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!