More adventures of a Cajun in Cape Cod

Cajun in Cape Cod

Today I am (nervously) excited to be packing, for a trip to Cape Cod. I will be attending the Sixth International Encaustic Artists Conference. There will be waxy goodness on esoteric level.
This will be an amazing time of learning and networking. Plus being in the gorgeous area, (with cool weather) will be a treat.
There are a gazillion events to keep me busy at the conference. Speakers, demo's, art shows and other amazing functions. There is even a hotel art fair. We will be bringing, and showing some of our own art in our hotel rooms! I have been working away at the studio, making small (easily packable) pieces. I hope they are well received. (Kinda scared-ish.)
It will be rarefied air as many, many of the top names in encaustic painting will be in attendance, either speaking, demoing or doing workshops. (I won't be able to attend a workshop, because of time constraints.)
When I get back, I will hit the ground running with (teaching) four workshops in the next month or so.  Whomever is in these upcoming workshops will get the benefit of whatever new knowledge I acquire, in Provencetown. I hope to be encausticating at a much higher level as well.
Hubby will be maintaining the home front and  taking care of sweet joy Green. They will be missing me.

Water From Wax

After working with encaustic for quite some time, I have finally gotten to the place, where I feel like I can successfully do the "Living Water" series. Not that I could not always make a water painting from encaustic. What I wanted to do... What I felt I needed to do, was to bring something different to the series. Something that could not be achieved with the oil paint, I have loved for so long. There are so many other directions I can go in the wax, I didn't want to do "Living Water" until I had a fresh look for it. After multiple attempts, and some marginal success, I have finally come up with the process that (while still keeping the essence of the series) takes it farther. Using multiple layers, as well as multiple techniques. I am pleased with the work that is happening. Sooo, I am back in the water. This time it is waxy and warm.

"Living Water 44"  12"x24"

Anticipating Amazing

Joy admiring the neighbors garden

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Calla Lily

Hardy Orchid

Spring is in full swing, here in South Louisiana. Joy Green and I so much enjoy all the gorgeous flowers, on our morning walks. Everywhere we look blossoms are bursting with color.




At this time of year I am inclined to start something new, in my art. Sometimes it is a new series, and sometimes I take an old one, in a new direction.

Antique rose Dortmond

While I don't yet know what I will be doing, I am anticipating something amazing!

Louisiana Walking Iris

Planning with Pinterest

Today, I was catching up with a dear friend, on the phone, when she asked me if I had any ideas for a wedding shower decor. Boy did she ask a loaded question!
When I replied in the affirmative, she hopped in her snazzy little SUV and drove right over.
We had a quick lunch of Tuscan lentil soup and steamed asparagus, and got right down to business. Armed with my Mac Book Pro a fast internet connection, and Pinterest, we were on our way! 

There are just so many clever, easy to do ideas, we had a hard time narrowing down the list!!

easy to make

Finally it came down to these amazing tissue paper flowers  ~~~> 

this felt bunting,

                                            these floating tea lights ~~~>
                     

and this cute cupcake liner flower.
(Maybe a couple other paper garland ideas as well.)











I kept getting distracted with all of these yummy, clever dessert ideas, but she was not in charge of dessert, so she kept us on track.

  She left me craving cupcakes and wondering where and when I will be able to use some of these fun, girlie, decorating ideas.

Change

Goodbye pic of one of my favorite pieces.

Today I packed up and shipped off one of my favorite paintings, to it's new home, in Colorado. I made it early in the "Living Water" series. It had been in a show at UBS financial for a couple of months, so I had not seen it in a while.  When I walked into the foyer of the building and saw it hanging, I let out a little gasp. It was like a glowing pearl, hanging on a smooth, contemporary, dark wood wall.
 When I began "Living Water", I did not know in what direction the series would go. It has evolved considerably since this piece was completed. It is still changing. With a name like "Living Water" change just seems providential.

"Living Water 25", 24"x24", oil on panel

Gettin' Hot' and having fun

All in order and ready.

On Monday I had an amazing coterie of talented artists come to my studio for "Gettin Hot", my introductory,  encaustic workshop. I had everything in order and was super excited about this group.
I was not disappointed! These seven women came in and really rocked the waxy goodness! Adele, and Buble were serenading us and Joy Green (the poodle) was begging to join in the festivities. We had so much fun they asked to spend the night! I think they were only half kidding but I was inclined to say yes. When you have a group you immediately click with, you just want the fun to continue!
Alas, everyone did go home, and I collapsed into my regular, after workshop stupor. 
Today I am recovering, planning and looking forward to my next workshop with this gang. They ALL advanced to the next level.
 I can't wait!