Paintunes

Word: (noun) Paintunes.  Definition: music one listens to while painting.

I’m currently sitting in my studio working on a few final Christmas commissions. Both are pet portraits, my firsts but not my lasts. I happen to be obsessed with my animals – cat, Nala; miniature poodle, Chester; ball python, Oly the Sociologist; and my four ducks, who are unnamed – so I understand wanting a portrait of your furry (or not) friends. My selected paintunes while working on these pieces are songs heard on the Band of Horses Pandora station. Coincidence that the band has “Horses” in it’s name? Maybe. Probably not…

Last minute gifts…

Are you still in search for the perfect gift for your special someone, friend, or family member? How about an original painting or postcard/greeting card prints?! My Etsy shop is now stocked full of newly listed paintings and prints ranging in style and theme. Buy now and have shipped this week in order for your gift to arrive in time to wrap and place under the tree before Christmas!

Here are a few items currently listed in my shop:

See more at tINK makes art on Etsy!

Art Walk of Fame

This month, I was honored to donate a painting to The Arc of Orange County, an organization that provides advocacy and services, such as home respite care and employment support, to people with developmental disabilities. The Arc of Orange County hosts an annual Festival of Trees, which helps raise awareness and funds for the organization. This year, the event took place from December 2nd to December 5th at The ArtsCenter at University Mall and included, for the first time, an Art Walk of Fame. Local artists donated pieces that were exhibited during the event and then auctioned off at the Festival of Trees Gala on the evening of December 5th. I am happy to say that my piece received three bids, which ended in a winning bid of $130, all of which goes directly to The Arc.

The Arc of Orange County is one of the participating organizations in my documentary project. Read more about this project here.

homebird

If you know me, you know I love interior decorating as much as I enjoy painting. My painting style tends to be colorful with a street art vibe, while my home decor style leans towards neutrals and antiques. My boyfriend and I moved into a new house in August, so I have been on project mode for months now. Here is a look at a few of my favorite little things in our house.

Durham Art Walk – Nov 09

On November 21st and 22nd, I participated in the Durham Art Walk: “a unique art tour [in downtown Durham] featuring artwork by over 400 artists” organized by the Durham Arts Council.

I shared a space at West Village with Elisabeth Vitale, Alisha Arneth, and Talia Arneth and was fortunate to be adjacent to another friend Jamie Crockett. Liz, Alisha, Talia and I transformed our space into a unique display with doors bought at a local Habitat for Humanity ReStore. The doors looked professional and creative and were, surprisingly, easy to assemble and transport.

Talia Arneth, Me, Jamie Crockett, Alisha Arneth, Elisabeth Vitale

Talking with people about my work including my inspiration and process was an amazing experience. It made me realize how much of my heart goes into each piece. I mean that in the most humble way possible. As I sit in my studio dipping my brush into the paint and stroking the color onto the canvas, I get lost in what I am doing. I get caught up in the process and forget what it is I am painting or what it means to me. Being able to rest in the completion of a piece and reflect on its initial significance is truly beautiful. I did not realize this until I was sharing my story behind each painting with people. It made the paintings come alive to me and made me feel I really had something to share, not only as an artist but as a human.

Needless to say, my first art walk experience was a good one. I will participate in the Durham Art Walk on April 17th and 18th, 2010. Come by, say hello, and chat with me for a while. I’d loved to hear your stories too.