Sorry, I haven't posted anything in a bit.  I have been working on different projects. 
I almost always paint in watercolors but sometimes I dabble in acrylics.  Here is a painting I did a while back.  A friend of mine invited me to take a class in Sullivan, Illinois.  The class was about stretching your boundaries and exploring new mediums.  Basically trying something different.
 I used the photographs I previously posted on this blog as inspiration, the ones of the Forest Preserves near my home.

11X14 acrylic on canvas

This painting is now in a private collection in Evanston, Illinois.  I am happy with it as I hope the new owners are!

Check out some of my other art work pertaining to furniture recycle/upcycle at   http://RetroBabs.blogspot.com/
Blessings Babs

Art work at a new venue

My art work can now be seen at a new venue, Evilena's Red Dresser in Frankfort, IL.

4"x6"   Crocus

wooden box, metal decorative frame

I have my work in their NEW fabulous shop which is actually their second store at: 20887 S LaGrange, Frankfort, IL 60423  815-464-2668    
Open Monday - Friday 10 to 6, Saturday 10 to 5.

The vibe inside the new store is very industrial with the help from the wonderful ladies of COLLECTED.
 (These designers help folks restyle their dwelling by reusing their own stuff!
 They specialize in home and event styling.  )

burl wood box

  Evilena's took a fancy to my little boxes, the ones I refurbish and place an original watercolor painting inside. These are a few of the designs.  Check out the shop to see more.

felt lined for trinket or jewelry

 I also have a few small painting that relate to their kitchen kitsch feel.

5"x 7"

"Tomato & Cabbage -Soups ON"

  Jan Sabey, the owner is so enthusiastic and encouraging to me by accepting my work into her shop.   I truly appreciate she named the shop after her beloved mother, donates to charity, has a prayer box inside her store ( you slip a note into the box about what/why you need prayers ) and wants to feature original art.

Just blogging to keep you folks updated on this starving artist's latest.
Blessings,
 Barb

Kiln

It feels very good to work with clay again.  I have thrown four bowls on the wheel at the Village Artists studio.  I have also been working on more leaves for necklaces. 
Best of all I have been given a free kiln!
  It is currently not working but I have not given up hope.  The kiln is a model 181 Skutt and it is old from 1960-1979.  I was given this from the Beverly Art Center, I answered an ad on Craigslist!  They told me that if I can get it working it can be used to slump glass as well as fire clay.  Of course this picture is off the Skutt website and is a new small kiln but this will give you an idea of what I am working with size wise. I am pretty excited.

We are getting ready for our Grand Opening and we are also going to have classes again.

The Village Artists will be starting classes again at our new space.  Artist, Pat Moore, has graciously accepted the teaching position.
The classes are as follows:


2011 Class Schedule
1957 Ridge Road
Homewood, IL 60430
708.798.4774

This beautiful art work is by Pat Moore, our Instructor.

Kids Classes ages 5-9 -  Instructed by  Artist Pat Moore

Art Variety 1
Saturdays: 2PM-3PM, May 7, 14, 21, & 28
Fee: $60 Materials included

Youth Classes ages 10-18 - Instructed by  Artist Pat Moore

Art Variety 2
Saturdays: 3:15PM-4:45PM, May 7, 14, 21 & 28
Fee :$75 Materials included

Teens and Adults Classes - Instructed by Artist Pat Moore

Mixed Media
Mondays: 3PM-4:30PM, May 9, 16, and 23, June 6 &13
Fee: $75 Materials not included