the fASHion Mill 1.6

I've been working on a few painting projects lately, but have been crazy busy with other things and haven't had a chance to finish them all or blog about it. Here's something I painted recently for Emily and Adam (let's be honest, it's more for Emily). They just bought a house and, if all goes as planned, will close in a few weeks. They're either planning on hanging this in the living area or Emily's sewing area. It depends on who wins out between the two of 'em. I think it might be a bit too girly for Adam...

I used tape before painting the colors and flowers. When I ripped the tape off, I had nice clean, lines. It was fun. And different. That is all.

O wait, that isn't all. I got something in the mail tonight that I can't wait to show you! Check back soon...

the FASHion Mill 1.5

Remember Elizabeth and Seth from a few posts back? As a wedding gift I painted for them. 

Here's what they got:

The splatter part was fun. I definitely enjoyed it.

the fASHion Mill 1.4

I finished "the lady"

Well, almost. I still want to add a border around her. 

She isn't perfect, but I think that's okay.

FINISHED!

I finished my "shadow on the wall" painting. Whaddaya think?

It definitely has a few blemishes, but hopefully you can't tell in the picture!

...almost there...

Outline done. 

a little teaser...

Today when I came home for lunch I left the door open to let the sun shine in. I noticed this on my wall:

Luckily, I have a few blank canvases around. I grabbed one and first tried to hold it against the wall to trace the tree's shadow. All was well until Mr. Wind showed up. I quickly determined how unfeasible this project would be since I could do nothing to keep the shadow from moving. I decided to just take a picture and try to freehand it. Yikes! 

Stay tuned for the finished project... 

the fASHion Mill 1.3

Back in March Emily, Carly, and I headed across Tennessee to the Great Smokies! While there we bear-hunted, hiked great waterfalls, and relaxed at our awesome cabin not named "Miss B. Haven." Carly worked on an atrocious school project (blah, once again, I'm so thankful school is over for me) while Emily and I made art. This is what I had by the end of the weekend:

The picture isn't very clear. I used ripped newspaper (or maybe a magazine) to fill in the tree. 

Like this:

It was quite a time consuming and tedious task, but I'm pleased with the finished piece. Too bad it's just sitting against my wall with no purpose. I don't really have empty wall space and if I take down the current painting, which is much larger, I'll have to re-hammer some nails. 

That is all...

the fASHion Mill 1.2

Mother's Day quickly came and passed again this year. I got to spend the weekend with my incredible mother. She may pronounce a word or two incorrectly, but no one's heart compares to hers. 

So I painted for her. 

One day I'll have an art room. For now, I clear space on the floor and get to work.

Here's the finished piece. I painted some picture frames to go along with.

Dad and I hung it up on Friday before she arrived home from work. It was a good 30 minutes and multiple pass-bys before she noticed. She was quite surprised. Dad had been talking her out of buying a picture to hang for weeks.

I gave her this painting two Mother's Day's ago:

 Happy Mother's Day, Mom. 

(Note to Mom, I'll give you $5 if you can figure out how to comment on this blog post)

milling around: Bullitt County

I got to spend a little bit of time this past weekend in the county I grew up in: Bullitt County. In Kentucky we're from counties, unless you live in Lexington or Louisville. Bullitt County is quite the gem just south of Louisville. Where else can you buy veggies or roses on the side of the road (most likely under an overpass, for shade), visit the nation's longest go-kart track (seriously), tour a nationally known bourbon distillery (Jim Beam), shop at the "World's Most Awesome Flea Market" (self-proclaimed title, not mine), and, if you're real lucky, be given half a cow for Christmas? I'm not making this stuff up. Bullitt County is unique indeed. 

I'm sure my short paragraph didn't answer all of your burning questions about the place I called home for so many years. Visit www.travelbullitt.org/faqs for more. I'm truly amazed that that this website actually exists, although the many errors quickly confirm its authenticity.

While there, I spent time celebrating the graduation of my good pal Misty. You can call her Mits. I do. 

Mits has cows.

They kept a close eye on me, but willingly posed for a few photos.

I gave Mits a painting for graduating

That is all...

the fASHion Mill 1.1

I painted these for Ty (his photo shoot coming soon) as a house-warming gift. 

I think he likes them.

They were fun. They're simple. I like simple.

Jeff Hanson: one. cool. kid.

Jeff Hanson painted this for me.

Check out his site. Read his story. Look at his other work.

Truly inspiring.

And I'm glad to have one of my own Jeff Hanson paintings.