New Works in Process

I'm still working on my Diving Theme and have another painting in the works.

Compositional Layout

Working on the color palette

 

For some reason the composition and colors in this painting have been causing me a fit - this is about the fourth or fifth change I've made to the background design and color scheme.  Not sure if I'm too happy with it yet, but I think it's getting there.

~~**~~

The other ~ totally different ~ project in process is a Graduation Invitation.   I am designing this for a very good friend whose son is getting ready to graduate from high school. 

 

They have a cute little dog, whom her son loves ~ so of course the dog has to be included.

A boy and his dog.

Her son will be heading off to U.Va next year - therefore I drew Thomas Jefferson's Rotunda for the background.

 A boy and his dog - ready to graduate and  begin the next chapter in their lives.

Congratulations Eric!

Go Wahoos!

Gifts for him...

Cufflinks!

A brand new addition to my art and shop repertoire.
What was initially inspired as a gift for my son has become a new gift idea for any man looking for a unique way to display his passion.


Thomas Jefferson's Rendering of the U.Va Rotunda
I made this set as a gift for my son who is part of the Guide Group at U.Va and who loves giving historical tours around campus. The group is having a black tie fund raising event this weekend and I thought he would get a kick out of wearing his passion on his sleeve.


Surfer Cufflinks
For the surfer who, when out of his board shorts
and dressed up for an evening out, wants to show off his love of the sport and passion for the ocean.

Now to make a pair for my husband!

Hand Painted Christmas Ornaments

Love
this busy
time of the year ~
almost every room in
our home is a staging area for
some form of a holiday project. My
son's room is the "mat cutting" area and the
place where I store my art students canvas'. My
dining room is as always, the main area for painting. Our
family room has become the official Women who Art painting
area and my pottery painting site. Our dilemma now is ~ Where
Do We Put the Tree??!!!! Oh well, a busy home is a happy
home.

Just for you... a peak into yesterdays ornament production.


Pottery ornaments, hand drawn and hanging out
in the sunlight.


Later that evening...
the painting process has begun.


Even later that evening...
ornaments are painted and outlined in black.


At 12:30PM ~ my day was finished. So,
I left the U.Va. Cav man and the Va. Tech
HokieBird alone on the table to duke it out
while everyone else in the house slept soundly.
Not to worry though...
this morning everything appeared unscathed and
the ornaments are now in the kiln for their firing process.
Tomorrow they'll be ready for ribbons, photo's and for listing
in my shop: Magic Markings Art.com

If you would like a customized ornament ~ let me know...
if you don't have a blog - and want to leave a message just
select the anonymous button in the "Comment As" Area.
I would also love to hear your ideas for ornament designs -
or your thoughts as to who would win the
Cav man vs. HokieBird wrestling match!

Say Good-bye to Summer -

to guarding the beach ~

to the boardwalk, and the Isle of Capri Restaurant ~

to Rory waiting for you to throw her the ball ~

And - Hello to U. Va.

To your apartment - and cooking your own meals ~


to the company of good friends ~

to the sea of blue and orange ~

to Bodo's Bagels

But - never forget-

to keep the feeling of summer deep in your soul.
Cheers to successful a year.

Congratulations Graduate

Congratulations Chris!

An encouraging quote from Virginia Coach Brian O'Connor:
"It's exciting to think that about 95% of our club will be back next year. We have one heck of a recruiting class that I think will add to what we have right now. I think the competition in our program will be the best its ever been. There will be expectations on this team next year that this program has never had."


What else can be said - Besides we are all so proud of you ~
your dedication ~ hard work ~ accomplishments ~
and all around great kid!

Mary and Chris ~ Congratulations to you too! A parenting job very well done!
And, of course, Noel...Way to root on your big brother :)

We all look forward to watching you - and your team - play for the University of Virginia!


Enjoy your day!