We Moved

Hello fellow artists and art patrons, 

we have moved our location to Edwardsville, Illinois.

Just wanted to update you on some current art work.  My new studio is still under construction but should be in working order soon. 

Here are a few watercolors: 

Iris is my favorite flower so I put this painting in a special frame (triple matted).

 I also made a painting with  mixed media ( watercolors and permanent markers).  These apple blossoms have a fun, lively shape and I thought they called for some embellishment.  It is unframed at the moment, I haven't found one I like yet.

Just thought I would check in and I hope to post more often.  Our move was an epic journey after living in Oak Forest for over forty years!! Take care.

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

Studio Update and New Work

I thought you might like to see what I have been doing in my studio.
I have rearranged the room which is very small 8' x 8' with two doorways coming through it!!

I made half the room a sewing area.  

Fabulous artwork compliments of my son-in-law 

Camm Rowland. It is entirely made out of paper strips!!

My sister gave me this lovely mid century modern dresser. I have filled it with fabric.

Curio shelf for my pottery and sculpture

My latest watercolor still in progress

I started with a simple and used Sharpie markers. This is a mixed media project.

There are some areas that have a sense of whimsy -thanks to the Sharpie markers. Feel free to comment on the studio update or artwork. I can always use a good critique!

 

 

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

Holiday Boutique at the Village Artists Gallery and Studio

Dear Family and Friends,
I hope You can come to an art show and holiday boutique where I will be displaying my work.  I will have jewelry, pottery, watercolor paintings and vintage boxes just in time for your holiday gift shopping!

Hope to see you there!

The Village Artists-Grand Opening

The Village Artists will be having a Spring Art Show, Grand Opening and Open House.

Friday  April 29th 2011  from  5 pm to 8 pm

Saturday April 30th 2011 from 10 am to 3 pm

Please stop by and visit us - 

See the art work, meet our members and let us show off our new space! 

Village  Artists

1957 Ridge Road, Homewood, IL 60430
708.798.4774

Come and see my new art work.  I have been making some new watercolors inside some vintage jewelry/trinket boxes.  I will also have some work displayed at the Flossmoor Village Library at the end of this month.

Hope to see you there!  Our construction is almost finished and I will be getting back to pottery soon.

Mixing my Vintage RetroBabs world with my Art world

I thought you might be interested on how I try to mix my RetroBabs Vintage & ReMix shop on Etsy with the ART world where I make my personal art.
I recently was involved in an art show with the Village Artists, an art co-op in Homewood, IL.  I brought a vintage suitcase and travel train case and displayed my art work inside these vintage items.  I received many comments on the display, the quirky, kitschy arrangement of fine art against old retro products. I think the juxtaposition is what catches people off guard. I passed out cards for both of my life's ventures and I hope the melding of them brings new customers to my life.   Networking as such has been a very powerful tool for me.

I hope you have a great Holiday and take care. My next post will show you some of my latest art work!