Tuesday, December 29, 2009

  Another painting I did for a special young lady, Santa brought this to her for Christmas.  She loves penguins and has a beautiful little Yorkie named Kiki.  I do hope she liked the painting, it was sheer fun painting penguins on the beach! Love you Nichole!
I just wish I was sitting in that beach chair right now, I would give Kiki a dog treat!

Monday, December 28, 2009

 "Three Gifts" is a painting I created for a Christmas present for parents of some friends and art collectors of mine.  When I was asked to paint these dogs, I was a bit nervous because I had never painted dogs before, only one cat!  I sure hope that their parents enjoyed receiving this painting - when I got into my painting mode, I found that I really really love painting dogs!  These dogs are very special to their owners and I truly understand that very special relationship and bond between "owner and dog"  (being a dog lover that I am)!
Merry-after-Christmas everybody!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

 This Santa looks old, but possesses many wise and needful gifts to keep him and you perky and well.  For those who need a little help to get them going, "Santa Wise" is for you.  He brings a Christmas tree to decorate your home, a bag of switches to keep the naughty children (and adults) in line.  His magic cane will help you get around if you suffer from a variety of ailments such as migraines, arthritis, osteoporosis, bad knees or hips.  "Santa Wise" will gladly share his gentle and jolly wisdom with you this Christmas season.

Monday, December 21, 2009

 You will always find good cheer with "Miss Life of the Party Santa".  She has waited all year to bring unimaginable happiness to someone special.  Helping you to celebrate and entertain at all of your Christmas soirees is her Christmas assignment this year.  "Miss Life of the Party Santa" stocks spirit-filled wine to help you glow this Christmas season.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

 This special Santa is for those with a special place in their heart for furry and feathered friends.  This Christmas "Santa Nature" will bring cuddles, smooches, wags, meows, chirps, barks, and candy coated unconditional love to you and your family.
So even if you have been a little naughty this year, "Santa Nature" and his unconditional love will leave you filled with joy.  He forgets all the bad and awful things you did or said and will bring you and your pets a lovely Christmas season.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Christmas is about love, giving and sharing, reuniting with family and friends, how I love to hear the laughter that this joyous Christmas season brings. "Love came down at Christmas," this is such a beautiful song.This song played many times on my Ipod as I painted this endearing mermaid. She is bursting with love, that 's why I call her "Sweetheart".  She is floating among pink hearts. gleaming pearls and lily flowers, such a sweet mermaid she is.  Here's wishing you love, peace and joy this Christmas season.
Please email inquiries to kbunn@ec.rr.com.

Thursday, December 11, 2009

  "Happy Heart Santa" has the jolly temperament to help add to this jolly Christmas season.  Those of you that have suffered heartaches, misfortune, danger, pain, struggles, or grief, this Santa will help ease all that is annoying you.  Not only will he jolly fix your troubles during the month of December, but also he amazingly has such a gift that he can remedy your grief all year long!  His shining pink heart will render your troubles out of sight.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

 To all Buttercups, Angel faces, Cherubs and Divas, "Santa Baby" is for you!  He will delight your every demanding greedy whim.  Impulsive, frivolous, and eccentric wishes are his specialty.
"Santa Baby" thinks of special gifts just for his "baby" before you can even think of them yourself!  Want that luxurious sable under the tree, or something else so rich and decadent?  He will put you up on a pedestal and spoil you rotten, because "Santa Baby" knows what girls want!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

 Ahoy mates! Let "Santa Lake" be your Christmas Captain during this festive time of year.  He can charter good times and good tidings to you and those you hold dear.  Step aboard his mystic boat and sail away on a magical journey with family and friends.  No need for life jackets, this endearing Santa will guide you safely ashore to your favorite holiday destination.  Bon voyage and Merry Christmas!
This is one of Michelle's Santas for sale at Smellie Bloomers.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

 This watchful Santa will help you keep an eye on things when you are away or in the next room.  Just put Saint Niche on a table or in a special niche and he not only catches those darlings being naughty, he will correct them.  His watchful eyes have super duper magic power...so when someone steals your chocolate, Saint Niche will magically place the chocolate in a special secret place that only you and he knows about.
St. Niche can be purchased via Smellie Bloomers in Elizabethtown, NC or me!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

 Michelle's Santas by Kathy will be revealed today at Smellie Bloomers Christmas Open House.  I went yesterday to set up my display and there are so many beautiful wonderful smellie treasures there! Thank you Melissa and Katy for helping me this weekend, I could not have done it without you two!
Join us today and enjoy a magical shopping experience this afternoon from 2-6 pm.  See you there!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Some people are hesitant to celebrate Christmas before Thanksgiving.  I believe that if you have a thankful heart and remember the reason for the season, you can celebrate all year long!  My living room, dining room, and kitchen look like Santa's artist workshop.  I'm thinking about taking over my oldest son's bedroom next.  I just don't have enough space...sounds like I could be wishing for a studio for Christmas...mmm???Santa are you listening?
This photo is a taste of what I will have for sale at Smellie Bloomers this Sunday.  As you know I have painted only 12 Santas exclusively for the owner, Michelle, when they are gone, there will be no more this year!  I am pleasantly booked up til summer next year! What a wonderful problem to have. A "Santa Nature" print is featured above in an antique frame, it is darling and just fits the old, white, decorative wide frame.  Burgaw has several sweet little antique shops and I picked up this frame at a darling little antique shop there.  I will also have prints available for purchase or to order for that special someone.  Mermaids, cardinals, birdsnests, Tuscan scenes, dragonflies, etc. are just some of the paintings that will be for sale.
Hope to see you Sunday at Smellie Bloomers unique little gift shop located at 501 W. Broad Street, Elizabethtown.  Let start celebrating the magic of Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

This is one of the unique "Michelle's Santas" that I have painted for Smellie Bloomers, a unique gift shop in Elizabethtown.  Each of the twelve Santas that I have painted have special names and special stories that go with each original piece.  This Santa's name is "Lovey Dovey Santa", and he has a little romantic story that goes with him, so don't worry if you don't get kissed under the mistletoe this Christmas, he will help you out!  Smellie Bloomers Christmas Open House is this Sunday, November 15th from 2:00 -6:00 p.m. Come see my new line of Santas and other goodies at this wonderful shop.

Friday, November 6, 2009

I received several emails from friends suggesting inspirational words, hymns, scriptures, and verses to use in this birdsnest painting.  My favorite suggestion came from my cousin, Sheila. Thanks sis, and to all of you who emailed your kind suggestions!
This oil painting entitled "Grace Will Lead Me Home" is inspired by the third verse of the beautiful hymn, "Amazing Grace".  These lyrics are painted in the background and on the birdnest in the oil painting.  An English writer, John Newton wrote the lyrics of the song in 1725. As a youth, Newton lacked religious beliefs, but later as he served in the Royal Navy, his beliefs began to change.  He came very close to losing his life on board a ship during a violent storm, and he believed the only way his life was saved that night was through the Grace of God.
Memories of singing "Amazing Grace" in an old Baptist church when I was a little girl bring back sweet times shared with family and friends.  Such a popular and meaningful song then, but much sweeter now.
Birds use nests to protect eggs and nestlings from predators and harsh weather conditions.  Nests also help to keep the eggs warm and are usualy hidden or camouflaged so predators cannot find them.  Through the Grace of God, we are warmed, protected, and safely cared for.  Just as the verse explains 'through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come. Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and Grace will lead me home.'
This painting will be included in the Wesley's Chapel Auction on Saturday, November 7, 2009.  Auction begins at 7 p.m., bazaar starts at 10:00 a.m.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Good morning friends! I am posting a painting that I am doing for the church bazaar at Wesley's Chapel.  It is incomplete, but will have to finish it this week (the bazaar is this Saturday!).  I was hoping for a little help from my friends out there.  Last week was such a tragic and devastating week for our families and friends in Bladen County, not to mention I have a very very dear sweet friend undergoing radiation and chemo.
I wanted to write something in the painting, maybe a scripture or verse from a song, something inspirational...any ideas out there?  Who knows,  maybe this painting will help to raise money for missions and of course my artistic goal is that it will find a good home and bring happiness to someone.
Promise to post when I finish, thanks for your help! Just email me if you think of something appropriate:  kbunn@ec.rr.com

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

"Cardinal Santa" is one of my favorite Santas that I have designed and painted for Smellie Bloomers (a unique gift shop in Elizabethtown). I have written 12 stories to go with twelve unique and diverse Santas.  This particular endearing  "Cardinal Santa's" story is all about remembering special times and appreciating the little things in life.  This festive and whimsical line of Santas is called "Michelle's Santas" because I created them exclusively for the owner, Michelle.  Months ago, Michelle asked me to paint a few Santas for Christmas, so last July while everyone was rubbing suntan lotion on and soaking up the rays at the lake and the beach, I put my Christmas music on, turned down the temperature, and painted 12 lively spirit- filled Santas. You must mark Sunday, November 15th on your calendar, you are all invited to experience the Christmas Spirit at Smellie Bloomers Open House.  I can't wait to reveal "Michelle's Santas" and  share their Christmas magic with you. Here's a link so you can check out some of the unique items at Smellie Bloomers..
http://www.bladenonline.com/smelliebloomers.htm

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

"Double Flurry" is painted for one of my best friend's sister.  She saw an earlier painting "Double Trouble" and commissioned me to paint a smaller version.  When I think of the word flurry, I think of excitement, whirling and fluttering around, as well as turbulence and disturbances. These two sisters grew up together and experienced lots of flurries.
The warm yellow nest intertwines together and creates a strong nest which holds and protects the two eggs.  As children, Sandy and Faye relied on each other and supported each other.  As these two sisters grew up and went their separate ways, they now nurture and support their own families, friends and loved ones. Their lives are enriched by their families and friends and are symbolized in the blueberries, leaves and twigs that embellish the nest.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

This crisp autumn day is a good day to start your Christmas shopping at Leapin Lizards in Lumberton, NC. There are several artists and craftspeople selling beautiful handmade work.  Unique pottery, special Christmas ornaments, exquisite handmade jewelry and one-of-a-kind-cards, colorful rugs, original paintings and some yummy yummy food and a lot more arts and crafts awaits you.  Catch us today, the last day at the First Presbyterian Church, 1002 N. Chestnut Street in Lumberton before we close today at 2 p.m. See you there!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

"Believe" is a sweet old Santa that I started painting a couple of weeks ago.  He seems to have a wise and gentle spirit about him. He is painted on an 8 x 8 gallery wrapped canvas and would look perfect in your home sitting on a pretty display easel this holiday season.    "Believe" will be for sale at the upcoming "Leapin Lizards" art and craft festival in Lumberton.  Check out my other posts for additional work that will be featured this weekend, of course you can email me if you are interested in any of my work. 

Monday, September 28, 2009

This painting is a small tribute to friendship.  One of my very dear friends gave me a birthday card with the words "a good friend is one who brings out the best in me". Just recently we celebrated my friend's 65th birthday, we started with tea and ended with belly dancing. Another dear friend just recently went through surgery, malignant tumors were removed from her neck, she is waiting to hear from the results. I am so blessed to have so many good friends.  I celebrate their friendship with this little painting of two friendly fish swimming around together. 
By the way, this is one of the small inspirational paintings that will be in the upcoming "Leapin Lizards" show.  The show will be at the First Presbyterian Church, 1002 N. Chestnut Street in Lumberton, NC.  This annual arts and crafts show will be held Friday, October 16th, from 5-7 pm and Saturday, October 17th from 9am-2 pm. All work in the show is designed and handcrafted by the exhibitors-no manufactured or imported items!  What a wonderful weekend to start your Christmas shopping!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

"Ginny's Kids" is a lakescape that includes a brother and sister walking down the pier where they grew up.  White Lake is full of amusement, whether it be tubing, swimming, skiing, wakeboarding or just soaking up the rays and reading a book.  We have a lot of activities to pass the time while we're young or young at heart at our beautiful lake.
I hope that one day Ginny's children will look back at this painting and it will help them remember the sweet days of summertime at the lake.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Fall is indeed in the air, as I step outside in the morning and feel the gentle coolness I am taken to a different mood and time. Twenty-two years ago, my mother died, she lived to only 58 years old and today is her birthdate, she would have been 81 today. I often am saddened when I think that she never got to hug my two sons, there will always be a hole in my heart because I know she would have loved to do all those wonderful grandmother things. Oh, she would have spoiled them rotten!
Fall sometimes brings a gentle bittersweet sadness as I long for the soft touch of my mother's skin, she had the softest and smoothest skin I've ever felt (except for my Aunt Nell). I remember the nights and days before my mother died, we would laugh and watch "Golden Girls" together. I remember the visits by friends, family and Hospice. I remember how I would wash and curl her hair, she always wanted it to look natural-no teased bouffant do for Hazel!
Last week my youngest son celebrated his 19th birthday, two months ago my oldest celebrated his 20th birthday. They never knew their Granny, and that my friends is a difficult pill to swallow.
I painted this cardinal to celebrate my mother's birthday, Happy Birthday Hazel! Love you and miss you!

Monday, August 31, 2009

"Damsel" was painted a few months ago and was included in my Grape and Ale show. Dragonflies are quite valuable as well as beautiful. They are predators that eat the annoying mosquitos, wish we had more dragonflies at the lake.
This is an acrylic painting, painted with layers of warm and cool greens, ice-blue, silver leaf and a rose and yellow-gold tint. "Damsel" is hovering over a lily pad. Final touches to "Damsel" include a little drawing with ink. This painting is done on a 6"x 6" gallery wrapped canvas framed in a contemporary floating black frame.

Monday, August 24, 2009

This is my favorite mermaid in the series, I named her "Jezebel" because she has a loose and promiscuous quality about her as she is bobbing around in the sparkling mysterious ocean. Did you know that one of my favorite actresses, Bette Davis, played in the 1938 "Jezebel" film? It starred Bette Davis and Henry Fonda, the plot involved a spoiled woman who because of her actions, lost the man she dearly loved. The movie took place in the Antebellum period and Bette Davis played the part of a headstrong southern woman.
Rumor has it that this film was developed especially for Bette Davis because she had lost the role of Scarlet O'Hara to Vivien Leigh in Gone with the Wind.
"Jezebel" is a free flowing golden red siren of the ocean who dreams of finding a little naughty "ocean-life". She looks quite serene and sweet, but she is definitely one mermaid to keep your eye on.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Yesterday was my birthday, sorry I didn't get a chance to post. I was celebrating by kayaking around the entire lake with my niece! What a wonderful day.
This painting is a study for a much larger one, I am excited to paint these four sisters in a very loose impasto style. I enjoy this palette knife technique, I certainly will post the final painting in a few months.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Here is a sneak preview to a special line of Santas called "Michelle's Santas" . I am painting these unique Santas for a lovely little gift shop in Elizabethtown known as Smellie Bloomers. Each unique painting comes with a special title and story .... the first painting in the line is "Smellie Santa". Here is "Smellie Santa's" story...
You will be in good hands this Christmas season with this charming Santa. "Smellie Santa" has the gift to watch over you, he can smell trouble in your house and will be your guardian. Whenever there is trouble, this Santa will do his best to get rid of smellie naughtiness in your home.
I am so excited to design and paint Michelle's Santas. This series will be completed in September and will be featured this Christmas at a special event at Smellie Bloomers in Elizabethtown, NC. I will keep you informed as to when "Michelle's Santas will be available.

Monday, August 3, 2009

"Pollyanna" is a beautiful friendly happy mermaid. I named her after the orphan in the novel "Pollyanna" written by Eleanor Porter. Pollyanna played the "glad game" in which she would find something to be glad about in any situation. She learned this optimistic attitude from her father. The story unfolds when Pollyanna goes to live with her very very stern aunt in Vermont. When she was there, her aunt made her stay in a stuffy attic room with no pictures or carpet, but Pollyanna surprised her aunt with her remarkable and unusual optimistic attitude.
Now, I wonder how "glad" I would be if I found myself sleeping on a bed of fish like my mermaid "Pollyanna"?
Next weekend, my nieces and grand nieces and nephew will be staying with me for a few days. Beware of "Crazy Aunt Kathy" my dears!

July 30, 2009

"Summer Friends 2" was painted especially for a sweet sixteen year old, for years she has been very dear to my heart. My I cannot believe that Kayla is 16! Seems just like yesterday that she was a teeny little baby.
The blue-green swirling bubbles around the summery flip flops really do express Kayla's personality-that is, she is fun, cheerful and always on the move! I hope that through the years as she looks at "Summer Friends 2", that she will remember the good times at the lake, the pool and of course the beach!
Here's to my former student and my young friend, I painted this especially for you and I love you! -Mrs. Honeybunn

Monday, July 20, 2009

I painted "Cromartie Cardinal" for a very dear friend. I met my English friend Mo in (of all places) Wal Mart a couple of years ago. We hit it off quite immediately! She knits and so do I . She has been instrumental in helping our Prayer Shawl Ministry at my church. Mo can knit anything and can follow a pattern easily, all I can do is knit the same thing over and over again.
"Cromartie Cardinal" was painted from a photograph that she took in her garden during our beautiful winter snow last year. She will be sending it to a relative in England.
Mo, thank you for being my very dear friend. I love you lots.!

Monday, July 13, 2009

If you come to my house, you'll probably see me wearing these most comfortable flip flops. Rainbows are not the regular flip flop, they have an arch support and conform to your feet. Did you know that a man from California named Sparky first made these flip flops in his garage? He would assemble 15 pairs a day, later after moving to San Clemente his company manufactured over 1200 a day, then in 2002 China started manufacturing them.
"Breaking in" is a term that all rainbow wearers know first hand. You can wear them in the water to stretch them out a bit. Each pair of rainbows conforms personally to the wearer, developing kind of like their own fingerprint or "toe-print".
I enjoy wearing rainbow flip flops, after all they are a high-end flip flop...not the foam kind, and I do like to spoil myself when I can. Oh well, the best part of this story is one of my dear former students bought this painting, he is a swell guy. I love him and am honored that he wanted one of his old teacher's paintings. Don't worry, I gave him a good deal! He is quite the artist himself, you will probably see his work at a future art show sometime soon. Then, I can buy one of his paintings! Love you James!

Monday, July 6, 2009

Wine tasting and art, what a delightful mix. Candace, the owner of Grape & Ale and her husband, Jim know how to help people have a good time! If you didn't get a chance to go by and check my work out, it will be on exhibit in the gallery at the Grape & Ale til August 5, 2009. I would like to thank my husband Steve for hanging the show, my knees would not have liked climbing up and down that ladder. Also, thanks to my cousin, Sheila for letting me spend the night with her! Sure did enjoy the food and the company!
I posted eight of my new pieces in the slideshow, all were inspired by my recent visit to Oak Island. Now, I have to get back to work, I sold my newest mermaid "Buttercup", and I'm preparing to paint a series of mermaids plus I have several commissions to paint! Sounds like another beach trip to me. Oh to hear the ocean singing at night again!

Monday, June 29, 2009

"Sweetwater" was bought by a sweet little lady from Charleston, S. C. As I was painting it as a demo at my show at Lu Mil, she asked if she could purchase it even before I had finished painting it. I hope she enjoys it as much as I enjoyed painting it.
Happy July 4th to everyone! Remember, I will be one of the featured artists at The Grape & Ale in Southport, NC this Friday. I am so thrilled to be invited to show my work. Come on out and try a variety of wines and check out my new paintings.
Tomorrow is a very very special day, my oldest son will no longer be a teenager, he turns 20, but I will not get to hug him because he is in college in Orlando. Not to worry, he will graduate on July 10th and has landed a job in Chapel Hill. Happy Birthday Logan, I love you and I am so proud of you!
One more special person celebrating her birthday is my dear friend in Raleigh, she is a former student who is an amazing up and coming artist. She celebrates her birthday tomorrow, Happy Birthday Cindy! I love you!

Monday, June 22, 2009

"Splash" was painted with a palette knife. She is a silvery dreamy mermaid swimming in the ocean. Mermaids are legendary sea creatures often described as having great beauty and charm. According to folklore, they loved music and would sing to sailors, then lure them to their death. One more important tidbit about mermaids is that they have the power to grant wishes and immortality.
This painting is sold, but I have started another one, inspired by my recent beach retreat. Seems like retirement is busier than teaching school, I am now getting ready for another art show. I have been invited by Grape and Ale to exhibit my work during the month of July. Grape and Ale is a sweet little wine shop in Southport, NC. , in addition, they also have an art gallery in the back of their shop. On Friday, July 3rd, they will host a wine tasting and I will be there to meet and greet. Oh what fun!

Monday, June 15, 2009

Today is the last day of my teaching career. Last week I hugged and said goodbye to my students and today I say goodbye to my fellow teachers. It is a bittersweet feeling, all mixed up with excitement and anticipation of what will come to be in the next few years. My family's genes have not demonstrated living to ripe old ages, and that is one reason why I decided to go ahead and take this monumental leap into retirement. I pray that I made the right decision.
As I painted this piece, my artistic goal was to try something new. I have used gold and silver leaf before, but never in a large painting. "Eye Candy" is unlike my recent paintings, you cannot tell if it is foliage, floral, eyes, or a butterfly. It is none of the above. I hope that whatever the image suggests to you, that it will be beautiful. The gold and silver symbolize my advancing into my "golden years" of retirement.
"Eye Candy" is the first in a series of gold and silver paintings. Watch future posts for new subject matter: koi, crab, seashells, dragonfly and a few turtles. Maybe these paintings require a trip to the beach sometime soon?
Thanks to everyone who commented and gave me advice on whether or not to begin signing my paintings as "Cardinal". I have decided to continue to sign my own signature and to honor my mother's legacy with a series of paintings of cardinals, but that will be a little later on.
Here's to retirement!

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Could I get some advice? I am retiring in 5 days from teaching school for 29 years. Would you please help me with a decision?
I have painted many red birds, all because of the legacy of my mother and my sweet Aunt Nell. They loved cardinals, and wore a lot of red in their lifetime. Now, I've inherited this love as well! To recognize this remarkable change in my life and to demonstrate my love of the cardinal and honor my mother and Aunt Nell, what do you think about this?
All of my paintings created after retirement will be signed "Cardinal" instead of Kathy Bunn. Please let me know your thoughts..............I only have 5 days!
Thanks!

Monday, June 8, 2009

This oil painting was created especially for our show at Lu Mil Vineyard. When Betsy (the amazing potter at our show) and I were discussing where we get our inspiration, we both shared the same idea source. Our wonderful God in heaven has given us the talent to create. Our work is inspired by God's creations, our lives, friends and families. God's word is our refreshment for our soul.

Monday, June 1, 2009

The show was a terrific success! Thanks to friends and family for visiting and for your support. Looking forward to another one, check back!

Show at Lu Mil, Sunday, May 31

My dining room studio is quite chaotic at the moment. I have been busy framing up last minute work, touching up, pricing and printing labels and checking my inventory. This experience has been so enlightening and educational. I learned that researching, drawing and painting is only half of what is needed to prepare and set up for an art show. It has been a very enriching experience and I've loved every minute of it.
Looks like "Honey", my oldest son's Staffordshire Terrier is overseeing the exhibit preparations. Thank you Honey, you're the best! Maybe I'll do a painting of you soon!
Please know that you all are invited to this show, hope to see you there!

Art Show at Lu Mil Vineyard

You are invited to my art show and sale at Lu Mil Vineyard this Sunday, May 31, 2009 from 2:00-5:00 pm. I designed the invitation from a still life painting of a family communion set created by featured potter, Betsy Sellers. Cathi Moffat's cross necklace hangs on the neck of the wine bottle. I am so excited to share this exhibition with two talented artists.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Spent the day painting for my show at Lu Mil Vineyard. As I was painting the cardinals, a large robin swooped down and scared my palette almost right out of my hands. It was an amazing and wonderful day painting on my front porch. This is such a nice way to practice retirement.
Don't forget to "save the date", May 31, 2009.

Monday, April 20,2009

I will be exhibiting my paintings at Bladen County Library in Elizabethtown, NC during May. You are invited to an artist reception on May 28, 2009 at the library. Betsy Sellers, potter will also be demonstrating and showing her work with me. Our show will be titled "Refreshment for the Soul". Work at the library will not be on sale, but Sunday, May 31, 2009 from 2:00-5:00 pm, you are invited to our show and sale at Lu Mil Vineyard near Dublin, the address is 438 Suggs-Taylor Road in Elizabethtown, NC.
During the next few weeks, I will be preparing my work for "Refreshment for the Soul", please forgive me for not posting new work for a while, but I promise to share my paintings later. Don't forget to put May 31st on your calendar!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Santa Claus is a popular symbol at Christmastime, the Easter basket and colorful eggs are signs of Easter. I used to hang those bright plastic Easter eggs on a tree in our front yard when my sons were little. The eggs would bring joyful smiles to their little faces. Now, I think they are hideous in yards, I would not dare decorate with those hideous things now. What we do for our children?
Some people think that particular symbols of Easter, Christmas, Halloween and other holidays are evil. I differ. I know when, why and how to separate the real meaning behind these wonderful Holidays from the secular celebrations, symbols and stories. My family has many childhood memories of Easter egg hunts and I hang on to those memories because my sons are far too old to hunt for Easter eggs now. As I painted "White Feather", I remembered those Easter Sundays long ago when we would hide and hide and hide and hide and hide Easter eggs till I was so tired, but what fun we had!

Monday, April 6, 2009

"New Song" is inspired by Isaiah 42:10. "Sing unto the Lord a new song." Text from scriptures and favorite hymns has been appearing in some of my recent paintings. I am retiring in 39 days, and trust me, I will be singing a new song. I have taught school for 29 years, and it's time for a change. Busy will I be, painting, gardening, antiquing, and spending more time with my family and friends.
I will start "singing" in May with an exhibit of my work at Bladen County Library. Actually it will be a "duet" with my cousin, Betsy. Betsy is a ceramic potter who creates beautiful pottery. I will let you know details of our upcoming show in my future posts.
Oh, I must start "rehearsing"...............got to get back to my "singing easel". Just in case you're confused or worried, I will not be singing at my show. Years ago, my voice was often used as a disciplinary tool with my own two sons. When they started bickering and fighting in the back seat of our van, I would start "singing" to them and they always stopped misbehaving just to get me to stop singing! Oh, those were the days!

Monday, March 30, 2009

I have a little something different this week for you.
I've posted a slideshow so that you could see how
my paintings start and progress.
My dear friend Edna received this painting for her
birthday. Little did she know that her husband
had commissioned this piece especially for her months
ago. What a wonderful sweet husband! Such a nice
and thoughtful way to show how much he cares for his
dear wife. MMMMmmmm, wonder if he could give
lessons in "wife appreciation"? Happy birthday Edna,
you're a lucky lady!

Monday, March 23, 2009

Hope is one of the three virtues-faith, hope and charity which are spiritual gifts of God.
Greek mythology personifies Hope as Elpis, which is usually depicted as a young woman carrying flowers.
Emily Dickenson wrote in a poem that "Hope" is the thing with feathers--that perches in the soul.
I believe if we do not have hope in our hearts, that we have nothing. What is anything without hope? Giving up or refusing to have hope is a state of mind that I refuse to have. Here's hoping you have a beautiful spring!