Just a friendly reminder...

So, I lost a lot of readers a year and a half ago, when I uprooted this blog and replanted in the wordpress realm.  This is just a friendly reminder to update your bookmark or RSS feed or whatever the appropriate term is:

The new address is
 chelsiebrady.wordpress.com

Hop on over!  We'd love to have you visit!

New blog

I failed to announce over here that I have a new wordpress blog for Chelsie Brady Art. It has subsections for other arts and crafts that I spend my time doing. There are order forms on each page and I am trying to keep it up to date with all that is going on in my arting world. Hop on over there and check it out. Also, you'll want to subscribe to that blog instead of this one.

http://chelsiebrady.wordpress.com/


We also have a family blog that we update fairly regularly. Use this link if that's what you're looking for.

http://mc-brady.blogspot.com/

Have you heard?

I think most of the people that read this blog anymore also read our family blog so you probably know. There is an obvious lack of arting going on around these parts and this is the reason:

Yes, you see 2! We will be having TWINS sometime around the new year. The due date is Jan. 16, but twins usually come 3 weeks early, putting them here around Christmas. It will be one busy holiday season for the ever- growing Brady bunch!

Our new artistic focus has been trying to fit 3 car seats in our cars, so we don't have to buy a new van. I have been sleeping a bit and eating a bit more. I haven't felt well and I still have to run around after our #1. The house has never looked more "lived in," I haven't been couponing in weeks, I'm lucky if I get Liam dressed- let alone myself- in a day. I think I am starting to feel better, though, which means I can start doing more projects. For a while, though, I think they will be all about babies! :) You have been warned! If blankies, burp cloths, and ruffle bums aren't your thing, I'd suggest staying away for about 6 months!

Submissions are in

I just clicked "Send" on these art pieces, submitting them to the Juried Art Show through the Gresham Art Committee. I was hoping to have more time to work on the peacock painting to give it some sparkle and shimmer, but the deadline is nearing. The hope is that both pieces will be accepted and well received by the curator and the public. I will find out in just a few weeks if I've been accepted and can display my work in the show. I hope, I hope, I hope!

Strut

Oil on board
36X16

Maryhill Overlook
photograph
18X9.5

Pretty pooch

I've actually had this finished for a couple of weeks now, but I've been nervous about it. I ended up sending a picture of it to my friend, who is a friend of the buyer, and she gave me positive feedback. So, I figured it was safe to post it for all the world to see. I hope the client likes it!

8X8

oil on board

On the easel (er, newspaper)

I got about 30 minutes of painting time yesterday at the end of Little Man's nap. I have this commission piece in the works. I love doing pet portraits! This one is coming along immensely (he he! I think only Mike will get that). I'm wondering- from artists or pseudo artists like myself- what do you like to paint on? Traditional canvas? Boards? Glass? Something crazy and unconventional? This painting is done on board, which I have grown quite fond of painting on. I like how the paint just glides across the surface. For me, canvas is a bit too textured. There are some paintings, though, that I think look better on canvas than on board. Is it cheap to paint on board? Would you feel cheated if your original oil painting isn't on canvas? Does the surface really matter?

Anyway, here's the progress of this little pooch.

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad

My parents just celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. I was unable to be there to celebrate with them, so I sent this painting. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple and I thought that this subject was perfect. Happy Anniversary, you guys! Love you!

Eternal
18X24
oil on canvas

Maneki Neko

I did this little painting for the DPW Challenge wherein all the artists will donate the proceeds of their paintings to Japan through some organizations. I, of course, chose to donate to the LDS Humanitarian Aid, where I know that all of the money will go directly to the people affected by the tragedy. The auction has begun and the current bid is $25. Please click the picture or this link to place your bid.

Maneki Neko
(Beckoning Cat)
7X5
oil on canvas

Two new paintings

Actually, they've been done for about a month, but I just scanned them in so I could post them. This first one of Liam (surprise!) was a quick little thing to get me back into painting- it had been probably a month since picking up the brush so I needed to try to figure out how to do it again.

Yellow Shades
8X6
oil on canvas

And this painting I did for the DPW Painting Challenge. As you can see I am WAY late posting this, since it was the challenge for the week of Feb. 12. You may remember that I did a lot of the challenges at Different Strokes... blog, but I haven't done much by way of painting challenges since that blog went away. This DPW Painting Challenge is the first of these challenge sites that I have found interest in. I hope to paint more regularly to participate in more (and maybe get them in on time!)

Rose on a Windowsill
6X6
oil on paper

I've got a couple of really exciting pieces in the works. One that I can't say anything about because it is a gift, the other is a piece I will be entering into the juried show through the Gresham Art Committee! I am seriously so excited about this painting! It will be BIG- 36X16 and colorful and awesome (hopefully!)

V-day arting

Here is the art I've done in the last few days. I made these cute little cupcakes and decorated them for Valentine's Day. They are red velvet with almond cream cheese frosting, topped with chocolate dipped raspberries and other chocolate sentiments. They are quite tasty. This little one got a bit of a photo shoot because it looked so cute. I have also been trying to learn some fun effects in photoshop, so I played around with this picture and came up with this. See, I can still be arting without even picking up a paintbrush. :)

Giveaway on facebook

I will be giving away at least one painting when I get 200 fans on facebook. You must be on the fan list to be eligible. Get your spot on the list and get your friends to "like" Chelsie Brady Art.

Newest painting

I actually have painted a little Hershey's kiss since I painted this awesome portrait of my boy, but I don't have any pictures of it yet. But here's this bright fun piece that I did for his bedroom. I love it!

Chelsie Brady Art is now on Facebook

Can I get a "like"? Hop on over to facebook to like Chelsie Brady Art, browse all the art in one place, and get updates. I will probably do some periodic giveaways and stuff, so I'd recommend getting on the fan list!

Art Show

Come to this art show tomorrow night at the Gresham Art gallery at the Gresham- Barlow School District Building. I have been the lead curator and I also have 4 pieces in the show. I also designed the publications- poster and postcards.

Work Boots

6X6
oil on handmade paper
$50

NYSE
4X10
oil on board
$75

Liam Playing in the Grass
8X10
Oil on canvas board
NFS

Liam
16X12
Oil on canvas board
NFS

Sorry it's been so long.

I got the Davidsons' painting shipped off and never showed you which one they won. You may remember the giveaway I did for my followers... I gave away my beloved teapot painting. Thanks for all who have followed my blog. I will, for sure, do another giveaway sometime. So, get on my followers list. Only followers are eligible to win.

Little teapot
8X10
oil on canvas board

I have been super busy lately. I have done some painting, some crafting, some sewing, some drawing... all sorts of artistic things. I have gotten some photos of the things I've been working on, but others I failed to document.

This was my mom's birthday present. I haven't posted it until now because it is a total copy of another artist's work and I didn't want to take the credit. So, most of the paintings that you see on this blog can be made into a print if you'd like except this one. I will not be selling copies of this.

Pears and Grapes for Mom
20X16
oil on board

While I'm talking about prints- head on over to Fine Art America and order your fine art prints. I am working on offering all of my paintings as prints as well as greeting cards. If you would like something that is not yet on my site, let me know. I can also get prints done independent of FAA and would be happy to do some design work for you.

Anyway, back to the updates:

We have some wonderful friends who just moved far far away. Mike and I have really grown attached to this family and will really miss them. I painted this painting for them for their new home in Ephraim, Utah. It is the Manti temple.

Manti
11X14
oil on canvas

I also gave him 10 small drawings of each of the girls that I have worked with over the past couple of years. They are just their faces 4X5, then I made them into a little book. I had each of the girls write a little letter or testimony on a card and put it all in a little box. I hope it can be a reminder of these sweet girls. I wish the best of luck to the Nielson family.

I have also been doing some photo editing for my sister, Whitney. This photo was taken at the pumpkin patch (which is another reason we've been busy- Halloween. More on that to come) by me and edited also by me. Whitney takes great photos and I help with some of the editing. Check out her site and book your session today!


I have also been busy with Halloween. I made both Liam and my costume. I was Cleopatra and Liam was Nacho Libre. We had a fun party to go to on Friday and I was working like a crazy person on the temple painting, the drawings, and these two costumes all at the same time. Whew! I got it all done, though, and everything turned out just fine. :) My head piece is a little wonky. It is supposed to have beads coming down over my hair, but Liam got a hold of it and tore off all the beads. That's okay, Little Nacho. I forgive you. Oh yeah, and he had a mask, but wouldn't even let us get it close to his face, let alone wear it. Ah well.


And, of course, there was some pumpkin carving and Halloween baking going on. For the party I made some yummy cake balls on skewers. I dipped them in chocolate and added candy corn and orange sprinkles. They were pretty cute and I think they tasted pretty good. And here's our jack-o-lantern that we used as a decoration at the party.


I have done some card making in the past little while, too. And, I've been working on some Art Committee stuff. I have a show coming up in January that I'm pretty excited about! I'm telling you- I've been quite busy doing stuff. I have kind of neglected this bloggity blog, though. I will work on that. Happy Halloween, everyone!

Made a purse

Lemon Squeezy Home is hosting Purse Week, where people submit their original designs or sewn creation using a pattern to compete for some cool prizes. I thought it would be fun to submit. I've made a couple of bags before, but nothing like this really. I used some fabrics I've had for a while. It is somewhat inspired by a bag my Mother-in-law gave me for Christmas a couple years ago. I might make a new one to submit- a second draft of sorts. Anyway...


There are plenty of pockets for stuff- wallet, keys, lip gloss, fruit snacks, toy truck, eye glasses, cell phone, ball point pen...



The flaps close with a snap and the front flaps have a bead embellishment

A painting

I just did this painting for my grandma. My dad took some photos of some hummingbirds a while ago. My grandma wanted one made into a painting. I used a couple of the photos, changed some composition, and ended up with this. The photo looks terrible, though. It's all washed out and glared. Liam is up now, though, so I can't try to take a better photo yet. I may try to take a different photo of it before shipping it off, but this is what you get for now.

As I'm staring at it on the computer screen I see lots that needs to be reworked- like the whole background. So, I guess this is take one of the hummingbird painting. Check back for the update. Ugh... maybe I shouldn't post this at all yet. Ah well. Here goes. Just remember that it looks better in person anyway, but it will be completely redone later and look a thousand times better still.

Hummingbird

8X10
oil on canvas board

I don't think you've seen this painting...

I would like to rework it. When I did it I was on a "I-want-to-try-to-use-a-palette-knife" kick. I just used the knife instead of a brush without knowing what I was doing. I think the knife is great and provides great texture when used correctly. Since I still don't know how to use it correctly I don't do a lot with it. I do love to see paintings which appear to have been slathered in paint with a knife, such as here and here.

Anyway, here is my first attempt at this technique. It will be in a show starting at the end of September called Urban Landscapes. It is a triptych rendition of Salt Lake City.

SLC Triptych
36X24
oil on board

This drawing

Night Lights
16X20
graphite drawing

and two paintings, this one

Shadow stroll
8X10
oil on board

and another, that I don't have an image of yet, will also be in the show.

I will, hopefully, have some new stuff to show you in the next few days. I just made 2 card sets with envelopes and matching boxes for a couple of birthday gifts. I didn't get pictures of those, though, so I'll have to make another just to show you! I would really like to sell cards, I think. I love to make them and try new things. Perhaps I will set up my etsy shop again and post some cards, just to see how they are received. Until then, if you need invitations, cards, or other paper crafts, let me know! My prices are great! :)

I also have at least 2 paintings to start and one that is half way finished. In related news, Liam won't take naps anymore. He has been skipping his morning nap and finally going down at about 4 in the afternoon. He then sleeps for an hour or 2 at best. This is the reason I've not gotten any painting done recently. I painted my bathroom and spare room, though... does that count?!

The new winner is...

I didn't get a response from jennifersaddress, so I picked a new winner. Again, please respond within about 48 hours so I know you are there. The number this time is 37, which means that (guess who!) my husband wins a painting. What are the odds?! Sorry, Mike, but you are ineligible. Besides, I'm working on your painting anyway. So, the new number is 26... This time the winner is The Davidsons! Yay, Megan! I think I might still have your address, but just email me and send it to me again anyway, if you don't mind! Do you want me to post which painting I'm sending, or do you want to be surprised when it comes in the mail?

And the winner is...

First of all, I wanted to tell you how this person was chosen. Blogger put all of my followers into some order- I can't tell what order that is, but it is the same order each time. I went to random.org and had that site pick a number for me. I then counted down the list to the number chosen (which happened to be 42). It was all very random, so you all had the same chance at winning, except maybe my husband- I give him paintings all the time :)

jennifersaddress is the winner!!

There is no blog or site associated with this name, so jennifersaddress I need you to email me, or comment, letting me know that you are there. I also need your address to send you your painting. Please respond by Monday at 10:00 am Pacific time. I will post the painting that is being sent after I hear a response.

Thanks a bunch, you guys! Good luck next time! If you aren't a follower yet, click to become one. I will do giveaways like this periodically. But, you're only eligible if you are a follower!