It's not where you go. It's who you meet along the way.
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I picked a limited palette for these pieces. Partially to challenge myself (it is fun to see what you can create with only 4-5 colors) and also to keep the canvases working well together. The second and third photo are simply adding many different layers of paint.
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More photos showing my work in progress and also how I painted the two long canvases as one piece.... don't forget to add some fun details to the sides of your canvas!
Thank you for stopping over! I hope to be more consistent with my blogging in the future. I love to read your comments and if you have any questions, please just send me an email aliciahayesart@gmail.com Have a great day! ~Alicia
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The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life
off our souls.
~
Pablo Picasso
August 2016 Sunset
I LOVE this quote; for me, art is like meditating.
On a perfect day: I meditate in the morning, then sketch and paint at different times throughout the day, then I like to 'wash my soul' before bed.
♥
On a perfect day: I meditate in the morning, then sketch and paint at different times throughout the day, then I like to 'wash my soul' before bed.
♥
One of my favorite times to doodle and sketch is at night while watching TV with my Mr. Unless it's a movie, I can't really seem to sit still and watch. This is the perfect time and place for me to create little original pieces of art! I love the size of an ACEO, just 2.5" x 3.5", because it is so easy to create anywhere... the living room, the park, the coffee shop, the pool, etc. etc.
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This is "Taurus Girl".... I love her cute little bull. ♥
My ACEO sketch bag contains: cut cards, pencils, permanent pens, colored markers and Gelatos. I start sketching with Faber-Castell pens, just to get the basic outline,
then I add the doodles and colors with Copic Markers.
I list my original ACEOs on eBay :) It's fun to watch the auctions & it's a great place to introduce another audience to my art.
I list my prints in different sizes here on my website.
My ACEO sketch bag contains: cut cards, pencils, permanent pens, colored markers and Gelatos. I start sketching with Faber-Castell pens, just to get the basic outline,
then I add the doodles and colors with Copic Markers.
I list my original ACEOs on eBay :) It's fun to watch the auctions & it's a great place to introduce another audience to my art.
I list my prints in different sizes here on my website.
Thank you, I love to read your positive comments... artist's have tender souls :) haha!
Just kidding, if you have a negative comment, you are allowed to leave it as well. ~Alicia
Just kidding, if you have a negative comment, you are allowed to leave it as well. ~Alicia
Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.
~Albert Einstein
This was a GREAT surprise...
I have wanted a new bike for quite a long time now,
but I had no idea it would happen a few days ago!
This is my new bike and I love it so much. The color is fantastic (notice how close the color matches my "Choose Happy" original painting!
BIG thank you to my MR. ♥ who surprised me!!!
(obviously .... my shoes are were not awesome for riding home)
I have wanted a new bike for quite a long time now,
but I had no idea it would happen a few days ago!
This is my new bike and I love it so much. The color is fantastic (notice how close the color matches my "Choose Happy" original painting!
BIG thank you to my MR. ♥ who surprised me!!!
(obviously .... my shoes are were not awesome for riding home)
My NEW Bike!
Life Happens
Lately, I haven't been posting as often as I had planned, it seems like it just takes one thing to throw me out of my routine. Well... I am climbing back into a routine now and have re-discovered my LOVE of creating original ACEOs!
What is an ACEO?
What is an ACEO?
ACEO = Art Card Edition and Original
Size: 2.5" x 3.5"
An ACEO is considered by many to be a collectible form of mini art.
They are the size of a baseball card and are a way for people to enjoy and collect art inexpensively. They are addictive to collect and even MORE fun to Create!
Size: 2.5" x 3.5"
An ACEO is considered by many to be a collectible form of mini art.
They are the size of a baseball card and are a way for people to enjoy and collect art inexpensively. They are addictive to collect and even MORE fun to Create!
I'll be posting a blog series about creating ACEOs and I hope you will come along with me, re-discovering is so fun!
~Alicia♥
~Alicia♥
Intuition is the language of the soul.
~John Holland
I wanted to try something new.... I ALWAYS have music on in my studio, but this time I chose a favorite song and basically listened to it over and over and over again while I painted intuitively. I was really attempting to capture how the song makes me feel.
This 1st song is, "Come Along" by Titiyo.
The first time I heard this song, I was driving in my car and I believe they were playing it because a contestant on the TV show, THE VOICE was doing a version of it with her coach. I immediately loved it! I listen to it often :)
The first time I heard this song, I was driving in my car and I believe they were playing it because a contestant on the TV show, THE VOICE was doing a version of it with her coach. I immediately loved it! I listen to it often :)
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My next piece has so many layers! I would paint and like how it looked, but something just wasn't right. Then I just started painting the circular motion and switching up the paint between my blue and purple... I just kept the swirls going. I finished for the day to let my paint dry and I just kept looking at the piece. I saw a very distinct eyeball in the center of my swirl pattern! I ignored it at first, but then I thought, "Wow, that is too perfect and it must come out more clearly." I added the white around the iris and brought out the face that was already present then I painted the sides and edges black.
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This next piece is titled, "Window to the soul".
One of my customers, Sabrina, came up with this title
so I sent her the 1st print as a thank you gift. ♥
This piece was painted while listening to the song "Let it Go" by James Bay.
One of my customers, Sabrina, came up with this title
so I sent her the 1st print as a thank you gift. ♥
This piece was painted while listening to the song "Let it Go" by James Bay.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and come along on my journey! ~Alicia
Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind.
~
Bruce Lee
Everyone knows a "control freak" or perhaps you are a bit of a freak yourself :)
In the past, I was a control freak;
Now I am a "control enthusiast ".
hahaha, this commercial CRACKS me up every time!
In the past, I was a control freak;
Now I am a "control enthusiast ".
hahaha, this commercial CRACKS me up every time!
As I have gotten older and wiser and more mature? I realize there's actually not very much we can control in life and often times it is absolutely better to just go with the flow. At times, this plan or "non-plan", works to a better conclusion than you could have even imagined. :)
This is the same with art for me... like in a previous blog "Happy Accidents", more often than not when I "over think" my art, the end result as not feeling "free" and too structured for my liking.
This is the same with art for me... like in a previous blog "Happy Accidents", more often than not when I "over think" my art, the end result as not feeling "free" and too structured for my liking.
Letting go of control takes practice! An Art Journal is a GREAT place to practice different techniques and practice letting go of control and structure. In your Art Journal, you don't need to worry about making "mistakes". There are several great videos on YouTube about art journals if you are needing some inspiration. ♥
Happy creating and being free. ~Alicia
"Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair."
~
Khalil Gibran
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I love to watch the clouds! It reminds me of some wonderful times I spent with my Gram Claire laying on our backs in the park picking out images in the sky. She was a great inspiration and a very positive influence on my life. Thank you Gram ♥
Over Valentine's Day weekend, my husband and I took a spontaneous road trip to Las Vegas. The is drive is quite long ... not terrible ... but I do need to be well stocked on red licorice to make it through. :) We were driving into the sunset and I was enjoying the beautiful clouds and "picking out what I could see in them."
Just outside of Vegas,
this FACE in the SKY appeared.
It was so clear I had to snap a photo of it to share!
(These photos have not been edited in anyway)
I think it looks a lot like the girls' faces that I love to sketch and paint.
Can you see her two eyes? Her nose? Her hair sweeping across her face?
Nature is always inspiring ♥
this FACE in the SKY appeared.
It was so clear I had to snap a photo of it to share!
(These photos have not been edited in anyway)
I think it looks a lot like the girls' faces that I love to sketch and paint.
Can you see her two eyes? Her nose? Her hair sweeping across her face?
Nature is always inspiring ♥
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Just in case you can't see the face ...
the photo below has been edited to hopefully make it even more clear.
the photo below has been edited to hopefully make it even more clear.
Inspiration is everywhere. I feel like this face was looking right into my face.
I love to read your comments and appreciate your social media shares :)
I love to read your comments and appreciate your social media shares :)
Have a creative day! ~Alicia
Adventure is worthwhile in itself.
~Amelia Earhart
ad·ven·ture
adˈven(t)SHər,ədˈven(t)SHər/
noun
An unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity.
verb
Engage in hazardous and exciting activity, especially the exploration of unknown territory.
adˈven(t)SHər,ədˈven(t)SHər/
noun
An unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity.
verb
Engage in hazardous and exciting activity, especially the exploration of unknown territory.
It's Thursday and that means BLOG POST in my studio :)
Gallery exhibiting is a new adventure for me in 2016. I love to challenge myself with new techniques and new adventures in art. It has been fun to meet other artists. I always get a bit nervous right before the show is about to open but that too is part of the fun!
Tonight is the private showing for the ART270 "Figures Exhibit". I have 3 pieces and I am excited to see my work on display with all the other artists! It is so interesting to see everyone's different styles. If it's anything like the FACES exhibit, the gallery will be PACKED.
BOHO GIRL
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ALOHA
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DARK WATERS
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Thank you ~Alicia
My favorite things in life don't cost any money. It is really clear that the most precious resource we all have is time.
~ Steve Jobs
Do you struggle with pricing your work?
I know I do! Many other artists I have talked to agree.... this is one of the most difficult things to do as an artist.
I know I do! Many other artists I have talked to agree.... this is one of the most difficult things to do as an artist.
You have poured your heart & soul, your valuable time & effort into your latest creation.
"What is it worth," you wonder?
"What will someone be willing to pay?"
"How do I go about pricing this piece I just gave creative birth to?"
First off, I NEVER price something right after I have just finished creating it...
I wait a few days.
If I priced pieces just after finishing them, I would price them way too high,
probably in the mega-millions (just kidding)!
"What is it worth," you wonder?
"What will someone be willing to pay?"
"How do I go about pricing this piece I just gave creative birth to?"
First off, I NEVER price something right after I have just finished creating it...
I wait a few days.
If I priced pieces just after finishing them, I would price them way too high,
probably in the mega-millions (just kidding)!
The Achilles Heel part of pricing is "there is no ONE SIZE fits ALL" way to do it.
There are several things to take note of and then decide which method will work best for you. I'll also tell you what I have found works best for me. :)
There are several things to take note of and then decide which method will work best for you. I'll also tell you what I have found works best for me. :)
First off.... If you feel resentment after a sale, there's a good chance you need to raise your prices. Only you know how much time, effort and love you put into each piece. Unlike your kids; Yes, you often do LOVE one piece more than the others and you may want your pricing to reflect that to avoid feelings of resentment towards your clients or customers.
When asked about pricing, state your price then Shut Up! Do not get defensive about your pricing. If someone mentions that they are able to get something similar for a lower price, know that it is OK to say, "if you like my work, this is my price." Also know that your pricing is YOURS and you are the one that can adjust it as you see fit. Many times I have fell in love with a customer's story and agreed to a commission piece that is lower than my normal pricing.
You may be surprised that your "high end price" is not necessarily someone else's. Do not talk your customer out of a high end sale based on what is in your own wallet.
State you price, then shut up.... you can then decide to negotiate - or not.
You may be surprised that your "high end price" is not necessarily someone else's. Do not talk your customer out of a high end sale based on what is in your own wallet.
State you price, then shut up.... you can then decide to negotiate - or not.
Does SIZE matter?
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SIZE and PRICING....
Some artists adhere to a strict ... Size = Pricing, it works for them. For other artists it leads to the "resentment" problem. For Example: each 16"x20" piece may not be created equally in the time, effort and basic LOVE you have for the piece.
Some artists adhere to a strict ... Size = Pricing, it works for them. For other artists it leads to the "resentment" problem. For Example: each 16"x20" piece may not be created equally in the time, effort and basic LOVE you have for the piece.
MY PRICING...
What works for me is basically a combination of all the things I've discussed here.
I either just listen to my gut and pick a price or I add the width and the length together, then multiply it by my chosen "multiplier" (usually 5.5 - 6.5). This gives a "fair" starting point for each of my different painting sizes. For example a 16"x20" would be 16 + 20 = 36 x 6.5 = 234. I would use $234 as my starting point for a 16"x20" and adjust accordingly. Your "multiplier" may be much higher! Play around with this formula and see what number works for you or just listen to your gut :)
What works for me is basically a combination of all the things I've discussed here.
I either just listen to my gut and pick a price or I add the width and the length together, then multiply it by my chosen "multiplier" (usually 5.5 - 6.5). This gives a "fair" starting point for each of my different painting sizes. For example a 16"x20" would be 16 + 20 = 36 x 6.5 = 234. I would use $234 as my starting point for a 16"x20" and adjust accordingly. Your "multiplier" may be much higher! Play around with this formula and see what number works for you or just listen to your gut :)
Have a Creative Day! ~Alicia
Name the GREATEST of all inventors. ACCIDENT.
~Mark Twain
Mistakes happen and over planning is a real thing!
Sometimes when I'm creating art, especially if it's for a custom piece, I start to focus too hard and my art starts to feel "forced." This is one of the reasons I like to work on several pieces at a time... I can jump to a new piece to basically "shake it off" when I start getting to stiff and feeling like I'm forcing it.
Sometimes when I'm creating art, especially if it's for a custom piece, I start to focus too hard and my art starts to feel "forced." This is one of the reasons I like to work on several pieces at a time... I can jump to a new piece to basically "shake it off" when I start getting to stiff and feeling like I'm forcing it.
Happy accidents, I really like the sound of that... so much better than just an accident by itself. :)
My backgrounds are really full of mistakes and I love it that way. I let the paint free flow, with drips and flicks and blends, I feel it gives the piece energy.
My backgrounds are really full of mistakes and I love it that way. I let the paint free flow, with drips and flicks and blends, I feel it gives the piece energy.
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LEAP OF FAITH
I would love to have a waterfall wall in my home or even better right in my studio! Could there be anything better to remind you to go with the flow and chill out?
Grab a cup of your favorite drink and check this amazing video out:
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Have a creative day ~Alicia
"There are many ways to be free. One of them is to transcend reality by imagination, as I try to do."
~
Anais Nin
Madame Mystical is a 16"x20" mixed media painting on canvas.
She is the 2nd of my gypsy fortune tellers.
She is the 2nd of my gypsy fortune tellers.
All original art on exhibit at the ART270 gallery, is available for purchase. My original gypsy, "THE AMAZING", is not available; so I chose to paint a very similar but much larger piece for the exhibit.
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The palette is basically red, purple, ivory and black. The background consists of acrylic paints, tissue, vintage papers, etc. The highlights in Madame's hair are torn pieces from a vintage love letter.
The red / ivory awning is to symbolize the "Circus Side Show" from Under the BIG top of the traveling circus.
The red / ivory awning is to symbolize the "Circus Side Show" from Under the BIG top of the traveling circus.
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I always make sure I save any broken jewelry. If I decide not to repair it... most likely it will find its way into a piece of my art. I will pick up interesting tidbits at an estate or garage sale as well... and then there's my awesome family which is always contributing to my stash. ♥
I love creating out of my imagination where anything goes!
Have a great day, Alicia
Have a great day, Alicia
Think BIG and don't listen to people who tell you it can't be done.
Life's too short to think small.
~
Tim Ferriss
Thursday, January, 14, 2016 it is OPENING NIGHT with a private reception at Art270 Gallery in downtown Salt Lake City. This is my first gallery exhibit and I am really excited! Terence K. Stephens is the owner and curator of the gallery. 15Bytes Magazine has a great story about the transformation from small retail mart into a fun art gallery.
I am exhibiting 3 pieces:
MaJuBree, a woodland fairy, Madame Mystical, a gypsy fortune teller, and Tanzee, a woman of the universe. Each is a 16" x 20" on canvas.
The FACE OFF show runs until February 9th 2015.
MaJuBree, a woodland fairy, Madame Mystical, a gypsy fortune teller, and Tanzee, a woman of the universe. Each is a 16" x 20" on canvas.
The FACE OFF show runs until February 9th 2015.
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Thank you to my daughter's boyfriend for providing the inspirational quote for today's blog post.
Have a creative day ~Alicia
Have a creative day ~Alicia
"In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision."
~
Dalai Lama
I have 3 original mixed media paintings on exhibit at Art270 Gallery
and the private showing is tonight!
I'm excited and a bit nervous.
and the private showing is tonight!
I'm excited and a bit nervous.
I'm Alicia Hayes and my fairy name is
"Bracken Rainbowwand"
Here's what my "fairy-self" is like:
I bring good fortune. I live where bracken and curling ferns grow. I can only be seen when the seeker holds a four-leafed clover. I wear leafy bracken-greenand have multi-coloured wings like a butterfly.
What to know your own fairy name?
YES, I thought so. :)
The name generator that I used can be found here:
Fairy Name Generator.
"Bracken Rainbowwand"
Here's what my "fairy-self" is like:
I bring good fortune. I live where bracken and curling ferns grow. I can only be seen when the seeker holds a four-leafed clover. I wear leafy bracken-greenand have multi-coloured wings like a butterfly.
What to know your own fairy name?
YES, I thought so. :)
The name generator that I used can be found here:
Fairy Name Generator.
This original mixed media on canvas measures 16"x20".
Her name is "MAJUBREE".
This original name is a combination of all 3 of my daughters' names.
♥ Love to mix in little hidden meanings where I can. ♥
She is a woodland fairy and is all about romance. As with allfairies, she is a bit mischievous as well. She LOVES to play hide and seek with the butterflies.
Her name is "MAJUBREE".
This original name is a combination of all 3 of my daughters' names.
♥ Love to mix in little hidden meanings where I can. ♥
She is a woodland fairy and is all about romance. As with allfairies, she is a bit mischievous as well. She LOVES to play hide and seek with the butterflies.
If you have read my other posts, you know that I usually start out with a rough idea in my head and then the painting just takes on a personality of its own.
Sometimes, the face that comes through is still likable, but not at all what I had in mind. This happened while creating my woodland fairy. I knew I wanted to use warm colors and that she would have mainly brown hair. LOOK who appeared first.... she looks like a FLAPPER Girl with a 1920s hair style. NOT the carefree, romantic, fairy I was imagining.
Sometimes, the face that comes through is still likable, but not at all what I had in mind. This happened while creating my woodland fairy. I knew I wanted to use warm colors and that she would have mainly brown hair. LOOK who appeared first.... she looks like a FLAPPER Girl with a 1920s hair style. NOT the carefree, romantic, fairy I was imagining.
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I will probably use this hairstyle in the future, but this just wasn't going to work for my free spirited Woodland Fairy. For Majubree, I also soften up her mouth a little bit... This "flapper girl" looked a little too serious. :)
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I added my handwriting to her wings using a white gel pen and then went CRAZY on her hair! Eyes and Hair are my favorite parts to paint.
Finished! I really love how she turned out. I will keep you posted on the gallery. I love to read your comments and if you have a question, please feel free to use the contact me button! Have a great evening, ~Alicia
"Music in the soul can be heard by the universe."
~
Lao Tzu
Listen to the Silence
Happy 2016!
What new projects, goals, dreams, etc. will you be working towards this year?
What new projects, goals, dreams, etc. will you be working towards this year?
I love the new year, it's a Fresh Start....
Time to get more organized, time to try new things and definitely time to be grateful for the blessings in my life.
The first new experience for me in 2016 is to display my art in a local gallery!
I am so excited to be included in the "FACE OFF" exhibition at the Art270 Gallery.
I created 3 new 16" x 20" originals for the exhibit: TANZEE, MAJUBREE & MADAME MYSTICAL.
Time to get more organized, time to try new things and definitely time to be grateful for the blessings in my life.
The first new experience for me in 2016 is to display my art in a local gallery!
I am so excited to be included in the "FACE OFF" exhibition at the Art270 Gallery.
I created 3 new 16" x 20" originals for the exhibit: TANZEE, MAJUBREE & MADAME MYSTICAL.
The first piece I started was TANZEE. I wanted to try a new look and stick with a simple palette of Turquoise, Peony Pink and Dioxazine Purple. Although I have worked with a 16"x20" canvas previously,
I usually work with 12" x 12" or smaller. I really enjoyed working in this larger space, maybe an even larger canvas is in my near future!
- Live in the Sunshine
- Pirate Girl
- My Favorite Addiction
- Woodland Fairies
- several commission pieces
I usually work with 12" x 12" or smaller. I really enjoyed working in this larger space, maybe an even larger canvas is in my near future!
My daughter named this piece TANZEE, until then she was just called the blue girl. When I finished this girl I really wanted to find a name that had meaning that could be appreciated. I did what anyone would do, I searched Google :)
I did a search with the words blue purple gem / crystal and Tanzanite appeared. I read the description of the stone and then the meaning and it was exactly what I was hoping to find.
"This stone activates several chakras from the heart to the crown and is used to link the mind with the heart."
I did a search with the words blue purple gem / crystal and Tanzanite appeared. I read the description of the stone and then the meaning and it was exactly what I was hoping to find.
"This stone activates several chakras from the heart to the crown and is used to link the mind with the heart."
TANZINITE
This piece came out of my hands so freely and quickly. I worked the background as usual and then used charcoal to simply sketch in the basic shape of her face. I was like a mad scientist with mixing and adding water and more mixing to get the right color for what area I was working on.
It was so fun :)
It was so fun :)
TANZEE 16" x 20" Original on Canvas
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post. I appreciate your comments and social media shares! Have a creative and inspired day. ~Alicia
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
~
Eleanor Roosevelt
Imagine / Hope / Wonder
I don't know why, but I have always loved dragonflies!
They are beautiful, delicate, colorful and they will
inspire many mixed media painting ideas.
I don't know why, but I have always loved dragonflies!
They are beautiful, delicate, colorful and they will
inspire many mixed media painting ideas.
The symbolism for the dragonfly is commonly defined as:
○Change and transformation
○Adaptability
○Joy, lightness of being
○Symbol of the realm of emotions, invitation to dive deeper into your feeling
○Being on the lookout for illusions and deceits, whether are external or personal
○Connection with nature’s spirits, fairies realms
○Change and transformation
○Adaptability
○Joy, lightness of being
○Symbol of the realm of emotions, invitation to dive deeper into your feeling
○Being on the lookout for illusions and deceits, whether are external or personal
○Connection with nature’s spirits, fairies realms
I created my Dragonfly painting above using the following mixed media art supplies: acrylic paints, inks, tissue paper, colored pencils, etc. I cut the wings out of vintage paper, adhered the paper to my canvas with matte gel and then painted over the top. The ridges on the wings and body were created with light modeling paste. Layer upon layer of color and depth to create the texture I was desiring.
Have a creative and inspired day ~Alicia
"Coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous."
~ Albert Einstein
The dragonfly,
in almost every part of the world symbolizes change.
in almost every part of the world symbolizes change.
It's been a long time since I've posted any updates!
A lot has happened... 18th birthday celebration, high school graduation, new driver, summer vacations, dorm room, 21st birthday celebration, etc., etc., etc.! My new studio is almost ready and I have realized that I am an "organized hoarder". Recognizing a problem is the first step in change right?
A lot has happened... 18th birthday celebration, high school graduation, new driver, summer vacations, dorm room, 21st birthday celebration, etc., etc., etc.! My new studio is almost ready and I have realized that I am an "organized hoarder". Recognizing a problem is the first step in change right?
Let's celebrate Autumn with a COUPON for 20% off!
AUTUMN20 = 20% OFF
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JUST MOONLIGHTING is my newest mixed media original. It measures 12"x 12" on wood. She's full of magic and texture!
As always, I love to read your comments and I appreciate any shares on social media!
Have a great day, Alicia
Have a great day, Alicia
"Dreams don't work unless you do."
~John C Maxwell
I am so happy to announce 2 winners for my contest!
You each have won the most recent edition of
Somerset Studio Magazine ♥
Big shout out thank you to Stampington Company for allowing me this opportunity to share the fun!
You each have won the most recent edition of
Somerset Studio Magazine ♥
Big shout out thank you to Stampington Company for allowing me this opportunity to share the fun!
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My 1st winner is:
Sonya Jones of Tee-iabo Designs!
Congratulations and BIG thank you for your comments and shares.
Sonya Jones of Tee-iabo Designs!
Congratulations and BIG thank you for your comments and shares.
My 2nd winner is:
Angelene Flowers of Paper Pastiche!
Congratulations and BIG thank you for your comments and shares.
Angelene Flowers of Paper Pastiche!
Congratulations and BIG thank you for your comments and shares.
Thank you to everyone who entered!
Please sign up for my newsletter because that's where I share all the good info first :)
Have a happy creative day! ~Alicia
Please sign up for my newsletter because that's where I share all the good info first :)
Have a happy creative day! ~Alicia
Logic will get you from A to B.
Imagination will take you everywhere.
~Albert Einstein
The secret is out .....
I have 2 Somerset Studio magazines to give away!
Two winners are even better than ONE.
I have 2 Somerset Studio magazines to give away!
Two winners are even better than ONE.
Simply comment on this post or on my original CONTEST BLOG POST or even on my facebook page.
Sharing on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Blog, etc. etc. etc.
will get you more entries and all of my appreciation.
♥
Sharing on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Blog, etc. etc. etc.
will get you more entries and all of my appreciation.
♥
Contest drawing this Friday, April 10th!
I will draw winning names at about 10:00am Mountain Time
Winners will receive their magazine directly from Stampington Company.
~Have a creative day, Alicia
Winners will receive their magazine directly from Stampington Company.
~Have a creative day, Alicia
They who dream by day
are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.
~Edgar Allan Poe
The next Challenge/Call Out for
Somerset Studio is Gothic Art.
Here are the details and some inspiration!
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Gothic
Wickedly captivating and with a far-reaching catalogue of classic and modern interpretations, examples of gothic fashion, literature, and film never fail to pique one's interest — especially during Halloween. Intrigue and romantic nuances categorize this theme and conjure up a frightful phantasmagoria intermixed with strange beauty, for instance traditional literary creatures of the horror/science-fiction genres such as Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Dracula, the Necronomicon, and Dorian Gray, and the unusual anti-heroines like Morticia and Wednesday Addams, Theda Bara, and characters from Tim Burton films. Inspiration may come from exploring themes of terror-stricken mystery, facing one's doppelganger, or delving into the supernatural world.
If unknown forces have you so compelled to create gothic-inspired art, we invite you to submit your pieces for potential inclusion in our September/October 2015 issue. Whether your inspiration comes form the Romantic/Victorian Gothic eras of Mary Shelley, Edgar Allan Poe, and Lord Byron, or contemporary "goth" subgenres, inclusive of dark color palettes, ghostly elegance, and cultural holdovers from the late 1800s, allow your most magnificent creations to be summoned from the other side!
Absolute Deadline: April 15, 2015.
Wickedly captivating and with a far-reaching catalogue of classic and modern interpretations, examples of gothic fashion, literature, and film never fail to pique one's interest — especially during Halloween. Intrigue and romantic nuances categorize this theme and conjure up a frightful phantasmagoria intermixed with strange beauty, for instance traditional literary creatures of the horror/science-fiction genres such as Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Dracula, the Necronomicon, and Dorian Gray, and the unusual anti-heroines like Morticia and Wednesday Addams, Theda Bara, and characters from Tim Burton films. Inspiration may come from exploring themes of terror-stricken mystery, facing one's doppelganger, or delving into the supernatural world.
If unknown forces have you so compelled to create gothic-inspired art, we invite you to submit your pieces for potential inclusion in our September/October 2015 issue. Whether your inspiration comes form the Romantic/Victorian Gothic eras of Mary Shelley, Edgar Allan Poe, and Lord Byron, or contemporary "goth" subgenres, inclusive of dark color palettes, ghostly elegance, and cultural holdovers from the late 1800s, allow your most magnificent creations to be summoned from the other side!
Absolute Deadline: April 15, 2015.
All submissions should be sent to the Editor-in-Chief as outlined in Submission Guidelines.
"Trapped", original mixed media on wood
"TRAPPED"
is an original I did previously, but it has already sold.
In this piece I referenced many of Poe's works. Usually I paint whimsical and soulful; it is fun to go a little dark and gothic and it fits well into my favorite holiday, Halloween!
is an original I did previously, but it has already sold.
In this piece I referenced many of Poe's works. Usually I paint whimsical and soulful; it is fun to go a little dark and gothic and it fits well into my favorite holiday, Halloween!
I don't know if I will be able to finish a new gothic piece before the deadline because of other commitments and deadlines I have, but if at all possible,
count me in!
Win Your Free Copy!
Of the latest issue of
Somerset Studio Magazine
Random drawing will be held Friday, 4/10/15
Each time you share on social media
(facebook, instagram, twitter, blog, etc. etc. etc.)
your name will be entered again and again!
Each time you share on social media
(facebook, instagram, twitter, blog, etc. etc. etc.)
your name will be entered again and again!
Simply leave a comment on this blog post
stating where you shared to receive your extra entries!
stating where you shared to receive your extra entries!
SHARE like your momma taught ya ♥!
Stampington Company produces my FAVORITE magazines. I really love them all from Stomerset Studio, Somerset Studio Gallery, Altered Couture, Where Women Create, Etc.
I love the photography and enjoy reading the detailed instructions.
Here's a sneak peek for a fun article in the magazine you will win...
I love the photography and enjoy reading the detailed instructions.
Here's a sneak peek for a fun article in the magazine you will win...
And... you will be able to read the article for my "With One Palette" piece!
Come join me in creating fun art! Enter to win right now... It's easy!
Have a great day, Alicia :)
Have a great day, Alicia :)
How wrong it is for a woman to expect the man to build the world she wants, rather than to create it herself.
~Anais Nin
"Pirate Girl" is 16 inch x 20 inches on canvas.
She was so fun to paint, but not in my usual way of creating. I didn't sketch any ideas for her before jumping in to painting. I was in my studio late one evening, freely quickly painting the background with no real intentions of working on a subject. The feel of the background was a bit like tropical island trees with a bit of grunge. I actually had some more free time so I decided to sketch the rough shape of her face and neck using a charcoal pencil.
From there... I was all in!
She was so fun to paint, but not in my usual way of creating. I didn't sketch any ideas for her before jumping in to painting. I was in my studio late one evening, freely quickly painting the background with no real intentions of working on a subject. The feel of the background was a bit like tropical island trees with a bit of grunge. I actually had some more free time so I decided to sketch the rough shape of her face and neck using a charcoal pencil.
From there... I was all in!
25 Things Creative People Do Differently from the "Power of Positivity" website, is a fun read if you are a creative person or happen to live with one.... It could also explain a lot :)
Many people can't start a project unless they are able to finish it within a specific amount of time, usually the same day/night. I have really never been that way, I leave my projects all over my studio and work on them when I have time and when it feels right. With Pirate Girl... I could not stop. I finished her that evening! Well, almost 100% finished. She was finished, but I hadn't found words for her yet.
Many people can't start a project unless they are able to finish it within a specific amount of time, usually the same day/night. I have really never been that way, I leave my projects all over my studio and work on them when I have time and when it feels right. With Pirate Girl... I could not stop. I finished her that evening! Well, almost 100% finished. She was finished, but I hadn't found words for her yet.
What was my Inner Pirate trying to say?
I asked friends and family what she seemed to be saying.... I looked through my saved quotes (I love quotes)... I just couldn't decide on something. All of the suggestions and quotes I found seemed close but not quite right. For a couple days, Pirate Girl sat in different places around my home so I could make sure she was really finished and also to hopefully figure out what was she saying to me.
I love the quote I finally found fromLouisa May Alcott.
It spoke to me and seemed right for this Pirate Girl.
I love the quote I finally found fromLouisa May Alcott.
It spoke to me and seemed right for this Pirate Girl.
Below is the entire finished original, Pirate Girl.
I think I will be adding more
strong
free-spirited
women characters in a series,
"THIS IS MY STORY"
strong
free-spirited
women characters in a series,
"THIS IS MY STORY"
Have a creative day ~Alicia♥
il dono d'amore (the gift of love)
SO exciting! My artist's copy of Somerset Studio, March/April 2015 arrived yesterday. All I can say is WOW. The photography department at Stampington Co. really captures the details of the piece. I want to give a "thank you" shout out for choosing my BLACK, WHITE, BRIGHT YELLOW pieces for the With One Palette feature.
We have a tradition of having "family movie night" every (or pretty close to every) Sunday. One of my favorite movies we've watched is "Letters to Juliet", starring Amanda Seyfried...remember I have 3 daughters ♥ It's a romantic comedy set in Italy. I enjoyed the story, but the settings were absolutely beautiful!
Mangia bene, ridi spesso, ama molto.
~Eat well, laugh often, love much.~
Thanks for taking the time to stop by my blog!
I enjoy reading your comments and if you have a suggestion for a future post that I use, I will send you a free thank you gift.
~Alicia
I enjoy reading your comments and if you have a suggestion for a future post that I use, I will send you a free thank you gift.
~Alicia
When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.
~
Helen Keller
The "Door to Happiness" ...
Happiness can't be found behind a single door. I have absolutely felt the slam of a door that I thought would lead me to a happy goal.
At the time, this is terribly discouraging!
But I can promise if you keep your eyes open to the larger picture... this closed door may be exactly what you needed to steer you in a better direction.
Happiness can't be found behind a single door. I have absolutely felt the slam of a door that I thought would lead me to a happy goal.
At the time, this is terribly discouraging!
But I can promise if you keep your eyes open to the larger picture... this closed door may be exactly what you needed to steer you in a better direction.
An example of a closed door could be the end of a paycheck from your job. There is a loss of security and it can be a really scary time. If you stay positive, most likely there will be plenty of other doors of happiness. You can determine which is the right road for you to travel down next.
If you are only focused on the loss of your job, you may miss a great opportunity staring you right in the face.
If you are only focused on the loss of your job, you may miss a great opportunity staring you right in the face.
"The Pursuit of HappYness", by Christopher Gardner
was made into a movie starring Will Smith. This is a great life story about always looking for the open door and being tenacious in claiming the life you would like to live. I am excited to start reading "Start Where You Are" also by Christopher Gardner.
was made into a movie starring Will Smith. This is a great life story about always looking for the open door and being tenacious in claiming the life you would like to live. I am excited to start reading "Start Where You Are" also by Christopher Gardner.
One thing is certain...
Life is an adventure and you should enjoy the ride.
I love to read your comments! ~Alicia
Life is an adventure and you should enjoy the ride.
I love to read your comments! ~Alicia
"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say 'I used everything you gave me'."
~Erma Bombeck
"Do something creative every day."
That's what a lot of people say, and I tend to believe them. I know life gets busy with family, work, obligations, etc., etc., etc., If you wait for the perfect "FREE TIME", it may never come.
There will usually be something else that requires your attention, cleaning the house, that phone call you should have made earlier, scheduling doctor appointments..... You get the idea. But for your sanity (and those around you) you must carve out a bit of ME time to do something you love and I hope it is something you CREATE.
That's what a lot of people say, and I tend to believe them. I know life gets busy with family, work, obligations, etc., etc., etc., If you wait for the perfect "FREE TIME", it may never come.
There will usually be something else that requires your attention, cleaning the house, that phone call you should have made earlier, scheduling doctor appointments..... You get the idea. But for your sanity (and those around you) you must carve out a bit of ME time to do something you love and I hope it is something you CREATE.
Do new supplies get you excited?
For me, it's like Christmas! I can look at a new canvas or new Prisma colored pencils or Copic Markers or Paints and even if I don't actually NEED them, if I have a great coupon... YES, they are going home with me!
For me, it's like Christmas! I can look at a new canvas or new Prisma colored pencils or Copic Markers or Paints and even if I don't actually NEED them, if I have a great coupon... YES, they are going home with me!
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I hope you can make it a consistent goal to carve out a little time each day to create!
Do you have an idea for an upcoming blog post?
Please leave a comment below or send me a message!
~ Have a happy day, Alicia
Do you have an idea for an upcoming blog post?
Please leave a comment below or send me a message!
~ Have a happy day, Alicia
Love is in the air, and it's CONTEST TIME .......
~~ CONTEST ~~
DO YOU HAVE ANY VALENTINE'S DAY TRADITIONS?
♥ Post your tradition(s) in the comments OR on my Facebook Page
♥ Share this page, Please and Thank you :)
♥ Random Drawing Sunday, Jan 8th 8:00pm MT
♥ I will send an 8x10 free print to a random person
(The winner will pick which print or I can surprise you!)
~~ CONTEST ~~
DO YOU HAVE ANY VALENTINE'S DAY TRADITIONS?
♥ Post your tradition(s) in the comments OR on my Facebook Page
♥ Share this page, Please and Thank you :)
♥ Random Drawing Sunday, Jan 8th 8:00pm MT
♥ I will send an 8x10 free print to a random person
(The winner will pick which print or I can surprise you!)
I love contests! Have a happy day ~Alicia
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