Enter to win an original painting from Risa Tritabaugh - ends 8/12

 

Hello again. Where has the time gone? 

Is your summer flying by? Mine sure is. I almost can't believe it already time to announce a new Thursday Giveaway. (By the way, if you are looking for the 2 winners of Jacquelyn Berl's prints click here). 

The new prize has been generously donated by mixed media artist Risa Tritabaugh. Did you catch Risa's Studio Tour on this blog last Saturday? If not, go check it out. I'll wait for you....dum de dum...hmmm..mmmm..mmmm...

Risa in the studio

Now wasn't that fun? Great space, huh? Lucky for us Risa is back to share more of her art & thoughts. on creativity.... And she brought a new prize for the next random drawing!! On 8/12 one lucky winner will take home her original painting Among The Flowers. Giveaway & prize details are at the bottom of this post. 

For now, put your feet up & stay awhile. I've got AC and tall glasses of iced tea. So beat the heat and visit with Risa for a few minutes while I go scrounge up some cookies....

Time Flies by Risa Tritabaugh

RT: Four years ago I entered a new phase of my life. I was basically done raising my two children as a single parent. Young adults, my "children" were ready to branch out on their own. And after 20 years of being single, I was getting married...to a man that encouraged  me to pursue my art!

Risa's Studio

RT: My hubby and I rented an artist studio to share. For the first time in my life, I had a dedicated creative space–a space where I could make a mess and not have to put everything away after each work session! 

work in progress

RT: I started painting like crazy! I love going to my studio, putting on my music, and painting the day away. A lot of things have changed since I moved into that studio space–

RT: I’ve created lots of new works and have opened my studio to the public for several Art Crawls (open studio events). Currently I am participating in two art crawls each year, plus a monthly open studio event. I am also looking for opportunities to show my work at other venues.

Risa & her painting Force Of Nature featured on a magazine

RT: I am tackling new technology to promote my art--I have been writing a blog for several years now and love combining my love for writing and painting there. I opened an Etsy shop. I’m on Facebook and Twitter! I just created my own website, http://www.createdbyrisa.com !

RT: My hubby and I moved from our apartment into a nearby artist co-operative building. I have kept my Jax studio for painting and making messes, but also do some work in my new Tilsner space. We love living in the artist community of Lowertown St. Paul!

RT: Recently I was laid off from my job as a social worker and have decided to spend this summer painting. (Why not make lemonade out of lemons?!) Having the time to pursue my art full-time has allowed me to finish a lot of older pieces and start several new series.

works in progress

RT: I primarily work with acrylics on canvas, but have begun doing some mixed media work as well. My artwork explores many subject matters and themes, often drawing from my life experiences. Through my art I look at what is hard in life and what brings us beauty. I explore relationships and the forces that keep us going. I love using bold, intense colors (like those on my studio walls) and playing with texture. I hope my artwork reflects my passion and energy.

RT: My latest work has been focused more on the “what brings us beauty” part. My soul just needs that right now. I think the whole world needs that right now. 

works in progress

RT: When I found out that I might be laid off, I went into the studio and knew that I needed to paint hope. The Hope Garden series was born. I’ve started a new series that features more muted teals and purples, but also features flowers and birds. It is bringing me a sense of peace and calm in a world that feels a little crazy and uncertain.

Untitled by Risa Tritabaugh

 RT: I’m determined to continue making art and to share it with others. I turn 50 later this year–and that feels like a major milestone. I’ve reached that point in my life when it’s not too late to dream, but it is getting too late to put my dreams on hold. And I’ve decided to DREAM BIG.

Among The Flowers by Risa Tritabaugh

Risa, thanks so much for stopping by today and sharing your vibrant artwork! And thank you for donating your original painting, Among The Flowers to the next Thursday Giveaway on August 12th!

Dear Reader, thank you for visiting as well. If you have a moment, please leave Risa a comment & let her know what is on your mind. Your comment will also enter you in the random drawing for Among The Flowers, an acrylic painting on canvas This painting measures 8" x 10" and is signed by the artist.

To enter this random drawing, leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on 8/12. The lucky winner will be selected using random.org. Prize ships free to winner. Please note this contest is open to USA addresses only.

Want to see more of Risa's studio and art? You can find her online:

Blog: http://www.createdbyrisa.blogspot.com 
Website: http://www.createdbyrisa.com 
Etsy: http://www.createdbyrisa.etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/createdbyrisa
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/createdbyrisa

If you're in the St. Paul Minnesota area, and would like to attend one of the local gallery hops, drop Risa a note at any of the above locations. She'll let you know the next time her studio will be open to the public.

Winners of Ascender Rises Above Prints Giveaway

Hey there. How have you been?

It has been crazy-busy around here, but I'm finally picking today's 2 lucky winners of Jacquelyn Berl's giveaway.  Each winner will get their choice of fine art print from this page on Jacquelyn's website AscenderRisesAbove.com.

Using Random.org the lucky 2 winners are:

slommer 

&

Linda Robinson

A hearty congrats to you both! I will be in touch today with instructions for selecting your prizes. 

I want to take a minute to thank Jacquelyn for generously sponsoring this fantastic giveaway! And also to say thanks for sharing her thoughts on art and studio tour earlier this month. It has been a lot of fun learning more about Jacquelyn's wonderful art & creative world.

I'd also like to thank those of you who stopped by & took the time to leave a comment. The artists always appreciate your feedback....and I just love picking winners!! So keep those comments coming.

Later today I'll be back with a new artist feature & prize announcement. The new prize is an original painting by Risa Tritabaugh. So be sure to pop back & leave a comment to enter that great giveaway.

By the way,  if you missed the fun tour of Risa's colorful studio last weekend, you can still catch it here. 

Studio Tour # 28 - Risa Tritabaugh

Hey There!  Ready to go? 

Today we're off to St. Paul, Minnesota to tour the vibrant art studio of painter/mixed media artist Risa Tritabaugh. Last May Risa gave us a sneak peek into her creative world in this Saturday post.

Risa's studio - all photos courtesy of Risa Tritabaugh

She is also featured in the Summer 2010 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors Studios Magazine.  A great issue by the way (which also happens to showcase a few other studios previously featured on this blog). 

Summer 2010 issue

I had the good fortune to meet Risa through the Melange Team on Etsy, a creative & supportive group of mixed media artists who sell their art online at Etsy.com. Yummy colors abound in both Risa's spirited artwork & wonderful studio! There is a cheerful energy in her rich pallet that always makes me smile.  Now I'm going to get out of the way so Risa can show you around her fun candy colored space - Enjoy!

Sunrise by Risa Tritabaugh

 RT: When I was planning to move in with my soon-to-be hubby nearly four years ago, we knew that we needed more space. There was just no way we were going to be able to combine two households into a 2-bedroom apartment. So we decided to rent an artist studio in our neighborhood. By renting and sharing a studio, we could resolve some of our space issues. My hubby could have his office there and I could have a place to paint. It sounded like a win-win situation.

RT: We made an appointment to look at a studio in the nearby Jax building. The Jax is a very old building, primarily filled with artist work studios. I had been to the Jax during a recent Art Crawl (open studio event) and loved the “feel” of the building. The building was a little rustic, but maybe because of that, it reminded me of my high school art classroom. It had great creative energy.

RT: We walked into the empty studio and I was immediately impressed with the amount of light pouring through the windows–something very important to a painter. It had great wall space with lots of opportunity for exhibiting artwork (including a little front entryway “gallery”). And finally, it had lots of storage space. When the landlord told us someone else was looking at it later that day, my hubby and I looked at each other and in unison said, “We’ll take it.”

Rebirth by Risa Tritabaugh

RT: Before we moved all our stuff in, we painted the space. It went from drab and dingy to bright and warm. I bought paint at a discount paint store where I could only buy one gallon of any particular color. I picked a few purplish-blues and two different tones of magenta–not what I would paint my home, but great for a creative space.  I have had many visitors on dreary, cold rainy days comment that the space really feels warm and inviting. 

RT: With paint on the walls, it was time to start putting paint on canvas. For the first time in my life, I had a dedicated creative space–a space where I could make a mess and not have to put everything away after each work session! I had raised my two children as a single parent, and having the time and space to make art was always a challenge. For years, my only work space was a corner of my bedroom or perhaps the dining room table.

Hope Garden (work in progress) by Risa Tritabaugh

RT: For me, it also works to have my painting space away from home. I can make a mess and not worry about it. When I go to the studio I escape the distractions at home. There's no t.v. or computer--just my stereo that plays music as I paint (and sometimes do a little dancing)! I have a wall of shelves that hold bins that organize my stuff and a large work table in the center of the room.
 

RT: The studio is my creative oasis away from home!

Thank you Risa for showing us around  your colorful world!  

And thanks to everyone who stopped by for today's tour. Please leave a comment & tell Risa what you think. It is your ongoing interest that keeps these tours coming! Also, if you like to  share your creative space, just drop me a comment or email (found in my profile).

Want to see more of Risa's work & world? Find her online 
Blog: http://www.createdbyrisa.blogspot.com 
Website: http://www.createdbyrisa.com 
Etsy: http://www.createdbyrisa.etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/createdbyrisa
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/createdbyrisa

Risa returns Thursday to tell us a little more about herself & her work. She is also  donating an original painting for the next Thursday Giveaway. To find out more about this contest be sure to pop back here on 7/29.

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By the way, have you entered the current random drawing? On 7/29 two lucky winners will get their choice of prints from artist Jacquelyn Berl (a.k.a. Ascender Rises Above). Prints measure 11" x 17" each. Leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on 7/29 to enter this random drawing. Click here to view prints to choose from & Click Here For Giveaway Details & an interview with Jacquelyn.

Change Is In The Air....

(& so is Tropical Storm Bonnie)

Just walked back from one of my favorite local shops, Bohemian Vintage in Tampa. Sad to say that today is the last day the storefront will be open. 

However Mina will continue sell her fabulous finds online at BohemianVintage1.etsy.com. You can also read about her latest treasures & other fun decor posts on her blog minasdecorandfashion.blogspot.com

I will admit I do a lot of my shopping online & do not "shop local" as often as I should. But it has been a true pleasure having such a lovely (& lively) store literally right around the corner.  And Mina is such a sweetie! 

She greets everyone with a smile but is content to let her customers find their way around. And always makes time for a chat if you have a few minutes to talk treasures. So I popped by this afternoon to take a few photos before she closed for the day. 

Many of the free-use antique photos I post to this blog come from Bohemian Vintage. Mina has a great eye & I am so glad she will continue stocking her Etsy Shop with her latest discoveries. Ciao, Mina. Wishing you the best of luck with all of your new adventures!!

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On other local fronts today, the Tampa Artists Emporium turns 3! Congrats, Guys!!

The new owners, Melissa & Anthony, are hosting a birthday bash from 6 - 10 tonight at the gallery. There is lots of art, a bar and.....cupcakes! mmm...mmm... you can't go wrong with cupcakes. They will also be holding a raffle featuring local art & giving away goody bags too. 

I decided to donate a half dozen mixed media tiles. I  altered some old polaroid transfer tiles (rejects I never got around to tossing) & had some fun with rubber stamps, markers & inks. Here's one of them:

In fact I need to get over there - didn't realize how late it was! So, if you are in South Tampa tonight pop on over to 3415 Bay To Bay Blvd. You can find more event info on their website &  Facebook page . And if you're not in town - have fun anyway!!

Almost Wordless Wednesday - Potions Class

Keeping my Harry Potter fan busy this summer

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By the way, have you entered the new random drawing yet? On 7/29 two lucky winners will get their choice of prints from artist Jacquelyn Berl. Prints measure 11" x 17" each. Leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. (EST) to enter this random drawing. Click here to view prints to choose from & Click Here For Giveaway Details & an interview with the artist.

2 more Diary 2011 pages

Just finished my last 2 pages for The Diary 2011 Project.

Next up are some ACEOs for a swap 

(Which I thought were due the 25th not the 20th
Oops - best get crackin')

IF - Breakfast

Today's Illustration Friday prompt Breakfast showed up in my inbox with this whimsical Lewis Carrol quotation: "Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast." 

While I don't find breakfast particularly inspiring, I do love coffee...mmmm...mmm. So I decided to finally pull together the Zombie Apocalypse mugs I've been thinking about since last year.  (Using Zazzle for the first time. I'll let you know how they come out.)

 

If the thinking about the 1st meal of the day makes you pick up a pencil instead of a fork, I suggest you pop over to IllustrationFriday.com & add your take on this tasty topic. Or just click through & check out what all those fun artists are up to.

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By the way, have you entered the new random drawing? Mixed Media artist Jacquelyn Berl has generously donated 2 of her 11" x 17" prints to this great giveaway. There will be 2 winners & each will get to choose one favorite print from her large selection. Click Here For Details & to enter this drawing which ends 7/29.