More 13, reminders of the Secret of NIMH, and mom art stories

This is what I want.
MORE ART, less internet.
MORE real EXPERIENCE, less computer.
MORE PIZZA, less ...I donno. I just like pizza.

Anyway, amidst the swirling mess that is my brain and projects and schedule right now, I am actually getting some things done.

Tonight I worked on a commission. An exciting project I cannot really talk about yet, but I can say its an underwater scene.

I also finished 2 more images in the 13 series. 7.25" x 7.25" acrylic on wood.
both currently available if interested.

Ok, after finishing this, and coming up with a title, "Keeper 13"  I realized this image is yet another throwback to my childhood. Who remembers Mrs. Brisby - who wore the amulet that imbued its wearer with the necessary magical powers when they showed extreme courage? Yeah. This image kinda reminds me of that. I REALLY need to see that movie again. That's right... the Secret of NIMN. Full of pain, sorrow and humor. And that intense moment with Mrs Brisby activates the amulet amidst the political social chaos of the rats... Light bursts from her being, she becomes like a goddess and saves her family by using all her energy... thus blowing the minds of the rats. I think I played and replayed that scene so many times.
Actually, here is a You tube video - someone took clips from the movie and put it to the song "Animal I have Become". Pretty Nifty. And it includes a bit of the goddess like Brisby at the end.


"Thirteen Witnesses"
there is a number by each character.
This was was just fun. No hidden realizations behind this one yet.

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mom
Thus begins the organization of my mothers art supplies. May her soul rest and not haunt me for throwing away useless tubes of paint.
This weekend I learned that my mother never threw away old tubes of paint. She kept her paints in a 3 bin system (on a rolling card with 4 shelves.) The top bin held all the mostly usable and recently bought paints. The old paints would merely be designated to the lower bins... there were some in the bottom that included logos I've never seen before. (I couldn't even find internet images, but I kept a few so I'll take pics next time I'm there) I also organized most of her brushes - I believe the same theory also applies here, but I can understand. I can't throw away old brushes either - they become scumbling brushes, and when that fails, I stick them in plant pots.
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I am business woman
I am proud. I did my own business taxes, deductions, etc. Actually ended up in the positive. Yay! Next year however, I have a lead for a good accountant. It might save me some stress points.
I also made some steps to insure even more art business soon.
I want to vend at MORE events.
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More doodles in the sketchbook.

Recent work and inspirations

I've been doing lots of work lately, various projects and styles, and generally kickin it into high(er) gear.

Last first Friday got me out (finally) to see some (gasp!) ART!

First stop was William Denton Ray's (Billy Ray's, WDR's, Whimsical Funk's) studio for a pre-planned trade. I love his work, and have aquired some pieces through trade and purchase (the largest piece I have from the Art vs. Art contest, I could not allow his piece to be destroyed, so I bid on it to save it!)


I have 4 pieces so far! Less blurry photo another time! 
Check out WDR's work at his Etsy shop!

Anyway, needless to say, I was inspired by the COPIOUS amounts of art occupying EVERY crevice, and his seemingly endless drive to create new works. AND, his ability to stick with a series for a while.
I tend to get bout 3 or 4 pieces into a style before I switch gears and do something else.
So, this '13' series I started, I'm going to try to at least do 15. (or maybe at least ... 13? *grin*)
Here are the panels I have so far. They are all related to the number 13.



I also have a few works on paper, first turned into a print, the second is still available.


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horror stuff
Another project I have going is this whole horror convention business.
I have great fun at these events, generally make a profit, but I want to kick things into higher gear.
I'm going to start making some changes to my setup next time I go to an event (Motor City Nightmares, coming in 2 weekends, Novi, Michigan). I'll have less big originals, more visible prints, and more work specific to the horror subject and genre. This has inspired another spurt in small horror artworks.


...
You see why I feel schizophrenic?
My styles hop around like... _________(please insert your own colorful metaphor here for something that changes way too often)______. 
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Art Business
On the plus side, I visited my bank today and made some business arrangements that will allow me to come to more events, and would help with a studio space, should an 'affordable' one open. I've got my eye on the HarrisonCenter here in Indy. Ideally.
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Recent Inspirations
It must be a street art raw creation automatism kind of week. (perhaps in the coming weeks I'll get more automatic)
 
Jesse Reno

and

Basquiat

Thirteen on the mind

I've been slacking in my blogging!
Can you tell, I need "MORE SELF DRIVE PLEASE?"
Oh yeah. Although, I think I'm getting back on the wagon. I can hear the wheels creaking, and I'm trying to pull myself up before my foot gets run over or something.

I have been working on a series of works featuring the number 13. I initially did a fun piece on paper as incentive for the Thirteenth buyer on my Etsy site.

I only feel like sharing one at the moment. The thirteenth buyer piece is secret until the recipient gets it, and my most recent one is way to powerful to post yet. *grin*
You'll just have to be satisfied with one right now. I'd like to get at least 3 REALLY GOOD ONES before I start sharing.


"Thirteen Licks" 5" x 6¾ths" (available for $30 at my Etsy)

Also, here is a slightly arty photo.
I don't take do ~photography~ often, but I felt this one deserved to be shown.

"Encircle"

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One last thing - a sketch from my sketchbook.


"There is some sort of emptiness here. It is fairly new. I'm not sure how to process it, yet I believe it is supposed to be there."