As of late, I’ve been working on paintings in stages.  I used to try to finish paintings in one shot.  That worked for a while, and I was happy with what I came up with, such as the ones in the Emotional Satisfaction series ( I will post pictures of those soon!) I really wanted to get away from the need to finish things in one sitting.  I don’t necessarily think the paintings look rushed, but the extra time to look and think about the images really helps.  I wanted to get a picture of one of the paintings halfway through the process.  This is one that I am working on now.

I may or may not be procrastinating for the “Art of Jazz” show.  I want to have three pieces to submit for that as well, and as of now I have Z-E-R-O. But I’m full of ideas And the snow day tomorrow should help!
*3 pieces by the 28th*
*19 days for brilliance to bloom*
I’m all over it… as I work on this piece tonight, I will start one piece for that. Take that procrastination.

I thought I should bring you an update on the progress of our master bathroom.  On Friday, I went on my own little paint shopping spree.  First, I visited a local mom-and-pop paint shop for some paint samples for our living room.  I had hoped to support local businesses by purchasing the bathroom paint from them, but since Home Depot had mixed Sherwin Williams’ Worldly Gray so well, I thought it best to return to them for the remainder of that paint color.

At Home Depot, I went paint supply crazy, purchasing 1 gallon of primer, 2 gallons of Worldly Gray in eggshell (for the master bathroom vanity area and the master bedroom) 1 quart of Worldy Gray in satin (for the steamy master bathroom water closet), a small jar of custom mixed sample paint, 2 bottles of spray texture, a package of paint rollers, painter’s caulk, and plastic liners for sealing off the room for texturing.

I bought the painter’s caulk to try out a technique I had heard the professionals use.  When taping off trim, they leave a small sliver of whatever they are taping off exposed.  They then squeeze a thin bead of caulk over the exposed sliver and overlapping onto the wall.  The caulk will provide a paintable paint-tight seal over the tape which allows for cleaner paint lines.  We’ll see how it works out.

Friday night we got to taping off the room, sealing it with caulk and spackling any holes or bare gyp board that needed to be covered.

Saturday morning, or rather afternoon by the time Rob got out of bed, we painted our base coat of primer.  As soon as that first coat was dry, we began taping plastic over the door frames and openings, mirror and cabinet in preparation for the mess that is spray texture.  I quickly sprayed down the vanity then thanked my lucky stars that it was the last time I would have to subject myself to that stuff.  For anyone wanting to attempt spray texture, I would recommend a heavy duty mask that will keep you from breathing in too many chemicals.

Sunday we took a break for the Super Bowl party we were hosting, but believe me, I showed off our half completed bathroom makeover to whoever was willing.

Monday we painted one more coat of the primer.

Here’s how it looks now.

What a dingey ceiling!  Don’t worry, I’ll paint it, too.  Doesn’t the crisp white primer look so much better than the before?

Here’s the water closet.  It currently has 2 coats of primer over the original dark green paint. Neither Rob nor I are convinced that 2 coats are enough.

Thursday, we’ll pick back up on the painting.  The vanity only needs 2 coats of Worldly Gray, while the water closet needs another coat of primer in addition to the top coat. Surely we’ll be finished by the end of the weekend.

The process hasn’t been so bad, we’ve had a great excuse to use our guest bathroom exclusively.

Ok so before I actually shot the sean paul concert in the evening, I had the pleasure of stopping by my friends studio down in little haiti after  I had hung out in aventura earlier. He is a very prominent latin artist from here in miami and has shown his work over much of the U.S. . I usually will follow him around from time to time at some of his showings and gallery events. It’s some really nice artwork he puts out and I always enjoy just hanging out and sharing some stories. here is the portrait  I took of him while hanging around, we plan on collaborating somehow in the future which should be cool.

kiki valdes

It goes without saying that this world is full of stupid people who do stupid things.  However, instead of talking about how idiotic they are, we should learn from them.  We should learn how not to be as intellectually challenged as some of our counterparts.  You’d be suprised at the number of smart people who do some of the dumbest sh*t.  Afterall, it’s terribly possible for someone to be so smart that they lack common sense.  On the other hand, there are plenty of folks who are only smart enough to rely on their common sense.  These folks typically end up landing boast-worthy jobs working in the check-out line of a thrift store.  

Why would you put on the most unflattering accessory you can find to draw attention to a not so charming face and an even worse haircut?  What’s worse is that most people wear these horrific accessories in closed places to make themselves stand out.  News flash, moron: you stand out alright, but only as the ass who looks like a total jack ass.    

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Why would you decide to go grocery go-cart racing in a grocery store parking lot, with the finish line being at the entrance of the lot?  One of these days, as you’re sitting in your wheelchair with two paralyzed legs, you’ll sit back and laugh at that drag race gone wrong.   

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Nothing says ‘life of the party’ like pouring a glass of beer in your nose. 

Oh yeah, I’m sure the dates will be lining up for a night on the town with you.   

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Who in the hell would allow themselves to be used as a human paint brush?  A human ball point pen maybe, but a human paint brush? 

This is one of the many mysteries of the world. 

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Why would you bother writing the reminder, “THINK” on your stomach?  Doesn’t everyone think with their stomach? 

That goes without saying.   

…Duh.

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Your wedding day is supposed to be about you and your new spouse, and of course looking great and having all the single people stab themselves with jealousy.  Why in the hell would you stuff your face like a homeless puppy, and run the risk of ruining that perfect outfit that was handed down to you from your family member who was married 6 times in the same get-up?  For your next wedding, drink more. Eat less.

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Why would you let a blind barber give you a haircut?  No matter how you spin it, that style will never catch on.  Well, maybe if someone makes walking around blindfolded popular.  

You never know what they’ll come up with these days in Hollywood, where style is concerned.     

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Why would you do number 2 in anyone’s bathroom without checking to see if there’s any toilet paper?  You can always use your socks to wipe your ass and clean off your fingers once you’ve finished writing the phrase, “Need Toilet Paper,” in shyt on the walls.  Just don’t count on being invited back to the paperless establishment. 

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What sense does it make to drive blindfolded while wearing a seatbelt??? 

There’s no point in living on the edge if you’re going to be safe about it. 

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Why would you try to use an EBT card to make an online purchase?  On second thought, you’d be surprised at the perks of living in the hood. 

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Just because the fattest coworker at your job buys you lunch every day simply to make it appear as if they have friends doesn’t mean you should agree to sleep with them to even the debt.  Maybe you should take a class in using people to avoid this type of horrifying self-reduction in the future.

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Why would you serve alcohol at a celebratory recovery party to a recovering drunk?  

This is a sure way to get a one-way ticket straight to hell.  That is unless you have friends in high — or low places.   

Oil on linen. Hand painted ED 1/5  - Sold.

Archival Ink and Watercolour on 300gsm Paper.  - available unframed. $80

This image is inspired by shadow puppetry and story telling between people. The types of things people would have done in the evenings before the television and internet era. Pole has used a flowing organic pattern for the body of the bird to create more mood and interest than the traditional feathers would have.

A very slick example of HTML5 and JavaScript:  Sketchpad!

My favorite part is the switch from paint to light.  It would be even more fun if I still had my tablet.

I am combining the sketchbook faces that I doodled while riding the commuter bus to the ferry each day. I just put the pencil on the paper and made some squiggles, the bumpy bus helped with the process. Then I looked to see “who” was there. It was fun to watch the odd looks of the people around me as they saw what I was drawing. They always seemed satisfied when I said I taught art for video games, and wanted to know where the ideas were coming from. That part I couldn’t answer! “I am removing the white of the paper to see what is there” seemed to amuse some and produce rolling eyes from the others. Obviously too many years of SciFi movies have influenced me profoundly, either that or my study of animals got whirled in the blender of my mind and out came cat/dog/goat creatures.

Look at this next set and see if you can tell which ones were drawn at Christmas, when it was snowing, last year.

This one is wise. I think I will spend some time on it.

And course the celery and lettuce girl. I must have been hungry!

The sun is out and so am I! Yesterday when it peeked out I opened the goat pen and let them follow me around the yard. It was a blast for them and me, but the chickens were not impressed, and then Henry started chasing the sickly rabbit that I was letting get fresh air. Can’t do any yard work until these chest muscles heal, but at least I can bask!

Boyfriendpants came with very few pieces for furniture, but one of those was this old side table, which I really loved the lines of…but not the look. It was in beyond shabby shape.

The finish was worn, it hadn’t been cleaned in I don’t know how long and living with two spoiled cats and a young dog hadn’t helped much either.

Either something else had been here before that wasn’t now, or the veneer on the top inserts had shrunk and pulled away from the surrounding wood, I couldn’t tell. But, it left a narrow channel that had been gathering debris for who knows how long. I cleaned the dust and cat hair out….

and filled with wood putty both on the very top…

and the lower surface…

while Bogart kept an eye on everything

When the putty dried, I sanded the whole piece and painted it yellow….

then added a pale blue in the inset panels for depth and finished the whole thing with strategic sanding of the edges to give it a worn look.

Now it fits in with the rest of the furniture and colors, just using leftover paint. Boyfriendpants was happy that he was able to keep his favorite piece and I was happy that it was no longer an eyesore.

thanks for listening,

citygirl

Well, the painter came today to repaint my step-daughter’s room after she set fire to it about 3 weeks ago, playing with a grill lighter. A friend and I who are both working on books were spending the day together, brainstorming, writing and researching. I have two dogs, a mini pincher and a 100 lb. bulldog. Our bulldog’s name is Gordo. In the afternoon, he came downstairs to the dining room, where we were sitting. She noticed something white on the edge of her sleeve after she had been petting him and I saw something white on the edge of his lips. I leaned down, so that I could see under his face and there was a thick strip from cheek to cheek under his chin where he evidently got into the room being painted and tried to smell in the paint bucket.

I scrubbed at it with warm water and paper towels before I took the following pictures, so I was able to get some of it off. But, it looks like I’ll be in the shower giving him a bath and scrubbing under his chin to get the rest off after I’m done with this post. Ahhh, a housewife’s work is definitely never done.

Hello again,

I find Art shows are the best way to get the artistic blood flowing again and that seems to be what’s happened.

Sunday I felt the need to sit down, put on some music and do an abstract, so I did.

I aimed for a complete abstract in the style of “Unexplained” because I really do think there are times when art should be done “just because”.

So here it is:  Be-cause~ 13″ x 9.5″

I’m thinking this may turn into a 5 part series since I happen to have 5 of these sized canvases at my disposal.

So stay tuned

Cheers,

Amanda

Bring the warmth of VALENTINE’S DAY into your dearest most intimate spaces. Stimulate your senses by selecting an assortment of textures, finishes, and printed graphics.

A black and white color scheme accented with RED can liven up the interior of your home. Push the envelope by splashing RED everywhere your heart desires!

Photo Credit-Natalie Norcross and Associates

Photo Credit-Natalie Norcross and Associates

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02/05/10

From now on my Etsy shop will always (and only) be stocked with two things:  $12 prints (5″x7″) and $10 greeting cards (5 pack.)  This just feels clean and basic.  Although I am simplifying, I am now able to offer so many more options, so please visit!

(Here are some packs of cards waiting to be bought!)

I am still selling originals in my Ebay store.  At this moment there are a few ACEO’s starting at $5.  I am still happy and willing to do commissioned paintings.  You can message me here, on Etsy, or Facebook!

1.  Safer products for your family and the environment

2.  Low odour means improved indoor air quality

3.  Quick drying so you can use your room again the same day

4.  Unsurpassed durability for long-lasting beauty

5.  Available in any colour so the design possibilities are endless

Benjamin Moore’s new Natura paint is their greenest, offering superior performance that’s virtually odourless.  It boasts the lowest total emissions of any paint on the market.  It is a true Zero VOC paint even after it’s tinted because it uses zero-VOC waterbourne colourants to tint the base. You no longer have to sacrifice style or colour – Natura is available in a primer, flat, eggshell and semi-gloss finishes.

With Benjamin Moore Natura paint, you have an environmentally friendly option when it comes to painting the interior of your home or condo, and you can count on the beauty and quality you expect from Benjamin Moore.

What is a VOC? VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds – organic chemical compounds that have high enough vapor pressures under normal conditions to significantly vaporize and enter the earth’s atmosphere. Volatile organic compounds are numerous and varied. Although ubiquitous in nature and modern industrial society, they may also be harmful or toxic.

Bejamin Moore Natura paint is available from Speers Paint in Oakville on Speers Road.  Check out their new product display and bring going green into your paint too.   We’ve been buying paint for our homes and clients homes and condos from them for years and highly recommend their service – tell them Ryan sent you – no, I don’t get kickbacks… I know you were thinking it.

Ryan Chelak is a real estate broker in Oakville & Mississauga and longtime Oakville resident. Subscribe to my blog to keep up to date on local news, information, events and of course everything you want to know about Oakville real estate.

02/05/10

Submitted by: dunno source via Submit a Kludge!

Card is an important factor in the life and liberty of printing business cards to save can also be beneficial. There are many sources, from which can be one of them.

Free, mainly through online sites, their form, usually provided by the print business cards templates. The template is the same kind of cards, but only they can be used to set the accurate, from the information and sharing of information, will create a map on them.Following the acceptance of pre-formatted standard cards for personal work.

Use business card free print of the benefits, but the fact is that the source of a person's different, you can always change the connivance, at the same time get a very low price or an unlimited choice. It depends from which to get their web site. Many people will give you for your e-mail address to send or long-term subscription e-mail templatesList. Hence, they will continue to work with you in the future contact.

These templates to ensure that free business card print will normally be different software, and most suppliers, they are one can easily edit, you can change the format. They only need to replace the content in order to adapt to technology for personal use.

With a free template, because in fact, their freedom and property, many people are often at a disadvantage使用. This makes them less unique, especially the more popular designs.

The most important part is the design pressure, which can be in many different ways. Its objectives are to high-quality printing, is obtained at a reasonable price. Quality is the key, do not by the price of replacement. Importantly, the card is good, his eyes look when printed. Pressure can take a variety of ways. However, for digital printing is the best way toBecause there are very high quality, while providing the best, is a kind of pocket. Digital Printing also provides some additional pressure on the main chance.

You are an airsoft guns, paint? This is a problem that many fans would like to know in this sport. But for beginners who do not know where to start, it may be difficult to determine the difference between the two. Therefore, for all the newly added analog militant movement, where dilapidated.

Choi is a frequently engaged in outdoor sports. This is a very exciting extreme sports are very popular throughout the United States and around the world role.

Usually gamesSelect color is a Capture the Flag. Each team wearing bracelets, and tried to capture the flag from the other teams base.

Goal of the game is to deprive the other teams flag and make it back to the starting point, rather than from a color measures. If you are concerned, you out.

In the choice of weapons in this game is paintball guns or markings. These weapons are usually triggered by Barrell and maintain an additional reservoirPaintballs.

Airsoft guns on the other hand paint, do not use bullets. Rather than the particles choice is BB shells. This Entremés sport in Japan, the 20th century, developed in 80 years, has been described as an extreme version of the color.

The weapon of choice is the sport of airsoft guns BB guns. These weapons are unique because of its realistic depiction. In fact, you can get almost any one simple Beretta pistol desert eagle airsoft guns, air guns, or very near the typeOozie machine guns.

Airsoft guns, you can enjoy a longer atmosphere of war. Arenas simulation of the games are played in the toy buildings, the battlefield distribution of indoor and outdoor airsoft guns. Often you will see a bdus airsoft guns and military equipment, tactics. This will ensure a very exciting true gaming experience.

Rule of the game usually include Capture the Flag, Team Deathmatch, close combat and military simulations.

So, which one better? To be honest, there are two gamesAdvantages and disadvantages.

Web page on the color, it is very easy to say who have been taken. People who have bee attack is the only color of her dress on the left to determine. In addition, it is very easy to find in the United States color on stage as a simulation toy gun reason. This is mainly due to the overall color popularity.

Its shortcomings, but also color the game a little more expensive than in many areas of the game of airsoft guns. Color is also in the BBS can be more expensive. Also,Some people claim that, in paintball combat simulation, not as good as the actual airsoft guns, but this is mainly speculation.

On the other hand, simulation toy gun battle, is boasting more realistic. The weapons and equipment as a whole has a more realistic look and feel. People seem to dress up as a win more. In fact, this is almost an unwritten rule, a person in the game the fight airsoft guns should dress. Most materials can be combined with simulation of relatively affordable toy gunsPaint.

On the other hand, gives the room more color than airsoft guns and equipment is limited. Airsoft guns in many areas of the 18-year-old, compared to stadiums, the paint on the younger age groups, only the total age range.

In the simulation toy gun, it is harder to say who had been taken. The game is to honor system to know if you know that you fight, you go. While the majority of airsoft guns to tell you that most people are quiteA good honor system, which will leave when he was hit.

So, you are an airsoft guns, paint? So, the best way to really decide is to try two kinds. You can, you feel surprised.

Still kickin’ here. Not any better, not any worse, so as a friend said today, sounds like you pulled the little muscles around your rub cage. It only hurts when I take a deep breath, so I am shallow breathing. <grin>

I spent the morning creating a digital diazo print like I used to work on. . .

and the results are pretty close to the real thing, so I took an old outline and dropped it on. I am glazing in the color now in a similar manner to the water color techniques I once used. The results are promising, but not there yet.

I layered it over some of my other digital work and it adds a soft texture that I find appealing. . .

My arms and brain are completely worn out now, so I don’t have much more to add. I doubled the Neurontin, which just takes the extreme edge off the pain, but leaves me dizzy and fuzzy headed. And yes, more so that usual! Good night! And visions of sugar plums, which shouldn’t be enjoyed just once a year!

Here are my stencils projected onto a wall surrounding the Education Building. I did not want to deface the property and this is a projection of what it would look like. The second picture is a closeup on the viewfinder showing that you can “look through your obstacle.”