The Oily Rag........Come and Chat December 2011

[!becca]

Welcome to the Oily Rag for December 2011. :wave: This is where we invite you to share your photographs and works in other media. You may also post events and other happenings, and always you can come and chat! :)

The third Saturday of the month is sort of a cyber paint out. It is Spirit Day, where we can all paint together in spirit and share our results. Join us.:)

[!becca]

I posted this at the end of the Novemeber Oily Rag, but because it has been a quiet night here, I wanted to be sure some of you saw it...

Here it is again...

I have been reading a little and looking at some very good art. I just had to share this one with you. She has a second painting just previous to this one if you care to look as well. It is so inspiring..I am going to look around my studio.

And, I did paint another 7x5...I am going to try to get a pic in a moment.:)

[!becca]

And, this month Spirit Day is on the 17th...hope it is a good one.:)

[!becca]

Here is my little 7"x5" that I painted tonight.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Dec-2011/100116-my_paintings_002copy4.jpg

[!becca]

Good morning, I tweaked the cowboy after posting him, but my time to edit my pic had expired. I had just had a major scare, without going into detail I thought something might have happened to Tob...he showed up at the door well at 4:40 this morning. I am very relieved.

And, my modem is still working.

[mtpalms]

From the Nov Oily Rag:

Nancy, you are right, and I do the same thing. Sometimes I just pause and look. I can't remember the type of light I am trying to think of you likely saw...when I do I will post it.

I am getting ready to start a new Oily Rag for Dec.

I have heard it called 'Alpenglow" and the Golden Hour - that time at sunrise and sunset when things seem to glow with extra vibrant color.


I am about to go catch a plane, I'll check-in later. Please send me "Hold It Together Vibes" for the next few days.

[lovin art]

Hia Becc

Some not so great news guys , my aunty has had another fall:( she fell out of bed my uncle is all upset there was blood everywhere she hit hard and has ripped her knee

Just come on to say hi and had missed about your friends dog sorry Rolina ! So sad to read that

Anyway not sure what will happen now , I'm very upset , I hate this side of life I rember her full of life I wish I could turn the clock back to better times for both of us health wise - Dam this life

Life is pointless if this is how we end up . :(

[mtpalms]

You are getting good at foreshortening those horses' heads Becc. :thumbsup:

Later OIlies!

[!becca]

Marcia, I am sending lots of hugs with you for holding it together and a safe trip...we look forward to your return.:grouphug:

Sandra, this really seems to be a time of sadness for many of us...so sorry about your aunt.:grouphug:

[!becca]

Marcia, thank you for liking my horse.:) Reminds me...here is the painting tweaked.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/01-Dec-2011/100116-my_paintings_008copy4.jpg


Now...where is everyone else this morning.:confused:

[lovin art]

Umm yeah sorry Becc I didn't mention your lovely work ,

Thankyou , good luck to Marcia !

I'm not sure I'll be posting much myself either

[!becca]

Thank you Sandra...I understand how upset you must be.:grouphug: I worry about you.:heart:

Maybe we are all taking December off.:(

[lovin art]

Yeah I'm done :( ~ I'm feeling like there's not much point to anything really , life is not that great have no money worries I never want for anything in my life , but have bad health an well all the money in the world abit going to fix a life that's full of bad health.

Sorry for the rant I'm very upset should just go , later !

[sidbledsoe]

Hi December first oily rag chatters! I am at work and real busy, tomorrow I give a presentation at a big meeting.
your cowboy is very neat becca, I get a lot of errors when I try to make a post now, wetcanvas is so bad and slow operating for me here at work that I have cut way down on the number of times I check in because it is so wasteful of my time, waiting eons for pages to load. I think it is a little better at home but still problematic. It isn't just wetcanvas, yahoo used to be good for reading news stories and now it is unbearable, they take way too long to load with all of the popup advertising crap. the solicitors are ruining the internet more and more everyday and I hate them.
have a real nice day! bye for now!

[!becca]

Sandra, yes you have challenges to deal with...but you are not alone in that situation or in your stuggle with them.

[!becca]

Hi December first oily rag chatters! I am at work and real busy, tomorrow I give a presentation at a big meeting:clap: Good luck with the presentation!!! I know you will be grand!:D

I don't have new issues with WC preformance, but do find I need to multitask while here...nothing is perfect I guess.

Glad you like my tiny cowboy.:)

[NancyMP]

Your cowboy looks great, Becca!:heart: I didn't catch that the foreground was a horse at the first image posting, but now that you've brought it out from the cowboy's more contrasty background, it looks lovely!

I'm delighted to hear that Toby finally showed up okay in the early ayem! But it does look like you used the wait to great advantage by painting!

Sandra,:heart: good and bad things happen in life, and the bad can't be avoided. The joys of life make up for it, since even when things are at their worst, beauty, hope, and love can ease the distress. Please don't curse life because there is a dark side to it; that makes the bright side all that much brighter.

:heart::heart::grouphug::heart::heart:
Love and hugs to you - I know you're going through a really bad spot. Your aunt sounds like a wonderful person, and I know that everything that can be done for her, will be done.

<<<GOOD, GOOD, GOOD OILY VIBRATIONS!>>>

For you, too, Marcia!:heart:

:clap:Sid,:heart: congratulations on your presentation tomorrow! I know you'll be great -- because I've seen some of your presentations!

[ArtyRolina]

Thanks for the kind messages about the puppy everyone, I am still so sad about it and really, really miss him. He was always there with a welcome when I came home and he just isn't there today.

Becca, that link to the APA website is amazing and those horse paintings in particular are stunning - I can almost smell the hay. Your painting is excellent and the horse has such character - you are rocking these!
I am so glad Toby is OK - has he had an assignation?

Sandra, I am so sorry to read about your aunt - that is so distressing for all of you and I hope the fall hasn't caused any long-term damage like last time. Is she back in hospital? I know what you mean about feeling down about life at the moment, I am like that too and it is very hard. Thank goodness for the art, eh?

Sid, good luck with the presentation!

Marcia I will be thinking of you and sending you keepingitalltogether vibes.

Hi Nancy! How are you today, hopefully you are ready for the gallery show now all your cherubs, small paintings and wee bags are done!

What a day it has been, I am so tired, my sleep wasn't good last night.

[NancyMP]

Hi, Rolina!:heart: I was up later than usual last night, and Himself woke me early. But I'm lucky to be retired, at least I can catch a nap. It's so sad that the pup was so much a part of your life and now is gone.

I did get everything to the gallery last night, but got an angry phone call this morning about my Rhododendrons painting -- it fit so snugly in its frame that I didn't realize I hadn't attached it and put wires on it! The hanging committee is not pleased...

How is your new boarder? Nice,:angel: I hope!

[!becca]

Nancy,:heart: thanks again for being there for me last night...I was pretty upset.
I didn't go into detail before..but about midnight I heard a cat like yowl and then coyotes yelping...very close here in the yard. I thought they had snatched Toby. He must have been hiding because he didn't show up until 4 hours later. I saw that Nancy was online and pmed her at the time. She was very reassuring.:heart:

Thank you Nancy and Rolina for liking my little cowboy.:D

I have been working on changing some images on my website per request of my web host....like I didn't already have a list.:rolleyes:

[!becca]

I did get everything to the gallery last night, but got an angry phone call this morning about my Rhododendrons painting -- it fit so snugly in its frame that I didn't realize I hadn't attached it and put wires on it! The hanging committee is not pleased...
:eek: Mistakes happen.:grouphug:

Rolina, yes I have been thinking of your boarder too...hope you are feeling a little better today.:heart:

[ArtyRolina]

Becca, that must have been stressful wondering what had happend to Toby and I am so glad he is OK after all. I wonder if he climbed up out of danger. I am glad Nancy was there for you!

My new housemate is doing well, she is no trouble and very easy to get on with. Hearing about her research into the study of seal diets is fascinating (although she has to look at a lot of seal pooh)!

[!becca]

Rolina, thank you, I am very glad Toby is ok too. I rarely hear any outside noise in this room, so it all happened very close. He would climb if necessary, though he doesn't often.
I am glad your housemate is working out...and that you don't have to look at that seal pooh too.:D

[NancyMP]

Well, Rolina, I guess she needs to cover both ends of the alimentary canal!:lol: She does have an interesting job. I love science!

[bjornjo]

big heal vibes to all of you who feel down :heart: :grouphug: marcia and her relative,toby..becca,sandra,sandras aunt, poor puppy,paul with his sickness in thanksgiving,nancy for problem with her frame and painting...im gonna crash got another 28 hours to work until monday..no drawing today since i worked...but will on saturday after working night...my love to you! and sid for doing presentation at work.
rolina hope your boss have calmed down a bit
carey how is the painting of scarlett going?
my head is empty sleep tight all of you
sandra how wonderful with a private tution
becca another cowboy :clap:
did i read about a painting of rolina i dident see it
tina hope you are doing well with the swap and your LD

[!becca]

Bjorn, :D Hope you are now getting some rest..and thank you.

[NancyMP]

I'm going to go get some rest, too. Back is killin' me after hauling all those heavy paintings around, and I'm short of sleep. Later, Oily Peeps!

[!becca]

Nancy, hope you get some good rest.:grouphug:

[sidbledsoe]

Hearing about her research into the study of seal diets is fascinating (although she has to look at a lot of seal pooh)!
Navy seals? :D

[NancyMP]

Becca, I kept wanting to mention this but didn't. Your cowboy's horse needs some distinct separation from his master, and I think the way to do this might be to use some artistic license and move his shoulder back toward his neck, so that the horse's head wasn't completely enclosed in his clothing.:o I'm going back to my heating pad now; back later.

Sid, they're Scottish navy seals!:lol:

[!becca]

Navy seals? :D:lol:

[!becca]

What a very quiet day this has been. I just finished putting another drawing on a little canvas and managed some office work this evening too. I hope everyone is getting along well, though I would guess you are all busy.

Marcia, hope your flight went well. Thinking of you.:grouphug:

Rolina, hope you are catching up on sleep.:heart:

Nancy, you need to catch up on rest tonight too. Hope you solved the framing crisis.:grouphug:

Sandra, hope you are feeling a little better by now.:grouphug:

Jessica,:heart: hope you are not so busy soon. Maybe you are still having a little time for painting. How is Quin?

Carey, I remember Thursdays are busy for you, hope we hear from you tomorrow and we maybe see something wonderful you have created.:heart:

Sid, you will be a hit with your presentation no doubt of that...sending smash presentation vibes.:D

Bjorn, hope you have had good rest too.:D

[ArtyRolina]

Hi Becca, thanks I did get a good sleep last night, so I am pleased about that. My cough seems to have eased a bit too, which is also a relief.

Everyone's comments about my housemate's research into seal pooh were funny, I did tell her that I hope she doesn't bring her work home with her, lol! Sid, Navy Seals, groan..

Nancy, I hope your back has recovered after a good rest. I am loving your thread on that wonderful lighthouse painting. I have a feeling it is going to be a very educational thread and will be watching your work on this painting with avid interest. Heh-heh, no pressure there then!

Sandra, how are you today? I am a bit worried about how bad you have been feeling and think you are having a lot to deal with lately. Believe me when I say, it will get better.

Björn thanks for the commiserations about the puppy, it is so sad and my neighbour is so upset. The other pups are now spread about the British Isles, but she does get updates on how they are doing and that is a comfort at least.

Here are my latest paintings, again, Björn, this is one I posted while it was in progress, but it is now finished:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Dec-2011/959592-Carn_Liath_Sm.jpg

and this is the one I started on Tuesday:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Dec-2011/959592-suilvenpainting_small.jpg

Do you like the new looser style? I am trying to capture my feelings of being in such beauty and also the excitment that I feel while out in the Scottish elements (ie drenched, frozen and windswept, lol). I have the sort of remitting/relapsing illness that sometimes stops me being able to get out there, so when I can, the joy I feel is tremendous and I want to get that over in my work.

I am off work again today and saw the doctor for a review. The recommendation is that I take another 2 weeks off (heh, that worked out well over the last two weeks, didn't it, lol). She has given me the contact details for a counselling service especially for people working in the voluntary sector which I shall be following up.

I will be doing some sketching later and plan on an early morning plein air sketching session tomorrow with that lovely sketchbook you gave me, Becca, the weather conditions, although cold, are stunningly beautiful with early morning frosts and lovely light and I have got to get out there!

Have a great Friday everyone!

[!becca]

Rolina, I like your new landscapes. They do have so much energy to them. Good luck with the 2 weeks off, and I hope the counseling service is helpful, you have had so much to deal with.
I know just what you mean about those frosty mornings, they can be so spectacular, I can't wait to see your plein air.

Nancy, I have noticed your thread in the main forum, your pianting there is very good. I am not posting there because I can't add a thing. I look forward to seeing where you take it.

[ArtyRolina]

Thanks Becca, unfortunately I can't afford the time off, so although I am signed off sick, I shall continue to work, albeit reduced hours :(

Will you be doing any more painting today?

[mtpalms]

:wave: Good morning Oilies!

:heart: Thanks for the well wishes. Difficult day ahead, but everything is going smoothly

[!becca]

Yes, you should be able to getted paid time if it is under drs orders. Some places here have what is called mental health days...a good idea. Of course you must work with what you have. You can always talk here.:grouphug:

I forgot to say earlier, i hope you are enjoying your sketchbook, the format seemed perfect for you.:heart:

I do hope to paint a little painting today..maybe this morning, I should be working instead.

[!becca]

Hi Maricia, we will be sending out vibes to you. So very sorry for your circumstances.:heart:

[mtpalms]

I think Rolina works as what we would call an independent contractor, so no sick days or anything like that.

I hope the reduced days help, Rolina, and don't end up piling your workload at the other end.

[ArtyRolina]

Hi Marcia - I have been keeping you in my thoughts - all the best for today. Hugs x

Thanks Becca, I love the sketchbook format, it is perfect for the type of landscape we have here, I can hardly wait to give it and the pens a try this weekend. (although I am a little afraid to mess it up,lol)

Looking forward to seeing what you manage to paint!

[!becca]

I think that is the thing about time off work..it is still there when you come back.

[!becca]

(although I am a little afraid to mess it up,lol):lol: I have that feeling about my books too...but the desire to use them up has escalated. I am sure yours will be remarkable.

[!becca]

More amazing paintings (http://burtonartstudio.com/works) I thought I would share.

[ArtyRolina]

Oooh, thanks for sharing, Becca, they are stunning paintings!

I am dead pleased with myself, I have just done some electrical work - I changed my bedroom light switch to one that is now remote controlled, which means that I can read in bed and not get up to turn the light off, lol!

[!becca]

Rolina, how impressive!!! And, a useful change too.

[NancyMP]

Rolina, I'm very impressed with your new paintings! And you can come work on my electricity any time you want. I read in bed next to a lamp. It doesn't keep Himself awake like a ceiling light would.

I've been painting this morning, and I may have softened my lighthouse background too much. I'm considering some of the paint I applied today from the buildings.

[!becca]

Nancy, I saw your painting, and left a note, it is looking very good.

[!becca]

I just made biscotti and now am brewing tea to go with it.:) Then i can go back to work.

[Freesail]

I just made biscotti and now am brewing tea to go with it.:) Then i can go back to work.

My grandmother made this almost weekly ... What kind of biscotti?

[!becca]

I made cranberry orange, and topped them with a bit of melted chocolate.:)

[NancyMP]

Becc, I want the recipe! Carey's tea is absolutely exquisite with just a tsp. of honey!

[!becca]

I love that tea by itself if I have a cookie with it.:) The recipe for these biscotti is not so mystical, I used King Author's Mix (http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/cranberry-orange-biscotti-mix)...it is very good...I added my own chocolate. I do have a cranberry-orange cookie recipe I will share later though.:D
edit: excuse the typo in Arthur.:rolleyes:

[Freesail]

Double post ......

[!becca]

Nancy, I want to say, you are very brave to be altering your painting you have posted. It is interesting to watch.

[NancyMP]

I've been trying to find a ref for the seagull, but no luck. I'll "wing" it, as usual. I do have a good visual memory - most likely the result of not being a very good photographer!

While I was searching, I came up with something Toby might like, Becca:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/02-Dec-2011/203830-funny_cat_seagull_thing%21.jpg

[!becca]

Nancy, :lol: Toby will love it.:cat:

[!becca]

I am sure your gull will look amazing, even without a ref.

[!becca]

Well, Nancy, just read the gull is out.:)

I just finished another tiny painting (finally) and I am going to get a pic.:)

4"x6"

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Dec-2011/100116-my_paintings_001copy4.jpg

[NancyMP]

Becca, I'm loving your small series of horses, cattle and cowpokes! this one's so nice!

[!becca]

Thank you, Nancy, I have one more little one to paint..at least. But I don't know what it will be yet. Next I think I will paint another portrait. As for my next cowboy pianting, it may be 40x30. :) I also need to get to office work, so I have been planning my schedule.

I have been following your thread, seems you are enjoying your exploration of your painting. I am looking forward to what is coming next.
Speaking of following your work...noticed the final post of your swap portrait of Jen...amazing work there Nancy! It is exceptional.:heart:

[!becca]

I have just been browsing the video workshops...there are a couple I would like to see, but I have a problem with being limited to what I am allowed to download. I do have unlimited downloads between 2 and 6 am. I will need to think about it.

I also have a very wonderful husband right now who is encouraging me to piant as much as I can....:heart:

Well, I hope that some of you show up again here in the near future, it is a busy time of year, I know. You are all in my thoughts.

[lovin art]

Hey there ladies , I am here , youR all in my thoughts to Becc ,~

~ as you know I've been down feeling like crap and well I need to snap out of it , I'm never feeling this bad but lately I just can't seem to find my happy place , anymore , my health is crap my life is crap and lately even though I see a huge change in my work, I've started to have a profound understanding and a huge reprograming of my thoughts in the way i look or even see with my minds eye! ~but at the moment I'm going through some down stage on top of everything of thinking my art is crappy also , I hate looking at my own work , I truly am my own worst enemy :(

My aunty is not doing well
Her legs have been badly damaged from her fall and they think she may have golden staffe in one of her legs She's loosing her short term memory also ,

[!becca]

Hi Sandra, sorry for your rough spell...maybe we all go through it to some degree. Just know that it will pass and you will be better again.:grouphug:

So sorry for your aunt, that is so sad.:(

[!becca]

Well, I am up way later than I had expected to be...will see everyone in the morning.

[TinaC]

Hi there Oily people. Its is the weekend, yeay!

Christmas is way too close and I havent even started yet and its my little girls 25th birthday on Tuesday too.

Got lots to catch up with here, but Becca your recent equine paintings are a delight. Nancy I have seen the rework of your lighthouse painting and am impressed beyond words that you have no fear about making major changes, it was already wonderful. Look forward to seeing the finish.

If you havent seen it on the portrait forum go check out djstar (http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=956910)'s silver point of her mother - its completely awesome and really touching.

I have had a terribly aggravating week with one thing and another but nothing calamitous so I wont complain. Cant wait for a week off work at Christmas though.

Rolina, I am sorry your health problems continue to plague you, and yours too Sandra. Life is tough and then you die, really we have to find a way to smell the roses and you two are both good at that. I wish you well.

I have to photo my portrait swap now its finished and arrange to get it to its new owner. I have taken the plunge and invested in some 'real' oil paints on the back of it having absolutely decided a while ago not to do so. My curiosity about the benefits of top quality paints got too much so I am awaiting a delivery of a few Mussini's, Michael Hardings and Vasari's to try. Needless to say apart from the Vasari's I bought special offers and only have the cheaper colours, no cobalts or cadmiums yet but I am curious to see if it improves my work, particularly portraits.

For the first time I have varnished a couple of my old paintings to see what difference it would make, I was completely bowled over by instant and dramatic improvement. I am going to do half another one and take a photo of it to remind me - its truly amazing.

Off to by a birthday present now but will be back later.

A wonderful Saturday to you all.

[!becca]

Tina, it seems that the clock never slows down for you. So glad you like my tiny paintings.:) I will love hearing your paint reviews. I have looked at your swap portrait, you did beautiful work on it, you should be so pleased!:clap:
Your link was lovely..i had looked at it is portraiture, such a sad story, with a silver lining of sorts.

Rolina, I hope you are doing that plein air.

[ArtyRolina]

Hi everyone,

What a lovely day it is here, although bitterly cold it is bright and dry, so I went out for a gentle walk this morning and it was very nice indeed. I was very glad to get back home into the warm though. The forecast is for some significant snow over the next couple of days in Scotland so that is going to be challenging.

Becca, I love this latest horse painting, it is beautiful and I am so looking forward to seeing the large piece you have in mind. I am glad your hubby is being supportive.

Nancy, I have given the thread on your painting a 5 star rating as it was so very informative. I am really excited to see where you take this subject. No wonder you have fallen in love with the lighthouse it is spectacular and I think you can get a lot more out of exploring different compositions.

Tina, oh dear, another trying week - how is your hubby settling into his new job, is it going well and are you into the new routine yet? Happy birthday to your daughter! It is a good idea to have the best paints you can afford, especially for portrait painting. Buying paints is such fun, eh?

Sandra, how are you today? I think the dissatisfaction is again another leap about to happen in your work, this so often happens. Painting is so much more enjoyable before you realise what a good painting truly is, isn't it? How is your aunt today?

[ArtyRolina]

Tina, I have just looked at the link to the silverpoint - it is amazing and very, very touching, thanks for highlighting it.

Thanks Becca, yes, I did a drawing, it needs tidying up and I am considering putting a watercolour wash on, but cannot decide. I will photograph it later. My hands are still freezing!

[mtpalms]

Well, Nancy, just read the gull is out.:)

I just finished another tiny painting (finally) and I am going to get a pic.:)

4"x6"

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Dec-2011/100116-my_paintings_001copy4.jpg

Becca, you are getting good at horses' heads, with these quite studies. Becase of their elongated shape, the foreshortening can be a challenge from certain angles, much like hands and feet.

Woke up to snow this morning to snow, about 2' so far. I am riding back to Denver/Evergreen w/ my aunt and uncle today and flying out of Denver tomorrow.

[!becca]

Rolina, thank you.:) and so sorry for your freezing hands..I look forward to that photo.

[!becca]

Hi Marcia, we are having cold rain here...has made me think of Bob Dylan all morning.:D Glad you have family to ride to Denver with, hope it is a safe drive...will be wet and cold most or all the way.
Thank you for your nice comments on my little horses:heart:...last nights might have been different if I had bothered to but new paint on my palette.

[lovin art]

Hey Becc Rols Marcia , Tina I'm sorry if I'm missing something here, yeah Tina life is crap and then we die , so elegantly put, I guess I for one will get my smile back , but I guess from your point of view I really have nothing to be down about , you could be right but that doesn't mean I don't get down and have a right to feel like crap , I mean I already feel like crap most of the time of late , I will say with my own convictions , and this is not a go at anyone so please dont take it as so, just thinking out loud ! I must check our work out !

Lovely horse Becc , i agree with marcia you are getting very good at them , Your landscapes are wonderful Rolina , yeah I am going through some heavy crap, you made me smile righting that about how good a painting can be in my eyes nothing is good enough I am producing , I feel like I'm stuck in the thought of the old me and the new me is fighting to emerge , the new me is more driven , more critical, and more observant i guess , I think this has to come for me to grow as an artist !

Thanks Becc n Rolls for saying about her, my aunty, I know this man oh man she is stubborn ! She thinks there's nothing wrong with her , it's very sad to see a strong woman lose her mind ~ actually I think I'm in touch with that emotion:(

[lovin art]

Wow it seems I can't even spell either ( righting as in writing ) lol

[!becca]

Sandra, sounds you may be feeling a little better this morning. Thank you for the nice things about my horse. And, it is good to know your auntie is a fighter.:heart:

[lovin art]

Hey Becc I'm getting there , it's good to know you care I know that if nothing else .... :) yes Becc she's a fighter that's for sure but I fear she's losing the battle !

[!becca]

Sandra, sadly one day we will each lose the battle, but I am hoping for the best for your aunt. And, you are right, i do care...and I am glad that makes a difference to you.:grouphug:

[NancyMP]

Thank you, Becca!:heart: It doesn't take courage so much as it takes a thirst to learn more. I'm so delighted with the critiques I'm getting that I had to show the thread to Himself this morning. He said he now understands why I'm on Wet Canvas so much - that I found a place where people understand what I say, and I understand what they say, in a way that is incomprehensible to a non-artist! :lol:

Your free downloads of videos...are those condensed workshops you're talking about? Where do you find them? I'm eager to see your new painting, and I'm so glad your husband is encouraging you to paint!:)

Sandra,:heart: sometimes change hurts a lot! Being in physical pain is one thing, but adding psychic pain to it is really debilitating! Try to hold my hand through all this - it's only a psychic hand, but it's very strong. If you meant to say your aunt has staph in her leg, that is very difficult to treat!:eek: With all she is going through, it's no wonder her short-term memory is ailing - she must be on the edge of terror with all that's happening to her.

Marcia,:heart: I'm glad you will get home tomorrow; we've been missing you! I haven't seen any snow here yet, but two feet? Wow!

Rolina,:heart: thank you for the 5-star rating! I hope you will be able to paint the snow when it arrives...it may make it so difficult to go to work that you will have to paint instead...

Tina,:heart: birthday shopping is something I need to do, too. I have a grandson who was born on December 24th. Just a couple of hours later, and he would have been a Christmas baby! That baby will have his 23rd birthday on Christmas Eve!:smug:

[!becca]

Thank you, Becca! It doesn't take courage so much as it takes a thirst to learn moreNancy,:heart: I do understand this..but I would have started fresh. You are getting some great critiques and I am sort of envious of them. I have been sorting through some of my recent paintings trying to decide which if any might be competition material and wish I had critiques of each of them so I could better decide. It is so difficult to really see our own work like someone else will.
The videos I mentioned are from the WC video workshop effort but they are not free. They are reasonably priced at about 17 dollars each or about 200 for a 6 month subscription. Considering the cost of instructional dvds that isn't bad. I looked at the material list for the one...I would need Jessica's paint collection for the paints that are listed.:lol:
My husband wants me to paint more, so I can maybe realize the growth I would like...I'm not sure he will really like everything I want to try.:D

[lovin art]

:heart: Becc , I know your here for me and beleve me iv only ever thought the world of you for it your support of me has been my saviour more than you could ever know ! Yep I'm crying cause I'm sappy ... :crying: :heart:

Nance:heart: what beautiful words and what I've come to expect from such a groovy chic like yourself , yeah you made me cry :o too reading that , I am gripping on nance I love you lot of woman very muchly !!!!:thumbsup:

And your right Nance , it is good to share with like minded artist like yourself , isn't Kevin groovy! :D I loved what he wrote on your thread ~ great thread bty , I really love that dude so much:o , he's just the ants pants to me and always been wonderful to me !

[lovin art]

Becc your painting ability is becoming quite powerful in my eyes , you are grand lady! :D

Ok I got go I'm tired and need some sleep it's Sunday here , day of rest !

[!becca]

Becc your painting ability is becoming quite powerful in my eyes , you are grand lady:heart: How nice of you to say.:) And we are allowed to be sappy here.:grouphug: Hope you are getting your rest, it will be great medicine for you.

[!becca]

Nancy, here (http://artistsnetwork.tv/) are the video workshops I was talking about. And, I misquoted the pricing...200 is for a full year access to all workshops..i like the $50 package for one medium for 6 months....that is if my internet permited it.

[sidbledsoe]

i have been foolin round with my manikins lately and i just figured out the trick to getting them to work, i am so dumb,... i mean really dumb,... for real.:D
the return of the prodigal son:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Dec-2011/112587-IMG_0051.JPG
little woodie finally comes home!:lol:

[NancyMP]

Becc, I just spent an hour sampling videos on that site...even the previews are rich with instruction! I may get that $50 package when I get a bit more ahead cash-wise!

[!becca]

i have been foolin round with my manikins lately and i just figured out the trick to getting them to work, i am so dumb,... i mean really dumb,... for real.:D
the return of the prodigal son:
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Dec-2011/112587-IMG_0051.JPG
little woodie finally comes home!:lol:

:lol: Great minds, Sid...I was just looking at my little manikins the other day thinking of the possibilities.:lol: (now think barbie clothes.:D)

[!becca]

Becc, I just spent an hour sampling videos on that site...even the previews are rich with instruction! I may get that $50 package when I get a bit more ahead cash-wise!Nancy, if you do and I do then it will be like we are in class together.:D

[!becca]

I have been putting my drawing on canvas, when I left it, I thought it was working.:)

[bjornjo]

i overslept mine LD with a teacher..should just take a shower and take a quick nap after working night but dident wake up it sucks
rolina very moody painting it is good, in the second painting the cloud echo to much the "valley" it sits over, how did the sketching go..a resonable doctor it sounds hope you can find some way with the troublesome boss
becca biscotis are so nice..i prefer the plain ones with just some almonds or those are usally the only ones that are sold, a delightful horse with grace
sandra dear ahh i know you will keep working and get the painting and drawing in place, that atleast means she have not the worst dementia since that usally brings them peace and less pain and worrys
nancy what a delightful travel you shared with ous with that thread of yours painting
tina ahh did you get to any LD class this week? glad you are done with your portrait swap will go and take a look but the last thing i saw looked very nice
sid haha starting to play with dolls now?

[!becca]

Bjorn, you are so right, I like the plain or almond biscotti too. So glad you like my little horse.:)

sid haha starting to play with dolls now?:lol:

[NancyMP]

Sid would like to play with life-sized dolls, I bet!:lol::D

[sidbledsoe]

yeah, they are fun til you get a hole in them and they deflate! :D :grouphug:

[!becca]

yeah, they are fun til you get a hole in them and they deflate! :D :grouphug::eek: :eek:

[sidbledsoe]

it's totally a joke cause you guys made fun of my manikins!:D
and i was so happy that i learned the secret about how they work.:smug:

[!becca]

Sid, I know.:D

[TinaC]

Hi Bjorn, sorry you overslept but you obviously needed it. Yes, I am still going to my life classes, they are the highlight of my week and next Tuesday is the last before Christmas, sob, sob. I was meant to go to a private view at the gallery last night (Friday) but was chauffering my colleagues home following a few drinks after work to celebrate a birthday and I missed it. I'm kinda annoyed but them's the breaks.

Sid my manikin is painted purple and is called Douglas, he has a 'friend' Joyce (who used to be Robert) who isnt painted - I think there is something going on between them but they wont speak of it. So what is this secret you have learned? Is it how to stop them falling over? Douglas dive bombed my coffee the other day and made a heck of a mess.

[TinaC]

Sandra I must apologise for my turn of phrase, I wont repeat it and double the sin. I didnt mean to sound so harsh and insensitive, I think I have unresolved anger, grief and general madness lurking deep within me and sometimes it sneaks out. Your various battles and difficulties, whilst inevitably getting you down from time to time never seem to be able to quash your inherent sunny nature, positivity and sheer willpower it seems to me. You are an inspiration both as a courageous person and an artist (its actually your brushwork that has made me realise how important it is I learn to paint properly). So again, apologies for my crass comments. BTW one of the good things about this forum is it seems to be acceptable to have a bit of a vent and moan, us artists have to deal with our emotions so as not to block the creative flow :). Anyway, dear kind Sandra, take care and pace yourself girl.

[sidbledsoe]

good becc, i didn't want to thinkin' i was more of a perve than already:lol:

tina, i am embarrassed to say because i figured everyone on planet earth, at least the artists, knew how to operate them. it's all about the joints and how to line them up so's they easily move and stay where you want them to. i had been struggling with their appendages springing back for so long:o
It's all about those slits in the joints (http://www.fineartstore.com/Catalog/tabid/365/List/1/CategoryID/20948/Level/a/Default.aspx?SortField=UnitCost%2cUnitCost), they have to be in line with the way you want to bend or they don't stay where they should.
your manikins sound pretty hip to me!:D

and becc that equine is fine!:wink2:

[TinaC]

I'm going to check out those workshops tomorrow.

Gnight all.

[TinaC]

good becc, i didn't want to thinkin' i was more of a perve than already:lol:

tina, i am embarrassed to say because i figured everyone on planet earth, at least the artists, knew how to operate them. it's all about the joints and how to line them up so's they easily move and stay where you want them to. i had been struggling with their appendages springing back for so long:o

Ah, spring joints eh, I havent really had that problem. :lol:
Glad you have tamed yours finally though, unruly manekins can be very annoying.

[NancyMP]

Just went down to the Hobby Lobby, and there's a Salvation Army guy in uniform down there playing a baritone. I have to grab my camera and go back down there; he'll only be there until nine, and he says he doesn't know when he'll be back. He's perfectly okay with letting me take his pic and making a painting of it!

[!becca]

good becc, i didn't want to thinkin' i was more of a perve than already:lol:

tina, i am embarrassed to say because i figured everyone on planet earth, at least the artists, knew how to operate them. it's all about the joints and how to line them up so's they easily move and stay where you want them to. i had been struggling with their appendages springing back for so long:o
It's all about those slits in the joints (http://www.fineartstore.com/Catalog/tabid/365/List/1/CategoryID/20948/Level/a/Default.aspx?SortField=UnitCost%2cUnitCost), they have to be in line with the way you want to bend or they don't stay where they should.
your manikins sound pretty hip to me!:D

and becc that equine is fine!:wink2:Sid we know you are really a cool dude!:thumbsup: Thanks for liking the tiny horse.:D

[!becca]

Just went down to the Hobby Lobby, and there's a Salvation Army guy in uniform down there playing a baritone. I have to grab my camera and go back down there; he'll only be there until nine, and he says he doesn't know when he'll be back. He's perfectly okay with letting me take his pic and making a painting of it!:clap: :clap: :clap: Sounds like a great opportunity.

[sidbledsoe]

by the way, i am at work as usual, got a couple hours of work to do then can go home so better get to it.

[NancyMP]

His name is Major Dan Proctor, and the instrument is called a Euphonium. He was most cooperative and sweet! It being night, I was tempted to use flash, but I know how that flattens things out so badly. Against the lights in Hobby Lobby, it was hard to get much detail, so I had him at one point, stand away from the kettle and face the light. That will be the one I use for the painting, but I might have him sitting next to the kettle and sign.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Dec-2011/203830-Salvation_Army_Guy_with_Euphonium_003.jpghttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Dec-2011/203830-Salvation_Army_Guy_with_Euphonium_004.jpghttp://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/03-Dec-2011/203830-Salvation_Army_Guy_with_Euphonium_007.jpg

Sid, you do have some odd working hours! How did your presentation go yesterday? I'll bet you were a hit!

[!becca]

Sid, hope your work is now done and you are headed home to enjoy the weekend...and, yes, how did the presentation go?

Nancy, what cool photos. I like the two darker ones..they may lack enough detail for a large scale painting, but they are so dramatic!

[!becca]

I am going to look at my drawing a bit, I looked at it a little while ago and felt I need to shift it down on the canvas by about a half inch....

[NancyMP]

That's what I was thinking, too, Becca! Even on the close-up I must have jiggled the camera, or he joggled the pose, so I will use that for what it's worth and see if it fits in the sitting pose.

[!becca]

Nancy, they are all so interesting, you can't go wrong. There was a bell wringer we saw the other day who looked so impoverished and sad...I thought of a photo too, but I didn't wan to embarrass him.

[NancyMP]

Becca,:heart: this guy is the Central Oklahoma Area Commander for the Salvation Army, so he didn't look sad at all. (I think he may be Santa Claus in real life, but, shhh, we don't want anyone to know, ho ho ho!):lol:

[!becca]

Nancy, no he doesn't look sad at all.:D He will make a great painting. I would have maybe have asked about a photo of my guy if there hadn't been so many people around.

[sidbledsoe]

hey getting ready to go to bed and i see you guys asking about the presentation, yes it was just dandy, it was my six sigma (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EacJSQ4aa2I)green belt project presentation and i was certified. and if you don't know what that is then don't worry, that is a good thing! it's for working nerds like me.:o :D :grouphug:

[!becca]

Sid, glad it went well, but we knew it would...congrats that you are now certified.:D Hope you rest well.



it's for working nerds like me
:lol:

Just a note...I may have been declared certified too.:o :lol:

[!becca]

I think I now have my drawing how I want it.:D Now to decide when i will paint. Maybe tomorrow, or I may try to do office work tomorrow, even may run errands, which I don't like to to on Sunday's. But the weather is supposed to be mild.

I have also been thinking of researhing galleries and trying to find one or two more that will take my art. This will probably need to wait until after the first of the year now.

And, i am beginning to wonder what and how I am going to do my Christmas things, time is passing by. I have my tree up, but so far that is it.:eek:

[sidbledsoe]

becc good luck with your gallery quest and all you need is a tree, well that's all i am putting up anyway,
ok i'm done for today,
nite!

[!becca]

Thanks, Sid.:D I usually go to more fuss during the holidays..Good night to you.

[!becca]

Ok, now I am perplexed..I just looked at my blog stats and there had been a visit through a google search which was directed by "paintings to copy".:( I wish I could reverse the search and inform them, these are not paintings to copy.

I just put a note in my blog to that effect.

[NancyMP]

hey getting ready to go to bed and i see you guys asking about the presentation, yes it was just dandy, it was my six sigma (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EacJSQ4aa2I)green belt project presentation and i was certified. and if you don't know what that is then don't worry, that is a good thing! it's for working nerds like me.:o :D :grouphug:

Um, would that be anything like the green belt my granddaughter won in karate class?:D Anyhoo, I'm glad you're certified! Some around here think I'm certifiable...:rolleyes:

[NancyMP]

Ok, now I am perplexed..I just looked at my blog stats and there had been a visit through a google search which was directed by "paintings to copy".:( I wish I could reverse the search and inform them, these are not paintings to copy.

I just put a note in my blog to that effect.

Becca, that's what I would have done, and I wouldn't be too leery of someone just looking for "paintings to copy." By law, he or she would have to ask your permission, as a living artist, to copy anything that you painted, or be liable in a lawsuit.

[lovin art]

Sid congrats to you for nerddom .! :D.. And Bj :heart: I'm sorry you slept in dude , does one have an alarm ; ) it could be the go , your right I am that optimistic girl deep down and will prevail I hope ~ thankyou for sweetness bj about my aunt:)

Good luck to you Becc :heart: on the gallery , shame I missed the biscotti party

Hia Nance :heart: you knOw your right about the copyright stuff ! And I am a total tool I've forgotten what I was going to say , maybe my aunts memory fail is affecting me ! :rolleyes:

Later lovely pebbles:wave:

[!becca]

Well, my modem went out again last night, but is back this morning.

Sid, that is cool about the six sigma green belt!:cool:

Nancy,:heart: thanks, you are probably right not to worry.

Hi Sandra:heart: thanks, next time I will save biscotti for you.:D

[lovin art]

Becc :heart: Im up late and wanted to say Hi to you chica .... I do miss you terribly ... and my regular posting yapping on here ... with you and Nance and all...:)

Iv been talking to my teachers about putting in for a study grant , they think I should apply for one it could be for here or even overseas maybe , Ive had such great feedback from them and my art work from school would go to helping my cause... it means I would need a written application and it has to be worded really well ... which I think they would be more then willing to help me on ...well something to think on I guess:D

[!becca]

Now, before my modem goes out again....


Happy Birthday Sid!!!:clap: :clap: :clap: :thumbsup: :grouphug:

[!becca]

Sandra, the grant sounds wonderful! I think you should apply, you never know how these things will go. How exciting for you.

We miss yapping with you too.:heart: :grouphug:

[lovin art]

Oh wow is it really ~Well Happy returns to the Main Man of Our Rag , my your heart be full of Joy Sid and your pockets full of paints !!!!!:D :heart: :o ;)

[!becca]

Sandra, :lol: I just started a birthday thread too.:D

[lovin art]

Sandra, the grant sounds wonderful! I think you should apply, you never know how these things will go. How exciting for you.

We miss yapping with you too.:heart: :grouphug:

:heart: :grouphug:

I know Becc , its one good thing to think on , I guess they wouldnt have suggested it unless they thought I have a shot at getting one :)

[!becca]

Sandra, I imagine you are right...will be a big adventure if you get the grant.:)
Personally, I am just not that mobile, so I guess I need to experience it all through you.:D

[lovin art]

Arh Becc :D , I may not even get it , apparently they are quite hard to get , but because I live in a smaller town as in regional area, Im a perfect choice for it

you know I live through your art just as much Becc :heart: ....

[!becca]

Thank you, Sandra:heart: I am wondering..my last SP, with the rose..is it too creepy to enter in a competition? What do you think? I kind of like it, but my husband doesn't , so I am uncertain. Would love to know what anyone thinks on the matter really.:)

Sorry I am so slow here...my pages are loading slow and my modem is marginal.

[sidbledsoe]

Thanks a lot guys, gals, and whatev's, my bff stapesie was the one who got me to come out of the closet and reveal the actual date. we won't mention the exact number, but most people are grown up by the time they have put in this many years! :eek: :D

[!becca]

You are welcome, Sid, we expect to celebrate all day.:D

[Freesail]

Happy Birthday Sid

[!becca]

Rolina where have you gone, and what happened to that photo of your sketch?

[lovin art]

Sid a cool guy never reveals his true age :D !!! :lol: but not so sure for Nerd types ....

ps i want some taffy :D , whats taffy guys ?? it sounds like it sticks to the roof of YOUR mouth :D


BECC,:heart: I would venture to say yes use it In the comp, that is amongst one of the best sp you have created....the light in that one is special imho...

[!becca]

Taffy is sticky.:D

BECC, I would venture to say yes use it In the comp, that is amongst one of the best sp you have created....the light in that one is special imho...Thanks.:heart:

[sharkbarf]

Just thought I'd say hello to all those distracted by the computer and not painting. hahaha. I'm looking to solve a technical problem but am not finding this site easy to navigate. I"m a noob so it'll get easier I guess. Any suggestions?

[!becca]

Shark, without knowing specifics, I will say it gets easier with experience. Using the forum jump function at the bottom of the page is my preferred method for navigating from forum to forum, other features just come to light kind of as you explore.

[sharkbarf]

Thanks bec,
I posted a thread just now about turp turning my color "milky".
The problem I'm having with the forum is the lack of organization once in a specific category. Even once you've specified where to look there is still hundreds of pages.
I bet my question has come up before, I just don't know where to look, also seeing how many new threads are up, peoples questions/thoughts must get lost.
I'll keep "trudging through the sludge" and also make a suggestion to the troubleshooting section.
thanks

[lovin art]

sHARK ~If your wanting to see responses to certain subjects use the advanced page ~type in what subject it is your wanting to read on and then look , it will load heaps of pages , but if your keen its a good way to see and learn in my book

[!becca]

Shark, Sandra is right, though I don't recall your specific problem. It is good that you at least tried a search in advance of posting...points for that. You are right too, sometimes search results can be more than you expect.

[sharkbarf]

ok ladies,
thanks for the tips. I find it so much easier to "talk" to someone about tech issues instead of filtering massive pages before you've even had a change to get accustomed.

I did get some answers on the thread I created so the system works! lol

[!becca]

Shark, yes, it really does work.:D

[NancyMP]

Hi, Oily Peeps! I'm up late; this Sunday has been so quiet I didn't get up until past noon! I still need my coffee.

[!becca]

HI Nancy, better get your coffee.:D

[lovin art]

Hia Nance :heart: , have a nice cuppa doll .... im eating my brekiee as we speak !!

we are having an end of school party on the 17th ... it will be good to breck for awhile ...:D

[!becca]

How long will your break last, Sandra?

[TinaC]

Ok, now I am perplexed..I just looked at my blog stats and there had been a visit through a google search which was directed by "paintings to copy".:( I wish I could reverse the search and inform them, these are not paintings to copy.

I just put a note in my blog to that effect.

Becca I dont know if your stats shows you if anything has been downloaded but if it has this (http://makingamark.blogspot.com/2011/10/how-to-do-reverse-image-search.html) might be useful. I've not tried any of them but bookmarked it incase I ever want to check it out one day. I only post low res photos on my blog after reading a horrendous story somewhere on WC where someone put someone else's paintings on their own website to boost their portfolio. On the other side of things I download lots from other sites, for my own personal cyber gallery, admiration, ideas, inspiration etc - my aim is to be original but maybe oneday someone will track me down:eek:.

[!becca]

Thanks, Tina, that is helpful.:) I do use fairly low res images, but may take them down even further. I am really surprised their google search brought them to my site anyway.

I am like you and have saved some images from other sites for admiration.

[TinaC]

Hi, Oily Peeps! I'm up late; this Sunday has been so quiet I didn't get up until past noon! I still need my coffee.

That is some lie-in Nancy, you must have needed the rest. We failed to buy my daughter a birthday present so we are giving her fella the money to take her to London for the day and treat her - kind of forces them to spend quality time together. Young parents dont have much time or money so hopefully that will go down well. I guess your grandsons birthday always gets bundled up with Christmas celebrations - thats hard especially when they are children.

Carey, I finally managed to buy myself an infuser and had a wonderful cup of winter blend this afternoon. I refused to do a bodge job and am glad I waited so I could enjoy it properly. It really was very special, mellow, subtle and intriguing. I am both honoured that you shared the last of the precious leaves with me and also sad to know I'll never taste it again. Do you know what some of the flavours are?

Jessica I completely love your portrait swap. Its brilliant and I totally envy you your creativity and imagination. :thumbsup:

I found myself a little bargain today. I've wanted some sort of cast model to do a drawing of for some time but havent managed to find anything that didnt cost an arm and a leg. Today I was in the DIY store and in the reduced section I came across what I think is a garden ornament, a grey buddah - made of some kind of plastic I think. So I painted it with white acrylic and dah, dah....
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Dec-2011/117326-IMG_8843_1.JPG


Sandra, what a fabulous opportunity to further your studies - and how great to have that support and recognition by your tutors. I will cross my fingers for you. Sorry about your Aunt, I do hope things are a bit better for her soon, its terrible when bad things follow bad things.

[!becca]

Tina, enjoy drawing and painting your new cast! You gave your daugher a fabulous gift.

[TinaC]

Thanks Becca I hope she will be happy. Just back from the portrait swap thread, you did a wonderful job of Jeni and she did a fab painting of you. I actually think you have acquired some skills in taking portrait photos of yourself as you have done so many SP's - the compostion and setting were very inspiring. You have painted a portait with lots of character, I am sure she will be thrilled.

[lovin art]

:thumbsup: This Is a great Idea if you cant get casts to draw from , one of my teachers makes them to sell ~so if your interested Tiny T , I could find out for you , it mite cost an arm and a leg though , (no Pun intended :D I think you saw some of them but I do have drawings of some I will post soon ...

Thankyou doll :heart: , I am lucky , but I guess its how bad do I want my art to sing :music: and hopfully my drive and health will see it out:D ... I am sad about my aunt , your right life is never easy !

very nice gift to your daughter , Im sure she will dig her Mumma an Pa even more for it .....:D



I found myself a little bargain today. I've wanted some sort of cast model to do a drawing of for some time but havent managed to find anything that didnt cost an arm and a leg. Today I was in the DIY store and in the reduced section I came across what I think is a garden ornament, a grey buddah - made of some kind of plastic I think. So I painted it with white acrylic and dah, dah....
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/04-Dec-2011/117326-IMG_8843_1.JPG


Sandra, what a fabulous opportunity to further your studies - and how great to have that support and recognition by your tutors. I will cross my fingers for you. Sorry about your Aunt, I do hope things are a bit better for her soon, its terrible when bad things follow bad things.

[!becca]

Tina, thank you, it is so nice of you to say. I am so anxious to hear when Jeni receives her portriat..it should be late this week.:)

[NancyMP]

I just watched Harry Potter movies most of the day. I got up to a gray day here; most of our days have some sunshine in them so I guess I'm spoiled. Watching Harry Potter movies makes it seem bright outside, because it looks like, to create the somber mood in the film, a filter was used to gray things back a lot in most scenes.

Advance warning: I just tried to enroll in the Virtual Art Academy and couldn't get my debit card cleared. Then I tried two different credit cards, and both of those were turned down. About ten minutes later, one of the credit card companies that called me said that there had been a major break-in of credit card data and that they were sending me a new number and card.

I just thought I would put you on alert in case anything happens with your online transactions!

[mtpalms]

Hi Olies, I am back home, hardly seems like I was gone only a few days.

Anyway the reason for the trip back to my family was my dad's passing on Tuesday. The funeral was Friday.

[!becca]

Nancy, the same thing happened with my credit card several months ago.

Marcia, I expected it was something like that...I am so very sorry, especially hard this season.:grouphug:

[sharkbarf]

Remember to eat!

but always use pretzels as the last resort!

[NancyMP]

I like pretzels!:eek: Why should I take dietary advice from someone called Sharkbarf?:lol::lol::lol:

[NancyMP]

Marcia,:heart: I'm so sorry! My condolences for losing your father. I also thought it would be something like that, too. :grouphug:

[lovin art]

Marcia,:heart: I'm so sorry! My condolences for losing your father. I also thought it would be something like that, too. :grouphug:

Me too Marcia ..... your in my heart girl..... love to you !:heart: :grouphug: and I wanted to thankyou Marcia you unselfishly come back on my thread that was very sweet of you girl ....:o :grouphug:

[lovin art]

I like pretzels!:eek: Why should I take dietary advice from someone called Sharkbarf?:lol::lol::lol:


:lol: :D oh that cracked me up ..... :wink2:

[sharkbarf]

I like pretzels!:eek: Why should I take dietary advice from someone called Sharkbarf?:lol::lol::lol:

The pretzel, being the early stages of a morphogenetic corn-dog, can lead to serotonin spikes which are associated to depression and non-sustainible polyphasic painting.

[!becca]

The pretzel, being the early stages of a morphogenetic corn-dog, can lead to serotonin spikes which are associated to depression and non-sustainible polyphasic painting.:lol:

[Freesail]

Marcia, My condolences for losing your father. I am very sorry.

[NancyMP]

Non-sustainable polyphasic painting, along with its serotonin spikes, I do welcome. I don't do depression, sorry about that anomaly in my system. My mood spikes are more like gentle curves!

Yay for pretzels and corn-dogs. Or even corn-cats!

[NancyMP]

I do suffer from episodic ecstasy on occasion, where I may pose a danger to depressive types.

[!becca]

But, my question is...how does a flour based product (the pretzel) transform to a corn based (and whatevermeatthatis) to a "corn" dog?

Nancy, I do agree...those mood elevating compounds bring out glorious art.:D

[!becca]

I do suffer from episodic ecstasy on occasion, where I may pose a danger to depressive types.ah-ha! the carb loading no doubt!

Personally, I prefer chocolate as my mood elevating food of choice.:)

[NancyMP]

If I don't have any chocolate handy, Becca,:heart: a tablespoon of honey elevates my mood, too. And it is good for you to boot!:D

I lost a tooth tonight to a piece of Texas toast, so I need to call the dentist in the morning to see if he can glue it back in! so I think I'll say goodnight early, so I can get in to see him early!

Good night, sweet oily peeps, and sweet dreams! :heart::grouphug::heart:

[!becca]

Nancy, yay for the honey...not as good for you as chocolate.:D So sorry about the tooth...good luck at the dentist!:grouphug:

I have been mentally preparing for my next painting, studying some inspirational works as well as looking at some of my previous efforts. It will be painted after I make some progress on the office work that is overdue for attention...sort of my carrot to do the mundane.

[lovin art]

What is texas toast there Nance ? ! sorry about the tooth .... Im all for the mood lift and chocolate sounds good to me ...girls Night Im off to look at some art!!

Becc good luck with the office work ....

[!becca]

Thanks, Sandra.:heart: Last night I slept like a rock, I don't have my feet under me yet. Texas toast is just an extra thick slice of bread that is usaully toasted and drowned in butter.:)

[stapeliad]

wow, 12 pages until my first december oily rag post!

good morning all.

[!becca]

Good morning, jessica:wave:...if you don't look at anything else...please check the painting link on page 1...it is worth the look.

[stapeliad]

ok, i will. when I gt a chance...busy at work...

[!becca]

This is a busy time.

[!becca]

Jessica, I am glad you took a moment to say hi.:heart: :D

Carey, have missed you too.:heart:

Sid, are you busy reading your Laffy Taffy.:D

Nancy, hope the tooth is ok.:heart:

Rolina hope you are doing ok today.:heart:

Marcia, you are in my thoughts, hope you are getting back to painting.:heart:

Hope everyone is having a good day.

Finally I am beginning to get organized with my Christmas plans.:) And, if I can start to focus, I am off to work on these office items so I can do other things.

Yay!! Recently I had looked and looked for proof of a bill payment...first page of my documents this morning...there it was.:D

[mtpalms]

Thanks for the commiserations everyone. :heart:

I plan to do some catching up this morning, and paint this afternoon. I'll be checking in occasionally, but maybe not posting.

[sidbledsoe]

Very sorry for your loss Marcia.

Becc, yes I dug right into that motherlode and went for all the banana flavored ones first, I found it so curious that one person sent a batch that was without any banana flavor :confused: :D
Is anyone feeling the urge to come clean now?....jessica? :crossfingers: :D

[!becca]

Sid, :lol: banana...I think it was in the ones I sent....:D

[sidbledsoe]

I was thinking little Daya was lovin' banana LT's!

[stapeliad]

Hey Sid thats funny! :lol:
The bag never made it home, it went from the store to my office to the post office. Otherwise all the flavors would have gotten swiped...... :lol:

[stapeliad]

Marcia :heart: I am so very sorry for your loss. :grouphug:

[sidbledsoe]

see i can't remember which one sent the loose ones, becc, i don't think you did, scarlett is too little, so maybe it was little Gavin that has the banana problem!:lol: :clap:

[!becca]

Or Carey.:lol:

[stapeliad]

:lol:

[NancyMP]

:heart: I didn't know there were banana flavors in the one I sent, but I guess you haven't gotten it yet, Sid.

If I had known there were banana flavored ones, I might have had to open it, too.:D But then I might have pulled out more than one tooth yesterday!:eek:

Hi, Jessica!:heart: No time no see!:grouphug:

Becca,:heart: I have the same problem with my paperwork - I'll search and search, and then, when I'm NOT looking, it turns up in plain sight. It's a trick to keep us humble...:o

[NancyMP]

I'm getting some surfaces prepped for painting today; I want to get a start on a simpler lighthouse painting, and a start on the Salvation Army guy with the euphonium. Those are really complex-looking instruments, and I have the sneaky feeling that the horn will take more of my time than the rest of it!

Marcia,:heart: what will you be painting today?

[sidbledsoe]

what? you mean i have even more coming?

[stapeliad]

It's a conspiracy!! :eek:

[!becca]

what? you mean i have even more coming?:lol:

[NancyMP]

what? you mean i have even more coming?

Yep. Maybe there's some banana ones in it, too!:D

[CareyG]

Hi everyone! Boy am I off...I haven't even posted in this month's rag yet! :eek: :eek:

Marcia, you have really been in my thoughts a lot this week, I am sorry to hear of your news. :heart: :heart:

Becca, I really loved that painting you showed earlier, and your little cowboy painting is delightful!

Tina, yay, I'm glad you are enjoying the Winter Blend. :D Yes, it has all manner of interesting things in it...orange peel, apple, cinnamon, almond, pistachio, coriander, pink pepper, vanilla, probably a few other things. The only thing I've found that even comes close is similar, but does not have the nuts or vanilla and has a lot more orange, and is a little spicier with cloves as well. Oh well, I guess I will have to continue my quest in searching for more tea. :D

Sid, :lol: :lol: I couldn't find a bag of it, but I did find a bunch of buckets of loose ones and I tried to get all the flavors... Hey, what's the news on that little granddaughter, anyway??

Nancy :eek: I was up late watching the last two Harry Potter movies together last night.

We are still working on getting our Christmas tree up, Gavin is verrry anxious. :lol: I got almost all of my Christmas shopping done on Saturday, though I'll need to do a bit more for things that I forgot or did not think about, of course. And I need to do some things online. This is the second year that I will not be home for Christmas...I had a really tough time with that last year, but this year we've had people come to visit us for a change and plus with the kids and our home, there is a part of me that is happy to get to do it all here.

Anyway, I am *really excited* about Christmas.

Let me know when you can all get here so I can plan my Christmas tea. :D

~!Carey

[stapeliad]

Carey I will be there around the 22nd. Will bring more tea and chocolate. :D

[lovin art]

hiya taffy lovers.:heart: ... guess what one of the local vid store here has all amercian sweets in it guys!! .... umm yum i like the butterfingers what ever the heck they are .....lol you have yummier choc stuff then us ozzies ...:D

but it gets better ~~I was watching this most funny movie last night and one of the actors was playing a artist and guess who she had painted on the wall , I nearly keeled over in excitment :eek: .... Yep the Rickster ......:D :o :lol:

hia Stapsiee :heart: hia Carey :heart:

[!becca]

Let me know when you can all get here so I can plan my Christmas tea.

~!CareyI think it takes two or three days from here.:D

I'm glad you liked the painting and the little cowboy.:)

I have been behind on my Christmas this year, and started getting out the essentials and making plans and now I am excited too.:D I bet your house will be so festive and fun.:heart:

[!becca]

hiya taffy lovers.:heart: ... guess what one of the local vid store here has all amercian sweets in it guys!! .... umm yum i like the butterfingers what ever the heck they are .....lol you have yummier choc stuff then us ozzies ...:D

but it gets better ~~I was watching this most funny movie last night and one of the actors was playing a artist and guess who she had painted on the wall , I nearly keeled over in excitment :eek: .... Yep the Rickster ......:D :o :lol:

hia Stapsiee :heart: hia Carey :heart:Sandra, glad you are having a good time of it.:heart:

[stapeliad]

Heya Sandra! :wave: Butterfingers are good. :D

[lovin art]

well the movie was great Becc:heart: ~very funny stuff, Ive not had time of late to just veg out in fact I hardly ever watch tv anymore .... back into it today ...


oh Jess tell me about it :heart: :D ..... they are yummie but so rich .... its not fair you get that stuff all the time :D , I bought like two lots and scoffed the lot .... im naughty :D :o

[!becca]

Sandra, that's a lot of candy!:lol:

I am excited, I just checked my tracking for my portrait swap and it was processed through a facility in France today.:D

[lovin art]

maybe its a good thing I dont live in america:o :lol: , id be buying all the sweets and scoffing them down ....I know Becc , but lately I seem to want to consantly eat sweet stuff , i wonder what tha means :confused: Im guessing its for the energy from the sugar ...:o

yay Im glad your swap portrait is nearly at its desternation , :D :thumbsup:

[sidbledsoe]

i had a double bar of butterfingers last week, this week it's bananarama :D
grand-daughter due dec 23.

[lovin art]

i had a double bar of butterfingers last week.
grand-daughter due dec 23.

just call me butterfingers around you Baby:D :lol:


Sid thats fantastic ..... do they have a name picked out ...:heart:

[!becca]

Sid, that is nearly a Christmas baby!:heart: What an exciting present!


this week it's bananarama :D
:D

[!becca]

I know Becc , but lately I seem to want to consantly eat sweet stuff , i wonder what tha means Im guessing its for the energy from the sugar ...
I don't know.:confused: I went for a little while the same way...I eventually got over it.

[lovin art]

wow you had the same Becc ... I hope mine goes to then .:confused: ... i gota go take my medicine,:rolleyes: they are making me drink this stuff thats supposed to be good for my blood , but it tastes like mud :lol: . it probly is mud :D ....

i loved bananarama:heart:

[!becca]

Sandra, glad there is medicine that will help, sorry it is mud.:p

[sharkbarf]

Nancy-
I may have caused your chipped tooth. Due to my physical telepathic connection with Texas toast, when your jaw muscles pressurized my avatar-the toast, and in combination due to a recent encounter with the pretzel militia (disguised as a rice crispy treat nonetheless) my contrapuntal measures manifest in a psychosomatic gravitational pull, thereby increasing the density of the bread. Instead of an apology, take my gratitude, for you have shown me the unrestricted limits of pathological uncertainty.

Becca-
Yes the carbs. The painter, a sedentary, almost near unmovable object, must learn to turn carbs to crabs.

[lovin art]

yeah Becc its just some kinda blood supplement , the chemist makes it up for me

I would rather eat butterfingers belive me :D

[lovin art]

carbs into crabs hey thats a new one on me :rolleyes: .....how much turps are you sniffing in there SHARK quick:eek: you need a open widow there ....:lol:

[!becca]

yeah Becc its just some kinda blood supplement , the chemist makes it up for me

I would rather eat butterfingers belive me :DGood choice!:)

[!becca]

Yes the carbs. The painter, a sedentary, almost near unmovable object, must learn to turn carbs to crabs.

:lol: what a feat that would be.

Sandra may be right about the turps.:D

[CareyG]

Shark, with your mystical powers, I think you could probably help the owners figure out how better to run this site. :D

Sid, yay! I have been meaning to ask about her for ages, I sooooo want baby pix!!!!!!!!!!!

Sandra, I hope you figure out your sweet tooth fix...I can't imagine how Becca fixed hers. :lol:

~!Carey

[CareyG]

Carey I will be there around the 22nd. Will bring more tea and chocolate. :D
Okay, my Christmas tea will be scheduled on the 22nd. :D

[!becca]

I just had the sweetest holiday call from Gavin.:D :heart:

[!becca]

Okay, my Christmas tea will be scheduled on the 22nd. :DI will be there, though it may be through the power of the internet.:D

[lovin art]

I will be there, though it may be through the power of the internet.:D


me too .... :heart: but we need butterfingers and taffy !!!!:D :lol:

[CareyG]

I just had the sweetest holiday call from Gavin.:D :heart:
:lol: :lol: I just have to wonder how much of it you could really understand. :lol: Conversations with Gavin are a little stream-of-consciousness. :lol:

[CareyG]

I will be there, though it may be through the power of the internet.
me too ....
Yay! :D

but we need butterfingers and taffy !!!!
Okay, you bring the butterfingers and we'll see if Sid has any left by then. :D

[!becca]

:lol: :lol: I just have to wonder how much of it you could really understand. :lol: Conversations with Gavin are a little stream-of-consciousness. :lol:There was somethiing about a reindeer...dining room table...and if I had a snowman.:lol:

[!becca]

Yay! :D


Okay, you bring the butterfingers and we'll see if Sid has any left by then. :D

We also will need cookies and holiday candy.:D

[!becca]

We are having very light snow today...good for the holiday theme.:D

[CareyG]

I always make cream scones for my Christmas tea, too. :D

There was somethiing about a reindeer...dining room table...and if I had a snowman.
:lol:

I just realized you said before that you don't have caller ID...that is amazing that you knew it was Gavin. :lol: (I'm still laughing about it.)

~!Carey

[CareyG]

We are having very light snow today...
:eek:

I knew it!!

[lovin art]

Well I make great fudge girls so Im bringing that:D , becc you wil have a snow man soon Im guessing ~girls ... snow time over there !:grouphug:

[!becca]

It just sounded like Gavin.:D

Cream scones sound wonderful with tea...I am brewing my winter blend right now.

[!becca]

Well I make great fudge girls so Im bringing that:D , becc you wil have a snow man soon Im guessing ~girls ... snow time over there !:grouphug:This isn't snow man snow yet..too dry and light, but maybe that snowman snow will be coming.

[!becca]

Oh, this tea is soo good, how could they possibly not blend it any more?

[CareyG]

That is what I keep wondering!

[!becca]

It sounded like a lot of ingredients in the mix...maybe something came into short supply.

[NancyMP]

Becca, maybe if we set up a demand, they would respond with a supply! Carey, what was the brand?

Sharkbreath, when you start flingin' big words around, be careful you know what they mean, as in a former life I was a technical editor :p...you'll be pleased to know my tooth has now been repaired, and Himself and I are trying to find out how soon a syzygy will take place in our planetary system.

Carey, I can send homemade chocolate cherries (if I remember to make them) for your tea, but I can't attend. I have gallery duty on the 23rd. Wish I could -- I want some cream scones!

It feels snowlike outside, although we seldom get much before the turn of the year. It's the bitterest windy cold day we've had this winter, and I just hope it doesn't rain. The meteorologists used to call it supercooled water, because when it hits the ground it freezes, and forget walking or driving in the stuff!:eek:

Sandra, I'm coming to Australia for the winter, and I'll not only bring chocolate cherries, but Butterfingers and my Orange Apricot Scones! I could really use another summer.

I love sweet things, too, but I also love sour foods: Dill pickles, horseradish, homemade sweet hot mustard... and General Tso's chicken, which is sweet, sour AND spicy!:D:music:

[!becca]

Nancy, come to the tea party with me, in virtual fashion.:heart: Glad your tooth is back where it belongs.

[!becca]

My latest art supply order is being held from shipment because of one backordered item...it really may be Chrismas before I get it.

[NancyMP]

Sandicat, I was doing some thinking about those who live in the southern hemisphere keeping the same holiday traditions as those who live in the northern hemisphere... it's hard to think of Christmas without snow and evergreen trees and sleighs.

Back in the day when pagans populated Britain and the northern climes, before Christianity had crept its way northward, there was a Wiccan holiday that was celebrated called Yule. Yuletide or Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year and the longest night. This happened during 20th or 21st of December and lasted through December 31st.

When Christianity was trying to win the hearts of the Druid and Wicca celebrators, it was decided to celebrate the birth of Christ at Yuletide in order to supersede the old religion. Then all the traditions of Christmas over the centuries became ingrained.

If I were in a land that had no snow and little winter, like Australia, I think I would move Christmas to July instead so all the winter traditions would feel right!

[!becca]

Nancy, I have a sister-in-law that found it was so difficult to get the family together during the holiday season she did move their Christmas celebration to July..they celebrate in July every year.:)

[CareyG]

Hi Nancy! :D I first had Winter Blend from a company that went out of business, then I found it at The Tea Table, and now theirs is gone, too. :( I don't expect that these places really make up their own tea...I suspect they get it elsewhere and that is why I could find it somewhere else, but now that Elsewhere has stopped making it, I guess. We definitely need some of those cherries for our tea. :D

Oh that reminds me...has anyone seen any of these new cordial blueberries?? I am not a blueberry fan in general, but mmmm!

Shoot now I am thinking about food and I am hungry!

~!Carey

[!becca]

new cordial blueberries??Yum...and excellent for brain health too.:D Now I want to try to make some.

[NancyMP]

Becca and I will virtually be there, Carey! it will be a Social Spirit Day! I actually need to get in the Spirit to make chocolate cherries, and I also need my oldest grandson. He manages to wrap the nougat around the cherries seamlessly and perfectly (I don't!) so we can dip them in the chocolate. We do dark chocolate ones; they're the best!:smug:

July is great for families.:D I wondered if family reunions were going out of style, but with everyone of my family older than me gone, maybe it's up to me (the elderly baby) to start reunions? One of my nieces has become a grandmother! :eek: With my children, her six kids, and their cousins with their offspring, it wouldn't be too sparse. I'm still trying to get used to the idea of being the eldest! And actually exercising real authority...I don't think I can do it.

I'm always hungry, Carey!:heart: I may do chili tonight since it's the cold weather food I like the most!:)

[NancyMP]

I had a blueberry crepe last night, but I hadn't heard of cordial blueberries. I like blackberries better; would they work, too?

[sidbledsoe]

I sooooo want baby pix!!!!!!!!!!!
they only have a sonogram so far, maybe this will hold you for a few weeks:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Dec-2011/112587-IMG_0054.JPG

[NancyMP]

Aw, Sid, is that your sweet baby?:D:heart: I can sorta tell from your worshipful expression that it is!:lol:

[!becca]

Nancy, your cherries sound mouthwatering delicious!!:heart: Just the perfect Christmas treat.
I am so out of touch with most of my extended family, if I tried to organize a reunion...I am sure they would say "who is that?"
I have been making chicken and noodles all afternoon...also great cold weather food.:)

[!becca]

they only have a sonogram so far, maybe this will hold you for a few weeks:

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/05-Dec-2011/112587-IMG_0054.JPGAwwwww!:angel:

[sidbledsoe]

my first grandson, 16 years ago.
i vuz a young grandpop indeed! damn proms :heart: :o :eek: :grouphug:

[sharkbarf]

Sharkbreath, when you start flingin' big words around, be careful you know what they mean, as in a former life I was a technical editor :p...you'll be pleased to know my tooth has now been repaired, and Himself and I are trying to find out how soon a syzygy will take place in our planetary system.



If syntax is incorrect is the meaning lost?


Can someone please put a link up directing me where to find hints/FAQ/guides regarding navigating/searching WC?

I have many questions but don't want to post things redundantly.redundantly.redundantly.redundantly.

[NancyMP]

Shark, we may put a sin tax on your syntax. :lol:

Good idea,:D I think that there needs to be a navigating thread in every forum. As far as I know, the only people who can help you find things are right here. In each forum you just need someone knowledgeable to guide you around that forum.

I'm a guide, and I still don't know where everything is!:eek:

[lovin art]

Nance my darlin I agree :heart: :D , its pretty crappy that we have xmas in the our hottest part of the year :rolleyes: .... I am liking your Idea of July :thumbsup: , and I would love you to come have summer over here , you would love it the beaches are a delight , and bring Becc:heart: with you we can all go plein air painting together .....:D :grouphug:

awh Sid cute pic dude , that made me all melty looking at that :D

[!becca]

and bring Becc with you we can all go plein air painting together .....
ok

[!becca]

my first grandson, 16 years ago.
i vuz a young grandpop indeed! damn proms :heart: :o :eek: :grouphug::lol: :eek:

[sharkbarf]

I think I'll just post my questions and not worry about redundancy until I am familiar with the site. It is really a mess though.