a tiny rocket

a pancake diet

2012-02-02T07:41:00.000-08:00

I have a confession to make- I am slightly addicted to watching Top Chef and last night episode the challenge was to make Pee Wee Herman a delicious pancake. I do love a good pancake. :) Just thinking about a mouth watering delicious.. ever so tasty pancake.. makes me just want to run down my stairs and head to the kitchen and make some.

I think what I love most about a pancake is the toppings- you can make it sweet or more savory. YUM! I made pancakes the other day- and my pancake of choice was banana with almonds. How do you like your pancakes :)?

a little smile

2012-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

I have been up to my ears in getting ready to file for taxes- and between me and my husband's we have 3 businesses to account for... Which means- a ton of paperwork. Hopefully fingers crossed I will have it all done tomorrow. Woohoo! So I can finally get some well needed studio time.

I took a little break from the paperwork and decided to give my little bugs their weekly bath. Bath time is always special mommy and puppy time. They particularly love getting their tummies scrubbed and also enjoy their little snack treat they get afterwards for being so good and for looking so handsome.

There little furry faces make me smile every time. :) What's making you smile today?

Ticktock

2012-01-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

Doesn't just time seem to fly by? I still can't believe we are at the end of January and almost in February. I remember when I was maybe 5 or 6 and all I could think about was how slow time is and now I think about how it has just zipped by. I had fun painting these little clocks from the 60's- they are clocks called Big Ben and Baby Ben. :) Don't they just have the cutest names?

Oil painting on wood (sold)

The Coast

2012-01-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday :) - Did you have a terrific weekend?

Review*Anjolee

2011-12-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

A little while ago- I was contacted by Marla from Anjolee and was sent this stunning ring! I love a little sparkle especially for the holidays and always think jewelery is such a special gift. What girl doesn't love diamond jewelry ?

Their anniversary rings for women and diamond anniversary rings are really fantastic and have so many options- and lots of stack-able options which are the best because you can take away and add to your wedding ring.

Giving jewelry is such a special gift and it's something that you can keep forever! :)

SnapCracklePop

2011-12-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hello! I have been still a bit under the weather and under doctor's orders for lots of rest- which means no internet. Ack! I know It's really hard weird being out of touch and really behind on nearly everything.. I have barely started Christmas shopping and Christmas crafting but I am in full Christmas swing this week. So I am really excited :) This weekend the hubs and I cuddled up with the pugs and watched movies and had hot chocolate. Isn't hot chocolate the best this time of year? How was your weekend?

A Kiddo- Gift Guide

2011-11-22T11:31:00.000-08:00

I have already started planning my gift giving for the holiday season and I think the toughest to buy for the kiddos. Between the hubs and I - we have 6 to shop for and they are all under the age of 12. I want to be a semi cool auntie but still give them something of substance.

A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein. I think some of the best imagination is in this book. I often still of several of the poems that have inspired my art work. Hopefully I can pass on some magic that inspired me to someone else.

Sharks really freaked me out as a kid- I think it's mainly because of the Jaw movies ;) but they make this cool puzzle anatomy models now.

Of course I want to give art supplies! but I found this really awesome pack that teaches kids about the modern art. I think it's so important to teach kids about art especially art history. Wouldn't you want this if you were a kid :)?

I love giving science gifts- but i have to admit i love giving kid gifts that make a mess. I know it may drive my sisters crazy but the kids love it!

Have you started making your Christmas shopping list?

monday monday monday!

2011-11-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hello! I am back.. I have been completely under the weather. I think I caught that flu bug that was going around and I just needed to unplug for a few days. Don't worry my little pugs did an excellent job snuggling me back to health. My hubs .. lets just be honest.. can not cook. I am not sure if he even knew where the kitchen was until this last week but he did some how manage to make me toast and chicken soup :). My email box has completely exploded and I am behind on my painting. yikes! So if you sent me a note and I haven't responded- I am working on it :) I promise.

I am glad to be back to me ol' self just in time for Thanksgiving. I can't wait to catch up- and missed hearing from you.

Did you have a good weekend?

Monday Funday

2011-11-14T13:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! Did you have a nice weekend? This time of year is always seems so much gearing up for the holidays! and I already informed the hubs that I have plans on getting a real tree and he is in charge of Christmas lights :) Also I'm planning on a few chirstmas giving DIY's that I can't wait to start and share with you.

This weekend we did have a little movie date but we did take out and watched the movie Melancholia with Kristen Dunst. It hasn't been released in the US yet but you can watch it on i-tunes or direct tv. It's a movie about the end of the world but it isn't as action packed as typical end of the world movies are but an interesting take. The end of the world is another planet crashing into ours. As we watched this the hubs informed me that another asteroid came close to earth again. yikes! this is why I really can't watch national geographic channel. Interesting flick and perfect for a date- but not a family flick- (a little nudity.)

Today I plan on getting some painting in and the pugs are very excited to be getting their weekly bubble bath :) What are you up to this Monday?

11.11.11.

2011-11-11T08:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday :) Is feels like complete winter time in my neck of the woods. The fluffy fog has rolled in most mornings and I have a sudden craving for hot chocolate. I think this weekend me and the hubs are going to do a movie date and I really can't wait. I can't think of the last time we went to the movies and had a big buttery bowl of popcorn. I am not even sure what movie we are going to see, but it feels good to have plans. We don't get out much.. in fact I told the hubs that I might be turning into a shut in. You know one of those people that never leaves the house- since my art studio is in my house- there is no reason to leave? right? I also discovered that you can get library books snail mailed to your house.. for free... See no reason to leave right?:) lol

On another note.. Did you know it was 11.11.11? I noticed the moon looked a little brighter last night and a big black raven jumped on the hood of my car- think it's a sign?

What are you up to this weekend?

BIG 200 #3

2011-11-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Here is my next piece for the Big 200! and this is an old but busy street in Portland- called Hawthorne. There is an old movie theatre, lots of fun vintage stores, and yummy eats. This street hasn't changed much in since I can remember- I remember when McDonald's try to come to the street.. or maybe it was BK but the neighborhood petitioned against it. This street still holds that special something that has never really went away.

This urbanscape is painted on a wood panel- with vintage oils. :)

Details:
The Big 200 is an annual event that 200 amazing artists paint 10 panels and they are all 8X8 and every piece goes for only $40. This is a cash and carry show- which means you can take the work off the wall and then take it home right then and there! There is a very long line to get into this amazing event- so come early.
Date: December 12th 2:00 pm-10:00 pm
Place: Peoples Art of Portland
700 SW Fifth (3rd floor) People’s is Suite 4005
Pioneer Square Mall, downtown Portland

Want to see more paintings for the Big 200 show? click here.

A Treasure hunt

2011-11-09T01:48:00.000-08:00

I have been doing so much thrifting lately and it seems like my little addiction is getting worse!.. I know I have been promising to show you some of my latest finds but here are a few of my favorites. As you know I collect typewriters.. and you won't even believe but I found a typewriter that types in cursive!

I am so lucky this typewriter found me.

This camera is from around 1939 and it actually works. I took it in to the local camera shop- and the camera man told me all about it. I can't wait to try out.

and of course this cute dress- it has little birds all over it :) I just love it.

The hubs has been trying to talk me into selling a few of my treasures. He has been trying to convince me into opening a small vintage shop on etsy for quite some time because he knows how much I just love vintage and have a bit of the thrifting fever! In fact I started talking with a woman at an estate sale- and we got to talking about some of the WWII memorabilia- I always have thought those old medals are pretty amazing. Can you imagine receiving something like that- that person must be so proud and was probably such a great moment in that person's life. She let me know that there was more in the back that she wasn't sure if she wanted to part with some of the items. She wanted to make sure her treasures went to good homes and I think in that small moment I realized maybe I should have my own little vintage shop. So I have been busy taking photos, polishing, and deciding what should go in the shop- and plan on opening it up soon in the next couple weeks. I will have a few vintage cameras, typewriters, vintage dresses and lots of other fun goodies. I can't wait to show you more. and all the typewriters I plan on having in the shop- completely work. :)

a little music for your monday.

2011-11-07T17:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! This weekend just zipped by and I did a ton of vintage hunting and lots of painting. (can't wait to show you). The hubs and I have both been pretty been busy little bees working on our art projects and seems like that always happens in winter time.

Have you heard the new song by Yuna? She did the remake of Come As You Are by Nirvana. Nirvana brings me back to the flannel grunge days in the 90's but I think Yuna gives it a fun twist. Listening to any new music lately?

Big 200 Piece #2

2011-11-02T19:33:00.000-07:00

Here is my 2nd piece for the Big 200! and I am doing a couple of land/urbanscapes for the show. I painted pretty much only landscapes before I embarked on painting urbanscapes and I still love painting the fluffy trees. I wanted a gray cloudy sky and just love how there is only one little intersection with a huge monster tree. I always think it's interesting seeing the tangled up power lines and how there is so many power lines- out in the middle of no where. :)

This is an oil painting on wood- and I am using vintage oil paints.

Details:
The Big 200 is an annual event that 200 amazing artists paint 10 panels and every piece goes for $40. This is a cash and carry show- which means you can take the work off the wall and then take it home right then and there! There is a very long line to get into this amazing event- so come early.
Date: December 12th 2:00 pm-10:00 pm
Place: Peoples Art of Portland
700 SW Fifth (3rd floor) People’s is Suite 4005
Pioneer Square Mall, downtown Portland

Want to see more paintings for the Big 200 show? click here.

Sketchbook Project_Treehouse

2011-11-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

So this year I decided that I was going to the 2012 Sketchbook project. I have about a million sketchbooks.. notebooks. I recently cleaned out my studio- and stacked up all of the little blank/lined/graphed books- each filled with scribbles and little notes.. magazine clippings.. newspaper clippings.. lots of little sprinkles of inspiration.. actually I was a little surprised I had so many! . I have a confession to make, I rarely complete a sketchbook were I draw on every single page. So I am going to do it! with the Sketchbook Project. They have different themes to choose from I and chose tree house theme. I plan on showing my progress along the way so that I finish and do it!

Creative Mornings- Portland

2011-10-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

I am proudly born and raised and currently reside in the ever rainy Portland, Oregon. (it's the state right on top of California) :) I have lived here all my life- and I think I know this little city pretty well. I always think Portland as a little city because I remember when we got our first Target.. when we got our first Walmart.. our first Krispe Creme Donut (the line was a nightmare for months just to get your hands on one of those dreamy glazed donuts.. Starting this last Friday- we had our first Creative Mornings. Creative Mornings is a once a month free lecture series- featuring creative types. They have these talks all over the world, and I feel lucky enough to attend the first Portland one.

Kate Bingaman Burt was the first speaker and she was completely inspirational. She is a graphic design professor at PSU and an illustrator whom has done work with client like VH1.. and Target- just to name a few. I think what I enjoyed most about her lecture is that she talked a lot about her process for making work and the process of her "art projects". I think one of the hardest things about being an artist is having to focus on the marketing and networking.. and sometimes those things time wise.. over take the making things time. I have gone to quite a few lectures.. conferences.. artist talks- that don't necessarily talk about the work.. they talk about exposure.. and marketing.. and networking.. and all of the business ends of things.. which is great but isn't it about making the work? She talked about doing what you love- but work really hard at it. :)

Go make some work :) Have you been to a creative morning?

Happy Halloween Weekend :)

2011-10-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

This weekend- my hubs and I are going to attempt to make dinner together and cuddle up and watch True Blood. I love those vampire shows. The hubs usually gets a little scared of scary movies (I know he is a big strong man lol) so we usually stick to vampire shows for Halloween shows, but I do love a scary movie. When I say attempt to cook- I can make a mean grilled cheese but beyond that I hope I have some luck on my side... and the thought of trying to bake.. scares me a little. What are you up to this Halloweeny weekend?

PS The pic is of Yoda with his favorite toy octopus. :) He carries that thing around like it's his child. I just love accidental pictures don't you?

My life in Instagram/Take 3

2011-10-26T13:08:00.000-07:00

I love instagram and I can't get enough of the different photo editing filters and it's always interesting what you end of capturing.. It's my little slice of life.. my digital scrap book.

It has been so gorgeous out here lately- and can't help snapping photos when I am out in the country.

Aren't they just darling? The boys just had a beauty day which included a bubble bath and a little pedicure.

I have been on the globe hunt while thrifting lately. and love the resin base on this globe.

Painting my living room a fabulous tooth paste color.

I think what I love most about instagram is these tiny memories you have and little pictures of happy thoughts. Are you using instagram?

And in art news! the Big 200!

2011-10-25T16:38:00.000-07:00

I have been in my art studio working away on a few up and coming projects. I have been a little quiet sharing some of the work I have been working on because I am under top secret orders on a few things coming! So this year I am lucky enough to be participating in the Big 200 annual show. It's my 6th year doing it and I look forward to this show every year. The Big 200 is 200 artists given 10 panels to paint on and it's the set price of $40. It's a cash and carry show- which means that you take the pieces of art off the wall and take them home that day. It's a really amazing show and people line up to get into the gallery. For this show I am doing something a little different for the show- and I hope you like it because I love what I am making. The above photo is the first piece finished for the show.

Since I am currently addicted to thrifting- I have come across quite a few estate sales with vintage oil paint from the 60's and beyond. I am not sure what it is but I feel like there is something more vibrant and even makes me wonder about who owned this paint. If you want more details about the Big 200 click here.

Not-so ordinary.

2011-10-24T10:12:00.000-07:00

The hubs and I had a interesting conversation over the weekend while we were on our way to visit some old college friends. My husband and I met in college :) I always say we met over the keg. We were friends for about 6 months before we started dating and the rest is history. I know some of his highschool and college guy friends are really competitive with status-having the best job.. the best car.. the best house and trying to compete for the best life. My husband is still really great friends with a lot of his old roommates and still goes on his yearly man man trip with his highschool boy friends. (If I call my gal pals .. girl friends. I should be able to call his guy friends boy friends *winks*) We both come from really hard working parents and appreciate everything our parents has taught us and given us, but a few years ago we decided that we were ok with not wanting the white picket fence. We both love to work on our businesses- in fact it consumes us! We are both obsessed with making things- and making our dent in the universe. It's funny that we didn't really discover this until after we got married or at least our passion for it. I think one of the hardest things in life is deciding what I like with out influence and developing independent thought and being a visionary for my own future.

I want only a few things out of life- but I don't really need that fancy car, or that fancy house or spend my life in a cubicle hoping that one day I can break free. I want to make as much art as I can and visit as many paintings as I can. I also want to see as much of the world as I possible- when my grandmother passed away she never set foot on an airplane. I want to live a happy life- and grow old with my hubs. In different parts of the world- there are places you make a wishes- there are walls you crumple a note in or maybe a fountain you throw a coin in. It's funny because me and my husband always wish for the same thing. :) Which I am sooo not telling! Thinking about all these little things- it seems like they have nothing to do with status but more about leading a "rich" life. We both stay on budget in order to make our dreams a reality but our dreams aren't the average ones.

Have a super Monday! Creative thoughts your way this week.

The Future.

2011-10-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

Hello! Happy Weekend! I can't believe it's already the weekend. I have sooo many projects starting up I feeling a little overwhelmed :) but being busy is good! and I love being busy especially with painting projects. This weekend I hope I can get more painting in and I think the hubs is going to take me on a little dinner date. It's funny just looking at the calender and thinking of all the amazing things that happened through out the year and am starting to schedule out 2012! Can you believe 2012 is just right around the corner- and I always think wow this has been an amazing year- is it possible for next year to be even better?

What are you up to this weekend? Have you started thinking about 2012?

DIY Pug Power Pumpkin

2011-10-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

I wanted to do a pumpkin dedicated to my little dogs this year. I know I know it's a little crazy but they are seriously like my little furry children- since I don't have human ones. They both get very excited to dress up every year for halloween. I am thinking maybe this year they should be little sharks- dressed up little twins. Going into the pumpkin carving process I wanted to use a block stamp method- so I used the same little tools that you use to make a stamp.

Supplies!
1. 1 pumpkin- depends on how large you want to make your pet's darling face.
2. stamp carvers- I used one that looked like a small exact-o knife and another that looked like a U shaped tip-
3. acrylic paint if you want to paint your animals face a color
4. a piece of paper
5. regular knife
6. pencil
7. tape
8. paintbrush
Time to get started! Are you ready to carve?

1. Take your piece of paper and draw your pet's face. It doesn't have to be perfect - but the simplier the better and just do a line drawing. If you want to add any words write them out- I suggest using a block style

2. Cut out the top of your pumpkin and take out the brains of your pumpkin. They are brains right? or is it pumpkin guts?

3. Tape the drawing to your pumpkin
4. Take your exacto knife shaped tool and trace the lines of your pumpkin and be patient! Do not cut all the way through to the inside of the pumpkin.
5. Remove the bits of paper

6. Take your U shaped tool and start carving out your pumpkin. Can you see your pet's face shining through yet?
7. Paint the words and pets face. and that's it! Your done :)

I have gotten more compliments having this bad boy sitting on my front porch.

Portland Blogger Meetup.

2011-10-18T13:35:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend- I had a chance to meet up with some really awesome fellow bloggers. I have always wanted to meet bloggers especially in my neck of the woods- and finally had the chance. The gang included Corey, Nicole and Kat. We chit chatted over a coffee date and it was so great! We talked about doing another one in the near future and can't wait to get together again real soon. I walked away really inspired about the blogging world and trying some new things on my blog. It was great meeting some IRL new friends :) hugs ladies :)

If you are interested in joining us for next time- drop me a note- at erikaleesears@gmail.com .

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend the hubs and I went on a little trip to the pumpkin patch to pick up some pumpkins and vegetables. :) Going out to the pumpkin patch is one of our favorite things to do in October because you get to see all the gorgeous changing trees and get some fresh veges from the farms.

There were little creatures :).

and lots of pumpkins of course! The hubs was a little afraid of going in the corn maze- :) So we did not enter- I think he has seen Children of the Corn too many times.

Isn't that little pink pig hat adorable.

and of course we found the perfect pumpkin! :)

Sunday Love

2011-10-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

O'verlays are pretty amazing. They are a flexible panels for customizing furniture, walls or mirrors .. and they come in a ton of different designs. I can't wait to try them out.

I am participating in the 2012 Sketchbook Project! I have always wanted to participate and this is the year :) Thousands of people participate in this project and the sketch books go on tour- at the end of the project all of the sketch books are part of the permanent display in the Brooklyn Art Library.

Loving all things pumpkin- courtesy of Country Living. I would so love to do this in my house.

Did you get the new Iphone 4s? My husband was passing the house back and forth on Friday- waiting for the UPS man to come deliver it to our little home. Isn't this one super cute? This one is from Sublimeswag.

Vintage bus light from Modred. How phenomena is this thing?

Happy Sunday :)

Friday!

2011-10-14T11:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday :) This week just zipped by- it feels like pretty soon it will be Christmas. I have been in the studio this week and can't wait to show you some of the paintings I have been working on. I am really looking forward to this weekend because I'm hosting a Portland Blog Meet up! Click here for more details. I am so looking forward to meeting some old and new friends... when I say old- there are some bloggers that I have read their blog for quite some time and now can meet them face to face! :)

Also in Portland- it's the last weekend of Portland Open Studios which is seeing 100 artists at work in their studios. It's pretty amazing and have several amazing and talented friends participating in it this year.

What are you up to this weekend?

Tips on Buying Vintage

2011-10-12T18:44:00.000-07:00

I have been doing a ton of thrifting lately and I just can't get enough. I think it might be me being able to find a hidden gem in pile of junk. :) I previously talked about some thrifting pointers here. I wanted to talk about some pointers on knowing if you have a treasure and some tips on haggling for your prize.

1. I know when I go into an thrift store or a garage sale- sometimes it can be overwhelming and crowded or there might not be much at all. Take your time and look carefully. Sometimes when you go into a garage/estate sale- don't be afraid to look in a drawer or open a cupboard. If they want everything gone- and there is a lot of stuff- look slowly and look in all the corners. :) I found this vintage map behind a bookcase and they wanted everything gone- so I got it for 12 bucks.

2. You found something you want to buy. Determine your item's condition. Look and see if the item is damaged and how damaged. Sometimes when you go to a thrift store or a garage sale the person selling it might not realize it's damaged and don't be afraid to ask for a discount. Even the big chains- like Goodwill will give you more off the item if it's damaged and they didn't note it. Also think about the time it's going to take for you to fix it. Sometimes your time might be more valuable then the item.

3. How to know when you are getting a good deal? If you are looking for a specific item- do a little bit of research and see how much an item is worth. I will check ebay for a really specific item and see how much that item is going for- then I know for sure it's a good deal. If the item is marked high at a store or a garage sale- let the seller know it's high and see if they are willing to come down in price.

4. Always ask for discount. Sometimes I will ask is the best price you can give me for this? Antique malls run different discounts that they advertise and some they don't. Estate sales/Garage sales always ask for a reduction and if you are buying multiple things- ask if they will throw in something for free- for example- if you are buying a piece of furniture and see some books you want. Ask if they will throw in the books. Be creative when you haggle. :) The worse they can say it no.

Happy thrifting!

DIY: Easy Breezy- Halloween Kitty Ears

2011-10-11T17:41:00.000-07:00

Halloween is one of my all time favorite holidays- it's so great to dress up as whatever you want and it's also an excuse to eat your weight in candy corn. I really wanted to put together an easy costume idea and easy on your budget. :) Here is a really simple DIY for kitty ears for under a couple of bucks.

Supplies:
Felt- I used Black and Pink.
Headband- whatever you have on hand.
Glue
Scissors

1. Fold black piece of felt and cut two little holes and put the head band through the holes.

2. Cut your kitty ear. :) Aww how cute is that.

3. Ok! Cut out your second kitty ear on the bend of the felt.

4. Now you have 2 kitty ears.

5. Fold your pink felt and cut out a little pink diamond. Cut the pink diamond into 2 triangles.

6. Fold the black kitty ears around the head band and glue the two sides together. Do not glue them on the head band. Just squeeze the two sides together and wait a 20 seconds for the glue to dry.

7. Glue the pink triangles on the ears.

8. I used a little black eyeliner for the nose and whiskers. And VIOLA! all done.

Did you know?

2011-10-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! When I was a kid I was extremely imaginative- always drawing and thinking up little stories and pretty much living in my own little world. I know in reality life can be tricky, life can be hard, life can be a whole lot of average, life can be above average, and life can be amazing. I think a lot about where I live and I am an average girl and I live in an average place but you know what I realized. Imagination can grow anywhere. Did you know that? Imagination is something that can occur no matter where you come from or who you are. Creative thoughts your way this week.

Out with the Old and In with the New.

2011-10-07T15:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! I don't know what it is about fall but for some reason this time of year... I always think about cleaning.. reorganizing.. out with the old and in with the new. I have been repainting my house- room to room.. ceiling to ceiling this week but I am loving how everything is turning out. I am a little nervous to try and clean out my studio and closet because both are stuffed to the brim.

What are you up to this weekend?

Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

Steve Jobs the former CEO of Apple passed away yesterday. My husband is a pretty big geek and changed his career path to be an IOS (apple) developer. We have 3 apple computers in the house, about 5 iphones (they are for testing), 2 ipads, an apple tv, and I am sure I am forgetting something. I remember the day my husband was talking to me about wanting a mini mac (apple's cheapest computer) and I told him he already has a computer but if he wanted it- he had to promise me he was going to make something. It took him about 6 months, but he made something. He made Robotvision, which was one of the first augmented reality application on the app store. It was featured in Tech Crunch, Wall Street Journal and the list goes on.. it also led to some really fun projects like a Paris application with the french government. The app is called Culture Clique and it's an application that gives you all the facts about Paris with all of the historical data and my husband did the augmented reality portion for the app. I am very proud of my husband for following his dreams and doing what he loves. Steve Jobs changed my husband's life and he never met Steve Jobs. Thank you Steve Jobs for inspiring my husband and inspiring me. My favorite speech of his is this Stanford one because he talks about how important it is to lead a life of passion. If you have time and haven't seen it- I promise you it is inspirational.

“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” -Steve Jobs

DIY: How to Make an Awesome ZigZag Rug!

2011-10-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

Since my hubs has me convinced that I need to makeover our little home. I have taken it upon myself to do a ton of DIY projects for our house. He loves very modern design and I am more of a thrift queen with lots of art around the house. So I have decided the perfect mesh is adding a few accents with a modern flair. This turned out to be a really easy project and cost me under $10 bucks.

Supplies:
1. Rug- The cheaper the better- I really wanted it flat and I got this one at Target for 3 bucks. I also chose a charcoal gray because it's easier to lay light on top of dark because if you screw up.. like I do.. it's easier to fix.
2. Block Print Ink. Ink instead of spray paint because I wanted the pigment to get the ink into the rug. Don't use acrylic paint because it will lay on top of the rug and not look like apart of the rug. The ink cost me 1.50 with a coupon from Michaels. I picked just the basic white.
3. Sissors.
4. Painters Tape- Do not use anything else- because this is how you get even beautiful crisp lines.
5. Paint Roller- I got the cheapest one at the hardware store- for 1.50 :) You can use one you have but make sure it's a small one.
6. Tape Measure
7. Hair Dryer- this is optional.

Step 1. Lay Out your Rug. This Rug is 30 inches Long and 18 inches height. I have enough to make 3 rows of chevron. This Part goes into two phases, put a piece of tape down at the 5 inch mark. This is your first row you are going to do a diagnal line and each row is 5 inches. We are working left to right. The next piece of tape at the 10 inch marker- the right hand edge needs to be at the 10 inch marker. Keep going until the end of the rug. To help me out with the measurements- I marked the plastic underneath the rug every 5 inches. It should look like some rows are skinny and some rows are a fat. The fat rows are the sections that you will be laying down your ink.
Step 2. Place a piece of tape at around a 45 degree angle in one corner. Place all the tape down side by side.

Step 3. Remove a piece of the angled tape every other row. The tape that is left press firmly into the rug.

Step 4. Put your ink in your pan and put your roller on the ink. It's tacky! So move your roller over the ink several times and loosen the pigment. If your not used to working with ink- trust me it's easy. The trick is to work the pigment into an a easier flow. Roll the ink on to the 5 ink sections that are the larger sections on your rug. The ink adds thin layers- but I rolled over the same sections maybe 2-3 times.

Step 5. Remove Tape. If you have any ink in unwanted places on your rug. Take a paper towel dabbed in water and it takes the ink right up.

Step 6. Let your ink dry. If you want the ink to dry faster use a hair dryer :)
Step 7. Tape up your rug. This opposite direction is easier because you can line up the tape to your existing stripes. What is great about using painters tape is if you don't get the line exactly right- left it up and try again.

Step 8: Roll on the paint on the sections connection your V's.
Step 9. Lift off your tape. If you need add a little dab of paint here and there- use a paint brush and use a dabbing motion to get the ink in.
Step 10. All done :) Time to think of an appropriate reward for making an awesome rug.. maybe a delicious coffee?

Build a Better Blog.

2011-10-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

I have been planning a little bit of a blog makeover lately and I love just playing with the design of it. Design is so incredibly important in making a blog, because it's what people first see and it's sort of like the first impression. Whether you are a designer or not- all the time you spend plotting and planning the design of your blog- it's all worth it. There are also lot of free templates- that you can tweak and make your vision come to life. Having a blog has made me really embrace learning graphic design and enhancing my photography skills. Here are some easy tips to help create a better visual design for your blog.

In one of the side bars and at the top of the blog have a picture of yourself with a brief intro about your blog. I am a little camera shy especially when it comes to having me in the photos. I have always preferred being behind the camera or behind the paint brush. :) If you put your picture on your blog it helps people connect to you.

Blog with pictures. You don't have to have a ton of pictures but have a pictures while posting. If you aren't a photographer then use an image and source it. A picture can only enhances whatever story you are trying to tell- give some eye candy!

Don't be afraid to make your photos large in your blog post. On my blog I make the picture align with my text you don't have to do this.. but make your photo large enough for everyone to see. I love a big picture- well it doesn't have to be huge just big enough. :)

Have a killer blog header. I have gone through maybe a dozen headers since I started blogging and have been thinking about new ideas for it. Your blogger header is what people first see- your prime real estate. I had a friend who is a photographer take this one for me and we did a photo shoot and I bought him lunch. Don't be afraid to ask a friend for help or offer an easy trade. :) I think you will surprise yourself how your friends will help you.

You can use a fun fonts for your blog but the text of your posts- it should be a clean font like a sans serif. Sans Serif's are fonts that are really clear and crisp- for the real definition click here. :) San Serifs are easier to read- and easier for your message to get across.

Portland Blogger Meetup.

2011-10-03T04:32:00.000-07:00

Are you a Portland Blogger? I have been lucky enough to know a few special Portland bloggie friends and wanted to extend the invitation to all Portland area bloggers who want to meet up for a little coffee date.

Where: F & B Cafe @ Rejuvinations.- 1100 SE Grand, Portland, OR
When: October 16th.
Time: 11:00 AM.

Are you doing Blogtoberfest?

2011-10-02T00:05:00.000-07:00

Are you doing Blogtoberfest? Blogtoberfest is that you do a blogpost everyday in the month of October. It makes me a little nervous to do a post every day but I think I can do it! actually I know I can do it.

Some of my friends whom I noticed are doing Blogtoberfest.
Angela @ Pickles on Pizza - I am so jealous of her thrifting adventures.
Lamina @ Do a Bit - so charming and talented- there is no art and craft she can't do :)

Bye Bye September!

2011-09-30T10:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! Can you believe September is over? I always think at the end of September means it's officially Fall and it's time to start thinking about the holidays. I have a ton of art shows happening this winter, a ton of DIY home and gift projects planned and hosting a Artist Way link up (which starts tomorrow!)

I have had some incredible luck thrifting this week and I can't wait to show them to you but I found out a really funny story. I saw a big sign at an estate sale that said "Fred and John are not allowed to shop at this estate sale." I thought to myself well those are common names- but who's Fred and John? So I asked the guy in charge of the door and he said "You don't know who Fred and John are?" His eyes bugged out a little bit and I could tell he thought I was an amateur thrifter. (little does he know ;) ) I shook my head and he explained to me that Fred and John are two tall and really large guys that start fights at estate sales and that that he personally has been hearing Fred and John stories for over 20 years. He also tells me that they are not allowed at most professionally run estate sales and that I would know them if I saw them. They also have the cops called on them more times then he can remember.. Fred and John do a lot of pushing and shoving..:) Funny huh? Is it bad that I can't wait to at least see the infamous Fred and John?

What are you up to this weekend? anything fun?

DIY- Operation Bookshelf

2011-09-29T08:58:00.000-07:00

I wanted to find a thrifted bookcase that I could really transform. I wanted to distress the bookcase and then do some color blocking in the back to make the objects stand out in the suitcase. Distressing furniture is where you give age to furniture and it looks beat up. The only part of the process that was a little bit hard is literally waiting for the paint to dry. I didn't think it would be that hard in finding a bookshelf but it was! I think I went to about 10 thrift stores before I started looking on craigslist. Since Borders went out of business- they donated all the bookcases to Habitat Humanity which they were $20 bucks at the Habitat Humanity Restore :). If you are looking for a bookshelf and had a Borders close by you- you may want to check Habitat Humanity.

Supplies:
1. Bookshelf
2. Sand Block- Fine or Medium
3. Candle
4. Wood Stain- Small- I used a Java color but you can use any color you want. This adds the old to the bookshelf.
5. 2 sample sizes of orange paint. I got the sample sizes from Home Depot, but you can use craft paint- because we will put a seal on the top.
6. 1 quart purple paint- If your wood is already a dark color and don't want to change the wood underneath the top layer of white paint then you don't need a dark color underneath. It doesn't have to be purple- it can be whatever color you want :).
7. 1 quart of white- I picked a white that was tinted orange- sort of like a creamsicle. I really wanted to do a range of orange for my bookshelf. But there are million whites- so have fun with picking something you like.
8. tack rag
9. old towel or rag that you don't want anymore.
10. varnish- clear- as matte as you can get.
11. butter knife/hammer/screwdriver/old chain/wrench- beating supplies for your book shelf :) Just use tools you have around your house.
12. painters tape
**Optional Supplies
13. Wood Putty- If you want to repair any holes. No holes? or like the holes? skip this.
14. 1 quart of Primer- If you are painting a dark color on top of the wood then you will need this. This book shelf was part wood and part board- so primer is important to make an even look. If you look your wood color and want the original wood color to show through- skip this.

Are you ready?

Step 1. Clean your Bookshelf. This one from Borders had all the plastic tags on it indicating the section of books. Mine was from the 2 year old section. :) I know fitting right? I removed all the plastic/staples. There were a lot of holes and I filled in the holes with wood putty. If you don't have any holes or you like the damage already done to your book shelf... then skip the wood putty. Let your book shelf dry.
Step 2. Take your sand block and sand your book shelf. Take your time and really sand the crap out of it.
Step 3. Use Tack Cloth and wipe your book shelf. Tack cloth removes all the particles and dust from the shelf.
Step 4. Prime Your bookshelf. and let it dry.- If you like the color of wood of the book shelf- then just prime the part of the bookshelf you are color blocking.

Step 5. Tape off the back of your book shelf- for your color blocking.
Step 5. Paint the purple paint on your bookshelf. I picked purple because it is the complimentary color for orange. and let it dry. Skip if you like the color of wood and want to use that color for your base.

Step 6. Remove the painters tape.
Step 7. Take your candle- and rub along the edges of the book shelf. This makes it easier to peal away the paint.
Step 8. Paint your bookshelf the white you picked out. let it dry.

Step 9. Take your butter knife and scrape the edges- your dark paint will show through.
Step 10. Beat up your book shelf. Less if more- so go slow. This adds the wear to the book shelf.
Step 11. Use tack cloth and wipe your book shelf.
Step 12. Use your old towel and put a little bit on your book shelf and rub it in. Less is more- You can always add more. let it dry.- over night if possible.
Step 13. Time to do the color blocking. Tape around the edges where you want to do the color blocking.
Step 14. Paint your color blocking. let it dry. I wanted a few drips on the white- so don't be afraid to not be perfect.

Step 15. Varnish. let it dry- over night.

Step 16. All done! Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done :) and admire your hard work.

DIY - Art Hanging!

2011-09-28T01:51:00.000-07:00

I have really wanted to do a fun art hanging above my fire place. I have been putting it off forever and ever but I finally did it :). When you hang pieces of art together not in a straight line but by grouping them it's called hanging art work salon style. I think the best part of hanging artwork salon style is that you can add artwork to it after it's been hung and it also can be a really dramatic piece.

Supplies:
1. Tape Measure
2. Painters Tape
3. Scissors
4. Picture Hanging Laser- I got mine for 10 bucks at Home Depot but it isn't a requirement but I suggest it if you want a even look. You can also use a tape measure, level, and painters tape.
5. Nails
6. Hammer

Step 1. Pick Out the artwork. Don't be afraid to take chances. Pick out the artwork you love. Some of the artwork is mine and the some are things I have bought from art shows or fairs.
Step 2. Take out your handy tape measure and measure where you want to hang you art. I measured the length of the mantle and the height to the ceiling. I wanted the art to be hung about 10 inches from the mantle.

Step 3. Lay out the artwork on the ground. If you have a real specific area that you want to place the artwork. Tape the exact space on the floor with painters tape. I knew I didn't want enough art to completely fill the space but if you do- just tape the ground with painters tape.

Step 4. Try different arrangements.
Step 5. Once you pick out how you want the art work hung. It's time to start hanging. I measured the width of the bottom level of the artwork and wanted to them to be an inch apart. Time for a little math :)- the width of the mantle and subtract the width of the bottom layer of artwork. Since I want the artwork to be an inch apart- I subtract by one. Then divide that number by 2. So I will have 6 inches on each side of the bottom layer of art.
Step 6. If you don't have a laser pointer you can use painters tape and measure out lines. Take your first part of art. Since I decided I wanted the art to be 6 inches from the end of the mantle and 10 inches above the mantle. I mark the wall with painters tape- to guide the laser pointer. I set up the laser pointer in a level spot and make the cross in that corner. I go back to the wall and double check the measurements. This can be time consuming to make it just right- but it's worth it! because the more time you spend preparing the space- the better it will turn out.
Step 7. Take your first piece of art and since you have your laser with a cross point of the bottom outside corner of the artwork. Time to measure for your nail. Measure the height of the artwork. Flip the artwork over and measure the distance from the top of the art to the hanging point- (like a nail hole or wire or maybe the frame of the art work.) Subtract the height of your artwork and your hanging point and that is the distance where you want to put your nail. I know this can be a little tricky but its easier with small work and you will get the hang of it.
Step 8. Hang your first piece of art on the nail. Take your laser pointer and switch the vertical line to the other side of the painting. Cut a couple pieces of painters tape so they are an inch wide. Place the painters tape on the right hand side of the art. Remember I wanted to have the artwork to be an inch apart- if you want more room or less room inbetween the art- then this is an easy tip take make it exact.

Step 9. Take the laser pointer and move it one inch over. Use the painting you just hung and the painters tape to guide. Once you have the laser in the exact spot. Double check with a tape measure. Then repeat Step 8- to hang your art work.

Step 10. Take your premeasured inch long painters top and put it on the wall on top of one of the paintings.
Step 11. Move the laser pointer so that it runs on the edge of the painting.
Step 12. Hang you art! See I told you it gets easier once you place a couple of pieces.

Step 13. Now Repeat until all your art work is hung. I did one side of the artwork first. Then repeat on the other side.

Step 14. Admire your work. You worked hard :) and you are awesome!

My Weekend in a List

2011-09-26T03:30:00.000-07:00

10 episodes of Grey's Anatomy watched- they are all on Netflix. I think I am on the McDreamy team.
5 cups of coffee drank
4 puppy walks.. They did a good job.. for the most part, but they do love to chase after bicycles. I just love going for walks in the fall- and hearing the crunch of leaves.
3 estate sales visited and found lots of amazing things. I so scored and am going to do a little photo shoot later this week. I think my thrifting luck may be turning.
3 episodes of Glee- also on Netflix :)
2 pairs of socks worn- I still can't believe it's already Fall weather. I did miss wearing socks but I think that's the Oregon in me.
1 book case thrifted- yahoo! I can't even tell you how many places I went to before I found even 1. I am doing a DIY makeover.
1 typewriter thrifted- now I have 6 yikes! I think this might be last one because 6 is a bit much. Don't you think?

What did you do this weekend? My weekend was filled with some thrifting, DIY projects and lots of Netflix :) Oh and the dessert in the photo was so perfectly delicious- it was like a biscuit with strawberry- I gobbled up every little crumb.

Luck

2011-09-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hello! This week has been such a whirl wind and have a little bit of bad luck this week. First I was taking the dogs for their morning walk and I am not sure what it is- but they don't like the postman. Sometimes the postman does throw treats at them but sadly they will never have love for the postman. The Postman told me he is only allowed to throw treats if the dog is barking. I was taking them for a walk and they saw the postman and started barking and pulling the leash ..and then my keys fell into water grate. :( So what do I do? I put the dogs back in the house and I grab a ski pole and put on my rain boots. I feel very Macgyver at this point. I open the grate and measure how deep the water is with the ski pole. There is a ladder on the side going down into the water and I climb down and measure the water- maybe it's a foot deep. Then I start thinking- don't rats and crocodiles live in the sewers? Since I live in Oregon and I don't think Oregon has crocodiles because it gets so cold here.. so maybe the crocodiles can't survive in the sewers... but we do have bears. Could I knock a bear unconscious with my ski pole? Thankfully there is construction work being done in my neighbor hood and they saw me go down grate with a ski pole. So they go down the grate for me and rescue my keys. :) I'm sure a bear would go eat the construction worker first, since they wear bright orange. Also I have been running all over town trying to find a thrifted book shelf- I would think it would be an easy find but I went to 7 thrift stores- and I only found 1- made of plastic. Is there a book shelf shortage? Lastly there is construction going on in my neighborhood- lots of construction! I guess there was a recall on siding? I know bad luck comes in 3's so.. maybe I will find that book shelf soon and it was a tiny bit of good luck that the construction workers saved the day by rescuing my keys.

What are you up to this weekend?

P-P-P-P Pattern Inspiration!

2011-09-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

I have been so inspired by big bold patterns lately and they have been popping up in my sketches and drawings.

I just want to drown myself in Houndstooth. I already bought shoes in houndstooth and now it's showing up in my art work. I just love it- I can't get enough.

Vintage Wallpaper- I love the traditional wallpaper I was gifted a special stack of vintage wallpaper and the balance and the colors are amazing!

Chevron or the zigzag! Seriously so much energy in this pattern.

Florals. Isn't it gorgeous?

My ever love for stripes. What's inspiring you lately?

PS- Photos courtesy of pinterest.

The A-Z of Erika

2011-09-20T02:38:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't resist doing an A-Z of me.

A. Age: 32- shhh I don't say it very often.
B. Bed Size: Queen
C. Chore you hate: Putting away laundry. I can fold but I hate putting things back.
D. Dogs: I have two darling little pug monsters. Winston and Yoda and I often wonder if they are planning on taking over the world.
E. Essential start to your day:: Coffee and Checking emails- a must!
F. Favorite Color: Mustard Yellow and that retro turquoise.
G. Gold or Silver: Gold! I think I am a little allergic to silver.
H. Height: 5'5
I. Instruments you play: Piano and Flute. I played Flute in high school before all the American Pie movies :) Don't judge me.
J. Job Title: Oil painting blogger. I also do the books for a couple of tech start ups.
K. Kids: I have 2 puppy children- who do like to be held like babies.
L. Live: Born and raised in Portland, Oregon.
M. Mother's Name: Vilma
N. Nicknames: Some people call me E.
O. Overnight hospital stays: Nope
P. Pet Peeves: When my hubs pretends he is listening to me :).
Q. Quote from a Movie: “Close you eyes and tap your heels together three times. And think to yourself, there's no place like home.”- the Wizard of Oz
R. Right handed or Left handed. I am a righty all the way! This is random but I can only snap my fingers with my right hand. Left doesn't work.
S. Siblings: 2 older sisters... even though they try to convince people they are the younger sister.
T. Time to wake up: 7:00 am.
U. Underwear: Stripes
V. Vegetables you hate: Lima Beans.. I got one stuck in my nose when I was 4. I can't even look at one.
W. What makes you run late: Myself. or I should really blame television.
X. X-rays you have: just dental. I did do one of those head scans at the dentist and that freaked me out a little.
Y. Yummy food that you make: I make a mean grilled cheese. Want to have a grilled cheese eating contest?
Z. Zoo animals: I love the elephants and giraffes.

They say it's your birthday.

2011-09-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

My birthday was a couple of days ago and I had such the perfect birthday I am not one for having parties for me, but I love going on fun little dates through out the day with old friends, family, and of course my hubs. Here are a few snaps through out my special day.

Thrifting was completely on the agenda.

I really wanted to take home this gumball machine but the hubs would kill me if I brought this home. I know he would view this treasure as junk but maybe Santa will bring me one for Christmas.

No birthday is complete with out a little dessert.

Cheesecake with fresh berries. Yes I pigged it up and it was soooo goood!

I did share a bite or two.

I found a globe while thrifting and took a few snaps with my new mini instax. It was a really special birthday and am so lucky to have such great family and friends in my little life.

Happy Monday :) Let the Mustache be with you!

Fall is Here! Fall is Here!

2011-09-17T18:35:00.000-07:00

It has really cooled off this week and I can see the changes in the trees and the rains have started. I always think fall smells a little a different- that crisp smell- that hint that Christmas is right around the corner. I do love summer time, but I think my new favorite season is fall and we are getting ready for the holidays.

Coffee Season. I am slightly addicted to delicious, dreamy coffee. I know I don't really need an excuse for a coffee beverage, but fall I think is when coffee tastes especially perfect.

Fall is also soup season! Don't you just love a big bowl of heart filled goodness?

I love being cooped up in the studio especially during fall. It seems like I always get my best ideas in the fall time- or at least they seem like good ideas :).

Fine... I will admit it- I am super excited to carve the pumpkin. I have started crafting detailed plans of the surgery of mr. pumpkin. :) I can't wait!

What are you looking forward in fall?

Things I Wish I Would Have Known When I Started Blogging

2011-09-15T02:00:00.000-07:00

I've had this blog for a couple of years but didn't really start blogging on a regular basis until maybe about a year ago. The main reasons why I started blogging was to keep track of my artistic journey through the art world, learn a little more about me and meet some new friends. I have learned a lot about social media and am still discovering where I fit into it. I started thinking that if I could go back in time and give myself a few tips on blogging what would they be.

1. Be Yourself and Find Your Voice. I remember that when I first started blogging and I would put a lot of thought into a blog post and I would out think myself. Blogging is a growing experience and just doing it on a regular bases you will naturally grow and find your voice and then you will figure out the things that you want to talk about. Content is the most important thing about blogging- but it's even more important to learn how to deliver that content.. but be unique and talk from your perspective.
2. Stick to 1 subject per blog post. When I first started blogging I would talking about my whole day sort of like a journal post- but it's a lot easier talking about 1 subject per post and it's easier for people to get to know you. So if you want to talk about lots of different things then do multiple posts- its just that easy.
3. Make it easier for people to find you and easier for people to connect with you. Even if you don't want to fill out your profile- fill out your URL and email address. If you follow blogs with Google friend connect- click on your icon and you can add your URL to it. When you leave a comment fill out all the sections- you never know who is going to connect with your comment. I know when I read my favorite blogs I will click on other people's comments because if they enjoyed that post as much as me, we probably will have something in common.
4. It's ok to step out of your comfort zone. I know that I am pretty shy person in meeting new people but I have to allow myself to be open to meeting new people. I think one of the hardest thing for me when I first started blogging is that blogging can feel like you are talking to the void. Eventually know that people talk back, but sometimes you have to talk to them first :).

Blue or Yellow

2011-09-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

I am covered in paint! Since I promised the hubs that I would take a couple days off from oil painting- and do some re-painting of our little home. I started painting the walls in our living room and then realized that I should repaint the ceiling. I have paint all over my shirt.. shorts.. hair.. feet.. finger nails. .. everywhere! One of my little pug monsters got covered in paint.

Not sure how he did it, but I turned and looked at him and his snout was covered in white paint. So he got a bubble bath- so I could make sure I got all the paint out of his wrinkles. :) He is such a little princess. I got a few paint samples because I really want to do a fun accent wall- but I can't decide on the color.

What do you think? Should I go with toothpaste, light blue, or mustard yellow? :) I threw my coffee in there because it's pumpkin spice latte season.. YUM!

Why Art is Important.

2011-09-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! Did you have a nice weekend? The hubs and I had such a nice weekend of just running errands and getting ready for the busy week ahead. I promised the hubs that I would start working on reorganizing a few of our home and work spaces and you know what that means.. redecorating! I am going to be repainting spaces and wanted to create more space dedicated to art.. Art is so important and I started thinking about why art is important.

1. Art is important in documenting and capturing a little slice life. I am a realism painter because I really feel strongly about capturing life now and I am in love with the idea of capturing something in that moment. I think some of the most interesting art pieces through out history are the ones documenting the world. A little glimpse into the past through the eyes of an artist. If you look at some of Picasso paintings- he loved the ladies and he loved his dachshunds and you could really see yourself in that world. I always imagined his life of a messy decadence.
2. Art is important because captures magic, imagination, and wonder. As I have gotten older- I have realized how important those qualities are and as you get older how much harder it is to hold onto those qualities. I recently found some of my old drawings when I was a kid and they were full of rainbows and pirates. I was always told there was a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow but I remember thinking that if I could never find that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow- I am sure a pirate could find that pot of gold. :) I just love remembering that pure magic. I try to squeeze little bits of that dust into my paintings now but it's something I chase after.
3. Art is important because it can be a true expression. There are so many different types of art.. fine art. designed art.. performance art.. commercial art.. and many many more.. Art is a great way of communication and I know sometimes it can be difficult to express oneself but sometimes you can just clear everything out of ones mind and just make. The art of making things- is such an amazing thing! I know growing up and pretty much my whole life- I always have a safe place with my artwork. It's a place that I can go and just be me and say whatever I want to say.. yell as loud as I want to yell.. make whatever I want to make... just being free...

What do you think? Why do you think art is important?

Vegas From Day to Night.

2011-09-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! This week went by so quickly.. coming back into town and it's already time to get ready for fall. When I think of fall, it makes me think of coffee and soup season :) This weekend I have so much work to do- and I am shutting the door to my studio and am hoping a lot of work gets done. You never know what can happen in the studio. I wanted to show you some of my Vegas pics before I head to the studio!

One thing I do love about visiting Las Vegas is that have mini replicas of everything. You can go to Paris and see the mini Elfie Tower.. or go to Rome and see a mini Treve Fountain and even go inside a Pyramid. I do love all the different themes in Vegas. Here goes! Vegas Day to Night.. and I also included links of me visiting some of the real life places of these famous places.

Inside the Bellagio. isn't it dreamy? I always love how they decorate the hotel.

I think this one with the hanging umbrellas is from the Wynn- but it made me want to think about some ceiling hangage for my house.

This one is a mini of the Trevi fountain in Rome, Italy. It made me remember when I put a coin over my shoulder and made a wish. I always wish for the same wish every time and if you watch the video here- just click on the short 10 second video.

Time for the night photos :) I had a lot of fun taking night photos and am still learning with the shutter/flush and stay very very still.

I love Paris- and we had dinner at the Paris one night and it was scrumptious. Here is me visiting the real Elfie Tower.

Bellagio Fountains.

Martini anyone? This was a yummy pear martini and the hubs had a side car meets Christmas. They were both extremely delicious. I would love one these puppies right now! What are you up to this weekend?

Vegas in a List

2011-09-08T14:36:00.000-07:00

Isn't it just funny when you peak into your bag and you find all the random odds and ends from your vacation? I know I just love saving all the little receipts, brochures, wrappers, and bags- and I can see after a week in Vegas the picture above is what I ended up with.

1. We saw 1 Cirque de Soleil show- O at the Bellagio. This was my first time seeing something like this and I can't even express how simply amazing it was. It's a rare thing when you can see imagination and wonder hard at work. O is the first Cirque de Soleil show in Las Vegas and it was well worth every second. :) I can still see the diving performers and all the mystical creatures of the Opera house. (alright I am not giving away any more - you will have to go see the show).

2. I read 2 whole books- The Help - which is the summer must read. I also read Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris. I have had this book forever and for some reason I could never get passed the first couple of pages. This time I did and once I got past the first chapter I couldn't put it down and I was dieing with laughing at all his naughty humor.

3. We completely got lost about 3 times- we stayed at the Venetian and this was our fold out map. It's always amazing to me how big but yet small Vegas is.

4 tickets to take the Portland Max to and from the airport. In my town our Metro is called the Max- and it drops you right off at the airport. If you ever come to Portland- this is a great way to get into the city for only a few bucks.

5. There was a little bakery by our hotel room called Bochon and they had macaroons! We stopped for a little coffee and snack here and there .. well actually we stopped by 5 times! but it was so yummy. I I just had to try every single flavor of macaroon and I do deserve a delicious fluffy latte.

6. This is my ticket stub and the brochure from visiting the Bellagio art museum- it's a tiny little museum but it's so well curated and there are always must see pieces. I always love going and looking at paintings. For the summer they have several Monets and Hockneys and a Lichtenstein (the guy who does the polka dots and had a pony tail)- which are to die for! The show curated the history of landscape from impressionism to contemporary. I think why I love this museum so much is because they have hand picked every piece- and it's about the message of the show. Any time I go to a museum or a art show- and I can't afford the art or a print- I take home a little momento to remind me how much I loved the show. When I got home to Portland- I counted 6 brochures- I can't believe I have visited the Bellegio art museum that many times!

7. We love playing slot machines- well only the lucky machines. The one thing that is nice about Vegas is that you can gamble and get free drinks. I counted that I played 7 Star Wars machines- and non of them lucky... normally I look for the Star Wars machine and it's pretty lucky but not this trip. We had much better luck with the American Idol slot machines- actually too much fun! I think why I like the slot machines is because they have a little story with the bonuses and you can watch a fun video and do a mini game. It's funny how similar slot machines are similar to an old nintendo. We played Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, Monopoly, and the 3d slot machines which were a little crazy. We broke about even for the trip- which for Vegas is a good thing.

8. They hand these books out everywhere you go! There is no escaping them! I rounded up 8 in our room at the end of the trip. They have coupons and ads inside but we probably had more- I think the hubs might have thrown some away.

9. Phantom of the Opera was show is at the Venetian. We didn't see it but we heard the music in the elevator. The main singer sounds across between the Count from Sesame Street and Jack Black. I couldn't help but laugh every time they had it on in the other elevator. When I started keeping track of this one- I counted 9 times- hearing the voice. Count! 9 bats A HAHA HAHA HA (that's the count's laugh in text lol)

10. Sunblock! I wear it every day and in Vegas sometimes I reapplied after a swim. 10 uses of sunblock. My hubs prefers the spray stuff- because it goes on faster an he does get lobster feet when he doesn't use sunblock on this feet.

11. My magazines for the trip. I can't help it I do love a good trash magazine for the pool or airplane- just something easy breezy to flip through. 2 in touch + 1 Portland Open Studio Guide (it's coming this October- I decided not to participate this year but I can't wait to see so many of my talented friends participating) + 2 air plane magazines- they are free- and they say you can take them. + 4 Random Las Vegas Magazines in the room + 2 Sky Mall magazines- they say you can take them from the plane = 11. After noting all my magazines- maybe I have a slight problem taking magazines from the airplane?

After going through my odds and ends- I can walk through all the pieces that made up my trip to and from Vegas. I also realized I need to not take every magazines from the airplane :).

Hello & Thank you!

2011-09-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hello! I am still in gorgeous Las Vegas and I can't wait to show you all of my photos that I have snapped away this trip. We had such a great time having lots of dinner dates and trying out our luck on the casino. I also wanted to say thank you so much- I reached 400 blog followers and I still can't believe how fortunate I am to have gotten to know so many new and old bloggy friends. I have learned so much journaling my chronicles of life and art and have some exciting new projects planned for this blog. :)

Oh and those slot machines behind me- the star wars machine ate my $5!

The Help

2011-09-05T11:26:00.000-07:00

I just got finished reading the book The Help by Kathryn Stockett and I loved it! I couldn't put it down and I fell in love with the main narrators. The book takes place in Mississippi during the 1960's in the time of segregation and Martin Luther King. There are 3 perspectives and 2 of which are African American house keepers and the other is a Caucasian society girl in her early 20's whom just graduated from college. What I loved about the book is the story telling of each of the narrators and how heart felt the story is- I laughed and cried in parts - which for me is a true sign of a good book. At the very end of the book- the author whom is from the south tells her own story of her own housekeeper and how much Demetrie meant to her and her family.

I am born and raised in Portland, Oregon- where I am from it's a pretty liberal. I am not from the south and have visited different parts of the south on vacation but what I know of what happened in the south I have mainly read about in books or seen in movies. I know that in different parts of the United States and the world have gone through lots of racism, segregation, and in-equality that I might not know or even see... and might never completely understand. My mother is Puerto Rican and my father is Caucasian from a small paper mill town a few hours from Portland. When I was kid I remember my mother would tell me to check the Caucasian box when ever I filled out paperwork. I didn't realize until later that my mother wanted me to not be judged on my race. I have also been told a few times in my life that I am not Hispanic enough and other times I have been told that I am just a white girl whom will never understand. My sisters are quite a bit older than me and some kids from their school weren't allowed to play with them because they were mixed. I do understand that people come in different shapes and sizes- and I am not going to be someone that judges you based on where you come from- good or bad. I want to get to know you for you!

I know people get made fun of for not being skinny enough, not having the right clothes in school (I still regret wearing those hot pink florescent shorts in high school), wearing glasses, having braces, or perhaps not coming from the right side of the tracks. I guess the whole point of this blog post is that everyone is different and everyone has their own hurdles in life. I often talk on this blog about finding your own path and your own way in life.. and that life isn't always cookie cutter mold. We aren't made from cookie cutters? are we? We are all unique creatures... maybe even snowflakes.

I loved the book because it reminded me to simply be nice to one another and to make an effort with people as individuals.

"We are two people. Not that much separates us. Not nearly as much as I'd thought"- The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

PS- If you read the book- didn't you just die over the Minnie's Pie chapter? 2 pieces of Minnie Pie for you! lol :)

Beep Beep- next stop Las Vegas

2011-09-01T12:24:00.000-07:00

The hubs surprised me and is whisking me away for a weekend getaway to Las Vegas! We have only been to Vegas for work related activities and now we have the chance to go and see all the things we have always wanted to see and do. My hubs accepted a new job and has a few days off in between- so why not go?. I know it's pretty hot there right now- so hopefully I won't melt. I have already starting mapping out actives for the long weekend and printing out coupons!

1. Ride the Roller coaster ride at New York New York. I am deathly afraid of heights but on my bucket list is to riding the roller coaster at New York, New York Hotel. It loops up around and the hotel and it even goes upside down- I just hope I keep my eyes open for most of the ride. :) I know they have one of those sling shot rides at the top another hotel in Vegas but you won't even catch me stepping foot on that one. a girl has to have limits right?
2. Take the zipline in old Las Vegas. They put a zipline through old Las Vegas- that is supposed to be pretty amazing at night time and it goes right through the old strip. I have never been ziplining but have always wanted to try it. I really want to take a video when I go on the zipline, and hopefully there will be no me screaming in the back ground. lol
3. I want to go to a Cirque Du Soleil show. Have you ever been? I heard they are amazing. I think I have been to Vegas maybe 15 times and have never seen a show. Well this is the trip! We are going to see a show and I am so excited for it. I think we are going to see O- at Bellagio- and I can't wait to be transported to another planet for the show.
4. We are going to be attempting the sammich. What is the sammich? the sammich is where you slip a $20 bill to the hotel when you check in and they get you an amazing upgrade on the room. The hubs is being doing a ton of research on how to do the correct form of sammich and he thinks we have about an 80% chance of getting it- I will let you know how it works out. :)
5. Visit the art museum at the Bellagio.- they have Monet paintings there- enough said right? It's one of the best curated little museums I have ever seen. Just thinking about it- makes me have a big smile on my face. Oh I am so excited! I can't wait!
6. The most important- frosty drinks by the pool. no vacation is complete with out it?

Am I missing anything? What do you like to do when you go to Vegas? For my international bloggy friends- what do you like to do when you go to the casino?

a painting a day- nighty night

2011-08-31T08:45:00.000-07:00

Last day of august? Can you believe it? This summer seemed to have passed by in a blink. I can already tell that fall is approaching because there is a crisp cool breeze already in the air. My favorite time to make art is in the fall because in my town you can really see the seasons change- and during the fall the leaves change from green to red/orange/yellow and you can really smell the trees in the air. I know it's a little odd but you can smell Christmas approaching. :)

Here is the latest for a painting a day- I wanted to do an impressionistic... blurry.. scratchy.. night scene. Painting dark on dark is pretty tough because the layering of the different depths of dark. I had the most fun painting the lights.

Oil painting on board- 8 inch by 8 inch. :)

I have the fever- the thrifting fever!

2011-08-30T05:00:00.000-07:00

I have come to accept that I am an avid junk collector or maybe I should call myself a junk connoisseur or maybe call it a thrift connoisseur. I have had a love for thrifting since highschool where I used to dig in the dollar bins and rummage through my parent's attic searching for old prom dresses and old hats. I love a good thrift because it's like finding a treasure that has been forgotten all about and the treasure found me. Maybe I am a little bit of a sucker for a nostalgia thrift- because I love thinking about where something came from. I have been noticing there are a ton of tv shows revolving a good junk hunt and I wanted to share with you my favorites.

Dirty Money is the much watch if you love a good thrift. The show is about two brothers in New York City- they do everything from dumpster dive, pick up broken junk from antique dealers, and plenty of haggling. They basically turn old junk into vintage treasures and sell it at different flea markets all over New York City. The brothers are a little crass but they call their love for junk- the fever. So anytime they see a hoarder- they say that person has the fever. The show is funny- and completely inspiring to fix up old junk. My fav is when they turn a broken busted up Schwinn into the Pee-wee Herman bike.

Storage Wars- is a show about when people default on their storage locker they go up for auction. This show is completely addicting because they are all treasure hunters. Even though they are looking to just turn the unit into fast cash. I love seeing what's inside the units and they all make highschool jabs at one another. A couple of cast members own thrift shops- and it's neat to see more of a whole sale end of a thrift shop.

Picker Sisters- is a show were they go into the south and literally go through people's rusted old junk. It's two ladies who are interior decorators that turn an old tractor chain into a coffee table. Even though they don't do the dirty work- their business partner does- it's pretty remarkable what something can become. The show is a little candy coated but the show has some great thrifty ideas.

Do you have the fever?

PS- I have some DIY's and paintings coming this week. ;) Photos courtsey of Pinterest.

Well Hello There Stranger!

2011-08-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Where I have I been? to a place with trees, no internet, lots of paint supplies and were little pugs run free. I can't even tell you how nice it was to unplug for a few days. We traveled out to eastern Oregon with the hubs, pups, and family members in tow.

We saw a ton of deer while we out here and one morning I had the pups off their leashes and about 3-4 deers came by and the pups were so excited that they decided to chase the deer. I think I ran after my dogs for maybe 1/4 of a mile before they stopped and were too tired too move. I think they thought that they could out run a deer... :) Well thank goodness deers don't dine on pug. I heard the deer around these parts will actually let you get close enough to feed them.

We rode bikes, did some art projects, went hiking, and drifted in canoes. Up above is the hub's little brother and his girlfriend. I was nervous having my camera in the canoe because the hubs kept trying to tip the canoe and splash me with paddles. Drifting down the river is the best in the summer time.. were you can just let your feet dangle in the water while you float and have not a care in the world. It was such a great trip!

Can you believe it's almost September? I hope we get a bit of a long summer this year.

You & Me

2011-08-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! Did you have a super weekend? I am still out on my road trip with the hubs and family and we are having such great adventures. I can't wait to share with you all my pictures- I have been snapping and all my little paintings I have been doing a long the way.

Don't you just love that quote above? It reminds me that there is only one me like me and only one of you like you. I think we all get influenced by life on how we should be or should act and maybe even the green eyed monster comes out when someone else has a different set of circumstances then you. Am I the only one who is a little jealous of the teenagers on my super sweet sixteen? :) or maybe even a little jealous when the rich and famous are complaining about the paprazzi but they still make a million dollars a year and get to live their dream everyday? Granted I don't personally know any famous people (will I did meet the guy from American Pie once in an airport like 10 years ago) and I don't know anyone who has ever thrown any of those over the top sweet 16 parties. Whatever happened to you just being you? and me just being me? I think life is full of twists and turns and everyone has a story but isn't life about what you make it and all of the little victories in between?

Maybe I was a little inspired by Dr Seuss! You know I can just be me and you just can be you. :) Happy Monday- stay inspired today.

That Tiny Wonder- Gidget

2011-08-20T18:09:00.000-07:00

Ohh Moon doggie! I love watching those old movies from the late 50's-60's and it's always fun when they are redo the films in color because the color is so vivid but still with a kick. One of my all time favorite is the Gidget series- the styling is classic late 50's and they talk with that same sort of jive. The first Gidget is a coming of age movie for a young girl who falls head over heals with a surfer named Moondoggie.

Can you imagine living in that time :)?

There were a series of movies and tv series but my favorite was the first movie with Sandra Dee.

So dreamy! Oldie but goodie movies always a great source of inspiration.

Wanna go to the beach?

PS Photos courtesy of : Pinterest , View, Discovering the Classics,

TGIF!

2011-08-19T10:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! I am so happy it's Friday! The last couple of days have just zipped because of the Paint Your Art Out event was yesterday and being one of the main organizers I was really knee deep in the trenches. It was really crowded and it was well worth all of the hard work. My only bit of bad luck is that my camera ran out of battery! I know the worst! Nights like this remind me that I am a lucky girl to work with some amazing and talented people, who inspire me to be a better artist and creative business owner. I am still working on the my thank you notes and final number crunching for the event. Here are some sneak peaks from the event.

Once I finish wrapping up my loose ends then I can enjoy the weekend. We are packing our bags and my paint supplies and doing a road trip! I can't wait to show you all the paintings I have been working on for a painting a day. :) What are you up to this weekend?

PS Some of the artists in the pictures above are the sassy Jenn Feeney and Mr Chris Haberman.

Birthday Wish List

2011-08-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

My birthday is vast approaching in a few weeks and I am already starting putting together my ultimate birthday list. My dear sweet hubs isn't the best at going hunting for gifts.. if I didn't give him a list I think I would end up getting a big bundle of bulk socks or maybe a new toaster. I know he means well but why not give him a little help. :)

Aren't these the cutest shoes ever? I am normally more of a converse girl but I found them a few weeks ago and I can't stop thinking about them. I am a sucker for houndstooth.

I finally decided which instant camera I want to purchase. After must thought and consideration I finally picked the Instax 50s. I am so excited for this one and I can not wait to get my hands on it!

I go through a ton of journals through out the year and I really want to make my own. So what do I need to make my journals? a book binder? what else! They started selling these at the paper store in my town and I think I might need this too! If I get one of these for my birthday- I promise I will make a couple and do a fun giveaway.

This is Japanese decorative tape- I wish I would have brought home more art supplies while traveling through Asia a few months ago.. but a girls suitcase can only hold so much. Isn't this cute bears and cupcakes!

I think I need to this little clip for my birthday get together. :) I am so loving this mustard color.

The only thing I don't like about birthdays is the getting older part- when do we get to go in reverse? I think this is a pretty good list :) .

Top photo from pinterest! :)

a painting a day- yellow couch

2011-08-17T10:37:00.000-07:00

I really wanted to paint a fun old yellow couch for a painting a day chellenge. This is an oil painting that is painted on wood panel. I started out with a pencil sketch directly on the panel. How I came up with the image- is that I use a series of images and piece them all together to create one image! This way I can get exactly everything that I want in the picture. :)

I wanted to have the light streaming through the windows and do an outside in kind of effect.

What are you making today?

DIY- Preppy time..

2011-08-16T04:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to do a little DIY on how to prep your surface for making a beautiful art project. This can apply to lots of different types of mediums. Why is it important to prep your surface before your amazing art project? because it seals the surface and prevents the medium from soaking into the surface and in turn you will use less of your medium.

Supplies:

1. Your surface for your dazzling artwork

2. Paint Brush- not too big and not too small. Something with a soft bristle- something that the hairs don't fall out. Doesn't have to be fancy- it can be synthetic.
3. Gesso- if you don't want to use Gesso you can use acrylic paint.
4. A Cup
5. Water to go in the cup.
6. some sand paper- I use one of those square sand paper sponge like things- under $2 from the hardware store.

Directions:
1. Lightly sand your surface if it's not canvas.

2. Put a little gesso on your surface. Less is more! It's easier to add gesso then remove it.

3. Dip your paint brush in water. This is so you can thin out gesso, which is important! You want to apply the gesso thin and even.
4. Let it Dry.- which shouldn't take too long- maybe 20 minutes.

5. Sand away! It's important to sand because the paint can grip to the surface easier.
6. Repeat steps 2-4 - 3 times. Make sure that gesso is thin! and watered down.

7. Admire your hard work and give yourself a reward. Mine was a delicious latte.

paint your art out!

2011-08-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! My weekend was so incredibly busy! but busy is good right? I am organizing the annual Paint Your Art Out event and it is happening this Thursday. I think the event snuck up on me a little bit but I know that I put a lot of time and effort into organizing the show. This weekend we worked on a lot of finishing touches for the show including taking in art check in. The artwork that was brought in- is completely beautiful and I am still in awe at the truly stunning of the work. Below is one of the pieces submitted by Suzanne Elizabeth. Pretty fantastical! :)

Paint Your Art Out is Siren Nation's annual art show. Siren Nation is a non profit that showcases and creates performance and exhibition opportunities for women throughout the year. They are the only women’s collective that produces an annual festival showcasing the original work of women working in music, film, performance and visual art. Below is artwork by Viktoria La Paz.

Paint Your Art Out | Live Art Demos | Silent Auction | Art from 50+ artists, all under $100 Location: Secret Society, 116 NE Russell Street, Portland, Oregon, 97202 When: August 18th, 6-9 pm 6-8:30 pm — Silent Auction and Art Demos. Free Admission – Event is all ages Paint Your Art Out is Siren Nation’s annual celebration of visual art, including live painting demos, silent art auction and a showcase

My reward for all my hard work this weekend. The hubs decided to take me for a little ice cream date at Salt and Straw. Mine was a sea salt and caramel ice cream and the hubs was brown ale and bacon .. they both were in homemade waffle cones. MMMM! Seriously what can't bacon do? Both were extremely delicious.

What are you up to this Monday?

painting a day- i'm mad!

2011-08-13T10:19:00.000-07:00

Well my painting a day is ode to Mad Men. First of all I can not get enough of the show- I just love the style and the drama. I also love their creative department and how they look like they have hand drawn story boards and I simple just die over all the outfits..

It's so funny watching the pregnant ladies drink and smoke- I am guessing they didn't know better back then? I am only in season 3- so don't spoil it for me!

I didn't think my painting a day yesterday was finished so I repainted it with a mad men theme :) I repainted the lady mostly as a naughty housewife face from the 50's with a modern twist with her body and body language. I always think the people in Mad Men are like people from the late 50's with a wink. I also wanted to keep some abstract shapes in the back ground to give it a little bit more depth.

Happy Saturday. :)

a painting a day- summer lovin

2011-08-12T07:01:00.000-07:00

What's interesting about this picture above- is that I was taking a little afternoon snooze-a-roo and I woke up and took a few portraits. I think one of my favorite things to do in the summer time is to take an afternoon nap.. well I think taking an afternoon nap any time of the year is one of my favorite activities. but naps are the best in the warm sunshine.

Here is my painting a day! and I really wanted to paint another person riding a bike in a floral print. I wanted to try and make it more dreamy- and have a little pug in tow. :) I could also go for a nice bike ride this summer. What's your favorite summer time activity?

PS Painting is an original oil painting- 8X8 for the Goodfoot group show- 88 strong. If your interested in purchasing this amazing painting- shoot me an email erikaleesears@gmail.com and we can go over the details.

What's in my bag?

2011-08-11T01:54:00.000-07:00

I just love looking in other people's bags- I feel like you are almost getting a sneak peak into something that aren't supposed to be looking at. I also have a confession- I am sort of a hand-bag-ohilic. No matter if I am thrifting.. or in target or somewhere posh like Louie Vuitton- I must stroll through the hand bag section. Something that is kind of funny is that I sort of know what's in my bag but every time I empty it out.. I always find something I forgot about.. sort of like a surprise. :) So here goes- what's in my bag!

1. Mead notebook- for writing down thoughts and ideas- it's how I keep my life organized and where I jot and sketch out my taking over the world ideas. I have been sort of addicted to these the last few months because they are just the perfect size.
2. Most recent Blue Canvas Magazine- it is one of my favorite painting magazines with some mega talented painters. I can just flip through the magazine and constantly be inspired.
3. Hot pink ear head pluggers. I think they are gummies brand- and I got them in the Portland airport.
4. Vanilla chapstick from my oral surgeon when I had my wisdom teeth out. I am not sure what I am going to do when I run out of this one- but it's one of my favorites.
5. Burt Bees chapstick- my #2 chapstick which I love.
6. My bedazzeled I-phone case- I picked it up in Hong Kong for a couple bucks and I love it. I also picked up a Hello Kitty one while I was over there.
7. Marc Jacobs tote. I just love Marc Jacobs- I watched the documentary Marc Jacobs & Louie Vuitton and it shows his creative genius on how he creates for all of his lines. His creative brain- is amazing. In the documentary- he is talking to the camera about how he doesn't own anything.. doesn't own his own apartment.. doesn't drive, but he does own lots of paintings. He has even been known to fly artists he loves out to his fashions shows.. sighs.. I just love MJ.
8. Paris notebook. I keep all my lists in here- goals, groceries, and day to day.
9. Cheapie sunglasses- Forever21
10. Le Jardin- Egyptian White Lily- hand lotion. smells like clean laundry. love it.
11. Pen- I am a little surprised I only found 1- for some reason I always loose my pens.
12. Beaded Bag- I got it for a couple bucks in Bali- it reminds me of being in a more tropical place.
13. Apple cord. Boring- I think the hubs told me to hold it for him. You never know when you need one of these bad boys.
14. Library Book- Just Kids by Patti Smith. Have you read it yet? If you haven't read it- you should. It's a book about Patti Smith trying to and surviving in NYC. I loved reading all about the struggles, adventures and the journey of making it as an artist. She talks about all the famous and non famous characters she bumps into a long the way. this is a summer's must read. :)

PS Do you see little puggers in the grass in that top picture. He thought it was a big game hiding in the grass.

a painting a day- let's go ride a bike.

2011-08-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

I can't even tell you how amazing this challenge of a painting a day has been in the month of August. I feel like I have learned so much already and we are only 10 days in! I have been working on a few little paintings for an upcoming art show and I am feeling very inspired.

I working on a couple of paintings of people on bikes :) This bike is very similar to my first bike- I vividly remember the turquoise and how much I loved circling around the block. For some reason riding a bike reminds of the times when you're young and you don't have a care on the world.

PS Painting is an original oil painting- 8X8 for the Goodfoot group show- 88 strong. If your interested in purchasing this amazing painting- shoot me an email erikaleesears@gmail.com and we can go over the details.

a painting a day- in motion

2011-08-09T02:01:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to learn how to do an animated gif and I finally figured out how to do it! Well...I didn't figure out how to do it- the hubs showed me how to do the gif magic! I married a smart one.. well he would like to think that he is smart but we all know I am a smidge smarter then he is. :) I really wanted to do an animated gif on a time lapse of one of my paintings- I think next time I am going to try using the tripod so that I can get an even point of shooting.

I am continuing to do a painting a day for the month of August- but I have decided to post them when they are a little bit more dry- so the color is settled and so that I can take a good photo of the work. I do a lot of my painting at night- I think it's my optimal painting time when I am the most creative. I am not sure what it is-but around 6-7 pm- I am in complete work mode... my ultimate artistic zen time. haha like a painting ninja! Maybe it something to do with all the years of me painting after work when I was trapped in the cubical grind.. Now maybe my body and subconscious are used to being creative at that time. Do you have an optimal creative time?

PS Painting is an oil painting- 8X8 for the Goodfoot group show- 88 strong. If your interested in purchasing this work- shoot me an email erikaleesears@gmail.com and we can go over the details.

Weekend of Instax

2011-08-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

I am borrowing my hubs brother's Fujifilm Instax 200 Camera and I have to say I am totally addicted to using it. I couldn't help snapping pictures here and there and it seemed like everywhere. I felt like I was taking pictures that almost transported me back in time. I have been using a digital camera for so long and I forget what it was like using actual film. I can't just delete a photo and retake it - using a film camera there is no delete button!

I was even a little nervous taking the first photo :). Made me think of my very first camera- it was one of those hot pink long skinny cameras and I remember I was so embarrassed because it wasn't a square. I used to take it to the playground and run around and take pictures with it. When I could I would to sneak using my sister's Polaroid camera. What's funny is that I still have my sister's old polaroid camera- or maybe I should say it's my polaroid camera :) Do you remember your first camera?

Day 4- A Painting a Day in August

2011-08-05T03:20:00.000-07:00

This weekend I am going to try and sneak in some art shows and I think the hubs is going to take me to dinner and movie :). I also got a loaner Instax 210 camera from my hubs little brother with some film! Woohoo! So excited and I can not wait to start snapping some photos and I also just love writing a little note on the photo.

Here is my painting for the day and it's of St John's bridge. For Portland being such a small city- we have a ton of bridges (I think we have like 7-8 for the one river) and this one is my favorite because of the bright green. When I was a kid my dad would take me fishing right under this bridge- there is a boat launch. I still remember my secret bait recipe- for catching fish.. it was velveta with a worm. :) Shhh don't tell anyone! Whatever happened to Velveta? Is it still around? What are you up to this weekend?

PS Painting is an oil painting- 8X8 for the Goodfoot group show- 88 strong.

Day 3- A painting a day for August

2011-08-04T16:10:00.000-07:00

Hello! I didn't realize how busy this month was going to be until after starting this challenge of doing a painting every single day for the month of August. :) I am doing a group art show in September called 88 Strong at the Goodfoot . September- I said the S-word! It's a sign summer is coming close to being over. :( I am going to be doing 8 pieces for the show and I am going to pick scenes form Portland. There are small pieces so they fit perfectly in the month long paint-a-thon of a painting a day.

This is a painting of the Portland Rose Garden and I wanted to do something with realism and classic landscape techniques but with the abstract shapes. I really wanted clean bursts of color but more square bursts of color like a digital burst of color. I sound so artsy! lol :)

My hubs as you know is a big computer geek and he makes i-phone applications. I do all the accounting work for the computer starts up which gives me the time I need to paint. Well my husband i-phone game Ramps right now FREE on the app store- it's to celebrate their 1 year anniversary. :) If you download it let me know what you think. Happy Thursday!

Day 2- A Painting A Day

2011-08-03T02:21:00.000-07:00

I am 2 days in to my month long challenge of doing a painting a day. I really love how day 2's painting turned out. I wanted to do a two toned still life with a Polaroid OneStep SX-70 White/Rainbow Camera with Q Light.

Some Step by Steps :)

I started with a light sketch of burnt umber.

Couple of Quick Tips for Painting Still Life.

1. Put your still life on a white piece of paper. This is an easy trick to show the proportion of the shadow and reflective light.

2. Place your object at eye level and have it in direct view of your easel or workspace. Then you can just glance at the object and not have to move around much.

I am putting this in my etsy shop. :) Happy Wednesday! Oh what to paint tomorrow..

Day 1- A Painting A Day in August.

2011-08-02T02:36:00.000-07:00

My first painting for the month of August I think I was a little too ambitious because I tried to do an urbanscape but I finished! It's a miracle! I am actually a little proud of myself for doing this month long challenge of a painting a day because I think it will take me into a new direction. What do I have to lose? Just sleep I think.

I really wanted to paint something form NYC because I miss it soo. I miss the little yellow cabs. the sounds. big city. bright lights. the people in suits.:) Have you ever been to NYC? It's one of my favorite cities in the world- old with the new- and so tall. This one I am going to put in my etsy shop once I can take a better photo (when the sun comes up). What are you working on this August?

Summer Plans!

2011-08-01T01:05:00.000-07:00

This weekend we made it out to the coast and the weather was just perfect. I am actually a little surprised at how gorgeous it was because we hardly get weather like this. Typically you go to the coast in full jeans/sweatshirt/hat/gloves and get a whiplash from the wind. BRRR! but not this weekend.. it was gorgeous.. sunshine.. warm sand. and sand pipers scuttling along the ocean's edge. Awww aren't we cute in that photo below? My husband let me take a quick pic of us and his beard. :)

We took a walk around some of the trails and we saw 2 little black bear cubs. and the problem was.. I was wearing a bright red sweater. I was a little panicked because they were maybe 20 feet away from us and I wasn't sure if bears are like bulls with liking red? We didn't see mama bear, but we scooted out of there so fast! and guess what else..

I am so excited to announce that I am going to be a doing a painting every day for the month of August. I start painting today and will show you my first painting tomorrow! I am going to be doing some step by step painting demos and some painting tips.. included in my painting a day through out the month of August. It's going to be a busy month! Have a terrific Monday :)!

The ocean and the canon.

2011-07-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! This week went by so fast!- I think in the summer, time just goes by so much faster then any other time of year.. maybe it has something to do with the sunshine.. This weekend we might go to the coast for a day or two and get some ocean, sand, and maybe some chowder.. or should I say chowda! I am going to do some outdoor oil painting and see how it goes- and hopefully it won't be too cold or windy.

Here is a little painting I did this week of Canon Beach in Oregon- I mostly wanted to paint it for the little people :) and the rock is called Hay Stack Rock.. You guessed it- it's shaped just like hay stack lol. I wanted to do something a little more impressionistic and playing with the shapes and light.- especially in the water. Oil on wood- 8X8

What are you up to this weekend?

a little bit of magic and dust.

2011-07-28T07:45:00.000-07:00

I can't really describe why I love painting so much. I think it's the making of something out of nothing. I love getting up close to a painting and maybe being able to take a glimpse inside the mind of the artist.. seeing how they were able to put a little piece of magic inside that work of art. I think maybe that is what I a chase by making art and trying to find that little speck of everything and put it inside a painting.

I remember the first time I saw a Jackson Pollock painting (the splatter guy-the picture below), I always thought that's not art- how easy is it to splat some paint on a painting? Well I can go on an tell you a ton of facts but none of it matters unless you go and see it. I can't even describe the moment that I walked into the Museum and saw one of his larger works and it was almost like everything was sucked out of the room. His work is about the energy that was put into the painting. That is all that really matters even though I have often wondered if there is a hidden aquatic scene underneath the splatter.

I love being an artist but I didn't even step foot into an art museum until I was over 18 and that was because my family growing up really wasn't into art. I painted all in my tweens and teens and used my allowance to buy canvas and art supplies, but never really thought about it. I just made it.

I think out of all the years of me showing my art work, my parents have only been to only 1 art show. I'm a grown up (I am I promise lol) and I understand that my parents won't ever really understand what I do. They are great parents but they just don't understand. I often think about how I felt when I did that first painting a really connected with. I think about the paintings and special moments that I can see the little hint of sparkle- and I love looking for that possibility.

photos courtesy of pinterest
PS I'll show you tomorrow some sneak peaks of some of the paintings I have been working on. I would show you more often but a lot of the work I am working on is under top secret orders. :)

Lost in the woods.

2011-07-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

I wanted to show you some of my photos from my woodland adventure. In the summer I just love piling in the car with the hubs and the pups for a road trip and stay out the woods. I just think there is something just so special about rolling down the window, putting on the shades, cranking up the tunes and hitting the road.

We sat in the sun and lounged with the little pug monsters. The pups left no tree, grass, and bush untouched. lol There are lots of forest creatures that have left their finger prints all over the yard. So the pups think it's their responsibility to reclaim their turf- I know they are very rough and tough. they wear spiked collars.. shh don't tell them otherwise- they are both very sensitive bad boys and have been to known to cry if they don't get enough cuddling.

We played some summer games (bean bag toss), BBQed, and watched old movies. We stayed up late and laughed until our sides ached. The puggers were so exhausted from running the yard and chasing after bugs, they slept the whole car ride home.

So many amazing summer memories for this summer :) I think it's all about the little amazing moments that make this summer so memorable.

Life in an Instant!

2011-07-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

I really want some type of new instant camera for my upcoming bday and I am trying to figure out which one I want... it seems like there are so many choices. I love the idea of having a camera that you have a real life photo instantly! I have a couple oldie Polaroid cameras but they don't make the film anymore and I could splurge and get film with the impossible project... then I have to wait in the mail for the film. I know I am such a big baby :) !

I really want an instant camera that I can just go and drive and get the film and have it be for a good price. Is that so much to ask? So I need your help in picking the perfect instant camera. I have it down to 4... unless you think I should go with one I don't have on my list.

Fujifilm Instax 210 - LCD control panel displaying focal distance and film count. Programmed electronic shutter, 1/64-1/200 sec. Automatic flash for low-light shooting. Two-range selectable shooting options: 0.9-3m and 3m-Infinity.

Polaroid 300 in Red-. Takes business card size photos.auto flash.electronic shutter 1/60 second. manual exposure compensation.

Fujifilm Instax MINI 7s White Instant Film Camera. Fujinon Lens - f=60mm. Electronic Shutter 1/60 sec. Auto Flash in low light, auto adjust. Manual exposure compensation. Image Size: 2.13" x 3.4".

Fujifilm instax mini 50S Instant Film Camera Piano Black. Instax Mini Brand new series!! Credit Card Size Photo. Operate with Fujifilm [instax mini] film only. Intelligent Flash for Brighter Backgrounds. 2-shutter for Easy Landscape or Portrait Photos Shooting mode. Automatic Built-in Flash

What do you think? It's so hard to choose!
PS Pictures courtsey of Pininterst

My regular

2011-07-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! I totally did not want this weekend to end. We escaped into the woods for the weekend and had such a great time enjoying the sunshine. It was so great to unplug for a few days and really unwind.

Getting out of town always let's me think about my focus with my art and reground myself with what's important. I know deciding to be an artist full time was one of the hardest decisions of my life because I would be giving up a steady pay check, the 401k, and I knew it would be hard. I realized that don't I deserve happiness? I know everyone has their own set of circumstances but guess what? you deserve happiness.

I have been thinking a lot about when you are a kid and you get asked the question - What do you want to be when you grow up? I always said that I wanted to be an artist and looking back I thought it was more of a wish. I mean my parents have regular jobs and we lived in a regular house and I know I was supposed to be and want to be regular but over the last few years I realized that I needed to figure out what my regular is. When I say regular I just mean the middle of what happiness is as an individual- not anything boring but everything extra-ordinary.

Creative thoughts your way this week :)

The Bugs.

2011-07-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

I am so glad it's Friday! This week has just flown by with my artwork and the summer is just zipping by. I think the hubs and I are going on a little road trip over the weekend. We plan on finding some sunshine, playing some outdoor games, and doing some outside painting. :)

My little bugs had their beauty treatments this week which included a bubble bath, and a little mani/pedi. They love every second of the attention and can't wait for their next day at the spa. The spa being the bathtub. They insisted on doing a photo shoot to show off how gorgeous they look. The bugs favorite thing in the whole wide world other then eat/sleep/poo is going outside! It's like Christmas and the greatest thing ever! They wouldn't sit still until we went inside! I think the best advice someone gave me when shooting photos of pets- is get on their level and be patient. I am still working on my action packed photography skills. :)

What are you up to this weekend?!

It's official! Beep Beep

2011-07-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

It's official! Well I don't want to get too excited but I think it might be possible.. and I don't know if I should say this out loud but I think I might have unstuck my little artist block. I would start working on something and would erase it over and over and it seemed like a ton of overs. I am going to be honest it was driving me a little crazy. I woke up or should I say jumped up yesterday morning and had the urge to get some real work done! I have to get real work done everyday but I was going to deal with my block head on and crack some skulls. Well not really crack some skulls because I can barely kill a spider and when I say barely... I find a shoe and run at it, hopping I give it a whack. ugh spiders. So maybe I wanted to just take no prisoners! How about that?

Here is my latest painting of a NYC subway scene and I wanted to use some abstract shapes for the movement through the window.

PS I was feeling like my hair was very Audry Hepburn . Happy Thursday! :)

J'aime Paris

2011-07-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

This time last year I was in Paris.. sighs. strolling the little streets. eating as many croissants and macaroons as I could possible hold, drinking endless amounts of fluffy Cafe Au Lait , and gazing at gorgeous paintings. I wish I could just transport myself there right now. When are they going to make tele-porters?

It was gorgeous when we were there and I just love flipping through my photos of our week there. This is just right outside of the La Louvre, the home of the Mona Lisa. We went on the free day and it was so crowded! and the lines were long but I was astounded by the amount of artwork jam packed in the buildings and under ground. (35,000 pieces + 1 McDonalds). I wonder if the fry smell gets into the paintings.

I think out of every place I have ever been in the world- Paris hands down has the best paintings. There is an even an art supply store where you can buy art supplies that sold supplies to Picasso and Rodin.. crazy huh?

Here is one of my favs- by Claude Monet called Lunch on the Grass. The one thing about Paris is that you see people lounging in the parks and the bridges with their delicious gourmet picnics with wine or champagne. So divine!

What where you doing this time last year? Ever been to Paris? If you haven't you would love... magic around every corner.

Who/What/Where/How.

2011-07-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

Few things inspiring me this week... some fine art - get your art goggles on.

oil on canvas-eric johnson

oil on canvas- Adrian Waggoner

oil on canvas- David Imlay

oil on linen David Graeme Baker

oil on canvas- Alexandra Pocula

Amazing what people can do with a little paint, isn't it? :)

New Week/New Goals!

2011-07-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend was filled with adventures with old friends, going to the movies, and tasting beer. The movie we saw was Horrible Bosses, which totally brought me back to the cubicle days. I have had quite a few completely horrible bosses and I knew I was in trouble if they invited me into their office and told me to close the door behind me. The movie was so hilarious and would recommend it for the perfect date night movie. I am still dieing to see the new HP (Harry Potter duh) but the movie was sold out all over the place here! Don't spoil it!

This week I have to really buckle down and take care all of my goals. I totally got behind last week and really need to be motivated all week long.
1. 88 Strong Show- I am participating in the 88 Strong Show at the Goodfoot. I have to complete 8 paintings for the show and haven't started yet. The show is the Last Thursday in September. I am still working on what sort of theme I want for my paintings for the show.
2. List a few etsy prints. I have been hard at work making the perfect prints of some of my artwork and will have them listed on etsy this week. I am so excited to re-open my etsy shop and have so many plans for the shop to come.
3. I am working on curating the Siren Nation Show Paint Your Art Out,This is only my 2nd time organizing anything like this and I am so greatfull to be apart of this event. We have the venue booked for August 18th and have an open call to artists still open and the artists that want to participate are really amazing.
4. I recently bought a juicer and promised myself I am going to juice for breakfast for 30 days. It's like eating a salad for breakfast in a cup. Anyone juice? Doesn't juicing sound horrible? Almost like a drug.
5. Bug the hubs to update my website. My hubs is the brain behind my website and usually requires heavy bribes in order to do anything for my website. Maybe I will make him his favorite dinner- clams and fresh pasta :) gets him every time.!
6. Give the puggers a bath and beauty treatments. It's there favorite thing ever. They get so excited for their beauty time- they squeal and twirl in excitement. I am going to attempt to take pictures but they are so quick. I am slow photographer! I have also thinking about painting their puppy nails- I don't know if they would sit still long enough for me to do it.
7. Paint as much as I can!

Happy Monday! Hopefully the production and motivation fairy will be on my side this week! What are your goals this week?

Paint and Beer

2011-07-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

Is it Friday already? What are you up to this weekend? I do have a few business meetings this weekend but I think the hubs might be taking me to a movie and maybe some beer tasting. Not sure which movie. The international beer fest is in town for the weekend- and if your in Portland it's really the best one. It's pretty amazing- because the crowds aren't too crazy and the beer is delicious. Oregon is the number 1 micro brew per capita in the world- and we do have a special place in the beer world. Oregon has to be known for something other than Nike right?

Here is a little peak of what I have been working on- portraits! so tough!. So I am going to keep working at it- and hopefully I wont get mad at myself and keep erasing it.

I think my little puggers thinks he is part human- he was trying to give me a kiss. Have a super weekend!

Summer Sports

2011-07-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

I have had one of those weeks where everything I've been working isn't turning out- lots of starting over. Do you ever have one of those weeks? I think I have started over on the same canvas about 20 times! and as I write this I am still thinking about wiping over what I started. Maybe I just need to move on and paint something else? I will show you what I am working on tomorrow whether it's good or a complete disaster.. I am guessing serious disaster! While being stuck, I have been doing some thinking about taking up a new summer sport. Let's just say I am not the most graceful person, I am pretty clumsy and often run into things. In fact if the hubs hears a thud in the house the first thing he yells is Are you ok or is that you running into something? :) Here is my summer sport possibilities that there is a good chance I won't hurt myself.

Croquet- I have been thinking about getting a set. This is a ladies sport- ahem I will have to do my best. :)

Synchronized Swimming- I could totally do this right? I took swimming lessons when I was 5 and I would look amazing in one of those swim hats. I also have some swimmy blogger friends who could maybe be apart of the team. Some swimmy friends- Noodles and Waffles and The Lazy Designer.

Badminton- looks a little dangerous but I think I could do it! This little feather balls can't do that much damage. right?

Pie eating contest- this may not be a traditional sport but I could totally win at this one. There is only 1 draw back to this sport. Have you ever seen that movie Stand By Me? Well they had a pie eating contest scene in the movie and the pie eating contest does not end well. yuck. youtube it- but be warned!

Minigolf- which I am an expert at. Isn't this set super cute it's a 1950's set. All pics courtesy of pininterest except the top one. What's your favorite summer sport? I did consider lounging in the sun with a fruity drink with an umbrella but that isn't sport!

The Real Bacon

2011-07-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love Bacon? I have to admit I do love bacon and I do rarely indulge but now that they are making so many different bacon related products- I can get my fix with out actually eating it. Also my hubs has this odd fascination with collecting items for his office that are bacon related. Is it just me or is bacon everywhere?

1. Wake N Bacon- an alarm clock the cooks Bacon and wakes you up.
2. Super cute Bacon earrings by FayDangles
3. Bacon Floss. So you don't have to eat it for breakfast- you can just have that taste after you brush your teeth.
4. Bacon Bandaid- gross. and there is a free toy inside!

Bacon Self Portrait

The ever amazing artist Francis Bacon whom is known for his pretty dark, edgy and raw portraits. I remember seeing one of his paintings when I was at the Vatican last year and I was surprised that they had one of his paintings up and of a pope because he was quite controversial in his time. Are you paying attention? :) Just checking. I think one of the interesting stories about Bacon was when he was a child he was locked in cupboard by a nanny and he would cry and scream. When he grew up and had a art studio- he wanted a small cramped studio and he called it the cupboard and he said, "It was the making of me."

Bacon

I love having a sneak peak into the artist studio. Showing the madness. You don't think I would forget the other famous Bacon. The center of the Bacon Theory- and shirtless :)

Bacon

What's your favorite bacon?

Spoiled by Gamblin

2011-07-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

Recently I went on a tour of Gamblin Colors- they make oil paint supplies and print making ink. I was so completely excited because I love seeing where the paint comes from. Where paint is born! I have considered trying to make the paint myself but we both know I can't bake and mixing paint requires exact measuring.

They were making orange. I know not everyone is into oil painting as much as me but if you ever thought about painting get into oil paints it's completely worth it. Do it! you will love it.

They used an 1950's toothpaste filling machine to fill up the tubes of paint.

1. they are non toxic and good for the planet including Gamsol which is faux turpenoid. Real Turpenoid is really bad for you.- its paint thinner. They told me a story about someone who called in panicked because his dog ate a tube of paint. He called the president of the company on his cell phone on the weekend- and the dog was just fine. I am not suggesting you feed your dog a tube of paint. The dog survived :) and no vet visit required. 2. The paint is a butter gooey texture. I love painting with creamy dreamy paint. If you have used Gamblin you know what I am talking about- their paint is like painting with butter.. it's so smooth. sighs. 3. The make the best varnishes ever! seriously. 4. They are affordable. Even using a coupon at the big stores to cut down on oil paint costs. Oil paint is expensive, but Gamblin has always been reasonable. Even though oil paint is more expensive and the paint goes farther then acrylic- more bang for your buck. 5. They are made in my home town- Go Portland! 6. Gamblin paints have been used to restore famous paintings- like the Madonna in London. - I died on this one. 7. Everyone was so extremely nice and made me feel extra special. The president of the company showed me around. 8. They put lots of TLC in each tube of paint. 9. They make special batches of oil paint a few times a year. They gave me a tube. loves! 10. This is a little random but I met a lovely artist who works there whom handles tech support. I asked her why do you need tech support for oil paints. Her favorite story was that somehow someone got blue oil paint on the pan in the oven that they were cooking chicken with. The chicken turned blue and she wanted to know if she should throw out the pan. :)

I had such a great visit :) Thanks Gamblin.

PS My previous post on tips for beginning oil painting.

my weekend list.

2011-07-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Being self employed my week generally is dictated by a work list and goal list to keep myself on track for the week. I just love the feeling of crossing things off my list and knowing that I accomplished something. So..I thought that this weekend I would document my weekend with list but sort of the opposite of a work list- only Saturday and Sunday. It's sort of funny what you end up with at the end and it's kind of interesting what a list can be.

5 cups of coffee
3 diet cokes
2 large margaritas- at least from what I remember it was 2. :)
10 PG-13 words spoken- did I mention I had 2 margaritas.
2 grilled cheese sandwiches. my signature dish. I do make a mean grilled cheese.
2 baskets of chips and salsa- I need to stop doing lists of what I ate and drank because I always feel like a pig pig.. lol
15 episodes of Scrubs- not to make excuses but each episode is only 22 minutes long and they have all the seasons on Netflix.
6 times I caught myself having conversations with my dogs. My hubs was out of town this weekend but typically if he hears me talking to the dogs he will yell from the other room and ask if I am talking to him.
4 puppy treats gobbled up by my puggers.
2 instagram pictures
25 pictures taken with my favorite camera. I have a Canon Rebel XTI
3 garage sales visited
0 items found at the garage sales. tear.
1/2 painting completed.
3 sketches completed.
2 newspapers read.
4 loads of laundry completed! the hubs was very happy about this one.

I'm such a fan.

2011-07-08T03:19:00.000-07:00

What are you up to this weekend? My hubby is out of town of for the weekend. He is at his yearly manly man- no girls allowed camping trip called Sausagefest. The boys think they are so clever for coming up with such a clever name. So since he is out of town- you know what that means!. Girls weekend! I think some of my girlfriends might kidnap me out for martinis and some 80's dancing... I do a mean walk like an Egyptian. :)

My dear friend gave me a vintage fan- and look how super amazing it is. We swap vintage items that we know the other collects. I just love having a vintage swap buddy it makes the vintage items that I am thinking about find me so much easier. She collects anything with an old photo. :) I have been thinking about lots of vintage lately but haven't had much luck on the hunt. Actually zero luck! Maybe this weekend I will have a little bit of luck.

Of course little puggers had to get his picture taken. He is so demanding and such a diva... not sure where he gets it from... Have a super weekend.!

Studio Inspiration

2011-07-07T01:41:00.000-07:00

I have been plotting and planning my dream studio makeover. I am currently organizing and decluttering my studio before I start painting and rearranging.. as I am organizing I am reminding myself again that I have an over abundance of art supplies... reminded and finding lots of missing socks (my dogs have a strange love for socks).. Here is my start for inspiration for my new studio space and sneak peaks of some ideas that are forming.!

I love an organized mess. :)

all photos are courtesy of pinterest.

I'm in the rose garden!

2011-07-06T01:29:00.000-07:00

My hubby decided to whisk me away for the afternoon and go to the rose garden. Portland is also known as the city of roses- we have a ton a of rose related events through out the year in Portland. Some towns have their strawberry festival or maybe potato festival but we Oregonians have our roses. Growing up, my school wasn't in the right district to run for the rose princess... so sad. tear.

The day was simply gorgeous and everything was in bloom.

The garden sits right on top of the city.

We sat in the shade and my hubby got me a cherry snow cone- my fav. :)

Such a perfect little date! Days like today remind me how much I love living here.

PS Also did you hear! They are filming another season of Portlandia. They are wanting Portland Artists for extras. Hmm.. Think I should I do it?

Unstuck the Stuck

2011-07-05T01:09:00.000-07:00

I seem to be a little stuck lately! I always am jotting down little notes or sketching but lately it seems like when I start making something new I have been getting a little blank or I start working on something and I just don't like it. I am typically the type of person that jumps in the water both feet first and thinks about how deep the water after my head is under the water. I have been painting in my kitchen and painting still life which are my gotos to when I am feeling a bit blank. I might have too many projects going on and think I need to rediscover my pure art place.

So this week I am dedicating to unleashing the beast. ahem.. I mean my creative butterfly. Here are 5 ways to help unstuck the stuck- applies for all mediums :).

1. How do you like your PB&J? and describe the first bite. My all time favorite peanut butter and jelly sandwich is whole wheat bread lightly toasted.. no crust.. creamy peanut butter.. and marion berry jelly. with 1 row of ruffles chips. I can just imagine sinking my teeth into the delicious sweet treat right about now and I think just thinking about the ingredients makes me want to have one right now.
2. If you had $1000 dollars and could not spend in yourself. What would buy? After feeding the homeless and everything being right in the world. I would go to a random Starbucks and buy everyone's coffee. I just love the idea of random kindness and especially feeding other people's coffee addictions. I remember I had someone randomly buy my coffee at Starbucks and it just made my day a good day and I couldn't believe my luck and good fortune.
3. Make up an ice cream flavor and name it. Peanutripplebaconlicious. I have always wanted to name an ice cream flavor that had the word licious at the end. It would sort of be like a peanut buster parfait but more blended together with sprinkles of bacon. Doesn't everything taste better with bacon? I also found out my husband has been collecting bacon paraphernalia for his office. I did recently buy him a bacon air freshener.
4. What would be your superhuman power? and describe your first day of work using your power. It's so hard to only pick one! I would pick levitating things with my mind. Wouldn't that be awesome? I could totally get a job in heavy lifting- like a UPS person or maybe a mail carrier.
5. Describe your first time you rode a bike with out training wheels. I was across the street of my parents old brown house and my bike had magic streamers on the bars. The bike had a turquoise blue banana seat with a broken basket in the front. My dad was holding me steady and my mom had her camera waiting to take the picture. I was so excited and I could think of nothing but riding the bike. My mom snapped the picture in my last unicorn t-shirt and red keds and it was the first time I realized I could do anything. :)

If you want to see more tips click here.

Stars are Bright! Big and Bright!

2011-07-04T12:09:00.000-07:00

bulldog

Happy 4th of July! I always think the 4th of July as a special holiday because you get an extra long weekend to do something fun in the sunshine. Today marks the day of the United States independence and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Wow I knew something from history class must have stuck with me all these years. We are going to see if we can hunt down some sparklers and BBQ supplies. What are you up to today?

Love and Art.

2011-07-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

I am so happy for the long weekend! Happy 4th of July! I need to do some painting and I think we might be going strawberry picking and enjoying some sunshine. :) What are you up to this weekend?

Tonight I have an opening with my paintings up at the Love Art Gallery for the month of July. I have to say the owners are some of the sweetest people I have ever met. This is my first show in this area of town- so I am super excited! So if you are in the Portland area come by and see me for the opening. :)

PS: What do you think of my new bangs? I thought I needed them for summer time.

And the Radio

2011-06-30T12:06:00.000-07:00

I finished working on this vintage radio painting yesterday and I just love it! I found the vintage radio at an estate sale, where I dug around and found it in the attic. I think I got it for a couple of bucks and I am still mesmerized by the turquoise color of the 60's. So far this summer I can't seem to get enough of estate sales. If I see a sign I have to immediate make an emergency 9-1-1 stop! and have a look around. I think it might be the adrenaline rush of finding the perfect vintage treasure.

I always paint a little bit of still life when I need to mix things up in my work. I am also still not painting in my studio but painting in my kitchen... Maybe it's a sign of change? I am thinking my studio might need a complete makeover! I have started making my list of diy projects for me to tackle or should I say transform my studio- more on that soon. I'm adding it to my summer goal list. How is your Thursday going? I still can't believe it's the last day of June!

PS- If you want to see some of the steps of the radio painting click here. It's an oil painting on wood just in case you are curious.

Gold. Girls Guns.Inspiration

2011-06-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

I am just about to start working on a painting for the Portland Gun Show (an art show not a real gun show) at the Globe Gallery. I am a little behind on my painting since I have so many events coming up and I am getting ready to relaunch my etsy shop since it has been empty for what seems like forever! I am thinking about doing something a little bit different for this painting and I wanted to share my inspiration board for the painting before I start :).

This song by Metric was my main starting point for inspiration in thinking about this painting. I just love the song! I am not a huge fan of guns- I don't think I have ever even held a gun but I love the idea of 1960's campy western meets 1970's gold glam. I only have a couple days to make it and now I just need the painting comes through the canvas.!

"Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it. " Michaelangelo

PS I have a special surprise coming soon- I just have to finish editing the video. Nope no sneaky peaks on this project! :)

My Life in Instagram!

2011-06-28T01:56:00.000-07:00

I have been using Instagram for about 7-8 months and I still can't get enough! .. It's kinda addicting. Instagram is photosharing via your phone and you can use one of their photo editing filters on the pic. It's soo interesting just looking at the little glimpses into life.- I limited my collage to only 1 puggy picture. :).. since I have about a million.. It's been with me to so many places and catching the cutest little furry faces. Also for the record I created the coffee creamer tower of power- not my husband. He doesn't have the balancing skills like me.

Are you using Instagram? Let's link up! Just search for my name Erika Lee Sears!

Pause.

2011-06-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

My weekend was sort of a magical one :). My husband and I have decided to dedicate Sunday as our day because we are both slightly obsessive compulsive mixed with workaholic tendencies. So Sunday gives us our chance to turn off the cell phones and computer for a day. We both are extremely dedicated to our work.. my art and his i-phone development projects that our days together get sucked away to work. We both love to work but this is maybe the third summer in a row that we have looked at it each other and said- We are really going to enjoy this summer and do things!

It also had me thinking how often do we just pause from life? I know that when I worked in finance that there was a lot of talk about work/life balance and that my work/life balance was all over the place because I used to put in 50 hours at the bank and then work late on my artwork and artshows and before I knew it was back at Monday and I started the process all over again. I thought when I quit my day job that I would have more time to work on my art and then my husband and I would have more of a work/life balance. I know work/life balance is an interesting concept because its never really 50/50 and I don't need it to be 50/50.. I would be happy with 80/20 :) So Sunday is our day off together.!

We took a little day trip up to Saddle Mountain. It's supposed to be that when you look at the creases of the mountain its supposed to resemble a saddle. I think it looks a little like a grumpy frown face. What do you think?

I was pretty impressed with myself that I huffed and puffed myself all my way to the top. It was a pretty steep climb! Once you get to the top on one side you can see the ocean and on the other side you can see views of Mt Hood and St Helens (St Helens is an active volcano. In 1980 it blew and 2005 it puffed some smoke again. My parents told me in the 1980 eruption that they had ashes raining on their house in Portland.) Then! We decided to take the 20 minute drive to the beach.

We rewarded ourselves with chowder, calamari and beer. Also part of the reward was salt water taffy.. I took a quick picture before I gobbled them all up. I know pig pig.. but its SOO good!

Then we took a walk on the beach and I dug my feet in the warm sand. Yes warm- which is sooo rare here! :) Creative thoughts your way this week!

What are you up to this weekend?

2011-06-24T02:04:00.000-07:00

Hello! We finally have gotten some decent weather and we trying to figure out what adventure we want to do over the weekend. I always love to put it as an adventure- it makes even the little things exciting. I am thinking maybe going to hike up by this lake about 45 minutes from town and it so happens to be right next to a wine vineyard or two. I only know 2 things about wine. 1. I like to drink it. 2. Even fancy wine can have a screw top... I was a little surprised at this but it's true. What are up to this weekend?

Painting in progress :)

2011-06-23T01:23:00.000-07:00

I often forget to take pictures as I am painting but I really want to be better at it. In case you didn't know I am completely in love with oil painting and I just can't get enough of it. I love the smell. the texture. how simple it is and how complex it is. Leonardo Divinci.. of course is a genius- he was probably more well known is his day for his inventions then his paintings. A while back I went to the traveling Divinci show- which had a lot of the mock ups of his inventions- like his scuba gear, his different designs for airplanes, his journals, and different analysis of his paintings. I think what I found the most interesting is that he never finished the Mona Lisa and he just kept changing it over and over and over trying to make it perfect. If you look at the hands- one of the hands is unfinished. Well hands are hard to paint perfect. :) It was also said that he always kept the Mona Lisa with him and was there at his death bed. I was actually really surprised how vibrant it was when I went and saw it Paris. I love how me and Leonardo are maybe chasing something special in oil painting. :) Yes I just compared myself to a genius.

One of my big goals this year is to be braver and too show more works in progress- even if I think it's in the ugly stage. (the ugly stage is a long stage)

I haven't been painting in my studio but in the dining room because I needed to change it up, but I did have a guard dog and foot warmer.

a tiny rocket

a pancake diet

a little smile

Ticktock

The Coast

Review*Anjolee

Snap*Crackle*Pop

A Kiddo- Gift Guide

monday monday monday!

Monday Funday

11.11.11.

BIG 200 #3

A Treasure hunt

a little music for your monday.

Big 200 Piece #2

Sketchbook Project_Treehouse

Creative Mornings- Portland

Happy Halloween Weekend :)

My life in Instagram/Take 3

And in art news! the Big 200!

Not-so ordinary.

The Future.

DIY Pug Power Pumpkin

Portland Blogger Meetup.

Pumpkin Patch

Sunday Love

Friday!

Tips on Buying Vintage

DIY: Easy Breezy- Halloween Kitty Ears

Did you know?

Out with the Old and In with the New.

Steve Jobs

DIY: How to Make an Awesome ZigZag Rug!

Build a Better Blog.

Portland Blogger Meetup.

Are you doing Blogtoberfest?

Bye Bye September!

DIY- Operation Bookshelf

DIY - Art Hanging!

My Weekend in a List

Luck

P-P-P-P Pattern Inspiration!

The A-Z of Erika

They say it's your birthday.

Fall is Here! Fall is Here!

Things I Wish I Would Have Known When I Started Blogging

Blue or Yellow

Why Art is Important.

Vegas From Day to Night.

Vegas in a List

Hello & Thank you!

The Help

Beep Beep- next stop Las Vegas

a painting a day- nighty night

I have the fever- the thrifting fever!

Well Hello There Stranger!

You & Me

That Tiny Wonder- Gidget

TGIF!

Birthday Wish List

a painting a day- yellow couch

DIY- Preppy time..

paint your art out!

painting a day- i'm mad!

a painting a day- summer lovin

What's in my bag?

a painting a day- let's go ride a bike.

a painting a day- in motion

Weekend of Instax

Day 4- A Painting a Day in August

Day 3- A painting a day for August

Day 2- A Painting A Day

Day 1- A Painting A Day in August.

Summer Plans!

The ocean and the canon.

a little bit of magic and dust.

Lost in the woods.

Life in an Instant!

My regular

The Bugs.

SnapCracklePop