So, this is what I've been working on the past couple weeks. 

I have never worked with a canvas of this size. It's a long and skinny one, about 12" x 40"

It's unique, and that's why I like it. It's also not finished yet, I think it's too busy. Never paint in bad lighting, that's what will happen to your paintings.

For this painting, I was inspired by some color combinations I have been seeing lately in all of the kilim rugs that are all the rage right now, and of course, neon pink.

Like this one:

 

Which I want, oh so badly.

There is an Oriental rug store that is going out of business, or "retiring", as their sign says, down the street from my apartment, and I want to go in and see if they have any Kilim rugs, or something of the sort, because their newspaper ad showed some for dirt cheap but, to be brutally honest, I'm a little afraid to go in that store (I'm sure you are all aware of what the typical Oriental rug store is like) and because I have no business buying a several hundred dollar rug.

Oh, and because my parents own a flooring business where I get rugs for free : )

Maybe this is my rebellious side coming out.

(detail)

Oh, I'm also back into my "gold leafing" obsession.

If you know my paintings, then you know what I mean.

This one is 36" x 36". My first square canvas believe it or not. I've always had a thing against square canvases and I never really knew why. I LOVE squares now.

Gooooo CATS! (didn't realize it's my old high school's colors until now)

Because, everyone wants to be reminded of high school, right?

(detail)

Which I hope to have both of these finished by Thursday before I leave town for Cinco de Drinko.

Speaking of, I will be wearing one of these this Saturday:

Which kind of reminds me of this:

If you haven't done so, go visit my website with links to this blog, my Etsy shop, Facebook page, resume  and my portfolio : )

It's almost Hump Day.

Monday, monday.

Here's my painting in my client's living room!

Which looks great with the matching turquoise chairs and dainty turquoise antique china cabinet (which she re-painted herself) on the other side of the room.

Pink(duh) and turquoise...my favorite colors : )

She has a degree in interior design from Texas Tech University and has re-painted several pieces for her home including this ahhh-mazing vintage buffet that she painted a metallic white with a high-gloss finish and left the original handles on it and a super cool chrome and glass beverage cart she found at flea market covered in dust in West Texas! Imagine that!

With RHONJ on my mind, I went in search of some comparison pics of Rosie and Megan from the movie bridesmaids after it was pointed out to me that Megan is based off of Rosie.

Instead I found this gem:

Karma.

Bye Bye Monday.

Yesterday I realized...

I had successfully managed to paint myself into a corner. Literally. You know those people who always say their business or career started out in a small apartment? I now know the feeling. As I stood in the corner of my room trying to figure out how to squeeze by my painting, completely covered in inch thick oil paint, without smearing it (or getting it on my all white bedding which I would have reconsidered had I known my unemployment period would last so long and I would be painting out of my apartment), I began to understand the business of hoarding: being content and happy completely surrounded by ALL of your favorite things. Yes, my work may be hindered because I am not able to sling paint all over the canvas, which I thoroughly enjoy, but, to not paint at all would be doing myself an injustice. Although, I do find it hard to motivate myself to start a painting, at times, once I actually get the canvas primed I cannot stop. I am so eager to see the end result that I could paint for days. Which is what I did.

This is the same painting I showed you in my last post, just completely different. Which now resides in the middle of my floor for the next decade until it dries and I figure out if I am content with it.

My next painting, which I hope to start this evening, is another commissioned piece. It will be a large, semi-nude oil painting for a master bedroom. I was inspired to get started on this one after reading about an artist, Jenna Snyder Phillips in Lonny Mag. I want her life. Her work includes: nudes, abstracts and animal portraits. My work includes: nudes, abstracts and animal portraits. And it also reminded me that I do love dark colors and not just pink.

See more of Jenna Snyder Phillips work here.

So, as I sit here blogging on my pink laptop, while admiring my new pink spring nail color obsession (Lovie Dovie by Essie) and multitasking on my pink Iphone, I'm giddy with excitement about all the things I can accomplish with this new blog and my new website, compliments of Mindy Shepperd, my new tech guru, pledge sister and fellow job hunter. For my first official post, I thought I would share my spring obsessions I can't stop thinking about.

Perfect for that almost neon pink color (spring 2012 trend, believe it or not. Sorority girls are back in style this season (???))

Cambridge Satchel Company, with crossbody strap, also available in other neon and "normal" colors AND...

Ok, it's a little much, maybe that's more for your teenage daughter. These satchels run approximately $155.00 so, I've been in search of a more affordable option because any budget fashionista knows the rule: "Splurge on classics, save on trendy items", and because those buckle straps contradict the accessibility of a crossbody bag.

This one is about $90, for a more understated look, it has neon whipstiching, available at Asos (pronounced a-sauce), along with many other neon options that go on sale (and sell-out) pretty quickly.

I'll leave you with a painting by one of my favorite artist's who's work, I believe, is truly the essence of spring and has been such an inspiration to me throughout the process of me "finding my talent".

"You Can Be Cool Too"

sold here
You can find this painting and others at Michelle Armas' website, an artist who has truly inspired me in the process of finding my talent. Also, read her blog post on her inspiring story of making a career out of her talents (what I'm currently trying to do) which she coincidentally posted on Monday!

Now, to figure out what to do next with this painting...

A commissioned piece for one of my clients I'm currently working on to go above the couch in the front room of her home.

It's almost Friday (for you working people)!

I think I deserve to celebrate it too though, now that I've finished my blog AND my website (a MAJOR accomplishment for my future goals and career).

Time for some job searching!