The More Owls... The Merrier!

Ever have one of those days? You know... A day when nothing really sounds fun and your body is simply sluggish. It's very frustrating. Today was one of those days for me. I did get out this morning to plant flowers in yet ANOTHER little garden, in the front of the house. I rushed through the process because it was a bit chilly outside. Back into the house I went!

I got commission art pieces packaged properly and ready to ship tomorrow!

I completed this one early, early this morning...

 

It's for a baby's nursery. A baby shower gift. 9" x 12" watercolor, ink, and pan pastels. I enjoy doing name art! For me, it feels like doodling. A no-brainer!

Owls seem to be the rage!

I painted many owls last Summer! Bright, cheery owls! Oh, what fun!

The commission piece inspired me to do more owl art. Because I am experimenting...

Here is only a sneak peek...

 

I have always been captivated by 3-D art, and have made, but this is a little different.

Summer school (with the students), begins tomorrow and then an afternoon of running errands. Argh!

At times, I do regret saying, "yes" to working Summer school. It's now June. Wedding month and I have much yet to do for our special day! I'm feeling overwhelmed, yet excited! Our immediate families will come and we will all sleep over at the beautiful Circle S Ranch Bed & Breakfast Inn. Once we check out, we will all come to our home for a BBQ!

Paul and I love to cook and entertain so we are also planning a special menu! Any suggestions? Side dishes that can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Pretty, unique? Comments welcome!

We should have plenty of flowers!

Loooooookie!

I am cutting roses from our rose bushes!

 

Until next time...

 

A Glimpse of Spring...

The wind is howling outside. It was a cold, dreary day here in Eastern Kansas. Sigh. I long for Spring and Summer. I can think about it...

I can also paint Spring to help hold me over. Today I added more layers and some green to my first pastel painting. Oh, I am loving these soft pastels! I am indeed, going to add to my collection!!! I want mounds of colors!

Practice, practice, practice. I shall practice all Summer long! And...

Possibly some next week! I will enjoy a taste of Spring come Friday! Why? Because once that work day is completed, I will officially be on Spring break! And that's not all. Would you believe that we are expected to have 70 degree temperatures here? Joy, joy, joy! So much to be excited about! Not only an art-filled week off from work, but I may also have a visitor for a few days! She is one of my dearest and best friends since seventh grade! (Many years ago). You may remember her from an October post. Yes, Lori may come and play for awhile!

I have been playing in color again today. I am not proud of the painting, but it's all about becoming acquainted with these new pastels, right? I think that I can bring it out of this ugly stage in time. I will continue to add more color, texture, layers...

And have fun doing it!

The colors are amazing! Yes, I DO need more pink sticks, purple sticks, blue and green too!!!!! These things are addictive and I want more than just a few!

Hurry up, Spring!

I have been putting out some Easter decorations around the home. Eggs and bunnies make me smile!

Until next time!

Xo

 

Pastels & Plans...

I'm still here!

I have just been crazy busy. Today is lovely! We have enjoyed a beautiful rain all day! My sweetheart and I were up and out of the house by 8:30 am. I was on a mission...

Today I was determined to try my hand at something new. Painting with pastels! This meant that I would need some new art supplies! I wanted nice, soft pastels that would go down smoothly, not gritty. My shopping experience was very successful and of course, I also purchased the proper pastel paper and fixative. After a huge, Mexican lunch and an afternoon nap with even a little thunder in the background ( perfect napping weather)... I played with my new soft pastels for the first time.

It's not easy... Nor is this a pleasing painting, however, I had a blast! I can already see myself this Summer, with my art easel out on the patio... Dust everywhere... Enjoying life! I so want to master this medium!

I ended up buying a set of Set of Sennelier brand soft pastels, half sticks. I am very happy with them. They are creamy, "buttery". Down the road, if I discover that I love pastels as much as I do watercolors, I will then purchase a variety of sticks and build my collection... But for now, these are wonderful for me!

I also added a set of Nupastels to my shopping cart. These are a harder pastel stick. Oh, what fun today is!

I feel so relaxed.

In addition to work, Paul and I have been making our wedding plans! Although we are keeping it very informal with only immediate family members in attendance, we have set a date for June, and last weekend we put a deposit down on our wedding site!

Last Summer we stumbled upon this magical place, hidden in the woods. We did not see any " no trespassing" signs, so we drove our Polaris RzR through the gate, down the long, dirt rode. It was absolutely beautiful. A barn, old tire swings hanging from a few trees, twinkling lights strung along a fence, a daisy field with an arch that would be perfect for a wedding ceremony! (We both had commented just how perfect this would be... But at that time, we were not even discussing marriage, although I think that we secretly knew).

As it turned out, The Circle S Ranch & Country Inn has been the site for many weddings, receptions, weekend retreats, and events!

A few weeks ago, Paul called the ranch to enquire about OUR wedding. Sadly, they were fully booked this Summer, and they require a minimum of 100 guests for a wedding ceremony. This just would not work for us.

Well, last week we were contacted by the Circle S Ranch. They had a Summer cancelation and could possibly accommodate us.

We will be getting married at our magical place and have rooms reserved for not only ourselves, but for all of our family members as well! We will spend all day and an evening on the ranch, with our loved ones!!!!

We will all dine here... Steaks and grilled salmon on the menu.

There will be fishing, hiking, and a Bon fire before bed. One may even decide to book a massage or a spa treatment!

Some may choose to simply sit by a fire in the "lobby".

We are so excited! For us, the most important part of our special day, is to be able to share it with our family. It will be more like a mini vacation.... And everyone needs that!

I'm counting down the days...

After next week, I will be on Spring break....

And then in just about 2 more months I have a fabulous Summer to look forward to!!!

Happy, happy happy!

Xo