by Mickey Baxter-Spade on February 10, 2010
Wildflowers in Watercolor
I’ve seen it a thousand times but today it’s different. It is as though I see each delicate snow flake falling gracefully onto the already snow-dusted ground. A foggy haze covers the city views. It looks so pristine, even the deer haven’t sauntered by to leave their tracks in the snow.
Today is different because late last night I finished a commissioned painting. After turning off the fireplace and the lights I retired for the evening with a cup of tea, a glass of water and paper and pen in hand to do some Mind Mapping before drifting off to sleep. If you are interested in knowing more about Mind Mapping check out business writer Daphne Grey-Grant’s website.
What made this morning so special are the feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction we all strive for as well as the anticipation of beginning my next painting. Part of preparing for 2010 was deciding on a painting schedule and actually planning what I would be painting each month. These plans are not written in stone and that’s a good thing because a couple of weeks ago I had a vivid dream of a painting I feel compelled to paint. Upon awakening that morning I did a quick sketch of what had come to me in my dream - even the title was clear. Today I will set that into motion by ordering a custom stretched canvas. More to come on that. All I will say now is, believe it or not, the subject is not flowers.
However, the watercolor I finished last night is of wildflowers. Columbines and poppies in a grassy outdoor setting with a bug and my infamous bumble bee partially hidden from site on one of the columbines.
Portion of "Among the Wild Flowers", Columbines & Poppies in watercolor, finished size before framing is 24.5" x 18.5"
This painting was commissioned by a client who has purchased other paintings from me but this was different in that she requested a painting to coordinate to her living room in color and size. My client is a dear friend who loves the out-of-doors and she has beautiful gardens surrounding her home. So considering her surroundings and the colors in her living room Columbines and Poppies seemed appropriate.
Do you have a favorite wildflower? I’m open to ideas for more wildflower paintings.
by Micky Baxter-Spade on February 2, 2010
Artistic Voyage: News from Mickey
February, 2010
Creating an environment around you that you enjoy and are proud to be in elevates your creative process and makes you proud to entertain friends and clients. You can buy art to fill space on your walls or you can purchase art that defines you and your surroundings. Art provides endless ways to customize
your home or office.
What I’ve been up to
As I was painting this piece entitled Crimson Grace, for my 2009 Autumn Art & Jewelry Show, I had planned much more detail. The longer I painted the more I realized how much I enjoyed the simplicity of the graceful stems and colorful blooms. It seemed to me that less, in the case, really would be more.
Although this painting is sophisticated and a bit pretentious due to its size, the look is clean.
Poppies add a punch to any room. The freedom of complexity in this painting presents a subtle elegance where ever it is hung. The right painting can transform an interior, imbuing it with character and individuality.
 Bella’s Insights
Happy Valentine’s Day Everybody! Mom finished a one of my favorite paintings this month. She will probably show it to you next month, just a hint: she painted a whole lot of Colorado’s state flower and guess what else . . .poppies. I like poppies.
 Well, I’m sure most of you don’t know that mom and I play pinochle just about every Tuesday night. I have lots of friends at pinochle. We usually play at Clare’s house.
 Clare let me spend Christmas with her this year while mom was off visiting family. Clare takes really good care of me and sometimes Mitzie gets to stay too. Mitzie is a Schnauzer, quite sophisticated and She Rules. She’s actually pretty nice, for a dog.
 Sometimes I get in a little, or not so little, trouble at pinochle. Like the time Darryl was keeping score and he just happened to put his pencil and score pad on the floor. I couldn’t help it, I just couldn’t help it, it was entirely too tempting. “Stealth Bella” came out and took it. She loves crunchy things.
 By the time they caught her it was gone, well with the exception of the metal part. Mom calls that the $180 pencil. You see I wasn’t feeling very well the next morning, ended up at that vet, not my favorite place. Not quite sure why mom was so upset, she wasn’t the one being poked and prodded. This is Darryl’s wife Eileen, I always look forward to their hugs and pats.
Ta Ta for Now!
~Bella
“Have enough courage to trust Love one more time. And always
one more time.”
– Maya Angelou
 February 14 is also:National Have a Heart Day
Examine your diet’s effect on the health of your heart as well as the environment.
Vegetarian Awareness Network.
Read to Your Child Day
Motto: Show your kids you love them: Read to them!
February 23
Tennis DayWalter
Wingfield of Pimlico, England patented lawn tennis in 1874
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by Mickey Baxter-Spade on January 27, 2010
Giving someone the courtesy of a thank you note after having dinner at their home is always appreciated. Here is an idea of what you might say.
“Dear . . .
Dinner was absolutely perfect. Your gourmet meal was incredibly delicious and you attention to detail is unsurpassed. The entire evening was divine.
Thank you for inviting us.”
Here is a fine note card perfect for just such an occasion. It’s understated, yet sophisticated.
#136, 5.5" x 4.25", Shadowed Tulip, Box of 8/$15 or Box or 16/$25
In a recent newsletter from art coach, Alyson Stanfield, she referenced a recent article on hand written cards http://snipurl.com/u2inh Whether you are sending a card to a friend or business associate Alyson suggests using your postal system! Sending stuff in the regular mail will help you stand out. Personally writing a note will impress them even more. You’ll be diversifying your delivery and content while keeping your name in front of people.
© 2010 Alyson B. Stanfield. Alyson takes the mystery out of marketing your art and making more money as an artist. Visit http://www.ArtBizCoach.com to get articles just like this one delivered to your inbox.
My son works at the post office in Indiana, he will appreciate it too!
