Throwback Thursday

Finding the silver lining always makes me sound like a bitch.

Except today.

I never talk about my family here, because this blog is all about art. But today, my son wandered away from school unnoticed. He has severe autism and is completely non-verbal. And he was found safe and unhurt. If autism isn't on your personal radar, let me tell you that kids with autism tend to wander. They often don't understand personal safety and therefore are not afraid. And when they wander, they die. Often. In fact, usually.

So today's throwback is silver lining. And my silver lining is safe at home now.

silver lining, 2013, charcoal, conté, ink, watercolor pencil

#art365 : the bright ones (or it's starting to look like spring)

Do you have any bright ones? 

 Yes, we're pretty much over winter here in the Midwest. It is near the end of April. Is it spring yet? Let's have it already. We're impatient. And even though I've been enjoying seeing all the different shades of browns and tans and greys, I'm ready for some color, too. Here's some of the latest #art365 pieces which show spring on the way.

4.10.13 afternoon prairie, overcast, acrylic on paper, 5" x 7"

4.16.13 slow morning, acrylic on paper, 5" x 7"

4.17.13 vinca, leaf buds, acrylic on paper, 5" x 7"

4.20.13 deceiving spring, with willows, wicker park, acrylic on paper, 5" x 7"

4.22.13 forsythia, willows, acrylic on paper, 5" x 7"

 You can see the whole #art365 series on my website. Now through the end of April: 10% for autism for Autism Awareness Month.

Live Art!

update 4.7.13: Photographer and blogger Wes Bushby was at the opening/event Friday night. You can see his blog post here. He shoots at lots of local events, not just in NWI but in Chicago, as well.

This Friday I participated in a Live Art Show at Studio 659 in Whiting. There were 10 invited artists, each was asked to bring one piece which would be hung at the start of the event. Then we were to create a brand new piece while visitors could watch us work, to be completed and cleaned up all at the end of the reception. The newly created piece was  to be hung at the end of the night. I brought renewal with me, framed. And a whole portfolio full of the rest of the #art365 landscapes.

renewal, acrylic on paper, 5" x 7"

During the evening, I created 2 new larger landscapes based on a local park.

wicker park willows, acrylic on canvas, 10" x 10"

wicker park willows II,acrylic on canvas, 10" x 10"

And, happily,  sunrise over the ridge sold. The first sale of the month! 10% of all my sales this month are being donated to NAA-NWI, the local National Autism Association, for Autism Awareness Month.

sunrise over the ridge, acrylic on paper, 6.25" x 4.75"