The Heart Of a Seed

2012-01-24T09:12:00.000-08:00

~Oh my gosh!~
~ I actually remembered my password !~
~I've been painting lots, set painting, for theater.~
~I am trying to figure out how to redecorate this blog.~ A little scary, bc, I haven't changed anything here in such a long time.~
~have a lovely day~

~Blue Sky's~

2011-04-10T11:58:00.000-07:00


~Blue Sky's for as far as you can see !~

2011-04-06T18:44:00.000-07:00

~Painting sets again~But, it is just a small visit~just helping out the theatre that I used to spend 40 plus hours a week working for.~I keep trying to retire from being a scenic, but~I don't really believe I can ever truly give it up.~There is so much fun in painting SO LARGE.~Mixing great big buckets of paint, using a large paint brush, a Hudson sprayer(normally used to spray your garden)~standing right on top of your painting & working your way down, splashing paint with just the right motion.~Well, it really is pretty wonderful.~I do miss it.~So, truly, I am enjoying this small visit.~
~I will take pictures tomorrow~I am painting sky's~lots of sky~pretty blues~A room filled of sky's !~All on the floor now~but, will soon be up-right on stage.~
~amy~

~today~

2011-03-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

~So, it's been a very thoughtful & busy day.~I don't really care to try & analyze life~mine or anyone else's.~But, there are times~like today, when someone so very precious has left & gone to heaven.~You must stop & think about all that she was & did.~Elizabeth Taylor has left our world~ but, she has left us with so much to remember her by.~Her talent~her heartfelt actions & her beautiful eyes.~
~I think of a story my mom would tell about Elizabeth~my mom was young when Liz was young~Anyway, Elizabeth had 4 children~3 from her own self & 1 adopted~~~~So, here is the story~~~"A director once said about Elizabeth Taylor~ "Elizabeth is a wonderful Mother, if any of her children are sick~that's it !~She stays home with them.~The film stops till her child is better,"~And then my Moms memory of seeing Elizabeth Taylor being interviewed in her home with her grandchild on her lap(1st. grandchild born when she was 39)~
so, grandchild on her lap~teething on one of her big diamond rings."~
~I loved Elizabeth Taylor so much~She truly was BEAUTIFUL !~

~My PineCone Ornys~

2011-03-23T06:05:00.000-07:00

~I have been working away on my little PineCone Ornys~but, as I have made them they have been sold , right here in my own "little world" of Richmond Va.~this makes me hap,hap,happy~but, I sure would like to have at least 10 to put on the Doll Town sight to sell .~I'm still embellishing a group, so I will hang onto them to sell.~
~And, if the little darlings were not sold~I have given away a few~this little "Nest Elf"~was my donation to Easter Seals, " Eggstravaganza " ~ artists create "egg art"(art w/ an egg theme), there is a silent auction at a very fancy, black tie ball & the moneys are given to Easter Seals.~Nice right ?~My son Gabriel & I both donated art this year.~We have both donated before, but this is our 1st. year donating in the same auction.~Fun~
~amy~

2011-03-21T05:10:00.000-07:00

~I finished & delivered this little side table to Glow Med Spa~a spa that I have been doing decorative painting for, over the last year.~This little table turned out so pretty~ I took my paperclay & sculpted the vines & then painted them.~2 coats of water-based clear-coat was brushed on to protect everything.~
~amy~

2011-03-10T14:49:00.000-08:00

~I won !~Remember the "Hearts Around the World" blog tour I took part in, back in med Feb.?~ Well, I won a prize !~ From Gloria over at New End Studios .Look at the fun goodys I received in the mail.~I have plans for those little wooden fellows in Rowan dollhouse & there was the prettiest fabric.The whole package made me feel like I had just been to my granny's & was coming home with some treasures~Thank You, Gloria !~
~That was so much fun that day~seems like so long ago & I had so many visitors, I felt so popular.~I can say I did indeed add to my blog list & places I will visit.~I actually do more visiting here lately, than writing on my blog.~& maybe if I posted more regularly, than I could be visited more, DaH !~ :)
Life has been busy, just as it is for everyone.~ I have been working on my Pine-Cone Ornys, I want to have a nice little group done before adding them to the new Doll Town site.~
~AmY~

2011-02-26T18:29:00.000-08:00

~GRAND OPENING~

OOAK, handmade art dolls...

Come over to DOLL TOWN

this Sunday evening, February 27th

for the Grand Opening... @ 7:00 p.m.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I hope to have my Pine-Cone Ornys there by the opening, but

I still have some things to figure out about the sight ~ Since it's all

brand new & everything.~ So, I'll keep you posted about my work.~

Some very talented artists are selling their dolls there,

so please go & enjoy & maybe buy something wonderful !

2011-02-26T12:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Johnny Cash !~~one of my most "GRAND MOMENTS" in my life was in the summer of 1983, when I was visiting N.Y. w/ brother-in-law Greig Leach & friend Lewis Poole~Greig was delivering some paintings to a gallery & I was along for the fun of it.~I was in a pharmacy buying soap & flip-flops~I was standing in line & looked up to see Johnny Cash standing in front of me.~I just stood there looking up @ him for about 5minutes~my heart beating wildly.~then he turned around he looked down @ 4'9" me & said "excuse mam" & smiled~he walked away & my eyes filled w/ tears~wonderful emotions~ I was 22 years old & I will never forget that grand moment in my life.~
~I love this video of Johnny with his wife June~ I love the way he circles around her when he sings.~

~& the winner IS~

2011-02-18T09:59:00.000-08:00

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 56

~# 56 on my comment list !~ PIXIE !~ over at Pixies Ponderings !~

~This was tons of fun & I felt oh so popular~ 97 visitors in just a few days.~And, it was so nice to take part in this tour in bloggy world, I definitely found some new friends.~

~One World One Heart~

2011-02-10T07:44:00.000-08:00

~I'm not to LATE !~

~Not to late to sign up & take part in a bloggy tour, given by Lisa, @ A Whimsical Bohemian .~ This is like a big "bloggy open house"~ to get to know your fellow bloggers a little better.~
~Welcome~ my name is Amy, I have been an artist my whole life.~I am a painter, doll-making, crafting, scenic artist kinda gal.~Most recently, the past 6 years or so, my main focus has been scenic art as a scenic & teaching the art.~Painting sets for theaters.~Love this exciting "work" & always will. ~ But, I am, at least for now, trying to focus on my own art.~Paintings, pastels, my Pine-Cone Ornys, doll-making.~ So, add 4 children to this & you have a happy & very busy me.~

And, to take part you asked to offer a door prize to your visitors, how very nice.~ All you need do, is leave a comment here, on this post, that's it ~ just let me know you were here & your in the drawing .~And, you don't need to even be taking part in the tour.But, it isn't to late. It will end on Feb.17 @ midnight. So, leave your message before then. ~
~My door prize is one of my ~Snowman Pine-Cone Ornys ~
~a list of the participants can be found here.~
~so, thank you for visiting~ amy ~

~OH WAIT ! ~Remember the tiny sweater I made for my sisters "little sweet pea" ? (I forgot to mention, I love knitting & all kinds of hand-work)~ Baby Dom, was born 4 weeks early~ I am so happy to tell you, both momma & baby are doing wonderfully !~ Dom is getting chubbier & chubbier & Bronwyn is relaxing,,, some.~ I had to share this picture of Dom, in his tiny sweater !~ too cute~

~Dollhouse~

2011-01-28T06:30:00.000-08:00

~This little dollhouse was a Christmas present for Rowan.~ It is a Corona Dollhouse Kit~ I bid on it on ebay.~ 23 $~ There were quite a few to bid on~ I think people buy them, but never get around to putting them together.~ What a lucky little girl Rowan is~ her dad is a cabinetmaker !~ Philip is doing a beautiful job putting her little cottage together & he really is enjoying himself.~ It will be done soon, then Rowan & I will paint it.~Then the fun of decorating ~ so many decisions to make.~ There is a dollhouse store just down the street from us.~But, we plan on making a lot of our own tiny things to put in it.~ And, we need to find a little family to live in it.~ I'll keep taking pictures along the way.~

~GIVEAWAY !~ not here, yet~ over at German Dolls~ she makes the sweetest dolls, Waldorf style, & doll clothes~ I have just found her blog today.~But, I will be visiting there often.~Go, sign-up !~

~tiny sweater for Sweetest, little guy~

2011-01-22T06:54:00.000-08:00

~tiny sweater, that I knitted for my sister, Bronwyn's sweet baby boy, Dominic.~ He was born on Dec. 30, 2010~ 3 weeks early.~ 4lbs.7oz.~ I can tell you, it is very hard to find preemie clothes~ I was amazed, I went from store to store & managed to find only 3 outfits.~Then I decided I needed to knit a sweet little sweater for Dom.~I had to make up my own pattern, but it came together pretty quickly.~

~My beautiful sister Bronwyn & her precious little, baby boy~ 2 weeks old here.~Look how beautiful they are.~


~Bronwyn is in her quiet baby world~her days & nights are all about baby Dom~I am in awe of her.~She went in for her regular check-up last year & walked out 9 weeks pregnant !~ She turned 44 in Nov.~ Dominic is her 4th. child~ Bronwyn's last baby Ella, is 12.~~~~ Isn't she beautiful ?~~~& Baby Dom is just the sweetest little fellow~ so many expressions.~I love listening to her talk to him.~

~Christmas~

2010-12-26T11:08:00.000-08:00

~Merry Christmas !~
~We are having a sweet Christmas here in Virginia.~It was a white Christmas~snow~so, beautiful !~
~I want very much to show you the doll that was made by Cathy @ ~Snugglebug Blessings~ for me for our doll swap, hosted by Zan @ Vagabond Creations~~~
Isn't she beautiful?~I love her so much !~Thank you Cathy~

~Here is the doll that I made for Cathy~ I love doll swaps !~
Merry Christmas to you all !~
~amy~

~Halloween~

2010-11-01T18:18:00.000-07:00

~Halloween at my house.~
We had Rowan as "Alice" & Hannah as the "Cheshire Cat"~ & the Rowan's sweet, little bunny as the "sweet little bunny".~ :)

~Where'd it Go?~

2010-10-15T10:29:00.001-07:00

~Something happened to my "background color & design" here on my bloggy.~ It used to be a very pretty blue, kinda linen look.~ And, it just disappeared one day.~I have cautiously tried to get it back, by messing w/ the design elements.~But, I'm afraid I will mess up the whole thing.~Guess, I'm going to message Annette @ Huckleberry Arts, she did such a great job, making my bloggy look pretty.~
~Does anyone know of a "quick fix"?~
OoO~amy~

~Fall~

2010-10-04T18:29:00.000-07:00

~Love this time of year~ Time to decorate~ Open windows~ You don't need the AC on or the heat, it is just perfect, better than perfect, refreshing.~
~This little ghosty was made last Halloween for the Monster Swap~ Can't believe I never posted a picture of him.~Oh wait, yes I can~ :)

~the Ocean !~

2010-08-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

~We are here !~ Surf City, N.C. !~ We arrived yesterday, we will be here all week in our oceanfront cottage.~ It is so beautiful here.~ We are going to relax & enjoy this beautiful beach.~
~It has been so long since we have had a family vacation.~We are so happy.~
~Wish, Gabriel could come, he had to stay home~work~ bummer~ but, I am going to try & put together a "mini vacation" when we get back.~
~amy~

~Ms. Aaloka~

2010-07-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

~This beautiful flower was given to me by Ms. Aaloka.~ It is a "Tube Rose" & it smells so wonderful!~ Aaloka is her first name & she is from Bangladesh. We worked together for about a year in the "after school day-care, at Our Lady of Lourdes School".~It was a perfect part-time job for me at the time.~We were took care of the pre-K & kindergartners. She was Ms. Aaloke & I was Ms. Amy, to the little peoples.~
~So, I call her Ms. Aaloka, Aaloka, means "lustrous".~ And, Ms. Aaloka really is, she lights up when you see her.~She is more than likely in her mid, maybe late 60's, but it is hard to tell, by the way she looks & acts.~Her manner is kind,loving & very happy.~The two of us, just loved each other & would talk & talk.~
~Anyway, our job was to love & care for those "little, tiny bits" when they were done with school.~From 3 till 5:30.~
~At the end of the school year, Ms. Aaloka started bringing these flowers in, from her garden~ some for Ms. Kathy ~who was our wonderful "boss-lady"& some for me.~What a gift !~She told me, "put them on your table & when you wake up in the morning your house is going to smell so wonderful!"~I fell in love!~Amazing smell!~
~I had to quit working there this past Dec., I was painting a lot of sets~& that was a good thing, but, bad, because I had to leave the after care program & my sweet friends & "little stinkers".
~So, this Spring~who do you think I got a call from?~ Ms. Aaloka~Funny because, I answered the phone:"hello"~ the very sweet Indian voice on the end said,: "Amy!~Who do you think this is?"~in my mind I was (smiling) & saying, "ummm this is hard, lol!"~ Out loud, I said: "Ms. Aaloka!"~(she doesn't use the phone very often, I know this, because, she told me so. :)
~Her answer was the sweetest :"YES!"~ you ever herd.~
~We talked a little, then she said:" Remember I told you, I would give those flowers?"~
~me~"Yes"~ Her: "I have some for you!"~
You have to know how happy she sounded, my heart felt so happy too.~
We planted them in the front yard, near our porch.~
~So, I now have my own Tube Roses~ & they are blooming right now.~ I'm not sure, but, I guess they bloom all summer.~Because, Ms. Aaloka's bloomed in the Spring.~We had no blosomes when we planted them & I didn't think they would bloom till next year.~
~I was just sitting outside & their beautiful smell was just now, relaxing me & making me feel so happy.~
~Thank You Ms. Aaloka~<3~
~amy~

2010-07-21T18:01:00.000-07:00

~I want to write my name in the sand with my toes again !~ This "little" family needs to have a vacation.~We all have been working real hard & we need to be refreshed.~ I have taken the kids on little day trips to the river & "here & there's".~But, we need a real get away.~ It has been 3 years since our last family vacation.~
~Well, with any luck after these last projects are complete, the Sullivan's will load up the"Sulevan", (that is what my license plates read) & get away to breath the ocean air.~
~amy~

2010-06-24T11:25:00.000-07:00

~Cinderella~
~Here are some pictures of the set painting that has kept me busy over this past season.~
~two really wonderful shows, 1st. we did "Cinderella" ~then "Peter Pan".~ I really love working with CYT~Christian Youth Theater~ the actors are age 8-18 !~ These productions are amazing, from the costumes, lights, sets & the wonderful young actors.~ :)~It has been lots of fun.
I am looking forward to summer & spending time on my own paintings.~~"LET the SUMMER BEGIN !~& it has~ 102 today, wow!~amy~

~To Pick or Not to Pick~

2010-05-07T12:58:00.001-07:00

~"That is the Question !"~
~After driving my son to work very early this morning, I stepped out of my car, to a wonderful smell.~ I followed my nose across my yard to these gorgeous irises, that opened a day ago. They are a beigey , green color, very old fashion in style, very ruffled petals.~The blossoms were so heavy that they were leaning almost to the ground.~I planted them 2 years ago, wish I knew what they were called.~ Then I walked over to my peony's, another wonderful smell.~"Hmmmm, to pick or not to pick?" ~We always pick the magnolia blossoms & put them in a bowl, sweet lemony smell.~Poor Iris broke while I was trying to take her picture.~So, into the bowl.~
~I think the answer is BOTH.~~~~Well, I am painting sets tonight,"Peter Pan"~ so I need to put my "paint clothes" on~ I wouldn't want to get paint on my favorite overalls.~ LOL~
~This weekend is going to be full to the brim.~amy~

~Slowly~

2010-05-05T07:46:00.000-07:00

~Cinderella Set~

~Rowan, all dressed for the "Fairy Tale Ball, last weekend~"Sound of Music" theme.~
~My oldest son Gabriel w/ Vicky~at the ball~"aren't they sweet?~
~Slowly~
I haven't been here in forever.~Time just keeps getting away from me.~
And, when I come by & think I need to leave a post~ I just freeze. What will I write?~I can talk about, painting sets or homeschooling Rowan or how hard this past February & March were, with the passing of my sweet Mother-in-law, Delma & how much I miss her.~
But, I say nothing.
~So, I'm going to "Slowly" come back to my bloggy.~ I have just started painting on a new set~"Peter Pan" !~ I have been working in my yard & learning how to teach my little girl, who is dyslexic.~I am also dyslexic, you just learn differently, you are smart, you just see things in ways others do not.~Well, it has been a journey, but I must say, I am glad that I am taking it with Rowan.~
~Here are a few pictures, taken over the past few months.~<3~"SLOWLY"~

~Revamp My Heart~

2010-02-10T10:29:00.001-08:00

~Oh Goodness !~ For really !~
~We have had some snow here in Richmond Va., yes we have !~ All the snow that we have been wishing for these past, many years.~But, we have gotten it all at once or twice, maybe three times, it's becoming a blur.~ The little snowman tells the story, Rowan made him & with each snow, he just gets better & better looking.~Wish I could say the same for me. ~LOL~Actually, I love snow and everything that comes with it~snowmen , sledding , the thrill of going to the grocery store, with all the other "goof-balls".~
~But, the reality check is painful.~Shows have to go up, so sets need to be painted & we are behind.~ And, oh how hard is it to get into work mode when there are so many gaps in what you neeeed to focus on.~ That's me right now.~
~But, today I took a moment to "Revamp My Heart"~ the wooden Valentine heart that I have been hanging on my door for about 10 years, needed some revamping.~I had Philip cut it out for me & I painted & decorated it.~ I should have taken a before picture, but trust me the gold leaves & berry's were pretty sad looking.It was a kinda Baroque look.~Now, my heart has a new look, pretty !~
~amy~

~2o10~

2010-01-01T14:51:00.001-08:00

~Wow, it is 2o10 !~
~I am eating my black-eyed peas & turnip greens, as I write this.~I am lucky because, I really do enjoy both. I woke this morning & remembered to say "Rabbit, Rabbit", even before I got out of bed.If you say "Rabbit, Rabbit" on the 1st. of every new month, it is supposed to bring you luck for that month.~So, peas, greens & Rabbit~ that should do it ~right ?~
~I come by superstitions honestly, being 1st. generation Scotch*Irish !~But, rest assure that I am not putting the future in the luck of rabbits or peas.~ No, no~ working hard at what I love & praying that our Lord will bless my work.~Much better, yes ?~And, I feel this is going to be a very good year !~

~So, eat your peas & greens, then take some time to ask that the coming year will be "WOnderuSe"!~(i made up that word)

~"HAPPY NEW YEAR !"~

~SNOW~

2009-12-21T06:02:00.001-08:00

~"While visions of sugarplums dance in their heads"~
Last week my 15 year old, Hannah, came dashing down the stairs~"Mom where's the camera?"~
"Come up stairs, you have to see this"~ it was very early morning, still dark outside & this what all the fuss was about.~ Hannah was all, "She's so cute when she's sleeping."~"Look at her little hands."~& our kitty "Sprite" all cuddled up with Rowan.~ "Ahhhh, so sweet"~ sorry, it came out so dark, but, I took it over to picnic.com to try & brighten it up some & then started having fun with all the goodies they have to enhance pictures.~cute, right?~(just wish it was brighter)
~AND~we had a very Magical weekend. Look at my front door ! Snow !~that's right beautiful magical snow, Richmond Virginia was just soooo excited, we haven't had a snow like this in years, years I tell you !~It was a huge celebration of WoW! Everyone was calling, Facebooking, running to the grocery store, you have to "run" to the store, it's in the "Snow Book of Rules"~ I think we got about a foot of more.~
~I hope everyone is having a truly lovely & blessed Christmas !~
~ooo~amy~

~Oh Christmas Tree~

2009-12-14T11:34:00.000-08:00

~See my "Snow Babies"?~well, really they belong to my children~I gave them, each one for their 1st. Christmas~but, until they get "all" grown up & have their own trees...now that I'm thinking about it, quite a lot of these ornaments belong to them.~o~o~But, that is the spirit & fun of putting up the tree~remembering when...~O~I can remember when "Snow Babies" were kinda hard to find.~
~This paper Angle has been my tree topper, ever since I had my very 1st. Christmas Tree~way back in 1983, when I was in college.~A few years back I started adding the star.~I think they look so pretty together.~

~This jolly elf is one of my favorite ornaments~he is decorating my little chandelier this year.~
~ AND~ last ,but not least~~~This darling "little elf" arrived in the mail on Saturday.~He was my gift from the "Littlest Elf Swap" , hosted by the lovely Vivian.~He was created by the very talented Fran, at "Dolls Are My Canvas Within My Soul"~ He is so cute & sits on the tiniest bench~ I think I am going to find a spot for him, on the Christmas Tree~"Thank you Fran !~"~
~I can't post pics. of my elf to Fran yet~ I don't think he has arrived in Las Vegas yet !~That's right !~my littlest elf is going to Vegas !~lucky little guy!~

~ooo~amy~

~It is Time~

2009-11-16T20:51:00.000-08:00

~When you just threw away a" beaUtiful" head of cauliflower~& you see that you own, not one but~2 heads of cabbage~& worst of all you let a red pepper & an eggplant go bad !~ Well, something is not right, in my little world.~Cleaning out your fridge can tell you alot about yourself. And, I don't look very good.~Oh boy~not good.~
~I am way out of balance !~I love cooking!~ Curried Cauliflower recipe will be in this post.~
Such a pretty cauliflower, gone !~
~I have just been running in to many directions.~ It does not work well with me. Things fall apart, when I juggle to much.I am thinking on it.~

~Creamed Curried Cauliflower~
1 sm./med. head of Cauliflower
2Tbsp. butter
2Tbsp. flour
3/4 tsp. salt
2 cups milk
scant 1/2 tsp. curry powder

preheat oven to 400~
Cook cauliflower in salted water~till barely done.Drain~
(lemon juice will keep it "whiter"~while boiling~but not necessary~)
Butter a casserole dish~mine is 11x8 oval~
Brake up the cauliflower (mouth size)
~Sauce~
~in a sauce pan over mid-high heat, melt butter
add flour to butter & whisk, till you have a rue~
add milk then, keep wisking till you have
a creamy thickness~
take of the heat & add curry~

~cauliflower in your buttered casserole~
~pour your sauce over~
~I often top with bread crumbs & dot w/ butter~
~Bake 15 min. or till bubbly~
~Very Good~

~amy~:0)

~Happy Halloween"~

2009-10-30T19:11:00.001-07:00

~My doll~ came so wonderfully packed~ REESES~ my favored candys~

~HAPPY HALLOWEEN !~
~I have been working~painting, painting, painting~SETS~
and a set painters schedule~ is long & hard.~it is true~
& a set painter(scenic artist) who has 4 children & is as so very close to 50~like myself.~well, it is alot. And, I have a part time job from 3~5:30, as an after-care provider for my churches school, me & 2 other sweet ladies look after the pre-K & kindergartners.~Those darling little peoples are now, quite used to seeing "Ms. Amy" in her "paint clothes", they really love them.
Anyway~HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE !~
~So, to keep myself happy,(in the love of making art way) I have joined another "SWAP"~ Zan at Wild At Heart~had the Monster Swap~
& & &~ my Swap Partner was Vivian~ from, Viv, Out On A Whim~
AND~ How I love my little Monster~ she is "scary", "I know", but, if you do not put your finger to close to her mouth, ~she is the sweetest, little mon-star ever. Just look at her. I lalalove her !~& the next sweet thing , is Vivian herself, the lovingly talented artist,an amazing lady, just bursting with the love of life & how much fun it truly is !~Surely things do not happen by accident.~It has been very good for me to visit her blog, I smile every time. And, we have much in common, our darling, "long haired" husbands, for one. She just recently posted pictures of her past & present, GO see, really wonderful, 28 years of marriage. I think I need to do the same.~But, Philip & I have only been married 18 years, we were "late bloomers".~:)
~Vivian is soooooo BeaUtiful !~ inside & out~

~~~~~~THANK YOU * VIVIAN !!!!!~~~~~~

2009-09-24T15:50:00.001-07:00

~HAPPY AUTUMN !~

Welcome cool, crisp days ! So, nice to back in my bloggy world. How I have missed being here.
I have been ever so busy. But, I am back. I have been working on my own home, painting, cleaning out, decorating. And, I feel so much better.
Rowan & I have started Home Schooling and we love it, love it I tell you.~
I have also been working on "bigger projects" outside my home. I am finishing one up now.~~~Think~calm, spa, beauty & TREES~ very cool~ I have taken photos & will post them when all is done.~
Gabriel is home from the Art Institute of Washington, remember they are on a quarterly schedule, so his 1st. quarter is done. He did great & we are ALL very happy to have the Big Brother home.~
Well, that's all for now~ Sept a BIG KISSY & HUG to all things AUTUMN !~

~the river~

2009-08-13T14:50:00.001-07:00

The summer is coming to an end. We couldn't take a "big" vacation anywhere, so, I tried to fill the kids summer with fun little days. We discovered the James River & what a blessing it has been.
We go to a beautiful spot, called the "Pony Pasture". It is lovely there, with large rocks that you can lay your towels out on. We bring a picnic & enjoy the day. Rowan & I stay close to the bank & my older ones venture further up the river & ride the rapids back down. Dragonfly's flutter about, while ducks & geese swim nearby & eagles can be spotted flying overhead. So, relaxing.
Everyone leaves feeling quite satisfied & of cause good & tired from spending the day in the water.
I am now looking forward to the fall. I haven't done much art over the summer & have decided to forgive myself. But, I am aching to get back to my art, I have so many ideals swimming around in my mind.
I have really enjoyed these simple days with the kids & giving them my undivided attention.

I have decided to home school Rowan this year. She is going into the 3rd. grade & is dyslexic (like me) she has had IEP (independent education program) since the 1st. grade. Which means she has received extra help in school. But, she is still not reading independently or even close.
The program is not working for her, so I need to help her. I have been reading all summer about how to teach dyslexic children. Funny thing, I have suddenly been meeting family's that home school. And, the more I learn about it, the more excited I get.
So, I am going to have to put into place a daily schedule for us. Time for school, time for mom to do her art.....
She is such a bright, happy little person. I can remember being her age & sitting in class & thinking to myself, "why is this so hard for me & it seems so easy for everyone else?" I knew I wasn't "stupid". But, of course in the 60's, they didn't know much about children with learning disability's. So, I just had to work very hard. And, I had my art. That was something that I could do and well. Art got me threw school. It is what held my confidence together. Without it, I know I would never have gone to college.
So, when they talk about & even take the arts out of schools, I think about my school days. How truly sad they would have been.
Well, I really am looking forward to working with Rowan and keeping her the happy, imaginative and smart little girl that she is.
She just learns differently~ that's all~
:)
~amy~

~Here Comes the Sun~

2009-08-01T06:49:00.001-07:00

~Hello~ I sure hope everyone is having a lovely summer!
Mostly we have been having a "staycation", as moneys are pretty tight these days. But, that is O.K., the "staycation" part. I have been trying to focus on little, old fashion ways of enjoying the summer with the kids. Like we have discovered the James River, there are some very kid friendly spots to spend the day. And, the kids "love" it ! We/I have been doing "home projects",
Just trying to get things in order around here.
Anyway, I also teach at summer camps. So, I needed to come up with a project that will work for ages 6-12 & can be completed in two days. This is what I came up with this year.
The SUN sculpture that you see here. The kids are split up into 3 age groups & go to differant activitys threw out the day, so you have them for about an hour. On the first day they made there sun & on the second day they painted it.
I used an airdry clay that I found at Ben Franklen's craft store. I was quite pleased w/ it. It was not paperclay, too exspensive. But, this clay was very similar. I rolled out the clay myself & gave each child a flat pancake of clay, that was formed around half a styofoam ball. They then cut out the rays of the sun. Leaving them with extra clay to make the eyes, nose & mouth.
I loved the what the kids came up with. And, they really seemed to enjoy this project.
The last two were done by me. But, I gave mine away, to my darling "galfriend", Janine. that manages the camp.She does an amazing job.She is such a sweety & she calls me "Teensy", I like that! Go & check out her "bloggy", the "Make Believe Cooking Show".
:) ~amy~

Summer, Family Photos~

2009-07-21T19:24:00.001-07:00

~I just love this "sister picture",the Gethins girls~ L-R, Bronwyn, Megan, Bridget &
I am the one in the back.
My very pretty mommy ! Patricia Gethins
Here is my son Ian, SMILING~ he try's, hard not to smile
in pictures. :) But, my sister Bronwyn , caught him. Yay, Bronny !
The car photo. ~~~But, mostly what I have been doing here, in this post is learn how to use Shutterfly. Bronwyn told me about it. And boy, do I need Shutterfly. It is a great place to load your pictures, all safe & sound. Still learning how to get them over here on to my bloggy.

It has worried me, leaving all my pictures on my "puter". And, you can load as many as you want onto Shutterfly. If you have not checked them out, I would. ~Shutterfly.com~
They have all kinds of cool things you can do there. Like share with your family. Create albums.
Bronwyn, my sister, took the top pictures. She is a wonderful photographer.

Not, looking forward to the "Big Move" of my pictures, but, it will be worth it.

~amy~

Gabriel

2009-07-14T05:59:00.001-07:00

~Well, we took Gabriel off to the Art Institute of Washington this past Tuesday. It is here in Virginia, not Washington state. The school is located in the D.C. area of Arlington, Va., which is about two & half hours from here. (Richmond)
Lucky for us, my husband was raised in Alexandria and the school is only 9 miles from his mothers home. So, we left Tuesday evening, stayed there & got up & took Gabriel to his "housing orientation". The car was all packed with his stuff.
After orientation, they gave him his apartment keys, they don't have dorms, so they house their students in these very nice apartment buildings. I am not kidding, fancy, fancy.Pool & gym.
They are given Metro Passes, to get to & from the school.
So, we made it to his "new digs" & unloaded the car. This is where we took these pictures.
I thought I did pretty well. I didn't cry, I had done plenty of that over the last 2 weeks or so. Not, big "boo hoos", just little moments of getting teary.
Then over the next two days, man, me emotions were all over the place! Mostly happy & proud, but there was also a "feeling lost" feeling. That I really can't describe.
So, by Saturday, I flat out "crashed" and realized, I just needed to sleep. And, sleep I did. And, when I was not sleeping, I read. Hannah has been reading the "Anne of Green Gables" books.
So, I had joined her. She is already done with the 4th book and over the weekend I was able to finish the first & get half way threw the second book.
Yesterday, I woke up & felt soooo much better!
Now, I can move on to my next project.
I am sure, that all the moms out there will totally understand what I was feeling, this past week.
WOW !
ooo~amy~

~Under the Sea Swap~

2009-07-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

~From my "swap buddy"~ Kim Turner at Soggy Dog Studios ~
~My, my I have been a busy girl...~
But, what do we have here?
They are the art dolls from Zan's "Under the Sea Swap", over at Wild at Heart .Zan is one of these amazing ladys, not only is she an artist, but she does so much more~like raising bees, in the city!
Well, they are at least two of the many dolls made. My "swap buddy's" & mine. My swap buddy was, Kim, at Soggy Dog Studios. And, looky at my beautiful doll, I was so excited when she arrived. She is just perfect and those are my colors. She is painted fabric & stuffed, then was glazed. I know just where she is going to live here in my house. It just so happens that I am getting ready to paint my dinning room blue. This precious mermaid is going to live amongst my china.
The second doll you see here, was made by me. Her name is "Emmaleen", my daughter Hannah, named her. And, I have to say, she was a pleasure to make. It feels like she came to life in my hands. She grew a little personality.
She is made of paperclay. Then, a crackle glaze was applied. Then I painted her w/ the blues & greens. Then, I used an antiquing glaze here & there. Then finally a clear coat was applied.
~OH~ and the shells were found by my youngest Rowan, when we were at the beach a few weeks back.~ Then she was mailed to my buddy, Kim, in Florida! What a lucky little "mer-girl", to live in Florida. Specially, since she loves collecting shells, so much.
:)
~amy~

~Wonka Pictures~

2009-06-22T17:01:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pictures from "Willy Wonka". In the last picture you can see how large the cast was, I think something like 85 kids ! Ages 6 to 18~
They were amazing, so talented. It was a very exciting show. Brooke Abrahamsen,the director makes all this magic happen with the kids, she really knows her "stuff"~ how she does it~I don't know? But, she is a pleasure to work with, she is also Artistic Director of CYT.
these pictures were taken by Doug Meacham~ my pictures never turn out this good.

:)
amy

~PICTURES !~

2009-06-17T05:31:00.001-07:00

~I have pictures !~ For the past few weeks when I would try & post pictures, NOTHING, it was very frustrating. ~ But, this morning, "the puter goddess" smiled on me.~
~I am not going to ask "why", I am just going with it.~
~So, I was going to post about the play, Willy Wonka , that I was working on & the Under the Sea Doll Swap~
~But, I was browsing my pictures & "WOW", so much has happened in the past month or so.~ So much I would have blogged about.~

I will save both of those for the next two days.~ Because, both deserve their own posts.~

~SO~ they say "A PICTURE is WORTH a THOUSAND WORDS"~
my last post had no pictures, this one is all about the pictures.

~Willy Wonka~

2009-05-31T04:51:00.000-07:00

~for some reason~i am not able to get any pictures to post~today~So, i must rely on the written word today~

~So~ another 10 days or so have passed since my last post~Must mean I am painting another set~
~I have been~ this one is for the Christian Youth Theatre~"Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory"~
~I truly love working with this theatre~all the actors are children, ages 5or6 to 18~And, if you are a parent with a child in the show~you are committed to work on the set in one way or another~building,painting,costumes,promotions,props,set changing during the show~then they have fund raisers, auctions,selling concetions & crafts~& so much more~
~I am completely blown away by these wonderful parents, who happily, mind you~they really do seem to be enjoying themselves~give up like 5 to 6 Saturdays in a row~plus they come in on Thursday & Friday nights from 6-9, to work on these sets.~
~I was hired to guide them in the painting of the sets.~Some have painting skills, most do not~
~But, no worry's, they happily take on any task I give them and are genuinely pleased to learn about the scenic painting process.~And~ they do an amazing job.~Everything is looking fabulous~
~And~this is a BIG,BIG show~designed by Arther(don't know how to spell his last name,I will add it later)~so, a BIG set, with lots of fun stuff~"Very Wonka"~Arther, has been there side-by-side~ working with everyone.~It really is an ultimate in family fun.~Seeing everything come together~Very satistying~& one of the things I love about working in theatre~
~BUT~ these parents~ REALLY AMAZING !!!~
~Willy Wonka, opens this coming Friday~

~Great Way to Start the Day~

2009-05-18T17:49:00.000-07:00

~I am posting this video~ because it is just WoNdErFuL !~ i saw it on Gritty Jane's bloggy~
~ take a minute & watch it~
~What a Great way to start the Day~
~How dull our world would be without the arts~
~EnJoY~

~amy~

~HAPPY MOTHERS DAY !~

2009-05-10T05:52:00.001-07:00

~HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY !~
~Blessings on this lovely day~

~amy~

~The Perfect Day~

2009-05-06T06:05:00.001-07:00

~I love, love this picture of Rowan & her Daddy~

~this past Sunday~May, 3rd. 2009~ Rowan received her First Holy Communion.~and~ I just wanted to share a few moments of that day with you.~
~It really was a perfect day~and~ I'm not talking about the weather.~Which was one of those sunny rainy days, I like very much.~ I am talking about the feeling of the day~ it was filled with excitement & joy.~
~We had to be at Our Lady of Lourdes, all dressed pretty by 8:00am, for the 8:30 mass.~ I was so, excited that I had troubles falling asleep.~ I had stayed up & finished making Rowan's vial.~By the time I went to bed~ the excitement of the next day, had already set in.~
But, we made it.~just slightly late~
~The mass was beautiful~all the children receiving communion that day~took part in the mass, by bringing the gifts to the alter or giving a reading.~Shari K., who runs the Religious Education Program, did a wonderful job making this mass one that you could never forget.
~And, when Rowan walked up to Father Bob & received her First Communion, I did get very teary & a great feeling of happiness filled my heart.~It was just so very lovely.~
~After a cake & punch celebration at the church, we all met at Strawberry Street Cafe~where we made reservations for brunch.~The celebration continued with family.~
~ It truly was a perfect day~ it was perfect, because it unfolded before us so lovingly.~
~Thank You Jesus~ I Love You~
~amy~

~Lighting~

2009-04-29T18:46:00.001-07:00

~I just had to show you how the Mother Mary looked when she was on stage.~ They lit her from behind~ & that just made her look so wonderful~ it is hard to believe that it is just a painting on canvas~it really looked like real stained glass.~
~For me~ this is the magic of theatre~ when everyone & everything comes together like this.~Lots of hard work~ for two nights of opera.
~I felt terrible that I did not have a photo of the set all lit~ lighting makes all the difference~ so, I went very early Monday morning down to V.C.U.~I just realized that I didn't tell you that this was for the V.C.U. Opera Theatre~ anyway~ I went very early Monday morning, hoping to get a least a few pictures.~ And~ the stage was cleared~ I mean empty~ they must have been up all night striking the the set.~ they only had a 2 night run.~ Sunday night was their last show.~ and Bam !~ everything was gone.~the stage is shared withe the VCU orcastra, classes are taught there, ect....~
~I was heartbroken.~ so, I walked into the theatre office & asked if they had taken pictures.~ And, a voice from the secrtaries office~Linda~ seid~ yes, I took the pictures.~
~I love wonderful secretaries like Linda~ they just mezmerize me. So, organized, in her world, there in her office~ she has the answers to all the questions.~
~ Bless Linda's Heart~ she sure made my day~
~So, these are some of the pictures she emailed me.~

~Thank you Linda~
:p
~amy~
~

~11 Days Later~

2009-04-25T12:48:00.000-07:00

~the Mother Mary~ painted to look like a stained glass window~

~the actors changing the set~ see the Mary painting peeking out, over the bed.~
~back stage~ before the painting was hung~

~3 of the 6 panels painted~
~Just look at my beautiful new look !~ What a pretty new banner & background~
~And look~ i have 3 columns~ I have had "3 column envy" for sometime now~
~But~ I didn't know how to make it happen.~
~I have the amazing Annette, at Huckleberry Arts to thank for all of it.~~~Annette, is so very talented with computer design~ I was completely amazed by how quickly she put all this together for me.~But~ more than that~ she has incredible instincts about the person she is designing for~ Annette took the time to get the right feeling for my blog.~ All I did was send her pictures of my art.~Told her the colors I loved and she took it from there.~I can't believe how well she read my personality & style.~ When I first saw my new look~ I was "~oh my~ this is so me~" Thank you Annette~ Thank you so much~ you very clever lady!~~~So, if you are looking to have your bloggy revamped & don't know where to start~ I have to tell you~ Go, ask the lovely Annette~at Huckleberry Arts~~~

~I have had my lovely new look for more than a week now~~~and~~~again I was to busy to sit down & make this post~~~I know I promised to be a better blogger~~~But~ "Tis the season of theatre openings~ I have gone from one show to the next~ with no "down time" between.~

~The pictures I have posted are of an Italian opera that opens tonight.~ Actually, two one acts~ The first is a very sad opera, called "Suor Angelica" ~I painted the Mother Mary for that opera~ she was painted to look like a stained glass window~ I didn't get a picture of her up yet~but,I saw her up last night~ they lit her from behind & she looked so pretty~ like real stained glass~
~The second one act opera is called~"Gianni Schicchi"~ a comedy~ so, they make you cry, then make you laugh.~ For that opera I hand stamped the fabric you see here. ~60 feet of it, it is 4' 6" wide.~ the fabric was hung as bed curtains ,around that big canopy bed.~
~the set had to be designed to work for both operas~ w/ a quick switch in the furnishings at intermission.

~the next show will be "Willy Wonka & the Chocolet Factory".~

~But~ oh so thankfully~ I will have the next week to, to do all the other stuff that I do.~ before stating that show~
:)
~amy~

~Normal~

2009-04-14T18:59:00.001-07:00

~Here is the set to the musical ~Normal~on stage now at, Stage 1 Theatre Company~ Richmond Va.~
~All white walls~gray floors~windows and these happy family portraits done on plexy glass.~
~A simple set for a very emotional play.~
~The story is about a once "normal happy" family turned dysfunctional~ then their struggle to pull themselves back together, when they learn that their teenage daughter has an eating disorder.~
~Pretty heavy stuff~ and a subject that has touched many lives.~ In the end they do manage to succeed.~~"Normal is a contemporary rock musical that offers ultimate hope in an uncertain world."~~ It has been receiving excellent reviews.~
and if you are in the Richmond area~ you should see it~ But, bring tissues.~

I am ~ hopefully~ adding a clip from the play.(i have never added a video)
~Just showing you the "plain" set without the lights , the music and the actors. ~Well~ dull~
~So, watch this set come to life~ the actors in the play are incredible.~

~Happy Easter~

2009-04-10T11:24:00.001-07:00

~Look its my bloggy!~ and where has that Amy Sullivan been ?~ Does she think that this poor little blog can create its own posts all by its self?~Silly Amy~ What were you thinking?~ A blog needs love & attention.~ It can't survive here in bloggyland all by itself.~ Poor, poor bloggy.~ Sad, really.~ Just look at the dust !~ ~ "Who's going to clean up this mess?"~~
~
~I will~ "and who are you ?"~~~ I am Amy Sullivan~~~"Oh, well where have you been?"~~ just look at this blog !~~~you can't just abandone your bloggy like this & exspect your friends to come here~~ what,, your last post was like...March the 27th~~~and, you have dear friends still dropping by and for what??~ Shame on you Amy !~~~
~~~I am sorry~ really I am~~~ can you ever forgive me?~~ I have just had so much going on.....good stuff, not so good stuff.~~ all of it needing my attention.~~~I promise, I will do better !!!~Really, I will !~~~~

~What~ do you think your the only blogger out there with a busy life?~ What~ about all those blogs you love reading?~ they are busy too ~ and yet, they find time for their blogs~ What if all bloggers were like you?~ Then where would bloggyland be?~
~~Well, alright~ we will give you one more chance~ and, you had better come up with some *REAL* nice posts~ or your out of here!!~~~

~~Thank you, thank you ,,I will be a better blogger~ really I will !!~

~so, what are you going to blog about today?~

~Well~ Gabriel(my son), took my camera to the beach w/ him this weekend~
~so, I can't upload any pictures of the set I just finished painting.~ or~ the etching I have been working on~~~
~But~ hey, I can photo shop a cute picture of Rowan that is already on my computer.~~~And~

~Wish Everyone, A Happy & Blessed Easter !!!~~

~well, I guess since it is Easter~ a very Blessed and Beautiful time of year, And a time for New Beginnings~ that would be lovely ~ but, you better be back here on Monday, with some really good stuff~~~~

~A Lovely Visit ~

2009-03-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

~Rowan, getting her hair cut~ March 14, 2008
~Rowan's hair cut 2 years ago~

~I can't believe its been 10 days since my last post ! I have been a busy "little nut-burger"~ I don't know where to start.~
~But, I think I will start with the pictures I have posted here of my little Ms. Rowan.~ on March 14, she got her 2nd. real hair cut.~ The first was 2 years ago almost to the day.~ As you can see I documented the hair cut.~ I took pictures of the 1st. time too.~ They look pretty much the same as these.~ Same beautician too.~ Well, the very lovely thing about Rowan cutting her hair is that she donates it to Locks of Love. The 1st. cut harvested 12" of hair and this time she was able to give 11". ~ That's 23" at the age of 8.~ I am so proud of her.~ Look closely at the 3rd. picture & you can see her happy face reflected in the mirror.~ ~ She told me as we were leaving the salon~~
" I'm going to do this every time~you know~ grow my hair~ cut it~ and give it to the children that need it.~again & again.~ :) ~Nadia, Rowan and Hannah~ Maymount Park~

~ This past weekend ~ I had a wonderful visit from Paula, a friend I had not seen in 25 years !!!~ She lives in N.C. and owns a restaurant with her husband, called the 501 Diner. She brought her 13 year old daughter Nadia, my Hannah is 14, so that worked out nicely.~ It was a 2 night sleep over. ~ So, much fun, visiting, remembering, eating.~ Funny , how when you get together with old girlfriends, its like you never were apart.~
~ We drove out to Leslie's house in the country Sat. evening for more yummy food. Leslie, Paula & I were all at V.C.U together studying art.~

~Sunday we visited Maymont Park and fed the baby goats. Just, so cute !~

~These sweet little baby's are a sure sign of "SPRING !" ~ Their little tails wag so happily as they nurse~

~Happy St. Patrick's Day~

2009-03-17T06:54:00.001-07:00

~Irish love & Blessings to you & yours~

;0)
~Amy~

~Etchings~

2009-03-10T06:48:00.001-07:00

~My mind has just been full of ideals lately~ all of these fun images keep dancing around up there, in my" little ol noggin". And, I am so excited that this last set is done & the show is up & running. I was painting on the set over these past few weeks~Narnia~ it opened on Friday.
~yeah~ so now I am pulling out the etching press that I bought for myself~Oh, about this time last year. I love etchings, but, it has been about 15 years since I have made one. Truth be told, I have all, but forgotten the process. But, I have been reteaching myself. Anyway~ once you are set up & get the necessary materials together, than, well you are good to go. ~I have decided to not use the acid bath process, here at home, for obvious reasons. But, you can still get a very nice print just using dry point~that is when you are actually drawing on a zinc plate with a metal styles(not sure if I spelled that right).
I will be sure to show you the process once I am set up.
The painting here is a water color~ but, the line work, done with pen & ink, are very much like what you will get with an etching.Oh, and the piece that I posted for Valentines Day of my son, is an etching. Actually it was the last etching I made. Time fly's~
~So, I am off to buy my ink & lovely cotton paper.
~have a wonderful Tuesday~
~Amy~

~Monday, Monday~

2009-03-09T06:08:00.001-07:00

~Bridget in the movie~"Iron Jawed Angels"~
~My maid of honor & sister, Bridget, on my wedding day~ I love this picture of us.

~Monday,Monday, wish in heart in was Sunday~
~Drinking buttermilk all the week.~
~Whiskey on a Sunday.~
~That was a little Irish "ditty" that my dad used to sing.~It seems very appropriate for today. On this first Monday of "Springing forward". I was very much asleep & having a nice dream when 6:00a.m. came this morning.~
~It is hard to believe that just last Monday it was all a winter wonderland & we had three snow days.~And, this weekend, we enjoyed the loveliness of spring weather.~
Today is my sister Bridget's 50th birthday. Yesterday she had a wonderful celebration. Her house was filled to the brim with loving friends & family.I could not help but look around and feel so very proud of just how loved my big sister is. But, not at all surprised. Bridget or her full name~Anna Bridget Kathleen Bernadette Gethins Leach~ for real, that is her full name. Anyway, she is one of those people who light up the room with her spirit. A true lover of life, she is an actress and a writer. She is always working on a project.
~Yesterday, her home was wall to wall with wonderful people, mostly theatre folks and artists. Everyone brought yummy food, they also brought their, love & laughter. It was a day to treasure.
~Happy Birthday Sister~
you & Barbie ROCK !
love~Amy~

~SNOW~

2009-03-01T15:49:00.001-08:00

~Just a quick note~ Sunday, March the 1, 2009~

~Note~ We have SnOw!!!!~We are SOOOO ExCiTeD !!~
~I know that lots of my bloggy friends have had~Mountains of Snow~
~But~ here in Richmond Virginia~ we have not~
~Rowan, has never had a Snow Day from school~ the last time it snowed around
here, really well~ was like, 4 years ago~
~I am completely in love this Snow~

~BiG SmiLe~
~Amy~

~Long Week~

2009-02-27T20:07:00.001-08:00

~Do I look tired?~I am, but~in a good way~
~there is a difference~This is not what I would call a "good"picture of me.~But, there is something I like about it~no make-up & all~~~~I am finding it hard to believe that I am posting this picture~but, I think it is a honest photo of what I look like, most of the time~this is what I look like today~~~~Never mind what I looked like yesterday~this who I am now~
~I am 481/2 (Sept.3 is my B-Day)
~I am the mom of 4 children ,ages 19,16,14 & 8 (Rowan,my 8 year old, was born 2 days
before my 40th B-Day)
~I am very much in love with my husband.
~I have very curly hair(that needs to be dyed, sorry, I am not ready to be gray yet)
~I am 4'10" tall~~I am going to be a VERY tiny, little old lady~~someday
~I have a very big laugh~thankfully, people enjoy hearing~William Wegman actually made a video of me, back in 1983, I was 22~ he loved my laugh~he was a guest artist(& instructor) at V.C.U.~Man Ray had just died& he didn't have his dog to photograph anymore~Now, I see him all the time on Sesame St.~with Fay & all his new doggy's teaching children the A.B.C.'s&1.2.3.'s~
~I can be very absent minded.:(
~I think about art~~~~ALL THE TIME~~~~
~I keep colors & images in my head~ & even when I am not physically making art~
~I am making it in my mind, I love that~I am learning to write them down~So~~~~when I am able to sit down & work~I know what I want to do~
~I am an imperfect - perfectionist
~I struggle ~ but, can still feel happiness while doing it~ Thank You God~
~I do stop & smell the roses~sometimes to a long
~As I get older, I understand my needs better~not that confusion has completely disappeared~
~And, I feel like things have finally come back around again for me~
~Because~ I truly have been feeling lost~art wise~

AND~ finally~I am not so sure how & why I started writing this~but, I did~& I am, so sure I could write more~
When I sat down here~ I was all ready to tell, all about me busy week~
~But~I wrote this instead~
~Part of me wants to delete it~
~But~ I am going with the part that says~ "let it stay"~

~have a lovely weekend~
~Amy~

~Eggstravaganza~

2009-02-22T10:22:00.001-08:00

~Hi ~I hope you are all enjoying your weekend~
~Yesterday, I donated an egg to the Easter Seals "Eggstravaganza"~that takes place here in Richmond, every Easter.
~Artists create a piece of artwork with an "egg" theme~ it can be 2 or 3 dimensional~Then there is an "egg art show" displaying the donated egg art~ later, closer to Easter, there is a ball~ featuring a silent auction for the egg art.~Proceeds from the ball & the auction are donated to Easter Seals.
~Here is the egg that I made~it is about 9" tall~ I used a styro foam egg shape~ and covered it with paper clay~ & painted it ~ then put a water based clear coat on top.~
~I love paper clay~ it is wonderful to use~

~I am also showing you a pitcher that I made years ago with clay~glazed~ then fired~
~I really don't see a difference in the end result~ BUT, the paper clay is not water proof~
~I was still able to get the same texture with the paper clay, that I got with the real clay~
~Since PC air drys, I was able to complete my egg in just a couple of days~
~I really enjoyed this little project~
And might even find time to make a few more eggs & put them in my esty shop~

~Amy~

~Sweet Diana~

2009-02-18T09:40:00.000-08:00

~Diana, our darling cat ,visits our fishes daily~ just to say ~"HI"~ and enjoy a sip of water~

:)
~Amy~

~HappY VaLenTines DaY~

2009-02-14T04:28:00.001-08:00

~an etching of Gabriel~I did when he was a baby~I photo shopped the heart in for today~:)
~On this very day~19 years ago~ I had my first baby~ Gabriel Gethins Sullivan~9lb.5oz.~
~Never in my life had I ever felt such a feeling of overwhelming love~I can hardly believe that he is 19~& 6'3"~ when really it was just yesterday that I held him in my arms ~ so beautiful~ that I could not stop looking at him~
~I still feel that way when he walks into the room~He is such a wonderful young man~ I am so very blessed~ This is the 1st. birthday that Gabriel is away from home~ he & some of his friends are at an Annimae (?) Convention in Washington D.C.~this is about the 3rd. convention they have gone to in the past few years~ They plan it all out months ahead of time~ hotel rooms~everything~~~~~I am blown away be how organized they are~
~And~ at this convention there will be a Valentines Ball tonight~ So, Gabriel got out his tux, dress shoes & black tie. ~Although he did ask me to pre~tie his tie for him, before he lift~
~Thank Goodness~

~HAPPY BIRTHDAY~ my handsome boy!!!~

~ God Bless you & may your Guardian Angels watch after you~
and
~I Love You !~

~Children's Letters to God~

2009-02-10T05:20:00.001-08:00

~All right~ so here is the set for "Children's Letters to God"~
~It opened on Saturday Night~ I have not gone to see it yet~ But, it has already gotten wonderful reviews~ It is a musical starring 5 amazingly talented children~ And~ they are asking their questions to God in song~ in the second photo you see the director~ Chase~ he is a super talented young man~
~So, the ideal here, in the set, is this beautiful sky~I used a Wagner Sprayer~ and the floor was painted as if it had been colored in Crayons by children~during the show~ childrens drawings are projected onto the sky~ and with lighting ~that sky is a wonderful backdrop~that can be changed to fit the mood of the song being sung~
~I am going to see it on Thursday night~and am looking forward to it~very much~

~Thank you~ to everyone who responded to my "cry" in my last post~ Cry~ is a good description~
~Now, I feel like a big baby~anyway, I think I do feel a little better, after my, boohoo, poor me~
shout out~ I will just keep doing what I do and hopefully "all will be revealed"~:)
~One thing is for sure~ A girls gotta work~ and I am grateful that I am able to work in the arts~
~And~ in this day~ no job can be turned down~

~FUN & BEAUTIFUL~

~Here is a give-away hosted by Patrick of The Cre8or's Touch that you REALLY do not want to miss.~He's celebrating his 100th post by giving away this beautiful bunny doll~!~

~Amy~
:0)

~I am here~

2009-02-06T10:02:00.000-08:00

~I am here~ I haven't been away~ I have just been painting a set~And, when I paint sets, well~
they wear me out.~ I love painting them, but they are a very physical form of art.~You are going up & down ladders, over & over. You move a lot. You paint standing up. You are picking up buckets of paint.You are rolling out paint.You are on your knees, then you are standing up.You are bending over, mixing large amounts of paint.Climbing the ladder again & again.You are measuring on a scale ruler~making little ones into big ones~1 inch = 1 foot~You are using the sprayer(not always, but for this show~yes).~What else~ oh~you are standing back & looking at a BIG picture~(what the audience sees)~then caring about the little details~that make all the difference, ~(even if it is only for your own gratification).Oh & I can't forget, that you are working to please the~ a.designer(person who designed the set) and~ b. the director~You are the person who is making their vision, ideals,thoughts,hopes,drawings,notes & so on...A physical reality. It can be pretty darn nutty.~It is ~Theatre~ and magic does happen. It all has to be DONE,Complete,to the Best you can make it~ at a certain point~TECH WEEK~when things should be as done, as can be~for the actors, the lighting guys, the director~they need to know how everything looks because ~ Hey, that is why you do this, it is for the director,actors & designer ~it really IS all about them~ it is showcasing the director & actors~ and I think they deserve the best~ CUZ, I sure could't stand in front of an audience & do what they do.~I am most definitely a behind the scenes kinda girl and "The Show Must Go On !!"~

~So, that is where I have been. I will post pictures soon. It really was a very cool set. The show is
Children's Letters to God~ Big sky~I sprayed that with a Wagner Sprayer~very pretty~.
Anyway~ I am not sure if any of you have painted sets before, but, I can tell you~ it really is allot of hard work, but wonderful in the end.

~O.K.~ I have posted above~ my most popular print in my etsy shop~in fact I have sold 6 prints ~2 times~the buyer choose the ~Curly Girl print & it's true mate~Truffles or Gold~
~All the angel prints that I have available~ were originally sold on ebay, as originals~ not one was ever left unsold.~Only one has sold as a print.~

Anyway~I as an artist have been having a terrible time identifying myself.~
~Here I have been telling of being a set painter~scenic~
~then I am selling prints~
~then I am getting portrait commissions~
~then I love doing little ornaments~
~then I design pillows~you haven't seen those yet~yet, you will~
~Then I am painting my angels~I have more I haven't posted yet~
~then I am doing murals~
~then I love crafting~knitting, needlepoint,crochet~(my personal pleasure)

~So, right now, ~I am going nuts, trying to figure out, who I am as an artist!~

~I look at all my friends in my bloggy world & they have their beautiful style & focus.
I feel that I am to hard to identify~I am all over the place~
~But, I can say~ that when you look at all my work, as a group~there is~thankfully~a common touch, my hand, I believe, a mark that I make that is uniquely mine.~
~But, I am so troubled these days~
~because, I spread myself around so much~to the point that I don't know what I love doing the best.~I most definitely need to make money~being an artist~is my job~
~Oh Pooh~I feel confused~ and it makes me tired~
~if any of my friends have gone thru this, comment or offer me any advice~

p.s.
~I know the~" do what you love~the rest will follow"~
~problem~I love all the forms of art I do~am I nuts ?~

~have a lovely weekend~
~Amy~

2009-01-23T07:18:00.001-08:00

~I just listed this very romantic angel in my etsy shop~
~Her dress is collaged with a beautiful handmade paper~that I just had to buy~when I saw it~
~It really felt like a fabric~very soft~
~on her heart it says~"How Do I Love Thee?"~She is painted on wood , that I had my husband cut out for me~ and is ready to hang on the wall~
I think she is so pretty.

~Gabriel & I are will be checking out the Art Institute of Washington tomorrow morning~
It is time for that fellow to go to college~ He can't wait!~

~Have a lovely weekend~
~Amy~

~Welcome President Obama~

2009-01-20T16:44:00.000-08:00

~Happy Inauguration Day !~ Welcome President Obama !~

~What an amazing Day~ What a Very Wonderful Day~
~ I sat in my living room today watching history being made~ in real time~
~ I, of cause was not alone~ we as a nation~ were watching~
~ I really got a lump in my throat, as our President Elect Obama~ became~ Our, President Obama~

~ I started this painting of President Obama early this morning~ as I began to watch the celebration.~ What a day~ I will never forget this one!~ Anyway, I felt a part of it all as I sat there working on this portrait~
~ I feel that he is pretty much done~ but, I can see things that I need to work on~ his left eye is not quite there yet~ & a few this & that's ~ & I am not sure about the writing that I put on the bottom~
~What do you think?~ any suggestions?~

~But~ most importantly~ I very much wanted to post this painting ~Today!~

~On This Day !~

:O)
~Amy~

Portraits

2009-01-11T15:51:00.001-08:00

~Mike & Shelty~you need to click on this one~ this picture is abit fuzzy~close-up, you can see his face better.
~Reagan at the Farm~

~Two more pictures of portraits that I did for Christmas~
~The cute baby boy pastel painting was a commission~ my darling nephew Chris, had me do it as a gift for his wife. I loved this pose.
~And, the top pencil sketch was a gift from me to my sister-in-law Nancy~ it is a portrait of her husband Mike, my husbands oldest brother. Mike died from pancreatic cancer in July. Mike was just truly one of the most wonderful men I have ever known. He was an engineer & worked for the government for many years, he did cool things ,like help send the first satellites up into space back in the 60's. He was an artist also(in his spare time). He would do things like decide to design & create a large stained glass window for his church, but he had never done stained glass before~ no matter~ he learned, & finished his project. A beautiful large, round window above the alter, blues & greens, a cross in the middle & a white dove over to the side~ Breathtaking!~ He really was a genius, a very kind person. He loved his family, two sons, now fully grown handsome kind fellows with their own beautiful family's.(so these two portraits are grandfather & grandson) And his beautiful Nancy, who this gift was for.

~Amy~

~Craving the Pencil~

2009-01-10T08:25:00.001-08:00

~I am craving simple pencil drawings~ like this one~ line, gesture. I love just drawing~ good paper, nice pencils~ That's what I am doing now~
~Have a lovely weekend~
~Amy~

~The New Year~&~Garrison Keillor~

2009-01-05T09:29:00.001-08:00

~The kids are back in school~
~And~~~~I guess it is time to get back to work~ It was such a wonderful holiday~

But~ I have lots of creative ideals for this new year~ Here are just two of the Christmas commissions that were unwrapped on Christmas morning~

~ I am thinking of ways that I can "shake up" my art~ & my art world~~~~~I know that I soon will be busy, working on a new theatre set~ actually~ I believe I will be working on two different sets~ being a free lance scenic has been working very nicely for me~

~I have angels to paint too~ my goodness, I started working on commissions in Nov. ~ so my personal art was set aside~

~I am ready to go~ it is time to pull out all my art supplies & get messy again~I cleaned everything up about 4 days before Christmas and I must say ,It has been real nice to see the top of my dinning room table~ oh well~

~I have to share with you my Big Surprise Gift from my oldest child~Gabriel~
~I was completely over joyed~ when I opened an envelope that he handed to me on Christmas morning~ A TICKET ~ a Ticket to see GARRISON KEILLOR(click) at the Landmark Theatre(click)~ right here in Richmond~ ~~~I have been a Prairie Home Companion fan, for ~so many years~ I can't count~ listening to the wonderful story telling voice & dry wit of Garrison on N.P.R ., Saturdays & Sundays~~~~~~~~Anyway~ Gabriel & I were driving somewhere back in the beginning of Dec.~listening to N.P.R. ~when they announced that Garrison was coming to Richmond~ my heart lept~it would be like seeing the Rolling Stones for me!~But~ with Christmas & our tight budget~ I knew there was No Way~ "oh well", I thought~

~But~ my darling boy~ went on line and made one of his moms dreams come true~
~I still can't believe it!~" I get to go see Garrison Keillor~ I get to go see Garrison Keillor!"~(in a sing song voice)~
~Thank You Gabriel~ You have made your mom so happy~

~Amy~

~HAPPY NEW YEAR!~

2008-12-30T07:29:00.001-08:00

~My Moms doggy ~George~
~My nephews Austin & Joe~ & my baby sister Megan~

~my little sister, Megan & I~ ~our very pretty tree~ we used tinsel this year~ so very pretty~
~Here we have just a few photos to share~
~It was a lovely Christmas~~ Just right, I think~ Lots of yummy food~ Getting together with
family & friends ~ More~yummy food~watching "Mama Mia"~ over & over~ smiles, joy, laughter, sharing~not sharing~more yummy food~
~ I hope you all had a beautiful Christmas~
~I am So Very Blessed~
~And~ am looking forward to this coming "New Year"

~Many, Many Blessing to You All this coming New Year !~
~HAPPY NEW YEAR!~much love~Amy~
~my oldest,~ Gabriel~

~And The Winner Is~

2008-12-21T10:32:00.000-08:00

I had to wait for Rowan to come home this morning~ She & Hannah had a Sleep~Over at my moms last night~

I put 18 numbers in a Santa Hat~ & the number was .......16~

I counted down the comment list~ & that means Paz ~ is the winner~

So, Paz~ email your address to me & I will put your Snowman in the mail
tomorrow~

Thank you for playing~ and~ MERRY CHRISTMAS !~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~AMY~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~Christmas~ Give ~Away~

2008-12-16T07:30:00.000-08:00

~My computer has been acting painfully slow~ so that is part of the reason I have not been around much. ~ the other part is the readyment of Christmas~ Namely my commissions~

~So, I will not be posting for the rest of the week~~~~~~But, I am so hApPy to say, that I am going to have my first ever ~Give Away~ All you need do is leave a comment and on Saturday ~ Rowan will pick a name~ ~~~~~~ The prize?~~~~The Snowman Christmas Friend~~ that you see pictured above~

~Here you see Little Ms. Rowan all decked out in her Christmas costume, ~ for her ballet recital~ Really a wonderful evening, that was~

~Many, Many Blessed Moments to You~

~JOY~

~Amy~

~Lovely~

2008-12-08T06:08:00.000-08:00

~4 of my Little Christmas Friends are now in my Etsy shop~ They are Lovely ornaments~
~Their little head were sculpted by me some with paper clay & some with polymer clay~
~I am going to keep making these little guys~ I enjoy the time I spend creating them~they make me very happy~
~Lovely Jennifer, from Hot Tamale Art Studio
~Gave me the Lovely Blog Award~ Now~ isn't that Lovely ?~ Thank you, so much Jennifer~
~Lovely is one of my favorite words~ :)

~I am going to have to brake the rules , because I have so many Lovely Blogs that I visit~
~All my bloggy friends deserve this award~So, I am passing this award along to everyone who
has left a comment for my in my last two posts~
Later I will get busy & tag you~
~Have a Lovely Monday~
~Amy~

My Sister & Me

2008-12-05T21:23:00.001-08:00

~Well~ I sold one ornament at the craft fair~ It was at a school & it was the first year they had this fair~ Bottom line~ there were not that many people there. ~But~ I had a wonderful time anyway. Did I mention that it was my big sister, that signed me up for the fair? Bridget is an actress~ but~ a very artsy, crafty kinda gal.She made Muses ~ they are beautiful & so full of soul. Here is one ~ they are mixed media~ collage~ angel~ muses~I love them~ She sold two.
But~ the hot seller of the evening was Rowan(my 8 year old)~ who grabbed one of my boxes of beads as we were leaving and set up shop right there on the spot. She started whipping out beaded necklaces.
And sold everyone for a dollar! She made six dollars :)
~It was very nice setting and talking & laughing with my sis.~ And~ watching Rowan wheel & deal~ she is quite the little sales girl~
~So, I will be listing my little~ Christmas Friends~ in my Etsy shop tomorrow~ I just love these little guys~ they really do come to life as you work on them & I get attached to them, as they let you know who they are & how they should look. Like that little white kitty up there. First she was black, but that didn't look right, so I painted her w/ white paint, Then made her a gray tabby, no that didn't look right, back to white, then I tried orange kitty, no~ back to white to start over again. As I sat there looking at her~ "Oh, I am sorry" "Your a little white kitty"~ silly me~ "Why didn't you say so in the first place?" :)
~ Oh, what very silly buggers we artists are~

:)
~~ Amy~~

~A Christmas Photo Shoot~

2008-12-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

~I hope everyone has had a lovely Thanksgiving!~
We really did~ all of it was just delicious~ the family~ the friends~ oh & the food.~

~sadly at this point, I cannot share the portrait work I have been doing~ I don't want to ruin any Christmas Surprises~

~But~ i can share what I have been up to in the evenings.~ While watching all my favorite Christmas Shows~
~I have been a busy little elf too~
~So, without further ado~ I would like to introduce, just few of my "Little Christmas Friends"~ I love them~
as I work on each one, they reveal to me their little Christmas spirits.~ They are my little ornaments~ I have made many over the years~ but, this year, they just keep coming.~
I love dressing them in all the glitter & color, ribbons & bows.
~ They are going to a craft fair this weekend. And, who ever is left will be put in my etsy shop or ebay.~
I didn't have time to give them a proper photo shoot~ but, I will take better pictures before they leave this house on Friday.~
~Merry Christmas!~
~Amy~

~Catch these Moments~

2008-11-24T17:38:00.001-08:00

~My little helper~
Rowan & I made Banana Bread yesterday~
I looked over at her & thought~ "How lucky am I"
~You are just so cute~ & ~helpful~
~look at those slippers~ her little apron~ my mom made
for her~ she is wearing one of her big brothers shirts~ unmatched
socks~ & her hair up "like mommy wears hers"~
~hold on~"Where's my camera?"~

~Amy~

~Let it SnOW~

2008-11-22T04:52:00.001-08:00

My~My~
Time is just doing what it does & I am finding myself trying to do what I do~ Time is winning~
~But~ I am holding my own~ as we ready ourselves for The Beautiful & Blessed Celebration that is soon going to be here. Reminding myself to slow down & take care ~ don't let this time go by in a blur~ Drive slowly past the Christmas decorations that are starting to appear in the our neighborhood~ look up and be amazed at the incredible beauty of the winter sky's & they have been breathtaking. And~ oh, how I hope we get snow this year~ I want to build a snowman this year~ that would make me so happy~ So, all you wonderful people who are already getting snow~ please send some SNoW FlAkEs to Richmond Virginia~ we haven't had a SnOw DaY in over 2 YeArS~ "That's just not right!~ And, it really is the simple things that make the for the best memories. ~Like building a snowman, sipping hot coco & the smell of warm cookies~

~This coming week, I must dig my heels in & hunker down~ for there are angels to paint, decorations to make & commissions to complete. It is so very important to keep my spirit happy & not feel rushed as I work on these portrait commissions. They are going to be Christmas gifts ~ ~I am doing portraits of peoples children, gifts, that will be given on Christmas morning~
Really, an incredible honor~

~So~ I leave you this morning with the two~ SNoWMan~ pictures above, both created by me~
One, a chalk drawing ~ & ~ the other, a real SnoWMan~ loved that snowman. That was an awesome day!~ See~ that was years ago, but, I will never forget that snowy day~

oxox~Amy~

~AWARD DAY~

2008-11-14T05:13:00.001-08:00

I am so very blessed~ I have such wonderful friends here in my "Bloggy World".~ When I first stumbled upon blogging~almost a year ago~ I need to check, because I believe my one year "Bloggy Birthday" is coming up.~Anyway, I had just quit my job as Master Scenic, at a local theatre here in Richmond. And was searching the net for the , "now what" answer.~I gave up my job, that I really loved, because it was incredibly time consuming. 9 full on, all the bells a whistles
productions a year. This theatre also is the largest children theatre tour company in America. Sending out portable theatre to schools all over the U.S.~ starting in the fall & going till the end of the school year.Vans arriving, more than likely at an elementary school in your hometown, filled with sets, costumes, props & most importantly the fine young actors that pull the whole thing off.

Anyway~ I loved it. But~ I was never home. And when I was I so very tired. Never mind that it left little time for my own artwork.~ After all, I am a studio artist, I became a scenic while looking for a job in the arts in my late 20's.
So~ there I was surfing the net ~ looking for answers. Then I happened upon a few artists blogs. And~ I was hooked.~ What is this?~What are these artists doing?~ Look you can leave a comment.~These artists are so talented!~Cool!~I want to do this.~ I need this!~How do I start?~I knew very little about the computer(still learning).~ But, I wanted/ needed to take part in this "Bloggy World".~
And~ I am so very happy that I did.~ I cannot begin to explain just how wonderful & important being part of this Bloggy World has been for me. I have met so many talented artists here. I have received incredible support & even love from my dear friends.~ Having my blog has made me accountable for goals that I want to achieve.~~~I only hope that I can be as helpful to friends, as they are to me.~~~~So, here I am on a Friday Morning~ waking up and finding that I have received a bloggy award & having been tagged.~ I had also received an award from my darling friend Katie May awhile back & really was touched, but could not give it the attention I felt it deserved.~ So, I am doing it today~
~~~Now, How Cool Is This ?~ My Very Own Award Ceremony~ on a Rainy Friday Morning~~~
~What a Wonderful Day!!!~

~1~ The Arte y Pico Award~ given to me by Katie May ~ I don't remember when I first met Katie, but, I can tell you that I was amazed from the start, by her talent & her very dear outlook on life. She is an artist that has only just recently started putting her art out there. For someone who has just now started painting on a regular basis, I am completely blown away.She has all that talent bottled up inside her. I am so happy that she is putting it out there for us all to enjoy!~Thank you Katie~Amy~
The Rules:

1. You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award through creativity, design, interesting material, and also contributes to the blogger community, no matter of language.

2. Each award should have the name of the author with a link to their blog.

3. Award winners have to post the award with the name and link to the blog of the person who gave them the award.

4. Post a comment on each recipient's blog so they know they've been picked.

5. Show these rules and this paragraph explaining the awards origination. "The Arte y Pico Award has arisen from the daily visits that I make to many blogs which nourish and enrich me with creativity. In them, I see dedication, creativity, care, comradeship, but mainly, ART, much art. I want to share this prize with all those bloggers that entertain and enrich me day to day. Doubtlessly, there are many and it will be hard to pick just a few."
~Now the hard part~
~1~ Kim, at the Twirling Dragon~just an amazing artist~ really~ check her out~
~2~ Christine Mercer Vernon~ I love visiting her, her art is personal & beautiful.
~3~ Jennifer Young~ love her paintings & she is always willing to answer questions.
~4~Myrna Wacknov ~she challenges you to learn more & her work is fabulous.
~5~ Greig Leach ~my brother-in-law, the most incredible artist, go see his art! & I love him very much. :)

The The Marie-Antoinette -A Real Person, A Real Award , was given to me by my Bestest Friend Leslie~ Thank you Les~ I love you too~

So, the rules for winning the award are as follows:

1. Please put the logo on your blog

2. Place a link to the person from whom you received the award

3. Nominate at least 7 or more blogs

4. Put the links of those blogs on your blog

5. Leave a message on their blogs to tell them.

~1~ Jennifer at Hot Tamale Art Studio ~ I love, love her paintings & the way she mommy's~

~2~Di at Duda Daze~ what can I say~ hers was one of the first blogs I followed.
~3~LuLu at My Pink Turtle~ every time I visit, I want to stay~
~4~ Paz at Pazs a N.Y. Minute~ she takes everyday pictures of N.Y., so beautiful!~
~5~ Eric Orchard~ the everyday life an incredible illustrator~
~6~ Susan at A Walk In the Park~ love to see what she is creating on a daily basis~
~7~ Penhollow Street~ very inspiring~

~WoW~ I will have to do my "Tag" tomorrow~ Have a Wonderful Weekend~Amy~

"Fancy Paint Stick"

2008-11-10T08:06:00.000-08:00

~So, I have gotten a few emails & comments, asking about & where do you get a paint stick~
~That is easy~ my "fancy paint stick" is just a bamboo stick.~Scenics use them to extend there arm, so they can paint standing up.~ Most drops~i.e. the backdrops you see in plays are painted on the floor, then hung when they are done.~ Most backdrops are quite large and yes, very often you are standing on what you are painting.~You want to paint standing up for several reasons,1~,you get a better view of what you are painting & 2~ it is much easier on the back.

It does take a bit of getting used to, painting with a long stick & standing up~ but, it really works & it's fun.

So~ back to the "fancy paint stick" & how to make one. First find a bamboo stick, one that works with your height. Since, I am such a shorty person, not many can use my stick~ I have had this one for years, & am lost without it.It's like my magic paint wand.~ Anyway, you simply slit the top, as you see in the top photo and wrap rubber bands around it.~ Now, you can put any paint brush you want in the stick & paint away~ Switching brushes as you need to.~

~I hope this helps~ ~Amy~ have a lovely day!~

~Painting the Floor~

2008-11-06T06:23:00.001-08:00

Painting the floor really is my favorite part of working on a set. ~So here I have tried to show you the steps that I use to create a beautiful wood floor. ~

~1~ I put lots of under color~ tones that that you would see in wood~ yellows, reds, browns~
I scumble those colors around~ don't think about it~ just get the color down~
~2~I use my "fancy" paint stick & lining stick to lay down the lines of the wood floor.
~3~I start painting each board, one at a time, with a washy brown. ~ letting some of that
under color I put down show threw.
~4~when you have painted each board, you are ready to put a clear coat on top.~ I use a water
base semi gloss~ I tint it with a bit of my brown paint.~
~5~ I go back over each board again with the tinted clear coat.It just adds to the "real wood"
look.
~6~ And your done~ You now have a very pretty hardwood floor~ :)
~Amy~

2008-11-05T09:56:00.001-08:00

~YES WE DID !!!~

~ Enjoy this very special day~
~Amy~

Halloween

2008-11-04T14:22:00.001-08:00

~Halloween~
It was quiet. Rowan was sick and could not go TRICK~or~TREATING~
So~ I decided to share our past Halloweeny Days~
In these photos~ I am the little short one with dark curly hair. ~ I hope everyone had a lovely time.
We cuddled up. ~Amy~

N.Y. City set

2008-10-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

Well~ here is a little peek at the set that I have been painting. So~ the show is ~ Tick, Tick....Boom. A musical by Jonathan Larson~ the guy who wrote Rent. And~ this is his story, about choosing to be a New York artist.
Here you see plaster walls with brick. This is a roof top. But~ it also gets used as different scenes in the play. This is a very neat little corner of the set. First I painted the wall to look like old plaster, then painted the brick, here & there. Then went back over parts with more plaster/painting.
~The set designer is a friend of mine~ I love painting her sets for her, we work very well together.~
~ That very beautiful window you see up top is going to have a scrim (a black mesh type of curtain) hung behind it. Then it will have lights, Christmas lights, that will look like stars.

~Philip (my hubby) did a beautiful job building this set. That window is so well built, that it could actually hang in someones home. He was not willing to fudge things, he never is, if he is going to build something, than he is going to do it right. ~ You know that is what he does, he is a cabinetmaker. The building company he works for is small, but, they work on some of the most beautiful homes here in Richmond.~

Anyway~ I think this is going to be am amazing production. Very exciting.
Next~ I will show you how I paint the wood floors.

~Amy~

~VOTE~ :)

2008-10-27T17:02:00.000-07:00

Last night I was at the~
Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds~ Last Chance for Change Concert, held at the Siegel Center at V.C.U.~ it was a fabulous concert. Leaning towards being mellow. Acoustic Guitar Artistry really~ Both Dave & Tim were clearly enjoying themselves, as they played for 2 1/2 hours. Tim did not say a word~ but Dave delivered, what I can only describe as the most charming campaign messages, for Obama or any political message, for that matter, that I have ever heard.~"I'm well-compensated for doing what I love to do so go ahead and tax me heavy so someone else can take a little break."~

6,000 attended this free concert.~ Last Saturday morning, my friend Leslie called~ saying, I am on my way to get you~ they are giving away free tickets to a Dave Mathews concert at the Marshall Street Obama Campaign Office. So, Leslie, Rowan & I stood in line for about an hour & a half, chatting with the other folks in line, really a very pleasant morning. Got our two tickets each. And~ last night had a very lovely evening. I took Hannah~ this was her first real concert. Leslie brought her daughter Maria. It was all very good~

So~ I have been "crazy busy"~ working on the set. I took pictures today, to share with you. And~ show you a few of the painting techniques I use. But~ I left my camera at the theatre. Thats o.k.~ I'll post them toomario~ :)
~Amy~

2008-10-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

~~~WELCOME !~~~

Today is the day! The day that the Magical Vanessa over at A Fanciful Twist is hosting her Halloween Party~~
SO LETS HAVE FUN!!!!

AND ~~~ ~ GIVE YOUR FAVORITE SCARECROW
A BIG HUG & KISS FOR ME ~~~~

~I have made these Sweet Pumpkin Earrings
in celebration of this very Pumkinney Season~

~They will be available in my etsy shoppy~

NOW~ I am off to the Halloween Party!~

~~AMY~~

Birthday Boy & More

2008-10-16T14:27:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe I haven't posted in over a week~
I have started painting a set for a new theatre in town! ~ I am so very excited about this new little theatre. It is a part of the dance studio ~ Shuffles~ where Rowan takes her dance classes.
The owner, Peggy, of the of Shuffles ~ decided last year to spread her creative realm and add a black box theatre to her dance studio. Really amazing~ the space is perfect~ seating 99. The stage is a wonderful size. She brought on board, as Artistic Director, a young man, named Chase~ I have known him for years~ he worked at Theatre lV . Anyway~ Chase was pretty much raised in the theatre. He knows theatre inside & out.And~ because of this he can gather an amazing pool of talent, who are more than happy to be a part of this new theatre. I am totally blown away by how everything is coming together.
So~ the show is ~ Tick, Tick....Boom. A very cool musical by Jonathan Larson~ the guy who wrote Rent. So~ this is his story, about choosing to be a New York artist.

My husband built the sets~ now I am painting them. Good Fun!

Next~ Above, you see my new/old angel. While cleaning out the closet~ there she was. One of the Angels that Philip cut out for me years ago. Unpainted.~~~~Remember me saying that my Angel painting was pretty spontaneous, morning of a baby shower, morning of the Christmas party. Anyway~ poor Philip was never given much notice. So~ he did catch on & started cutting out stacks of Angels, instead of one, as needed. ( love having a cabinetmaker for a husband)

So~ she is not done yet. But~ I was so happy to find her. I want to make her very special.

Next ~ & ~ most important~ Ian turned 16 on Oct. 13~
Unbelievable~ 16~ my darling little fellow. When he was born, he had the biggest brown eyes.
He was my tiniest baby. Oh so precious. Today he is still darling, kind, smart. Ian is cuddly,
he is very comfortable with himself.~ He has decided that he will be a Ferrior & shoe houses.
And he will. Like his father his hands are gifted.

Pumpkin pie~ instead of cake~ for Ian Gerard Sullivan !

Recognize this picture?~
This is the photo that inspired the pastel painting you see over to the side of my blog.
This is my curly headed boy, playing in the bird bath~ I was always finding his little toys there.

The moment Ian saw his first horse~ there was a natural connection.~ Neither Philip or I are horse people. I have never been on a horse!~ Truly, it is amazing to watch him around these beautiful creatures. Look at him~ on his 3rd. Birthday~
We lived in the country & a friend who owned horses lived just down the dirt road.I would take the kids for a daily walk & we always ended there. Ian was shown where the apples were kept, so he would run get one and feed the horses. I have seen him share an apple with this very horse. Look how small he is on that big horse.~ Beautiful!~

O.K.~ That all for now~See you soon with more art~ Amy~

Well~

2008-10-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

Well~ I didn't sell any prints in my "big sale".
So~ I have decided to extend , the buy one~ get one free sale ~till Monday, Oct.6~
or maybe longer ;D
This selling your artwork stuff is hard~

But~ I have wonderful news about the show I was in , in Sept. ~ I sold 5 of the 7 pieces I sent.
And this little Angel just sold last night on ebay.

And something else, really Sweet, has happened~ Paz, from the Cooking Adventures of Chef Paz
asked me to post a recipe on her cooking blog. Paz is truly one of the dearest people here in bloggyland. ~ She also has another blog, Paz's New York Minute~
there she shares her view of New York City. And~ these are not just photographs, there is something more~ the something more is the way she sees the world around her. She makes it all so beautiful.~~~~ So~ visit Paz in N.Y. ~ then try my Italian Prune Plum recipe~
well it isn't mine, but, my darling Mother-in-laws~& it is very yummy!

Have the Loveliest of Days~Amy~

New Angel & A Print SALE!

2008-10-04T10:03:00.000-07:00

A new Angel Painting for ebay & a PRINT SALE in my ETSY SHOP!

1st.~ Here is my new angel painting~

I call her "October Angel",she is the first in my new monthly angel collection.Next month, of course, will be November & so on, ending with September of next year.And, she is on Ebay
right now~

After each original angel painting sells, I will make prints
of them & offer them in my etsy shop.

~And Now~ about the PRINT SALE!!!~
Over the past week or so, I have been adding prints
of my Angel Paintings, to my etsy shop.

AND so to get things going (gosh darn-it)!

For the next 3 DAYS~
I will be having a BUY one print & get the second
one, of equal or lesser value FREE SALE !!!
~All prints are included in the SALE~
This sale ends on MONDAY @ MIDNIGHT

Just remember to wait for an invoice from me before paying.

So~ yes~ go peek in my little shop!
&
~Thank you, for doing so~

~Amy~

Neptune Festival

2008-09-29T15:19:00.000-07:00

About two months ago my Bestest Girlfriend, Leslie asked me if I wanted to join her at the Neptune Festival in Virginia Beach & enter the annual sand sculpting contest. I said~Sure~

I have known Leslie since we were freshmen at V.C.U.~ hmmm 1979~ we have been friends for 29 years. We were in the art school, we are both little petite lady's. In fact that is the first thing she ever said to me, we were standing in the elevator going up to our rooms~ me all arty, with my gauzy shirts and my Leslie all preppy looking, (she was from Charlettsville) . Anyway~ she looks at me & says, "Hey, do you like being short?" ~ I am like~ what ever, little girl in your plaid pants & matching headband. ~~ Not two long after that there was a situation involving a fellow named Fred~ who apparently liked petite girls. Because one evening Leslie came to my room to let me know that he had asked her out, we were talking about him~ when poor Fred knocked on my door...what a shock for him & the rest is history. ;) Poor, Poor Fred.
Leslie & I have been best friends ever since.~ Our friendship has grown & changed as we have gone about our lives~ but~ we are always there for each other. As you get older corny sayings like "always there for each other" don't seem so corny.

So~ about the contest~ we didn't win~ but we didn't go to win. We went to have fun. Really we did. It was Les's ideal, she has an amazing talent for wipping out sand cat sculptures. She has been making them for years. Les's only daughter Maria, is all 23 years old , so Les gets to jet off to Jamaica and different beaches on her vacations. So, this is the first time I saw her in action. ~ My job was to do the lettering. Virginia is for Lovers.~ But, right beside the Lovers, leslie sculpted a cat~ So, & people did get it~ it reads, Virginia is for cat Lovers. It was so much fun.
I had never carved letters in the sand, but, I just went for it & I think we did fabulously!

We have decided that we will do it again next year.
~~~~~~~
Oh~ & Leslie did lose the plaid , like 28 1/2 years ago.She really wasn't preppy at all ;)

Back

2008-09-22T15:55:00.001-07:00

I am still having computer woes~ but I am learning how to use Gabriel's laptop.Thank you son!
Anyway~ I have missed blogging so much.~ This laptop is so sensitive. I make lots of mistakes & have to start over. But~ I can't be picky.
So~ this is a little angel I painted last night as a donation for a fund raiser that will take place tomorrow night in Washington D.C.~the money is being raised for battered women.~ I wanted this little angel to remind people of Christmas & winter. He is called the "Winter Angel". I know same pose~ but, I love this little angel.
~~~Little Miss Rowan has been sick this weekend & today. She has had a high fever. Poor little baby. It is so sad when the "Little Girl" is sick. You miss all her "busy~ness".
Well that's all for now~ I am going to go take a quick look around & catch up with all my bloggy friends. ~Amy~

Computer Woes~

2008-09-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

I am using my son's laptop at the moment.
So~ I have no pictures, :(
But~ I have been getting lots done.:)
And~ Katie May gave me the Art Y Pico Award~:)
I don't think I can pass it on till this weekend.
This laptop seems so strange to me.
I feel lost using it.And~ it does n't have all my info on it.

It is only Wednesday~Feels like Friday~
but~ I am glad it isn't, there is still so much to do.
The weather is getting that wonderful fall, crisp mornings &
cool evenings, ~ Thank goodness.
I feel renewed at this time of year.
More energy~
o.k.~ have good thoughts for my computer~
I feel so lost~but~I am getting lots done. ~But~ I feel so lost.
I"m o.k.~ No~ really I am~ don't worry about me, I can handle this ~
this, no computer thing~ I am enjoying the crisp weather~fresh~
And~getting, SOO much done!~ it really is a good thing.~
This no computer thing~ a good thing~so, don't worry about me,~
I am fine~ Do you believe me?~
oooo~Amy~

the Same~ But, Not~ the Same

2008-09-11T15:45:00.001-07:00

~click for close up~

A wonderful thing happened. A lovely lady bought one of my Angels on ebay~ and then a lovely friend of hers saw it and wanted~ not one~ but~ three Angels. One for herself~ And the other two for her children.~But, she was in love with the Angel that her friend had. She liked the way he was looking up.~So, she asked if I could make another one. ~~At first I have to say~ I was not sure~ and~ the fun part of these Angels, is that they are all differant, each, one of a kind.~~But, she was loving the Angel so much & I wanted her to have one. I agreed, and asked if I could make the next two differant. But~ the looking up part had to stay. ~Deal~
I loved painting these Angels so much. She will be peeking at them tonight, she is in Boston.
~Very Cool!~
I don't know ~ but~ Something wonderful is happening.
And~ how many years has my freinds & family told me to offer these Angels? ~ Oh , like~ forever!!! ~ All, I know is that I am loving this.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So~ other than that~ I am still working on the portrait that I can't show because it is presant.

~Amy~

Paint Pants

2008-09-08T07:20:00.001-07:00

All dressed up & ready to go. See how well my shoes match my pants? And ~I have lots of shirts that bring the whole look together. :) Most of my jeans look like this~ I love them.I wear them most everyday. I feel very comfortable & ready to work.
I just last week met a follow artist~ she was wearing a very similar pair of pants~ can you believe it? :) ~ If she were not wearing her paint pants, I may not have noticed her. But, now I have a new art friend.
~O.K.~ have a lovely Monday~Amy~

Rain

2008-09-07T17:18:00.001-07:00

~ I love the Blue Popsicle tongue~

I was so happy to wake to the rainy morning yesterday. After such a crazy~busy & way to fast
last week, the wonderful sound of rain was music to my ears and soul. A much needed brake was had by all, in the Sullivan home. Rain ~says~ it's o.k. snuggle up & relax. So, I spent the day on the couch with my daughters & sketch book, popping my Anne of Green Gables movies into the VHS player. I don't have them on DVD yet. I have had my copys so long that I have had to use masking tape to mend their boxes. But~ I love them. I guess someday I may have to brake down & get the DVD's, but not yet. My copys are very comforting to me, many, many hours have been spent watching them , I guess Gabriel was just a very little guy when Philip got them for me as a Christmas gift. And, now here he is 18~ so, it is quite safe to say that I have spent many hours holding my 4 babys while watching my Anne, with an e.

So~ fantastic news~ one of the pieces that I sent to the art show in Illinois has already sold !
I am very sad to say that I was doing everything so quickly, that I did not take pictures of my pieces. Can you believe it? I can't. But~ I have been told that pictures will be taken & sent to me.

The very coolest thing is that my cousin Clare is the Executive Director - of this Imagine Foundation. I really had not grasped all the amazing things that she does , until, well until now.
This was a Gallery Hop, so she was curator to 5 different spaces that show art. My art is at the
Inner Harmony Day Spa. Now~ I am thinking this will be a wonderful place to show art. 4 original Angels were painted for the show & 2 or 3 prints were made.Then I sent several older pieces. Clare says the space is beautiful.I want to go to the Inner Harmony Day Spa! ~So~ Thank You Dear Sweet Cousin~I Love You~& am so very blown away by all you do~
~Amy~

Sept. 3~1960

2008-09-03T14:05:00.000-07:00

So~ I just delivered my paintings to my brother-in-law, who is going to leave tomorrow morning
for Illinois. And~ help hang this show, his fabulous art will also be in the show.It is part of the Gallery Hop in Jacksonville Ill. at the the Imagine Foundation . So~ if you live near there ~ check it out. I wish I could be there , but , not this time.
This has been a very busy week & it is only Wednesday...Rowans birthday was on Monday~ the first day of school was Tuesday & last night into this morning I worked on getting my paintings ready for this show. AND~~ Oh Yah !!!~~ Today is my Birthday! I am 48 years old !
~o~O~o~0~o~0~o~0~o~0~o~0~o~0~o~0~o~0~o~0~o~0~o~0~o~0~
Yeah Me ! Right now~ it is 5:20 & I am pooped ! But~ feeling quite satisfied. I am going to go lay down & rest my eyes for a little bit.
~~Amy~~

Remembering

2008-08-29T20:38:00.001-07:00

Remembering ~ That, I took part in this ~ I sculpted the head of this Goddess of Liberty.
It was summer, 1989~ I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1984, BFA~
I was asked to sculpt her head.~ It really was an amazing moment. I say moment~ because, it was that fast. The V.C.U. Art students & graduates wanted & felt they needed to do something to honor the Art Students that had lost their lives in the Tiananmen Square Tragedy.
It was a very crazy ~ yet very organized two days.(click)
Now~ Please remember~ that I am ~ the Mom who sent her oldest son to China last summer.
And~ the really amazing thing is ~ that I was only weeks , pregnant with Gabriel at the time that I took part in this.
I have my own pictures of this day.The best are the pictures of how this very large & beautiful lady was lifted.
People ~ stopped their cars & got out & helped her get lifted up. She was on long, strong steal
rope and had to be pulled up to standing.

I have to say~ it was~ really beautiful to watch.
I remember how I felt. ~Amy~

Show

2008-08-28T19:48:00.001-07:00

I am getting some pieces together to send to Illinois to an art show. I need a few more that will be for sale.~ So, I have been steady working on them. I will also be sending about two portraits, that I don't want to sale, because they are of my children. But, they will serve as examples of my children portraits and hopefully send some commissions my way.
And~ School starts next Tuesday~ I better be able to post @ least two finished pieces by tomorrow evening.~ Boy, I wish I were able to stay up at night & work. But~ I become completely wrecked. I am an "Early Bird". But~ those "Night Owls" seem to be super productive. ~Amy~
p.s.~ and I finally started my pallet knife painting , that I said I would try, while watching Susan Carlin do one of her painting demos. She was doing a portrait with a pallet knife . And~ I am making a fine mess of it. It is 11"x14"~ it actually looks better in this photo, than real life.

2008-08-26T16:30:00.001-07:00

~Shelty Sullivan~1994~Aug.24,2008~

I wanted to thank everyone for the loving thoughts & prayers
that were sent to me & our Shelty Boy. I also wanted to share
this puppy picture of our handsome boy.
All I can say is,~ as hard as it was to let go of him~ he,
in his usual loving & watchful style, made it as easy on us as he could.
He died here in our home, he closed his eyes for the last time at
10:15 Sunday night. ~ We buried him in a lovely pine box that my
husband made, on a tree farm that my brother-in-law owns.
~o~
If it seems like this may not have been the best summer for our
family ~ you are so right! ~ I feel worn out. You know things have
been hard, if you are wondering if it is o.k. to be happy again.~
~ I say ENOUGH !~ I am very ready for things to lighten up!~
The last song they sang in mass on Sunday~ as Rowan & I were
leaving was~ City of God~. "He can turn tears into dancing"~
"Night into day."
I took that song home with me. I needed those words.~o~
Then today I wandered over to Pen Hallow Street"s blog &

found this quote~~ "God does not look so much at the magnitude of anything we do as at the love with which we do it."~ St. Teresa of Avila~

I always find something inspiring there.~ I took that quote with me
as I left. In fact I put it in my sidebar. ~ So, I have been going around
collecting what I need to feel better. ~~ My family has been beautiful & so
full of compassion. I am so proud of my children. I have been filling my pockets & heart
with as many wonderful thoughts & prayers as I can. So, I can smile at them & they
will know that everything is O.K.! :) ~Amy~

Best Boy

2008-08-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

Well, I had written earlier that our boy Shelty was not doing well. He has not been feeling well this week. And, this morning I took him to the vet and she confirmed what I/we already felt.
Shelty is in his last doggy days.He is 14.~ So, we will be by his side and keeping him comfortable and loving on him. He really is the best boy ever.~Amy~

Day Trips

2008-08-20T14:33:00.001-07:00

We did not get to go away for a vacation this summer. So, we took little day-trips.
This is at Lewis Ginter Garden, here in Richmond. 40 acres of beautiful gardens.
It is not a day trip, in fact it is walking distance from my house.
~~~ Doesn't this look fun?~ Rowan you are so lucky!~~~
This sprinkler fun happens in the children' s garden. They are built in sprinklers, coming up from the ground and overhead.

We have been visiting at least twice a week. We walk around, sit and talk. And then, I draw,
Hannah reads & Rowan splashes. These are little minnows nibbling at our toes, they tickled.
Not every time, but, sometimes, we treat ourselves to lunch
in the the Cafe. A very refreshing time. ~Amy~

Summer's End

2008-08-19T15:32:00.001-07:00

Look at what I saw when I walked into my kitchen. From our garden & neighbors gardens. I made that plum jam. It is yummy. There was a plum tree across the street from my sisters house, heavy with plums. She made jam, I think everyone on the street collected plums from
that tree. Rowan & I went and returned home with baskets of plums. That is summer. Summer setting on my kitchen counter. Tomato sandwiches. Plum jam. Squash casserole.
I will freeze most of these tomato's for the winter.

Here is a little Angel I just finished. I really enjoyed painting him. I love his little hand in his pocket. I am not sure why I decided to give him a pocket. But, I like it & seems to suit him. He has such a gentle calm about him. He will be on ebay by tonight. Setting & painting these Angels in the evening has made my so happy.
I am also working on a portrait. I don't think I should post it, because it is a gift.I don't want to spoil anything.
~~~Amy~~~

Focus

2008-08-13T18:50:00.001-07:00

Well, I sure have been a busy girl lately. I wanted thank everyone for all the sweet comments
on my posts lately. And, especially for the encouraging words on my little Angel paintings.
I am going to keep on doing them. And, still work on my portraits.
I have over the past couple of weeks received very kind emails from my arty, bloggy friends
and....they really have helped me put some thoughts together that have been buzzing around my mind. Thoughts about all things ,Art, that I do. Does that make since? Where to put my focus.
Susan Carlan, has posted a real list of her goals as an artist. And, I looked at it and thought
"Eureka !"....... Please don't laugh. (o.k. laugh) But, I realize that I leave to much of my artist life up to fate. Like a bumble bee, buzzing from one project to another. Working really hard on each one, but, no real direction. I love each thing that I do. But, I often feel scattered.
Susan was kind enough to write me, my very own email. In it she pretty much said, "Amy if it makes you happy, do it." "Eureka" , again.
So, I am busy writing out my goals, but not just goals, but actual ways of reaching them.
I am putting lots of thought into it. So, hopefully in the very near future, I will post them.

And, on that note I say to you all Thank You, again, &
Good Night, Sleep Tight &
May Your Guardian Angels Watch After You!
~Amy~

The Olymics !

2008-08-08T08:38:00.001-07:00

~~~~my son, Gabriel in China~~~~

~~~my Gabriel~~~

The Opening Ceremony's for the Olympics are tonight!
So, I thought I would share some of the pictures that my oldest son, Gabriel, took when he went to China last summer. Yes, we sent our 17,( @ the time), year old son to China last summer.
He was part of the People to People Student Ambassador Program. I was very brave, because I wanted him to have this fantastic, once in a life time experience.
And, he loved it! If your child is ever offered this chance, the program goes all over the world, and you can make it happen, do it. I am not sure how, but, we made it happen for Gabriel and I am so happy we did.
I think tonight we will have to have some Chinese food for dinner. Even tho we know that the Chinese we get here is not the real thing. Like I was telling Jack,(he is going in April of next year) I am very proud of my son, because he tried and enjoyed the food that was so beautifully placed before him. A lot of the kids said they lived on fruit & rice during their visit.
I am really looking forward to watching the Olympics. So, I need to get going & get what I need to make those egg rolls. ~~~Enjoy~~~ Amy~~~

~~~~~Sunday Morning~~~~~WOW~ WOW~WOW~~~~~
That was the most amazing show I have ever watched!!!
We ordered our Chinese food. My dear friend Leslie came over and WOW! what a show.
I was so excited, I called friends & family to make sure they were not missing it. I left too many comments on poor Jack's blog, sorry Jack.
How did they do all of this? Just amazing ! My kids were glued to what they were seeing. "That was so cool !" They were completely amazed.
Click here for some high lights of the show. I managed to say AMAZED 3 times in this post, well it was "just amazing"!
~~~~have a lovely Sunday~~~~Amy~~~~

2008-08-06T13:22:00.001-07:00

I sold my first piece on ebay! I did, I really did. So, I have just listed this little angel, holding morning glory's.
I needed this little boost.
Anyway, I have also been working on a portrait too, which I will post very soon.

I do have a funny story to share. On my travels up & down the highway last month, I drive past the exit to my old neighborhood. Well, on one return trip, I decided to pull off and drive past my old house. I haven't gone into my old neighborhood in years.My two daughters, Rowan & Hannah were with me. We slowly drove past the little ranch style house where I , "mostly", grew up. Hannah said ,"kinda small, isn't Mom?". Yep, a 3 bedroom ranch, that housed 7 children & my parents. "Girl room" , "boy room". Anyway, as I drove around the corner, it was a corner lot. I could see all the trees we had planted, not much had changed. And, much to my surprise I spotted the shed, over in the corner of the back yard.The surprise was that, it was put up some 19 years ago, and when it was, my mom asked me to paint something on it. Well, I painted this :
And, it is still there! My mom moved away from this little house like, 11 years ago, a few years after my dad died. I think there has been at least two different owners, since the Gethins clan lived there. (Gethins is my maiden name) Anyway, I got out of my car and took pictures of it. Actually, I had forgotten all about this little shed. My mom had a herb and flower garden all around it when she lived there. But, I thought it was funny that no one had decided to paint over it. The house had a fresh coat of paint, but not the little shed. Now, that tickled me. ~~~~~Amy~~~~~

Angels

2008-07-30T05:22:00.001-07:00

Where have I been? ~~~~It feels as if all I have done this month is run up & down the highway, driving, not really running. There has been much sadness in our family, as my husbands oldest brother passed away and most diffidently is with our Heavenly Father. He was a most wonderful man. My heart just brakes. His life was beautiful. His wife & two sons and their wives and children, all the most beautiful , kind, Believing people you would ever want to know. As I watched them, as they all comforted the people around them, with hugs and love, I am reminded
how Blessed I have been to be a part of this family.

To comfort myself, I sat down & painted this little angel. I started making them way back when Gabriel was in preschool. I needed a Christmas gift for his teacher & I wanted it to be nice, having come from a long line of teachers, on my mothers side. So, since my husband is a cabinetmaker, lots of wood around, and my sons name is Gabriel, I came up with the ideal to make her an angel. That was the beginning. So, for the past 14 years we have made these angels at Christmas, for all four children's teachers. I also have given them as birthday, baby shower and Christmas gifts. I really have know ideal how many I have made. Nor, did I take pictures of them.
The process was always the same. Usually the night before I needed to paint an angel, for what ever gathering, I would say to my poor husband, "can you cut out an angel for me?" I really have the most wonderful husband. I would then draw out the angel & he would cut it out. Or, he would find me a nice piece of wood to paint one on.
So, on the morning of the gathering, I would wake up early ,still in my jammy's & paint my angel.

I get so much enjoyment from them. Setting there with all the wonderful colors in front of me. Just letting my imagination go and so relaxing in something I love doing.
So, while I was painting this little angel, I thought why not try selling my angels. I don't know how well they will do. But, I made up my mind that I will try.
As , I am growing my portrait business. I really do need extra income. These are the cold hard facts. As an artist, it can be so hard to look facts in the eye.

So, I have asked that my little angel painting business be Blessed.

I have opened my own ebay shop. Wish me luck. :)

Wow, this was a long post. As always " thank you for visiting". And, by all means go check out my
little angel on ebay.
Amy

Belong together

2008-07-25T05:53:00.001-07:00

I thought I would post this portrait again, because, the Summer Portrait and this one were commissioned by the same wonderful person. So, now she has a portrait of both of her children.(shame that she does not have 7 children) : )
I don't think they will hang side by side. But I thought it would be fun to post them near each other. Enjoy your weekend ! I have alot of work to get done. And I am going to try & set up an ebay shop for myself. Wish me luck. Amy

Summer Portrait

2008-07-16T15:54:00.001-07:00

I just finished this portrait. It was done with pastels and pencil. I like the way he is surrounded with the blue ocean. Very summery.Perfect time to do this painting.... I want to go to the beach.
Anyway, I wish I had gotten better pictures before I had to hand it over. The top photo, I used auto fix, in photo shop. The lower one is just straight up picture. I do not really know how to use photo shop, as you can see. But, the real painting is somewhere between the two in color.
We have alot going on in our family right now. This past week has past by so quickly.
Amy

Pencil

2008-07-11T06:02:00.001-07:00

This little drawing was done with pencil & a bit of pastel. I didn't feel the need to add color.
I think the color of the pastel paper gives it an old fashion feeling. Just a nice little drawing, I think. :) ) This is Sophie & Virginia, Two Sweeties ......amy