Christmas Cards -- FINISHED!!!!

Because I'm headed out of town, I've scurrying around St. Louis trying to get a big head start on all the Christmas things I like to do - gift buying, card sending, cookie making, and so on. So last night I finished making my Christmas cards. I would post them, but I don't want to ruin the surprise for those of my family and friends that read this blog. On my flight to California I'll write my notes and send them off. I was standing in line at Hobby Lobby talking to a teacher with 12 mini Christmas trees in her hand. She was telling me she's been teaching her students the different cultural influences on Christmas. Did you know that Christmas card started in England over 150 years ago? It's times like these I really miss going to school everyday. I mean, you can really learn so much. YAY for the teachers!!! Well, I have to tell you when I got home, I did a little web search and found out about the history of Christmas cards - very fascinating and I must say, I'm glad to carry this English Christmas tradition on - besides, we have a traditional English meal every year at Christmas.
But for those of you whom I have not met in person and would like a Christmas card from me, I would LOVE to send you one. Just e-mail me your address if you feel comfortable with that. My e-mail is amy@geramyum.com. I don't collect addresses, save them, sell them or anything like that. However, if you don't feel comfortable with that, I will e-mail you a copy of the card. I'm one of those people who LOVE receiving and sending mail so this is really fun for me.

Christmas Decorating

Outside it's snowing little tiny salt like bits of snow, but it's accumulating rather quickly. I'm glad I'm inside and mostly I'm glad to finally be finished with my Christmas decorating. Thought I would share a few pics of my cozy little apartment. I know it doesn't "seem" like much, but it takes me along time to get things out, clean them and then arrange them just so.
Over the years I've collected, been given and even have made some Christmas things that I really love. I made the plaid Christmas pillows that BabyKitty is posing in front of and many of the old looking cross stitch work you see here. I even painted the little wooden Santa and varnished him to look old. Now, I guess he is old as I've had him for nearly ten years.But one of my most favorite Christmas pieces is this little miniature manger scene I bought from a Filipino woman who made them at an art fair I went to many, many years ago. I'm just surprised I haven't lost any of the little pieces. And of course, the best Christmas decoration of all - Baby Kitty. She looks great with red and green and knows it.

Kids Painting

The weekend before Thanksgiving I was part of another Open House held at a friend's home here in St. Louis. I rushed and scurried to finish paintings, get my calenders together, mat pictures and price everything for this open house. My girlfriends did the same creating wreathes and Christmas trees to cover every flat surface and wall in the house. It was beautiful. Then for three days bunches of people - mostly women came and hung out, perused each room, drank some cider, ate cookies and eventually bought some of our handmade items. It was really lots of fun. This my wreath my very talented friend Krissy made. So on the last day, I promised to teach my friend's grandkids to watercolor paint - ages 8, 6 and 5. I do love teaching kids who WANT to paint. I give them simple instructions mostly on how to get the paint out of the brush by pressing the brush down gently to the bottom of the water bowl before dipping the brush in a different color. I let them watch me and then it's their turn. I let them use my artist grade paints, watercolor paper and good brushes. They're welcome to copy something I've already painted or I'll help them come up with an idea, but one thing I don't do is put my hand to their work of art. I want it to be all theirs and that's what makes it so special. I'm amazed at how well children do at painting - even if they do copy. But, it's never an "exact" copy. It's still theirs. But beyond that is their attitude and pride in creating something from just white paper. They have every reason to be proud. So I make sure we place their little works of art on mat board so they can be displayed in the best light possible. It's so fun and mostly I love to see how proud they are of what they made.

TAAA dahhhhh... A couple hours later after the kids were done and they went home to show their mom their paintings, two of my "adult" friends decided to create their own little Christmas painting. They knew what to do because they had watched me teach the little ones. What made me sad was just how they "judged" themselves and their work the entire time they were painting...

"I can't draw a straight line."

"My painting stinks."

"I can't do this..."

Like the children they were first time watercolor artists. But unlike the kids, fear of not doing it right, or perfect, or like mine showed in the art. This made me sad. Are we so worried about the outcome that we absolutely do not enjoy the process? Why can't we just see what we can do and who cares? After much begging, I ended up doing a sketch for each of them which they filled in with color. I talked one of my friends from throwing away her little watercolor paintings, convincing her she would like them later. Somewhere between 8 and 38 we just lose that ability to just give it a try and enjoy. See what happens. Then celebrate what you create. ALWAYS celebrate what you create.

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.

Happy Halloween!!!!

This is my favorite little pumpkin. Isn't my niece the cutest! I just love her and I'm so glad she came to all of us - life is a miracle. And if I could make a suggestion for a guaranteed spirit lifter - go hug a baby then eat a couple of peanut butter cups - mmmmm. To see more pictures of this fabulous little soul you can visit here.

Pansies

Winter pansies survive the cold and in my case the crazy squirrel that digs daily in my little planter. Clearly he's not intimidated by the fluffy clawless fat cat that sits on my porch. So I cut a few and painted this little painting. Then, framed it using a map from one I bought in Paris 7 years ago and printed it on this great banana paper that makes everything look old that's printed on it. I'm very pleased with the end product (price and size in for here).I had been working for several weeks on this large watercolor collage commission of some of the historical homes surrounding Lafayette Square. So these little pansies were lots of fun. Commissions always stress me out - love 'em, need 'em, but am extremely concerned with the final product and that is very inhibiting as an artist. You would think after all these years, I would find a place of ease and peace with painting - but I certainly struggle with that little critic in my head that says "Come one Amy, really... you're an artist?" He's a sneaky little bugger too. Anne LaMott wrote a great book called Bird by Bird (a writer's classic) on the art and act of writing and the challenges a writer faces. It's a fun read and certainly can be applied to any artist. I think I need to dig my copy out.

So back to Lafayette square - BEEEEautiful. I really really really hope to live in that part of town one day. I love the tall majestic French brownstones. After New Orleans, this place screams French. And when you walk along the old brick sidewalks for a minute there you might think you are in France. Needless to say, it's a great place to walk around and even better place to paint. I have several paintings in the works, but haven't finished them ...yet.

100th post!!!!

Can you believe it!?! I actually have written 100 posts. The funny thing is that when Jen(the woman who designed my website, www.GerAmyum.com) was setting up my site she told me about blogging and wanted to know if I wanted to set up a link to a blog. I shook my head and thought I would have no interest in blogging and certainly didn't want to put the time toward "writing in space". I mean, on some level blogging is just a mystery - I really have no idea who reads my blog or how they find it. But I have to say, I REALLY have enjoyed writing and posting my paintings. And I've received some of the loveliest comments from people all over the world. WOW! I'm blown away! When I started blogging I decided that my blog would be about what makes me happy and inspires me as an artist and in turn I hoped to inspire others to find the creative spark in them - because we all have creativity stirring with in us. And, most importantly I would try hard not to be too whiney... because BOY can I whine.
So if you've been reading my blog - thank you! And in celebration and thankfulness for this blog and the people that take the time to read it and comment, I'm going to to have a little giveaway of this original geranium watercolor painting (7"x8"). So if you want to enter in the drawing please e-mail me your name and address, I will write it on a piece of paper and put it in a jar. Then on Friday, November 7 I will draw a name and send it to the winner the next day. Exciting, huh? You can only enter once, I will confirm that I got your info. You can enter by e-mailing me at amy@geramyum.com. Can't wait to see who wins!!!!

Aware

The AIM of life
is to live,
and to LIVE means
to be AWARE
joyously
drunkenly
serenely
divinely
AWARE

- Henry Miller

A Settling In

You can't go outside without a jacket now. The leaves are showing their colors, finally. And I expect next weekend to be nature's Fall Festival. I need a second blanket on the bed, however I'm determined not to turn on the heat until November 1st. The air and light tells me change is coming and winter is inevitable. It's time to settle in and prepare for the cold months of cozy indoor living ahead. This will be my first FULL winter in nearly 7 years and there is a sense of dread, uncertainty even. Heck, I'm a flower painter - there just aren't many flowers in winter. Perhaps this will push me into areas I've not explored before. I am interested in loosening up and not painting so tightly. I recently met a fabulous artist here in St. Louis - Marlene Lewis. Her work is so full of life, color and freedom. That's where I would like to travel as an artist. I'm hoping to push those limits within myself soon, maybe this winter. I just might not have a choice...

It's been a rough week not just for me, but most of my friends - jobs, health, matters of the heart... I've had a hard time painting this week, and I think everyone who does any craft has a hard time creating when life doesn't seem to be cooperating with your plans, hopes and dreams. After all, when you create you are saying, "look something from nothing!" And quite frankly I've been wondering what can redeem this nothing, these losses, these questions and uncertain times. Press on! Do just a little! I finished this fall still life this week. With very little hearts and even less hope. But still, it was an act of hope and faith which dried up my tears and helped me start a new project.

"42"

Want more information about this 4x6 inch original watercolor?
Click HERE

Just watching, waiting but hoping????

I've run out of words today. Both in my ability to hear them and say them. Sometimes pictures will just have to do when words just can't seem to take care of pain or express joy or even ask the questions.
Several years ago I bought a fish for BabyKitty to entertain her. But mostly she was just enchanted by this little fish. She liked to watch it not sure what to think of it all. I gave this painting to a friend in Los Angeles last year for her birthday. For some reason, this was her favorite and I wanted her to have it. This woman has an amazing sense of style, a great sense of humor and has really gone through some hard life situations. I was just flattered that she liked it. Currently she's going through some health issues - which are really "life" issues. What next? What should she do? How? When? But forget about the "why" question because that will never be answered with any satisfaction. This picture kind of reaches in and like my cat and the fish, all we can do is watch to see what happens next. What else is there left to do?

Saturday Nights Online

It's Saturday night and I just got home from celebrating a friend's 40th birthday. I'm usually not a night time blogger. I'm more of a morning writer, but my mind is heavy with lots of thoughts and even worries. Lots of political and economical discussion tonight and I felt a bit guilty even eating out with the complete uncertainty of what's ahead for us here in the U.S.A. Are we stumbling or is this a fall? I purposefully have not watched much news or even the debates - yes, how very ostrich of me. All this just makes me worry and being of the artist mentality does not help during these uncertain times either. As one friend said to me when we were talking about the Meyers Briggs personality tests, "You're an off the charts 'feeler', Amy". Great...

So upon my return from the night's "festivities" I looked at my blog and noticed the jump in visitors and I realized that there are probably lots of people searching on the internet for understanding, answers, hope or maybe just plain distraction from all the buzz. Here we all are wanting some hope, some beauty, something other than the questions. So I offer you this... CREATIVITY... and that takes many, many forms - not just in art but in math, in economics, in psychology and I thank God above for the diversity of creativity. Just when I don't think I can paint any better or learn something new, I'm always surprised at what comes out. So yes, it looks rather bleak right now, but just know that there are many creative souls at work in this world for the good - how it works I don't know, but I believe it does. My part remains the same, I still paint because it's what I know to do. I would do it if no one ever saw a single one of my paintings or if I never sold one either. I paint, I remember, I hope...

This is my latest painting of the "feet" of the Eiffel Tower. I would love to be in Paris again - this would be the perfect time of year. But for now this is what I have and it will do.The "Feet" of the Eiffel Tower