Every once in a while, an event comes along so strange and magical, it just cries out to be commemorated in some way...
Such was the pre-Halloween snowfall of 2011. An accumulation of four inches left us here on the east coast wondering was this Halloween or Christmas?
Like Santa here, I suppose it was a little of both...
As always, he's an original, one of a kind piece, handpainted in acrylics with a clear acrylic varnish. I had such fun painting all the little details; his rabbit and mouse friends, the garland of acorns around the base, the crow on the back...
He'll be up for grabs on the PFATT Marketplace in just a few hours (Nov 11th, 10AM Pacific or 1PM eastern) and as always, will go to the first person to email after the update.
I'm hoping to have more Santas to follow (different themes) so if you're a fan of the Jolly Old Elf, stay tuned...
There are so many things I love about the upcoming autumn season I hardly know where to begin...
♥ Big bulky sweaters, comfy jeans and Timberland boots.
♥ The scent of woodsmoke in the air.
♥ Pumpkins, mums and hay bales on front porches.
♥ Homemade applesauce
♥ A kettle of soup simmering on the stovetop.
♥ The crunch of leaves underfoot.
♥ Kids at school bus stops.
♥ Day trips to the mountains
♥ Cozy comforters
♥ Meeting new and old friends at the Ghoultide Gathering
♥ Halloween!
I could go on and on...
It's been autumn in the studio for a while now, as spicy, scented candles burn and musical selections lean toward the old and haunting. One of my favorite things about being a Halloween artist is immersion in this *magical* season all year long.
Last night we had the first acorn squash of the season (oven baked - I'm not a microwave kind o' gal) and Saturday we'll visit local farms stands for more - and probably pick up some of those pumpkins and mums as well. Today's projects (aside from painting like the wind for the upcoming Ghoultide Gathering!) include changing the garden flag out in front of the house from summer to autumn, and filling the antique watering can with autumn branches (high quality faux until the real thing is available)...
Most of the painting these days is show preparation, but I'm also trying to work in a few pieces for those who can't make it...
I usually paint these pumpkin welcome signs on a dark green background, but wanted to try black, and must say I really like it. It makes a nice contrast to the golden orange. Just two of these available, and they're listed on Etsy now. ♥
I must get back to work now (There's a Gypsy Fortune Telling sign calling my name), but not before thanking all of you who've left such thoughtful comments here on the blog, and on the facebook page, and all of you who've emailed with such kind words about my work. The absolute, hands-down, best part of this *job* (feels funny even calling it that!) is knowing what I do brings a smile, or brightens someone's day. :)
After receiving many requests, I've had a few prints made of three recent paintings, and they're now available in my Etsy shop. The first two, "Spellcasting" and "Midnight Margaritas" were inspired by one of my all time favorite books and movies, "Practical Magic"...
The third, "Hubba's Halloween", was inspired by a beautiful ginger boy who used to live at our vet's office (but has since been adopted and gone to his forever home). :)
Isn't he a handsome fellow?
There are just eight of each print available at the moment, but I may order more before Halloween, not sure...
Back very soon with pics of a wicked cool tea chest in progress. Until then, happy Monday!
...are looking for a new home...(update - all sold now)
I took a break from painting tea chests today to paint four of these autumn welcome signs, which will list on Etsy tomorrow, unless someone grabs them first. They measure 11" x 14" and are hand painted in acrylics on solid pine, with stained and routed edges. Sawtooth hanger on the back for display indoors or out.
They're $45 each plus shipping by location, and make great gifts. Just email me at carolee@kingofmice.com if you'd like one. :)
From the day I fell in love with my first ginger cat Maurice, I've always had a special affinity for these boys. I say boys because I think they usually are. I know there are ginger girls too, but boys seem far more common...
One of the current loves of my life is our big boy Arthur (weighing in at almost 18 lbs when last we checked)...
Isn't he beautiful?
Demanding too. When he wants to be fed, he knocks over the wooden screen surrounding the cat food bowls. Like a Hobbit, Arthur thinks morning mealtime includes "second breakfast". ;)
While Arthur is usually my model of choice for ginger cat paintings, I'm painting another handsome boy today. Meet Hubba Bubba...
This regal looking fellow was rescued by our vet, and now resides with one of the vet techs. But I couldn't help snapping a few reference photos before he went to his forever home, thinking with those markings, he'd make a fabulous painting...
The perfect autumn cat, I think.
Detail will be filled in today, and I'll share the finished product here and on facebook before listing on Etsy this evening.
Do you have a Ginger boy (or girl) in your life? Please do tell, and if you'd like to share a reference photo for future paintings (via email) I'd be honored!
We awoke this morning to a cool, grey mist, and what appears to be the first of the flying leaves - and it's making me absolutely giddy with anticipation!
There's magic in autumn, don't you think?
Mother Earth will soon be painting the landscape with colors more brilliant than any any artist could possibly paint, leaves will be dancing and swirling, geese will be flying south, and frost will appear on our old glass windows. I'll harvest the last of the basil for pesto (frozen for use in minestrone this winter) and replace the withering impatiens on the front porch with pumpkins and mums...
We'll visit local orchards and farmer's markets for crisp apples, and make homemade applesauce and pies. We'll clear the pond of summer leaves and debris, and slowly wean the koi off their summer diet, in preparation for winter dormancy. And we'll put t-shirts and linen pants in the old cedar chest, and bring out the sweaters and scarves. Knitting (done only half heartedly in the summer) will begin again in earnest. Here's a photo of my yarn share from Juniper Moon Fiber Farm - isn't it gorgeous!?
MUST do something with this before I receive another share in the spring - I'm thinking a wrap in the mustard/butterscotch color, and perhaps a scarf or hat in the natural? There's a prayer shawl in the works at the moment, but this is definitely next on the knitting roster. ;)
And in the studio, well - it's been autumn for months! Preparation for the upcoming Ghoultide Gathering is in full swing, with everything from trinket boxes to ornament chests and large paintings, and I'm having SUCH fun playing with decoupage and adding bits of vintage hardware to some of the pieces.
Also making me giddy is the opportunity to meet collectors and fellow artists in person (always the best part of any show!) I'll be sending postcards very soon with an admission discount, so if you're planning to attend and are not already on the mailing list, drop me a line. Oh - and DO mention when making reservations (the Hampton Inn in Northville, MI) that you're attending the show - they'll give you a super reasonable room rate!
Just to whet your appetite for Halloween art, here's a video of last year's show...
MAGIC, yes?!
Finally, I have to tell you to scroll down one post for information on a fabulous new networking site for creatives! I'm there, as are many artist and collector friends - do drop by and register if you have the chance. :)
That's it for today - I'm off to paint some Wicked Jack pieces, teehee...I'll be back very soon, and in the meantime, I wish you all the magic and all the blessings of an early autumn!!
Well, OK....not really. Only in my imagination. ;)
It's actually sweltering here in Lancaster County, but imagination can be a powerful and magical thing, allowing me to travel from the oppressive heat of the studio to a soft, sandy beach, where a gentle, misty breeze is blowing in from the ocean...
It can allow me to fast forward a few months to autumn (my most favorite of all the seasons!) where leaves are turning, and pumpkins are ready to be harvested, and baked into muffins and pies...
It won't be long now, *sigh*...
Back in the real world, these two signs are up for grabs on tonight's PFATT Marketplace update (midnight pacific time) on a first-come basis. Oh - and the pumpkin sign can be personalized at the bottom. :) UPDATE ~ Both pieces are now sold.
More goodies are on the way soon, including several Halloween pieces! In the meantime, I have commissions to complete, and shipping to do, and the Ghoultide Gathering to prepare for, and, and, and....
Does anyone know where I can get some studio elves?!
I accept a limited number of commissions each year, on a very selective basis, with the understanding that the painting process can be a walk down an unknown path - as much for the artist as for the commissioner. I work best, and most successfully when creating freely, and with minimal direction, and find that most pieces evolve of their own accord - leading me on a sometimes unexpected, but always magical journey.
If you are comfortable with this, and interested in a commissioned piece, please drop me a line at carolee@kingofmice.com for terms and time frames. :)
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I'm a full time Halloween and fantasy artist, inspired by all things magical, wicked and whimsical. Please grab a cup of your favorite brew and browse my work and musings - and do leave a comment or drop me a line - I LOVE hearing from you!
As always, he's an original, one of a kind piece, handpainted in acrylics with a clear acrylic varnish. I had such fun painting all the little details; his rabbit and mouse friends, the garland of acorns around the base, the crow on the back...
He'll be up for grabs on the PFATT Marketplace in just a few hours (Nov 11th, 10AM Pacific or 1PM eastern) and as always, will go to the first person to email after the update.
