Luke

watercolor on paper 8x10

I've been in a Holiday bubble, today I emerged and realized it's Monday, and that it is time to get back into the grind.  Laundry, dishes, rinse and repeat, oh and try to get some painting time in there too.  It's been a great Christmas, my Mom and brother came for a visit.   They are sadly leaving today:(  The boys have had a blast.  It was so fun to watch Christmas through their eyes.  I've been reading a lot of things about it being bad luck to leave your tree up after Christmas.  I do not adhere to this myth and I think it is tad on the Grinchy side strip everything down immediately, so at our house we will still be enjoying the decorations for a little while. 

This week I'm posting a painting I did as a gift for my brother and sister-in-law.  I painted my adorable nephew Luke.  I painted this portrait in black and white watercolors.  I just love black and white portraits.  I think it's timeless and elegant.  Even in my home I have mostly black and white photographs framed.  I may venture into some color portrait paintings, but I think I will stick with a very clean, limited palette.  And I really love leaving a plain white background.

I hope that you have enjoyed your Holiday and are looking forward to ushering in a New Year.  I am looking forward to 2011, a whole new year of endless possibilities.

Carrie

Merry Christmas

6x6 watercolor on paper Mini Masterpiece Apples in Candlewick

 SOLD

Merry Christmas everyone!!!  I can not believe how fast this year has gone, sigh!  I'm sure you are all knee deep in gift buying, wrapping, and Holiday cooking,  I wish you the best of luck and the speed of Santa's elves:)  Things are in full swing here also.  My oldest son Steven (4yrs) has been in heaven.  He loves to decorate, go out of drives to look at the lights, and of course it's about to kill him to wait to open the presents under the tree, any present , even if it isn't his, he just wants to rip one open:)  It is such a fun time of year.  Steven was concerned this morning that Santa might hurt himself coming down the chimney so we have come up with a solution, we will be placing some pillows around the fireplace.  He's so thoughtful, I just love how kids minds work:)

Even with all of the Holiday hub bub, I have managed to complete some commissioned pieces and gifts.  This weeks painting is another 6x6.  And yes it does look familiar.  Since I won't be selling the larger version of this painting, I decided to paint a mini version as a commission for a special lady.  This is one of my favorite paintings and tackling it in 6x6 was a lot of fun.  I wanted to see how much detail I can get at that size, and so far it isn't driving me too crazy.  Painting larger is easier, but it's also a lot more time consuming, so got to weigh the pros and cons.  I am going to be pursuing this 6x6, Mini Masterpiece idea this year.  There is a great sense of accomplishment to finish one of these guys the same day I started it.

Our tree this year.  I like white lights, Brian likes colored lights, so we alternate years.  We've done this every year we've been married.  Oh, and it's Brian's year this year.

I'm sharing some of our Christmas decor pictures.  I also took on the task of  making the boys some stockings.  Let me tell you I'm not a seamstress and this is a pretty challenging endeavor.  But, I do want my boys to have Mommy-made stockings, or Santa socks (that's what Steven calls them).  And lucky me, both my boys names start with "S" so I only had to make one pattern:).  Inside of the "S" I used strips of their baby clothes.  I think it is a really good use of the baby clothes I just couldn't part with.  I still have some adorning to do.  I plan on adding sequins around the "S" and their names at the top.  With my sewing skills I'm just glad it resembles a stocking shape.

Our mantle, we have our Swarovski snowflake ornaments suspended above the mantle.  We've been collecting them each year that we've been married.  We have 10 this year:) Notice the Christmas picture to the left.  I love changing up art and incorporating Christmas pieces.

close-up of our mantle

My Mommy-made stocking WIP:)

Steven also painted some ornaments this year.  We did this last year also, so it may become a yearly tradition for both boys.  On last years ornaments I printed out a little picture of him painting the ornament and attached it with the year printed on the card.  I'll be doing the same with this years.  They were of course a hit with the Grandparents.

Steven's masterpieces this year.

Well friends, I wish you the Merriest of Christmases, and the best Holiday Season!!!  Take time to enjoy yourselves, and remember the Reason for the Season!

Carrie

Pomegrantes and Cranberries

Pomegranates and Cranberries original watercolor on paper 6x6
SOLD

 This week I'm trying something new.  I painted my first 6x6 painting.  All of the daily painters pretty much adhere to that size so I thought I would try it out.  I plan on doing a few of these now and then.  I'm trying to decide if this is an avenue I should  take next year, painting a mini masterpieces on a daily basis.  Hmmmm, what do you guys think?  What are the pros and cons?  This is also a preview into a still life that I will be working on soon.

We are all under the weather at our house.  Not only do we all have colds it is super cold here, it's just not natural for it to get this cold in the South.  And I am in disbelief that next Christmas is sooooo close.  So much to do still, Agggh!!

Even though Steven stayed home from school he still managed to muster up the strength to do a painting today.  He's really getting into including patterns into his paintings.  I think they're pretty fabulous:)

I hope you are all well, and staying warm.  Good luck with the last of your Holiday prep.

See you next week.

Carrie

Believe (Macy's Illumination 2010)

watercolor on paper 15 x 19
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Macy's Illumination 9 x 12

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 Magic is in the air!  Christmas is right around the corner.  It's such a festive, wonderful time of year.  The Christmas spirit is alive.  I'm enjoying this year so much, my boys are 4 and almost 2 and to see the Holidays through their eyes is invigorating.  They love it so much and it makes me want to make it extra special for them.  We take nightly drives to see all of the lights and the decorating process at our house has been an all out event.  My four year old absolutely loves to help.  He is so excited, I love this age because it's not about the gifts for him, he just loves the magic of it all.  So this week I'm painting an accompanying piece to last weeks.  It's another Macy's Illumination scene that my friend Pat captured in photo on her recent trip to New York.  When I saw her photos I was so inspired so I'm very grateful to have them as a reference.   So my question to you this week is do you Believe?  because I know I do!!!

Steven's version of Macy's Illumination

Yellow Elmo :)

Steven did his own version.  I've been amazed lately his progress.  He is now incorporating patterns.  He drew a picture of Elmo for his brother.  Sam was so excited!  I was shocked when I saw it and it did look like Elmo.  He then proceeded to color the whole thing yellow.  I told him Elmo isn't red to which he replied "Mommy this is a different Sesame Street and on this Sesame Street Elmo is yellow"  Gotta love the way his mind works, I am a little concerned that this non conformity will become an issue in school, but I can't help but admire it.

Thought I'd show you, the paintings displayed in my foyer above and antique china hutch.

A close-up

 Well I hope everyone has a fabulous week.  Don't forget to check out my new website.  I'll gladly take any suggestions.  And thank you for all of my new followers!!!  I appreciate every one of you and LOVE reading your comments:)

See you next week,

Carrie
carriewallerart@gmail.com

Macy's Illumination 2010

Macy's Illumination original watercolor 9 x 12

Buy Now

Thanksgiving down, Christmas to go!  Can you believe that we rapidly approaching Christmas?  Where has this year gone. We had a wonderful Turkey Day.  We stayed home this year so it was just us but we still got out the fine china:)  Being a military family we can't always celebrate with our extended family and sometimes not even our immediate, I am extremely grateful that my hubby was here this year.  Because of our lifestyle I find it really important to make each Holiday amazing!  Having two little boys also make the holidays so exciting.  Seeing each one through their eyes is so much fun.

The boys and I, Brian's taking the pic on Thanksgiving

This year on Thanksgiving we started of course with the Macy's Parade.  Steven loved it!!  He's obsessed with the blow up decorations that you see at all the stores, and consequently in our yard, so the Macy's parade was like the mother of all blow up figures.  Every float that came on the screen he was exuberant about.  In keeping with this theme I painted the front of Macy's with their beautiful lighted tree.  It's part of the Illuminations 2010 in New York.  My friend Pat gets to go each year (lucky lady) and she graciously gave me permission to use it as my reference. (It's her birthday today, so Happy Birthday, Pat)  This painting is so fun and festive, and who doesn't love Christmas lights.

 

Steven's Christmas drawing

Steven got in on the action this week and did a Christmas drawing for you.  It's ornaments and lights.  He absolutely loves Christmas and the decorating that goes along with it.

Please Vote for my Illuminated Pumpkins

I have an exciting announcement, okay so I may be more excited than you but I have launched my website, www.carriewallerfineart.com.   Yay!!!  I feel important now:)  I also entered into the Bold Brush online contest for the month of November.  So I would love it if you would take a sec and vote for my entry.  It's super easy, you just have to click on the facebook like button beside the painting.  Thank you so much

I have some new followers I want to thank each and every one of you that comments on my blog and follows me along on my journey.  I am so grateful and blessed:)

See you next week!

Carrie

Ornaments

watercolor on paper 16 x 22

It's beginning to look like Christmas, everywhere you go, la la la.  I think everyone is rushing Christmas this year, at least in our neighbor hood. (I will add it does not feel like Christmas, it's still 75 degrees here)   Several neighbors have their lights up including us and a few have already switched the switch, we have not.  My 4 year old is just beside himself already.  He told me tonight "Mommy I just love Christmas".  And he does, just like his Mommy, he loves to decorate.   The lights, the colors, the decoration, the whimsy, Christmas carols,  what is not to love. Oh and the big man in the red suit, we can't leave him out and most importantly Jesus, the main attraction, the reason for the season.  I have restrained myself, we don't have our tree up or the decor in the house up, yet, that will wait until after Thanksgiving, now I can't promise that I won't have the tree up right after the turkey dinner is over.  So this week I'm posting my Holiday watercolor.  I took pictures of the entire process and I'm adding a  fun little slide show to the side of the blog.  The boys had so much fun flipping through these pics on my camera and it really did look like a little flip book, so I thought it would be fun to share.

I don't want to ignore Thanksgiving.  During this Holiday I do want to give a huge Thank you to all of my blogging buddies.  This year has been amazing for me in the blogging world.  I am so thankful for each and every one of you that follows my blog, leaves comments, and in general supports my creative endeavors.  I love hearing from each and every one of you.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Well my friends, what are your Holiday plans?  Do you have favorite dishes you prepare for the Holidays?  Our Thanksgiving menu this year is  turkey (of course), mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing (this year we are trying a new twist and using jalapeno cornbread in the dressing), cream corn (from scratch), broccoli casserole (my Aunt Paula's recipe), cranberry jello mold (in place of cranberry sauce), rolls, fruit salad, pumpkin pie and pecan pie.  So I'm dying to know what is your menu, any family favorites you want to share?


Check this out.   PVE design has done a feature me and my art.  I'm so honored.  Her blog is wonderful and inspiring.

Steven is making up for his absence and created two beautiful drawings this week.  These pictures are of a waterfall, that's all I could get out of him.  They are bold and vibrant.  He does amaze me with his artistic eye.  He picked up a leaf the other day and said "Mommy there is every color in the rainbow in this leaf".  He was right, to the average person it is a brown leaf,  but if you really look at it there were flecks of literally almost every color in the rainbow.  He's amazing!!
  

I entered my Illuminated Pumpkins into an online contest hosted by Fine Art Studios Online.  I would love, love, love it if you would vote for me.  Please go click on this and hit the facebook like button.  Thank you so much!!!

Have a wonderful week!  Gobble Gobble, don't eat too much turkey and I'll see you next week:)

Carrie

Carnevale Revisited

watercolor on paper 18 x 24

water color on paper 18 x 24

This week I'm finishing up my mini-Italy series.  I've had great time reliving memories and capturing them in paint.  I have painted the first painting "Carnevale" 3 times.  The first time I didn't like it at all and quit mid-way through, the second time was okay, but this time I got the intensity I wanted.  I think it is a great companion piece to last weeks painting.  I love how the Buone Feste is all in blues and turquoises with little bits of red and pink and in comparison to this weeks with all of the golds, oranges, and reds with little bits of green.  They are very festive, and I have to say I'm pretty happy with the end result.  I got prints made of Buone Feste and I was very happy with them so I'll be doing the same with this one.  I actually found a place that can scan large works.  I'm really happy about this because these dark paintings with high contrast can be hard to photograph..  

I can't believe we are closing  in on the Holidays!  This year has flown by.  Does anyone have fun Turkey Day plans?  I think we'll be staying home this year, but we're already planning our menu.  I think we'll put our tree up that evening.  Brian already got our lights up this weekend.  He took advantage of the gorgeous 70 degree weather we're having and got them hung, wearing shorts nonetheless.  Hope you had a terrific weekend!!!!

I do want to thank each and everyone one of you that stops by and visits my blog.   I'm so appreciative of this bloggy community.  It keeps me motivated and inspired.  I just passed my 100 follower mark, I can't tell you how thrilled that makes me:)  I started this blog less than a year ago and I feel like I have so much more I can do with it.  I have big plans for next year!!

Also don't forget to check out the Artists Helping Artists blog radio show.   You can download the shows and listen to them in itunes or call in live on Thursdays.  It has given me so much information and entertainment since I started tuning in.  Leslie and Dreama (the hosts) are fabulous, you feel like you're gabbing with your girlfriends, and they have had some fabulous guests and topics.  They also host a monthly painting challenge.  You should definitely participate in that if you are an artist.  

Steven was sick most of the week, so we don't get a masterpiece this week.  He's feeling much better.

See you next week!

Carrie

Buone Feste

watercolor on paper 18 x 24

 Carnivale in Venice is an absolutely magical time to visit.  While we lived in Europe we went every year.  It is out of this world.  People in costume drive up in their gondolas getting out at the dock and walk the streets posing for you in the most amazing places.  As an artist I was in heaven.  I didn't want to go back to the hotel because I didn't want to miss anything.  It's really like being in a movie or some fantasy world.  The entire city is alive with festivities and the scene above captures a street adorned in its festive lights.  The rainy night made for some great reflections.  This painting is a lovely memory and a promise to go back.  What are your favorite travel memories?

 Steven got back in the game this week.  He did a lovely watercolor, he said it has all of the Fall colors in it.

Also check out the Artists Helping Artists November challenge, I submitted my Illuminated Pumpkins.  Don't forget to tune into their blog radio show every Thursday, can't tell you how much information I have learned listening.

Illuminated Pumpkins watercolor on paper

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Fall.  See you next week.

Carrie

Sneak Peak Buone Feste

watercolor on paper 18 x 24

This week has been crazy, so my painting is not complete, yet!!  I had sick little boys, we've been through a stomach bug and now a bacterial infection all in the span of 6 days.  Everyone did mange to perk up for trick or treating and it was a special Halloween because Grandma and Grandpa were able to come for the weekend.  The boys had a ball.  Hope everyone had a spooktacular weekend.

I'll see you next week or maybe before:)

Carrie

Venetian Canal

watercolor on paper 18 x 24

This week I decided to take us on a trip to one of my favorite places on this planet.  I fell in love the first time I went to Venice and became even more enamored every time we went back.  In my eyes it is one of the most magical places.  Canals that lead you around  an enchanted city.  I mean wouldn't you want to have dinner here.  This painting appeals to the voyeur in me.  Looking into these beautiful windows I can't help but want to visit, see what is going on inside this building.  It gives a whole new meaning to waterside seating. 

Next week I'll be sharing another Venice memory.  Can't wait to get it onto to paper.  Where is your favorite spot?  Where would you visit if you could go anywhere in the world?  I'm anxious to hear:)

Carrie

Me and My Shadow (still life Red Hen)

Watercolor on paper 10" x 10"

I have been on a two week painting hiatus due to a lot of traveling.  I have to say it was a little nerve racking trying to get back into the swing of things.  I had the best intentions to paint on the road, but one excuse after another I talked myself out of it.  I painted this painting to get back in practice.  I really like this little red hen and I had so much fun painting my Illuminated Pumpkins I wanted to paint some more colored glass. 

I mentioned we have been traveling.  We have been to Baton Rouge, New Orleans, back to Alabama for a night, and off again to Orlando.  It's been a lot of together time in a car for our family.  My youngest son Sam is obsessed with Elmo so we have watched 'Elmo in Grouchland' non-stop during our entire vacation.  Sometimes I think that is the only word he knows, Elmo, Elmo, Elmo!  Brian had a convention to attend in Orlando so the boys and I did some site seeing.  We did spend one family day at Sea World, but the rest of the time was just Steven, Sam and I.  We visited the Orlando Museum of Art, small but nice, the Morse museum, which was beautiful, it has mostly Louis Comfort Tiffany works, the Leu Gardens, which were fabulous, and we went to Downtown Disney.  We did Disney World last year so that wasn't on our agenda this trip.  It was a nice trip but I'm glad to be home. 

I have a lot of painting to catch up on I'm planning on entering a few exhibits so get your passports out because I'll be taking you on a trip to Italy next week.

Carrie

Exhibition Success

"Apples in Candlewick" ( I think that may be the 3rd title for this one)  My 1st place painting.

This week has been a chaotic week.  We headed off for Baton Rouge where my in-laws live last Sunday.  On Monday Brian and I head out to New Orleans to drop off my art at the Crescent City Brewhouse located at the French Quarter.  Drop off was at 9 a.m.  I was so nervous about my first exhibit that I forgot my paperwork.  I was so scattered I couldn't even remember the names of my paintings, in fact I wrote the wrong title down for my Apple painting.  It was fun to watch everyone's work pouring in that morning and I have to say it was beautiful.  I went home glad that is was delivered and just happy that I had participated in my first show. I'll back up for a minute and tell you that the week prior I was a mess.  I was doubting myself and while trying to scramble and get everything matted and framed I was thinking is this some hobby gone horribly awry.  Do you have those moments of doubt?  I know I sure do.  So anyway getting my art there was a relief and I was glad that I pushed myself to participate.  Thursday night was the reception.  Brian and I once again headed to New Orleans to the Brewhouse.  The reception was terrific, the food was great and the venue was just magical for an exhibit.  The reception was from 5-7 and when 6:30 rolled around I didn't think that they were going to announce winners, but just about that time they started announcing the awards.  Since I'm the new kid on the block and there was such amazing art there I was thrilled just to participate, so you can imagine my surprise when they announced my name as the 1st place winner.  I am so happy and grateful, it was just the validation and motivation that I needed at this point.  A fabulous perk to winning is that they will have my painting as the home page for the Louisiana Watercolor Society.    I am ecstatic about my first success and I am more motivated than ever.  I can't wait to delve into my next painting.

Carrie

Louisiana Exhibits

This morning Brian and I dropped off my art in New Orleans.  The exhibit is running at the Crescent City Brewhouse, located in the french quarter until November 1st.  This is my first exhibit and it was exciting to see all of the terrific artwork pouring in this morning.  I'm very excited to attend the reception on Thursday.  I'm also participating in another exhibit in Abita Springs, LA.  I have a picture of all of my work framed.  I entered the pumpkins, hydrangeas, and apples into the New Orleans show and I entered the other 3 in the Abita Springs show.  Last week was a very busy just trying to get everything matted and framed.  The picture is a little deceptive, the pumpkins are huge and we barely got them into our vehicle to get them here.  It was quite the clown car coming to Louisiana, 2 kids and all their stuff, 1 very large dog, Brian and I and 6 framed artworks with our luggage.  We made it and everything was in tact the ride home should be a lot easier:)  Even though this exhibit is a ways from home I'm always happy to visit New Orleans and a stop at Cafe du Monde was a treat.

The Artists Helping Artists challenge is finally posted.  So take a look at all the entries.   Each month the theme is that month.  At the end of 12 mos we will have art for a fabulous calendar.  Pretty cool!!

Carrie

Illuminated Pumpkins

 watercolor on paper, 20 x 24

I think Fall is finally here!  The temperature has finally dropped from the triple digits into the 70's all in about a 24 hour period.  Inevitably our allergies are in full swing, but maybe our electric bill will be lower:)  I've been burning the midnight oil to get this painting finished.  I'm getting ready for my first two exhibits.  I have a lot framing to do in addition to everything else.  I've been trying to decide what to enter.  I'm excited and nervous.  I'd love to hear everyone's stories and any advice about your experiences.

This week I decided to paint my favorite Villeroy and Boch, glass blown, pumpkins.  I just love them.  I bought them when we lived in Europe at the Villeroy and Boch outlet.  I loved, loved, loved shopping there.  We bought all of our china there and lots of other trinkets.  Our china was featured in my Hydrangea still life. I just love decorating for Fall and including these gems into my decor.  I think the glow that cascades across the marble is pretty incredible.  It's firey and glowing and just makes me feel like Fall is here.

I'm re-posting last weeks painting because it is my October entry for the Artists Helping Artists monthly challenge.  It's a great challenge, by the end of it, I should have enough paintings to have a calendar.

 Steven painted some wooden leaves this week.  We are going to do a lovely Fall project with these, so stay tuned to see what we do with these beauties.

Also this is your last chance to enter Crystal Cook's fabulous contest.  She does incredible work, who wouldn't want to have their own Crystal Cook original.  It's very easy to enter, only takes a minute.  When you enter please let her know I sent you:)

Thanks to all my followers new and old!  It is so awesome to hear such great feedback.  It is so motivational.  It is terrific to have a support system.

See you next week.

Carrie

Here Today, Gone Tomorrow (Halloween still life)

watercolor on paper 17 x 22

So my boys were really excited about this still life, can you imagine why?  Steven, my 4 yr old, couldn't wait until I was done photographing this one, so he could get his hands on the loot, and Sam, my 1 yr old, could not understand why he couldn't get the giant candy corns off of the watercolor paper.   The whole thing is very fun and Halloweeny!  I'm going to use this as my October entry for the Artists Helping Artists, monthly painting challenge.  The challenge inspired me to do themed paintings for each month, the idea being that at the end of a year you have art to put in a calendar. In addition to that I think it's pretty great to have revolving art.  How fun to keep it fresh and have 12 months art. 

Don't forget to check out my incredibly talented friend Crystal Cook's blog.   She is having a fantastic contest where she is giving away an 8 x 10 watercolor portrait of your choice, click here for details. Also, please let her know that I sent you her way:)

Steven is still on a crayon kick, since school started.  Here is his latest creation.  It looks like there is a red heart, too cute.  On another note, I'm probably the only Mom at preschool that was running late this morning because the light was great in my kitchen window and I had to photograph my newest still life.  Oh, well, Steven will have something to talk to his therapist about when he's older:)

Thank you to everyone again for all the great comments and support.  I also have some new followers, Welcome!!!

See everyone next week,

Carrie

Sneak Peek Halloween still life

watercolor on paper work in progress 18 x 24

I may be rushing things, trying to usher in Fall, even though it's still in the triple digits here.   But I'm having so much fun with the Artists Helping Artists monthly challenge that I'm bubbling over with ideas for each months paintings.  So you will probably be seeing Fall and Christmas paintings in the near future.  Just consider me like every other retail giant that already has their Holiday decor in place:)  This still life is so fun to paint, and in Sam's eyes (my 1 yr old) it is a success.  He climbed up to look at it and was highly irate when he couldn't get the large candy corn off of the page.

Steven is a busy school going dude these days, so I thought I'd share his pages from class.  I can always spot Steven's a mile away.  He's the only on in his class that colors the entire object.  Most other kids have a soft scribble here and there, but not Steven his colors are bold and bright and placed with confidence:)

Also don't forget to enter into Crystal Cook's fabulous contest, to win a free painting.  To enter click here, and please mention that I sent you:)

I hope everyone has a terrific week.  Thanks to everyone that is leaving comments, it's just terrific.  I love reading each and every one!!!!

Until next week,

Carrie

New Orleans Real Estate

watercolor 18 x 18

This week I did a street scene from our trip to New Orleans this summer.  We passed this little alley way and I thought it was very intriguing.  Rainy days may not be good for traveling, but they sure make for a nice painting:)  I'm gearing up for an exhibit in New Orleans, thought this would get me in the mood!

I also want to thank all of my followers, and regular viewers.  Last week I climbed from 33 to 60, Amazing!  I think it is terrific and am thrilled to have you following my blog.  Thanks to everyone for all the wonderful comments, I feel so loved:)

crayon masterpiece

Steven has been really into coloring lately.  I think because his teacher is constantly telling him how good he is at it.  So this week he did a great drawing on newsprint.  Interestingly he keeps tearing pieces of it off, maybe a collage in his future, hmmm?

Last, but not least, my friend Crystal Cook is having a terrific contest.  Check out her blog here, you will definitely want to enter, and when you do, make sure to tell her I sent you:)

Scarlett (still life with red apples in candlewick)

watercolor on paper 20 x 24

This weeks painting is in response to a new monthly challenge that the Artists helping Artists --http://artistshelpingartistsblog.blogspot.com/-- blog is hosting.  This is the first challenge for this site and the theme is September.  The idea being that each month you do a painting based on the theme of that month and in one year you have material for a calendar.  I thought it was a terrific idea.  They also have a fabulous blog radio talk show that you can access via the above link.  I'm a bit obsessed with it!  The hosts Leslie Saeta --http://lesliesaeta.blogspot.com--and Dreama Tolle Perry-- http://dreamatolleperry.blogspot.com/--share crazy amounts of wonderful info that any artist will find pertinent.    They are also both super duper talented artists so check out their blogs.

So back to this weeks painting.  When I thought of September, I thought of back to school, the end of summer and fall.  Apples came to mind, an apple for the teacher, which immediately made me think of red apples.  I wanted to incorporate fall colors in with the fabric, so as I was preparing for this still life, I was too impatient to go to the fabric store and purchase something, so I looked around my house and low and behold my kitchen curtains were perfect.  So my painting had a "Gone with the Wind" moment, down came the drapes and into the still life they appear.  I'm titling this one "Scarlett", my witty little homage:)  I think the curtains were a great contrast to the apples and had the fall colors I was looking for.  As if the striped fabric wasn't enough of a challenge I grabbed my husbands favorite dishes, which we were given when we got married.  It's his grandma's candlewick that he called marble dishes when he was a kid because of all the glass balls that adorn the rim of the dishes.  This is my first time painting glass and I have to say I loved it.  I'm beginning to realize I love a challenge.  Once I started this painting I just didn't want to stop.

kitchen area, see the curtains:)  Also I refinished this table recently, goes so much better with my furniture now.

Hope you enjoy and I'll let you know when it's posted  on the Artists helping artists blog.  And I encourage all you artists out there to participate in the challenge, deadline is the 15th of Sept.

I also want to thank all of my followers new and old and everyone that takes the time to comment via the blog or facebook.  I love reading them and it really motivates me.  I just love the blog world, such a support system.

Have a great week!

Carrie

Orange daylily on patterned plate

watercolor on paper 11x 14

This is a dynamic piece. Our backyard was full of daylilies this summer.   They were beautiful.  We had every color in the rainbow.  I nicknamed our yard daylily row.  The orange flowers were so striking, I just had to paint one.

This piece is available just contact me if you're interested, carriewallerart@gmail.com.

I'm going to participate in my first monthly challenge hosted by Artists helping Artists blog.  The theme is "September".  Looking for any comments to help come up with an idea for this challenge, what do you think evokes the idea of "September".

Daylily row (backyard)

 watercolor on newsprint

Steven did a lovely watercolor this week.  He has survived his 2nd week at preschool and has emerged as the best overall color-er of the class.  These are his teacher's remarks, I might add.  He got out his paints this week and he wasn't too thrilled about painting on newsprint.  Can't say I blame him, but I wasn't expecting a paper snob at the age of 4.

See you all next week.

Carrie