My Birdsong

The Start of Something New

Since Christmas, I have been keeping a watercolor journal. I have been stretching my paintbrush muscles getting ready for another holiday season. The unfinished painting of a leaf above was actually a photograph I took while on a walk after it had rained. The sun poked out briefly adding sparkle to the water droplets all around us. It was a magical moment, and I am eager to see if I can impart that feeling. Here is another journal page.


And speaking of magic, I will be teaching this summer at Artful Gathering, the online summer art workshops. I am finishing my class samples, which I will share here soon. I will be offering two classes, one of which will be Halloween themed. Watch for details soon and check out Artful Gathering.com.

Summer Time and the Studio Looks More Like Halloween

 

I am getting ready for two Halloween shows this fall:

Halloween and Vine
Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013
Petaluma, CA
http://www.HalloweenandVine.com 

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Spirits in Sanford
Friday night and Saturday, October 4 & 5
Sanford, FL
http://www.SpiritsinSanford.com 

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In the meantime, we have had weddings to attend, summer dinner parties to enjoy and strolls on the beach amid sand castles. Plus, we are putting in our backyard, which is no easy task with all the sand we have here! The North Florida summer months are heating up and so are the afternoon thunderstorms, which make a great backdrop when I am painting a haunted house or creating a witch. I hope to see you at one of these shows! Enjoy your summer, it is passing by much too fast!

I'd love to meet you at Upcoming Shows!

Although it's still early August, I'm already preparing for Halloween and Christmas shows.

Below, is my upcoming schedule, and I'd love to meet you at one of these shows. Also, you'll find a variety of other talented artists at these venues, so be sure to mark your calendars now!

I look forward to seeing you at one of these outstanding events!

 

Saturday, September 15 • 10 am - 4 pm
Tinsel and Treasures Folk Art Show

Veteran's Memorial Building 
Downtown Danville
400 Hartz Ave., Danville (across from Starbucks)

TinselandTreasures.com 

• • •

Saturday, September 29 • 9 am - 2 pm
Halloween & Vine

Hermann Sons Hall 
860 Western Avenue, Petaluma, CA

HalloweenandVine.com

• • •

 

Friday, October 12 • 6pm - 9 pm
Saturday, October 13 • 10 am - 4 pm

Spirits in Sanford

Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery
211 East First Street, Historic Downtown Sanford

SpiritsinSanford.com

 

 

Halloween and Vine in One Week!

I've been busy creating all sorts of Halloween delights for my debut at Halloween and Vine, Saturday, Sept. 24, in Petaluma, CA. I'm so excited and honored to be part of this outstanding show of Halloween artists! It's a week away, so grab some friends and make a date! Petaluma is a quaint town, with yummy places to eat and comfy hotels for your stay. Or make a day trip and hit the wine country on your way home. Get all the details on the show website. Can't wait!

 

 

So Many Fun Art Events Coming Up!

Hot air balloons are hot, and I'll have a few available at my next show, the Fourth Annual Tinsel and Treasures Folk Art Show, Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Alamo Women's Club, Alamo, CA. There's a line-up of fabulous artists who will bring their creative magic to the day.

Also after you've shopped and visited with the artists at the show, head for the Make and Take tables, where you can get inspired to make one or all of three projects, like this sweet Christmas Memories paper doll offered by Dede Warren. She designed this kit so you can personalize it with a family member's photo! What a wonderful gift it would make! Head to the Tinsel and Treasures blog to sign up and to see photos of the other projects offered. And sign up for the show mailing list for the latest news!

 

Next up...Halloween and Vine! On Saturday, Sept. 24, at Hermann Sons Hall, in Petaluma, CA, I'll be in the midst of a cadre of Halloween fans as I offer a table full of art that celebrates my favorite holiday - All Hallows' Eve!    I'll have mixed media collages, like "Nevermore", which pays tribute to Mr. Poe. There will be so many other "fangtastic" artists selling their works, you are sure to find that something special just for Halloween. Learn more about the show on the website, and don't forget to add your name to their mailing list! 

Then, it's Glitterfest on Saturday, October 15, at the Santa Ana Elks Lodge. This is always a great day with lots of art to choose from due to the 40+ artists there! It's not for the faint of heart! Head to the website for more information on artists and location.

 

Finally, Colleen and I are teaching a special event workshop together at Gilding the Lily, in downtown Fullerton, CA, on Sunday, October 16. "Winter wishes," is a one-of-a-kind light up lamp that is sure to become a family heirloom. 

We will have a great time building the lamp, creating a wintery scene and then sculpting and fashioning two sweet now ladies. You don't want to miss this! For information and to sign up, head to Gilding's classes blog.

I hope to see you at one of these events in the coming months! Cheers....Iva

Off and Running

 

I am in high production mode for my  upcoming Tinsel and Treasures Folk Art Show, Sept. 18, in Alamo, Ca and Glitterfest Fall, Oct. 2, in Santa Ana, Ca. But...I managed to paint an original Halloween watercolor postcard and list it on eBay. I was inspired by a vintage postcard with similar Halloween elves hurrying scurrying, and thought I'd put a different spin on the little creatures.

If you like my watercolors, I will have originals for sale at both shows and many of my prints. Please stop by to say hello! Happy Haunting...Iva

My How Time Flies!

Preparing for Glitterfest Saturday, May 22, 10 am - 3 pm, at the Santa Ana Elks Lodge in Southern California. I am immersed in images of mermaids, bathing beauties and treasures from the deep. Stop by and say hello. And for all you Halloween lovers, I'll have a small display of my latest creations celebrating October 31. Hope to see you there!