Unlocking the Garden

Unlocking the Garden. I was asked recently if I wanted to give a presentation at the local artists club that I belong to. Of course I said yes... I would take any opportunity to explain my work to my fellow painters. Anyway, in thinking about what I would actually want to say to them, the one constant was that I wanted them to stop thinking inside of the box. Voila! Unlocking the Garden was born... It is a 12x12" oil on panel

The Three Menaces

My newest... The Three Menaces. 20x24 oil on linen. Could possibly be the last painting of this year... we shall see....

The Looking Glass

This painting began as just a simple "fun" painting taken from an old Victorian photograph I found online. And it was going well... just fun! Then my husband wrecked his motorcycle, endured spinal cord surgery, and after 4 days in the hospital I brought him home. When I returned to finish this painting, my heart wasnt in a "fun" mood anymore. I realized how much stress I was putting myself under, both emotionally and financially. I really thought I had "grown" more than this in my personal life. So this "fun" little painting took on a whole new meaning. It would seem, as I examine myself, that I have not grown as much as I had hoped, and that I have much further to go! Funny how paintings reflect our everyday lives when we least expect it~ thus the name... The Looking Glass

New Art Book!

I am proud to announce the publishing of my new book of art. This is a hardcover book with dust jacket, 7"x7". There are 80 full color pages of my latest paintings, with comprehensive descriptions of what I was trying to "say" when I painted them. I am tickled to death to be able to offer this book. It is just a bit more than a print, and offers pictures of many many paintings!

Anyway, if you would like to purchase one, you can go to my Etsy shop. I have it listed there... just use the link to the right of my blog!!

Oh, and there is a new painting on the way! Should be finished in a few days...

Transfer of Power

The latest of my paintings... one that I am again, not too thrilled with, although I cant put my finger on why I dislike it. It is a painting of one of my past relationships, and honestly, I never was able to completely take back my "power". Perhaps that is my discontentment with this piece. I havent reached this place. I have not received my coronation yet. I am still subject to this relationship and its heartaches... When will I learn?

ON a brighter note... the subject in the painting, has successfully transferred the power over to herself, leaving the last "Queen Bee" to look on her with perhaps just a bit of regret. Hopefully there would be a bit of regret...

Awards

Much to my amazement... I have received awards from the last two shows that I have been involved with. Funny thing is, the focus has been on this painting! Not one of my favorites. I love what this painting has to "say", however, I have always thought it a bit discombobulated, and just a tad bit "cartoony". Anyway, the judges have disagreed.

This painting won Best in Show at the CBA Ocean View show October11, and it won an Honorable Mention at the Spirit show, in the Warehouse this past October 23. Wonders never cease!!

Best in Show Ribbon

Yes, I am elated, humbled, shocked, and even giggly! I was so amazed that I won Best in Show at the CBAA Ocean View Show. There were over 60 artists there, all of whom had amazing art. For my work to be chosen in such a traditional show was a miracle in and of itself! It not only made me feel accepted, but it also made me feel like I was helping the tons of artists here locally who paint "outside of the box". Perhaps Virginia is finally beginning to accept alternative art. Art that depicts something other than beach scenes and ballet dancers.

The painting that won is entitled, A Game of Chess. It makes a statement about God, and his sometimes seemingly unavailability. Please go to the website and have a look at it. It is still available for sale...

Again, I am so humbled by this award... wonders just never cease!!

Blindfolded

Blindfolded. Yes. Sometimes we just wont see what we dont want to. It is as if something inside just turns a blind eye. Unfortunately though, it is impossible to ever completely deny what we see, so the one eye in the painting is symbolic of the fact that even when we are denying what we see, down deep inside we really do KNOW.

Besides all of that hoopla, I just like the colors! haha....

Adding new goodies!

Hello! I will be adding a few things to my website. First off, I have added a link to take you to my Etsy shop. That is an easy place to buy prints and other assorted stuff, rather than using the contact page on the website. I need to work on Etsy, and will be once I get past this next big art show. I will be adding a lot more prints, and original paintings over the next few weeks.

I will also be adding a feature called something like "Paintings of the Month". In that section, I will highlight a few paintings every month that are for sale. Again, this will make everything easier for everyone!! I am also punching my website designer, trying to get a new web design. I am picky and hard to please so I suppose it is more my fault than his, that this hasnt been done yet!! (Of course I added that, because he may read this blog) ;-)

Anyway... over the winter months, when the shows slow way down, I would like to explore so many new things... I would like to play with clay, rubber stamps, and of course paint many new canvas's. Stop by often, and hopefully there will be many new things to look at!

Have a Happy Halloween!

The Ghost of Sorrows Past

The Ghost of Sorrows Past... I desperately wanted to learn to paint white on white. Although I am happy with this painting, I still have a lot to learn about using subtle shading when using white. I am a high contrast person, and so this was so difficult for me! I have a massive antique, heavily carved frame I am thinking about putting this painting in. The frame has been painted a soft offwhite, with soft beige antiquing in the carved areas... it is beautiful!!

Anyway, I would like to do another white on white piece... But for now, I have so many others to do... I hope you enjoy this painting, and what it has to say. Leaving sorrow in the past is the best place to leave it!!!

A great weekend!

I cannot begin to tell you just how wonderful this past weekend at Seawall Art Festival was! It began a week before with dire warnings of constant weekend rain... I truely believed that it was going to be a washout. However, the rain never appeared, and the people were out and about in abundance. As usual I met some of the nicest people ever, which is one of my big attractions to art festivals... I sold 5 originals, sold out of my fine art books and Bochos cartoons books, and won the 5th place ribbon, which was accompanied by a $500.00 check. I know that 5th place doesnt sound all that great, but considering the talent that was there and a hundred artists to compete with, I am not only honored, but totally humbled!

Scape Goat

I did this painting as a test for what I am going to paint on my motorcycle. I will be painting the girl, complete with collar and hands on the top of the tank of my motorcycle. I will be adding angels, eyes, and the number 808 on the fenders and sides of the tank. I am very excited about this project. And not a bad beginning... I got a painting out of the deal too!

Seriously, I really do like the message in this painting. So many times we are accused of doing wrong when we have done nothing. It has happened repeatedly in my life, and there is nothing more excruciating than trying to convince someone that you are innocent! Seems sometimes that the person who yells the loudest is the one that ends up being believed. At least that is how it has been for me. Oh well, a Scape Goat is an intregal part of a dysfunctional family...

Martyr

Well, this is a small 12x12 oil on canvas. I like the name Martyr as it is something that I have never addressed in a painting before. Shoot, we have all had the displeasure of knowing a martyr, havent we? And truth is, we have all probably been guilty of being one ourselves before. Anyway, she definitely is a prima donna of martyrdom!!

I lost interest in this painting half way through, as my next painting started burning a hole in my head!! haha... has that ever happened to any of you? I feel like I cheated this painting, by not giving it my full attention! I hope it doesnt show too badly... and most of all, I hope you all enjoy it...

Opening Pandoras Box

Well, this is the newest painting. While I am not overjoyed with the outcome technically of this painting, I do like what it has to say. I have spent most of my life running from emotions that I am assuming would be quite unpleasant to take a good look at. Emotions that have been buried for years and years. I believe that if I was ever able to open up my heart and take a good look inside, it may very well be like "Opening Pandoras Box".

I hope that you enjoy the message that this one has to give. I hope that it provokes thought...

Embracing Your Fears in Pink Ribbons

This is a 24x24 oil on linen. I think it is quite creepy, but not because of the reason you might think. To me, this painting is about embracing, or facing ones fears. That has always frightened me. I think that in order to be able to do this, we have to have trust in ourselves and faith that it will be ok, which is why I put the girl in pink ribbons... the trust of a child. The girl representing the fear is holding an 8 ball, showing how no one really knows how things are going to turn out.

I dont normally explain my art. See? We never know how things will turn out!

Hope you like it! Prints will be available soon...

Everythings Coming Up Roses

16x20 oil on canvas. Another in my "series" of common phrases. I am enjoying these. They are not necessarily recognizable as my normal type of work, but they have been enjoyable! Hope you are enjoying them too!!!

Time Flys

Well another painting done. This one is different in that I used much cooler colors than I normally would. I prefer my warm pallet of reds and golds, but occasionally I suppose I need to experiment with things. Anyway, I am having fun with these common phrases... Pulling myself Together, and now Time Flys. I have a whole list... should be a series!

Pulling Myself Together

Pulling Myself Together



The new painting... such a relief after about 3 weeks of not painting. I was beginning to worry... Anyway, this is called Pulling Myself Together... for obvious reasons... Well, I DO have a sense of humor..

The Rival - adjusted

I couldnt figure out what I didnt like about this painting, so I got it out and decided to fool around with it. I added more ivy on her forehead... and I like it so much better! Then I adjusted the mouth and her eyes. I am much happier with the finished painting. Hope you guys like it better too!!

smiles...

My new Toy

Well, I did it. I bought myself a Harley. The hubby took the plunge a while back, and I have been riding on the back. After giving it a bit of thought, I decided I would rather be in control myself, so I bought my own. I love it. I just got it yesterday, and have learned to take off, shift through 2nd gear, stop, turn, and laugh! Not bad for 45 minutes in the local school parking lot. I could hardly wait to ride again this afternoon, but alas... it is pouring rain. I guess it will have to wait a couple of days until the rain has gone!

I never thought I would be a motorcycle mama, but here I am, and loving every minute of it!

The Rival

Ladies. Sometimes rivals come in small packages!

Agoraphobia ... aka Imprisonment

Most of you dont know me personally, but I have suffered with agoraphobia most of my life. It has robbed me of most of lifes experiences and opportunities. I have gotten better, but driving still seems to be a minor issue. Hopefully, the day will come when that no longer plagues me either.

I wanted to try and do a painting of agoraphobia.. Tons of dark and scary images popped into my mind, but eventually I decided on this one. I think it shows what I want but without being so dark!! Oh, and for those of you who dont know what agoraphobia is, it is the fear of going outside. It is fear. Paralizing fear.

Anyway, this is my feeble attempt at painting a phobia. I hope if you dont understand it, at least you enjoy the image!!

The East Beach Gallery Show

Hi everyone...

I submitted a painting (Tree of Knowledge) to a gallery show yesterday sponsored by the Chesapeake Bay Artists Association, of which I am a member. I am so excited to say that I won 3rd place, which is indeed an honor being among so many talented people. I took my camera and snapped off at least 75 pictures of the event, only to find out this morning that I forgot to put the memory card in the camera. I could have thrown myself on the floor!!!

So, here I am to celebrate a ribbon, that I have no photograph of! haha.... The painting will hang in the gallery until May 30. When I bring it home I will photograph the painting with the ribbon... perhaps with me holding the ribbon... (I could always pretend that it was the original photograph... haha) Anyway... I am tickled... and I wanted to share.

Mona's Mystery

Once a month at Jerrys Artarama they have a "Sip and Paint". I go every month as I enjoy being with other artists, and of course am always looking for something to learn. Yesterday was this months "party" and the end result was this painting. I call it Mona's Mystery, however, we all know that this is DaVinci's Mona Lisa. I plan on doing another but tweeking it a bit... you know, perhaps adding some 1950's cats eye glasses... or an eyebrow piercing... giggles...

Two weekend art shows!!

Well, for the last two weekends I have been quite busy with art shows. The first weekend, I was in the annual Spring show at Jerrys Artarama. It is an annual event, keeping the number of artists down to around 20. It was a fairly successful show, and the best news ever, was that I won 1st place! I cried. I never expected this win, as there were so many talented people there! Here is a pic of the ribbon... and NO I have not been drinking.... haha... Just drunk with joy!

This past weekend I did the Gosport Art Festival in Olde Towne, in Portsmouth. There were over 130 artists and so much talent everywhere!! I sold 9 paintings, and a few pieces of my jewelry and lots of prints. I met so many interesting and lovely people there. Although I hate lugging tents and racks and worrying about the weather in these outdoor events, I love meeting the people, the atmosphere, and of course the greasy food from the attending vendors. I hope all of you local people will come out this August to the Seawall show, and say hi!!

A Game of Chess

Well, another painting that kicked my butt! I do love the colors in this one, but I struggled with the composition. From the beginning of hearing about good vs. evil, God and Satan, I always thought of God as playing some sort of chess game. As if our salvation was nothing more than a chess game between him and Lucifer. Obviously this was a Bible Story that I dont adhere to any more, but I wanted to do a painting illustrating how I felt. I hope this is clear and easy to interpret.

Designer Babies

Well, this is the last new painting before my upcoming 3 shows. I am happy with this painting. I love the colors, it gives me the feeling of an old illustration out of a 1950's childrens book. It was pure luck that the colors came out so nicely... I hated the background color in the beginning...

Anyway, this painting is about how, as parents, we will someday, be able to order our perfect child. With genetic engineering, it is merely a matter of time...

Hope you enjoy the painting, and give some thought to whether you really think this world is ready for ordering babies.

Mating Season

Ever noticed how women act when they are after a man? The competition can be fierce... so, I call this Mating Season... this female seems to have gone to extremes... We can be wicked little creatures, cant we???

haha!!

Heavenly Whispers

Well, as usual, no painting ever turns out the way I see it in my mind. This is a very poor photograph of this painting, however, in reality, the colors are much richer, and the hair much deeper toned... Ah well, what do you do with a digital camera?

I was born at 8:08 in the morning. Since I began a couple of years ago in my art career, I began seeing 808's everywhere. Uncanny things, that simply cant be made up. Cash register receipts, computer glitches, assigned account numbers... you name it and the 808's have been appearing. When my dad was alive he used to always tell me the story of how he received the telegram announcing that his baby daughter had been born at 8:08am. I wonder sometimes, if my dad is putting his approval on the fact that I am painting now. Or if I am being warned, or cheered on, or whatever. I will never know, except that when I began painting, it was as if I was born again. SO... this painting is just a little tribute to my 808s. I hope they stay with me forever...

The Timekeepers

Well, this is the newest painting. I am not especially happy with it, and cant really figure out why, but here it is. I like the concept of the painting, and definitely like the colors... ???

Anyway, it is an oil on canvas... 18x24 inches

I do hope you enjoy it!!

The Masquerade

Well, this painting is pretty self explanatory. We are all hiding something...sometimes we even try to hide ourselves!

This is a 12 x 12 inch oil on stretched canvas.

See ya'll later!

Selfish by Nature

Well, here I am again, with another new painting. This is a bit of a stretch for me, as it really has no emotional value to it at all. However, it has its own little message. As human beings, we have a responsibility to our planet, to nature. I hope we, as a race, begin to take care of our earth and all it has to offer a bit better...

da-da!!! giggles....

The Corruption...

Unfortunately this is a large painting, and when squished down, it gets difficult to see... Poop!

Wheres Momma Gone?

I have been wanting to try out these gesso panels. I see them continually at the local art supply shop. So I purchased a small 8x10 and decided to paint something simple. I love the panels, and will look forward to using them again.

The painting is again, about family relationships or lack thereof. I feel like we are born, coming into this world hungry for companionship and love, but many of us never find it. We become broken human beings, and once that happens, a huge part of us dies...

The Red Shoes

I was raised an atheist and then at the age of 24 became a Christian. I studied. I read the bible and studied, and searched, and asked, and looked, and wandered. What I found was quite different than what I had been told.

So now I am on a spiritual path. I avoid organized religions, and seek God on my own, meeting a few fellow seekers along the way! This painting hopefully expresses what I feel when I think about religious organizations.

My intention is not to offend anyone at all, but merely to express myself. If I have offended you in any way, please forgive me.

smiles,
dzaet

The Grip

I have been suffering with depression for a couple of months, and just a few weeks ago was able to smile again. I have had relationship issues, and had to have my cat put to sleep. It has been awful. BUT, what they say is true. There is light at the end of the tunnel. I feel much better now. Although the depression is gone for now, I still wanted to try and do a painting of how it felt. I think, for me, this expresses the feeling that I had. I was unable to break free of the negative feelings.. it felt like I was imprisoned with sadness as my cell mate.

Thank goodness that I was able to overcome these awful feelings... and thank goodness that I was able to paint my feelings once again!

The Message

I have been stuck in a rut for a while now... using the same colors every time I do a portrait. I thought it would be fun and interesting to see what would happen if I explored the pallet a bit more.

I like the effect of these colors... she looks dark, and mysterious... I thought the bird a perfect addition to the expression on her face.

Anyway, I hope you like it. The original and prints will be available soon!!

smiles,
dzaet

Nutter new painting...

This painting is called "Beware of the Wolf in Mens Clothing". It is dedicated to the wolf that I have been in a relationship with. He pretends to be a man, but I have found him difficult to trust, or believe or even know. Does this sound harsh? It shouldnt. We have all at one time or another met someone who presented themselves to be one thing only to find out they are something entirely different.

I, on the other hand, have represented myself as a passive, gentle, trusting bunny!! No favorites here!! giggles...

Hope you enjoy the painting, and I hope you can relate to what it has to say!! It is available on the website and prints will be coming in the next few weeks!!