Tonight is THE night! The 6th annual Big 400 opens today.  I have been sharing all 10 of my art pieces as I have been making them but if you are in the Portland area- this is Portland's largest art show. There are over 400 artists participating in the show and there is generally a really long line to get into the art show. I have been participating in this art show since the beginning and it started out with 30 of us and now 400.  Tim and I got a sitter for tonight so that we can swing by the art show and go out for a bite. What are you up to this weekend? PS More details about the show are listed below. Want to see previous work for this show?  Big400 / Big 300 / Big 200 / Big 100 Details About the Art Show: Date: December 14th- 2 p.m. and runs until January 21st. Location:   Peoples Art of Portland Gallery 700 SW Fifth (3rd floor) People's is Suite 4005, Portland, Oregon There are over 400 artists participating in the 6th Annual Big 400 Show and all art is $40. ...
Aren't these photos breath taking? Kristy Mitchell is a UK fine art fantasy photographer and this is from her latest series "Wonderland".  This series has been ongoing for over 4 years.  Her mother passed away from a brain tumor and she channeled her grieving process into her passion for photography.  I love how mythical and magical it is and takes you to a new place, and feels so authentic.  All of the costumes and set is all constructed by hand and takes months to create- but what's amazing is the amount of detail and care.  She also keeps an online diary while she is making and creating. ...
It's sort of funny that when you have kids- one gets motivated to do the traditional things.. cut down a Christmas tree.. put some holiday lights up and of course the family Christmas card. I'm always a fan of doing something extra special and here is our card this year. Tim thinks it's a little on the dark side but who doesn't love a bad Santa especially one with rainbow laser beam eyes with his side kicks killer dolphins and in outer space? I think it turned out pretty perfect:) Holiday Photo Challenge...
I think Winston is happiest when he is running and his ears are flapping back.  He is the watch dog of the house and the best cuddler around.  I can't believe he is going to be 8 years old this year and he doesn't look a day over 5 :).. well at least in his heart. His beard is starting to go white and snores a lot louder these days.  I'm already convinced he will live forever.  Nora loves Winston and Winston tries to sit in Nora's lap and when he tries they look to be about the same size. I can never get a good pictures of the two of them together. This weekend Tim is out of town and I am finishing up some commissioned paintings :) I am doing commissioned portraits for the holidays and only have a couple of spots left open so if you are thinking about it for the holidays then now is the time. More details here .  We also got our first sprinkle of snow!  Doing anything fun this weekend? ...
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 I have done so little Christmas shopping, and I can't believe I haven't even come close to finishing yet. The holidays have snuck up this year because of the late Thanksgiving but I feel like now I am in a rush to start shopping... like I really need a reason to shop. :) So here is my Christmas wishlist for myself and if Santa happens to bring me any of these items I would be extremely happy. I normally do all my shopping pretty early or at least have some sort of game plan but this year- I don't know I am trying to be the spontaneous shopper. You know that shopper that whats for the last minute and sees what she gets. How's your holiday shopping going?...
This is the last and final painting for the Big 400.  I can't believe I have painted them all and I always think it's going to be easier every year but nope I'm work it's a challenge.  I have always loved this bowling alley's sign and now it's owned by a chain but I am so happy that they kept the big glowing retro sign and they have kept it in really good condition.  Back in college one Tim and I favorite things to do was go bowling! and Tim is the funniest bowler.  He sort of bowls like he pushes the ball with all of his might and falls over when he releases the ball.  Just thinking about it makes me laugh and it's almost as awesome as his dance skills. Today is a Nora day- she has been up all night the last couple of nights with teething and has been chewing on her crib.  So we are off to her favorite place the library and then planning on baking some cookies.  What are you up to today? Oil Painting on 8X8 wood board.    Want to see previou...