Winter and great news

"Winter" watercolor on 260lb Arches by Carrie Waller

Hi Everyone,

I'm a day delayed in my post because it's Thanksgiving break at our house and yesterday we took the day off:)  I'm so glad that the boys are home all week.  We also have family coming into town tomorrow.  We are excited at our house:)  Let the pie making commence!!!

I'm sharing my latest painting.  This is a painting of my Grandmother, which she will not be fond of because she'll want to know why she has trees coming out of her head, ha:)  I took this photo of her on our last visit before she moved out of her home of 60 years.  She was standing behind the storm door in her house coat bidding her farewells.  I titled it Winter because it is the Winter of her life and  the Winter of her time living at her home in Goreville, IL.  The trees in the reflection and snippets of the property that you can see are very reminiscent and have a lot of meaning for me.  Having said all that, painting portraits is not in my wheel house and I have a lot to learn.  What I wouldn't have given to have Crystal Cook over my shoulder during this process.

I also have some great news.  All 4 of my entries in to the Randy Higbee 6" Squared show have made the cut and are heading to Cal-i-forn-i-a.  If only I could go with them:))  I'm ecstatic to be participating in this show for the 3rd time.

Hope you all have a fabulous Turkey Day (for all my US friends).  For the rest of you, you just don't know what you're missing:))  I'll save you a plate, come on by!!!

Carrie

I need a title, mini-print giveaway

Hi Everyone,

watercolor on paper 14 x 20

I just put the finishing touches on my newest painting.  I'm struggling with a title so I thought I would have a little fun.  I'm asking for your help.  Please leave a title in the comment section.  Everyone who enters a title will have the chance to win a collection of my mini-prints.  Once you've left a title I'll put everyone in a drawing for the prints.  Make sure you leave your e-mail address in the comments also so I can get in contact with you.

My friend Crystal Cook asked me what the inspiration behind my jar paintings are, so I thought I would share what keeps drawing me too them.  It also might help with a title inspiration. 

When I was kid I spent most summers in Southern Illinois at my Grandma's house.  Next door to my Grandma's house was my Great Grandma's house.  She passed away when I was a baby so for all of my childhood the house was vacant and dilapidated.  My cousin and I would dare each other to go into the house, which of course we had built up in our imaginations to be haunted.  We were not allowed into the house for safety reasons but we still broke the rules from time to time and went exploring usually on a dare into the house.  One of my vivid memories is of a pantry in her kitchen.  There was hole in the roof above the pantry but the shelves were still lining the walls and there were numerous jars of canned food still sitting on them.  With the placement of the hole in the roof and my height I had to look up at them and the sunlight would filter through these jars making them look like a stained glass window.  This year I've been on a bit of a journey to remember and capture some of these memories in my art.  My jar paintings are an interpretation of these memories.

I appreciate any help with a title:)

I also want to say a big Thank You to everyone that has been leaving comments.  I try to personally e-mail everyone, but I've been so busy lately I haven't been able to.  I'm trying to play catch up.  I really loved reading everyone's own struggles with their inner critic from last Wednesday's post.  It feels good to know I'm not alone!

Hope everyone has a great week. 

Carrie

Shabby Chic

6x6 original watercolor on paper $195.00  BUY NOW

Here is a look at the painting in a home setting.  The painting has a 2 1/2 inch white border around the 6x6 making the overall dimensions 11 x 11.  The great thing about a watercolor is you can mat much larger and make a substantial piece for your home.

Hi Everyone,

This week I'm taking another trip down memory lane.  I spent most Summer's as a kid in Southern Illinois at my Grandma Smith's house.  Next door to her house was my Great Grandma's house.  My Great Grandmother passed away when I was a baby and her house was in disrepair my entire life until it eventually had to be torn down.  Growing up this house was strictly off limits for safety reasons but my cousin and I had vivid imaginations and dreamed up many haunted house tales.  We dared each other often to break the rules and go into the "haunted house".  Through my adrenaline filled visits into this house I have remember snippets of the house.  One thing I remember were the crystal door knobs on each door.  Unfortunately the door knobs were not saved but I did find some at an auction and purchased them.  When I visited my Grandma last month I brought along my door knobs and photographed them on my favorite old chair.  There is a lot of beauty in those door knobs and in the wear of that chair and they really compliment each other.  I hope you enjoy my newest creation "Shabby Chic"

I'm also participating in the 3rd Annual Where Bloggers Create Party.  I posted about my studio space last week.  But please click here if you would like to read about my creative space.

"Hydrangeas in Soup Tureen" original 6x6 watercolor up for auction at Daily Paintworks opening bid $100.00  BID HERE

Here is a glimpse at the painting in a home setting.  This painting has a 1" white border all the way around making the 6x6 painting have an 8x8 overall dimension.

I have recently joined Daily Paintworks.  I have the above 6x6 available for auction on their site.

marker, pencil and colored pencil 5 x 10

Steven has been back in the studio this week.  Here is another of his fabulous, colorful, creations.

Carrie