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

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"

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!

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!

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!

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

Stockley Gardens Arts Festival

Stockley Garden Arts Festival
This weekend ~
Saturday, October 17 ~ 10Am - 5PM
Sunday, October 18 ~ 12noon - 5PM

If you are in the Hampton Roads Area this weekend ~
Please stop by the Arts Festival - in the beautiful park
like setting off of Redgate Ave. in Ghent.
My location is right in front of the music stage ~
Section A2-Tent#19

A sneak peak at a few of my paintings...


Do-Nut Dinette
Framed 25" x 31"
Acrylic on Canvas


Ducks Cottage
Framed - 21" x 27"
Acrylic on Canvas


The Three of Us
Gallery Wrapped Canvas
30" x 40"
Charcoal, Pastel, Acrylic on Canvas

This outdoor festival is three blocks long - so bring your
good walking shoes - and follow the sounds of the music -
I be looking forward to your visit.

Mom's morning out Art Class - Week four

A little update on the incredible
progress of my
"Women who art"
Monday morning Art Class.


The class begins ~
a little coffee - a little music -
a lotta paint and a lotta fun.


Making the fruit come alive with
color, brush strokes and texture ~


Glorious orange poppies beside a sea of blue.


Using a complimentary color palette of
red and green for a geranium still life.


Reproducing a Laura Loe Painting.
Who knew laundry day could look so good?


Painting an impressionistic outdoor garden scene.
Wouldn't Monet be proud!?

Tune in next week for the last day of class
ART SHOW.