Coffee & wine corks...

Oh, my! Summer sure does keep us hopping, doesn't it? A good kind of hopping, I might add!

Before I share anymore, I will show you my latest project. I refer to these kind of projects as "fun art". Art that comes with no commitment or deadline. Art that allows me to also experiment and play with other goodies such as beads, in this case. It has been a perfect creation to help me to ease back into some painting after returning from a trip...

Just some patio sitting and dabbling.

Ta da!

Wine cork key chains!

You may have seen these in shops or on the Internet, just as I had. I was instantly intrigued by them, especially after holding one in my hand this past weekend while in Branson, MO. (Much cuter in person)! I wanted to make them, however, I do not enjoy copying creations of others. If I am going to call myself an artist, I choose to behave as one! So, I began to think about these darling key chains and challenged myself to be inspired by them, yet make them my own by adding something to them that I had not yet seen. Well, it did not take long before I realized that by using the corks as my canvas, I could add my own special touch with tiny paintings on them! And so...

It began.

From there, I have been bombarded with special orders through my Facebook group. (A huge thanks to those are are keeping me joyfully busy)!

By the way, on Friday I will be giving three of my key chains away to three people so if you have not yet joined "Missy Trent Art", I invite you to do so!

 

I have not played with beads and charms in ages! How fun!

Speaking of fun...

My husband and I took a little road trip last weekend to Hollister and Branson, MO. We met up with some friends and enjoyed a weekend filled with shopping, dining, flea markets, antiquing, music, and of course, coffee!

I highly recommend the "Vintage Paris Coffee & Wine Cafe" in Hollister, MO.

I absolutely loved the "Van Gogh" coffee! (Lavender and honey). Simply the best coffee that I have put to my lips! I could have sit in this cozy coffee house for hours.

Isn't it beautiful? (And yes, I find him to be easy on the eyes also)!

Now, back home...

I continue to treat myself to great coffee and recently purchase a "Chemex" pour over coffee pot.

The little things that make us feel special!

It's quite pretty but I find that my coffee gets cold quickly in the vessel. Have you ever used one and do you have any advice on how to solve this issue? Please, comment and tell me how to love this pot!!! Thank you in advance.

I will leave you with my rainy morning view as I was waiting for my slow pour coffee!

Until next time...

XO

 

Paper mache' mermaids... Check!

Hello!

I am now checking the paper mache' mermaid boxes off of my "need to finish" list!

Yes, indeed. I finished these little jewels today and they are available at "Missy Trent Art".

 

I have truly enjoyed painting for fun and mermaids really are one of my favorite subjects to paint! Now it's time to get back to commission painting!

Hey! We have witnessed some amazing skies here on the prairie and you can bet that I am always ready to snap some pretty pictures for you!

Last night we had just a very soft rain. You know...the type of rain that rocks us to sleep?

This morning I bounced out of bed and out the front door to see what gifts Mother Nature left for our pleasure...

Oh my!!!!

A dewy piece of art created by one very talented spider! Just look at this pattern and detail! The drops of dew look like tiny diamonds.

After photographing this perfect web, I poured myself a cup of coffee and went to the patio to savor each sip. I felt thankful. Thankful that I am up so very early and that I am so appreciative of the small things in life. I am thankful that I am present and that I do observe.

Friends, I try my best to create my own fun and to find the beauty in most all things.

Even laundry...

No. I don't always enjoy doing the laundry but when I make it into a photo shoot or inspiration for a painting... It's not a chore anymore! Oh, and I must tell you that freshly hung bedding is a great way to sleep peacefully! The scent is amazing.

Simples pleasures are the best!

Until next time...

XO

 

Mermaid Wishes...

Hello, hello!

I am doing a quick post just to say it out loud...

"I have just completed my "Mermaid Wishes" series!

You know that I have been working on these little acrylics on canvas for awhile now and sipping tons of coconut water too! It's hot out here on the patio!

You may purchase them here:

Missy Trent Art

 

The three pictured above are 4"x4", chunky canvases. So cute!

The other mermaids (below), were painted on 6"x6" traditional canvases.

I am still working on several mermaid watercolor pieces.

Happy first day of Summer and I do hope that you will follow the link and join me there!

Thank you so very much for supporting my art!

See you soon!

XO

 

Feeling tropical...

The temperatures are rising here on the prairie.

Each day, a little warmer, making patio sitting a bit uncomfortable but I stick it out because I have waited so long to be hot!

I just drink more water, tropical smoothies...

And think about mermaids and the deep blue sea. (In this case, a turquoise sea)!

I think that my next goal is to paint a series of mermaids. They are so much fun to paint and oh, these colors! Don't they just scream "Summer"?

Hey! In case you haven't heard yet, I am making the transition from my "Missy Trent Art" page to a group format... Still I call it "Missy Trent Art". Please, find the group on Facebook and join us there!

I do believe that having a group will be a more personal way to interact with my followers and a nice way to share my art available for purchase. You never know... I may even paint with you, using the fun Facebook live video feature!

 

Even my home is looking tropical with a touch of turquoise, blues, and this beautiful wood dough bowl that was given to me from my dear friend, Gayla! Love it!

I could not decide whether to put fruit in the bowl or the candles and potpourri?

I suppose I can alternate, right?!

 

What have you been doing under the big yellow sun?

We have been grilling supper in the evenings and I am enjoying Mediterranean and Greek salads with homemade hummus!

 

Life is good!

Blessings to you all!

See you soon!

XO

 

That moment...

Today I had that moment.

I started the day with too much thinking. You know... making mental notes on what needed to get done today. I would then go to my paper list and write it down.

After two cups of coffee and a shower. No treadmill.

I was out the door.

I did my to do's and scurried back home. The sun was beaming and the temperature was perfect! A calm breeze was the cherry on top!

It was that moment when I made the decision that the remainder of the day would be spent enjoying time outdoors, doing some art, exploring nature, snapping photos, watching the fish and frogs in our pond. Oh yes!

I needed to PLAY!

Of course, I encountered a few unexpected surprises such as a new, large turtle living in our pond...

and a fluffy bumble bee sucking sweetness from my Alliums.

After roaming the prairie, I brewed a pot of late afternoon Java and dug out some old, but much loved art supplies. With the Neo watercolor crayons, I loosely painted this little girl. (Which is the age that I felt in these moments of freedom)!

Yes.

I really needed a day like today.

How do you take care of yourself?

I do hope that you discover your moments to simply play!

Talk soon!

XO

 

Another day...same dog.

This morning I completed the bulldog painting for friend, Lori!

Yay!

The hot pink may be a bit too much, but I really wanted to keep the painting fun and playful. I have never really painted pets before so I still have much more to learn and improve on. This was a great challenge piece!

I will begin packing my bags on Tuesday, leave for Lori's house on Wednesday. We have some birthday decorations to create and some places to explore before her 50th birthday party on Saturday night!

I am packing my "big" camera and iPad so possibly, I will even do a blog post while there.

It's been a beautiful week here on the prairie with fabulous skies greeting me from our big arched windows.

I do always miss home when I go away.

I am such a creature of habit who prefers her comfort zones.

Hey! We planted our garden yesterday! I look forward to using our own grown vegetables for salads, cooking and juicing soon!

I love to try new combinations in my Breville juicer, however, still prefer the carrot juice with apples and this week, I added locally grown wheatgrass to the blend.

Nothing beats the taste of fresh juice!

Ok, dear readers.

That's all that I have for now!

I am off to varnish the bulldog painting!

Until next time...

XO

 

A Bulldog birthday...

Hello!

I'm taking a little break from painting on this Friday night. Just poured myself a cup of Joe.

I sit back and critique.

I see eyes that need corrected in addition to adding more layers of luscious acrylic paint.

Needs more highlights. Mmmmm hmmmmmm.

But, oh how fun this silly painting is!

A girl and her Bulldog.

You see, next week is my friend, Lori's 50th birthday and I will be taking a road trip to attend her party and to spend a few days.

She loves Bullodogs and now owns three.

I woke up this morning with the idea to paint a whimsical portrait of her and one of her fur babies...

If I hurry, it will be a nice surprise for her!

I started on it this afternoon.

I will continue on with this project tomorrow!

 

Hubby and I went out for Chinese this evening. One of my faves! How about you? I chose the cashew chicken.

The sun has just set.

I enjoy painting by the big kitchen windows at times. I feel more connected to nature from this view. Birds are gleefully singing...

Another super sunny Spring day here on the prairie!

Goodnight, friends!

I'll meet you right back here,

Very soon!

XO