Bunny O'Hare

"Bunny O'Hare" original watercolor on paper 6" x 6" $195

 Hi Everyone,

I hope you are all doing better than I am today.  I'm feeling pretty SheetzuCacaPoopoo this morning, actually since we got back from our spring break vacation.  I drove the kids (including one freshly potty trained little boy) on an epic rode trip.  We went to Charleston, South Carolina, stayed a night with my Mom and Stepdad and then onto Springfield, VA to visit some friends and visit our Nation's capital. Stayed for 5 days then back to Charleston, SC and then home again, home again.  I think we overdid it, we're all sick and visiting the Dr, this morning:(

"Spring Bunny" original watercolor on paper 6"x6" $195.

Anyway, I did manage to finish this painting just in the nick of time:)  You are not experiencing deejavu this is an accompanying piece to my other painting "Spring Bunny".  Such a cute little guy.  I've never personally seen the Easter Bunny, who knows, he may be green:)  Just loved his reflective surface and that fun floral print.  I'm including my wip pictures.

I'm also working on some commissions and prepping for my first workshop.  Which still has a slot or two open if you're interested. Click here for details.  I did have a dream the other night that Ellen Degeneres and Anne Burrell came in and took over the workshop.  Can't believe I'm having workshop dreams a month out, you may have to peel me off the ceiling the week before:)

"Anticipation" original watercolor by Carrie Waller

I also do have some exciting news!  My painting "Anticipation" was chosen to be included in North Light Book's Splash 14.  How cool is that!  There were artists that submitted paintings and they chose 106 artists to be included.  When I looked at the list and saw the names included I really thought there must be a mistake that my name was on the list.  Pretty surreal:)

See you Friday:)

Carrie

Spring Offering

watercolor on paper 6x6 "Spring Offering"

Hi Everyone,

Oh, what a week this has been.  So many exciting events have taken place.  It started off as a fabulous week last Sunday.  I won 1st place in the LWS (Louisiana Watercolor Society's ) Captial Waters Art at the Archives show.  My painting "Venetian Canal" was the winning entry.  I also recently found out that my painting "Urban Abstraction" was juried into the LWS' International Show.  I'm shocked and amazed that I got in first time, it's very competitive.

Venetian Canal

I also had several e-mails come rolling my way congratulating me on my article in the "Military Spouse" magazine.  A month or so ago I was interviewed by the magazine, I had put it in the back of my mind, but it's out for those who subscribe.  I'm still waiting to get my copy so I haven't seen the article yet, but I've heard its good.  It was fun getting e-mails from other military spouses that art artists.  Good to know I'm not the only one out there:)

Mid-week I got my acceptance e-mails from Randy Higbee.  I am absolutely thrilled that 2 of my paintings will be in the Higbee show in April.  Some stiff competition let me tell you!!  He received 1200 entries and only accepted 400.  Thank you again for all of you that helped me decide which paintings to enter.  "Dinner at Eight" and "Nostalgia" will be in the show:)

Montgomery Museum of Fine Art

Friday my wonderful and supportive in-laws drove in from Baton Rouge to spend the weekend and babysit the boys so that Brian and I could attend the opening reception for the Montgomery Art Guild's museum exhibit.  I was fortunate enough to have a painting juried into an exhibit at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Art.  It is a spectacular museum, one of the top fine art museums in the US, and I have a painting hanging in that beautiful space.  I'll post some pics soon.  The exhibit is terrific.  Saturday the juror held an art talk.  I wasn't sure if I wanted to go, I wasn't sure I could handle super critical feedback.  I decided to go and I'm glad I did.  The talk was very beneficial and I learned that the judge isn't a fan of literal art.  I am flattered that she chose my painting to be part of the exhibit since it's really not her style. She predominately chose abstract pieces as the award winners.  I'm not going to change my style, because I like representational art but I did take from that, that I'm going to strive to have more of an emotional meaning to my work.  It was a bit nerve wracking to give a spontaneous presentation about my work, especially since I followed an abstract piece and the artist ended his presentation with the statement that "literal art annoys him" such a great intro for me:)  I restrained from beginning my talk with and now for some "annoying literal art"

 Sunday, Brian and I attended the reception for the Energen art competition in Birmingham, AL.  I have to say it was the swankiest reception I've been to so far, the Montgomery Museum of Fine Art's is a close second.  Energen had live music, terrific food, beautiful decor and an open bar.  It was a very fun afternoon.

I hope everyone has a fabulous week!  I'm completely inspired after my super arty weekend!!  I'm off to paint:)

Happy Creating,

Carrie

Artists Helping Japan

'All My Eggs In One Basket'  6x6 watercolor on paper All proceeds going to the Japanese Red Cross BID HERE

Hi Everyone,

This week I'm participating in an on-line art auction where all proceeds will be donated to help the crisis in Japan.  My heart has been heavy hearing about such devastation, I can't imagine going through something so terrible.  When I heard about Daily Paintworks auction I jumped at the chance to donate a painting for the cause.  There are close to 200 paintings right now.  It is a win win for everyone, the buyer gets a piece of original art and the proceeds are donated to such an important cause.  So visit the site and bid on your favorite painting:)

I also want to give everyone a huge THANK YOU for helping me make my decision on which paintings to enter into Randy Higbee's 6x6 exhibit.  I was really surprised at the results and it actually swayed my decision from what I originally thought I would enter.  So wish me luck!  Oh, and I entered A, B, E and F. 

1st Place 'Venetian Canal'

Also this past Sunday my painting 'Venetian Canal' placed 1st in the Louisiana Watercolor Society's Capital Waters State Archives Exhibition.  I am humbled and so grateful.  Just when I'm having some doubts something like this happens and renews my motivation and determination.  Check out their site, my painting rests on the LWS home page until the next competition!

I also want to give a big Thank You to my in-laws Debbie and Steve Waller and Amy Palmer (aunt).  They schlep my art all over Louisiana to get my paintings into exhibitions and they attend receptions in my place. It's terrific to have such support:) 

Carrie

Lavender Tulips

original watercolor on paper 6x6 Reserved

Spring is in the air!  Flowers are blooming and the weather is starting to get warmer, at least in Alabama.  With all of these lovely days I was very excited to paint some beautiful tulips.  I chose lavender, because it is a pantone color for 2011.  If you saw the Oscar's there were a lot of lavender gowns on the red carpet.  Since it is such a popular fashion color it will be popping up in home decor also.   I just loved painting with this palette, so fresh and Springy:)  So I'm sharing a little glimpse of spring with you.

I'm trying to crank out a couple more of these 6x6 paintings before Randy Higbee's deadline.  Can't wait to have all of you help me decide which ones to enter:)

Carrie