Chalk Paint Experiments

A few weeks ago I discovered chalk paints, fell in love with the color selections and decided to experiment.  After one day of playing with them, I'm starting to like them - a lot.  Here's what I've done so far.

Would love to hear what you think - - good or bad.  Any suggestions for improvements? 

These paints are intended for use in furniture refinishing but I think they are perfect for painting landscapes.  Flat finish, water based, easy cleanup and super fast drying. 

You can order them at www.colormefrench.com

"The Rapids" in the Atlanta Artists Center New Members Show

One of my paintings has been selected to appear in the New Members Show at the Atlanta Artists Center.  The show dates are July 12th. until August 5th.  This small intimate gallery is located on Grandview Avenue in Buckhead next to Basil's Restaurant.  Hours are 10 to 4 Tuesdays through Saturdays.  Everything in the show is for sale and hopefully you can find some wonderful artwork that you cannot live without !  Many thanks to the AAC members and volunteers for supporting this wonderful organization for new artists in our area and also a big THANKS to the show judge for selecting my art.  For directions to the gallery visit their website:  www.atlantaartistscenter.org

"The Rapids"

24" x 36"

Acrylic

Marietta July Artwalk

First Show - Done !  A great big fun party !  Big crowd, lots of mingling, sold some things and looking forward to August 5th.  Notice above my head, in the second picture, the new a/c unit, could not have done this show without it.  I was lucky to have my pick of locations and when I saw that a/c unit there was no doubt where I would be sitting.  Must give credit to the Marietta organizers, they know how to do things right.  A night I will always remember. 

Marietta ArtWalk

Making new art with a purpose !  Getting ready for Friday, July 1st.   My first 'art show' setup.  Words cannot describe how nervous and excited I am feeling right now.  This week  I ordered new 'dianeflowersart' chairs, prints, cards, and a new sign, knowing that I'm forgetting something.  Found some wonderful, like new, used display walls and started doing test runs with my setup.  I will be participating in the Marietta ArtWalk Artists' Alley at Dupre's Antique Market in the square.   

Ed and I visited the market on June 3rd. The crowds were HUGE, so I hope this will continue through the summer months.
They have been advertising this event since March with several local TV segments and most of the businesses located in the square sponsor and participate in some way. 
I am very thankful for large fans, iced tea (cold beer) and the fact that I will only be there from 5 until 9 on the first Friday of each month during some hot summer months.  
Heat, schmeat, I am excited and happy to be getting out there - meeting other artists and making new friends!
Check out their website http://www.artwalkmarietta.com/index.html for the details and I hope to see you there !   

Decorating Digest Craft & Home Projects Magazine

Many thanks to Cindy Gorder and the publishers of this wonderful home decor crafting magazine for their May/June issue which includes a collection of my wedding ideas.  The pomanders were so easy and the cake looks good enough to eat in this shot.  All of these projects were developed and published with the marketing support of Sharon Currier and the Dow Chemical Company's products.
Visit the publishers' website www.grassrootsmag.com to order your own copy of this magazine and find a lot more wedding ideas on the www.styrofoamcrafts.com website.

This week I have one piece of my original art in the Cumming First United Methodist Church Arts Festival which started Sunday May 8th.  This is their 4th. year of offering new and established artists an opportunity to showcase their work.  I am  honored to be included in their list of 197 artisans this year.  This is a wonderful 8 day event, with free concerts by several professional and high school musicians and orchestras each day during the noon lunch hour.  Lunch is available at their Art Cafe.  The galleries are open from Noon until 8pm each day during the week and 8am until 3pm on Sunday the 15th.  This is a large exhibit of mixed media artwork, with a wide variety of pieces and also includes a very special students' show of kindergarten through 12th. grade artists.  It is worth the short drive up 400 - exit #15 !
For directions visit their website http://www.cfumcga.com/

As a member of The Atlanta Artists Center I can submit my artwork for showing at several local facilities, so I submitted 3 pieces to be included in the May Buckhead Library Mixed Media exhibit.  I also volunteered to help with the show setup, tear down and reception.  We had 90 minutes to take down about 60 pieces and hang another 60 pieces.  What a great group of artists !  They welcomed me with open arms, showed me how it was done, and everything was magically done just in time.  The next day we were there again introducing ourselves to the visitors at the opening reception.  This is a wonderful mixed media exhibit in a modern library building that is flooded with lots of natural light.  Will be doing this again next year - in a bigger way !