Textured Poppies And Etsy Sale ends Monday June 1st.!!

Here is a new piece I completed last week. I learned the technique from an online texture class I was taking. I primed the wood with black gesso and then drew my design with a white pencil. Then I took Spackle in a tube and outlined the design with it (not real good for my carpal tunnel). then after it dried, I collaged two layers of torn, white tissue paper over the whole piece. After that dried, I painted it...

I hope you like it....

****Also, I wanted to let you know that all of the originals (no matter what size) are all $25 in my shop. This will only be temporary though, the sale ends Monday, June 1st)****

$25 And Under Art Sale for People In Need!!!-UPDATE!

Hi Everyone,

***I just slashed the prices in my store even more!!****

I have two very good friends who are going through an extremely difficult time right now.

First is my friend Susan. Recently, her son Omar was killed in a tragic car accident while serving in Iraq. What makes it worse is he was only 3 days away from his 21st birthday and was due to come home soon. There is an investigation into the cause of this "accident" but nevertheless, her oldest and only son is gone. I can't imagine losing a child, let alone a child who is serving our country. There is a memorial fund set up for Omar and I would really like to help in some way. My heart goes out to Susan and her family.

Here is a video tribute to Omar...





Second is another good friend of mine Jackie who's father Mark has prostate cancer. He has been going through every imaginable treatment possible for the past few years, but the cancer has come back. The doctors have told the family there is nothing more they can do and give him about 18 months to live. He is only 58 years old and he and his family are not ready for him to die. They want to send him to Korea for some more advanced treatment. Unfortunately, because the treatment is out of the Country, the insurance will not cover it. Here is a blog that has been set up for him if you would like to take a look http://www.savemarksmith.com/.

This is a picture of Mark

I have been trying to think about what I can do to help. So I thought I would reach out to my wonderful blog readers. So here is what I am going to do...



I am continuing the sale I am having in my Etsy shop (most original paintings are 50% off) and 100% of the sales from my already existing paintings and prints will be split between the two families. If you would like something custom done, I will donate 50% of the proceeds from those paintings.



If you are not interested in helping, I perfectly understand. Thoughts and prayers for these families would be so much appreciated.



Thanks everyone!!

Layer Love with Julie

I have been branching out a bit and am learning more background techniques. Julie of "The Land of Lost Luggage" is teaching an online class on just backgrounds. I am learning some new things and am having a lot of fun. What I really like about the class is she is teaching us a little bit about mixing paints. Each piece so far is pretty much variations of one or two colors. Fun Fun Fun! I am still trying to figure out what I am going to do with these pages. I guess I will collage some of my girlies onto them. Julie turns her pieces into journaling pages, but I don't journal (I barely have enough time to paint).

I hope everyone had a good weekend and Memorial Day. I heard on the news that some children were asked what Memorial Day was and most of the responses were this: "The day the pool opens for the summer..." What? I thought that was really interesting and sad.

Do your kids know what Memorial Day means? I will make sure mine do...

Shonna

Necklaces Featuring my Artwork!!!! **UPDATE**

****I don't think I explained this very well...you get ALL three images in ONE necklace!! Isn't that cool???? I thought that was such a great idea and that is why I wanted to work with Cat. If there are other images of mine you would like instead, just contact me and I can have Cat make a custom necklace for you.****

Have a great rest of the weekend...

I am so excited to announce that I am working with Cat from Polarity. She is an amazing and talented jewelry artist on Etsy. She has turned 2 of my paintings (2 girlies and 1 saying) into a gorgeous interchangeable necklace. I just LOVE how they came out and I think the price is extremely reasonable (It's like getting 3 necklaces in one). If there is an interest, I will work with her in the future using more of my work. If you would like anything specific, let me know and I can have her make them for you.

I hope everyone is having a great week. I have a massive headache today, but hopefully the 5 asprin I took will help!! HA!!

Peace!

Shonna

In Memory of Robert...

My Aunt's stepson was tragically killed back in March of this year. I'm not really sure of all the details, but he was basically stabbed and beaten to death. I made this collage with a really sad heart. Robert was only 19 years old and was just starting his life. I had known him since he was a little boy and he was always quiet but very sweet. I made this collage for my aunt and her husband; They are really going through a hard time and I hope they find some solace in this painting.

I'm Going to Hawaii!!!

I'm so excited!! My husband and I are taking the kids to Maui the beginning of next month!! We weren't originally planning on going so soon, but it worked out that way. Now I'm on a crash diet to shed some poundage before the trip!! I do hate flying so that is the only thing I'm worried about.

Here are some pictures of the condo we will be staying...Oh I can't wait...I hear the ukulele playing right now!!

SHOP UPDATE!!

I have just added some hand painted laminated ACEO cards to my Etsy shop. ACEO's are artist cards that measure 3.5X2.5 in size. These cards are great if you are not in the market for more expensive original artwork, but would like something original from an artist. These cards will not be duplicated and are one of a kind.

Please stop by and take a looksy!!