New Art, and possibly a new obsession!

     It has been quite some time since my last post here, and my blog, as well as my art, have been undergoing some changes. After much thought on the matter, I have decided to change my blog name from "Primitives & Whimsies" to "Art & Whimsies". I know it's not a major change, but it feels like it to me. I have not made "primitives" for quite some time.... so I am not really sure why it took me so long to make this change.

    At the same time I am starting to feel that my art is taking on it's own individuality... finally. That, to me, is a big deal!

Here are a few newer paintings that I have been working on....

 

Keeper of the Sea (progress photo)

          Practicing painting "loose", as opposed to my usual OCD detail all the time. This one was fun, it was nice to just relax and let the paint do it's thing.

Mixed Media Collage on cardboard.

Mixed Media collage on watercolor paper

 These last three were part of a facebook challenge, led by Jane Spakowsky (GrittyJane), which was a 10 Day Painting Challenge. We were challenged to make one piece of art a day, for 10 days. It was a great challenge... but one that I did not quite finish.... I made it to day 7. Oh well! It was fun anyway =).

Now to the newest obsession... or at least it might be if all works out well ;).

For the longest time I have been admiring, and one day hoping to adopt, an adorable Blythe doll. *sigh* They are just so cute, customizable, and photogenic!!!! But the price tag gets me every time!! About a year ago I had my eye on one on Ebay that needed a lot of work, which would have been perfect because I that is exactly what I was wanting to do..... but I hesitated and missed out on a great opportunity. Since then I have gone back many times, but they just seem to be getting more and more expensive!! For my first time customizing, I just could not see spending that much.

Then I stumbled upon the adorable Tangkou dolls!!! Seemed too good to be true, a doll very much like a Blythe, but for 1/3 of the price! So I started looking online for reviews and saw some great things, and very little that was bad. So I decided to buy myself an early birthday present =). 

Here is what she looks like.

Click to go to Tangkou site

    I think I am in LOVE! I ordered her about a week ago, and have been patiently waiting for her to come in! Thankfully Hubby checked the post office this morning, and she is in, just have to wait for him to bring her home =).
    So, you can probably expect another post tomorrow with pics!!

Getting in touch with my whimsical side!

So... i went fabric shopping with my mom a few weeks ago. Here i am picking out pastel purple and lime green! We were at the cutting table and my mom looks at me and asks "Who are you and what have you done with my daughter??? You who normally pick out dark earthy colors, what's with the pastels??" Well i thought she was going to have a heart attack!! lol! So I said "Well Mom..... i just feel like getting in touch with my whimsical side" lol! The girl cutting my fabric was just laughing, she said she was proud to be a part of it lol!

Anyway...... this is for my whimsical side! It's also my first attempt at using paper clay! After 2 weeks of work, and wanting to pull my hair out, i'm pretty happy with the outcome. I'm hoping that next time will be easier.
Here she is! If you want to see more of her just click on her to go to my ebay listing. If for some odd reason she doesn't sell at auction than she'll be put in my Etsy store.

Second in Collection... St. Patrick's Doll

Well, i have finished the second doll in my "Bit of Vintage Whimsy" collection. She has been inspired by this vintage Ellen Clapsaddle Postcard...

She is my first St Patrick's doll.... i think ever. I guess i just have been so focused over the years on Valentine's Day and Easter that i forget about St Patrick's Day until it's too late. She is currently on ebay.... if you would like to see her full listing you can click on the photo.... and there are alot more photos in there to check out.