Lauren Maurer Artworks

two thousand eleven two thousand twelve

2012-01-16T22:17:00.001-05:00

...recap...

{two thousand and eleven}

January: I made my 2011 Art Goals (and they were good ones!)

February: I got to participate at the Love: A Fair show at Anastasia and Friends for February's First Thursday Series on Columbia's newly revitalized Main Street. And.... it was amazing (as all of her shows are!)

March: At the Love: A Fair show I met Brenton of Mr Bs Guitar Slides... who had just formed Mr. B's Sustainable Glassworks, and struck up not only a friendship, but a partnership which has led to many many cool paintings on recycled wine bottle glasses.

April: So begins my love for Argentine Tango.... and it all started at Dance for Japan at Vista Ballroom, where I donated the very first tango paintings that I did. Also that month I showed at Artista Vista, with Ellen Taylor Interiors. Fantastic show --- I love love love working with Ellen- she is an AMAZING desinger! ALSO!!! I got the best ever email from Julie LaDow of MainLine Art and Design asking if we could work together to license my artwork. I of course said "lemmethinkaboutitYES". April was a good month.

May: What?!? The FRONT PAGE of the Life and Style section of the State paper? My very first jellyfish painting was shown as part of an article for the Contemporaries Artist of the Year Soiree and Silent Auction.

I also participated in a show that was solely dedicated my friend Barbie's amazing daughter Faith (appropriately titled "All about Faith")

June: Ummmm.... I can't think of anything exciting that happened in June?

July: I went with Rachel to New York City and came back totally overloaded in inspiration.

August: I got my very first licensing deal!

September: I got accepted to be a part of the online Jasper gallery. Thank you, Cindi!

October: Thank you so so so much Jodi, for the invitation to Contemporaries' Annual Black and White Ball! It was my very first ever solo show and it was AMAZING!

November: I showed at Vista Lights... with Bella Vista Bridal shop! It is such a perfect match- and it was such a fun night! I set up a little "studio" outside and painted a vintage wedding dress that was worn by the owners grandmother during World War II. AND!! Bed Bath and Beyond decided to start carrying Lauren Maurer Artworks in their stores!

December: I worked with Jodi again (she's my favorite!) to put together a show at Jodi Jenkins' Interiors for the Devine Night Out show. And to finish out the year on an absolutely GREAT note: HomeGoods started stocking my dress paintings!!!

...plans for...

{two thousand and twelve}

Blog more. Seriously! I have GOT to start posting weekly. At the very least.
Sell more! Make more money! I have a number in my head that WILL be met this year...
Travel more (Okay, that one really isn't art related other than I like looking at art in new places and being INSPIRED!)
Be more active posting on Facebook.
Run more sales in my shop (and then blog and FB about them!)
Take art classes/ workshops (become a better artist)
Paint more stuff. I need to not get stuck in the dress rut, as much as I love them. I need some cityscapes, some coastal pieces.... portraits!
Keep my studio clean (er). I'd at least like to be able to see the floor.
Come up with a better system for organizing my sales records. I'd at least like to be able to see the top of my desk.
Run a half marathon (again, not so much having to do with art, but when I run, my head is clear and I am far more productive)
Balance my art and my life and my role as a mommy.

this dress was made for me to paint

2011-11-22T20:28:00.000-05:00

A recent commission....

It feels like the dress was made for me to paint.

I love it.

Wedding Dress Paintings for Vista Lights 2011 at Bella Vista Bridal

2011-11-15T20:00:00.000-05:00

Vista Lights is on Thursday, November 17, so mark your calendars!!! This year, I'm doing something a little different than I normally do for this show and will be at Bella Vista with lots and lots of wedding dress paintings... something I've been doing more and more of this year.

AND! I've come up with some really new ways to splatter and drip my paint, and also figured out that with enough gesso, I can paint with my watercolor and charcoal on canvas!

Bella Vista will also be hosting their "6th Annual Bella Vista Fashion Show" at 7:15 and 8:15. Each show will last 30 minutes and their stage can be found at the 1000 block of Gervais. This is a must see!

the title of this post is: "new tango paintings" OR "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again. and then again."

2011-11-01T21:29:00.001-04:00

These tango paintings took me forever long. Not in small part due to procrastination... but still. There was a lot of trial are error getting the ink, charcoal and watercolor to get along on the paper without turning into a giant puddle.

Argentine tango is a close second to painting for my all time favorite things to do. I take lessons at Vista Ballroom, and the owner, the ever lovely Erin was kind enough to let me use photos of her and Harby to paint from. Actually, it was the painting tango that got me started actually dancing tango. I had donated some paintings for Dance Japan, and it was so amazingly gorgeous to watch that after dropping the paintings off on Friday night, I was in class by Monday.

The Contemporaries 6th Annual Black and White Ball ... Tickets on sale now!

2011-10-09T16:03:00.000-04:00

Excuse to buy a new sparkly black vintage cocktail dress? Yes, please.

This year's annual masked Black and White Ball (held at the Columbia Museum of Art) has a Swingin' Sixties theme... complete with The Beatles tribute band The Returns, English cuisine (and pints and cocktails, too!).... My vintage dress paintings (black and white and very 1960s) will also be available.

Masks are available at the Museum Shop and also at the door. Tickets are $60 for Contemporaries members, $85 for nonmembers.

New York Inspiration

2011-08-05T14:19:00.000-04:00

I recently got back from a trip to Manhattan with my lady love, Rachel....

We paid a visit to VanGogh and some of his friends at MoMA...

Got our "signs" that we're going to be world famous, millionaire artists (of course, there was really never any doubt)....

Drooled over the most amazing vintage (the vintage compass lockets reminded me of something Duff of Jean Jean Vintage would love, and sure enough, after I sent her the photos she loved them, too. Too bad they were all at least $800) ...

I have about one million more photos, and I'm working now on painting some watercolors of 9th avenue and SoHo and and getting ready to start an oil (yes! oil!!) of a night scene at Times Square.

wine country ... can i go back soon, please?

2011-07-31T14:01:00.000-04:00

I want to go back. Miss you, girls! (and the wine, too!)

Click here for details on the painting...

here comes the bride...{and her bridesmaids}...

2011-06-26T12:52:00.000-04:00

I love this color for bridesmaids, don't you?

These bottom four dresses were painted for Lucas Brown, of Kickstand Studios... If you are looking for an amazing photographer for your wedding, family portraits, high school senior, or portrait, you have got to check him out. I adore his work.

let's hear it for the girls...

2011-06-12T11:52:00.000-04:00

I keep waiting and waiting to get tired of looking through vintage dress shops searching for my next painting.... but it never happens. I just adore all of these dresses and meeting all the amazing ladies that spend hours searching for them at estate sales, thrift stores, yard sales... and who knows where else... and then puts such love into restoring them and bringing them back to us. It's lovely.

Another wonderful vintage dress from Dear Golden (top), and introducing Novella Bleu (bottom)...

A glass of red wine? Yes, please.

2011-06-07T18:52:00.000-04:00

Of course it's summer, and everyone, including myself, is drinking whites at the moment (or beer), but I will always love reds the most!

I have several of these in process at the moment, and a vineyard or two!

Click here to purchase.

laura, elizabeth, savannah, and taylor are the new small paintings in the shop ... and the PERFECT gift for your bridesmaids!

2011-06-01T18:49:00.000-04:00

I am a much better painter than I am a painting namer. With my dress paintings, I was sort of running out of names... I've got "Vintage Green Strapless Dress", "Vintage Red Lace Dress"... and, oh yes, "Vintage Blue Dress".... You get the idea! Not so original, and it starts to get problematic after the 15th blue dress you've painted.

Lucky for me, I have a daughter who LOVES to name things. So she is now in charge of assigning all of my dress paintings girl names. I think she's doing a fantastic job already.

All of these four dresses were actually painted for glasses. I wanted to show some examples of "bridesmaid" dress glasses, since everyone wants them right now for their bridesmaid gifts. The glass can be etched on the back to include a thank you to your girls, their initials, your big day's date... really whatever you'd like. It's a very clever. very personal, and very thoughtful gift.

the perfect wedding gift or anniversary gift ... custom wedding dress paintings ... personalized wine bottle glasses ...

2011-05-04T19:27:00.000-04:00

click here to give the bride the perfect gift!

After she falls even more in love with you for presenting her with the best wedding or anniversary gift ever, you can offer her a glass of wine in a custom etched, hand painted, recycled wine bottle glass... custom engraved with your initials and the date of your big day. Available in sets of four or as a single glass.... You could even use a set for the wedding toast?

Click here for more information!

artista vista 2011

2011-04-30T11:13:00.000-04:00

Artista Vista was fabulous this year... Ellen Taylor Interiors and Design has such an amazing showroom. I took my dress paintings and new glassworks. The artists' work was arranged so well, and truly complemented each other. Ellen amazes me with her eye for design.

To match my spring dress paintings, the models from Dr. Sketchy's donned floral dresses and posed for two very talented artists. One of the models described the look as if they were going yaughting or to a picnic in the 1920s. They looked darling and the artists did such a good job drawing/painting them! They worked SO quickly! Very impressive, indeed.

what's black and white and glamorous all over? ... black and white vintage dresses

2011-04-27T20:12:00.000-04:00

My favorite scene of My Fair Lady? (well, dress-wise, anyways) It's the race scene where all the ladies are in floor length black and white gowns and those fabulous hats. Here's my take on those glamorous dresses with a bit of a modern twist. Available now in the shop.

pencil (ink) me in... crafty feast, vista ballroom dance for japan, artista vista, contemporaries artist of the year soiree and silent auction

2011-04-11T18:23:00.000-04:00

April 16th : Crafty Feast

Stop by and pick up a set of handcrafted recycled wine bottle drinking glasses, made by Mr. B, and etched and/or handpainted with my artwork. I'll have several new designs and colors available.

April 16th : Vista Ballroom Dance for Japan

This event is a great opportunity to help the devastated people of Japan. They are asking for an entrance fee of $5.00, but please feel free to give freely as all proceeds will be benefiting the victims. Up for auction will be a set of wine bottle glasses featuring my artwork, and also original watercolor and charcoal paintings. Both pieces of art will feature (ooooh la la) tango dancers.

April 28th : Artista Vista

Brand new dress paintings (including some by Annabelle of LaRoque and Lauren of Dear Golden) will be shown at The Gallery at DuPre and Ellen Taylor Designs. This is a huge art event in the Vista and you won't want to miss it! I'm going to have several large pieces, and also some smaller ones- so there should be a little something for everyone! Here's a sneaky peeky at some paintings in progress...

May 5th : Contemporaries Artist of the Year Soiree and Silent Auction

My watercolor jellyfish painting, "Scarlet Aurelia Rising" was juried in to this annual show, where an artist of the year is chosen. I'm really excited to have been selected to participate in this event and flattered to be showing alongside so many super talented artists!

this years colors of artista vista...

2011-03-28T20:35:00.000-04:00

I am really really (really) excited to be showing at Ellen Taylor Designs for Artista Vista this year!! A whole huge blank wall, just waiting for my vintage dresses.... and models strolling around in...vintage dresses! You do not want to miss this show! I'm thinking of teals and blues and greens... She is a fabulous interior designer and right now her showroom is filled with these juicy colors. Lime and cerulean, teals and crisp whites. Perfect for Spring. Perfect for me, since these colors happen to be my favorites.

Also, I'll have some pieces at the Gallery at DuPre again this year, and I'm thinking purples? Deep plums and sweet lavenders...

I'm really ready to get started, I've got it all planned out, but Ampersand Aquaboard is sold out and on back order everywhere and I need it to get started on my larger paintings! I'm going to try it out with my ribbon and hanger hanging system and I'm hoping it will be a little bit sturdier than the Arches ArtBoard that I have been using. Anything over 16x20 got a little bit floppy once I painted on it. This is sort of like Gessoboard, but with a cold press texture. Perfect.

laroque... my new favorite (non-vintage) dress shop...

2011-03-22T18:29:00.000-04:00

I'm so very happy to have met Annabelle, of LaRoque, a dress shop on Devine Street in Columbia, South Carolina.... She designs and sews and blogs and runs a completely darling dress shop, where you can't help but want to buy everything that you see. We met via a mutual friend, Brenton, who does amazing things with recycled wine bottles.

I'm hoping that those of you who are local will stop by to see her dresses (if you haven't already) and the dress paintings I'll be taking to her shop soon .... but don't say I didn't warn you- you will want to buy every last stitch! :)

Mr. B's Sustainable Glassworks meets Lauren Maurer Artworks

2011-03-15T12:12:00.000-04:00

Mr. B's Authentic Guitar Slides started out as the makers of the world's finest bottleneck guitar slides from 100% recycled glass wine and liquor bottles, and has recently branched out to include a line of glassworks.... Glassworks that include drinking glasses that feature art from myself and Whitney LeJuene. These unique glasses are acid etched by hand, and then detailing is then added with a roatary tool, one glass at a time. I'm also working on hand painting a set!

Each piece is meticulously handcrafted at Mr. B's glassworking studio in Columbia, SC, using only local recycled glass bottles. Each bottle is individually selected and carefully inspected before beginning it's metamorphosis into a distinctive drinking glass.

You can find these glasses in the new etsy shop, MrBsGlassworks, directly from Mr. B, and at the Columbia Museum of Art Gift Shop....

new in the shop... high heel paintings

2011-03-12T17:03:00.001-05:00

I have been drooling over pictures of high heels for the last few weeks getting ready to paint a new series. I don't have particularly great willpower, and especially not with shoes, so this has been a pretty difficult task... that is, until I realized that I have about a million pairs of high heels in my closet, just waiting to be painted.... no temptation, and plenty of inspiration!

You can find them here in the shop.

a little bit of pastel and the big fat brush i use for gesso....

2011-02-28T19:43:00.000-05:00

After all that Alex Powers, with his use of bold charcoal, white gouache, and pastel, I felt the need to get, uh, what's the word? different? bolder? edgier, maybe? with my dresses... Being an art supplies junkie (thank you City Art) I had most of what I needed already in the studio. I used the big stiff bristled junk brush that I normally use for gesso application for the first background layers, and then my regular round fat brush for the rest of the background, painted the dress like I normally would, then I used a fatter vine charcoal and pastel to finish it off. I'm not sure if I like it more than my regular dresses, but I had fun "playing" with different things.

Original and prints, all listed in the shop!

London for Edinburgh

2011-02-25T08:58:00.000-05:00

I painted this picture of Edinburgh's Royal Mile after a trip to England and Scotland in 2009. Recently I found a fantastic picture of London on Flickr (after a customer who had recently purchased a print of the Edinburgh painting asked me if I was ever going to paint a London cityscape, and I thought "why not?"). It matches so well to my original Edinburgh painting, it's like they were meant to be together- the taxi's are similarar, the buildings taper off into the distance in a similar "v" shape, and they both have the flags. Perfect.

I think they look perfect together, especially framed and hung over this couch.

I'm dropping it off at the House of Frames and Paintings (known locally as HOFP) Gallery on Devine Street this afternoon for the Trenholm Artist's Guild Annual Show. The opening reception is March 4 at 6:00. Hopefully it won't be too lonely without it's match!

Alex Powers - Inquiries

2011-02-19T14:57:00.000-05:00

Today I am way overloaded on inspiration. As evidenced by the fact that I am sitting in my studio painting and blogging instead of outside on this amazing 75 degree day. It started with Lexus and I meeting Rachel for brunch and shopping (we talked art art and then a little bit about art), and was further fueled by stopping by the 701 Center for Contemporary Art, where they are showing art by Alex Powers. The works are on paper (mostly using gouache, charcoal, and pastel but sometimes mixed media) from the past two decades. Wow, this guy. I love how he uses the figure in his art and has so many lost edges, and his really limited palette, and I love how he mushes it all together and it looks amazing. The show deals with a lot of issues (politics, philosophy,history, literature), which I think is pretty brave considering the strong stance that he takes on a lot of them.

I'm thinking that I would love to use text and pastels in my dress paintings to give them a little bit of oompf, also. Doubtful that it would have the same impact as when Alex uses them, but I'm going to give it a shot nonetheless.

Okay, another wash of watercolor on my London painting and then I'm headed out into this gorgeous weather for a run! :)

mmmmm, spring and all it's juicy colors....

2011-02-16T14:27:00.000-05:00

I love this little grouping of juicy colored items- brought to you by Emjidi.... it was something that she put together for the Spring Palette Challenge from the Cupcake Goddess. It a challenge for the non-sewing-challenged (such as myself) to create a wardrobe based on a spring palette. Here are the links to the images above:

1. Lauren Maurer Artworks (of course you'll be wanting to check this one out) :)
2. CJ Prints
3. Feisty Fashion
4. Icing 101
5. Wedding Dress Fantasy
6. Jes Switaj
7. Lil Missi Wedding Stationary & Gifts
8. Mazizmuse

When she asked my permission to use my images for her project, I couldn't help but share them myself, especially considering I have a bad case of not being able to wait for Spring!

Charleston Dress Inspiration

2011-02-14T18:01:00.000-05:00

I took a trip with my mom and daughter this weekend to Charleston- one of my very favorite places in the whole world!

There is always so much to be inspired by there- the landscapes, the cityscapes, the ART!, the shops, the people, it's really a very cool place. The top photo was a shop display made entirely of paper dresses! So darling! The picture right below it was a fun red dress and it made me want to paint it, and the shop around it, which I've not done before. At the moment, a painting of London is on the easel, and I've finished up a few abstracts, which have not made it into the shop yet, as they are all hanging on the walls of my new house. :)

Love: A Fair

2011-02-02T20:18:00.000-05:00

If you're in the Columbia, South Carolina area tomorrow, stop by Anastasia and Friends on Main Street downtown for Love: A Fair, a First Thursday event! I'll be bringing the vintage wedding gown of "Mrs. Right" and the vintage party dress of "Miss Right Now". Last month, at "Etched in Stone" stoppers-by were able to carve their New Year's Resolutions in clay, and "Resolution Road" will be unveiled tomorrow. Here's a fun picture taken by Mark Green of everyone sculpting away! I hope to see you there!

Front Page! A great start to 2011!!

2011-01-04T10:09:00.000-05:00

Thanks so much to Shoppe and Yore for putting together this gorgeous treasury that made it to the front page this morning! And thanks to Karen Faulkner who let me know! :) It used to be that Facebook would automatically update my page when I was on the Front Page, but I guess when the new profile came out "My Etsy" went away, so now I rely on Craft Cult and Good Analytics and kind friends like Karen!

two thousand and ten two thousand and eleven

2010-12-28T12:36:00.000-05:00

At the very beginning of January 2010, I took a trip to Atlanta with Rachel to a licensing trade show/ girl getaway. On the way home, full of inspiration, we made our 2010 art goals. So... from my list of things I wanted to accomplish (and some that were not even on the list!), here is what I did with my art in 2010:

I showed at Artista Vista and Vista Lights at not one, but two galleries in the Vista, I participated in a lot of other shows (Art with a Heart, Art in the Garden, the Wilmington Art Walk, just to name a few),I increased my online shop sales from the year before, I worked on improving my painting and drawing skills, I submitted images to licensing companies, I made a Facebook Fan Page, I painted a lot of commissions, I met a lot of amazing people, I was featured in Better Homes and Gardens DIY magazine, and Lauren Maurer Artworks became an LLC.

It was a very good year for art, and I'm thinking 2011 will be even better :)

kelly green on etsy's front page

2010-12-03T09:35:00.000-05:00

I could get used to being on the front page of Etsy every month or so- it for sure helps with traffic to the shop! A big thanks to The Cresent Crow for putting together this wow kelly green treasury that was featured on the front page yesterday! Love that green VW bug :)

30% OFF ALL PRINTSCYBER MONDAY SALE!TODAY ONLY

2010-11-29T10:38:00.000-05:00

Enter CYBER30 at checkout and get 30% off any prints in the shop (no limit!) (via PayPal refund).Today only! Happy shopping!!

a little bit different....

2010-11-28T16:57:00.000-05:00

I can't get enough of the glamourous style featured on Couture Allure, especially this post on the evening dresses of 1935. Wow. I loved this one so much I couldn't bear to take this lady out of her dress, which is normally how I paint dresses. I love that the photo was in black and white so I could paint it however I wanted, so I decided she should have dark auburn hair (I so wish my hair was that color), a prussian blue gown, and a dripping sepia background.

it feels good to be productive

2010-11-27T12:01:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving trip to Charlotte (to spend time with my amazing family)...check. Overeating (and then overeating some more)... check. Finishing my Christmas shopping (almost)... check.

(Finally) finishing these two menswear paintings.... check!

happy thanksgiving, e.e. cummings, and the front page of etsy!

2010-11-24T12:25:00.000-05:00

i thank You God for most this amazing

day: for the leaping greenly spirits of trees

and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything

which is natural which is infinite which is yes

(i who have died am alive again today,

and this is the sun's birthday;this is the birth

day of life and love and wings:and of the gay

great happening illimitably earth)

how should tasting touching hearing seeing

breathing any--lifted from the no

of all nothing--human merely being

doubt unimaginable You?

(now the ears of my ears awake and

now the eyes of my eyes are opened)

~ e.e. cummings
'i thank you God for most this amazing... '

Thank you Ulixis, for putting together and including me in the gorgeous treasury that made it to the front page last night!

Happy Thanksgiving! I am so thankful for my family and friends and for all of you who stop in to read my little blog!
xoxo, Lauren

Photos for my Non-Facebook Friends :)

2010-11-21T17:50:00.000-05:00

I forget sometimes that not all my bloggy friends are not on Facebook! If you are not yet, please friend me here... or "like" my art here!

Here are the photo's from this past Thursday's show, Vista Lights! For more information on the photographer (it was most definitely not my skills behind the camera!), click here!

Couture Allure

2010-11-21T14:37:00.000-05:00

I love this dress.... Inspired by an older post by Couture Allure, while searching for holiday dresses to paint.

Couture Allure talks about ALL things vintage -- fashion, etiquette , the art of conversation- all illustrated by the dresses in her shop, and old magazine articles.

Sneak Peek - Vista Lights

2010-11-18T14:29:00.000-05:00

A little glimpse of tonight's gallery crawl; it's the un-official start to the holiday season here in Columbia.

This is a shot from The Gallery at Dupre, and I'll also have artwork showing at Wink Gallery~ see you there!

Thought it was going to be a dress, didn't you? :)

2010-11-10T19:21:00.000-05:00

Nope! No dresses! Instead, I bring to you an adorable commission of a bother and sister. I met this super sweet lady and her adorable twin boys a fews months ago, and when she commissioned me to paint a set of siblings, I thought for sure it was her boys! But it was actually her and her brother- to be given as gift to her parents. How sweet! I'm still looking forward to painting the twins (especially now that they have another little brother)!

Interested in commissioning a watercolor portrait? Click here!

black and silver, sparkle and lace, bows and shows.... (and a wishlist)...

2010-11-03T13:53:00.000-04:00

I love this paint. Sparkles and silver and gold. Amazing. I wish the photos would show ALL of the sparkly glitteryness, but I tried scanning and photographing in all different lights, with every single setting on my camera, and this was the best that I could do.So.... I guess you'll have to come to Vista Lights and see them for yourself ~ I'll be at The Gallery at DuPre. I wish I was going to be there in this dress, (or maybe this one) this ring, this coat, and these shoes (or maybe these!)

P.S. visit me on Facebook! I'm going to be running some great sales soon, and you can be the first to hear about them!

vintage dress paintings for the holidays

2010-10-30T11:58:00.000-04:00

Introducing..... Allen Company Inc (soft and neutral.... grays, blacks, whites and browns), and Twirl Vintage (full of color).... Two amazing vintage shops in which I found around a million or so dresses to paint.

I've added a list of links to the side of my blog so that when you see these dress paintings and it makes you want to buy a vintage dress of your very own, you can easily pop over to one of the amazing vintage shops that I love so much and buy one!

For the holidays, I am mostly doing black and white, silver and gold dresses. But I couldn't leave out a green and red set! The green dress is from Allen Company Inc and the red dress is from Twirl Vintage. The green one has a bit of gold in it! Actual, real, sparkly gold! I stopped trying to find watercolors that were metallic and started watering down my Golden Acrylic Interference and Iridescent paints - and I LOVE the results. They look so amazing on my black and white dresses (post coming soon!)

I love love love green. It's one of my very favorite colors. Red... not so much. Maybe because I'm a redhead and red anything looks bad on me (or near me). So I generally avoid it, but I realize others don't necessarily share my opinion., and I feel bad neglecting the red lovers of the world. The actual dress is pink, but I took a little liberty with it :)

Little Black Dresses

2010-10-23T17:30:00.003-04:00

The little black dress... classic in any decade. Timeless, really.

I'm really super excited about painting holiday dresses for the Vista Lights show! I started off with some black dresses from Dear Golden, which are perfect for holiday parties, and then I want to paint some with metallic paints! Maybe glitter? Is that a bit too much? I already did a larger dress in acrylic with this beautiful coppery gold color and black, but I'm not really sure where to find metallic watercolors. Any suggestions?

customer feedback... a picture is worth a thousand words

2010-10-20T16:19:00.001-04:00

I love when my paintings find new homes, and I love to hear about how pleased people are when they receive them! When I work shows, or meet people through the galleries where my art is shown, I get instant gratification. Through online sales, however, I rely on people leaving me feedback through my shop or via email (which is nice)- but! Today I received a super sweet email complete with a photo of the dresses in their new home! LOVE!

Quite dapper, don't you think?

2010-10-11T18:35:00.000-04:00

I don't know, Lee... I'm a little nervous about this- #1, it's a men's suit, not a dress, and #2, it's in acrylic, not watercolor. What do you think? I would like to paint some full length suits, to match my full length dresses, so that's next on the list- but I had this 8x10 canvas and I loved the crop of this picture.

I'm so glad to have artist friends like Lee who are super inspirational and when I say I'm going to do something, they hold me to it!

my paintings are in Better Homes & Gardens DIY magazine!

2010-10-04T17:07:00.000-04:00

They are on page number 58!

Lauren, meet Yupo... Yupo, meet Ink...

2010-10-03T09:20:00.000-04:00

Dresses from Dear Golden... 11x4, and 8x10 Watercolor and Ink on Yupo ... click here to purchase

I am not sure why I didn't paint dresses on Yupo sooner, I totally am in love with this stuff! Yupo is a synthetic paper, and super slippery. I've tried it before with flowers and landscapes, and just wasn't feeling it...until... Lee Monts, an awesome artist and friend, painted his latest landscapes using Yupo with INK. So I went to City Art, scooped up a bunch, and am loving it!

pleasantly plum

2010-09-20T18:31:00.001-04:00

Click here to visit the shop dressed up in it's new color ... plum ... and click here to purchase the actual dresses from Adelaide Homesewn...

fall reminds me of....

2010-09-15T19:18:00.001-04:00

Fall makes me think of hot cocoa, vanilla lattes, mums, pumpkins and squash, and warm colors...

I think it would look great to have these fun dresses all hung together in different frames...

Click here to find these dresses in my shop!

And click here to find them at Dear Golden!

Custom Wedding Dress Portraits

2010-08-28T16:43:00.000-04:00

Perfect for brides... a custom painting of their wedding dress!

All I need is a picture of the bride facing forward in her gorgeous dress.

I wish I could take credit for this great idea, but it was a lady who found me on Etsy and requested that I paint her cousins wedding dress as a gift. The very next night at a show, another lady asked that I paint her wedding dress for her that she could someday pass on to her daughter. I love it!

Click here to find the listing on Etsy

lemon lavender

2010-08-21T18:45:00.000-04:00

This dress makes me think of this smell....

for the love of vintage, painting, and dresses

2010-08-15T13:47:00.001-04:00

8x10 watercolor and charcoal on cold press - Click here to purchase

For the longest time I thought that in order to express myself through my art, I had to paint a specific, clever something, in a certain way, using certain colors. I am starting to understand that just sitting down and painting what I love in the style that I love painting in expresses me and how I feel better that the perfect symbolic composition. The act of creating is therapy for me. The colors that I choose make me feel a certain way. I love these dresses- I love what vintage means and I love that there are so many stories behind them. I wonder who wore them, and who will wear them next and what the dress means to them. I love the elegance of those eras and the pride that people took back then in how they looked and the quality of the clothing that they made and wore. I hope to bring a little bit of those feelings to other people by painting these dresses!

Art With A Heart Show

2010-08-10T18:17:00.000-04:00

The Ronald McDonald House of Columbia (a great organization, I've seen them helping families firsthand!) is having an art show! Thursday, August 26th from 5:30-8:30 p.m. marks the ‘Art with a Heart’ show at the 701 Center for Contemporary Art located at 701 Whaley Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

Wind down your Thursday evening while browsing the wide array of fabulous pieces of art. I will be featuring some of my artwork for sale, along with over 20 other well-known local artists including Christian Thee, last year’s best seller Zackery Worth, as well as additional beloved artists. There will be dessert compliments of The Melting Pot, live entertainment by the USC Cocktails and local musicians, and drinks compliments of Sam’s Fine Wine and Spirits.

RMHC is so excited to have such wonderful support from the participating Midland’s Artists who have agreed to donate a portion of their sales to benefit their cornerstone programs-
The Ronald McDonald House and the Ronald McDonald Family Room.
Please visit www.rmhcofcolumbia.org to view the list of participating artists!

Tickets are only $15 each or $25 for two and will be available at the door or you can call 803-254-0118 to purchase in advance.

A portion of all proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Columbia, SC.

I'll be bringing some of my newest dresses and I hope to see you there!

Carolina Stroll - A downtown Wilmington, North Carolina coastal watercolor painting

2010-08-07T13:21:00.000-04:00

Carolina Stroll - 8x10 watercolor on cold press Arches Art Board

This was a tricky one for me... all those straight lines! You guys know I struggle with those! I'm more a a loose whirly come what may painter, but this painting had too much detail for that. Also, I used a new paper for the first time ever, Arches Art Board. It is interesting- it's almost impossible to get a soft edge with it, the paint runs the edge and dries hard. Those of you in the North Carolina area should recognize this view- it's the downtown Front Street area of Wilmington. What a great little coastal town! Rachel and I are heading up there for the 9th Annual Art Walk, on September 11th, and we hope to see you there!

Vintage drawings.... drawn when they weren't vintage!

2010-08-06T14:54:00.000-04:00

I am so in love with these drawings of vintage clothes- all the more so because my Grandma Marj drew them! I had no idea that she drew anything beyond doodling while she's on the phone, but when my stepmom saw my dress paintings, she said they reminded her of the style of drawing that her mom used to do. Her and my dad drove up to New York last week, and these came back home with her! I have a whole sketchbook full!

I love the sassy posture of her models, and the bags! And the little kitten heels! And the little details! And the hair. I could go on and on.

Getting ready for Wilmington, NC - "The Silver Eagle" - a shrimpin' boat

2010-07-26T19:29:00.000-04:00

Rachel and I have started getting ready for the Annual Art Walk, in downtown Wilmington, NC, by gathering all the photos from the last trip I took there (it's been a while) and (finally) started painting them. I've got piers, shrimpin' boats, beaches, and the famous Front Street. The show is on September 11, on the aforementioned Front Street (the close it down to traffic) from 10:00 until 5:00. I love Wilmington and I'm hoping to get a little mini-vacation out of the trip!

You can find this painting here. It's 8"x10" watercolor on cold press.

I loved the birdies that are perched everywhere.

And don't forget about the dresses... you can find them here!

New Dresses...New Blog

2010-07-18T17:52:00.000-04:00

Here are two new dresses, which I wanted to be a champagne color (super hard to render in watercolor!) I used some blues and grays and browns for the shadows and light.

The top is from Dear Golden Vintage, and the bottom is from Land of 1000 Dresses.

I've also decided to start a blog just for the vintage dresses. They've sort of taken over and need their own space, I think! You can check it out at www.vintagedresspaintings.blogspot.com.

Bomb Island - a new Lake Murray watercolor painting

2010-07-06T20:29:00.000-04:00

Bomb Island, also known as Lunch Island or Doolittle Island, is the summer home to many thousands of purple martins. Each summer, a huge flock of Purple Martins fill the predawn and evening skies, establishing their seasonal roost at Bomb Island, located in the middle of the lake. The island is the site of the first official sanctuary in North American designated solely for roosting Purple Martins.

The island got the name Bomb Island from the days of it's being a practice target for World War II pilots, nicknamed "Dolittle's Raiders", who later became famous for their attack on Japan which helped to bring an early end to the war.

I wanted to paint a local painting for the South Carolina State Fair, and as this is a pretty well known landmark here on Lake Murray, I chose one of the photos that we took there this summer to paint from. Hopefully I am juried in again this year!

11x14 watercolor on cold press

Pink Vintage Party Dresses

2010-06-30T17:14:00.000-04:00

What a loooooong week I am in! Whew! I am in need of another vacation soon. I may need to take a vacation from my "day job" to get some painting done! The photos are piling up, ready to be painted, applications for shows are waiting patiently to be filled out, my receipts are ready to be filed.... I may need another me or two!

For now, here are some pretty pink dresses, which you can purchase as a painting from my shop, or as an actual dress from landof1000dresses!

teal, cyan, aquamarine, cerulean, turquoise, cobalt....dresses

2010-06-21T18:55:00.000-04:00

I love this color.

Dear Golden has so many pretty colors in her shop right now, this gorgous blue-green being one of them. I couldn't resist a little series. The top two are 8x10, the third one down is 11x14, and the bottom one is 16x20. Perfect for hanging together in a bedroom, office, or laundry room?

You can click here to find them in my shop....

This fun painting deserves a fun name!

2010-06-14T18:29:00.000-04:00

The first painting from my trip to San Francisco! Not of a landmark! We went to breakfast and on the way out I saw this gorgeous arrangement of flowers outside of a little market shop. I've got some more photos of my trip that I really want to paint... of The Golden Gate Bridge, Sonoma Valley, trolleys with the city in the background and more. I hope to get to all of those, but I couldn't resist a fun, quick little loose watercolor of this artistic arrangement. Any ideas for naming it?

In other news, Better Homes and Gardens will be using some of my dress paintings for a bedroom photo shoot! I always pictures them in a bedroom, and I'm excited to see how they use them!

In an acrylic mood....

2010-05-19T12:24:00.000-04:00

I've done these two dresses before, actually, probably more than once, but always in watercolor with either charcoal or ink. I did these two in acrylic on 24"x36" canvas (that is pretty big for me!). I did not think that I'd like them as much in this medium, but I think that I might! What do you think? The green peony dress is from the shop of Adelaide Homesewn, and the Prussian Blue dress is from the shop of Dear Golden.

And.... since I feel like I've gone all girly and neglected all my guy friends out there, a Pumpkinseed Fish, one of many South Carolina Freshwater Fish!

All in acrylic, since I've been in that kind of mood lately! Now, off to get ready for California for a girl's weekend!

Madison Avenue in Watercolor and Charcoal

2010-05-16T16:55:00.000-04:00

I've been doing a good bit of dress paintings in watercolor and charcoal, and have really been enjoying it. So I thought I'd give it a shot in a landscape, or cityscape. This is a painting of Madison Avenue in New York City. I found it on Google Maps, which is my new favorite way to paint landscapes, thanks to The Virtual Paintout. The latest challenge is to paint a scene found in Czech Republic. I'm working on that one right now, also in watercolor charcoal.

Dresses, dresses, dresses.....

2010-05-16T09:20:00.000-04:00

Maria, of Adelaide Homesewn, has been kind enough to share her gorgeous vintage dresses with me. These are the latest, all from her Etsy Shop. She has been so fun to work with and get to know, and recently her blog featured an interview with me!

The Canary Islands on The Virtual Paintout

2010-04-24T16:01:00.000-04:00

I've just heard of The Virtual Paintout, a very cool monthly challenge that uses Google Street View to find inspiration! This month is the Canary Islands, filled with mountain roads, beaches, and very cool street scenes. I painted this gorgeous beach (twice, actually).... and I really liked it. That is, until I saw all the amazing entries posted. Then I thought mine was a tad boring! Oh well, if I had time I'd go back and do it again, but I am staying so busy! Which is a good thing!

the most thoughtful birthday present ever!

2010-04-13T16:13:00.000-04:00

What could be more fun than getting a print of a painting of the place you're going to celebrate your birthday with your sister?

Getting a custom portrait of you, your house, your doggie, and the flowers, books and art that you love to go with it!

Platters and Prints...

2010-04-12T16:41:00.000-04:00

This is the platter that I painted to be displayed at City Art during Artista Vista on April 22. The platters will then be auctioned off during the Dining With Friends event on April 24 for the AIDS Benefit Foundation of South Carolina. Also up for auction, at HOFP, for the 2010 Bid for a Cure event, will be two of my prints, "Beauty" and "Ever Onward". The auction is May 7th, but the artwork from many different local artists will be on display May 1,5,6, and 7.

All dressed up for Artista Vista

2010-04-08T11:47:00.000-04:00

Here's the dress lineup for Artista Vista! I'll also have my bird silhouette paintings there as well. April 22nd is right around the corner!

The weekend before Artista Vista is The Riverwalk Music Festival. I'll have prints, cards and originals of dresses, birds, boats, buoys, flowers, Charleston, Columbia, New York, and much more! You've got to love art and music together!

Vintage Dresses... Charcoal and Watercolor

2010-03-27T12:12:00.000-04:00

I've had a few requests for some more vintage dresses! These two are watercolor and charcoal on 140lb, not 300lb like that last few. I like the way the paint runs on this weight better. These dresses are more gorgeous pieces of vintage goodness from Dear Golden. She's got new Spring and Summer dresses starting to pop up in her shop, just in time for the lovely weather we've been getting here in South Carolina! I've got several more from Dear Golden in the works, in ink and watercolor!

Click here to see these dresses in my shop!

Sky...check, buoys...check, birds...check, dresses...check....

2010-03-26T20:41:00.000-04:00

12"x19" acrylic on canvas ... It's a little bit larger version of the sky paintings I did a few months ago. They are so much fun!

In getting ready for upcoming shows, I'm trying to fit in all the things that I love to paint.... which is, quite a bit. I have what one may call AADD Art Attention Deficit Disorder. I want to paint everything, and as soon as I get the first painting of a "series" done, something else catches my attention.

Right now I have a few things going on. I'm getting ready for The Riverwalk Music Fesitval on April 14th. I am picking up a platter today to paint for the Aids Benefit Foundation. They are hosting "Dining with Divas" on April 24th. The platters will be on display at City Art (before the dining event) at Artista Vista on April 22nd. I heard about this fun project through Lee Monts, who is a fabulous artist here in the Columbia, SC area. He will also be at The Gallery at DuPre for Artista Vista. I have some really fun commissions going on right now, and I've gotten back to painting dresses (it feels good to get back to watercolors)...and this is all keeping me super busy.... but in a good way!

Getting ready for Artista Vista....

2010-03-21T09:12:00.000-04:00

This is a 24"x24" acrylic on canvas. It is one of the paintings that you'll see at Arista Vista, on April 22-24th! It's a gallery crawl held in the "Congaree Vista" of downtown Columbia, South Carolina. You can find me at The Gallery at DuPre, at 807 Gervais Street. Look for the double brass doors in Michael's Alley! Hope to see you there!

new jellyfish....Lemon Aurelia Suspended

2010-03-16T10:38:00.000-04:00

This one's done in lighter colors and I can just feel it floating around...I never really had a fondness for jellyfish until I started painting them. Can jellyfish be graceful? I think so.

8"x10" Click here to purchase

You can actually see the birds now...

2010-03-15T16:01:00.002-04:00

Um, whoops. Somehow I messed up that last post, but you should be able to see the four paintings now! :)

Four seasons of birdie silhouettes

2010-03-13T14:59:00.002-05:00

Here it is, the "season" series of my birdie paintings. They are 11x14 acrylic on canvas.... I think I'm going to keep going, and do a 18x36 horizontal birds on a wire version next.

Winter's Silhouette

2010-03-06T13:54:00.000-05:00

Here's a little sneak peak of a series I'm working on~ This is a little 8x8 acrylic on canvas painting I did, which inspired me to start painting four 11x14 similar paintings, one for each season.

A free bird leaps on the back

Of the wind and floats downstream

Till the current ends and dips his wing

In the orange suns rays

And dares to claim the sky.

(exert from "I know why the caged bird sings" by Maya Angelou)

Click here to purchase

Dresses, dresses, dresses....

2010-03-03T09:34:00.000-05:00

I am in love with Dear Golden's gorgeous vintage, and I am so happy to have painted these for Lauren, from her personal favorites! If you haven't already, pop over and see what her shop has to offer! But if you want to buy everything you see, don't say I didn't warn you!

Three Buoys

2010-03-02T17:59:00.001-05:00

I normally scan all of my images in pieces, and then stitch them back together in Photoshop, but when I paint something a little larger, it requires a few too many scans and I'll photograph the painting instead. I have a new camera, and it does all sorts of cool things that I have yet to figure out.... I do know that I need a tripod, and a good bit more of practice, as you can see! Photography of art is quite tricky.

This painting is for sale at Sandlapper Art and Frame... 15"x30" acrylic on canvas

Vintage Dresses... Charcoal and Watercolor

2010-02-25T18:04:00.001-05:00

I have a thing for vintage dresses. Lauren, of Dear Golden was nice enough to let me use the photographs of the gorgeous dresses that she's got in her Etsy shop to paint! I painted them with charcoal and watercolor on 300lb Arches cold press, and I think I may do them again in acrylic, and pen and watercolor on 140lb is in the works... I love the simplicity of the photographs that she takes, and think that maybe a series of paintings of dresses would be nice for a bedroom, maybe?

Click here to purchase the green dress

Click here to purchase the silver dress

Click here to purchase the blue dress

Click here to see these paintings in my Etsy shop

Grey and Teal Poppies

2010-02-20T12:47:00.000-05:00

I've gotten some new acrylic paintings done,

This one, in my new favorite colors, grey and teal.

10"x10" acrylic on canvas .... click here to purchase

And this one...

An acrylic painting called Four in a Row (I don't have a photo!) recently sold at Sandlapper Art and Frame, and the purchaser wanted an acrylic similar to the watercolor Bulkhead Buoys, in the same size as the acrylic, 15"x30". I found the original reference photo, cropped it a little differently, added some more buoys, and had a great time painting it. Buoys are one of those things that I can never paint enough of!

Project Thank You Karin Jurick

2010-02-12T19:50:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, for about a year now, I've been a participant on the blog, Different Strokes From Different Folks, hosted by Karin Jurick. I can only imagine the amount of work that goes into the bi-weekly challenges- posting photos and then posting all of the versions from all of the artists. It has been a place that has introduced me to many of my bloggy-buddies and a place where I've found inspiration in photos that I never would have thought to paint otherwise. At the end of the year, all of the participants sent in a photo of themselves, and in turn received a photo of another artist to paint. Click here to see the YouTube video of all the photos and the portraits.

The painting above is a watercolor portrait of Karin. Jill Polsby had the wonderful idea to have many of the artists that participated in the Artist Portrait Swap Challenge to paint a photo of Karin, to be made into a book to be given as a gift to Karin as a thank you for all of her hard work throughout the year encouraging all of us artists. Click here to see all 118 portraits of Karin.

Karin, if you happen to see this post, thanks so much for all that you do. You inspire us with your incredible paintings, with your DSDF and daily painting blogs, and with the words of encouragement and advice that you dole out during the challenges. I'd love for you to have this painting, so let me know how to get it to you!

Orange and Purple Jellyfish....

2010-02-09T17:33:00.003-05:00

When you move like a jellyfish, Rhythm don't mean nothing, You go with the flow, You don't stop...
~Jack Johnson

I'm having fun painting these jellyfish! The colors that I've been working with have been doing the coolest things. Different colors (like Compose Blue) are very rich and pigmented and when they touch another wet paint, instead of making "mud" it pushes it's way through, or moves out of the way. Mineral Violet did the same thing. I did a lot of paint testing before I actually started these to see what colors would not only look good next to each other, but would have the same effect. or example, the Compose Blue did very well next to Vermillion and Cadmium Orange, but Ultramarine did not. It still looked nice next to the red and orange, but when the two wet paints touched, they made mud.

"Violet Aurelia Floating" 8"x10" on cold press...click here to purchase

"Orange Aurelia Vibrance" 8"x10" on cold press....click here to purchase

Pelican 16 - New Watercolor Painting

2010-02-06T12:22:00.000-05:00

The water is wide, I can't cross over

and neither I have wings to fly

give me a boat that can carry two

and both shall row - my love and I

~Sarah McLaughlan

This painting was done for Dana Marie's Inspiration All Around Us blog. I love love love to paint rowboats! This one I loved for the blues and oranges and for how weathered it looks.

11"x17" watercolor on cold press ... click here to purchase

Meet Bernard...

2010-01-31T17:06:00.000-05:00

Meet Bernard.... he's a turtle I met at the Atlanta Aquarium. Unlike the sea turtle I recently painted, he was not in a posing mood, but I still got some really great shots, without him trying to look good and me without a good camera! When I started this painting, I was with a friend and was telling her about the FB fun I've been having with Fan's suggestions for naming my paintings. She took a look at my reference photo and said, "He looks like a Bernard!"

11"x14" watercolor on cold press .... click here to purchase!

Wishes on Dandelions....

2010-01-28T18:30:00.000-05:00

I love to paint dandelions....

I don't usually hear what a painting means to someone when I sell to them online. Sometimes at shows people will talk a little about what draws them to a particular painting of mine, and that is nice. There have been some times, however, when someone who has purchased a painting of mine will take the time to email me a thank you and a little bit of the story behind their purchase. One that stands out is a lady who bought a dandelion painting some time ago, because her mother's nickname for her was "dandelion". The reason being, no matter how many times she got "mowed down", she always sprung back up again! I was glad to have painted something that reminded her of her mom without even knowing it, and it was really cool to hear her story.

I did two brand new dandelion paintings a couple of nights ago, with my favorite colors in the background.

6"x6" Acrylic on Canvas .... Click here to purchase

12"x4" Acrylic on Canvas ... Click here to purchase

"Scarlet Aurelia Rising" ... named with a little help from my friends (again)....

2010-01-24T19:11:00.000-05:00

Tracie Brown won a print of this fun jellyfish ~ She was one of several fans who has a suggestion on what this painting should be called. Become a fan to join in the fun and be a part of these giveaways!

I ended up using different parts of different suggestions to name this painting, and I could not have done it without help! Thank you to everyone who left a suggestion!

This painting is another one painted from a photo taken at the Atlanta Aquarium. I used Compose Blue and Vermillion, and just a tiny bit of Payne's Grey. I loved how the Compose Blue and Vermillion work together...

8"x10" watercolor on cold press .... click here to purchase!

art journaling, sea turtles, and help from friends

2010-01-21T09:42:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Lee Monts, this painting now has a name. Other than "Sea Turtle", which is what it probably would have been named had it been left up to me! It's name is now "Ever Onward". I am wondering how do all of my artist friends come up with such clever names? Another good suggestion was "Determined". Become a fan on FB to join the fun :) I think the idea is to get "into" the painting and tell a little mini story about it. I love to read, I love peotry, I love words themselves, so why is it that I can't come up with them for myself? I had this conversation yesterday with the lovely Gina Lee Kim, who suggested that I do some "art journaling" to help let it flow, which reminded me that I use to do a good bit of that when I was younger. It will be nice to use a different part of my creativity!

This giant sea turtle (I think it's a loggerhead) calls the Atlanta Aquarium home. I loved how he (or she?) was half in shadow and surrounded by great light and sparkly bubbles. I think it liked posing for me taking pictures! What a ham! More to come....

11"x14" watercolor on 300lb cold press ... Click here to purchase

Sandy Shadows was Featured in an Etsy Treasury

2010-01-20T08:28:00.000-05:00

Thanks, Simply Suzula, for featuring Sandy Shadows in this beautiful treasury. It's called Vacation, and that is what I'd love to be doing right now!!

"The Little Artist" - watercolor portrait of the Nub

2010-01-18T08:11:00.000-05:00

I posted a photo of my daughter on Facebook, and my friend and blogger buddy, Alisa, said, "you should paint that picture!", and I said "YOU should paint that picture!".... so we both painted it! I in watercolor and she in pastel! Throughout the painting process, we emailed our progress back and forth to get each others feedback, and that was so great.

I love so many things about this picture, the light, her intent expression, the little pinky in the air, the paint on her fingers.... I love it. She is such a great little kid, beautiful and kind, and a great little artist!

She sells sea shells by the sea shore... New Original Watercolor Painting "Sandy Shadows"

2010-01-10T15:30:00.001-05:00

The latest from my Edisto trip! I am thinking that there will be many more shells to come. Maybe some that are focused in on a small area of the shell- abstract almost? I used 300lb instead of the usual 140lb because I really wanted this one to be loose and splattery.

"Sandy Shadows" 8"x10" watercolor on 300lb cold press

Click here to purchase!

Original Watercolor Painting - Autumn Marsh

2010-01-05T12:08:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone's 2010 is off to a great start! I've spent the first little bit painting painting painting! My vacation was a break from everything, including my art, so couldn't wait to get started and have been at it ever since. I finished this painting of South Carolina's lowcountry. I took the photo for this painting on my Thanksgiving trip to Edisto Beach.

11x14 watercolor on 140 lb cold press ... click here to purchase!

I have been using my brand new palette that Santa brought me! (thank you, Brynne!) I love it- but I was not sure how to get the old watercolor paint out of my old plaette to reuse in this one! After googling for some help, and not finding any, I remembered that you can put candles in the freezer to get them out of their containers, so I thought I'd give it a try. And it worked! Any other suggestions?

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T14:13:00.000-05:00

I started this blog in the very beginning of 2009, never expecting to make so many friends! I have enjoyed getting to know them and seeing all of the wonderful art that they've made, whether it be paintings, journals, cards, stamps, soaps... Thank you to all those that follow my blog and my bloggy friends and to those who just stopped by! Thank you for all of the sweet comments and words of encouragement, and for all the inspiration! Thank you to all of you that have purchased my art in 2009! I hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas and a great 2010!

new watercolor painting - a pelican at edisto beach...

2009-12-22T19:09:00.000-05:00

I take a lot of pictures whenever we go anywhere because I am always seeing things that I want to paint. I don't have an off switch, I'm in artist mode all the time!

I took some really great pictures on our trip to Edisto Island over Thanksgiving weekend. This is the first of the paintings I want to do from those photos. It is so peaceful there... not too many people and lots of what makes the lowcountry so beautiful- live oaks, marshes, beaches...

We are on our way tomorrow to New York! We'll be on Long Island, in the city, and then off to Ohio. Maine maybe in between? Who knows - we're feeling adventurous Good thing I made some room on my camera's memory card!

11"x14" watercolor on cold press - You can find this painting in my shop by clicking here!

Etsy Treasury - Pale Morning featured!

2009-12-22T14:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you, Inmost Light for featuring Pale Morning in your treasury!

I love these soft colors all together!

DSDF Artist Portrait Challenge

2009-12-19T15:16:00.000-05:00

For the end of year challenge on DSDF, we all submitted photos of ourselves and received another artists' photo to paint.

I painted this portrait three times... and I could just keep painting it in different ways to see how it comes out! I have been reading a lot of Myrna Wacknov's blog a lot lately, and the amazing things that she does with portraits is incredible. I myself use ink in my watercolors fairly often, and I saw one of her latest posts that used ink in portraits. So on my third version of this painting, that is what I did. I kept it really loose and used fun colors and used thick and thin ink lines. There are some really super talented artists that participate on DSDF, and that was very intimidating. Overall, I think if I painted this another 10 times I may end up happy, but the holiday season doesn't permit, so here are all my versions!

I think that painting kids and babies is just SO much easier, but what would art be if you never challenged yourself?

To see me, painted by Maria Soto Robbins, click here!

Baby Portrait Commission Complete

2009-12-14T16:18:00.001-05:00

This little cutie is on his way to his new home!

I have a new appreciation for painting little people after the latest challenge for DSDF! Every participant submits a photo of themselves and in turn receives a picture of another artist, and then they paint each other. I am on my second go of the challenge and it is really tough! Kids and babies for some reason come together a lot easier than adult portraits for me!

Click here to purchase a portrait of your little one!

Orange Poppies Acrylic Painting

2009-12-13T18:56:00.000-05:00

I love R.Garriott's Photoshop help! I scanned this painting into Photoshop, got it all stitched back together, and realized that my colors were way off! Thanks to this article , I got the color right. Click here to purchase!

My new shop was juried into 1000 Markets and is ready to go! I love so many things about 1000 Markets- you can save your listing before posting it, it keeps all your images in a file, the site is gorgeous, there are no listing fees until you sell, you can pay using Amazon checkout, and much more!

I hope everyone is having a great time getting ready for Christmas and the New Year! I think I may be done with my shopping.... now I can start getting ready to head out of town! We're going to New York and Ohio for the holidays!

Wow! Another Etsy Treasury! Small Oil Painting - Field of Poppies

2009-12-07T10:03:00.000-05:00

Thank you, Dewbead, for featuring Field of Poppies in your Etsy Treasury!

This is a smaller oil painting, 4"x4".

Blank Cards new in my Shop and another Treasury!

2009-12-05T13:52:00.000-05:00

New in my Shop! Blank cards, featuring my watercolor paintings! I started listing them yesterday, and when I checked my email this morning, the cards featuring Madison Avenue were featured in a treasury! Thanks, JBW Photography!

Winter Summer Painting Treasury on Etsy - "Reflection" featured!

2009-12-02T08:23:00.000-05:00

Thank you, Elizabeth for featuring Reflection in your Etsy treasury!

Maine Rowboat Watercolor Painting

2009-11-30T17:03:00.000-05:00

8"x10" Watercolor

I loved how linear this photo was- the water meets the land in a straight line, the dock is made up of straight lines, the ropes tied to the cleats are straights lines... It's different for me. I think that paired with my not so linear painting style it came out okay.

I love painting rowboats, so when my stepmom gave this reference photo to me, I took it with me on my much needed vacation to Edisto Island and got to work. I took about a million photos and can't wait to get started painting all the amazing boats and beaches that were there.

You can purchase the original painting by clicking here.

or a framed print by clicking here.

Prints! Bidding starts at $0.99 to kick off your holiday shopping!

2009-11-25T10:59:00.000-05:00

Bidding starts at only $0.99!

Click here to bid on Madison Avenue

Click here to bid on Picnic

Click here to bid on Shrimp

Click here to bid on Bulkhead Buoys

Click here to bid on Pale Morning

Vista Lights!

2009-11-20T19:19:00.000-05:00

Rachel and I had so much fun last night at Vista Lights! Lots of prints and paintings were sold and we met a ton of really great people! Thanks to everyone who came out- what a fun way to kick off the holiday season!

Something a little different... abstract -ish sky paintings

2009-11-15T09:45:00.000-05:00

I have about 10 million great pictures of sunsets and sunrises on Lake Murray. I got them all out and started painting, and somewhere along the way I started having a little too much fun with the paint, and what I ended up with is a little different than my normal style. A little bit abstract? I think so, but not so much hat you can't tell what the paintings are of.

Top painting- 5"x7"- acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas- Click here to purchase

Bottom painting - 8"x8"- acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas - Click here to purchase

Maine Lobster Trap Original Watercolor Painting

2009-11-05T16:19:00.000-05:00

I love the look of old, weathered wood that is so often seen on the coastal fishing towns of New England. This painting is based on a photograph taken on Orrs Island, Maine.

The original is 8"x10" watercolor on 140 lb cold press - Click here to purchase.

Open edition prints, framed and unframed, and greeting cards can be purchased by clicking here.

Lauren Maurer Artworks

two thousand eleven two thousand twelve

this dress was made for me to paint

Wedding Dress Paintings for Vista Lights 2011 at Bella Vista Bridal

the title of this post is: "new tango paintings" OR "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again. and then again."

The Contemporaries 6th Annual Black and White Ball ... Tickets on sale now!

New York Inspiration

wine country ... can i go back soon, please?

here comes the bride...{and her bridesmaids}...

let's hear it for the girls...

A glass of red wine? Yes, please.

laura, elizabeth, savannah, and taylor are the new small paintings in the shop ... and the PERFECT gift for your bridesmaids!

the perfect wedding gift or anniversary gift ... custom wedding dress paintings ... personalized wine bottle glasses ...

artista vista 2011

what's black and white and glamorous all over? ... black and white vintage dresses

pencil (ink) me in... crafty feast, vista ballroom dance for japan, artista vista, contemporaries artist of the year soiree and silent auction

this years colors of artista vista...

laroque... my new favorite (non-vintage) dress shop...

Mr. B's Sustainable Glassworks meets Lauren Maurer Artworks

new in the shop... high heel paintings

a little bit of pastel and the big fat brush i use for gesso....

London for Edinburgh

Alex Powers - Inquiries

mmmmm, spring and all it's juicy colors....

Charleston Dress Inspiration

Love: A Fair

Front Page! A great start to 2011!!

two thousand and ten two thousand and eleven

kelly green on etsy's front page

***30% OFF ALL PRINTS***CYBER MONDAY SALE!***TODAY ONLY***

a little bit different....

it feels good to be productive

happy thanksgiving, e.e. cummings, and the front page of etsy!

Photos for my Non-Facebook Friends :)

Couture Allure

Sneak Peek - Vista Lights

Thought it was going to be a dress, didn't you? :)

black and silver, sparkle and lace, bows and shows.... (and a wishlist)...

vintage dress paintings for the holidays

Little Black Dresses

customer feedback... a picture is worth a thousand words

Quite dapper, don't you think?

my paintings are in Better Homes & Gardens DIY magazine!

Lauren, meet Yupo... Yupo, meet Ink...

pleasantly plum

fall reminds me of....

Custom Wedding Dress Portraits

lemon lavender

for the love of vintage, painting, and dresses

Art With A Heart Show

Carolina Stroll - A downtown Wilmington, North Carolina coastal watercolor painting

Vintage drawings.... drawn when they weren't vintage!

Getting ready for Wilmington, NC - "The Silver Eagle" - a shrimpin' boat

New Dresses...New Blog

Bomb Island - a new Lake Murray watercolor painting

Pink Vintage Party Dresses

teal, cyan, aquamarine, cerulean, turquoise, cobalt....dresses

This fun painting deserves a fun name!

In an acrylic mood....

Madison Avenue in Watercolor and Charcoal

Dresses, dresses, dresses.....

The Canary Islands on The Virtual Paintout

the most thoughtful birthday present ever!

Platters and Prints...

All dressed up for Artista Vista

Vintage Dresses... Charcoal and Watercolor

Sky...check, buoys...check, birds...check, dresses...check....

Getting ready for Artista Vista....

new jellyfish....Lemon Aurelia Suspended

You can actually see the birds now...

Four seasons of birdie silhouettes

Winter's Silhouette

Dresses, dresses, dresses....

Three Buoys

Vintage Dresses... Charcoal and Watercolor

Grey and Teal Poppies

Project Thank You Karin Jurick

Orange and Purple Jellyfish....

Pelican 16 - New Watercolor Painting

Meet Bernard...

30% OFF ALL PRINTSCYBER MONDAY SALE!TODAY ONLY