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.

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...

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!

Making Folk Art Birds and Such

Please join me Sunday, April 7th for an all day fun-filled workshop making folk art birds in San Marcos, TX. Go here to find out more. Small fee, lunch included. Really great art center out in the beautiful Texas scrub-brush country south of Austin.

Flock Together Folk Art Birds

It's Official...I'll be in San Marcos, Texas at Eye of the Dog Art Center,  April 7th teaching a class called "Flock Together". We'll be assembling folk art birds from various pieces parts. It's going to be a great, day- long class including a delicious lunch.  Click here to go to the page and sign up.  I hope we have a full house or flock. If you've never been to this art center, it's amazing. A sweet little gem out in the country south of Austin.
I've been using up pieces of scrap wood and misc stuff from yard sales and such. These are so much fun to make. If you are in the area, please join me!

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.

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!

Perfect Days

I'm at the tail end of travel. Headed back to NW Arkansas tomorrow. Today has been just the sweetest. Staying with friends who have a sweet little 2 yr old. She's swimming with Mama. Papa is mowing in the back field (he's very happy to be doing it) I'm sitting in the shade near the pool, listening to all of the TX summer sounds. Noisy bugs in the trees, the tractor mowing, music playing, and the laughter of a little girl splashing. Dreamy day. I'm happy to be here, and also happy to be going back home for a spell. I haven't drawn a dog in two weeks and I'm getting a little twitchy about that. I've got photos from 3 store demos that I did on the East Coast, will post those when I get settled at home. For now, I'm just so delighted with this moment in time. And I'm happy to be able to just take it all in.

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...

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.

Kickstarter Dog Scratchin' Book Fundraising Final Hours

We are in the last 24 (or less) hours of the 47 day Kickstarter campaign to raise the funds to do a book of my scratchboard drawings of rescued dogs. To this Aries, that length of time feels like forever. But, I had to schedule around some conflicts and so April 7th at 10:11am seemed like the best time to end.  The above artwork is a scratchboard I drew from one of Fay Barclay's photos of her assorted dogs. At any given time she has several. Some are fosters waiting for their forever home, some are those that she rescued and adopted. Her passion for these animals and her photos inspired me to put this book idea together. I am grateful. This project has funded, and is still funding at this time. I may even be persuaded to collect more funds after the 7th, but you'll have to contact me via this blog or my web-site address. Now, I am not soliciting or asking you to wait. Kickstarter is a great funding platform for creative ideas, and I hope to use it again in the fall to put together a rescued Cat version of the book. So please go check it out here. Let me know what you think of all this.  I know I'm blown away and pretty excited to get started on this.
I will be in Houston at the 3 Texas Art Supply stores April 13th and 14th giving FREE demo/workshops using Ampersand Art scratchboard. Check their website for locations and store info. I'll be at Montrose Friday the 13th (Oh My!!) From 5:30-7:30 or 8:00. Saturday I'll be at Baybrook at 10:30am and Voss at 3pm. Call the stores for more info. They do a sign up sheet and I think they are full, but might be able to squeeze in last minute folks. Don't quote me on that...Thanks everybody! We are making a book!

Kickstarter Dog Scratchin' book project

My kickstarter book about rescued dogs and their people will end on April 7th at 10:11am. Click on this link to get the info and see how to be a part of it.
I'm finally home, recovering from some intense travel. I spent the past week, driving, flying, teaching scratchboard workshops/demos for Ampersand, visiting friends and participating in a fundraiser for The Animal Trustees of Austin.  My donated artwork for ATA sold at auction for $3500.00. That was awesome. They do great work for lower income animals and their owners. Income should not determine who can or cannot have a healthy animal!! 
I had a blast....but have to take a few days to recover. (for me that means, making some furniture pieces, or collage art, or getting out to see what I've missed!) Don't worry, I'll be up and at-em in a few days. Just in time to begin gathering all the information from everyone who pledged for the dog book. Yippie. Follow your instincts folks. Do what makes you happiest. Really!

I'm Still Scratchin' And Other Stuff And Such...

5 more days to raise funds to create the book of scratchboard drawings of rescued dogs. Click on the link to see what it is all about. I'm very excited about this. Can hardly wait to get started!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1547701634/dog-scratchin-book-stories-and-drawings-of-rescued
Meanwhile, I'm back out on the trail in Manchaca TX, visiting friends, taking care of some business and just hanging out. I attended the Animal Trustees of Austin's big Petcasso Fundraiser tonight and had a great time. I got to celebrate my birthday surrounded by a lot of fine folks who love animals, what more could I ask for? The artwork I created brought in $3500.00 for them so I'm feeling pretty proud! It's a great thing to help animals, and to help the people who take such great care of them is a bonus. Today was my birthday, and I was happy to be around such a loving crowd. What more could I ask for? I have everything I need...and there is always enough. That's my mantra. I hope all y'all are having a good 'fools day'. It's late and I've got to get some sleep...more travels coming up.

Upcoming Scratchboard Demos

There is a lovely posting regarding the upcoming scratchboard demo/classes in Florida, Texas and beyond. Take a look at it here. I love Ampersand products. They are simply the best surface for your art.

Today I am working on, you guessed it, the kickstarter book. I'm working on a questionaire to help folks write their or their dog's story...in 120 words or less. This is going to be more of a challenge,I mean, the editing all of them, than the drawing of 40+ new dogs. I'm up for all of it though. And Fay Barclay, my co-author will work on it too, thank the gods! I've decided that this is my major breakout year. Is that
crazy to say? Am I tempting fate to come kick me down the stairs? Don't care. I'm feeling it in my bones (sometimes it's just the arthritis, I know...)that doing this book is going to change something in my path. What is it? Do I know where I am going? Honestly no. But, knowing that I have been doing this work as an artist, seriously for the past 8 years, and steadily moving forward, sometimes just treading water, but still moving gives me hope. Sorry if this seems a bit disjointed..I've been driving for hours and also, Mercury is still Retrograde!! If you are in the Sarasota or Orlando area come play with scratchbord with me!

Still Scratchin' And Florida Demo's

I'm still here. Still running the kickstarter project pitch until April 7th. Still looking for new rescue dogs to draw and stories to tell. If you get a chance, go take a look at the project here. If you have not pledged to become a backer, please consider it. Any amount will help Fay and I make this book and get it out there.
This time next week I will be teaching and demoing (is that a word?) Ampersand Art scratchboard at the Art & Frame store in Sarasota Florida. That's Friday March 30th at 10am for 90 minutes. It will be hands on, and everyone is invited.  I'm hoping for a good turnout. It's my first time teaching in FL. The next day, Saturday March 31st I'll be at Sam Flax in Orlando. The class there will be from 11am-2pm. And then I have to get to the airport and fly to Austin for the Animal Trustee's Petcasso fundraising event. AND my Birthday!! I'm really looking forward to all of these events.
Those who know me, or who have read my artist statement, know that I believe that life is just a series of activities and events...some good, some bad, some in between. We run from some, we embrace others. That being said, I'm pretty happy to get to experience them all.

Dog Scratchin' Kickstarter Project And Some Other Things...

I've got a lot rattling around in my head today, so tighten your seat belts. 1st thing;  Yes, my kickstarter has project funded, Whoo Hoo! It was a day ago, or maybe a day and a half, I am traveling so the days seem to merge. We are now sitting at just a little over the $5,000.00 amount. There are about 30+ dogs to draw and as many stories to tell. I am very, very excited about this. That being said, with about 16-17 days to go before it ends on April 7th. I'd love to add to that number. And not just because I love drawing dogs..(which I do).There is a matter of having to pay about 7-10% of the amount raised to kickstarter and Amazon.  I know of more than a few folks who have expressed an interest but have not pledged. Come on now! You know you want to. I hope you want to! And I'm thinking this book is going to be awfully sweet and you and your pup could be in it! There are some folks who don't have a dog, and they have pledged anyway, just to sponsor someone else who does have a dog and a story. Heck, it could be the 1st dog you had as a child, who is long gone. There is no rule that says they have to still be in your life. There is another kickstarter project associated with dogs that is using some of my information in a youtube video (but I cannot share it yet as they have not launched) It's pretty cool. It's a different sort of project from mine, but dog related.
So, what I'm asking is; please, continue to share this information with your friends, and if you haven't pledged yet, please consider it. Any amount will help Fay and I to put this together and we will try to make a difference in the lives of some of the many shelter dogs out there...waiting. Go here to see the project And you folks with cats? Gather your photos and stories because the next book is for you. Stay tuned.

Here's an old scratchboard piece of mine. Years back I was afraid of color. I did all black and white, all the time. Now? I couldn't imagine one of my pieces without color. They don't feel finished to me with out some splash of red (my favorite) or blue. This is a large Ampersand Art supply scratchboard. It is out there in a collection somewhere. I forget who bought it. If you look at my kickstarter project here, you can see a newer version in the video.
 Ok, veering off into a different direction; I had the nicest time on Saturday at Jerry's Artarama Austin. It was SXSW so the crowd in the store to participate in the scratchboard demo was at about 10+, but they were determined and appreciative. A Grandmother brought her 3 Grandbaby girls, 2 sisters and a cousin. The oldest was 6. They had a great time, and I enjoyed working with them. It was cool to see how they took to the process. One of them was hyper-critical of herself and the marks she was making. Grandma helped and I ended up getting a great photo of her with her piece. Finally a smile!

Anyhow, I'm back to Arkansas in the morning. There for a bit and then back on the road to visit and teach some more scratchboard classes. This life is a good life, and it's good enough for me!
Thanks y'all....