Cre8art2day!

2010-09-14T20:09:00.002-06:00

Lately I've been outta of sorts. My mom has been recovering from a stroke, an eye surgery, and a Segway accident. She is very independent but I must still be there for her every day to make sure things are going smoothly. Luckily my husband loves my mom and takes really good care of her and fills in when I can't. In the last couple of weeks I've had two good friends discover they have cancer. I don't pretend that I know how to handle such news. The smart thing would be to not add to my problems, however, I will do that in times. Please! Show me the strength to be smart and strong and good! Take care friends in the WWW.

2010-08-10T00:13:00.002-06:00

My friend and I had fun collaborating on a few paintings! I would do one layer, then she would do the next, and then I would get it back and do something else to it and so forth until we felt it was finished. It's so much fun! If you're stuck in a rut, try collaborating with a person that inspires you and see what cre8ivity comes about.

Summer's almost over! aaargh!

2010-08-06T20:48:00.002-06:00

I've had this monkey on my back for awhile. My dear friend, Sandra gave me her potters wheel and a bunch of wonderfully sewn customized things in exchange for some names of her loved ones. I just had a heck of a time getting this one finished even though I knew what I wanted to do because I sketched it out forever ago. Crazy how I can just sit on a project forever. But, I'm so very happy with the results. I love the little robots and I'm sure Barry will because he makes robots for fun...he's one of those amazingly smart people! I hope you all are enjoying your summer! Be cre8ive before summers over!!!!

2010-07-07T17:01:00.003-06:00

I just finished a name for a gal's grandson who likes bugs and trucks and airplanes. What do you think? I can read the name ok but I wonder if it's toooooo abstract? I had so much fun doing it and I really hope the family likes it!

Meanwhile, I have finally finished a name for a dear former student and friend of mine. Dinosaurs playing sports! The themes are always cre8ive! I love the cre8ivity coming out of the people I get to work with on my cre8ive words! Thanks everyone!

I've been working on some special projects for the Mountain Home Arts Council but I can't share them with you yet. As soon as I can....I'll post the work here! I love the project! Hope you will too! It's very cre8ive

Blogging is like dieting and drinking

2010-06-30T13:34:00.004-06:00

I start out with such good intentions to blog more regularly, eat right, exercise, and don't ever drink more than 2 drinks and well, hmmmm, something happens. There was a time that I felt like I was very good at maintaining things...the laundry, the house, the car, the bills, my desk, my relationships, however I'm either losing my energy to sustain it all or I have too much to do! Well, for my one lone blog reader, never fear, I'm not giving up. It just will not be perfect. Hope that works!

Since the last time I blogged a lot has happened. My dear mom suffered a stroke. Luckily my sister was there to save her life! Yes, I'm related to a real live hero! Well, mom is doing very well now with months of therapy and treatment. Thank you God! During the time mom was recooperating, everything went on hold. She had to have 24 hour care. Between my family and I we somehow did what we needed to do. And, now we can start getting back into our routines. So, I've updated my website, http://www.brendaraub.com/ and now my blog. I'm on a roll...

This painting is using a new technique one of my creative friends, Jonna, taught me that she had learned from the amazing Jesse Reno! It's a lot of fun to paint with your fingers and that's exactly what this is...a finger painting! Have a cre8ive day!

2009-12-29T01:17:00.002-07:00

I HEART color pencil! My poor high school art student's know it! The one thing they don't know is that I experiment with color pencil as much as I can....This piece is done on copper! I got a 5" x 7" piece of copper from Dick Blick (online) and patined (sp?) it. Once it had a nice green and white tint to it I started adding my design with color pencil.

When I was visiting the Oregon coast I fell in love with the trees effected by the ocean winds and knew I HAD to draw one. Since my dad passed away, my mom and I have noticed a lot of "spots" in our photos. Some people believe they are spirit guides of people we have sent to the other side. So, I've added a lot of "spirit guides" to this design. Whether you believe or not....it is an asthestically pleasing design...right?

sorry to be so anti social

2009-12-29T01:05:00.003-07:00

So, you've maybe wondered where the hell I've been for so long.... well, I'm in a bit of a funk. Work has taken the soul out of me. I can't walk into a store without freaking out socially anymore. You may never understand if you've never been oversocialized before! I will survive....I am an artist that can retreat into her artwork and somehow find salvation!!!!

This is a color pencil piece that took me WAY too long to count but I love it....I went to New York City to visit my beloved cousin, Chris Seppa (a Manhatten cop) and she gave us the tour of the century! She is THE BEST!

Any who...she took me to Mood, the place where Project Runway goes shopping in NY. I saw these ribbons, took a snap shot, and then HAD to draw it!

It was hard for me because I'm not an architectural type artist and believe it or not it took alot of architectural lines to get it right! I really loved how the tape turned out...hope you love it too!

2009-08-23T16:22:00.000-06:00

My very cre8ive Sister-in-Law is a designer for Maya Roads. She took photos I took in Paris and made this cre8ive book and gave it to me! Lucky!!!!! I'm so very lucky!!!!!! Isn't it BE A U TIFUL????

Cre8ive lady

2009-03-28T16:00:00.011-06:00

Bobbi Kelly is the next artist's space we visited. She was my art teacher in high school and very nicely she retired so that I could have her job after I got my degree.

Like many of our artist's she has taken over a bedroom for her studio. However, she has a super comfy spot in her living room to create art too! The space here is her studio that she claims is unorganized but it looks mighty fine to me!

She has a lot of artwork throughout her house of either her creation or some other talented soul. (including me!)

Bobbi is ALWAYS working on something. She is a very busy retired lady!

One of the many cre8ive features Bobbi has in her home is a cork wall! How amazingly handy is that?

I know if I were Bobbi, this would be my favorite place to work. Right in front of the tv! I can watch my Celebrity Apprentice and get all of my art done too! Throughout Bobbi's house you can tell a cre8ive spirit lives there. Thank you for sharing your cre8ive home with us Bobbi!

Cre8ive spaces

2009-03-28T15:36:00.005-06:00

I don't know where all of the time has gone since my last posting...sorry! I'm just finishing up spring break and I feel a little bit refreshed. TG! So, I'll try to whip out some posts now.

Where were we? Oh yes, we are on a studio tour of local Mountain Home artists from the Visual Art Committee. Before we even walked into our next artist's home, we could tell there was going to be a lot of cre8ivity! This cute little bird acts like her doorbell!

Our artist, Cynthia Henstock, built this house with her husband and they lovingly call it the Cedar House. It is a beautiful work of craftsmanship with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. Inside of her home it has all of the gorgeous wood exposed.

Cynthia is an amazing watercolor painter that creates beautiful Idaho scenes. Her studio is one of her bedrooms filled with great light, organization, and supplies! Thank you for sharing your space, Cynthia!

studio tour

2009-01-19T20:30:00.005-07:00

I belong to a super group of artists, called the Visual Art Committee (VAC). We decided to tour each others studios this past weekend for the fun of it. And BOY! was it fun! Patti Hamaishi was the first artist to open up her home for us. She just moved into her home a little over a year ago so it still had that new home smell to it. These pictures are samples of the very brave color palette her kids chose to paint their rooms. I LOVE their colors! I need to try to be that brave one day. The Welcome sign was created by Patti's son, Paul.

This is inside of her studio which is tucked away upstairs away from the main living area. It is a wonderful, large space filled with natural light thanks to a couple of sky lights and windows at both ends of the room. Patti has a lot of storage to hold all of her supplies and books which is so important. On the left in this picture is built ins with lots of wonderful counterspace while on the right are beautiful wood cases she stores a lot of her art books in. And then right down the middle are a couple of tables in which she does her work and invites other people to join her on occasion.

Patti and her husband bought these horizontal files in which she can store even more art supplies as well as house her mat cutter on top! We were all very jealous of the files!!!

Here are the beautiful bookcases with just a small sample of her art books!

Patti also has her own bathroom and another sink in her cre8ive space! What a lucky gal! Thank you for opening up your studio for us Patti.

Stay tuned for more studios from our tour in my upcoming blogs!

Peace on Earth

2008-12-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

Project Runway

2008-12-27T12:40:00.000-07:00

On my recent trip to NYC, my very sweet cuz took me to Parson's New School of Design as well as Mood Fabrics. Any Project Runway fan will understand why these might be stops I'd like to make. I was so very impressed with Mood. The people there were awesome, they had a dog that ran around patrolling the place called "Swatches" (I think), and the three HUGE floors of fabric and buttons and tassles and trim...OMG, it was very inspiring...and I don't even sew. If you ever find yourself if nyc, it is a must see for us cre8ive types. Even my cuz, who is a nyc cop and not a cre8ive type was impressed with the eye candy! VERY INSPIRING!

2008-12-26T14:25:00.001-07:00

I was lucky enough to visit NYC for turkey day with my mom and my cuz, Chris. OMG! It was a great trip with lots of eye candy. There is nothing like a new place to inspire some cre8ivity!

Buns in the Oven

2008-12-26T14:20:00.002-07:00

My BFF Kellee Sharples opened a beautiful and fun boutique in Boise. I painted her windows for the Christmas season. Luckily the weather was gorgeous! You simply MUST go by and check out the store!

Hanna!

2008-11-22T21:29:00.004-07:00

My little niece just turned 8 and so I made her name using her fav colors and butterflies. It was quite challenging but it worked out just fine! Hanna is totally into art and she is amazingly talented for such a young gal! Even though I know she takes after her mom, I pretend she takes after me. hee hee. Enjoy your day.

New Etsy Store!

2008-11-22T21:15:00.003-07:00

I finally have opened my Etsy store for biznezz. Please go visit it and yeah, you can buy stuff from there too! That is a great way to make my day. :) There are a lot of benefits from buying work from my Etsy store for Christmas presents this year...one: you'll be supporting my art habit and therefore I'll continue cre8ing art. Two: you'll make THREE people happy with one present-the giftee, the gifter (yourself for being so very thoughtful), and the artist! Three: you won't be getting any lead infested, made in China crapola. And Four: you will justify my art habit to my husband that calls himself an art widow and maybe he will be ok with the hours I spend in my studio. Ok, now go check out my Etsy shop and buy a lot of cre8ive stuff for Christmas!

Cre8ive Fun!

2008-11-22T20:59:00.003-07:00

I call this little gal my Inspiration Angel. She shares ideas with me so that I can be more cre8ive. I made her today with my friends Jonna and Donna. (No, they aren't twins even though they sound like they could be. ) My Inspiration Angel started out with a little whisk broom, then burlap and cheese cloth. She's got barbed wire wings, a lightbulb wired with a spring to her head, and a pull chain for some extra bling. This was sooooo much fun! I had SO much fun that I had to make TWO dolls! The 2nd one is a flower child...She's got the long hair donated from Jonna's horse. She's got her big flower on her belly thanks to a faucet and what's a hippy without roach clips? Her arms are made of clips with wires that had the ends stripped to make copper hands. It's a lot of fun to use odds and ends sitting around your basement. I hope you'll be cre8ive with reuseable items too! Enjoy!

How can you stay mad at a robot?

2008-09-30T19:35:00.003-06:00

Lately life seems a bit out of control...with the financial markets in turmoil, our country is still in a war, and every penny is precious. What's the use in getting crazy over it? There is little we can do. So, I propose you let go of the anger, worry, or fret and cre8 something that makes you happy! Peace!

School is back in session

2008-09-22T19:01:00.002-06:00

It's actually over a month into the school year and I'm just now getting to blog. Funny how a simple job can take over your life! It's all good though. The kids are creating amazing stuff and in my couple of minutes here or there I get to also! The cupcake above is one of four that I did for an upcoming show in Boise. I'll be the featured artist at Bun in the Oven on First Thursday, October 2nd. It goes from 5-9 pm so it would be great to see you all there! Bun in the Oven is located in Bodo (down the street from PF Changs) and they will be serving wine and appetizers! Bring everyone you know!!! Have you eaten anything lately that looks good enough to paint? Go ahead and have fun being cre8ive with your food!

School has begun!

2008-09-20T23:34:00.001-06:00

CPSA International Show!

2008-08-23T19:29:00.002-06:00

Here I am at the Color Pencil Society of America's International Show held this year in Seattle. It was so very inspiring to see such AMAZING color pencil pieces all together. And such a rush to be a part of it! It's worth taking risks in life even if you stumble some times. The rush once you achieve a goal is well worth a set back. Enjoy a cre8ive risk today!

busy little bee

2008-08-07T12:57:00.004-06:00

In February, my husband and I and a bunch of fun friends took a cruise around the Eastern Carribean and I just fell in love with all of the colors in the area. I got to play around with some new mediums last week at a workshop with Kristy Kutch and so I did this scene using Graphitints and Inktense pencils from Derwent. They worked great!
I absolutely love color...have you noticed? Anywho, I bought this cupcake JUST so I could draw it! YUMMY! The best part...I get to eat it after I'm done! What a racket!

A very clever realtor and friend, Marcella Trueba from Century 21, commissioned me to do this Welcome Home so that she may give her home buyers a thank you gift. What fun!

Sock Monkeys!

2008-07-21T01:05:00.004-06:00

Don't you just love sock monkeys? I sure hope CJ does! Her parents have called her Monkey forever and they asked me to do her name using monkeys. I've been wanting to draw sock monkeys and asked CJ if that was ok with her...being the totally cool gal that she is she said that was fine and so here you go...Sock Monkey Fun! I'm working on a rather large drawing right now and so I'm burning the midnight oil to get 'er done. I have one more letter to do! I'll post it as soon as I can cuz it's coming out super cool. I can't wait until my client sees it!!! Oh, speakinhg of seeing things....check out Linda Lucas Hardy's blogsite. She has pics from our workshop on it...that's the one I did the peppers. http://lindalucashardy.blogspot.com/

I've got one more week until I go to another workshop! Can't wait to learn more cre8ive stuff!

Cre8ive work, work, work!

2008-07-13T12:22:00.003-06:00

Practice makes better! So, I went to a colored pencil workshop in June taught by the super talented Linda Lucas Hardy and not only had a lot of fun but also learned a whole new technique! The result is my red and green pepper. That took about 12 hours to do! Color pencil is very rewarding but man oh man, you've got to have patience. I LOVE IT! I also love Id Falls in which I got to meet wonderfully talented people associated with the Color Pencil Society up there. I'm very impressed with their artistic town and the super kind people. Thank you Ladies for being so very welcoming and getting a true master to our little state!
Noah is a little guy in Texas that has some Hawaiin love in him. His name was created in the spirit of vintage Hawaii post cards. I loved doing this one!

Catching up!

2008-07-11T17:47:00.003-06:00

So, this fishing lure pic is one I did in color pencil (of course!) and I entered it into the Color Pencil Society's International show which is in Seattle this year. I got juried in and it's an excellent step into becoming the world famous artist that one I day I will become! Yahoooooo! I get to go to the Artist's reception at the Convention center in Seattle on Aug 2nd too. I gotta give a shout out to my graphic design guy, Eric over at Blue Print Specialties in Boise for doing such a good scan and saving my bacon! If you'll be in Seattle this summer, the piece will be up with about 125 other color pencil works until the end of Sept! Check it out!!!
This crazy colored park scene is one I did in watercolors for the Mountain Home Art Council's Summer Series t-shirts! Isn't it wild and crazy? I LOVE color! If you want to get a wonderful shirt and check out some super groovy music (the concerts are free!) then go to Carl Miller Park on July 17, July 31, August 14, and August 21 around 6 pm (I think)! It's the best thing to do in Mountain Home in the summers!!!!
This is a name I did for a little unborn baby that already has the nickname of Bean. There is some symbolism in there to give wishes for their little one. I wish Bean love, peace, health, and lofty dreams!

lame blogger

2008-07-10T14:23:00.010-06:00

Sorry I've been so busy that I haven't even had time to post. So, I'll do so quickly right now. A couple of very exciting things in my life...I am illustrating a children's book for a couple of talented writers that will self publish on Amazon.com very soon! Also, one of my dearest friends is opening a new store in Boise and she'll be featuring my artwork! The store is called Buns in the Oven-from Labor to Love. It's a maternity and children's clothes and gift store and it is located in BODO (in the neighborhood of PF Changs). I'll give you all of the details to that store (directions, web site, etc) as soon as they are available for me to give. I still am kicking it into high gear with my word art! It's been a blast to have such creative opportunities...thank you all! So, check out the latest work! Enjoy.

Read and Grow was illustrated for the Mountain Home Public Library for their summer reading program. They have a theme of bugs this year!

A very special former student of mine has a lot of talents and interests. His wonderful parents commissioned me to create his last name using a lot of those interests! This was a blast and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have been able to do this for my bud, Drew!

I LOVE my teaching job because of the parental support as well as the amazingly talented students that I get to work with! Amber and Brian are another great example of this! Their parents commissioned me to do this piece for their graduation present. It was so much fun to do!

Ok, I'll try my best to post right away since I have more that I haven't shown off yet!

Cre8ive PSA's

2008-05-26T21:47:00.003-06:00

The Public Service Announcements my students came up with took over our school's bulletin boards during Final's week. Hopefully, like all PSA's they got attention to the right audience and helped a person or two! These students did a great Cre8ive thing! I'm so proud of them!!! Have a good day.

My cre8ive kids!

2008-05-22T21:39:00.003-06:00

I am fortunate enough to work in a creative field that not only allows me to share my itty bitty knowledge of art and life but also, grow as an artist by being inspired by such creative students! The mission was to reach out to their peers with a public service announcement using art. Check them out so far...

Tornadoes in Mountain Home?

2008-05-22T21:32:00.002-06:00

The day my realtor comes to put her for-sale signs on my property, a 20ft freaking tree decides to lay down in my yard! Thankfully no one or nothing was hurt (other than the tree). Anyone want a 20 ft tree?

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T17:03:00.002-06:00

Aren't MOM's the BEST thing in this world? No wonder there is a day made just for them! That is why I made this artwork...they are true angels walking around our world and they deserve a special day, a special artwork, and a Billion dollars each! (Thanks, Pam, for commissioning such a thoughtful piece!)

Townhouse for Sale

2008-05-04T17:46:00.003-06:00

So, I am selling this townhouse and I'm pretty sentimental about it. It's a good time for me to sell it with all of the needs we have in our new home so I'm sure that the next owner will find it as important to them as it has been to me. Please click on the link if you're interested in a good investment property or a cute townhome for yourself! http://www.militarybyowner.com/listings/hometour.asp?F_BASE_ID=125&F_STATE=ID&LISTING_ID=70949
PS-that's a Cre8ive paint job in that photo!

Sista' Luv!

2008-04-29T19:40:00.003-06:00

Aint having a sister the best thing in the world? I'm very fortuneate because mine is totally AWESOME! I did these names for some sisters that have May birthdays. I love to be able to put in little fun details that make it personal for the reciever (like a thumb sucking habit!) Enjoy! I'm on a mission to get some mother's day artwork done! Don't forget to be cre8ive today!

2008-04-20T12:11:00.000-06:00

happy place

2008-04-07T16:46:00.003-06:00

One of my dear friends told me about Nico, a little boy with cancer. It's just not fair that someone so innocent has to learn about one of the most devilish sicknesses out there. Hopefully these little robots will help him find a happy place for a couple of minutes at least. Meanwhile I'll keep praying for you Nico!

Come on Spring!

2008-03-26T18:23:00.003-06:00

It was fun to put together a collection of planes for my little friend Simon's name. I love that I could incorporate a plane that really is super beneficial to Idaho in the summer when it's wild fire season.

This name REALLY made me jonesing for spring. I want to see flowers again! Come on sunshine!

Finally!

2008-03-22T21:35:00.004-06:00

Ok, so I haven't been gone on vaca since the middle of February. I just have been so very busy that I haven't been able to post on my blog. This photo was taken in Barbados. Man oh Man, you have GOT to go to the Caribbean. It is so very beautiful. The colors! Wow! I was amazed that I swam in the ocean in February and was totally comfortable.

I've been crazy busy with commissions! Thank you all!!!! Here is one of them...

It seemed a bit weird to draw snowmen right when I got back from splashing around in the Caribbean but it was still a blast! The gal that ordered this one also got one for her hubby...

Vacation Time!

2008-02-16T09:55:00.007-07:00

I'm off to find new inspiration for my art. It's a tough job but someone must do it. I'll be back from cruisin' the WARM Caribbean on February 25th and once I get my land legs back, I'll post something new! Meanwhile, take a look at our groups last art show. It was another great event!

This is Ginger Vogt's wonderfully colorful artwork. If you are interested in seeing more of her work check out her web site at http://www.wildwildwestart.com/.

Let me introduce you to a beautiful lady named Lee Blackwell. She is a "cowgirl" that has perfected the endangered art of horse hair hitching. It is gorgeous work! If you are interested in seeing more of it check out her site at http://www.cowcampcreations.ws/.

This is one of our talented photographer's booths. Jerry Kencke is an amazing photographer that has photos hung in our Govenor's office! He is such a dedicated artist that he was at our show with a neck brace and cuts and bruises all over his face from a terrible automobile accident that luckily he survived but his truck did not. To see more of his fantastic work check out his site at

http://www.jerrykenckephotography.com .

There were plenty of booths with lots of varied artists! If you missed this show, you can always check out my web site at www.brendaraub.com for upcoming opportunities or the Mountain Home Arts Councils site at www.mharts.org for all art events in our area.

Are you afraid of color?

2008-02-02T13:39:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's the gray days of winter or the death caused by our President's lies, I feel whatever colors make me smile I want them around me. I just completed a series of paintings using color that demands my attention away from the real life ugliness. If you like the idea of getting away from reality, look at art, surround yourself with art that takes you to another reality, cre8 art that makes YOU happy.

Last night I had 3 art students of mine go to a closing art reception at Boise State University. Out of 110 pieces of high school art we had 5 pieces chosen to go into a show that galleried 60 works. My students were so proud of themselves as they should be! Their work was very strong and I imagined they could bring home a prize of Best of Show or such. But subjectivity was not on our side and another student won. What I did get out of the show was that even though I appreciate the jurors opinion, I felt very confident that my student's work was among the very best at the show. So, remember, art is indeed subjective. What makes one person happy doesn't neccesarily make another one smile. My mom always has told me that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and I am constantly reminded of that.

I'm very proud of my students and their artwork. I won't change the criteria I expect from my students even though it did cross my mind after the jurying process was over. I will however, emphasis to them that they need to find that happy place in their art. That is our journey as artists.

Snow Day!

2008-01-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

Snow days are fabulous when you are a teacher! Friday we had fog and ice and of course snow so we were notified that there would be no school that day! Once the fog cleared, it was BEAUTIFUL out. The sky was crazy clear and the trees were covered in frost. I spent an hour roaming around taking pics of the colors. That is my idea of a great day! Enjoy your day!

Ellie

2008-01-26T21:36:00.000-07:00

The owner of The Village Art Center in Mountain Home has a precious little granddaughter named Ellie. The elephant theme was based on Ellie's mom loving elephants as well as tie dye. Grandma loves dachsunds so the pups had to make an appearance also. I think elephants are so precious and it was really special to create this one. I've been working on some acrylic paintings lately...stay tuned.

I'm growing up!!!

2008-01-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

Here at the Brenda Raub headquarters (my 12 x 12 bedroom made into a studio) we have gone BIG TIME! That's right folks...we have a real web site! I'm hoping to woo the New York children's book publishers into making me a full time illustrator! Send good ju ju's my way please! So, check out the site and know that I'm still learning all of the bells and whistles and hopefully one day I'll build a web site that would make Bill Gates sort of proud! Check it out at this easy to remember site...www.brendaraub.com. Love and Peace to you!

Hannah!

2008-01-21T23:13:00.000-07:00

Every Friday I meet at our local Moxie Java for coffee with a dear friend of mine. She is an incredibly strong lady who has overcome breast cancer, divorce from her husband which ostracized her from her church, and teaching in public schools! Her days now since retiring is spent playing dolls with her granddaughter, Hannah. I cre8ed this horsey name because Hannah has a little cow gal in her.

Debbie

2008-01-18T22:04:00.000-07:00

I've been pretty busy with commission work and this is the latest one I've cre8ed. I really love doing these and it's even a bigger bonus when I know a little of the story behind the person receiving the artwork. The gal, Debbie, is getting this piece from her sister-in-law. Debbie just happens to be a young 50-something down syndrome beauty that LOVES penguins! What an awesome present!!!

Go Fish!

2008-01-14T17:40:00.000-07:00

I've been having fun with my cre8ive letters! I hope you've found inspiration somewhere out there too!

Daisies at Sunday Lake

2008-01-08T21:31:00.000-07:00

A weird thing happens when someone you love passes away. You find out things you never knew before. Suddenly little things mean more than they ever did. So, when my dad passed away a couple of years ago, I found out his nickname in high school was Daisy. A little strange for a former Chief of the Air Force to have a floral name, I think. When I went back to his home town, Wakefield Michigan to visit his grave site, I walked around the hub of the little town, Sunday Lake. I took many photos because it was a beautiful day with many beautiful vistas. One shot I was excited to get was one with Daisies in the foreground with the lake in the back. I'm sure anyone else that may have gotten a shot of daisies with lakes in the background would never have gotten as satisfied as I was at that moment. I got back to Idaho and went to work on a color pencil drawing of that scene. For Christmas this year, I gave my mom the piece all framed in a beautiful custom frame with suede matting. She cried, I cried, and we hugged. Isn't that what Christmas is all about? HA!

I think it's always interesting to see an artist's interpretation of a landscape. So, now you can see the photo I took along with the art results. I encourage you to look through your photos, find a shot you like, and try to draw or paint it. You don't have to put it on a blog site for the whole world to see so there isn't any real pressure. If you DO like it, however, send me an email with the artwork attached! I'd love to see it and hey, maybe I'll even post it to my blog! Keep Cre8ing!!!!

Mom and Dad

2008-01-07T21:49:00.000-07:00

Are we born to be artists? Is there an artist in all of us and the way we continue to cre8 is by being nurtured properly? Or does one or a couple of things along our life's path lead us to become an artist? These are all good questions that I don't think anyone knows the answer to, however, if you feel you do PLEASE leave me a comment...I'd love to hear your thoughts.

For me I think I had some sort of natural interest in working with my hands. However, I wouldn't be where I am today writing this cre8ive blog without my parents encouragement. Man oh man, when I found this picture today hidden on one of those almost extinct floppy disks it just made my day. There are so many good feelings when I look at this picture. For those of you that don't know, my dad died a couple of years ago unexpectadely. My mom is such a trooper and she keeps on working (way too much) and spoiling us kids. But both of them believed in me and my art and made me have the confidence to study it in college. They bought me endless supplies of paint, canvas, paper, pens, pencils, batteries for my electric pencil sharpener, drawing tables, easels...you name it! My parents always mentioned how much they liked my work. My dad had me paint a Christmas picture on their living room window one year. My mom gave me personal requests for work she'd like on her walls. These parents of mine aren't artists themselves. They didn't teach me how to paint, draw, or think of crazy ideas in my head. They encouraged me to be what I loved to do. That is by far the BEST gift they have ever given me. I love you mom and dad. And also, all of you that have shown me so much support in all my cre8ive ventures!!!

Speaking of cre8ive ventures...my next art show is February 9th from 6-9 at Carmela Winery. It is a beautiful venue with lots of wine, live jazz, and amazing art for sale. If you plan on eating dinner there you will also get your admission ($20) waived! Believe me, even if you do pay the $20 it is sooo worth it! Lots of free wine to sample, lots of delicious food to munch on, and the art and music is superb! I'd love to see all of my regulars as well as a new face or two! Have a good night! I've got to get to sleep to handle all of those crazy teenagers tomorrow. :)

Couch Painting

2008-01-06T22:24:00.000-07:00

So, I cre8ed an actual "couch" painting. My husband likes to put his boat in at
Cottonwood and this is my rendition of that dock site.
It was a lot of fun to do something that I haven't done in awhile. I'm usually doing such small details with color pencil that this was a mini cre8ive vaca for me. Enjoy and have a good week. I go back to work tomorrow morning so it's time to hit the hay.

This is my house

2008-01-05T15:38:00.001-07:00

Lucky for me, my husband builds houses. It's great because I can have that process as a cre8ive outlet! He has a blog site also. Check it out to get helpful information about building and remodeling! raubinc@blogspot.com

Well! Here's that handsome builder now!

Unique gift ideas

2008-01-03T11:15:00.000-07:00

I did a name for a little gal that isn't even born yet...Haylie. Her mom likes giraffes and the best freind commissioned me to do the future Haylie's name. Isn't that the best idea for a shower gift? I'm sure the new mommie will be sooo surprised and happy. My friend at the local frame shop LOVES giraffes and thought this was the best one I've done so far. It was a lot of fun but so is all of the other ones I get to do! Thank you for the support Peeps!

It's been awhile since I did this one but I still love it. Zoey liked bugs so the step mom commissioned me to do this one. In real life it looked really good. The reproduction wasn't that great. But, you can get the general idea still.

If you need a one-of-a kind gift for someone, you can email me and I can create one for you! Each letter takes me about 3 hours to create. You'll get your artwork professionally framed in about 3 to 4 weeks! Framed sizes are typically 7" x 19".

IDEAS: Some older people might not like their first name but would rather have their last name created. Others might like a favorite word created: Like Enjoy, Wander, Rest, Relax, or Namaste.

Peace!

More art to show...

2008-01-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

I love to do cre8ive letters! This a sample of my latest alphabet called Smile.

Don't you think these letters would be fun in a dentist's office?

Jadyn is a little fiesty girly girl, so I thought cute little girl devils dressing up in fun fashions, spending time with her dog, and smelling the flowers would be appropriate. This also has glitter on it but glitter doesn't show too well when reproduced. Hopfully, Jadyn and her parents will love her illustrated name! It was a blast to do it.

Here's a detail of a couple of the letters. You can tell there is glitter in the fairy's dust and the gals princess dress.

I hope 2008 is doing GREAT for all of you art lovers out there!!! Thanks for checking back in.

A Sunny New Year!

2008-01-01T11:39:00.000-07:00

Happy 2008! It's officially that time of year when you have to try to make 7's into 8's. I'm a pro since I'm prone to making a lot of boo boos! Since I've been on break from my FT job I've been fairly productive in my studio. Proof is in the puddin'. You're reading it...an art blog. My NY's resolutions are more like goals that I THINK I can achieve rather than wishes about my pant size. Mostly, they are about art and what I would like to achieve each year. I'm on a 10 year plan to become a free-lance illustrator. That means I'll retire as a FT art teacher and then illustrate for children's books, greeting cards, scrap book companies, etc. So, in order to get closer to that goal, I had to go WORLD WIDE BABY! This blog is step 1. (well, after doing kick butt artwork of course!) Eventually, I'll have a real web site, a good scanner, mass post cards with a mass mailing list. But today and tomorrow, I'm still discovering what I REALLY like to do and what the public are willing to spend their hard earned dimes on. THAT is a good question! So, when you like something you see on my blog site...let me know. Of course, the ultimate compliment is an offer to purchase!

These 3-d suns have been selling well! They are pretty fun to make but I'm ready to move onto another form. Stay tuned for the next cre8ion!

Color Pencil of Rylee

2008-01-01T00:15:00.000-07:00

Can you say sugar rush? Yummy!!!! This was fun to Cre8! I want to do a whole alphabet but each letter takes something like 3 to 4 hours to do! And then there are the calories to worry about...good thing my personal chef, Roberto has a killer sweet tooth!

2008-01-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

IT's NYE! GoOD ByE 2007! HeLLo 2008! TiME to Cre8!

This is a letter I did for a little gal named Rylee that likes SWEETS! I used colored pencils and then when I was done...I ate the treats! What a great way to Cre8!