Shari Beaubien

Tiny Art

I just wanted to share with you my recent "little" endeavor...

I'm still working on some framing issues for the flat pieces, but it was a lot of fun revisiting this small format.  I worked on Claybord, Gessobord, canvas and panel.  It was nice doing a side-by-side comparison of all the different substrates.  Of course, canvas is still my favorite... probably because that's what I learned on.  Claybord came in a close second as far a fun and versatile surface on which to work.  However, I really enjoyed the clunky feel of the cradled panels, too.  All in all, it was a great experiment and now I'm ready for the upcoming Boutique for a Cause!

Fellow Artist Shout Out

I just wanted to give a shout out to an amazingly talented photographer - Irene Suchocki.  I find her work to be romantic, wistful & dreamy.  Several of her photographs already grace my bedroom, but when I saw her three new 2010 calendars, I couldn't resist!  Take a peek at the one I purchased here along with more of her beautiful work.

TGIF!

Here are the last of our summer roses...

Aren't they lovely?

And here's a glimpse at my art table recently...

I've been working on some smaller pieces for the upcoming Boutique for a Cause, which I blogged about here.  The change in size has been refreshing.

In addition, I've been busy this morning updating my Etsy shop.  I've added many new paintings, sized 5" x 5" and 6" x 6".  I think I've given you a sneak peek of a couple of them here, but a few are brand-spanking new, never-before-seen!  Hop on over and have a look if you're so inclined.

Let's Celebrate Halloween & Dia de Los Muertos

In honor of these two holidays, I thought I'd try something new!

I'm offering two of my "Sacred Object Totems" for sale here prior to listing them in my Etsy shop.  That way, my loyal blog readers will get first dibs before the general public.  And to make matters even more enticing, each totem will be offered with its own FREE sparkling jewels!

Here's the skinny...

 

 

"Delicious" (above) comes with this free jade bracelet:

 

The bracelet measures 8 1/2" long and is adjustable from approx. 6 3/4" to 8 1/2".  I thought it was made of 14k gold, but upon looking at it, I can't find any stamp to that effect.  So it might just be gold-plated.  Either way though, it's a lovely piece.

The "Delicious" assemblage is approx. 9 3/4" tall by 3" wide by 1 3/4" deep.

And here's the second Sacred Object Totem...

 

 

"Birds of a Feather" (above) comes with this free bracelet:

 

It's sterling silver, non-adjustable, and will fit a small wrist (about 7").

The "Birds of a Feather" assemblage measures approx.
8" tall by 3" wide by 1 3/4" deep.

(All interior parts on both totems have been glued into place and are not removeable.)

Both "Delicious" and "Birds of a Feather" are $40 each, plus $6 shipping anywhere in the contiguous United States.  (I'll happily ship elsewhere but will need to get back to you on the total for your area.) 

Let me know if either piece strikes your fancy.

This offer is first come, first served.
(Payment will be through Paypal.)

After one week, the plan is to move these items to my Etsy shop.

AN ASIDE:

Sacred Object Totems came about as a way to showcase those sacred items we all have and tuck away to be used some day in something special.  For me, "Delicious" became a way to showcase the rosary I have treasured and "Birds of a Feather" evolved as a way to highlight the beautiful double-bird carved pendant.  (I think it's some sort of soapstone?)  Now it's time to find these pieces new homes.

Incorporating the jewelry give-away was an idea I had after spending many months enjoying a blog called "Make Under My Life".  Jess, the author, does periodic "exfoliations" where she purges her home of clutter and sends gently worn items onto new homes.  This is my way of doing just that.

Thanks for taking the time to have a look!

Here It Is!

 

"The Dance"
22" x 28"

What do you think?!?!  I'm particularly fond of this one... not sure why.  I think it has something to do with the vibrancy of the colors as well as the composition.  I just hope the juror likes it!  We'll find out on November 2.  Fingers crossed!

(click to enlarge if you're so inclined)

Making Progress

I've been moving right along on this painting...

In fact, I finished all the detail work on Wednesday and painted the sides yesterday.  Today is vanish day.  With any luck, I can photograph it this weekend and show you the finished version early next week.

Saturday is our 10-year wedding anniversary and I just want to express my joy at that milestone.  Steve is one-of-a-kind, and I'm not sure I would have ever felt free to create in such an uninhibited way without his unwavering support.  We are so lucky to have the relationship that we do and I treasure it with all of my being.  I love you, honey.

Book Review

I wanted to share my experience about this new book with you all.  I purchased it online, simply because I fell in love with the cover design.  A risk, to be sure, but I wasn't disappointed.  Lisa L. Cyr brings the reader a tremendous amount of stunning artwork.  Even better, each artist seems to have attained quite a degree of sophistication both in their process as well as their final output.  I particularly enjoyed reading through the stepped-out techniques as they felt much more advanced than anything I have seen published to date.  Be warned though, I wouldn't classify this as a "how-to" book.  It is more about featuring the eye candy of each artist supported by rather lengthy passages of text.  I love to read about what motivates individual artists though, so I enjoyed that part of it as much as I enjoyed the juicy pictures.

Anyone else own this book?  What are your thoughts???...

Mark Your Calendars!

I'm thrilled to be participating in a really worthwhile holiday boutique this year, hosted by the Circle of Care Foundation.  Proceeds from artwork sold will go to benefit Leeza's Place and the many programs they organize for those affected by memory disorders.  If you're in the Los Angeles area and are so inclined, please come out to show your support.  I'll have a wide variety of my own art for sale there, all priced below a very reasonable $75.  It's a perfect opportunity to get your holiday shopping started early AND do something great for the community.  Mark your calendars!

More information about Leeza's place can be found here and in my right sidebar.  I'll make a reminder post as the date approaches...

Red

I'm moving steadily, albeit a little slowly, along on this canvas...

As you can see, I painted the elephant.  He's still waiting for detail work such as eyes, tail, tusks, and toenails.  I also blocked in the tent, which is the white object to the right.

My intention for this piece is to enter it into the next Women Painter's West show.  The theme is "Red".  If you've been following my blog, you'll know I painted this background a few months ago and just fell in love with the vibrancy of the color.  When the "Red" theme unexpectedly came up, I knew it would be a perfect fit!

I'm also happy to report that that my "Dia de los Muertos" painting (shown left) was accepted into 2nd City Council's Day of the Dead show.  Woo hoo!  More info. on the show can be found here and in my right sidebar.

Art Is Therapy

Here's what's been keeping me busy this week...

Most times I paint the earth before I do anything else.  However,  in this case I felt I needed to block in my central figure first in order to decide how high I wanted the horizon line and where I wanted the hills to intersect.  Rolling hills are something new for me and I like how they look so far.

Painting output has been sparse as of late because
most of my attention has been devoted to this little guy...

Montgomery is 15 1/2 and he has "kidney insufficiency", which precedes kidney failure.  We're giving him subcutaneous fluids every evening, plus hypertension medication and a no-protein diet.  For now he's happy and engaged and eating well.  Steve and I are grateful for whatever time we have with him.  When Montgomery wants me to hold him, believe me I drop everything - including painting - to do just that.  I am so supremely lucky to be able to spend my days with him while I work.

Here's Bentley...

We just finished two rounds of surgeries with Bentley to repair his torn ACL's in both rear knees.  (You might notice his shaved leg in the picture.)  He's doing well and can now get up and walk around again on his own, which is fantastic.

As for me, I just discovered that in addition to my other autoimmune issues, I now have Vitiligo.  Processing this knowledge has been difficult, psychologically-speaking, but I'm hanging in there.  I'm going through a relatively active cycle at the moment, which is alarming.  There is no cure.  I can't help but believe that these emotions will somehow surface creatively at some point in the future.  I know it's cliche, but "art is therapy" rings true on so many levels.

And just so she doesn't feel left out, here is Audrey.  She and Steve seem to be the only healthy ones in the bunch right now and we're hoping that doesn't change!