for Mixed Media Monday 14" X 14" acrylic, Prismacolor, ink, and charcoal
Monday, February 8, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Theme Thursday: Pink and Black ( and a Lotta Red)
I decided to take the colors and composition from my Have a HeArt logo and turn it into a mixed media painting. So here it is: Your Own Personal Jesus III. It's 18" X 24 " and is acrylic, pastel, colored pencil, charcoal, and ink on gallery wrapped canvas. The photo is by my very talented sister whose work you can see here and here.
This painting, along with seven others, and three shrines is going to a gallery in Atlanta tomorrow. Because this is the first time my work has hung anywhere, since 1976, I'm pretty excited! More about this and photos later.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Have a HeART For Haiti, A Blog Event
"One love, one heart, let's get together and feel all right." (Bob Marley)
Sounds pretty good, if you ask me. As have so many of you, I've been thinking about what I can do to really help the people of Haiti. One of my students, Ashley, moved to the United States from Haiti six years ago. Most of her family, including her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins remained in Haiti. In December, Ashley's mother went back to Haiti to care for her aging parents. When we heard the news about the earthquake in Haiti last week, Ashley had no idea if any of her family had survived. The next day, thankfully, her mother was able to call Ashley. She was alive, but Ashley's grandparents were confirmed among the dead. Their bodies had been recovered from the debris of their home, which had collapsed. Ashley's mother was uncertain about the fates of the other family members. She said that an aunt's home had been destroyed, and she thought that several children were buried with their mother under the rubble. Subsequent phone calls revealed that rescue workers thought that they could hear Ashley's aunt calling for help, but when crews were able to get to the victims, they had all perished. I tell you this horrible story because, for me, this catastrophe wears a personal face: Ashley's. I see her every day 4th period. Sometimes she cries, but she comes to school. She won't stay home to grieve because, at home she would be alone. Her father flew to Haiti, last Saturday, to be with his wife. So, Ashley comes to school every day because that's where her friends are. That's where she finds comfort.
So, I've thought about what I could do to help, and I have a plan. But I need your help. I spoke with Rebecca, of Recuerda mi Corazon, last Thursday night about my idea. Rebecca has organized the Cigarbox Shrine Auction for the children of Oaxaca for the past two years, and she was kind enough to speak with me at some length and offered many helpful suggestions.
What I want to do is have a art auction to benefit recovery efforts for Haiti.
Here's how you can help:
1.Place this logo on your blog and link it to this invitation
(created for this event and dedicated to some of the most inspirational people I know, The Three Muses)and Creative Therapy).
2. Create a piece of art (or use something you've already made) and donate it to our auction, to be held in June, 2010. Since this is an international event, please consider things like size and shipping cost before you create your art.
3. Pass this information on to as many people as humanly possible, via your blog, Facebook etc, and return yourself in June to bid.
To participate, here's what you do:
1. Email me personally at kathymccullen@aol.com with your name and preferred link.
2. Create some art!
3.When the new auction site is opened in June, design and upload your own personal page with with photographs of your art and artist's information.
4. Agree to mail your art to the winning bidder, when auction closes, and to donate the proceeds to the Red Cross. All payments for art must be made in the form of a money order or cashier's check made out to the Red Cross, to make things as easy on the artist as possible.
All you have to do now is make a pledge to help. I'll give you further instructions, as time for the actual auction draws near.
"Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." (Buddha)
Since I started my blog two years ago, I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and support of strangers all over the world who have become my friends. This is an unbelievably generous and compassionate community of people, and, together, we can make a difference. Together, let's light a candle.
Love,
Kathy
Sounds pretty good, if you ask me. As have so many of you, I've been thinking about what I can do to really help the people of Haiti. One of my students, Ashley, moved to the United States from Haiti six years ago. Most of her family, including her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins remained in Haiti. In December, Ashley's mother went back to Haiti to care for her aging parents. When we heard the news about the earthquake in Haiti last week, Ashley had no idea if any of her family had survived. The next day, thankfully, her mother was able to call Ashley. She was alive, but Ashley's grandparents were confirmed among the dead. Their bodies had been recovered from the debris of their home, which had collapsed. Ashley's mother was uncertain about the fates of the other family members. She said that an aunt's home had been destroyed, and she thought that several children were buried with their mother under the rubble. Subsequent phone calls revealed that rescue workers thought that they could hear Ashley's aunt calling for help, but when crews were able to get to the victims, they had all perished. I tell you this horrible story because, for me, this catastrophe wears a personal face: Ashley's. I see her every day 4th period. Sometimes she cries, but she comes to school. She won't stay home to grieve because, at home she would be alone. Her father flew to Haiti, last Saturday, to be with his wife. So, Ashley comes to school every day because that's where her friends are. That's where she finds comfort.
So, I've thought about what I could do to help, and I have a plan. But I need your help. I spoke with Rebecca, of Recuerda mi Corazon, last Thursday night about my idea. Rebecca has organized the Cigarbox Shrine Auction for the children of Oaxaca for the past two years, and she was kind enough to speak with me at some length and offered many helpful suggestions.
What I want to do is have a art auction to benefit recovery efforts for Haiti.
Here's how you can help:
1.Place this logo on your blog and link it to this invitation
(created for this event and dedicated to some of the most inspirational people I know, The Three Muses)and Creative Therapy).
2. Create a piece of art (or use something you've already made) and donate it to our auction, to be held in June, 2010. Since this is an international event, please consider things like size and shipping cost before you create your art.
3. Pass this information on to as many people as humanly possible, via your blog, Facebook etc, and return yourself in June to bid.
To participate, here's what you do:
1. Email me personally at kathymccullen@aol.com with your name and preferred link.
2. Create some art!
3.When the new auction site is opened in June, design and upload your own personal page with with photographs of your art and artist's information.
4. Agree to mail your art to the winning bidder, when auction closes, and to donate the proceeds to the Red Cross. All payments for art must be made in the form of a money order or cashier's check made out to the Red Cross, to make things as easy on the artist as possible.
All you have to do now is make a pledge to help. I'll give you further instructions, as time for the actual auction draws near.
"Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." (Buddha)
Since I started my blog two years ago, I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and support of strangers all over the world who have become my friends. This is an unbelievably generous and compassionate community of people, and, together, we can make a difference. Together, let's light a candle.
Love,
Kathy
Monday, January 25, 2010
One World One Heart
Happy One World One Heart Day! Aren't those beautiful words? If you've never heard of this event, please go visit the OWOH blog of Lisa Swifka, who started this giveaway event a few years ago to promote a sense of community and friendship in blogland. On her blog, you will discover links to hundreds of other blogs, each with their own giveaway.
Here's what I'm offering:
Two bold and beautiful 8 1/2" X 11" prints, signed, matted, and ready to frame. If you're interested in them, you have until February 14 to leave a comment - winners will be announced on February 15. I will use a random number generator and the first three numbers will each receive copies of both the prints. Please leave only one comment, and the comment must be on this post to be entered. Also, please leave me either a link to your blog or an e-mail address, so I can contact you about your prize.
And please, please come back and visit me on Wednesday. I will be hosting a special event for relief efforts in Haiti and would so love to have you join me.
Here's what I'm offering:
Two bold and beautiful 8 1/2" X 11" prints, signed, matted, and ready to frame. If you're interested in them, you have until February 14 to leave a comment - winners will be announced on February 15. I will use a random number generator and the first three numbers will each receive copies of both the prints. Please leave only one comment, and the comment must be on this post to be entered. Also, please leave me either a link to your blog or an e-mail address, so I can contact you about your prize.
And please, please come back and visit me on Wednesday. I will be hosting a special event for relief efforts in Haiti and would so love to have you join me.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Seeing Red
It doesn't get much redder than this! (for Crazy Amigos)
"Flower Bomb" 12" X 12 " acrylic mixed media on gallery wrapped canvas; you can find it on eBay.Bid Here
I couldn't resist the theme at Sunday Postcard Art this week, so I'm submitting "Time To Rock and Roll." a collaboration from the original Amusing Muses, Ava and Alberta.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Love Is In the Air
Live in Joy, In love,
Even among those who hate.
Live in joy, In health,
Even among the afflicted.
Live in joy, In peace,
Even among the troubled.
Look within. Be still.
Free from fear and attachment,
Know the sweet joy of living in the way.
Buddha
12" X 12" mixed media painting for The Three Muses
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Hey
Have you ever had just the perfect moment, on some random day after work, tired and worn out by the sinus infection that apparently came to stay, just getting ready to crash and take a little nap? I know I haven't really blogged in a while. I've been conserving what little energy I had for making it through the day at school and creating a little art on the side. But I think I'm making a comeback. Something happened today that I had to tell you about. It might not seem like such a big thing to you. In fact, it was a just little thing. But it was a big thing to me. In fact, it was what's known as an epiphany. I realized that I am the luckiest person in the world. I got an e-mail from a girl (well, now, she's actually a young lady) that I coached in cheerleading 14 years ago. Yes, I said 14 years ago. She said she was thinking about me and found me on Facebook. How nice is that? She was always special to me. It's funny how some kids are. In her letter, she told me I was an "encourager during those awkward middle school years." BTW, Mel, if you're reading this, you were never awkward. I thought you looked like Julia Roberts in the 8th grade. But anyway, after reading her letter, just before I dozed off, I said a little prayer, and I thanked God for letting me be a teacher and for letting me know kids who are wonderful enough to take the time to get in touch with me after so many years. I don't think I could've asked for anything more out of life. I don't think I could have been given any greater gift than that. My cup runneth over.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
A Fish Out Of Water
If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours.
Henry David Thoreau
for Creative Therapy and The Three Muses, and Andrew
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Friday, January 8, 2010
The World Is Full of Zanies and Fools
"...who don't believe in sensible rules and don't believe what sensible people say. Because these daft and dewy-eyed dopes, keep building up impossible hopes, impossible things are happening every day!" Rodgers and Hammerstein
Since I've been reading about words for the year on some of my faavorite blogs, I've decided that "possibility" is going it as my word for this year. Several challenges inspired this journal page: Crazy Amigos' "Brand New Start" challenge, One Powerful Hour's "Inspirational Word" challenge,Wednesday Stamper's "When I Grow Up challenge, and Illustration Friday's word "Confined" sent me running in the opposite direction. This journal page started with a background from the dictionary, the page with "possibility" on it, although I don't know if you can even see that any more. Then, I added a handpainted image from a Tim Burton-inspired fashion spread I cut out of Harper's Bazar, acrylic paint, handcolored scrapbook paper, and flourishes with a rubber stamp. Now that I think of it, she looks a bit like a fairy godmother, which is exactly what I'd like to be wne I grow up.
"Apparently there is nothing that cannot happen today." Mark Twain. This is what I believe. This is what my life as a wife, a mother, a teacher, a friend, and an artist have taught me.
To see hopes
Even in a black, confined world, Kanon Wakeshima
Stay warm and cozy and allow yourself to see the possibilities!
Since I've been reading about words for the year on some of my faavorite blogs, I've decided that "possibility" is going it as my word for this year. Several challenges inspired this journal page: Crazy Amigos' "Brand New Start" challenge, One Powerful Hour's "Inspirational Word" challenge,Wednesday Stamper's "When I Grow Up challenge, and Illustration Friday's word "Confined" sent me running in the opposite direction. This journal page started with a background from the dictionary, the page with "possibility" on it, although I don't know if you can even see that any more. Then, I added a handpainted image from a Tim Burton-inspired fashion spread I cut out of Harper's Bazar, acrylic paint, handcolored scrapbook paper, and flourishes with a rubber stamp. Now that I think of it, she looks a bit like a fairy godmother, which is exactly what I'd like to be wne I grow up.
"Apparently there is nothing that cannot happen today." Mark Twain. This is what I believe. This is what my life as a wife, a mother, a teacher, a friend, and an artist have taught me.
To see hopes
Even in a black, confined world, Kanon Wakeshima
Stay warm and cozy and allow yourself to see the possibilities!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
New Journal Page
It's time to investigate the possibilities of how things need to be, and not always how they are. Sandra Bos
(for The Three Muses)
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Thanks for Noticing
After a very merry Christmas, several obstacles have presented themselves and kept me from creating any new art or even keeping up with my blogging. First of all, some bozo (I say bozo because I can't use the word I'd really like to say because, here on my blog, I try to pretend to be ladylike and that I don't have a mouth like a sailor; after all, my children read my blog). This cretin managed to compromise my e-mail password and sent messages to all my contacts, purporting to be me, pleading for them to sent $2500 to my aid. Thankfully, many of you realized that no self-respectiong English teacher would use such dreadful grammar and called or e-mailed me to notify me of my unfortunate plight in West Africa. Since then, I've been unable to read my e-mail or access any of my Yahoo accounts. Needlesss to say, this is cramping my style. And, on top of that, I've come down with some kind of awful epizudus that has made my nasal passages feel like they're filled with wet cement and my eyes to swell like two like boiled onions. I'm not a pretty sight, I assure you. My throat, when I cough, feels like it's full of broken glass. Last night I had bad dreams all night long caused by my own thunderous snoring. I hope that I have a miraculous recovery in time to go back to school tomorrow because the powers that be frown upon employees that are absent after a holiday, so I must go, squinty eyes, leaking sinuses and all.
In my invalid state, I find that I am unable to tear myself away from my couch in front of the fire and venture up to my studio to make any new art. As you can guess, I'm having a bit of color withdrawal. So, I snapped a picture of some new treasures I snagged Friday on a thrifting expedition.
On a totally different note, I was thrilled to get a message today from Mixed Media Monday that they had decided to feature my painting "Once in a Boo Moon" as their pick of the week for the Least Favorite Color challenge. MMM is one of my all-time favorite art blogs because so many wonderful artists contribute to the thoughtful challenges there, so please pay them a visit to see some really creative work.
If you're waiting on some art from me, I'm so sorry for the delay. I promise to get it in the mail in the next day or two, and I'll be back to my regular blog visiting soon. And, if you need my new e-mail address, just send me a message on Facebook, and I'll send it to you. I feel a bit like Eeyore, with all this gloom and doom, so I'll spare you any further bellyaching and leave you with his words, "One can't complain. I have my friends."
Love and sneezes (oops, I mean kisses).
Alberta
In my invalid state, I find that I am unable to tear myself away from my couch in front of the fire and venture up to my studio to make any new art. As you can guess, I'm having a bit of color withdrawal. So, I snapped a picture of some new treasures I snagged Friday on a thrifting expedition.
On a totally different note, I was thrilled to get a message today from Mixed Media Monday that they had decided to feature my painting "Once in a Boo Moon" as their pick of the week for the Least Favorite Color challenge. MMM is one of my all-time favorite art blogs because so many wonderful artists contribute to the thoughtful challenges there, so please pay them a visit to see some really creative work.
If you're waiting on some art from me, I'm so sorry for the delay. I promise to get it in the mail in the next day or two, and I'll be back to my regular blog visiting soon. And, if you need my new e-mail address, just send me a message on Facebook, and I'll send it to you. I feel a bit like Eeyore, with all this gloom and doom, so I'll spare you any further bellyaching and leave you with his words, "One can't complain. I have my friends."
Love and sneezes (oops, I mean kisses).
Alberta
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