Yummy Turkey!

Thanksgiving is over but I have a fridge full of leftovers so I don't feel so sad. I get to have my own little Thanksgiving "replays" for the next few days. (Thanksgiving has the best leftovers.) My brother cooked his very first turkey and I must say it was exceptional - this coming from someone who doesn't "love" turkey. I made a variety of "fixins" and I do believe we would have made our mother proud. Even our gravy was yummy and not too lumpy. It was loads of fun and loads of work. We all stuffed ourselves and hardly enjoyed the great pies. I hope Phil and I continue this tradition - I mean he DID by a special humongous turkey pan...

Currently I'm taking a break from decorating my place for Christmas. I love pulling out all my decorations once a year and have lots of fun figuring out where everything should go. Also, it's supposed to rain/snow tonight. Will we have a winter wonderland in the morning? I need to hurry and get it all done. Because I plan on painting tonight. It's been too long and I really miss it. I did this little bit of a watercolor last weekend.

At my Etsy Shop -- Winter Wonderland 4x6

Relax and Enjoy the Ride

Well, my head is spinning with all the changes that have happened in the last two weeks. As most of you know, back in April I was laid off from my full time job. Since then I've been getting to know my new place of residence - St. Louis, being a crazy Aunt, painting lots, trying not to worry, and here and there looking for full time employment. On some level I was pushing and hoping to make a go at earning a living solely from my watercolor. Two weeks ago I was offered a position as a pharmaceutical rep and I accepted the offer - very happily I might add. So what does this mean for Amy the artist? Am I really an artist if I don't do it full time? Does this mean I'm a "failure" because I can't earn a living doing something I love? These questions dance in my head. But at this point in life I know myself and as much as I wish I weren't me sometimes, I am. I'm not good with being the "Ramen noodle eating struggling artist" type. And I don't paint well with the immense pressure of selling my work. Of course I will always paint. In fact, I look at my love of watercolors as my retirement plan - which means I'll always have something to do as long as I can see and hold a brush. For the next several months I will be using the other side of my brain for awhile. I'm looking forward to learning some new things, meeting new people and all the new influences these things will have on my life and that does include art too. I'll never stop painting - it just may not be everyday. And instead of stressing out about life not turning out how I planned or think I would like it, I'm going to relax - like the little embroidery I did last year says - and try to enjoy the ride. But don't worry I'm not disappearing, just adjusting my seat belt...

(4x6 matted cherry watercolor)

... and the WINNER is

...Arden from Oregon!!
Yippeee! Thanks to everyone who wrote me and reads my blog. I hope there is 100 more posts!!!!

The past two days I've been part of a holiday open house at a friend's home here in St. Louis. She makes and sells great beaded jewelry. It was so fun to do because you just enjoy talking to the women and there's no rushing, hurrying pressure to shop and scram like you feel at a mall. You have a glass of wine some crackers, take your time, chat it up with a new friend. It's just a fun experience. I've seen more and more of these holiday shopping open houses spring up and think they are such a great idea. In fact I'm participating in another one in two more weeks!!!! So for the next week I'll be busy painting and matting lots of my pictures.

Last Sunday I decided to take the afternoon and paint once again at the botanical gardens. I can not recall a fall so vibrant and colorful as this one. Maybe because it's the first one I've experienced in ten years. So I gathered my traveling paint kit and off I went. I found a perfect place in the grass - after much looking and pacing - then and set up my little studio in the leafy grass and of course put my ear phones in. It was busy in the gardens and I was somewhat secluded. Usually something fairly odd happens to me when I paint in plein air in a public place. Thankfully only falling leaves interrupted me when they dropped on my paper or on the palette.

The 2009 GerAmyUm Wall Calender is here!!!!

I know, I know, we haven't even made it to Thanksgiving yet and I'm celebrating 2009 - well actually, I'm celebrating the completion of this project. So, as you plan your holiday gift giving, consider this cheerful bit of wall art that marks the passing of time (and supports an artist and her mean cat). If 2009 is daunting, this calender could really help you and others bare through with the help of a year full of geranium watercolors - trust me - they're a very cheerful flower. I'm selling it through my Etsy shop so click here if you are interested. The calender includes 12 of my favorite geranium watercolors.

Here are examples of each of the months. Each calender has a cover and back and is attached with a single red ribbon so you can tack it to your wall or hang on a nail. Like this...
Don't forget to submit your name for a chance to win an original watercolor from me. Click here to see the winning watercolor and what you need to do to get your name in the drawing.