Scratchboard Classes And Gratitude

Took these photos this week while teaching two scratchbord classes to some great students at Fayetteville High School-Go Bulldogs! Sorry about them being sideways, still don't know how to fix that.  We had a great time together, there were about 30 students per class.  They kept me hopping!  And I totally enjoyed it!  Thank you Ms. Adams, and thank you Ampersand for letting me spread the joy!
I'm feeling very grateful today for many things.  I'm mourning the loss of the space that the Fayetteville Underground used to fill.  We are officially out December 31st. Sad, sad, sad.  Because of the Underground, which I joined in Feb., I have met some of the greatest folks.  Artists and art lovers alike.  Because of the Underground, I have been able to make the contacts to teach scratchbord classes to students at John Brown University (2x) Mary Hardin Baylor College in Belton, TX, and this weeks classes at Fayetteville High School.  In addition, I've taught classes with a cancer survivors group and classes at the Underground.  I will miss all of the artists.  I know we will stay in touch, but still, there not be another group/place like it.  And even tho the A&P commission is going to attempt to re-create the organization at the old post office in the square, it will not be the same.  I hope there will be support from the public for artists here in NWA.  I'm in my studio at home on the hwy.  If you want to see or buy my art, you'll have to come here.  Contact me.  I will continue to make art like crazy.  And my scratchbord kits are at Hobby Lobby, Aaron Brothers, Dick Blick and Jerry's Artarama.  Have fun!

Black Cat Scratchboard

Although I haven't been posting much lately, I have been busy making new art. This is one of the latest 5"x7" Ampersand Art scratchboards. Until now, I've resisted using cats as subject matter and here is why; Most dog owners look at my boards and if it resembles their dog in some way they buy it. Cat owners, on the other hand, want it to look exactly like their kitty, thus, my first attempts at cat scratches have gathered dust and went down to the bottom of the pile. I'll let you draw your own conclusions from that. I really like both cats and dogs so I don't discriminate. Due to a recent commission for a friend (3 different cats) I broke through my resistance, and in fact had a really good time making them. So here is one example, let me know what you think. This piece is available, framed, for $100.00. Currently it is in my studio here in Arkansas. If you want it, drop me a line and I'll ship it out to you pronto! I'm always happy to do commissions so send me photos and dollars folks!

Song Bird and Royal Black Cat

Just so you don't think I've gone over the top or around the bend with the monkey thing...here are 2 new scratchboard drawings just delivered to Wally Workman Gallery here in Austin, TX. http://www.wallyworkmangallery.com/

These are both kind of new image types for me. 'Royal Black Cat' and 'Song Bird Time' were both inspired by a couple of old ads from a vintage magazine I had in the studio. The Gallery is selling these 5"X7" pieces like crazy. I am a happy scratching gal! Need to scratch out 3-4 more in the next few days.