Joann Loftus

GIVEAWAY for FREE Spot in Life Book 2013 !!

As you may already know, I will be a guest instructor for "Life Book 2013," a year long art journaling workshop, hosted by Tamara Laporte of Willowing. I’m excited to announce I'm holding a GIVEAWAY for one FREE SEAT in "Life Book 2013!"

 

Here's how you can ENTER to WIN:

 

Step One:  Put a link to THIS PAGE in a Facebook post, Blog post, or a Tweet, and include the following:

GIVEAWAY from Joann Loftus Studios for a FREE seat in LIFE BOOK 2013!!

Grab the URL for THIS PAGE by clicking on the title of this post and then copying the URL address in your browser bar, or from here:

 http://joannloftus.typepad.com/whimsies_folksies/2012/10/giveaway.html

Step Two: Come back to THIS PAGE and let me know what you did. Include a link to wherever you posted (Facebook, Blog and/or Twitter). Each post counts as an entry, which increases your chance of winning, so post away!

I will combine all enteries from this blog, along with the entries made on my Facebook Page, and one name will be randomly drawn on Wednesday, October 31^st.

If you haven't already, please follow this blog, "Like" my Facebook Page, and follow my YouTube Channel. That way, you'll always be getting my latest news and updates! 

 

Stimulating the Economy

It's been a very busy week around here... but busy in a GOOD way! My youngest daughter, Natalie, just graduated in May from Ball State University with a degree in PhotoJournalism. After driving her 21-year-old Honda around (with no air conditioning) for the past six years she decided to "Go Big or Go Home" and buy a new car to go along with the new "Big Girl" job she got. We went with her a few times to test drive various cars, and she ultimately decided on a 2012 Ford Fiesta. She says she got it because she likes to party (true)!  It seems to be a great, little car and is loaded with features... voice-activated cell phone and music is definitely her favorite, and not far behind is the excellent gas mileage (29 city & 39 highway). She was so cute when she brought it home...

                  

Dale & I decided to also help stimulate the economy this week and bought several new appliances for the kitchen. We got a GE Profile Induction Cooktop with Convection Oven, a GE Advantium Convection/Microwave, and a Bosch Dishwasher. Never in a million years could you have convinced me twenty years ago that I'd actually be excited to get something as mundane as new kitchen appliances, but I am! It's such a huge improvement from what we've had, I know we'll love it. Hopefully, in the spring we'll be ready to completely remodel the kitchen with new cabinets, countertops, flooring and refrigerator. But for now I'm just excited to have a stove that has more than two working burners. Maybe now I'll cook.... or not. But at least it will look pretty when I get up in the morning to fix my coffee. I can sit and look and it and admire the shiny, new stainless steel.

               

My oldest daughter, Monica, held an art journaling workshop this week, so I got to play every day! I did lots of painted background pages, some collaged and doodled borders, and part of a zentangle finished. Plus, I got one journal page finished... unless, of course, I decide to do some more doodling here and there around the outside edges... which is highly likely! We had lots of fun and Monica did a great job of introducing new student to art journaling and teaching the class all sorts of journaling techniques and ideas!

                

                 

 

 

Life Book 2013 - And Some Exciting News!!

I'm thrilled and excited to announce I will be TEACHING for ”Life Book 2013” an online collaborative art workshop!!! Twenty-two instructors from across the globe will bring new and exciting mixed media art and journaling techniques twice a month for an entire year, including our host instructor, Tamara Laporte (willowing).  

Anyone who likes to paint, create, doodle, collage, hand letter and PLAY with simple art supplies will LOVE this workshop! There will be lots of videos with tons of creative ideas, as you're guided step-by-step to create your own beautiful art journal. 

All of the instructors for ”Life Book 2013” are wonderfully talented artists, each with their own distinct style. As this will be my first experience with teaching online, I'm honored to be in such outstanding company! I hope you will join us on this year-long journey of self discovery and creativity.

If this sounds like something you might like, you should check it out. Registration has already begun. Just CLICK on the PHOTO BELOW for more info:

                             

Indiana State Fair - Professional Art Exhibition

"Angel of Grace"

24" x 48"  (Gallery-wrapped canvas, 2" deep)

Indiana State Fair, 2012  -  "Honorable Mention"

$1,850

 

"Dance Like Nobody's Watching"

24" x 30"  (Cradled Hardboard, 2" deep)

Indiana State Fair, 2012

$1,500

 

"Wildwood Bohemian"

16" x 20"  (Watercolor Paper, Double Matted, Distressed Antique-Gold Framed)

Indiana State Fair, 2012

$550

 

This year the Indiana State Fair had 634 entries into the professional art exhibition. Jurors selected 444 pieces for the show's exhibit. I was excited to have three of my paintings accepted into the show... and very honored to receive Honorable Mention on "Angel of Grace" in the Mixed Media class! I was also happy to see the angel painting had one of the best hangings in the show (the placement or location of the art), perfectly centered on the main wall with a spotlight shining down onto her face. I couldn't be happier (well, okay... if someone purchases her or one of my other paintings in the show, I will be over-the-moon)!

Dale and I went to the exhibitor's open house on Thursday and had a great time. It was fun to see so many friends and family members, many of whom were also juried into the show and won awards. My mother, Shirley Despot, had two paintings accepted, plus two pieces of pottery, both of which won Honorable Mentions. My oldest daughter, Monica Sanchez got her large Aztec painting in the show and also won 2nd Place on her wallhanging quilt!  

If you happen to live in or around central Indiana and plan on attending the fair this year, please stop by the Home & Family Arts Building to view the show. There are so many beautiful pieces of art on display and for sale.... watercolors, ois, acrylic, mixed-media, drawings, pastels, pottery, sculpture, woodworking, handpainted scarves and china, handcrafted jewelry, quilts, photography, and more. The state fair runs from August 3rd thru August 19th this year, so there's plenty of time to see it all!

Enter to WIN a FREE Painting!!

I just reached over 1,000 “LIKES” on my Facebook Page and I want to CELEBRATE!!! I’m having a GIVEAWAY for “Dream Girl” an ORIGINAL painting! Created on watercolor paper, matted and framed (9-1/2” x 9-1/2”), she’s all prettied-up with bits of glimmer and sparkles (who wouldn’t love to have PINK HAIR with sparkly swirls?!)

For a chance to WIN this FREE PAINTING, just go to my Facebook Page and click the "LIKE" button:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joann-Loftus/122677967132

Then SHARE THE TOP POST with your friends on your wall and/or your page. Make sure to go back to my page and LEAVE A COMMENT ON THE POST to let me know YOU SHARED and so I'll know to ENTER YOU for a CHANCE TO WIN!!!

I’ll have a random drawing on Friday, August 10th at 9:00pm EST. Thanks from the bottom of my heart for supporting me and my art! Good luck and have a blessed day!

Love of Art - Blog Party

Throughout my life I’ve enjoyed creating art in many different forms. Art has always been a big part of my life. Art is always there. Art knows no bounds. Art speaks when I have no words to express myself. It speaks in a language common to every man. Art has brought me out of depression when I’ve felt I had nowhere else to turn. It’s helped me to express joy and happiness when I’ve felt it bubbling up inside of me. Art has guided me through the tough spots when I’ve been met with conflict and doubt. It’s soothed my soul when I’ve felt heartache and pain. It has lead me to answers when I didn’t even know the questions. Art isn’t just what I love doing, it’s who I am.

I’d love for you to join me on an artistic blog hop! Just follow this link to visit other artists and hear what they have to say about their love of art:

Love of Art Blog Party!

 

Change Your Shoes ~ Change Your Life!

 

 

Recently I've been trying to work more in my art journal. I always find it kind of difficult to justify working in a journal when I know I 'should' be working on a painting or something of substance. But I just get so crazy jealous when I see other artists' art journals because they're sooooo amazing! Then I think to myself "HEY! I want one!!" 

I think I've found a way that works for me and it feels very freeing! I've created a totebag full of my art supplies and journal and just hit the road.... well the coffee shop, that is. Starbucks, Panera Bread or even some of the local cafes around town. I treat myself to breakfast or lunch first, and then spread my supplies on the table and start working away. Sometimes I get a lot of attention from other customers wanting to see what I'm working on, and other times everyone goes about their business as if I'm not there. Either way is fine with me. I enjoy talking to people about art, and I also enjoy the solitude of playing in my journal all by myself. But the best part is I no longer feel guilty. I'm doing this for ME and it feels good!

I will take photos next time I'm out so you can see what's in my tote. Maybe you have some suggestions on what you take with you when you're "arting on the run." I'd love to hear about the places you journal or your favorite take-along supplies.

New Year, New Art Workshops

I hope this new year finds you healthy and happy! It's been quite a while since I've posted anything so I wanted to give you a quick update on what's going on with me.

I've been having a wonderful time since the New Year has begun and am involved in two new online workshops. "Life Book" by Willowing is a year-long journal workshop with many contributing artists. Willowing is such a generous and compassionate artist, so taking her workshops is always so rewarding. 

The other class I'm taking is "Hello Soul, Hello Business" by Kelly Rae Roberts and Beth Nicholls, which is a 10 week class in developing a truly soulful business. Last week was the first week for this workshop and it proved to be in-depth and very enlightening.

Both workshops are already so much more than I had hoped for and expected and I'm learning so much about myself, my art, and my business. I will also be taking "Bloom True" a workshop with the amazing Flora Bowley, which begins in a couple of weeks. Looks like my year has started off with a bang... I'm gonna be one busy bee!

New work to follow soon!

 

New Art Workshop "Life Book" by Willowing!

There are so many wonderful new classes and workshops online these days! One of the ones I'm really excited about is "Life Book" which is hosted by Tam of Willowing. Tam will provide one mixed media lesson a month and there are also 14 contributing mixed media teachers who will each provide a lesson for a month they've been assigned to! In addition there will be artist interviews, journal prompts, extra art exercises, tips and tricks, and more! Some of the other artists participating are:  Jane DesRosier, Tracy Verdugo, Mystele, Wyanne, and more! Check it out and let's MAKE ART together! 

Dream Girl ~ Original Art Mixed Media Painting by Joann Loftus

 

"Dream Girl"

I dreamt I had pink hair... with lots of sparkly swirls!

An ORIGINAL mixed-media painting on watercolor paper, includes mat and frame. Image size is 5" x 5" and outside frame dimensions measure 9-1/2" x 9-1/2".  

She can be found in my Etsy Shop!

"Dream Girl"

 

A Huge Thank You!!

A huge thank you to my wonderful customers!  I couldn't continue to paint and create every day without your encouragement and support!  I'm so pleased that three of my most recent originals have already sold!

"Directionally Challenged"

 

"Domestically Challenged"

 

"Athletically Challenged"

 

A huge thank you for your continued support!  

Although the originals are sold, Fine Art Giclee Prints can still be found HERE.

 

A Haunting We Will Go!!

Winnie the Witch and her little friend Willard the Spooky Spider go trick-or-treating for Halloween!

"Winnie and Willard" can be found here!

 

Hush, Little Baby

"Hush, Little Baby" is my latest mixed-media collage painting!  The sides are finished with the first four lines of the song, "Hush, Little Baby."  The lyrics to this song are so cute, I decided to collage the words onto the back of the painting. 

"Hush, Little Baby" (song lyrics)

Hush, little baby, don't say a word,
Papa's gonna buy you a mockingbird.
And if that mockingbird won't sing,
Papa's gonna buy you a diamond ring.
And if that diamond ring turns brass,
Papa's gonna buy you a looking glass.
And if that looking glass gets broke,
Papa's gonna buy you a billy goat.
And if that billy goat won't pull,
Papa's gonna buy you a cart and bull.
And if that cart and bull turn over,
Papa's gonna buy you a dog named Rover.
And if that dog named Rover won't bark,
Papa's gonna buy you a horse and cart.
And if that horse and cart fall down,
You're still be the sweetest little baby in town.
So, hush little baby don't you cry,
Daddy loves you, and so do I.

The original can be found in my Etsy Shop.

Cloth Paper Scissors "Create" Art Retreat... Here I Come!!

....got my crayons and I'm ready to create!! 

I'm so excited I can't sleep tonight!  Tomorrow I will be flying to Chicago to attend the Cloth Paper Scissors "Create" Art Retreat. This is the first art retreat that CPS has held and there are lots wonderful art instructors teaching at the event!  I'm taking "Making Fabric Paper & Beyond" with Beryl Taylor, "Beyond the Vintage Metal Deck" with Leighanna Light, and last but not least, "The Trashy Clutch" taught by Alisa Burke.  There are so many neat workshops offered it was really hard to choose which ones to take (60+ workshops)!!  There will be a casual mixer the first evening so we will get an opportunity to meet other class participants, instructors, and of course some of the Cloth Paper Scissor staff. Then a vendor night on Friday evening.  The workshops go through Sunday, but I will be leaving Saturday morning.

Even more exciting is the fact that I will be meeting my oldest daughter, Monica, who will be flying in from Kansas City, Missouri !!!  It's been several months since I last saw her and I miss her terribly.  We always have lots of fun together, so I'm really looking forward to spending four days of arting and fun!!   Sure wish my youngest girl, Natalie, could have come too, but today was the first day of fall classes at BSU.

I'll take lots of photos to share with all of you when I get back!

Another Mixed Media Video Tutorial

Check out my video tutorial on YouTube for my latest painting, "Domestically Challenged."

To view full screen, click on the 4 arrows in a square (lower right).  To watch in HD (high definition), click the little arrow next to 360p (or) 480p, then click on 720pHD.

Domestically Challenged ~ a Whimsical Woman DIVA

Creating my latest painting was so much fun!  I must say I'm a bit partial to this one.  Although I don't resemble this little Diva in the least, I definitely can relate to her motto:  "Domestically Challenged."  What an awesome gift this would make for a close friend or relative for their Bridal Shower, Engagement Party, or Wedding!  (Nothing like dropping a bombshell on the future hubby, huh?)  This little DIVA can be found Domestically Challenged.

 

_{^{"Domestically Challenged" ~ 8" x 10" on hardboard}} 

FREE GIVEAWAY! Become a "fan" of my art on Facebook and make comment to my latest post by midnight May 13th to be entered in a drawing for a FREE MATTED ART PRINT of your choice!

http://ning.it/d98oEg

No Stronger Love Than a Mother and Daughter

"A daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart."

 

"Mother's Love" is an ORIGINAL mixed media painting and can be found here.

Whimsical Garden - Mixed Media Collage Painting

"Whimsical Garden 1" and "Whimsical Garden 2" can be found in my Etsy shop, here and here.

    

Think Spring!

I don't know about you, but I am so ready for some warm weather and sunshine! It seems this year we've been especially hard hit with a lot of snow here in the midwest. I don't mind a bit of snow around the holidays, but after the first of the year it can go away and stay away as far as I'm concerned. 

Anyway, my mind has been thinking of all things spring... warm and sunny days, newly budding trees, flowers, robins and all sorts of songbirds, the smell of new grass, even rain showers and thunderstorms!  This sweet painting is a continuation of my Whimsical Women series. She's a mixed media painting created on 8" x 10" gallery-wrapped canvas.  I've used acrylic paint, colored pencils, ink, graphite, and original collage paper.  She's can be found in my Etsy shop, and see additional views and close-ups there, as well.

 

Sneek Peek - A Little Bit of Whimsy!

I've been working on a series recently and have done a lot of sketching. As most of you know, sometimes sketches work, and sometimes they don't! I generally have "issues" with sketching... I always expect every single thing to turn out perfectly and when it doesn't, I get upset. I get afraid I've used up all my good ideas, or overnight I've somehow forgotten how to draw. Mostly I'm afraid that someone will look through my sketchbook and see all the ugly things I've drawn and scratched out. That's why I don't like sketchbooks! 

Most of my best ideas come when I'm not really thinking about drawing and I just sketch something on a piece of loose notebook paper or a scrap of paper that's laying around. It's a lot less intimidating to me. I do own sketchbooks, and yes, I do make attempts to sketch in them. But most of my ideas are floating around my studio on little, tiny scraps of paper. I guess you could say I have a "sketch box!" After I get a number of ideas down on paper, I root through the box to see what is really begging me to bring it to life. I thought you might like a glimpse of the latest bit of whimsy that's made the cut! It's currently on my painting table and I hope to have it completed in the near future.

 

Mixed Media Collage Painting - YouTube Tutorial

www.youtube.comwww.youtube.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDDm46nNYlI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDDm46nNYlI

Mixed Media Painting - She has Trouble with Numbers

I know it's been a while since I've posted, but I haven't forgotten you!  I was sick for several weeks right after Christmas, so it's taken a while to get back in the swing of things. But I'm alive and well and painting!

I had so much fun making this latest painting!  She's been on my mind for quite a while and I finally brought her to life (or so to speak).  It's called "She has Trouble with Numbers".... HA!!  I can relate to that!  I hope you love her as much as I do....

 

"She has Trouble with Numbers" measures 8"x10" on gallery-wrapped canvas. You can find the ORIGINAL HERE!!

UPDATE:  The Original has SOLD. You can find LOOSE and MOUNTED PRINTS in MY ETSY SHOP.

Etsy Holiday Sale - Save 20% on Pendant Necklaces and Mounted Art Prints!

I currently have a BIG SALE going on my most popular items! Save 20% on all Mounted Prints and Art Pendants! These items make great gifts, so you might want to start your holiday shopping now! You can find these items in my Etsy Store.

FREE Art Pendant Giveaway!

  

Become a "FAN" of my art on my Facebook Fan Page and make a comment on my most recent post to be entered to win a FREE Art Pendant of your choice! These handmade pendants make a great gift for a special friend, teacher, sister, mom, bride or bridesmaid, teen, tween, birthday, or holiday gift exchange!  You can check out the selection in my Etsy Shop. All commenters will be entered and one will be randomly selected from my special "giveaway bowl". Give away contest ends at midnight on Wednesday, November 18th, so HURRY on over there!

Joann Loftus Art - Facebook "Fan" Page

Any comment will do... but please be nice!  ;-)

HOLIDAY SALE ~ Save 20% on Mounted Art Prints and Pendants!

 

I currently have a BIG SALE going on my most popular items! Save 20% on all Mounted Prints and Art Pendants! These items make great gifts, so you might want to start your holiday shopping now! You can find these items in my Etsy Store.

Angel Watching Over Me

"Watching Over" ~ 6"x12" mixed media collage painting on wood ~ ORIGINAL IS SOLD

Mounted Prints available here. 

I finished a new mixed media collage painting last week and loved how it turned out. It's called "Watching Over". I guess there really were angels watching over me, as I sold it right away! Sometimes a painting takes on a life of it's own and simply "takes charge"... this was one of those paintings. I didn't have to think much or plan, it just flowed out. I love when that happens!  ;-)  

Everybody Wants To Be Queen

Mixed media collage painting measures 8-1/4" wide x 11-1/4" high x 3/4" deep. This cute little gothic schoolgirl wants to be queen... just like everybody!

"Everybody Wants To Be Queen" 

Original has SOLD. Mounted prints can be found in my Etsy Shop.

Let the Games Begin ~ Mixed Media Collage

"Let the Games Begin" has found a new home in Texas... Thank You, Tonya! I hope you enjoy your new mixed media collage!

Feeling Blessed

I'm feeling really blessed this weekend after making seven sales yesterday! I'm shipping art to Alabama, four pieces to California, and two are heading to Sydney, Australia!  Thank you, God, for so many blessings!

Mixed Media Collage Painting ~ YouTube Demo

After seeing so many interesting and informative art tutorials on YouTube over the years, I thought I would give it a try.  It's a short slideshow rather than a video, but it's my first.  I'll do better next time... I promise!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CebgPZ0W0fk

Thanks for watching!

Little Red Riding Hood, You Sure Are Looking Good!

"You Sure Are Lookin' Good!"

Original is SOLD.  Mounted prints can be found in my Etsy Shop.

Angels Watching Over Me

"Watching Over" ~ 6"x12" mixed media collage painting on wood ~ ORIGINAL IS SOLD

Mounted Prints available here. 

I finished a new mixed media collage painting last week and loved how it turned out. It's called "Watching Over". I guess there really were angels watching over me, as I sold it right away! Sometimes a painting takes on a life of it's own and simply "takes charge"... this was one of those paintings. I didn't have to think much or plan, it just flowed out. I love when that happens!  ;-)  

New Website

"You Are Perfection" ~ 10"x10" mixed media painting on wood

For the past several weeks I've been working on creating a website for my art! Although I've still got more paintings to upload, it's up and ready for you to take a look. Remember add it to your 'favorites' list:

                    www.joannloftus.com

If you like what you see, please pass my site along to your family, friends and co-workers! Thanks for looking!

Back in the Swing of Things

It feels so good to be back in the normal swing of things. Dale went for testing and x-rays a few weeks ago and they gave him a "NED" rating (No Evidence of Disease). We were sooo relieved, to say the least! He doesn't have to go back until the first of November for another x-ray. We decided to take a vacation to celebrate so we packed everything up and drove to Panama City Beach, Florida for a week. The weather was terrific, although hot, and we managed to hold down a couple of beach chairs all week long, staring at the ocean. Lots of long, hot days lazing in the sun. Pina Coladas for me and cold beers for Dale. Nice dinners in the evenings. Natalie came too and had a great time meeting many new friends. She went dancing every night but one. We all needed this. I think it helped us to sit and do nothing, think about nothing. 

We took Natalie back to Ball State this week and Dale is at work. I've gotten back into my studio after such a long absense and it feels good. Not that I hadn't been in here, or worked, but I certainly haven't accommoplished much this year. I'm ready to start producing again. Yesterday I started designing a new "Funky Female" painting. I noticed, though, that art skills are very much like muscles. If you stop using them, they begin to atrophe. But I guess it's like riding a bike. I may wobble down the road for a while, but hopefully it won't take too long to regain my balance. Wish me luck, as I need some positive creative energy sent my way right now!

One Life To Live

I'd like to extend my apologies to all of you who have followed my blog and kept coming up empty-handed when you check here. I know it's been such a long time since I've posted anything at all, and for that I'm sorry. My life has been in much turmoil since my last posting at Christmas. Since I originally started this as an art blog, I generally try to keep most of my postings related to art. Although we all have personal lives we enjoy sharing with each other, I believe that most of my followers are here because they're interest in art. Unfortunately, very little art has been created in my studio in the past seven months, so there's been nothing to post. However, I've had several followers contact me asking if I'm okay or if I've moved my blog somewhere else, so I feel I owe my readers an explanation for my sudden departure. 

We had a beautiful Christmas this year, with lots of visiting, food, gifts, and blessings. Unfortunately, two days after Christmas my husband was rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night because he was coughing up blood and having trouble breathing. After sitting in the ER for eleven hours, he was admitted to the hospital where they proceeded with many tests, x-rays, and CAT scans. The following day we got the horrifying news that he had a large mass on his left lung and were told it was most likely cancer. The tumor was very large and had wrapped itself around Dale's pulmonary artery. The pulmonologist told us he was sorry, but the tumor was inoperable. They told him without treatment he would have about six months.

Needlesstosay, our New Year hadn't started out so well. We were both devastated and in shock. After many more tests, PetScans, MRIs, and doctor visits we knew we needed to seek a second opinion. I called to set-up an appointment with an oncologist at the IU Simon Cancer Center. That's when we were referred to a thorasic surgeon who ordered even more tests! After much evaluation, this surgeon decided he would be willing to operate. The catch was though, he would need to remove Dale's entire left lung. Dale would need to pass numerous pulmonary function tests to see if his right lung was strong enough to sustain him, as well as pass tests on his heart to see if his heart was strong enough for surgery. God was with us during those weeks of testing, and it was found Dale had a good chance to withstand the surgery!

On February 6th, Dr. Thomas Birdas, performed a pneumonectomy on Dale. Although the surgery took quite a bit longer than expected, it was a definite success! Dale spent six days in surgical intensive care and was then released to go home to recouperate. He did amazingly well with recovery, having only a couple of set backs. Dale's left vocal chord was damaged during surgery which made it difficult for him to speak above a whisper. Since that time, he's had a procedure to temporarily correct it while we wait for the nerves to hopefully repair themselves. We're told this can take up to a year to heal.

In March Dale started with his first chemotherapy session. The infusions were long, lasting about 7 hours. He had four rounds of chemo, with one week on and three weeks off. Although Dale managed to continue to work throughout his treatments, the chemo took a tole on his strength and energy. He just finished his last round of chemo three weeks ago and hoping he will soon feel more energetic. Next week he goes back to see his oncologist, Dr. Nassar Hanna, to get an x-ray and check-up. We're hoping and praying for an excellent outcome, but still sitting on pins and needles.

We really apprecite all of you who have been there for both of us with your support and prayers. This has made all the difference in the world! The cards, phone calls, emails, and text messages kept us going through it all. It reaffirmed to us how important family and friends truly are. Thank you for being there to help us through the hard times!

I hope you understand now why I've not posted in such a long time. Sometimes when a crisis comes along in your life, everything else just seems to fall away. Nothing else matters. And so it has been with my painting and creating, my blog, and everything else I normally do. You realize how precious life is. We need to make the most of each and every day, because we only have one life to live. As an artist it was very frustrating to watch my creativity simply fly out the window. I've been waiting for my muse to reappear and inspire me with new ideas and the energy to focus. I keep watching for her daily. Over the past few weeks, though, I've had glimpses of her peeking through my window, so be watching for something new coming soon....

Christmas... the most wonderful time of the year!

Even though we cut back on the gift buying this year, it seems we're still doing our part to keep the economy up and running!  With five combined kids between the two of us, three of whom have spouces, plus two grandkids, four parents, and each other, we've got lots of gifts to buy and wrap! But this year I decided rather than fight all the crowds at the mall, I would shop primarily online and suck-up and pay the excessive shipping that some of these obscure shops want.  If you ever need to know where to buy authentic Mexican cooking supplies and food, just ask me!  Or how about speciality products and clothing for the bicycling enthusiast... got it.  Educational toys and books for growing young children... check. Professional tools for the home improvement worker...  yup, I got that, too!  If you need to find funky tampon carrying cases and condom caddys with funny sayings on them, well just ask!  I know where to find them!!  (seriously, I do) And only for a mere $32!!  What a deal.  Although that's where I draw the line.  No, Monica, I'm NOT buying you a tampon case for Christmas to be opened in front of all your siblings and grandparents, no matter how much you want it!

My question is, whatever happened to doing your gift buying at Woolworth's Drug Store?  When I was little my Daddy would take all of us kids during the holidays out to Topps (remember Topps?) and Zayres and Woolworth's Drug Store...  the most popular discount stores in our area.  

There were four of us kids and we had lots of relatives to buy for, so we needed inexpensive gifts. We were always in a dilemma on what to buy our mom, grandparents, and siblings for their Christmas gifts.  If we even looked at something he would go, "Your mom will love it! Put it in the cart!"  Daddy wasn't much for shopping, so the sooner he could get us all out of there and to Henry's Hamburgers for a quick bite to eat, and travel back home, the better!  Never failed, my poor mom got so many dumb, cheap gifts it was ridiculous!  I'm sure that one day, when she leaves this world, we'll find about a thousand bottles of dried-up, bright red fingernail polish and Salsa Red Revlon lipstick stuffed far back in her vanity drawers.  Those gifts she just couldn't bare to part with, even though it was the last thing on earth she wanted or needed.  They represented our love, compassion, and creativity. Our days spent shopping with our daddy.  The time we spent making lists, worrying if she would like bright red better than hot pink, the scent of roses better than lilac, or blue slippers rather than white.  

I have some of those things tucked away in the back of my drawers and closets, too.  Little treasures hidden away, some never opened, yet so full of sentiment and memories.  One thing in particular I can think of, and actually know where it is, because it's always packed away with our Christmas decorations.  It's a gift to my husband, given to him when our youngest daughter was in the second grade.  She had one of those "shop for your family" days at school, where the kids were to bring in some money to shop with and they got to go to the gymnasium where Santa's Secret Shop was set-up.  It was full of all sorts of trinkets and treasures that every little kid loves to buy for their mommy and daddy and siblings.  

Well, Natalie, was soooo excited to give this gift to her Daddy!  She LOVED this gift more than any other thing she had purchased.  She really wanted to keep it for herself, but knew that Christmas was a time for giving and so she committed to giving it away.  I'll never forget the look on Dale's face when he opened his gift.  Of course he wasn't expecting some fabulously expensive item from his little girl, but I really don't believe he thought he'd be receiving a necklace!  It was a giant jingle bell, dangling on a bright green and gold braided rope!  Why she chose to give a necklace to her Daddy rather than me or her sister or grandma, is beyond me.  I guess she felt it was extra special.  She was so proud and happy and insisted he put it on that very moment and wear it.  And he did.  He wore that necklace all Christmas day, as well as to all the relative's houses we visited for several days after.  

We've kept that necklace all these years.  Natalie just finished her first semester at college.  It holds a special place in our hearts because of what it represents.  Each year when we pull it out, we get to re-live that moment in time and how happy and proud our little girl was that day.  And every year her Daddy wears it around his neck... if only for a little while, as a connection to the past and all the wonderful memories that go with it. 

 

It's good to know that there's some traditions that withstand the test of time.  Aaaaaahh, Christmas.... it is the most wonderful time of the year!

Peace, Hope, and Joy

Wishing you many blessings of peace, hope, and joy this holiday season.

   

Modish Free Giveaway!

It's definitely that time of year for generosity!  I just found out about another awesome FREE giveaway!!  Modish is holding three random drawings for a total of $2,161 worth of free merchandise!  How cool is that?  There will be one winner for each giveaway package, and each contest will end on Tuesday, December 16th.  The winners will be selected next Wednesday morning and announed on their blog. Here's a list of the artists and artisans who contributed:

::GIVEAWAY CONTRIBUTIONS::

• pair of small hairclips VIVIDOT
• deco the halls cards GREEN PORCH-LIGHTS
• thorn photo print ALINA JOLIE
• wintery mix lip balm OM SHANTI HANDCRAFTS
• badge of courage GAJETTES
• Christmas tree monster KIVETT STUDIO
• beaded bracelet STELLA JADE
• bouquet of buttons print MELISSA LUND
• mini book art EMERALD ARTS
• little bittie angel TIN WINGS
• slowly print EYEFUL by TRICIA McKELLAR
• pearl and shell drop earrings K KENNEDY DESIGNS
• smell the flowers print MATILOU
• A horse of course print TANIS ALEXIS
• crystal drop earrings MOONDOONIE
• tree brooch MONSTER FASHION
• smoky quartz drop earrings JEWEL ALCHEMY
• lavendermint body frosting & liquid soap, citrus spice body butter DANDY BODYCARE
• tickle my fancy print FOOD CHIC
• crystal aurora borealis drop earrings CRYSTAL ALLURE
• terrace heights earrings TWINKLE
• rainbow flower pendant PIECES OF ME PENDANTS
• Needlepoint Trade Secrets book & "Wicked" stitch guideJANET PERRY
• peach flower headband STYLISH MODE
• batik zip pouch URBANKNIT
• protozoan necklace STARVING ARTIST BAZAAR
• slimline zip-it bag OBLINAKNIT
• pearl drop earrings A PRETTY ROCK
• girl in white dress & girl and a column prints IRENA SOPHIA
• letter to my love necklace ECLECTIC ECCENTRICITY
• recycled negatives necklace TOMATE D'EPINGLES
• sailor boy zip pouch ITY-BITY BAGS
• greeting card set PURPLE LEMON DESIGNS
  
• lotus dangle earrings CHERRY CREEK DESIGNS
• woodburned snowman ornament ELPY
• dice jewelry set- earrings & necklace ECLECTIC ELEMENTS
• pair of tiny mushroom ornaments MUDPUPPY
  
• doxie duet print KERRY BEARY
• opalescent drop earrings IT'S A LJUBICA DESIGNS

From the photos, there looks t be tons of fabulous handcrafted items, so run on over to Modish and check it out!

Exhibition 36 by Susan Tuttle

 

One of my favorite artists, Susan Tuttle, has a new book out!  Susan is a talented photographer and writer, as well.  Her book, Exhibition 36: Mixed-Media Demonstrations + Explorations, is now available at Amazon.  It was just released from North Light Books and already has five star reviews!  Although I haven't read it yet, it's on my Christmas wish list and I can't wait to receive it!  If you're looking for a new source for techniques and inspiration, check out Susan's new book! 

Susan is also holding a drawing for one free book to be held on Tuesday, December 16th at 12:00 noon. Check-out Susan's blog for details on how to enter.  Good Luck!!

Thankful for All Good Things

 

I hope all of you had a wonderful and very happy Thanksgiving last week!  We certainly had more than our share of food.  We hosted a beautiful dinner here and had a lucky thirteen, with eleven adults and two children.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving I did another art fair/show with my mom.  We had one two weeks ago and it went pretty well.  This show was much better and was pretty busy off and on throughout the whole day.  I sold lots of my new pendants and a couple of my mounted prints.

       

I have a good selection and am making more for holiday orders.  No more shows for the rest of this year, though.  I need to concentrate on getting my Christmas shopping finished!

Here's a picture from the show we did earlier in the month.  I think we had a much better set-up last weekend, but I somehow managed for forget about taking a photo.

My First Solo Art Exhibition

It's been such a long time since I made an entry I almost forget how to do it! Life continues to move at such a fast pace, doesn't it?  Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, and then we'll have less than a month to get all of our holiday shopping and decorating done! This year I think I will try to get all of my Christmas decorations set-out during Thanksgiving week. I really don't like to decorate before Thanksgiving has even taken place, but it always takes me so long to get everything out that by the time I finish I don't ever feel like I have time to enjoy the holiday decorations.  So, I just decided I might as well jump the gun and go for it!  My hubby will be off work the whole week, so he suggested we get it all out while he's home.

I'm very happy to announce that last week was the opening of my very first Solo Art Exhibition! This show was booked a year and a half ago... that's how far in advance the gallery books their shows!  It's at the Greenfield Banking Company's main branch in their Art Gallery. This bank has had their own gallery for over thirty years, booking artists for one person shows. I have twenty-two large paintings hanging, plus another fifteen or sixteen small pieces displayed on a center island in the middle of the gallery.

If you happen to be visiting, or live near Indianapolis, you can catch my show now through the end of the year.  Here's the pertinent info:

    

One Woman Art Exhibition

Joann Loftus, mixed-media artist

November 1 through December 31, 2008

Greenfield Banking Company Art Gallery

1920 North State Street

Greenfield, IN 46140

HOURS:

Mon - Thurs    9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday             9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday         9:00 am - 12:00 pm

I hope some of you can make it, and please remember to sign my guest book!

"Made in the Shade" - acrylic on canvas, 20" x 30" - $700

                                   Honorable Mention - Indiana State Fair, 2005

                                   Will Vawter Art Exhibition, 2005 

                                   SALI National Fine Arts Exhibition, 2005

 

Fall is in the Air

Ah, fall... I love this time of year! Here in the midwest, most days are sunny and warm, with a crisp coolness in the air. Not too hot, not too cold... just right. Just right for fall festivals, pumpkin patches, apple orchards, flea markets, and long drives to some out-of-the-way cafe. Tomorrow we're driving over to Cincinnati to visit our two little grandchildren and going to the pumpkin patch. It'll be fun! My hubby took the beautiful flowers photo, which is listed on Etsy.

Let Your Muse be Your Guide to "Create"

Another mixed-media collage painting on wood. The image was burned into the wood with a woodburning tool.  I used colored pencils, acrylic paint, ink pens, watercolor paper, and tissue paper.  It's finished with a coat of beeswax, hand-buffed to a beautiful satin finish.  It smells good, too! 

UPDATE: "Create" ORIGINAL is SOLD... Loose and mounted prints available on in My ETSY Shop.

Midwest National Abstract Exhibition - Art Show

"Whimsical Garden" - 12" x 24" diptych, acrylic/mixed-media on gallery-wrapped canvases

This past weekend on Saturday, my husband and I attended the opening reception of the SALI Midwest National Abstract Exhibition.  One of my paintings, "Whimsical Garden", was accepted into the show, so of course I wanted to attend!  Last year all three pieces I entered were accepted, but this year just one piece got in the show.  I guess I shouldn't feel too bad, though, as this year only 49 paintings were juried in, as opposed to last year there were 90 paintings.  

My mother also had a wonderful painting in the show (wish I had a photo of it!) and I thought for sure she had won something because she had one of the best hangings in the show. The main wall right as you walk in, which has only five paintings hung on this long, huge wall.  She did win first place last year, though!  

Gotta brag a bit about this wonderful artist-mother of mine, Shirley Despot.  She's an amazing artist and the best art instructor I've ever had!  I was lucky enough to study "Abstract & Non-Objective Art" under her for several years at the Indianapolis Art Center before she retired a couple years ago. I've taken many other classes and workshops since then, but all other instructors have paled in comparison.

It's rare to find an instructor who is not only a wonderful artist, but someone who can TEACH their craft, as well.  So many times I've taken a class from someone who has truly beautiful work, yet they haven't learned how (or aren't willing) to share their knowledge.  

So how do you know when you've found a terrific instructor?  We're all given projects or assignments to do when taking a class. What makes one teacher stand out among all the rest?  Well, for one, they know how to guide you to be the best that YOU can be... not a clone of their style, but an inventor of your own.  

You know how you get to a certain point in your painting and you get "stuck" halfway though? You look at it and know it looks really bad, but you just can't figure out where to go from here. You're saying to yourself "What was I thinking?"  You ask your instructor to help you out of this mess and he/she tells you it "looks wonderful" and not to worry.  You're in big trouble!  You know it's a mess and so does your teacher... only they don't know what's wrong with it either! And even if they do know what's wrong, they aren't able to tell you how to fix the problem or where to go from there.  So they tell you it looks great and they move on to the next person.

We all know how to start a painting. That's the easy part! It's knowing how to finish it (and when to stop) that's the tricky part, especially when dealing with an abstract or non-objective piece. How do you know when it's finished?  When there's nothing else you can do to make it better!  When you have an teacher who can pinpoint what you need to do to improve your work... and is willing to share that knowledge with you... without taking the brush out of your hand and painting it herself (yes, unfortunately this has happened to me numerous times!), then you know you've found what you're looking for. A great artist, who is also a great teacher, is someone special indeed!

Here are the other two paintings I entered in the show:

"Oz" - 24" x 30" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas:

"Mystical Lands" - 30" x 42" acrylic on gallery-wrapped canvas:

The colors on this last piece didn't show up very well in the photography.  The "lands" or "pods" look black, but are actually a deep purple with a bluish-green mist floating around them.  Seems like a lot of my art has various shades of purple, but I've found that purples can be very difficult to photograph!

The  SALI Midwest National Abstract Exhibition continues through October 10th at the Garfield Park Arts Center, 2432 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana. Park on the upper level parking lot and enter through the north door. Hours: Sun, Tues, Thurs and Fri 1:00 - 5:00 pm, Wed. 1:00 - 9:00 pm, and Sat. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (closed Mondays).  Show is free to the public and all work is for sale. Contact Garfield Park for more info @ (317) 327-7077.

UPDATE:  The show is now over and when picking up our paintings, my mom found out she had won the "People's Choice" award! Yeah!!

Angel of Love

 

I just finished another mixed-media collage painting for the Suzi Blu workshop this evening. "Angel of Love" was created on a piece of 6" x 12" birch wood. I burned the image into the wood using a woodburning tool, then collaged and painted it, finishing with a coat of beeswax. I added some gold shimmer power to her hair and halo as a final step. If you need a beautiful guardian angel to watch over you, or someone you love, you can find her here.

UPDATE:  The original is SOLD.  Loose prints and wood mounted prints available on Etsy.

Secret Garden

I just completed my second painting from the Suzi Blu workshop, called "Secret Garden". I started it Monday afternoon and then worked on it again yesterday. I guess I got sort of obsessed with it yesterday and ended up staying up all night so I could finish it. I went to bed this morning at 10:00 a.m.!! So I got four hours of sleep today. I had to get up so I could do the beeswax, photography, and listing it on Etsy... not to mention cleaning up my studio! Uuughhh! Why do I do this to myself? When I work on a project and get in the flow, it's like I can't stop. I have to finish. Anyway, it's done and I'm already thinking about another idea that's rolling around in my head...

UPDATE: "Secret Garden" ORIGINAL is SOLD... Loose and mounted prints available in My ETSY Shop.

All You Need Is Love

I've had the most fun this week! I recently joined an online workshop with the very popular mixed-media artist Suzi Blu. Suzi has been giving us assignments via an online website, complete with video tutorials and printable instructions. I've met sooooo many talented artists across the world. Many are beginner artists and have never drawn or painted before, but have always wanted to. There are also many intermediate and advanced artists taking this workshop, as well. We're encouraged to post photos of our sketches and completed paintings as we go along. Everyone goes at their own pace, which is so nice. 

For beginners, it's kind of scary and can be intimidating. But Suzi virtually holds your hand through the entire process, guiding you along this mixed-media journey. Words of encouragement and acceptance are so important to artists. Even those artists who have a lot of previous experience need to feel appreciated and accepted. This workshop has blossomed into a wonderful and supportive online community. 

This week I got to experiment with new techniques I've never tried. This painting was created on 6" x 12" birch wood. The image was burned into the wood using a wood burning tool. What fun! I've still got a long way to go before I perfect that, as it's not as easy as you would think. Keeping the lines flowing smoothly and consistently, without letting the burning tool skip is a challenge. The other new technique was coating the painting in beeswax, then buffing it to a beautiful satin finish. I LOVE the way the beeswax makes everything so soft and dreamy!  

If you think you'd like to join the group, I believe the workshop is still open. Check it out by clicking on Suzi's banner on my left sidebar.  And don't forget to visit my Etsy shop. This painting is there waiting for you!  ;-)

UPDATE:  Sorry, the original is now SOLD.  I do, however, have loose prints and mounted prints in My Etsy shop.

And Time Stood Still...

I live with a professional photographer. My husband has been shooting for over 20 years... well, okay, over 35 years, but who's counting? Although his day job is a program manager, he photographs high school senior pictures, family portraits, nature photos, and weddings. As a matter of fact, that's how we met! 

Twenty some years ago I was working in advertising and two weeks before Christmas I lost my job. The agency had lost a major client and needed to lay-off ten people. One of those peeps happened to be me! As a recently divorced single mother, I was devastated. I hadn't even gone Christmas shopping for my daughter yet! I really needed a job, so my friend recommended I go to work for this freelance photographer she knew. She had been working for him, but had just quit and said I could probably take her place as his assistant shooting weddings.  I did just that and the rest is history! What I perceived as a bad thing, actually was life changing, but in a good way.  I didn't know it at the time, though. Funny how things happen, isn't it?  

So often something happens in our lives that throws us for a loop. We're caught off guard, and when it happens we really don't know how to respond. Sometimes it literally knocks us off our feet.  And then there are those times when something so unexpected happens, we become mesmerized and can only watch the events unfold before our eyes in slow motion. It's as if time stands still.  I'm reminded of September 11, 2001. All those people effected by such a tragedy. The entire country stood still and watched.  

A few years ago I did this mixed-media collage/painting, which has become one of my favorite pieces, called "And Time Stood Still".  This piece was created with 9/11 in mind, and all the other events in our lives that are life changing, for better or worse.

If you've had a life changing experience which you originally thought was unfortunate, but realized later it had a positive outcome, I'd like to hear from you. Please post a brief summary of your experience in the comments section.  If you'd like to journal in depth about your experience, post the full version on your blog with a link to it in the comments section of this post.

There's No Place Like Home

 

I am so ready for a long holiday weekend! Dale will be off work from Friday through Monday, so we plan on taking it easy and relaxing this weekend. I feel like going somewhere overnight, or for a couple days, but we haven't figured out where we want to go yet. Maybe a riverboat casino or something, I don't know. 

What I do know is no matter how much I enjoy taking little trips or vacations, I always love coming back home.  Maybe that's because all my "stuff" is here.  I need to learn how to pack lighter.  I always feel like I'm forgetting something. The worst culprit is shoes! I once went away for a three day trip and packed nine pair of shoes. Really.  I think I wore two. But you never know. You may decide you really need to run back to the hotel and change your shoes during the intermission of a movie.

Anyway, it's true what they say, "There's no place like home."  Where else can you get up in the middle of the night and have a kitchen full of food to eat?  Or go sleep on the sofa when your husband starts snoring too loudly? Or go find your dog and play midnight catch with the frisbee?  Or stumble downstairs to your art studio and finish a painting?  

Ahhhh... "Home Sweet Home"...  Maybe I won't go anywhere after all.