Where I've Been Lately...

From the date of the last post you can see it's been more than a month since I've posted anything here. I've been busy drawing portraits for my latest little kickstarter project. There are many more than what is in the above photo, but that will have to suffice for now. They are all Ampersand Art scratchboard.
Since the last post I've; celebrated my birthday, drawn many portraits, did several dog and cat commissions, packed up my house to move, and have built over 40 picture/mirror frames from the pile of salvaged lumber that never seems to disappear. The frames are to sell, wherever and whenever I can. I'll post some photos next time. They are really nice, and I'm pretty proud of them. I especially like the vintage beadboard ones, that wood came from a monumental dumpster dive. Those opportunities unfortunately, seem to be few and far between here in NW Arky. I'm glad I stopped when I did and got a truck load. Oh, yeah, I guess that's why the pile never goes away. I'm determined this time to use it all up! All of it. The location I'm moving to will have a sweet little studio space, but not really a big wood working space so I'm trying to get it all re-used/re-purposed and done with before the house I've been living in, with the workshop is listed for sale.
So that's it. Trying to keep my spirits up. Not many sales of existing artwork, either here or at the galleries in TX. That's ok, I'm downsizing to just the basics for a while in order to be able to continue making art. Because that's really all I ever want to do, and all I ever think about doing. I'm getting farther and farther away from being that person who "fixed" things...at least as a way of making a living that is. I still occasionally will repair this and that for special folks in my life.
Well, that's all for now. I've just been busy, busy, and writing a blog post is just about the last thing on my to do list. I'll try and post on a more regular basis...or not. I guess it doesn't really matter that much, or at least at this point in my life I wonder if it does matter or not because it's more of an exercise in sharing what I'm doing/thinking etc...and of course hoping that someone out there might read it and get something from it. Happy Trails to you...

Art Is A Hard Way To Make A Living--But It's Worth It...

I've been making these little 1x2" scratchboard chicken necklaces for the past month. (They may be a reward for backers of the chicken book I want to do) Meanwhile, I'm trying to 'will' this kickstarter project, Chicken Scratchin' book into being. It's hard work. I've only raised around $1200+ and need to raise $9500.00 by March 6th. So far every project I've done on kickstarter has raised the amount needed....this may be the first failure. I'm not too worried though, it can be tweeked and re-launched in March or April.  I am not getting rich doing these book projects, just a steady small stream of money(well, maybe more like a trickle). Really, that's all I need to keep going. I don't need the big bucks, I just want to contribute, bring folks a little joy, and pay my bills. When I'm not making art I'm a pretty unhappy human. Lately I've been creating a series of bird art on Ampersand Scratchboard, just to keep me busy and happy. Sold a couple already, even posted a bunch on the social networking sites, hoping for the best. Here's an example of one of the sold pieces.

I had a great time making this...left it black and white for the new owner. It's been a while since I've not used color on a piece, it was hard to restrain myself.

Ok, done for today: Here's the kickstarter plug (and let me remind you, you don't have to have chickens to back this!) Click HERE to see it.

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!

Scratching Out A Living

These are little 2"x2" Ampersand Art Stampbords that I've turned into scratchboard using black Sumi ink. I packed a bunch of these into my suitcase before taking off for a 'vacation' in the Boston area. Really good friends needed a house/dog sitter and so they flew me out here (awesome!) to spend a week with Ruby (who one of many dogs in the Dog Scratchin' book) All I have to do is walk/feed/love on her and make sure the house stays intact. I'm staying an extra week to hang out and visit with them, such a bonus. I've been scratchin' away while watching my friend's most excellent collection of videos and TV shows...binge watching ho! I used to live in Boston so there's not that much that I haven't seen here--I'm just hunkered down in Revere, reading, scratchin' watching movies, walking the dog. It's a really nice getaway with no pressure to go anywhere or be anything. That's my idea of a perfect vacation.
I've got 28 of these laid out. I'll add color when I get back to the home studio.
Mostly what I've been doing is trying to figure out a better way to make a living doing what I love.  I used to love construction/plumbing and I made a pretty good living doing that. The past twelve years I've focused more on the art and while it has been extremely satisfying, the money part has always been a scramble with some years better than others. Last year was good, mostly because of the Dog Scratchin' book. I expect this year to be as good via the Cat Scratchin' book. Next year, there will be a new book, new art. And I hope to be doing it in a little Minnie Winnie or some other RV type vehicle. I'm ready to sell the house, release myself from some possessions and hit the road, while I can. I plan to keep a few home base cities, because, let's face it, I need a bank account and some kind of address. Plus there's the whole health care thing. I've got a good doctor and with the thyroid cancer history, I must be just a bit responsible. (and I need the damn meds)
Besides all that, I've got to make money, honey. These little 2"x2" original scratchboards will be made into pins or magnets or both. Fun little, inexpensive art pieces that I hope to sell at a few art shows and in my etsy shop. My friend here thinks more galleries is the answer. What do you think? I can't keep up with the two I'm in. What I've found is if you're not in the same city or area and don't make regular visits, your art isn't displayed or sold. So unless I can pop from one gallery to the next (and maybe I can once I get the RV) I must find a way to promote and market myself, which is something I really would rather not do. Oh damn it...

Funding Art Projects and Other Stuff

The above are earlier works of mine using Ampersand Scratchbord and mixed-media. There is nothing wrong with them. In fact I'm pretty fond of where I've been and where I am now with my art journey. Putting together the Dog Scratchin' book, and now the Cat Scratchin' version has helped me to become better at my chosen trade.  Below is one of the dogs in the book that shows how much better I became as I drew one after another. Practice is good.

All this is to say, I'm running a project at kickstarter right now to create a limited series of posters using 80 of my drawings from the book. If you will please take a look and see if any or all of them interest you. I'm not asking for money for nothing (hey, that could be a song), I have a product to offer for a fee. And I think it's a pretty cool, fun, and lovely product. If you can think about art as part of the commerce stream (and we are) we are just as important as the plumbers who fix our toilets. Believe me, being a former contractor, I am coming at you from both sides of that world.So take a look here to see what it's all about. It will be up for 28 more days and it's already going well. Thanks. Buy art, fix your plumbing, and enjoy your world.
The first artwork shown above is available (size is 16"x24") the title is "Big Dog In The Backyard", and I'll make you a deal and a half. Contact me.

2 Sweet Dogs Commission

This is the work in progress from the previous post about "choices." You can see I've made quite a few, choices that is. There is some tweaking to finish, and a frame to build before I deliver it. My clients already approve and like it very much. I'll change the collar to red and make some other changes. This is a 16"x20" ampersand scratchboard with colored inks.  Lots of scratchin' going on there. In addition I've been scratchin' out cats left and right for the Cat Scratchin' book, and getting ready to launch a kickstarter project to create posters with the artwork from the Dog Scratchin' book.
Along with all of that, my truck which I love so much hit 200,000 miles last week. It came and went without the fanfare I had expected--no parade or confetti. I looked down and whoop there it went. Oh well. I personally put 160,000 of those miles on the truck in eight years of owning it.  I had always used 200,000 has a sort of milestone, although I can't remember what I thought would happen afterward. I'm in no hurry now, to sell or trade it in. I'm in no hurry to do anything right now. That is an unusual condition for me. I am always moving ahead, often quickly leaving folks in the dust. My movement forward has not always been in the 'right' direction, or should I say, sometimes in my haste I leap before I look. Like a cat though, I most often land on my feet. Or my ass, and then I have to pick myself up and dust off and try to make the best of it. Waiting and patience is not something I'm known for. But, here I am, waiting and studying to see what path is next for me. I will say I hope to be in a small travel trailer or rv type vehicle in the next year or so. Free of the responsibility of owning a house...and all the things that go with that. I can do what I'm doing, ie. the books the scratchboards, anywhere that there is a table to work on. I don't need stuff...There you have it. This time next week I hope to be raising some money to print dog posters. Don't worry, there will be plenty of notice about it.
 Until then, be happy. Really, that's it.

Choices

Today I'm thinking about choices. I hate to simplify things down to "this or that", but isn't that kind of what life is all about? Do I want this? Do I want that? Well, that's how my life works. I've been drawing cats in scratchboard for the kickstarter Cat Scratchin' book project for the last 3 months and I'm just about done with the 68 total cats. In the meantime I also have a few dog scratchboard commissions that I need to jump on. It gives a little break, a chance to head off in a different direction for a bit. I'll get to the above photos in a minute, I just thought I'd share a glimpse into the Linda-brain with y'all. Brace yourselves...I'm about to ramble on.
I woke up feeling isolated and alone, which is how most days are for me; usually this doesn't cause a problem for me, it just is my reality. Anyhow, I thought maybe I should push out of my comfort zone and go to a big outdoor street fair,  to have some human interaction and join in with the collective human-ness of such things. I drove slowly by and promptly decided it was too hot, too many people, and not much parking, so instead went to Wal-Mart. Please forgive me, judge if you must, it just seemed 'better' to me. Air conditioning, plenty of parking and a chance to maybe find some clothes and food. Not much human interaction though, and I didn't find clothes, but made some good food choices that will reward me later.  I've convinced myself that I'll try to stop by the street fair later in the day, early evening when it's cooler. We'll see if that happens. I'll report my experiences here if it does happen. I wouldn't hold my breath, at least not for too long if I were you. Ok, enough of that, the above photos are just to give you an idea of my working process. The commission is a 16"x20" Ampersand scratchboard drawing of two dogs together, with poppies and sunflowers. I'm excited to get going on this; it will be a heap of scratching. The owner sent photos of her dogs and I put them together in one place, I'm still working on the background concept, a pulled out of my head made-up environment. I finally bought a projector/enlarger to make my life easier. I basically start with a line drawing that I then transfer to the black scratchboard using white chalk rubbed on the back of the drawing. The big fun for me is then scratching away the black to white to create textures that resemble the dog or cat or flower, whatever it is I'm trying to render.  Nothing wrong with having good tools to make art folks.
I'm also working on an idea for a future kickstarter project to produce some full color posters of dogs and cats. More on that later.
In the meantime, be happy, make art!

On The Drawing Table

Sorry I've been missing in action for a bit. Working on the Cat Scratchin' book and other commission pieces has kept me at the table scratchin' away for days. In fact everyday is an art day for me. Not a bad thing, I'm happy. I've found that I post less here and more on Instagram so if you are interested in following me at the profile blueyemonkey, that would be super cool. In the meantime, the above is the current cat on the table. Got to get back on it. Have a day!

Teaching Scratchboard In Texas

I've been in Central Texas now for a few days and while it's been great, today is a gray, grey day. (I never know which grey/gray to use) Some kind of front moving through, we're all waiting for the rain. I've already done three scratchboard workshops for Ampersand Art here. All have been very successful. Two of them were at a new venue for me, Casa De Linda in New Braunfels, TX. No, they didn't name it for me (although I like to think so), David and Linda are the owners. They've been in this location about two years. It's a sweet sanctuary and oasis for art, if you're in the area you should stop by and see them. I loved with working with them, and the folks who joined us both days. Here are a just few photos from the workshops.

A good time was had by all and everyone made some scratchboard art, and loved it. Very satisfying for me. One of my goals is to bring the masses into the scratchboard artists fold, one at a time, even if it takes my lifetime. It's instantly gratifying, therapeutic and good for you! What wrong with that? Not a thing. Keep your head up, make art!

Scratchboard Demo At Jerry's Artarama Austin

Today I'll be at Jerry's Artarama in Austin, TX from noon to three with Ampersand Art scratchboards doing a little hands-on demo fun. If you've never used scratchboard, it's a quick, instantly gratifying art form. I taught a class in New Braunfels yesterday and had a great time with the folks there. There will be another class Tuesday from nine to noon at Casa De Linda on IH35 Business. You could squeeze in last minute.

 I've got to get through Austin traffic from South to North to get there. Today is the Austin Marathon so that should make for some interesting snarls.  Gotta love IH35 and Central Texas!

Early Morning Studio Time

This morning I'm juggling several things, here is a shot of the studio table and it's pretty messy. I'm making folk art birds at the kitchen countertop, scratchboard drawings at the above table, franken-furniture pieces in the workshop, and mixing in some visiting with Bowen the dog (below) at his home with good friends.

He's the cutest little guy, but being a puppy I found I couldn't get anything done with him doing what puppies do. So he's still a part of my pack, but we are all happier.
Oh yeah, still funding the Cat Scratchin book on kickstarter. It's almost to the end...soon I get to start gathering and drawing the cats. Go here to see the project. If you have a rescued cat, you may want to jump in...like, uh, now....please.
I'll be in Austin next week starting a visit and teaching tour. Check out Casa De Linda in New Braunfels for a listing of classes, plus I'll be at Jerry's Artarama Austin Sunday the 17th doing a demo. Line up-sign up. Ok, that's all for now. Stay happy.

Scratchboard Demos And Kickstarter Project

Here's the February schedule of scratchboard drawing classes and demos: We'll be drawing dogs, monkeys, and flowers on Saturday Feb. 16th 9am-12 Casa De Linda New Braunfels, TX. / Sunday Feb. 13th 12-3pm Jerry's Artarama Austin, TX./ Tuesday Feb. 19th 9am-12 and 1-4pm Casa De Linda New Braunfels, TX. There is a small fee and pre-registration required at Casa De Linda. Jerry's Artarama is on N. IH 35 and is free but space is limited.
I'll also be giving a class at the Pavilion in Austin on the 22nd for residents and the 27th for Rockwall Middle School systems Teachers.  All in all a busy Feb for me. I continue to raise funds at the Cat Scratchin' book project on kickstarter. Funding ends on Feb 13th and I'll be on the road driving to Austin so won't be checking the $$ amount too often, or worrying about whether or not it will fund. Here's how kickstarter works, if I don't raise the amount I need I get none of the money and the project doesn't go forward. So if you are thinking about being a part of the book and have not picked a pledge level, please do so pretty soon. 24 days left to raise $7800.00.
I continue to learn about having a new puppy in my life. One week in we are making adjustments to each other.

Cats Baby Cats!

Well, the kickstarter Cat Scratchin' book project is in full swing! In 24 hours it is now at $901.00 which is amazing! But We've got a long way to go to hit that $7800.00 mark by Feb 13th. Here is the link please go and check it out. If you can't participate, that's fine, just give me a facebook like though if you will. And share the project with your friends who love cats. The above photo is a cat that belongs to a friend, Ginger likes to drink out of the watering can. The drawing is an earlier Ampersand scratchboard...old style Linda folk art. Still, fun. Thanks for stopping by.

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.....

Makin' New Animals

I'm busy, busy, busy. Cutting up old books full of animals, Oprah and Vanity Fair magazines, and any other pictures of animals I can find.  Getting ready for a 45 minute workshop that I'll be giving at the Texas Art Educators Conference in San Antonio next month. I'll be there teaching and selling Ampersand Art products.  I put if off long enough. It was much easier just coming up with the idea, now I have to put it together. This is one of my first finished pieces that I'll use to illustrate the process. Let's hope I can write a good lesson plan and present it in a understandable way. Just another "performance". This is either a Prairie Dog or some other rodent with a sweet little Doe head. Red tie and Red Fez!! I'll also be doing a scratchboard workshop called "Scratch Happy." That one is a piece of cake for me!
Meanwhile, I'm taking Dog Scratchin' books tonight to the For Pets' Sake meeting and to Petco on Saturday during adoptions event, to sell a few. So far I've raised about $100.00 each for the above group and the Fayetteville Animal Shelter.  I'll give them both a check at the end of the month. I hope I can bump them up by having more sales. If you are interested in one or two or more, you can contact me or just send a check (I'm old skool) to PO Box 8963 Fayetteville, Arkansas 72703.  Books are $25.00 each and I'm donating $2.00 of every sale to animal rescue groups.
Ok, that's it for now. The show at the Anne Kittrell Gallery on the campus of the University of Arkansas until the end of October. Open M-F 10am-6pm
Next dog event will be in Austin, TX Nov. 13th at Wally Workman Gallery from 6-8pm.

Chicken Scratchin'

Maybe I've posted this one before...it's hard to keep track of the art and the time. This is a 5"x7" Ampersand Art Scratchbord. I completed it a while back. I'm thinking today about the next few books that I'll be doing in the future. The Dog Scratchin' book is at the printers now. And paid for thanks to all the folks who participated in the kickstarter project. Should have some proofs to look at soon.
 Next up, Cats. And then Chickens. And maybe Snakes. Birds. Who knows?
Yesterday I taught a scratchboard class at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, AR. It was great fun, the students seemed to enjoy it, and I always get a kick out of watching folks playing with the boards and tools. It was nice for me to get some scratchin' in as well. After all the dog scratchin' the past six months I've taken a short break to construct some mixed-media birds (will show in next post) and little wooden "tote" boxes from vintage wood and pieces/parts. Planning on selling those at my antique mall booth and at the Eye of the Dog Art Center show in San Marcos, TX in November. Stay tuned.

Drawing Dogs Just For Fun

Finished drawing this 5x7 Ampersand scratchboard the other day. I'm at the end of dog drawin' for the Dog Scratchin' book. This lovely pug is Boody. Won't be in the book, drawn just for fun.  The dog and the drawing belongs to a sweet family I know in Austin.
I've got a lot of detail work to do on the book now. Everything from edits to picking which dog goes on what page. Not my favorite thing as I more of a 'big picture' person. Every once in a while I stop and draw a favorite dog (or a cat). It helps to keep me sane. I will be opening my Dog N Cat Drawin' business soon. So if you want to commission me to draw your pet give me a hollar.
Ok, back to the detail work. Thanks for stoppin' by.

East Coast Scratchboard Demos

 One of my favorite artworks from the Jerry's West Orange, NJ Demo.

 Working...

 Working....

 Working....playing....working...

 This little gal fell in love with Ampersand Art scratchbord. I really enjoyed watching her and her mother discover how much fun this medium is.

In June I got to travel to the East Coast to teach Scratchboard classes at three stores. AI Friedman in Port Chester, NY. Jerry's Artist Outlet in West Orange, NJ. And Jerry's in West Hartford, CT. I had a ball. Great stores, staff and participants. A lot of fun artwork was done by all. Here are just a few of the photos I took when I wasn't teaching and scratchin'. Check out all the Ampersand Art products here. It took a while to post this as I've been busy scratchin' out 75 dogs for the soon to come Dog Scratchin' book of rescued dogs and their stories. (drop the g folks...I just discovered there is a blog for Dog Scratching... that's not mine!) It's hotter than hot here, just like everywhere else. I'm learning to live with it. I don't want to join the inevitable migration to the north. Stay out of the sun everyone!

Scratchboard Workshop Schedule Almost Time To Get Scratchin'

Just wanted to post all of the upcoming Linda Sheets Scratchboard Workshops/Demos. These are sponsored by the great Ampersand Art company who produce the best scratchbord on earth. Really. I've tried it all!
On Friday June 8th I'll be at AI Friedman in Port Chester NY from 1-3:30pm
Saturday June 9th Will be Jerry's Artist Outlet in West Orange, NJ from 1-3pm
Sunday June 10th I'll be at Jerry's Artarama in West Hartford CT from 1-3pm
I will be there with supplies and all the knowledge I can carry in my head, to share with you.
Come on out and play! All ages and abilities are invited.
Here are some photos from my workshop at Flax Art Supply in San Francisco CA

                                        Did I mention that we have fun!

                                           This little dude is so proud!

I love watching how folks adapt to the boards. This is from one of my designs. She has made it her own!

                                     A very cool, elaborate doodle indeed!
Wanted to let you all know I've started a new blog/website for the Dog Scratchin' book. I'll be posting photos of all of the 60+ dogs I've drawn thus far. And it will be a good place to keep up with what's happenin' with the book.

Free Ampersand Scratchboard Demos Houston, TX

Heading out early today to Austin, TX to visit friends and spend the night. Tomorrow I will be in Houston, TX giving a free scratchboard demo courtesy of Ampersand Art, at Texas Art Supply. The Montrose location is at 5:30pm. It's been filled, but if you show up we will find a place for you. Saturday morning I'll be at the Baybrook location at 10:30 and then Voss St. location at 3pm.  Call the stores for more information. It's going to be fun, fun, fun!
I have been collecting dog stories and photos to draw from. I've got to say, I'm already blown away by the stories, and loving the fact that I get to draw so many sweet dogs. You can check it out on my kickstarter project link (go to an earlier posting to find that, and to get more information) There is always room for more dogs and stories, even though the kickstarter project has ended. I can collect $$ through paypal or if you want to pay by check (who does that anymore? ME!) contact me via my website and we'll do the deal. I am so excited about this Dog Scratchin' book project. What a collection of stories and drawings it is going to be!
The above photo is a 24x24 inch cradled Ampersand Art scratchboard. Little Jimmy Dickens is the dog, "Take Me As I Am" is the name of the piece. Love this little dog! I loved making the artwork...