good. Ben Franklin has the mats and glass and I made friends with the resident framer who is also a watercolor artist. He understands the thrift. I need to ask him about where to get my hands on some butchers paper.

But its not just the money. The fun part about this thrifting is coming across wooden frames that have some character. I match up each painting with its framing cohort. The other benefit - bike rides.

While riding and picking up spray paint and other supplies, I get more inspiration. My leaf obsession is ongoing and its perfect that it's going to be the first round that gets framed. Above is a leaf I picked up a couple months ago. I love it.

What a great day off.