Wally Workman Gallery Event--The Cat Scratchin' Book Signin'

I look forward to this coming Thursday night from 5:30-7:30 when I'll be at Wally Workman Gallery signing Cat Scratchin' books and hopefully making some money for Austin Pets Alive! who will get a percentage of sales. I want more than a few folks to come out.
Having the big art giveaway was such a great lesson in giving. I loved the excitement that was generated on facebook and am happy that shelters all over the country got donations based on my cleaning out the studio. I'm passing on the last of those pieces to the recipients  this week and hope to do it again soon. I don't regret any of those pieces handed out. I'm trying to hang onto less and less 'stuff'. Even the artworks that I loved so much while making are good to go soon.
On the road in a few days. It's been about eight months since my last journey and that's too damned long. Still working on the structure of the next book, which will be launched on kickstarter in January. Weekend after thanksgiving is the Eye of the Dog Art Center show, which is one of my favorites.
All is good in Linda-Land today. Hope all is good in yours as well.

Kickstarter Cat Poster Funded!

Well, the short funding period came and went and I raised the money to make a small, limited edition of posters of all of the cats from the Cat Scratchin' book. Whew. I'm happy. Oddly enough (or maybe not odd at all) the Dog Scratchin' posters raised more money (double what I was asking for) I don't know what to think of that, although I do know from experience that most cat people want a portrait that looks exactly like their cat(or as close to exact as I can do). Dog people are usually more open to variation of design. I've sold more dog portraits that only slightly resemble their dogs. Curious.

The photos here are of my latest projects that I'm making for craft/art shows. Plus I'm working out the displays for said shows.  These are Linda's Little Originals. They are 2"x3" Ampersand Art Scratchboards.  Most are just ornaments with a loop for a tree hanger, but some are both ornaments and pins that can be worn. I'm churning these out like mad. I've also picked up some commissions that need to be done before the holidays...the Littles can be done for $15.00 + shipping, let me know if you are interested....soon! I'm fast, but I'm getting booked up.
I'll be in Austin, TX Thursday November 21st 5:30-7:30 at Wally Workman Gallery signing and selling books and art. This event will give a portion of sales to Austin Pets Alive which is one of my favorite shelters. Save the date and if you are able to attend, I hope to see you there.
I will also be out in San Marcos, TX at The Eye of the Dog Art Center Home Show November 29th, 30th and Dec. 1st.

Just Keep Making Art

Today finds me struggling with an almost migraine headache. Not a good thing, and yet, I still want to be making my art product. I've had way too many migraines in my life and they really knock me silly for a bit. Is this a sign that I need to take a break? Or just a bit of weirdness that I have no control over? Who knows? Not me.
Well, anyhow I'm pushing onward. The above are some not-so-great photos of my latest Little Originals series. These are 2"x2" Ampersand Scratchboard that were originally their white 'Stampbord' that I inked with Speedball Super Black. Voila, scratchboard! They have pins on the back so they can be worn on shirts, caps, backpacks and what have you. I also added a small loop at the top so they can be hung on your Xmas, or Festivus or what-you-may-call-it tree. Fun stuff. I can sit and watch (or not watch) TV shows on my laptop while knocking these out. And the packaging helps make them look 'real' I think. I'm looking forward to seeing how these sell at Eye of the Dog Home show November 29,20, Dec 1 in San Marcos, TX and at The Little Craft Show Saturday Dec. 7th here in Fayetteville.  I hope they do sell because I made a whole heap of these in a variety of subject matter. (see just a few above)
I will be launching a new Kickstarter project next week to make a limited series of Cat Scratchin' posters. I just picked them up from Moxy Ox in Tontitown, AR and they look awesome! It's going to be a quick, small project. I'm only asking for $500.00 (but I'll take more if folks want them) and it will run for 13 days to fund. It's all a crap-shoot doing these projects. At first I thought I didn't want to do anymore Kickstarter projects...because it can be stressful putting them together and then working the crowd to fund them. This one will be a grand experiment to see if doing a shorter funding period works better. Usually after 30 days, I'm exhausted from having to 'beat' the facebook/instagram/pinterest/twitter bushes to get backers. Plus if they don't fund right away I lose sleep and get all bent out of whack. This project will launch next week and will end during the dreaded Mercury Retrograde!! If you know me, all new things and contract signing, communication etc screeches to a halt during MR. I'm kind of superstitious, but also in my defense, I've experienced major mishaps during MR. (usually occurs about 3 times a year) Google it if you don't know what it is. Astrology thing, believe it if you wish. I may be flirting with disaster doing the project during this time period, but there's no way around it if I want to ship to folks before Xmas. Boldly I go, eyes cranked half shut hoping for the best!
The Cat Scratchin' book continues to delight. I've gotten some really sweet emails from folks who participated and love the book and their artwork. I look forward to spreading more joy in the coming months.
The next event will be a signing at Wally Workman Gallery in Austin Thursday, November 21st 5:30-7:30. A portion of sales will go to Austin Pets Alive and there may even be a few kitties representing them that night...hope so. Contact me or them if you have questions.
Ok, I was hoping that writing this would make the headache go away and it has not. Have a happy weekend whoever you are and whatever you do!

Feeling Kinda Krafty

I know I've not been true to the blog lately...it's been over a month since I've posted, but I've been a busy gal. Above you can see the little 2x2 inch scratchboard originals I've been making(these are just a few of the over 100 that I've made).They are pins, but also can be hung on a tree as an ornament (thanks Richard for the idea) or if you are especially creative you can put a jump ring on them and wear as a pendant.  These can also be mounted and framed if you're into the whole small art thing. I'll be selling these in Austin (San Marcos) November 29, 30, Dec 1st at the Eye of the Dog Home Show. If you live in the area and have never been, you need to go. This art center is an amazing place, hard to describe....just go.  I'll also be at Wally Workman Gallery November 21st from 5:30-7:30 signing Cat Scratchin' books. This event will give a portions of funds to Austin Pets Alive (two of the cats in the book came from that shelter) and it should be a fun night.
I'm also waiting to hear about a couple of December Gift shows, one here in Fayetteville, and the other in Tulsa. I haven't done many shows, they are a lot of work and sometimes not too much moola in return. We'll see. I'm feeling like the kid on the playground waiting to be picked for the volleyball/kickball whatever ball game. I hope they pick me. If they don't (please, pick me) many of these pins will be posted for sale in my etsy shop in October/November. There are birds, monkeys, chickens, dogs, cats and a snake or two. I even made a few of my favorite little house theme pins. They will retail for around $12.00. A bargain for a little original I think....you tell me what you think.
I'm also waiting for the Cat Scratchin' books to be delivered to me. Sometime in the next week or so I hope. It seems like forever since I finished the drawings and edits and all the other stuff that goes into making a book.
The above are all Ampersand Stampbord that I turn into Scratchboard by inking with Sumi or Speedball Super black ink.

Calm Before The Event...

Like "Max" here lounging, I am trying to have a nice calm day before the big event at Wally Workman Gallery tonight. Those who know me well know that usually I bolt out the door when the crowd at the gallery gets to be too much...it's my first instinct. I don't know why, because usually, if I am persuaded to stay, I have a nice time hanging out and meeting folks. But tonight I am going to throw off that tendency to run and just take it all in. It's about the book tonight, which is about dogs after all, not me. I can do this. And really, ultimately, I would be very sad and disappointed if no one came out to see the book and art (and me) tonight.  Here we go.....

We Did It!

The kickstarter Dog Scratchin' book project is funded and now waiting to get done. I will begin gathering the stories, sending those off to Fay to help edit and assemble. The dog photos will be collected and the drawing will commence. This is exciting. My current big deal.  Life seems to contain a series of big and little deals...Actually this one is HUGE!
The above artwork is large, 16"x20" and is for sale at Wally Workman Gallery in Austin TX. When I was working on this I was listening to Lucinda Williams music, specifically the "West" album recording.  The song 'What If' spoke to me, the line "if dogs became kings" is the title of this.  I mentioned this while being interviewed for a local npr radio show and because of it (a longer story than I wish to go into here)I have become friends with the fabulous couple Miller & Jordan Williams. It just so happens that they are Lucinda's parents. And they live here. I get to visit with them at least once a week. And Miller is a wonderful poet. Today is his 82nd Birthday. Happy Birthday Miller! You and Jordan are so dear to me. I'm a lucky gal.

What A Mess Of Art!

This is the living room after hauling most of the stuff out of my studio at the Fayetteville Underground.  Dang, I've really got the whole 'body of work' thing a'going on here.  Now granted, some of this is going to Wally Workman Gallery in Austin, TX.  Some of it is going to Eye Of The Dog Art Center in San Marcos, TX for their annual after turkey day home show, and finally, some of it is my Ampersand Art scratchbord teaching materials for demos and workshops.  I'm heading out to Texas for art fun!  Can't wait to see all my friends! and I'm doing a bunch of scratchbord and stampbord workshops.  If you are in Austin, be sure and stop by Jerry's Artarama on I-35, Saturday November 19th from 12-3pm.  I'll be there doing a free demo.  Yippie eye oh!
The sad thing about this picture is that there is another room in the house that I use as a studio, it is full up too. Sad, because I really just want to sell it all to make room for making more. So, what I ask you is, instead of buying the newest phone, fad, or whatever, buy some art...from me, or any other artist.  The economy has hit us hard too.
 I really hope folks will support the Underground artists in our new adventure.  Check out our morph the org website to learn more. 
Meanwhile, I've got a heap o' packing to do...Yah hoo!
I guess all I really wanted to say is...I'm off for a bit, I'll miss all y'all in the Arkansas Ozarks.  But I'll be back for our last 1st Thursday at the Fayetteville Square location.  I hope y'all can come out and visit with us. Bring your dollars and do a little or a lot of art shopping.  And I really hope you will help us continue to bring amazing art to this sweet little burg!  Chow babies!

Today In Linda Land

Today was a wonderful day in Land O' Linda.  I worked in my studio for a bit...working on some collaged greeting cards.  Then I went to visit some new friends, one of them is an amazing poet and both are all around wonderful folks.  I spent much of the afternoon there with him reading me his poetry and us discussing the way of the world.  Ah, bliss.  If that wasn't enough (and trust me, it was!)  I then came home and watched the most recent episode of The Lying Game to see that finally, my piece of art that was leased from Wally Workman Gallery in Austin was right there on the screen, 2X during the course of the show.  Sorry about the blurry photos.  I watch TV on my computer screen...no big flat screen high def for me.  The piece is an 18"x24" Ampersand Art scratchboard.  Funny thing is,  I started this piece in response to having a different piece rejected for a show.  Glad it happened, although at the time I was a bit miffed.  I love the way things turn out when they are out of our control and we just hang on and go for the ride.

Scratchboard Art and Medical Bills

Just finished these two cute dogs for a friend of a friend.  They are 3"x5" Ampersand Art Scratchboards.  Sample size, not available for purchase in stores.  I use them when I do classes and demos.  So here's the deal folks...I make money making art (which in this economy is just as hard as you can imagine), also by teaching and demonstrating scratchboard techniques.  Recently I had my thyroid removed due to cancer.(like, 2 weeks ago)  I'm ok, we caught it early and I'll make a full recovery...but, in the meantime I can hardly raise my voice above a whisper.  Teaching right now is out of the question so I'm looking for some help raising some funds.  I have insurance, but as a self employed  artist in my 50's it's not so great, pretty basic.  Meaning, I am getting some hefty bills for tests that they won't cover.  I'm bracing myself for the overnight stay in the hospital bill.  Anyhow,  rather than just asking you for money I'd rather sell you art.  That's how I roll.  I've got $5.00 magnets and $10.00 2"x2" original pins at the Fayetteville Underground.  Message me and I'll post some images. I put the donate paypal button up so you can do either or both.  You just need to let me know what you want and I'll ship it out to you. I'm working on setting up an etsy shop, which will make it easier for all of us to see what's what, will post here when it's done.  I will also take commissions on pet portraits etc..   Plus, of course some of my larger pieces are available.  You can check out my website at http://www.blue-eyedponystudio.com/ to see if something grabs you.  Or look at Wally Workman Gallery Austin,TX, Kirchman Gallery Johnson City, TX or Fayetteville Underground Fayetteville, AR.  I'll be working the gallery at the Underground tomorrow from 12-3pm.  Stop on by and say hello.  I'll squeak out as many words as I can before I lose my voice...I only get so many conversations a day lately. It makes life interesting.
 Besides my art, while you're at the Underground, there are some really fine pieces by other artists on the walls in the 4 galleries. The show will change before 1st Thursday (July 7th) so come on down and check it out.  And then come back for the reception on Thursday the 7th from 5-8pm.

3 Monkeys

This 18"x24" Ampersand Art scratchboard is on it's way to Wally Workman Gallery in Austin. They are having a group show in July and these '3 Monkeys In A Boat (Without A Paddle)' will be hanging there. I love this piece. Usually when I'm done with a board, I'm done....on to the next one. This one was so enjoyable every step of the way, it's a little hard to see it go. It's great when it happens that way. I hope the public looking at this reads and feels the joy. That's what it's all about for me. If I'm happy making art, I want you to be happy looking at it. I have my share of dark feelings and dark art, believe me. I could fill a couple of galleries with that. The point is though, I'd rather express the goodness. It's a glass half (or 3/4) full kind of view. Why not? Life is so freaking short and hard, might as well make it long and good too. It's odd, this piece is both comical and dark. Being on the rough water in a boat with no paddle, not a good situation. But, somehow it is also dear and amusing. This piece took more time than most of them do, I was scratching day and night. It's priced at $700.00 framed and ready to hang on your wall. I'm off to work in my studio at the Fayetteville Underground! Cheers!

Counting Chickens Under The Tree Of Money Assemblage

Working on this commission for a client at Wally Workman Gallery. This is a 2d sketch that I put together using pieces and parts of photos, and then painted and drew on, etc.. Kind of a collage of sorts. I'm so psyched up to be doing this. I love assemblage work, just haven't done much lately because it doesn't sell very easily at the galleries. The finished product will be 3d and around 11"x14". As I said in the above title, it's currently known as; 'Counting Chickens Under The Tree Of Money'. After weeks and weeks of scratching away at scratchboard designs for Ampersand Art ,I am relieved and happy to have this break. I'll get back to scratchboard soon enough as I've got 15 new pieces that need inked.
It's cold here, sounds like it's cold just about everywhere. I'm hunkered down in the little blue house on the highway. Stay warm and healthy folks.

Artists Statements

I'm feeling like a little crazy, blue bird....of happiness!

Working on my resume, cd of images and artist statement to apply to be a studio artist at the Fayetteville Underground Studio/Gallery here in Arkansas. Check it out at http://www.fayettevilleunderground.com/ I went there last night for the 1st Thursday event and the joint was hopping! Full of really great art, snacks and people. Made me think that I really want to be a part of this group. If they'll have me.
So, the subject of today's post: Artists Statements. I have to do one for the application process and I'm really resistant to the whole idea. I've done them before under great duress. Always have been turned off by the 'blah,blah,blah, Art and subconscious pursuit of some weird collection of words and thoughts so that you think I'm significant, smart and special, blah, blah'. Can you tell I feel strongly about this? It's pretty simple for me, it's pretty much black and white with a smattering of color thrown into the mix. I make marks on paper or scratchboard or whatever else happens to be in front of me. I don't know if it all means something or some means nothing. I just do it because the doing of it makes me feel better about myself and the world around me. I of course hope that somehow it makes others feel something too, but I've long ago given up on the idea that I can make anyone feel anything specific just by the 'power' of my art. Of course I want people to enjoy it, and buy it, otherwise I have to go back to fixing houses and toilets. Any suggestions from any of you out there on constructing one of these statements would be helpful. I don't have any comments on this blog for the year 2011 yet, and always appreciate knowing that at least one person reads this (besides me) so have at it if you want. I will probably just cobble something together from my statement at Wally Workman Gallery http://www.wallyworkmangallery.com/ and my bio on the http://www.blue-eyedponystudio.com/ website. As far as statements go, I really feel I lack an original idea, kind of funny coming from a creative mind, don't ya think? The art at the beginning of the post is a 3"x5" Ampersand Art scratchboard http://www.ampersandart.com/ with clayboard inks. It's sitting in my studio and is for sale, as is everything I make. It comes in a sweet little gallery frame for $50.00 and is ready to hang. If you want it give me a shout here or email me at the link at my website. Happy, Happy Winter time!

Little Houses

Ok, so, my latest obsession is making these little houses. This one is 9- 5"x7" panels mounted and framed. They are basically all the same...2 windows, door, chimney etc...and yet, of course they are all different. It's been shipped to Wally Workman Gallery in Austin for the August show. http://www.wallyworkmangallery.com/ The materials are gleaned from my extensive stack of vintage papers, magazines and even a bible and such! My goal, for the most part is to get rid of this stack. In the meantime, I've found a theme that really speaks to me. Home, where the heart is, where we nest. Right now my home is temporary. I don't know where I will be for the winter as the cabin has no heat and promises to be cold and drafty. Time will tell I guess.

Sweet Blue Dog

This is my latest 5"x7" Ampersand Art scratchboard. www.ampersandart.com This is a sweet dog named Blue, a belated birthday present for a friend. These latest scratchboards are stacking up in the studio. This one has a home....but many of them don't, at least not yet. I'll be delivering several new monkeys and dogs to Wally Workman Gallery this week. www.wallyworkmangallery.com Check them out. I am the 'Target' of the gallery...my work is quite affordable, purposely. I want to sell art. Simple as that. I don't make tons of money on these, but they fly out the door and end up on people's walls. That makes me happy!

I'll be teaching a scratchboard class at Eye of the Dog Art Center www.eyeofthedogartcenter.com in San Marcos this coming April (Sunday April 11th from 10-4 lunch included $95.00) This Art Center is one of the coolest places on Earth. Really. And Billy Ray and Beverly are two of the most talented, nicest artists I know. So put this on your calendars and save your pennies. We will be diving in head first into scratchboard and collage. I'll have all the materials and tools. My goal is world domination by scratchboard. It is the most instant gratification art technique that anyone can do.

Dog oh Doggie

This is my newest 5"x7" Ampersand scratchboard. http://www.ampersandart.com/ This dog, Scout, belongs to a couple of friends of mine and she is always so laid back and calm compared to their other two doggies. This is curious, because she is so big and kind of scary if you don't know her well. I would not push my luck with her if she were having a bad day...
I used my favorite scratching tool for this (the basic nib ampersand provides) and gouache paint for the eyes and background. There is a group show I'm in at Wally Workman Gallery here in Austin http://www.wallyworkmangallery.com/ . It opens this Saturday from 6-8pm. Everything is priced under a 'grand'.

Scratchboard Dog

Here is the finished 'Luna' scratchboard. I used gouache paint on a 5"x7" Ampersand Art scratchboard, http://www.ampersandart.com/ sealed with Krylon Workable Fixative. I will frame this and get it to Wally Workman Gallery. http://www.wallyworkmangallery.com/

All good here in Central Texas. Windy and Cold, just like Winter is supposed to be!

Playing with Corel Paint

I've started to play around with my Corel Paint software.  This is a vintage photo from an album I bought in El Paso a few years ago.  I know it was taken in the early 1900's and this gal is out in the middle of nowhere with this great coat.  I love the tilt of her head and the straight on into the camera look.  I have no idea who she is unfortunately.  I've done a scratchdrawing of her based on this photo.  And this is just me learning to use the Wacom tablet and software.  I'm needing a change of direction art wise.  I will of course continue with the scratchboard and assemblage, but you know how it is....time to shift for awhile.  I'm still at Blue Genie Art Bazaar until Xmas eve http://www.bluegenieart.com/ .  Group show at Wally Workman in Austin http://www.wallyworkmangallery.com/  and Dahlia Woods Gallery in Dallas http://www.dahliawoodsgallery.com/

Monkeys Not Over

Well, after hitting the wall with the Daily Monkey project yesterday I decided to try and carry on, at least for a bit longer. So I took an old scrapbook album cover and a bunch of misc. vintage paper I have and threw this collage together. It may not be done yet, but it was wet so here it is for now. I'm off to Dallas tomorrow to spend the night and prep for a Tuesday morning scratchboard demo with 25 High School students. I'm excited, should be great! Stopping by the Dahlia Woods Gallery to pick up a check and artwork from the show that just closed. Sold a monkey there and two monkey scratchboards at Wally Workman Gallery. So, I will continue to make monkeys...go figure. Who am I to argue???

MMMMM Monkey King!

Love this Monkey! Yet another 16"x20" Ampersand Art www.ampersandart.com scratchboard. This was featured in a room layout of local design magazine last year. Wally Workman Gallery sold it for me. www.wallyworkmangallery.com Will post some other scratches in progress here in a bit. One of my back molars was pulled this morning. Makes me feel old. Hope I can hang on to the rest of my teeth for a long time. Damn!

3 Monkeys

Well, thanks to Suzanne Lewis www.suzannelewisart.com for the idea of doing this subject matter. Had a great time scratchin' it out. I finished this piece the other day..will see if either gallery I'm in wants to hang it...and most importantly...sell it. http://www.wallyworkmangallery.com/ http://www.dahliawoodsgallery.com/ It's an 18"x24" Ampersand Art scratchboard http://www.ampersandart.com/ The paint is acrylic. I'll build a 3/4" framework on the back and maybe even build a 'floating' style frame for it. On to the next monkey...

I continue to recover from the cracked rib. Yesterday was bizarre, I kind of 'lost' the day (due to pain killin' drugs) so today I'm trying to just be without them. I've got one of those heat patch things on. Which, believe me, is difficult when it's already a jillion degrees out here in central Texas. I am burning up! Summer in Austin, hell on earth,in a place that is heavenly.