Finally time to do a little artwork. . . Sunflowers

Vincent Van Gogh's Sunflowers

Whimsical Smiling Sunflower

My sunflower Journal page for class

at right a Sunflower

by Georgia O'Keefe

One of my favorite artists is Vincent Van Gogh. I am sure most anyone who has ever seen his work, is aware of how famous his "Sunflowers" painting is. I know countless art teachers who have used this piece as a starting point for many an art lesson.

I have had students do them with real sunflower seeds for the centers, paint them with a vase like VanGogh and make them like 3D pictures with construction paper. Whatever way I have ever taught them they have been a big hit.

Sunflowers are a beautiful, amazing piece of this world we live in. Living in Missouri, means I am next to the "Sunflower State" of Kansas. You have never seen anything until you have seen fields filled with Sunflowers.

In the latest Foundations of Artful Journaling class assignment I did with teacher Laure Ferlita, I decided to use sunflowers and summer as my theme. This got me to thinking about all the wonderful art besides VanGogh's Sunflowers that is out there.

Above is the piece that I did and then I thought I would share some other artists work using sunflowers.

Oh my where do the hours go............

I almost adopted this precious puppy last

week, but, he was not healthy and I was not

ready to take on a sick puppy/rescue for

$375. He was so precious.

Great Niece & Nephew Troy & McKenna are here to
visit this week. So precious

I seem to be running so far behind these days, I don't know what happens. Last week I was busy because I was working alot, so I could take Sat., Sun and Monday off, now this week I am working alot to make up for taking Sat, Sun and Mon. off.

Did have a wonderful birthday. Went out to lunch with my sisters and cousin, and dinner was with my son and his fiance.

Now. I have go to get with it. I am behind in my blogging, my Foundations of Artful Journaling Class and a myriad of other things.

I was so pleased to find out this morning that I am going to squeak by and not have to sell my patio home/ condiminium. I love it because it is quiet, has a great back deck with a pasture behind that and is so convenient. So. Ms. Frugal I am going to have to be for a year or so.

Will be back doing some art hopefully soon. Meanwhile, hello to everyone and I love seeing what everyone else is doing.

Have a great rest of the week fellow blogging friends and artist. Martha

July 4th 2009 to July 4th 2010. .. . .. . .

Oh my goodnesss.

So much can happen in a years time.

Scott and Erika in the second picture became engaged. Andrew and Stacy in the first picture are in a relationship and moving off to New York City together.

I no longer teach art but now I teach dogs.

I am getting ready to downsize my abode to an even smaller one.

I have made it through 4 years of working with my therapist and am beginning to see the end of the tunnel.

I am getting to do more of my own artwork.

Just think a year ago today July 4th 2009 I was on the eve of turning 60 years old, and in the Cascades Mts. of Washington State.

Oh my goodness where did the years go, how could they possibly have passed so fast and how could so many dreams, ideas and expectations have happened and not happened.

Tomm. I will be 61. I wonder what the next year will bring. The thing I hope for most is contentment with myself and my life, and happiness for my two sons.

Happy 4th of July Weekend

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND

I hope all of my friends out in blogosphere have a very safe and wonderful

4th of July Weekend.

Sorry I haven't been around for a week now, but, I took this coming Sat, Sun. and Mon. off, so as a result I have been working everyday since last Saturday. Whew I am going to need a break.Today I work an 8 hour shift. Those wear me out.

I painted the picture above as part of my Foundations of Artful Journaling Class with

Laure Ferlita. I am not sure if I like this piece or not. It seems a little simplistic or cutsey in some ways, but,it was fun to do. I am always a happy little girl when I am painting or drawing or doing whatever kind of art.

Be safe.

A little bit of everything. . . .

ROOST..... and it's contents. This funky and interesting store in the area of Chicago called Andersonville. Andrew my son sells some of his art there and works there part time. I had fun taking pictures of all kinds of fun stuff.

At the bottom a couple more of my " Doggy Graduates"

Hopefully by next week I will get back on schedule with some of my artwork I am behind on.

ROOST in Chicago where my son Andrew works part time. Very eclectic store full of all kinds of treasures and old stuff.

SHELLS

ROPE

MAGGIE

ANDY AND HIS MOM

Time for some blooms...... A little less humidity !!

Here in Missouri, summers are known for heat and humidity.

Well, this summer is no exception, except it has become excessive. Especiallly for June. We have thunderstorms about every other day.

Peoples basements are filling up with water, streams are out of their banks and high winds are causing tornados and wind damage.

The one good thing though is that every growing thing is growing by leaps and bounds. Lots of mowing, weeding, and to help out lots of beautiful flowers.

Thought I might share a few pictures I took with you

Have a great week.

Fun week of Art, and a Surprise.!!!!

I am hooked on Word Art and found out my picture is on a bookmark at the local Library.

As I have said I am taking a watercolor journaling class. The pear below was one of our assignments that I really had fun with.

Our next assingment was word art. Well, to say the least I got really hooked on that. The one on the right is my 2nd one.

The 4th of July one is also special to me because my birthday is the 5th of July and so it becomes a two day celebration

About a month ago I was in the library checking out books. They asked if they could take my picture for a marketing promo for MidContinent Libraries. I said yes, they asked what I did I said art teacher and artist. So they gave me a sign with the word Picasso on it.

Today I went back to the library as I do most weeks to check out books, and there is a big poster with my picture along with others promoting the library. They also made bookmarks with each of our pictures on them.
Below is a copy of the book mark with my picture on it. !!
What a hoot. I may be famous, yeah right.