Angela Bentley Fife's Artworld; all things right-brained

#1 Reason My Blog Has Lapsed

2012-01-22T21:53:00.004-07:00

#1...I've been quilting....

#2...Holiday craziness, and watermelon brains...

#3... We got a PUPPY!!

Another Reason my Blog has Lapsed

2012-01-22T21:38:00.004-07:00

Oh, gourmet cooking classes....it makes me feel like I'm on Top Chef.

Thanks Alex (our new friend that has taken us under her wing and decided that we must be "gourmets")...she teaches cooking courses now, you can find her here. She is AMAZING!

New Ones

2012-01-09T21:30:00.006-07:00

I'm embarrassed that I have not posted since August. But I have a few new paintings. I did have a group show in Iowa in November (I miss you land of corn) that I sent paintings to, and I have finished a few for my gallery in park city. I

also did a painting of my dad for Christmas (oops I forgot to photo). Hopefully he won't just put it in a drawer, and I will see it again to photograph it.

I did a painting for a friend that did some b

eautiful paper cuts for me (suspenseful, but I will post both in the future). And I even had time to do some Christmas shopping online (Fife Christmas brought to you entirely by Amazon).

So now to my New Year's resolutions, that include getting myself out of my "painter's block" by trying something entirely new....still in process, and the jury (myself) is still deciding if it is working. And being stricter about my production...no more staring out the window or reading art magazines waiting for inspiration to stri

ke, I'm going to just start painting.

I have a few small shows coming up this year

and a commission that may take me in a new direction, as well.

So, without being any more cryptic and vague, here are some new images. The first 2 are 12x12" (above), then 20x20" and the final 3 are 8x10". I know, nothing earth-shattering, but hopefully sellable!

ps...I have been doing a lot of quilting and I have discovered Pinterest....uh oh, hope for the best.

Summer is....OVER!!!

2011-08-19T20:29:00.005-06:00

I have to say I have mixed emotions. I love having no schedule, no stress, nowhere to be, getting nothing done... and I hate having no schedule, no structure and getting nothing done. I think I mostly thrive on the variety of the seasons, so I am appropriately totally emotionally ready for school to start on Monday and for the kids to get up early and head off to learn. While they are gone, I plan to paint A LOT and I vow to get big projects done around the house (or at least finish the 145 projects I have started) and for my brain to get back to it's normal semi-organized self. I hope to harvest much out of my late-started vegetable garden, and finally clean my car inside and out. I hope to keep the house clean, make healthy breakfasts, and come up with some great new ideas for paintings.

And my galleries will be glad to know my unplanned hiatus from painting is over, and I will get down to business starting Monday...or Tuesday. I promise. Not to mention, my psyche really needs me to get painting.

Commissions, Commissions

2011-07-22T21:41:00.003-06:00

I have a few good clients who have been waiting a year or two for their commissions to get finished, because I've had so many deadlines. So now, with no deadlines in the near future, I can get them all done. These are the first 2....

Wally Workman Show 2011

2011-06-10T20:14:00.004-06:00

I am really proud of this show. You never really know how it is going to come off until you see it in person, hanging on the walls of the gallery. They did a beautiful job hanging all the paintings. Thank you Wally and Rachel for a really nice show! Oh, and we of course had a fantastic time in Austin. Lots of good food, good pool time and some shopping.

Handmade in the USA

30 x 40"

In My Own Skin

30 x 40"

Grandma's Chair

24 x 24"

Vintage Eames

30 x 40"

Fresh Start II

16 x 20"

2011-06-10T20:04:00.001-06:00

Renaissance Form

18 x 24"

Mama Boots

15 x 30"

Checked Satin

18 x 24"

Eve's Coat

16 x 20"

Something Old, Something New

15 x 30"

One Month Left!

2011-04-22T19:05:00.002-06:00

This is a sneak peak of my show at Wally Workman Gallery in Austin, Texas this June. I need about 15 paintings and I think I have 10. So I have now set up a station in my bedroom as well as my studio so I can paint around the clock (kind of) until May 20th when I have to stop painting and start framing, etc. It's definitely crunch time.

I have decided to base my show around a color story. So it is titled 'Black and White'. It has been interesting to work this way because I have never done a show around a color concept. I don't want them all black and white, so some of them are brown, or a neutral, but they read black and white. I am doing mainly still life with a few figures and I am very excited. Thank you Wally!

2 figures

2011-03-25T20:03:00.003-06:00

I don't know what to say about these. They are something new, kind of. I am not sure if they are totally done, but I think I am liking them. I am thinking about some pattern in the background. I think I need to take a break from them and revisit later.

Sammy

2011-03-25T19:53:00.003-06:00

I did this painting a year or so ago, and it was from a drawing I did forever ago. And it ended up looking more like my sister-in-law, Sammy,than the actual model. So.....I gave it to her for Christmas. Seems presumptuous, I know, but I think she loved it and did not think I was being an egomaniac by giving her one of my paintings for Christmas. I told her it was a portrait I did of her from all the nights I spent spying on her and I took all those memories and worked really hard to create a custom portrait of her (nude) for Christmas. I hope she never finds out it was just an unfortunate mistake that turned into a creepy fluke.

Merry Christmas Sammy!

New Dress for Wally Workman

2011-02-25T22:03:00.003-07:00

This is one of my favorite dresses I have done. I found this dress on ebay for a steal. When I got it, it came with this little handwritten note and I realized it was a vintage, hand-sewn dress from the 60's. What a find. Shadow #1 also wore this to school for 60's day with her little Tom's. It was so cute.

Show Paintings

2011-01-20T12:35:00.004-07:00

'Fresh Start; Self Portrait'

16 x 20"

SOLD

'Flight Opposition'

30 x 30"

'Fears Realized'

24 x 24"

Show Paintings

2011-01-20T12:28:00.004-07:00

'Family Portrait'

24 x 36"

'Contented'

30 x 48"

'Cowboy Boots'

11 x 14"

SOLD

'Different Time'

11 x 14"

'Pink Suede Flowers'

11 x 14"

Show Paintings

2011-01-20T11:55:00.004-07:00

'Vintage Style'

24 x 36"

'Uniform'

12 x 12

'Dark Satin'

12 x 12"

'Watchful Eye'

12 x 12"

'Vintage Pink'

12 x 12"

SOLD

Show Paintings

2011-01-20T11:47:00.003-07:00

'Many Hats; Mother'

SOLD

'Many Hats; Sister'

16 x 16"

'Many Hats; Daughter'

16 x 16"

'Many Hats; Wife'

16 x 16"

'A Place to Draw From'

30 x 30"

The Show is Here

2010-12-16T19:19:00.002-07:00

Terzian Gallery

Park City, Utah

Saturday, December 18th, 2010

6 - 9 pm

This show will run through January 4th and then move in it's entirety to Springville Museum of Art for the month of January.

I AM DONE!

2010-12-03T18:44:00.002-07:00

Yes I am finished with all the paintings for the show and yes I am yelling (all caps). I finished 21 paintings with a range of sizes for Terzian Galleries show opening December 18th. I am really excited about this show and am really proud of the paintings I have done. I think they show my growth as an artist. Save the date!

'Settled In'

30 x 40"

Holiday Show 2010

2010-11-12T20:10:00.005-07:00

Art Access in Salt Lake City is having their annual holiday sale. Link here for their website and info. They requested small still lifes. I did 5, really small pieces (7 x 9"). I love working small. It is less laborious, so immediate. I literally can do 1 or 2 a day. During a baby nap. I felt so productive the week I did these. Unlike a large painting that I work on, rework, glaze, rework, set aside, rework, critique....over several weeks. Large paintings are great for my street cred and for the pocketbook, but if I have to choose, I choose small. I guess variety is the key so I don't get bored. Any that don't sell will be on their way to Texas.

Spoiler....or Teaser?

2010-11-02T20:25:00.002-06:00

Only 1 month until I have to be done painting for my show at Terzian Gallery. Here is a sneek peak at what I have been working on. They are representative of the roles I carry; Sister, Wife, Daughter, Mother. I am up to 18 out of 20 paintings. Just 2 more to go! (But then I would love to have it up to 30 for the show in January at the Springville Museum....hmmm.)

Paintings I love so Much

2010-10-08T19:08:00.005-06:00

Oh I love these paintings so much. I am so inspired. They are so different from eachother, but I love them and admire their makers!

1. Alyssa Monks: I love the composition. I love the feeling of the painting, restful, intricate. And unbelievably painted. I am painting a sheet in the painting I am working on now. If only it looked like this one. I guess I will put in another 5 hours and see where it gets me. Sigh.

2. Clay Wagstaff: His paintings are so thinly painted, almost washes. You can still see pencil lines on the canvas underneath. They are dreamlike, calming, out of this world-like. Oh I am in love with this painting. He is my sister, Alisa's, favorite painter and I believe he has grown on me. I love his paintings the more I see them. I think about them after I see and study them in Park City.
3. Lindsey Frei: Another Utah painter. She is so technically amazing. She does mainly still-lifes, but her figures are what capture my attention. They are unreal. I love her lighting and her soft edges, and her fashion taste is awesome so I always love her color choices. Look at this girl's hair....so nice. I love how her bangs cover her eyes. Such a yummy painter.
4. Britt Freda. I found it online a long time ago and didn't write down her/his name so thanks to all the comments to let me know. I love how loose the painting is, I am obsessed with bees, and the composition is really nice too. I wish this was in my house.

First 4 for my show

2010-09-24T20:36:00.005-06:00

I painted these for my show coming up in December. However, Terzian needed more paintings and needed to show examples to clients of what kinds of paintings will be at the show. So, I had to hand over these 4 small paintings. I have finished 14 paintings out of 30 needed, but if these sell, I will need to paint more. It doesn't make sense to half wish they don't sell, that is just crazy right?

12 x 12"

oil on panel

3 small paintings

2010-09-24T20:21:00.005-06:00

These little paintings are so immediate I love doing them. Terzian has been asking for more of these, 7 x 9's because they sell well and are an easy impulse buy for those Park City tourists.

Drawings

2010-09-24T19:56:00.003-06:00

In this economy we all have to get a little creative and more flexible. I draw a lot for practice and to keep up my drawing skills. I draw from paintings, I draw from photographs, I draw from life.I used to draw every night while I watched tv, now it's not every night, but almost. So why not draw and sell? I showed 10 of these little drawings at a small show last weekend and sold a few. Now they are at Terzian Gallery in Park City. $225. 6 x 9".

Project Runway

2010-08-27T19:31:00.002-06:00

I love #2 shadow's combinations. Check out the plaid headband, striped shirt, camo shorts, sparkly shoes, tights (it was 100 degrees yesterday!). I just smile and get out my camera. She's gonna be famous one day.....I know it.

1st Visit to Wally Workman Gallery

2010-08-13T21:35:00.004-06:00

The husband flew us down to Austin, Texas to check out the city and the gallery and of course to meet the owner (Wally, of course) and Rachel. It was great. We love Austin so much and have vowed to go back to visit semi-often. The 30th Anniversary party was hoppin' and there were so many beautiful paintings. I definitely have my hopes set on a few artists. I was able to meet an artist I've been following blog-style Carol Marine, who was delightful. And Wally and Rachel told us where to eat and play. It was a great escape from the brain-frying summer as a mom of 3 little-ish kids. Thank you Jason so much!

I don't know who this lady is, but I love that she is taking a little break by one of my paintings. We had to snap a shot....classic.

When it Rains, it Pours.....

2010-07-30T20:25:00.004-06:00

....So I have a 2 person show planned for Terzian Gallery for early next year. I was also just approached by Springville Museum of Art to show in one of their galleries (awesome!) also at the beginning of 2011. Thirdly, Wally Workman Gallery is possibly putting on a show for me later in the year.

Amazing, yes. Scary, yes. Stressful.....yes! The only problem is that they are all coming at once. They are all such great opportunities I don't even care. I think I just need to change my life a little, maybe hire some things out: making canvases (check), framing (half check), dinners (check...Costco), cleaning house (husband? kids?). I think I will take a hiatus from reading, tv, and gardening. Scratch the TV haitus, I need it. I am really excited about my concept and hopeful about my abilities.

1 down, 29 paintings to go....

'Sister; Many Hats'

16 x 16"

Ugh....Head Shots

2010-07-30T20:15:00.002-06:00

Okay. I was finally forced to do head shots (thanks Rachel). It is a good thing to have, and maybe even necessary, and I haven't taken them for probably 8 years. Hopefully this one will last for another decade. Please help me choose one. I had thousands taken in the hopes that there would be one I could stand. I guess this is the part of aging I don't do very well. I much prefer a self portrait drawn or painted. It's probably time to do one of those too.

Please vote for one. I need help, I guess I am too close to the subject.....

3 for 30 Years

2010-07-28T00:18:00.006-06:00

'Eye to Eye'

18 x 24"

These have been sent to Wally Workman Gallery in Texas for their 30th anniversary party (along with the painting 'Young Trepidation', a few posts ago). It's great to be a part of a gallery that has been around that long. The husband also surprised me with plane tickets for us to go there for the celebration. Yay!

'Childish Things'

18 x 24"

3 Commissions

2010-06-28T16:31:00.004-06:00

I have been working for the last month on 3 commissions for a family of sisters. Twins Kathrin and Amelia, and an older sister Gabby. I was able to meet with them one afternoon and record my impressions, and come up with my own interpretations. Their mother (the client) was so open minded and willing to let me express my own thoughts about her girls. I don't really do portraits, but I enjoyed these. It was fun to interpret these young girls. Most importantly, I hope they love them and think I was true to who they are.

Amelia: centered, quiet, introspective.
Kathrin: outgoing, full of personality, comfortable with attention.
Gabby: mature, athletic, quiet.

Long Days

2010-06-25T19:27:00.004-06:00

Summer is here and it was officially 104 degrees yesterday. Which means popsicles, swimming pools and bare feet. The kids only get the swimming pools. The only problem is I have been so busy painting, I have only 1/2 enjoyed summer so far. I am knee deep in commissions (I will show later), and also painting for Wally Workman Gallery 30th anniversary. No pressure, but please send us "your 3 best paintings you have ever produced". I am a little stressed, I must admit. It is not infringing on my sleep yet, but because I feel guilty about my kids being inside for most of the day, I am making big promises for our upcoming beach trip. (I promise to not yell once, to say yes whenever you want your fingernails painted, and to create something big and amazing out of beach sand in exactly 2 weeks).

I have been painting everyday (almost) and things are moving well for the most part - don't want to jinx momentum though. This painting is the first of 3 for Wally Workman due the end of July. Let's just all cross our fingers in hopes I can do it all. I am definitely burning the candle at both ends and my house is here to prove it. Let's also say a little prayer that the kids don't get sick of cereal and mac & cheese.....pretty please.

'Young Trepidation'

Oil

18 x 24"

Oh So Proud

2010-06-25T19:21:00.004-06:00

Career Day.

2nd Grade.

Shadow #2 wants to be an.........Artist!

Oh proud mama.

P.S. the "beret" makes me laugh!

For Sophie

2010-05-21T20:55:00.003-06:00

I did this commission for a dear friend in North Carolina. Her husband ordered it for her birthday, sent me the dress of their daughter, Sophie, and surprised her. Maybe the award for the best husband of the year goes to Joe. I am flattered he entrusted me with the job of immortalizing little Sophie. I hope they love it forever.

The process of this painting also made me think about how fast time flies, and how fast our little babies grow into tweens and beyond....yikes. I miss the babies, but am loving the conversations and different relationships that grow as my kids grow. I have changed so much since I was pregnant with my first little girl 12 years ago. I almost feel like a different person. I am less judgemental of myself and others, I am more laid back and have so much more perspective about what is important to me, I like parts of my personality that I didn't know existed,, that can only come out through being a mother. I am grateful for my life and all the experiences we have had in the last 12 years.

Two Articles

2010-05-07T20:34:00.005-06:00

Two articles came out this past week about my work. The first is an artist of the month feature for an online art magazine.

The second is an article about mothers who create art about motherhood.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you mama's!

http://www.artistsnetwork.com/article/angela-bentley-fife/

http://utah.todaysmama.com/2010/05/03/the-mother-artists/

300 Plates Show

2010-05-02T09:05:00.004-06:00

Art Access

230 S 500 W #125

SLC Utah

801.328.0703

May 17th - July ?

This is my first time being a part of the 300 Plates show. It is a fundraiser for 'Art Access' who provides art programs for the disabled. It is a great organization and a very well known show. So each of 99 Utah artists paints on 10 x 10 metal printer plates. Then they are numbered starting at 75 and going up in $1 increments. The number your plate is, is the cost of your painting. So theoretically you could get a Brian Kershisnik painting for less than his usual $10K.

I went several years ago to the event and it was first come first serve and when they opened the doors it was like black friday but art gallery, wine drinking style and not that different from the fights at walmart the day after Thanksgiving. I literally saw someone push an old lady out of the way with her elbow to put her sticker on one of the plates so she could buy it.

I was so turned off, I left with my 3 purchased plates and vowed to never come back.

Well, they have changed the purchasing process now and have promised it to be much more civilized. Who knew that little metal disks could attract the animal instinct. Cheap paintings = crazy people. The list of artists is humbling and now that I am one of the artists, I would be honored if someone would push old people to buy one of mine....not probable. Let's hope there is interest in my work and I cannot wait to expand my own 'plate' collection!

300 Plates Show

2010-05-02T08:46:00.005-06:00

These 4 (sorry I forgot to photo the upper left one before I delivered it...duh...lost forever) fit together to form a larger painting but they also stand alone as singular works. I thought it would be challenging to make it work both ways. I am not tech savvy enough to figure out how to put them together right, so you will just have to imagine. Or you could take a look at the plate show, they are going to try to hang them together.

Whenever I am pushed to do something different with either color or format or subject matter, it changes my direction a bit. I haven't done paintings with cropped views of the dresses. But I like the finished product of these where the dress isn't necessarily the main focus...so I think I will do more of this. We'll see if anyone buys them. If not, than forget all of that excitement about a new direction.

Baby Shadow

2010-04-23T20:34:00.003-06:00

Lately my shadow #3 has been painting in my studio with me (she's 2). I love her creation so much. This is maybe 3 weeks worth and I think she is done. It is really a beautiful watercolor. I think it is going on my painting wall.

Usually she watches 'Wizard of Oz' while I paint but lately she has been going back and forth between painting and watching.

So maybe we should title this "Through the Tornado" or "Dorothy's tumultuous travels".

This little puppy is getting framed! Mommy proud.

Have You Seen This?

2010-04-16T20:14:00.003-06:00

Maybe these have been around the world via email, but I saw them not too long ago, and I am still amazed. In case you cannot tell, they are chalk drawings on a sidewalk incorporating some real people. Look close, these are mad skills. If I could do this, I would have some serious street cred with my kids and the neighborhood!

Largest Painting I've Ever Done

2010-04-02T21:18:00.006-06:00

24 x 48"

'Accepting Comfort and Strength'

I am not settled on that title, just trying it out. I have to deliver it next week, so I need to decide quick. I would love some ideas if any of you are struck with something you can't shake.

It is going to the well-known Springville Salon to be juried and hopefully accepted. Because it is larger than I usually do, I realize I am questioning my composition. I also added a detail of Naomi's face because I find her captivating. She has a wisdom in her eyes, kind of an old soul thing. I love painting her. This pose was her choice, her idea....she is 7. After I finished the painting she looked confused and then she told me she thought I was going to paint myself into the painting instead of the dress form. Cute.

The title I have at the top comes from my cousin who was giving me an impromptu critique the other night. She told me she dreamt of the painting that night. She was the girl and was hugging her mother and had such a strong feeling of comfort and strength. I was so moved that she dreamt of my painting after looking at it for just a few minutes. I always hope my paintings have the ability to affect someone or evoke nostalgic feelings. They are emotional to me, but I never know if they project any of those strong feelings to the viewer. PS.....this painting has nothing to do with my own Mommy issues that I may or may not have.

April Fools!

2010-04-02T21:11:00.003-06:00

I spent the afternoon making fake "fish sticks" (cookies smothered with peanut butter and rolled in corn flake crumbs).....before you judge, the shadows LOVED their sweet star item!

They were accompanied with "fry sauce" (jam), "peas" (taffy laboriously rolled into little balls), and "mashed potatoes with gravy" (ice cream with caramel sauce). It looks like more work than it was. Shadow #2 was in tears assuring us that she has never liked fish sticks and why did she have to try it....in not my best parenting moment, I told her she better try it because I worked all day on them or she would have to go to her room. Needless to say, she finally licked it and realized she was having nothing but sugar for dinner. Tears quickly dried up......

New Blog

2010-03-10T12:29:00.002-07:00

So I saw this idea on another artist's blog and I loved it.....

I am starting a new blog for a list of paintings that I am currently showing at my galleries and those that are available to buy. I think it will just be an easier way for my clients and friends to actually see what is out there and what is selling around the country.

So, if you are interested, click ME.

I will keep it updated and try to keep it simple. My actual website is so outdated, I thought this would be a quicker link for my blogger friends. Thanks!

2010-02-26T19:51:00.004-07:00

These are two diptychs I did for Terzian Gallery. I am liking the idea of linking some kind of meaning to my quick figures. These are small like 8 x 14". The first is titled "thoughts of home" and the second "disposition". I would like to play with this idea a bit more with diptychs and triptychs. We'll see if they are sellable..... I actually really like them.

Studies

2010-02-19T20:56:00.003-07:00

I took a zillion pictures of shadow #2 for some ideas for a big painting I want to start.....I know which one I am leaning toward, but I would love your input. Mr. Fife and my shadows all voted and we all like different ones. I know I will paint the entire dress form, I am just contemplating which pose to work from. I have about 30 others, but the differences are slight, so here are the main decisions. Let me know what you think. I also realized that each pose has different meanings and emotional impacts. I don't think there is any right or wrong, I just haven't decided which way I want to go. I see a series coming.

New Paintings

2010-02-19T20:40:00.002-07:00

'Baby Hunger', 'Waiting to Fly', and 'Inside Out'

This not-so-great economy has made selling a little slow, but not too bad. The gallery in Texas says good paintings are still selling. So with that hope, I am trying to produce good, good paintings. And Park City made a big sale this week. So... time to refill.

Shadow #1

2010-01-29T21:11:00.002-07:00

B was disappointed that I just kept painting Shadow #2. So here you go #1. I was planning to send these to the gallery, but my sis scolded me and told me I must keep them. Now I don't know what to do. I told my shadows that I would do a real portrait of them when they are 12 to keep. They are not excited to have to sit forever. B loves these. I think I will keep one, sell one. We'll see. She is the funniest poser. She can't not smile. These ones are rare, because all the other photos are restrained smiles. I like the moody poses which is why #2 is ideal. Moody little actor. #1 is all sunshine. We don't know what shadow #3 is yet. Cannot wait to see. These are small. 8 x 9".

Bluer Skies

2010-01-29T21:01:00.002-07:00

I am so sick of the hazey Utah smog.....I could scream if I wasn't afraid I would choke from the acid air. I am relegated to the inside of my car and the inside of my gym and the four walls of my house.....I might go crazy.

So Maui, take me away. Not a cloud in the sky for a whole week, this is the view I woke up to every morning. If it hadn't been for the handicapped room with a low toilet, shower and bed, it would have been totally dreamy. Okay no complaining, it was still dreamy. I want to go back!

Just give me a blue sky please!!!!

Love love love

2010-01-08T21:10:00.005-07:00

I saw this sensitive little drawing on Cassandra Barney's blog and bought it right up. I love it so much! She sent me all sorts of goodies with the drawing including a painting......a painting as a gift......who is this girl? I am in love with it and I am in love with her. I will upload it later too.

Framed

2010-01-08T21:08:00.003-07:00

All framed and sent off to the gallery. I really like this format and think I will do more triptychs and diptychs. I titled it "child's dream triptych". I like to think that children are so carefree that they dream of twirling and dancing on sand. I hope they don't dream of the stress in their life and tragedies. I hate that idea, but I think they are stressed.

2010-01-08T21:02:00.003-07:00

This is a commission I did for an artist I just met (Sean Wallis) for a trade. I love the painting I got from him. I will upload it later....

Scary Snowman

2010-01-08T20:58:00.001-07:00

Don't judge. He is pretty scary but you try to create a perfect snowman out of dry powdery snow on demand.....

Small Triptych

2009-12-07T10:52:00.004-07:00

These are small (7 x 9" each) but I think I will frame them all together as one piece. I was worried they are maybe a little too "precious" but I really enjoyed painting them because it is a little different subject matter for me. I think they turned out nice. Let's hope someone else loves them with some money in their wallet....

I worked from photos of my own kidlets and invented the clothing and hair.....can you tell?

'Elusive Satiation'

2009-11-13T19:16:00.005-07:00

I loved all of the comments on the last post. I should ask your opinion before I title the paintings. The title I settled on is 'Elusive Satiation'.

Always searching for the feeling of completion and total contentment. I was definitely thinking about my role as a mother and contemplating the option of another child, the ramifications, and blessings of another little personality entering the mix. I hadn't thought about the idea of holding my babies close and reluctantly allowing them to grow up, but i like the imagery. I found those little antique dolls at a great little antique shop in Logan and I was immediately inspired and excited to start introducing them into my paintings. My own little shadows were also excited to be represented.

My sister Amanda took this photo of shadow #2. I love the photos she takes of Naomi. Somehow she captures this side of her, her thoughtful, wise-beyond-her-years side. This is from the day we spent this summer with my twin little sisters in their summer abode in Coco Lala, northern Idaho. We made some memories that we will always treasure! Thanks Amanda!

Newest Painting

2009-10-26T21:56:00.004-06:00

I want to know what you think I was thinking about. I am not even going to tell you the title.

Yummiest Cake

2009-10-09T19:50:00.005-06:00

If you are looking for a easy and unique (semi-fancy) dessert for dinner tonight or maybe for your wedding next week, look no further. This Swedish Almond cake has been to so many of our family parties, everyone is claiming it as their own invention. We shamelessly stole it from my cousin Shauna who is an amazing naturally talented cook. I served it to book club who asked me to post it maybe 3 months ago (sorry but thanks for the reminder Amanda) and then my other cousin and I made a zillion for a family wedding last month. And I still could eat an entire sheet pan. Who couldn't? And don't be dismayed by all the butter on the counter. Our cakes served at least a dozen guests.....ok hundreds.

I suggest you make this cake one of your go-to memorized recipes to impress your mother-in-law next time you are staying at her house. Tell her you will whip something up for dessert. Then use no notes and say you just thought of it or tasted it at a little Swedish cafe and wanted to try it yourself. I swear I am going to do that. Start memorizing. Your sneaky little secret is safe with me.

Swedish Almond Cake:

1 c flour

1 c sugar

1 stick butter, melted

1 t. almond extract

2 eggs

Mix together. Pour into a regular pie tin. 350 degrees for 30 minutes. You don't need to grease the pans. I am pretty sure there is enough butter in the cake.

3 times the recipe in a jelly roll sheet pan for a big crowd (or wedding).

So good to serve warm. Top with mixed berries and whipped cream.

Then eat the leftovers for breakfast with or without the fruit and cream....

Enjoy!

Autumn Smells

2009-10-09T19:38:00.003-06:00

The weather has officially changed and I can smell autumn. It still makes me nauseous from pregnancy 1 & 2 since the 1st trimesters were in the beginning of fall. Mr. Fife thinks it smells like football, I think it smells like vomit. It is sad I know, but I always sucker for it and take a pregnancy test around the end of September because I feel so nauseous. But no, not a pregnancy, just my "smell" memory which has proven to be a lot stronger than my regular memory (that I seem to be losing at an alarming rate). These pictures are of my front and back yard, just some planters that I threw together in the spring. I mean, what I wish my flowers look like. I like to think of everything as an annual since everything dies after it touches my acid fingers. Someday I will figure it out, I am sure.

Newest Acquisition

2009-09-25T20:26:00.006-06:00

I bought this wonderfully charming lithograph from one of my favorites, Emily Mcphie. I have never seen her lithos (which are a lot like drawings set in stone). I love the drawing and of course the subject matter. Thank you Emily I love love love it! Check out her blog on my list of favorite artist on the right sidebar. What a treat to find this little baby in the mail last week. Can't wait to frame it and hang it up.

Lil Pole Dancer

2009-09-25T20:18:00.003-06:00

Shadow #3 pole dancing. I swear I don't know where she got this from! And it was completely spontaneous.

Headshot...ugh

2009-09-03T18:20:00.006-06:00

So my gallery in Texas asked for a photo of myself....ugh. So what do I do if I have never seen a photo that I like of myself in the last 10 years? I tried, or maybe 1/2 tried. I took maybe 20 pictures of myself sitting on the couch with my arm out holding the camera. They were ridiculous. So I sketched myself. I am not sure it looks exactly like myself, but isn't that the advantage of being an artist? I turned a bad hair day into a good hair day, lessened the purple circles under my eyes because of bad sleep, and straightened my posture (hunchback), oh and subconsciously thinned out my face.....brother, I didn't know I was so vain. But I do like the idea of a drawing instead of a boring picture holding my paintbrushes or something or climbing a mountain with my dog.

PS....my baby just looked at the computer and said "Mommy...painting". I guess that does answer my question. It must look like me!

PSS.....for all you stalkers out there, this drawing is not for sale!

New Talent Show

2009-09-03T18:00:00.003-06:00

The new gallery in Austin Texas (Wally Workman Gallery) has put together a "New Talent Show" for the 5 newest artists they have picked up. These are the paintings I sent off today. Please take care of my babies UPS! Too many hours of work to count. I wish I could go to the show and I hope it goes well. Click on THIS to get to the show page and see the other artists.

Lovely Angel

2009-08-28T20:00:00.005-06:00

I saw this most beautiful angel at the Springville Museum. I love it so much. I think it is a piece by J Kirk Richards (not 100%, but pretty sure). It is life-size and inspiring.

Sandpoint and CocoLala

2009-08-19T10:02:00.002-06:00

Thanks to my sisters and their husbands, we spent the last few days in Northern Idaho at their family home on CocoLala lake. It was definitely the highlight for the kids and the best trip ending we have ever had. Cliff jumping (if you look really close), water tramps with a cute little boy named Cy (shadow #2's summer crush), the best food of the whole trip (not much luck with Canadian cuisine), party boats, frog catching, fresh water swimming, tubing, and good company....Thanks James boys!

One other thanks to Elisa and Jim for the middle of the night use of their hotel/driveway and our unexpected stay both there and back.....and the yummy breakfasts & many diet cokes!

Serious RV hair. So scary!

Massive RV Tour

2009-08-19T09:23:00.008-06:00

So we rented an RV and drove to Banff. It was amazing!

Lake Louise in Canada was seriously the prettiest, unreal place I have ever been. For a few minutes I was considering becoming a different person and staying there for the rest of my life....We canoed, hiked. This was my favorite 2 days of the entire 2 weeks.

Dream Space

2009-08-14T19:39:00.002-06:00

I wish I lived here. It makes me happy!

New Paintings in Park City

2009-07-15T13:18:00.006-06:00

'Fresh Peonies'

8 x 10"

small and sweet.

'Perpetual Balance'

16 x 16"

No mystery, just some thinking about the balance of mothering, chores and my soul food.

Summer Cherries

2009-07-03T20:46:00.004-06:00

Yum, Yum, Yum.

Small Figure Paintings

2009-07-03T20:28:00.003-06:00

These little things have been selling really good at my Park City gallery. They are 7 x 9" and fun because they are so immediate. Maybe about 2 hours.... one painting per british murder mystery.....I am officially old.

Sweet Summer Surrender

2009-06-26T20:57:00.005-06:00

3 shadows after a long day trip to Springville kid art festival. I guess I could've stayed home and taught them about Picasso and pointillism myself, but then we wouldn't have had the 2 1/2 hour car ride fun.....ughhh. At least we got to see Chelsea (sis painter). Maybe next year we will have our own art festival at home....please remind me.

P.S. 'Mortal Reincarnation' got in the Springville Salon. No awards this year, but still honored. It is a good show and up for 1 more week.

Project Runway

2009-06-26T20:12:00.008-06:00

I miss "Project Runway". I don't know where it went, but I miss it. So, we did our own. The shadows designed their own outfits for said 'playthings', which was hilarious to start with, and then I executed

those designs with their "help". And we trashed-talked just like the real show.

Then we critiqued (all positive, though). A.G. doll is set for summer in her polk a dot sun dress, and pink monkey is going to the prom. P.S. fabric was free from the store I call 'storage room'. Check out their designs. I actually think they did really well for their first project.

Painting Thursdays

2009-06-24T11:53:00.010-06:00

Even though I haven't posted anything all summer, I have been painting all Thursdays. It has been a very welcome break from playing, swimming, cleaning, and crafting with my "shadows". It is glorious to disappear into my studio for 6 hours every Thursday (thanks to my new babysitter). Then I am renewed and ready to tackle another week of summer.

The mannequin painting I thought was done, but I think it needs something else. Maybe a bird. Okay, I am obsessed with birds right now. Why does a painting feel so much better with a bird?

My Park City gallery requested small paintings they can hang all together on one wall. Small like 8 x 10". So the little shoes are the start of that series.

And the painting with the books and laundry is in process. I was thinking about the balance I am constantly working on between mothering and my artistic outlets. My quest to never let either one snuff out the other.

Summer Promises

2009-06-04T17:59:00.005-06:00

Well, tomorrow is the last day of my favorite social program called public school. I am always so excited to get rid of schedules and cold and just waste our summer days away drinking lemonade and lying on the grass in our swimsuits. I literally remember living in my swimsuit for weeks when I was little.

So here is my ode to another year of success in the public schools. I was able to paint and clean and shop with almost no interruption. Now for the next 3 months I will have no thoughts that continue, no clean house, no chores completely finished, and one swimsuit and skirt to live in until September, which means a lot less laundry.

The good news is, I have the "shadows'" favorite preteen coming over to tend while I lock myself away in my small studio for hopefully a long and productive Thursday every week. I promise to be strict about my time. No more Law & Order as a "precursor" to painting. No more quick trips to get cheese fries while my brushes are waiting. And no more surfing the internet "looking" for much needed art supplies (and Facebook).

I am excited and ready to play hard and work hard (only on Thursdays), eat popsicles for lunch, and from my garden for dinner. I am excited to only shower on the days I don't go swimming and to go swimming every day (except Thursdays and maybe Sundays). I am excited to have summer hair (see attached picture) that is bleached by the sun and warm skin that smells of sunscreen, and to wear only flip-flops. Here is to the beginning of summer!

Art to Admire

2009-05-23T00:05:00.006-06:00

I went to Chicago a while ago to help my sister move, and to visit the great city one last time. I am going to miss Chicago (and the western suburbs). I decided I have visited her over the course of the last 13 years at least 10 times. (PS, I used to live in Iowa. So a 5 hour drive was nothing when the rest of the family was 1100 miles and 2 mountain ranges away). Here's to freezing Chicago weather, yummy ethnic restaurants, Gino's deep dish pizza, great shopping, and lots of deep talking.

Here are my favorites this time from the Art Institute of Chicago. Every time I have been, different pieces of art hit me profoundly. I love this sculpture so much. I am going to have to figure out how to incorporate it into one of my paintings.

I also loved this painting of children at the beach. So free and open, and so much movement. I didn't write down the artists.......bad, very bad.....slap my wrist please. I am sure they are very famous and well known. I try not to notice.

Spring Must be Here!

2009-05-01T20:19:00.007-06:00

My tulips are here! I just planted them in the fall and this is when you test if you are able to delay gratification. I planted over 100 in my front yard. I literally smile every time I pull into my driveway. I wish they lasted all

summer....but then maybe we wouldn't appreciate them as much. Maybe I'll do another hundred this year.

New Gallery!

2009-04-24T19:46:00.004-06:00

I was approached by a new gallery in Austin, Texas: Wally Workman Gallery. I am very excited and hope it is a good fit for my work. From the looks of the other artists on the website, it looks fantastic! So, I have been working up some new work for my debut there. This is the last of 5 that I will send them. Titled, "Winter Checkered Coat". I have painted this coat before and wanted to revisit it. The checkered pattern was a challenge, but fun.

I have been listening to podcasts while I paint and am very happy about that. So this painting reminds me of "Wait, Wait don't tell me" (npr) and 'How Deja vu works' from "stuff you should know". That sounds so nerdy but I love nerdcasts. A lot of my paintings remind me of whatever I was listening to for good or bad.

My first goal for the year of picking up a new gallery......check!

Spring Break

2009-04-11T20:39:00.008-06:00

No painting this week. Just some framing and prepping surfaces. We went out of town, and then spring break was upon us. With all 3 'shadows' home from school, we just played and crafted all week. This is Shadow #3's newest insistence, sitting in the high chair with the baby doll for every meal.

Happy Easter! Even Grandma got into the bunny faces and the balloon ears (is that what they are?)......PS...that is Grandma's "doll" face which she is so proud of, her best party trick, she does it all the time.

Which One?

2009-04-01T12:25:00.004-06:00

The Springville Salon is coming up. I plan to enter 'Mortal Reincarnation' (see earlier post) and one other painting. I cannot decide between these 3 that I just finished. It is a prestigious show that is quite hard to get into, and I want to enter the best one. So let's do a vote! Vote on the poll to your right for: Red Dress, Green Lace, or Pink Dress. The entries are due by next Saturday. I will enter the one that gets the most votes, unless I change my mind.....joking.

Norah's Tutu

2009-03-26T22:31:00.005-06:00

This is a little commission I just finished, but haven't sent off yet. (Tempted to keep it). I have never met little Norah, but I love and miss her very cool parents Melinda and Ryan, both artists. They are 2 of my very favorite "old" friends from my time as a midwesterner. I am honored that they asked me to do this. I hope they love it forever. Miss you guys, come snowboard on the slopes of Utah, please!

In Progress

2009-03-24T09:35:00.006-06:00

I have been working on this painting for a week or so, and I thought I was almost done. The husband thinks (in his weekly critique that I make him give me) that it is too busy. Should I take out the pattern behind the mannequin? or take out the pictures behind the fabric and just make the background the black fabric? I am not sure what to do......He usually is right even though I never think so at first. Anyone...anyone...?

"Mortal Reincarnation"

2009-03-23T22:30:00.007-06:00

This painting is pretty large, 36" x 36". I had high hopes for it, and I think it turned out. It is such a mystery when i start a painting if I will be able to get it to the point it is imagined in my head. Once in a while (not very often) it actually surpasses my intentions. This is one that I had to put away for a few weeks and figure out if I needed to add anything to it. Then I cut out and added the paper birds nailed to the wall and pinned on the lapel. I think I will revisit the paper birds in other paintings. I actually got really excited about that prospect.

The title came out of my thoughts about raising my 3 girls. They are experiencing so much and processing so much at their young ages. I know that a lot of what I knock myself out to show them and teach them they will never remember. So, am I doing it for them or am I really doing it for myself and to bring joy to myself? (i.e. disneyland...) If they are not going to remember it, then why do it? It occurred to me that I don't have very many memories of when I was 6. So I am actually re-experiencing my childhood by being around them. I am literally seeing and experiencing what it is like to be a 6 year old little girl, a sort of reincarnation. It hit me one day as I was watching muse #2 gathering pinecones and leaves to make a nest for the birds that I could be watching myself and it felt a little "out-of-body". So if that makes any sense to you, I feel like I am being given the gift of seeing my own childhood in a way. What a gift.

Magazine Article

2009-03-10T09:51:00.004-06:00

The article in Southwest magazine is here. I was mostly happy with it. Not that i thought it would be a negative article, it is not a critique. I just hoped the article would honestly portray how I feel about my work. It is a personal thing for me, but Bonnie (the writer) really got it. I think she really got how I feel about what I do. So, I am proud of it. Here is the link (or if you are a true blue fan you can buy the magazine...) http://www.southwestart.com/article/1590

Bird in the Hand

2009-02-25T13:26:00.004-07:00

I have had this dress set-up for months just waiting for the time and the motivation to do it. And every time I get dressed up I wish I had those necklaces to wear. I think this is 18 x 24" and I had intended it for a backup for the Springville show in April. I set it aside to look at it later and when I came back a few days later I realized it was done. I might add a little more color in the scarf. It was really fun to paint. The dress is satin with a velvet collar and one of my goals is to try to make the fabric look like what it really is. I think it works here....I have painted that scarf in probably 20 different paintings and I still am intrigued with it.

Baby Love

2009-02-25T13:05:00.008-07:00

Yes, I have been painting. Yesterday I logged 5 hours and still made dinner. And by made, I mean I heated something up and husband made pancakes....More paintings to come I promise. I have been working on a large one and made some good headway yesterday. I crossed the really frustrating part of the painting when you want to give up and throw it against a wall. It happens with nearly every painting, but when you trudge through it and come out the other side it is so rewarding. So I passed that yesterday afternoon and the momentum has come back. I am excited about it and it is hopefully going to be for the big Springville show this year. Here is a sneak peek, just don't forget that it is not finished.

This is the reason I have not been working as much as I should. I want to play with her all day long.....Are they more fun when you wait forever to get another?

Mummified Cat

2009-02-20T21:53:00.010-07:00

So I found this creepy little thing on ksl.com. Yes, a mummy cat. The seller had no real information except that he spent weeks making a brand new box for her. Seriously. What is this world coming to? I couldn't finish my dinner. Note to self: do not eat and peruse classifieds .

PS....She is for sale.

Love this painting!

2009-02-18T16:33:00.005-07:00

I am in awe of this loose painting of a refrigerator door. How in the world do you make such subject matter so beautiful? Only Alex Kanevsky (see artist to look up), or maybe me someday if I can be so lucky!

Chelsea's Show

2009-02-18T16:25:00.007-07:00

My younger sister, Chelsea, is having a 2-woman show with Wendy Chidester at Coda Gallery in Park City, February 27th. She has some really beautiful paintings of sort of abstract landscapes, big and small. This is kind of a new direction for Chelsea but she is so excited about it. They are really nice and I am sure will be well received. Good Luck Chels!

The same night Emily McPhie is showing at Terzian Gallery and I am really excited to see her new work....Wendy, Chelsea, and Emily are all on my "artists to look up" column, so it will be a great night for me and art....I will take some pictures and share it all with you later....you're welcome!

Snow Storm

2009-01-30T19:53:00.003-07:00

Seriously, can you stand it? This is the sight I woke up to this week after the prettiest, quietest snow storm through the night. It is the view from our backyard and into the wetlands. I went outside with bedhead and foggy eyes to take a picture and risk my reputation as the put-together artist who always remembers to comb her hair and brush her teeth. I could not believe how breathtaking it was. I was just standing there in awe until I could hear my muses yelling for me to help them get off to school--back to reality. Amazingly, the snow on every branch lasted for about a day and a half.....I was inspired.

New Dress Painting

2009-01-30T19:38:00.004-07:00

I have not sat down in my studio and worked on an actual painting for 3 weeks. I am going crazy. I had so many deadlines before Christmas, and of course Christmas itself took everything else out of me. I cleaned my studio really good, did some framing, stretched new canvases, researched some new shows for 2009, which brought me right back to painting.

I have had this still life set up for months waiting for an opportunity to paint it, or I guess I should say to want to paint it. I finally got fired up and it is about half done, maybe 2/3rds done.

I have 2 competitions coming up in the next few months. I should also get many paintings done for all of the galleries that are going to contact me when they see the article about me in 'Southwest Art'. Positive thoughts, remember? If you paint it they will come.

So I am not sure where this painting is going to go, but I am loving painting again. I needed it.

Sock Monkey by Chelsea

2009-01-30T19:26:00.004-07:00

My little sister (the painter) made this totally creepy sock monkey for baby muse, which I immediately fell in love with. Surprisingly, she also fell in love with it. How does she even know it is something to be loved? Baby muse drags it around everywhere. I love how handmade it is and the spooky yellow eyes are perfect...Her first stuffed animal love. Thanks Chels!

What I saw

2009-01-24T21:28:00.004-07:00

"Slumdog Millenare (Indian Accent)". The husband spotted this movie on his radar and the title was not attracting me to the theater, so he really had to sell me on it. I went into it somehow thinking it was a true story. Do I live in a cave? I don't know why I thought it was true, but quickly was told I was crazy. It is such a creative tale of rags to riches (not really), but ends with hope and a sweet love story. The first half of the movie I almost couldn't take it anymore watching young children navigate the streets of poor India with no parents. But the second half was a little easier to watch and by the end I was dancing along Bollywood style. By now you have heard of it unless you live in a cave as it received 10 oscar nominations this week. I loved it and was so happy to see it win best picture at the GG's (Golden Globes...again for the cave dwellers). Husband says "good but overrated." Hmmmm. I disagree. I didn't have any expectations because I hadn't heard of it when we saw it, so by now it may be hard to not have high hopes. I would say a definite must see, but know that it starts out painfully. And I am voting for it for best picture at the Academy Awards (because if Brad Pitt's movie gets the award, I will throw up).

Positive Thoughts

2009-01-09T20:42:00.008-07:00

It's a new year, with a new attitude, and new goals, and renewed strength.
The Christmas season really did a number on my motivation to paint and my productivity. I haven't painted for a few weeks and I have a bad mood to prove it. My Studio is a disaster and I have no set deadlines.

I did get a call last week that I would be featured in 'Southwest Art' magazine as the 'Artist to Watch' in March. I am so so excited and completely honored. They are going to print 2 or 3 of my paintings and a short article about me. I had the phone interview last week which was nerve-racking. Trying to sound intelligent while changing and bathing the baby is not an easy task.....Let's cross our fingers that I don't sound like a complete idiot....

Anyway, it is perfect timing for me as my Salt Lake gallery has closed and I need another gallery. I would also love to expand to Arizona, Colorado, or California. So if I am lucky, maybe some great gallery will see my work in this magazine....My art goal for the year 2009 is to find a few new galleries. Unfortunately, it is not totally under my control. So, I am determined to clean my studio this week and get re-motivated to start a new series. Positive thoughts sent out into the universe.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-18T15:20:00.003-07:00

Christmas Craft Number 1

2008-12-17T20:43:00.006-07:00

For Christmas for the Grandparents, my sister had the genius idea of buying them a tree and having the grandkids make ornaments for the tree. Every year they will add to the tree. I enjoy art craft way too much. So we made a little salt dough, sculpted it (the muses really did their own faces), ok not the baby, baked them to oblivion, then painted and sprayed them. I am actually in love with these and my kids want to do more. Maybe I will have them do sculptures of me and the husband. They are about the size of a mini cutie orange. Seriously, baby muse was much too enjoyable for a 30-something mother of 3 to sculpt.....2nd grade anyone?

Paper Paintings

2008-12-05T18:49:00.007-07:00

Everyone seems to be doing 'small works shows', so I finished these small paintings on paper for Pickett Fairbanks Gallery. I have been so busy, like everyone else I know, and had procrastinated so long, that I started these on Tuesday to finish, frame and deliver by Friday. Do oil paints even dry in 3 days? No, I don't think so. But, it is what it is (my dad's new favorite saying). So, I figured the best chance I had of being able to crank out 3 paintings was to paint on paper. I love painting on paper. It somehow has a totally different feel. It feels loose, and sketchy somehow and I love to see the pencil lines under the thin washes of paint. And I don't understand how, but they dry faster. They almost look like watercolors. And they are fast. I had to work from photographs seeing as almost everyone I know either has plans or real jobs. So I dug into my stash of past photos and found some good ones. I was pretty happy with my resourcefulness and delivered my paintings a day early, on Thursday, to find out that the gallery in the avenues is closing at the end of the month. My first casualty of the recession I figure (other than slow sales). It has been a pleasure to show with such amazing artists there and hope to find another gallery in Salt Lake that I can be as proud of.....Thanks Lane and Zach for inviting me.

3 Little Birdies

2008-11-24T22:39:00.005-07:00

3 Little Birds for Terzian Gallery 'Small Works' Holiday Show. 'Glass Nest', 'Morning Bird', 'Salt, Pepper, and Cornmeal'. After painting the last one (glass nest), I think I will do more of ceramic birds in all kinds of "nests". These are all 8 x 10" which is a fine size for small shows. I have one more gallery small show to paint for. I love the small format for a change, they are immediate and I feel so productive when I finish one during a baby nap.....

Holiday Show

2008-11-13T18:29:00.005-07:00

These are the paintings I took this week to a Holiday Show at the Bountiful/Davis art center. It is for works under $500. I have never done this show before but I love the idea. Every artist also donates an ornament for the Artists' Tree. I actually like the ornament....maybe I will make some for my tree with my favorite paintings. The cute frame was only $4. The paintings are 8 x 10" and are an extension of the booties I painted for my new nephew. I am liking the small paintings of shoes straight on. I seem to lose interest quick so I don't know how many little shoe paintings I will actually end up doing.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

2008-11-13T17:55:00.005-07:00

As promised (book club), here is my pumpkin cheesecake recipe. An old friend named Jenn made this for us one Thanksgiving probably 10 years ago and still, every year when the weather starts to chill and Halloween comes to a close, the husband and I start to crave this cheesecake. Here is the catch...I don't like cheesecake (I mean everyone likes cheesecake, but I can turn it down, unlike many other confectionaries) and I don't like pumpkin pie, but somehow this combo is irresistible to us. Oh, and it is the easiest, fool-proof cheesecake I've ever baked. So, try it out this Thanksgiving or any old Wednesday when you need some comfort. (I hear Oprah and the words 'emotional eater' in my head when I say that). I am not going to tell you what I have for breakfast the day after Thanksgiving!

I think I will start a recipe segment, cooking is right brained, yeah?....and share any good recipes I try and love...bon appetite!

Crust: 1 1/2 c. graham cracker crumbs

1/4 c. sugar

1/3 c. butter

Combine. Press into 9" cheesecake pan and half way up the sides. Bake 350 6-8 minutes. Don't let it brown. Remove and cool.

Cheesecake: 1 c. sugar

1/4 c. brown sugar

16 oz. can of pumpkin

1 1/4 t. cinnamon

1/2 t. nutmeg

2 eggs

3 pkgs cream cheese (softened)

5 oz. can evaporated milk

2 T. cornstarch

Beat cream cheese, sugar, br. sugar until fluffy. Beat in pumpkin & eggs & milk. Add cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg. Beat well. Pour into crust. Bake 350 55-60 minutes until edge looks set.

Topping: 1 t. vanilla

2 c. sour cream (room temperature)

1/4 c. sugar

Combine in a small bowl. Spread over warm cheesecake. Bake for 5 minutes more. Cool on rack. Chill for several hours or overnight.

creepy halloween craft

2008-11-05T20:25:00.007-07:00

Don't be scared. These are our shrunken heads. Me and my 2 older muses carved these apples, then baked them all night and woke up to some seriously creepy faces. We were all laughing as we were gluing on the teeth. They are funny and scary and hanging above our kitchen table. I told the muses we could make these every year and by the time they are adults we could have hundreds of them. Do I have to take them down now that Halloween is over? Maybe they could double as Easter decorations. hmmmmm.

My Birthday

2008-11-01T12:41:00.004-06:00

For my birthday a few weeks ago, I asked for a photograph by my photographer sister, Amanda. She has great ones of my Grandma. When Grandma Muse saw this she screamed and sayed "Ahhh! It looks like I saw a ghost"..I think she looks pretty and sweet and I love the composition. Thank you Amanda (& Mom who paid her for it). I am featuring Amanda in my 'Artist to Look Up' so check her out.

A baby gift

2008-10-25T22:11:00.004-06:00

My oldest sister has waited 13 years and finally had a little baby. A boy this time. He is 2 months old and is named either Jeremy, Joshua, or Joseph (they can't decide). I never do paintings with boy themes, so I couldn't think of many ideas. When going through some old boxes I found some of husband's old baby shoes. They look so ancient, I am wondering if he is older than he thinks. Anyway, a gift for our newest sweet pea, whatever he is named. Congratulations Belinda!

2008-10-25T21:59:00.002-06:00

I finished and delivered this painting to Springville last week. It is 18 x 24" which is a great size, in between large and small. This and the painting of my Muses with halos will be shown at the Springville Museum From Halloween until Christmas. It was a different emotional process to do a strictly spiritual painting. Some of my paintings have spiritual undertones, but to do one that is in your face was interesting to me and a little uncomfortable. I struggled to title it, but finally decided "Penitent Submission". She looked repentant, but clean. And seemed to be yielding herself to a higher power. It looks to me like a private moment between woman and God. And by 'she' I guess I mean me.

Mom is artistic. too

2008-10-19T10:49:00.005-06:00

We went to lake powell a few weeks ago and my mom brought her new hobby/obsession: face painting. She rewarded anyone who would let her practice on their face with candy.....(isn't face painting a reward enough? the kids seemed confused, but enthusiastically obliged)....So they had new faces everyday, sometimes twice a day, to be quickly washed off when they went off the slide into the lake. It was great artistic fun.

Portrait Finished!

2008-10-09T17:47:00.003-06:00

'3 Common Miracles: Joy, Innocence, Wisdom' -- finally finished. I got to a point where I didn't know what to do with it, but then realized the deadline for the show is tomorrow so I sat my butt down and worked it out. I think I really like it! It is little different that my usual paintings, as it is a formal portrait (I officially don't do them) and I chose a very narrow palette (color scheme). This was my finishing week as all the deadlines have snuck up on me. Actually might not sell this one, might just keep it for myself. It is 24 x 24".