Random Bits

 A selection of this and that...

Circular iron piece used for a vintage jewelry display in guest bedroom

Art journal page with hope message in flowers

Hutch has flower paintings I've collected by different artists.

Art journal page with flowers in a gray jug

Teachers past and present...long hours and awesome responsibilities

                                                          bird cutout on art journal page

Disappearing August

 Since this month is almost gone, I thought I'd better hop on here and make another August post even though things are quiet in my corner of the world.

Reading, painting, and thrifting hunts are my pastimes. The two pottery pieces were recent finds at Outside The Box in Ripley. I was looking for a lamp shade but came away with these instead. Sweet colors and low prices. 

These barn pictures are my husband's favorites. He has them hanging in his office/closet space. He showed me an old black and white photo to help me sketch his grandparents house and barn. I told him I didn't have the ability to capture the way the house and porch looked. Oh well, he liked it anyway. The other barn picture he has always liked and decided to claim it as his own. 

This is my latest little barn.

I have started to sign my paintings because the person I live with is insisting that I do .
He hounds me about this. I would rather sign them on the back.

And  of course, there's a new angel.

This angel has a special meaning.

"Protect the Little One"

If

 I have magazines I saved because of some of the images. This image shows a desk I covet. Love the green and gold combination. If only it were mine...  

I have been working on some art. Decided to do a mixed media. If I had 

taken art courses years ago, I'd be a better artist. 

Thinking it was a weed when it started growing, I almost yanked it from the green bucket on the patio. So glad I left it alone because I received a pleasant surprise. A bird must have been responsible for this seed planting. If only I could grow a field of sunflowers...

Hoping and praying this coronavirus ordeal will end soon. If only 2020 had not delivered this blow to our daily lives...

I can think of many "if onlys." Today is my dad's birthday. If only he could have lived longer and enjoyed Grandfather years with my children. If I could go back in time I would hug him more and say "I love you" more. 

If only I knew back then what I know now...

How precious are the days of our lives.

Treasure Hunting

The fun of thrift shopping is that you never know what you might find. I strolled through different booths, but this one had the best name and great sign to go with it. Saturday lookers were out and about and enjoying the quest. Social distancing and wearing masks were practiced 'cause that's the new normal.

My two finds at Alison's Alcove were a basket and a painting.

Baskets and crocks were among my first collectibles, and I am still drawn to them.

Sturdy baskets are always handy.

For five dollars I couldn't pass up this colorful floral painting of mums.

Goodwill was my second place to look for "treasure" finds.

This trinket or ring box was a lovely find for one dollar. 

Love the ornate details. 

 

Dressing Up A Closet

 There's an artist named Holly Irwin who creates outstanding fine art. I admire her artwork and have used her paintings as inspiration. Mine are simple versions of  her beautiful work. The art panels decorate my clothes closet.

This is the first one I tried.

Another one of her designs

Third fashion look

I have these three scattered about my closet and do enjoy them every day.

Turning Another Calendar Page

Amazing how one month glides into another. It doesn't seem possible that we're now into August. 

A former student did the haystack picture. I was introducing the use of India ink.  

 Her work was so original that I saved it and later had it framed.

The tag on the tote bag is to remind me to water plants on those days.

That simple reminder has helped me to keep my patio plants alive.

These art books were part of a Time-Life Library of Art that I purchased years ago. I was excited to get a new volume in the mail each month. My enthusiasm for art made me want this twenty-four volume set of famous artists. 

Discarded books

 

Hearing and thinking about COVID-19 every day is stressful.

Pray there will be an end to this virus in the months ahead. 

I haven't painted in days.

I need to get back into painting to relieve STRESS.