Wednesday, May 7, 2008

And Now for Something Completely Different....


As soon as I read about Gertrude of Nivelles, patron saint of cats and gardeners, I knew I had to paint her. This one is a bit of a departure for me (not exactly Halloween, hehe) but she was such a great subject, I just couldn't resist. Born in 626 she was a mystic and visionary, known for her hospitality, and often invoked against rodents, which accounts for the cat patronage (yes, there truly is a patron saint for everything!)

I've painted her in a whimsical folk art style, on a solid oak cabinet door so there's no need for framing. She's surrounded by cats, but it looks as though some of them are falling down on the job; there's a little mouse at the top of the frame!

I'm still debating whether to eBay this one or give Etsy a go. Either way, she'll be up for sale somewhere tomorrow evening around 9. I may set a reserve, or open it up to a "buy it now", not sure yet.

In the meantime, it's back to Halloween painting, with a witch's hat and a very special, wooden ornament chest next on the "to do" list.

Back again soon......

~ Carolee

13 comments:

Christopher A. Klingler said...

Carolee ~ Lovely new piece! :)

You need to give Etsy a GO. I have you favorited there and keep waiting...hint (wink) '-)

ALSO thank you for being a great blogging friend!

Best,
CK :)

Jennifer MacNeill said...

Carolee, I love it! Just beautiful. Now you have to do a St. Francis, my favorite Saint.
Jen

Kristen Beason said...

It's gorgeous! I love all of the colors!

Kristen

LYNDY WARD said...

Hi Carolee, where did this go up for sale??? SHE'S AWESOME!!! AND did you know Gertrude of Nivelles, Patron Saint Of Cats is celebrated March 17th my birthday & St. Patty's Day???

Hugs, Lyndy

Carolee said...

Thanks so mcuh, all. :) Lyndy, I didn't even put that together, but how very cool to have a Birthday on St. Patrick's Day AND St. Gertrude's feast day!!

~ Carolee

Kristen Beason said...

Happy Mother's Day Carolee!

Kristen

Christopher A. Klingler said...

Happy Mothers Day!

CK :)

Cathy ~ Tadpoles and Teacups said...

She is lovely.

Unknown said...

Geez Carolee, I skip checking blogs and such for a week and I guess I best not do that anymore. I feel like I've missed out on too much!!

Hope you are well... drop me a note when you get a moment.

Lori

Dianie said...

WoW! Carolee, I love this painting! She is beautiful! The chairs you have been doing lately are Fantastic as well.

~Diane

Anonymous said...

Beautiful painting Carolee! The little mouse in the corner is really a sweet touch.

LYNDY WARD said...

Hi Carolee, just wanted to say that this beautiful artwork is even more Fantastic in person!!!

I LOVE YOUR RENDITION OF ST. GERTRUDE OF NIVELLES!!

This artwork means so much to me because it's the day of my Birthday, St Gertrude's Celebration Day & St. Patrick's Day. WOWY WOW!

XOXOs, Lyndy

LYNDY WARD said...

Hi Carolee, just wanted to say that this beautiful artwork is even more Fantastic in person!!!

I LOVE YOUR RENDITION OF ST. GERTRUDE OF NIVELLES!!

This artwork means so much to me because it's the day of my Birthday, St Gertrude's Celebration Day & St. Patrick's Day. WOWY WOW!

XOXOs, Lyndy