Monday, November 9, 2009

Happy Fiftieth My Friend...


Twas the Night of Bev's Fiftieth
and
out on the porch, the bar was set up


To greet all, of course



The decorations were hung, 'round the
house with great care,


In hopes that the Birthday Girl
soon would be there;


The friends were all gathered, amidst
the whites and the reds,


While visions of birthday cake danced
in
their heads;


Witness Bev with her martini glass,
and wearing her crown,


Laugh with abandon,
'cuz her friends were around.


Then out on the porch, there arose
such a noise,



Wouldn't you know, it came from
the boys?!


Step away from the beer the girls said
with a chuckle,


It's gonna be a long night, we don't
want you to buckle.


The crowd was diverse, and divine was
the food,


How nice to be part of this fun party mood.


The front door would open,


and more
friends would appear,


even her U. of R. roommate from back
in the year
.


With our smiling families,


their daughters lively and cheering,



The noise level was loud, even for those


who are hard of hearing.


Navigating the neighborhood by car
they all came


And Bev smiled, and chatted, and
introduced them by name;


there were church friends, and work friends,
neighbors and more, oh ~ and look ~ there's
Wayne by the door.


These girls were the party hosts,
with their smiles so bright,


They welcomed the men


way into the night.


After waving good-bye from
the porch door


I slipped into sexy footie p.jammies


While my friends passed out on the floor.

Many thanks to friends, those who live close by,
and especially to those who traveled, who helped make this
an evening to remember.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Student Spotlight on Art


This talented first grader is taking private
art lessons from me ~ and I just had to show
off
the first painting he created...



Painting the first layer of landscape color
with a
"dot-style" paint stroke.


Layering more shades of green to
create depth in the
background.


After breaking down his portrait into shapes,
he drew and
painted it onto the canvas.
(Notice the U.Va. color scheme)



Painting the finishing touches and
cleaning up the landscape.




And...the happy artist with his
finished
Impressionistic Portrait.
An Award winning Painting!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Holiday Art Shows

After taking yesterday afternoon off to share a few
delightful hours with my son (which I'm more than willing
to do anytime! hint hint son) ~ it's back to production work
for the upcoming Holiday Show Season.


Drawing Holiday Plate Images ~ drinking lots of coffee and


Sketching out designs for Christmas Ornaments.

If you live in - or close by - the Virginia Beach area,
please schedule a little holiday shopping time at the
following galleries and shows.

Opening Tonight...
The Annual Artists Holiday Boutique
The Artists Gallery

608 Norfolk Ave. - Va. Beach
All handcrafted artwork will be on display and for sale
until Wednesday, December 23.


Saturday, December 5
Shop and support the American Cancer Society ~
9am - 2pm
Lifestyle Center - 800 Battlefield N.
Chesapeake, Va.



Sunday, December 6
Contemporary Art Center
Holiday Craft Sale and Free Family Fest
2200 Parks Ave. Va. Beach

Support a Handcrafted Holiday :)

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Featured Artist Spotlight on Simply Hue


Vicki Dvorak over at Simply Hue
is curating a
Spotlight on Artists during the month
of November.
My work, and that of four other very
talented artists,
was featured on Monday, November 2 .
Please hop on over to
her site to view, and leave comments on,
these delightful art shows.

Earlier this year, Vicki also featured my home on her blog.
You can see that article by clicking here:
Colorful Beach Bungalow.
Thank You for the features Vicki!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Hand Painted Holiday Plates for 2009



All Plates for the 2009 Holiday Season were designed
to be used alone or as a set. Hand painted with vivid,
food safe glazes and kiln fired. Each plate is 6.5 inches
square, and has been signed by me ~ Cathie Carlson ~ the artist.
(please click on the image for a sharper view
or on the plate title for more information)



Making Spirits Bright


Merry Martini


Have yourself a Merry Little Cocktail

And
For the Beer Lover in your crowd...


Beers To You

Make your Holiday Table or Friends Eyes Sparkle
with these whimsical hand painted plates.

There are more Plate Designs to come ~ so please ~
check back or visit my shop:
Magic Markings Art

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Artist Spotlight - Mother and Daughter

Today's spotlight falls on two of my art students who, since they just happen to be related, I thought I would spotlight together. The mother is part of my "Women Who Art" Group that meets on Monday mornings. Mom came to the first class a little unsure of her painting skills. Yet, as the weeks and her painting progressed, her confidence grew and her painting style loosened up. Her final piece is beautiful and has been deemed "Wall Worthy" by the group. A highly sought honor indeed!











And ~ The Daughter ~
who just finished her family portrait painting.












I think you'll agree, Talent runs deep in
this "Mother and Daughter Art Team"

Monday, October 26, 2009

Artist Spotlight - Janet Hagerman aka Jazz

My very first "Women who Art" Artist Spotlight
features ~
Janet Hagerman.

Janet and I met last March when her daughter, Amy, threw her a
birthday painting party .(to view her party, click on the blue link)
Afterward, Janet asked me to teach an adult art class ~ from whence
comes "Women who Art". This lovely group of artists, many of whom
have never painted before, have been meeting for five weeks as of today.
I look forward to my Monday mornings with this talented group of
women and would probably never have scheduled an Adult Art Class
without the gentle push from Janet.
So this spotlight is to thank her, and to show off her incredible work.
From the first day -
setting up, graphing, and drawing the image
on canvas to the final piece of art.























Bravo Janet!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Christmas Preview of Magical Items to Come

My art studio is bustling as little elves cheerfully whistle Christmas tunes,
and happy sparkle dust settles on each handmade item
while we busily prepare for the upcoming holiday season.

I know I'm rushing things - the silly jack-o-lantern and witchy woman
who visit my studio looking for candy corn and hot chocolate
are not pleased with the Christmas music that drowns out their
screams and howls - but I'm just too excited to wait! And, since I'm
about ready to burst with glitter and good tidings of joy, I have to
show off some of my delightful creations.


"Chocolate and Wine"
Hand Painted 3.5 inch pottery ornament.
It is really adorable with a red wine glass on one side,
a delicious chocolate cake with raspberries on the other,
and a quote that says "Chocolate and wine - life's little gifts".
Yellow polka dots and 2 matching ribbons attached to the
top compliment the design.

The next three pictures are just a sample of items which will be listed
in my magicmarkingsart.com shop in the very near future -
but if you see something that you HAVE to have NOW
let me know for I am just dying (Mr. Mummy will be happy to hear that!)
to share my handmade happiness.


Holiday Cheers
Two green martini glasses accented with Christmas Candy
and a green Merry Christmas ribbon.


Let it Flow
Two red wine glasses with the quote ~
"Let it Flow" written on either side.
Accented with yellow polka dots and a black and white
polka dot ribbon tied around the top.


Hand Painted 6.5 inch Square
Holiday Martini Plates
with a special holiday message written on the back.

Oh, and best of all, items can be custom made to suit
your tastes and gift giving needs!! Just contact me and
together we'll create something fabulous!

;) Happy Holidays!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Women who Art - Painting Class

Week Five
And another peak into the amazing work born
by these creative souls who meet once a week to
paint, share stories, and make me laugh.


For two hours they paint...


and paint...


and share stories...


and concentrate...


and rework...

Then
At the end of class ~
Each piece of art is placed on an easel ~
and critiqued.


So everyone can view...


encourage...


praise...


analise...


and support one another.

Art Therapy for Women who Art!


Sunday, October 18, 2009

Hot off the press...


"Over in the Barnyard"
Written by Isabel Valentini ~ Illustrated by Cathie Carlson

Follow a variety of whimsical farmyard animals
as they try to help their friend hide from the farmer,
and his hungry guests, on Thanksgiving Day.


Children of all ages will be enthralled with the brightly colored
illustrations, the curious characters and


the delightful counting rhymes featured throughout the story.


Share this colorful tale with your hungry children, friends
and family during the holiday season.
(Click on each picture to get a "not so fuzzy" view of the image.)

If you are interested in ordering a copy - click on:
Magic Markings Art and you will be directed to my store
and more information about the book.
ENJOY