Simply, So Simple

"Simplified"

5x5

Oil on Panel

I am really enjoying my exploration of this subject matter. The more of them I do, the more I let go and let experimentation come into play. While I let umber dominate the undertone, it is the subtle hints of cool blue in the trees that I love.

These forest images are purely from my imagination and inspired from memories of a place I spent a lot of time when I was a child... I let the paint blend together with glazing medium watching the colors often mix themselves right there on the wood's surface. While painting these little memories, it sort of reminds me of the way I mingled through the trees often getting lost in my imagination until dinner time...

"A Shady Day"

"A Shady Day"

5x5

Oil on Wood Panel

I don't know what it is, but I just can't seem to do enough of these little forest images. I love to carve out the negative spaces between the branches... and like icing on a cake, adding the final wisps of delicate branch at the tippy tops of each naked tree. Almost reaching for something like open arms...

Inspired by Tree Charm... Wah?

"Muse"

5x5

Oil on Panel

Been sick... for 5 days or so, bed ridden. NO FUN. As soon as I woke up today feeling like I could walk around again I made a mad dash for my studio...

27 Tree Charms and one "Muse" later and here I am... all painted out for the evening~ Interestingly enough, this little image on the charm I painted today inspired the little 5x5 behind it!

Ok. That's all the words I'm typin'. I promised more paintings and less talk... so I'm zippin' it!

Ok, So I'm Only Human Right?

This is me.

If the photo could talk it would be saying something to the effect of... " Oh high-eeeee! I toe-tally suck!" Or, "Ha Ha Heeeee, yeah I reeeeeally screwed up... he he heee..." OR ..., "Someone please remind me of why I became an artist in the first place??? please???"

Sigh. Pouty lip. Sulk.

Ok. That's enough of that (tear, blink, blink). Moving onward...

So YEAH, today I had a hiccup in my lil' plan of success I so graciously ranted about the other day. I strayed from my list of things to do today (damn Facebook/Twitteritis!); SO far from it that it caused me (or, rather, I caused myself<>) to forget to enter one of the shows on my list of deadlines! Or more specifically, I ASSUMED that this particular show was a show I could enter online digitally... WELP. It wasn't. The deadline for snail mail was today - which I realized 2 hours ago, when I finally decided to plant it in front of the computer to start the application process. Grrrrrrrrr...

So it is a bad thing, but as a result, a learning experience was born! Now, after I write about my problems in this here blog post (thanks for listening btw... it a good for my healing process)... I will open my excel program and map out all the shows I want to enter in a spreadsheet with all the dates, the type of entry process, fees, etc etc... So it is all in one spot for me to see and keep me more organized! I thought just writing down the deadlines would be good enough, but my procrastinator brain takes over now and then and VIOLA~ a mishap occurs!

So that's my slap on my wrist tonight... I punish thee with spreadsheets! Yuck~

And what's the moral to the story kids?... I'm only human... and I make mistakes... that I learn from... and only allow 2 minutes of self pity before I turn that frown up-side-down!

"Tiny Forest"

3/4" x 11/16"

(YES folks this painting is smaller than an INCH!)

Oil Painting on Scrabble Tile Framed

4"x4" Framed

$100

Email me for purchase info

FREE Shipping to all that reside in the U.S. of A.!

Wanted to share this last thought tonight... I had a successful show at the beginning of February and one of the many compliments I was given was on the presentation of my work (thank you). I invented a new way of displaying my prices at this show, completely eliminating the need for typing all my labels out on the computer (which I HATE).

I bought jewelry tags, wrote the info on them and stuck them to the wall with a decorative BUTTON! Yup! CUTE as a button! It worked out great, and now you can steal my idea. There. A gift from me to you... don't say I never gave you anything.

(gosh I hope you all know I am kidding... and sarcastic... and a total insensitive jerk...<>)

An Ambitious Year Ahead

The winning photo you helped me choose!

So first of all, thanks for taking the time to vote on my jewelry close up photo (now posted above)... After all the great input I received I ended up re-shooting a clearer version of the winning image. Ultimately this image will end up on display next to my jewelry, to show the public that they REALLY are hand-painted teenie weeny oil paintings. So thanks for helping me. Because I am a really indecisive artist to say the least!

(close up of the arteest in action - thank god she had no ear goobers.)

Which brings me to my next exciting piece of news! In about a week I will be delivering my first batch of newly redesigned necklaces to a great local boutique/gallery in Ballard, WA! It's called the VENUE. Yes folks, I now have a permanent place for you to shop locally for these cute gift ideas! AND VALENTINE'S DAY IS COMING! Theaaaay make theeeee purrrrfect giftieeees~ let me make a custom one for you!

So as you may have guessed. I've been busy. Painting trees the size of the nail on my little pinkie finger. Yup. I'm covered in 'em. Not nails, TREE CHARMS! Aaaand lovin' it!

Unfortunately though, it's time to raise my prices too... SIGNIFICANTLY. It's a good thing! Especially for those that own the original, because that means for you... your little oil painting has gone up in value! Now - I don't want to see you on the street trying to sell it to the next highest bidder... you better not!

I encourage anyone that has been interested in picking on of these up for yourself, to get one now before my prices officially go up on February 5th. There are a few left online at my Etsy store for only $30! IF YOU TELL ME YOU SAW THIS BLOG POST I WON'T CHARGE SHIPPING!*** IMPORTANT! Contact me FIRST BEFORE you hit the "purchase" button or Paypal will charge you shipping. Thanks!

IF YOU ARE LOCAL? The rest of my $30 stock will be on display at my first show this year on Thursday, ONE NIGHT ONLY! I will be at the 619 Western Building for 1st Thursday in the Pioneer Square area, on Feb. 4th from 6-9. For more info read on...

So, enough with the selfish plugs huh? Ok, you win.

I really intended to begin tonight's blog entry with a little inspiration about greasin' the 'ol creative wheel for 2010. I had read a great post on the Artbizblog a few days ago, causing a reaction so strong that I couldn't hit the "leave a comment" button fast enough! If you are a procrastinator, or a stuck artist, or just need a means of seeing how other people overcome their obstacles with their art... please visit this link. http://www.artbizblog.com/2010/01/15minutes.html

Rather than explain in my own words, I would rather just encourage you to click on this link to read it for yourself... and don't forget to scroll down to read MY comment. I left my example of how IT (go find out what IT is!) worked for me. And I actually sound a little bit intelligent. Just a little.

While you are at it... clickin' around the web-n-stuff... check out all the shows I am entering this year! Just posted them to my website. Will I be in your neck of the woods in 2010??? Visit MY AMBITIOUS SHOW SCHEDULE here.

I'm Branching Out!

Okay, Okay, it is true... I am obsessed! Lately I have been exploring my inner desire to create wearable art and I must say that I am loving it! It all started when I began painting my little tiny oil paintings on Scrabble tile game pieces... I would go to the local market on Sunday rummaging through bins to find the one letter I was missing. THEN I saw other bins, full of antique trinkets and more... letter press keys, watch faces, dominos, typewriter keys, doll parts, more more more!

Now I have my own bins. Bins of old vintage goodies just waiting to become something new! Reused, upcycled, and reborn! So I created my own line of jewelry and called it "reJENeration design"! Get it? Re - JEN - eration? That's me. I'm Jen. Yup. And very excited to announce that several of my new jewelries are now posted on my NEW store online! So please take a look when you get the chance... so many things that make unique gifts and keep-sakes you will love!

So just that you aren't confused I now have two stores. One for my art/paintings and little trees: www.jenniferphillipsart.com

And one for my jewelry too: www.reJENerationdesigns.com

I realize you may have signed up for this blog anticipating everything related to my painting, so I probably won't post very much about my jewelry here (or I will try not to)... so when I post something new to my jewelry line it will show up in the widget I created to the right instead!

So in celebration of the "selfish plug" I now give you a few morsels of new paintings and jewelry pieces freshly posted to my stores... Thanks for looking!

"Branching Out"

Original Oil on Canvas 18x24 Available - email for pricing

Prints Available Starting at $20 - Click here

"Restless Again"

Original Oil Miniature 2"x4" with Easel

$57

Click Here for Purchase Information

Creepy Doll Face Print on Vintage Scrabble Tile

$12

Click Here for Purchase Information

Tiny Beetle Bug Print with Shimmery Wings on Vintage Scrabble Tile

$15 - FREE Shipping!

Click Here for purchase information

Arms Up!

"Arms Up"

2"x4" Oil on Canvas

You likie? I shippy. 

SOLD

Guess what!? I'VE BEEN TAGGED! How exciting is THAT!? My first tag... makes me so happy... sniff sniff - I am so honored to have received "A Passion for Painting" award AND even more honored that it was given to me by such a remarkable artist, Steven Walker!  I am blushing. Thank you soooo much! 

According to the rules of being tagged, I am supposed to link to the artist that tagged me, list seven things that I love, choose seven other artist's to pass the award to, and then notify them of the award... so, here 'goes...

7 Things I Love (besides the obvious husband, family, etc.)

1. All things food.

2. All things sweet (IE. candy, chocolate - make good gifts... hint hint.)

3. All things itty bitty. (IE. teeny tiny, miniature - like "Oh my goooosh, that's so tiny I have to buy it!")

4. The smell of oil paint in my studio. (Except when I've forgotten to ventilate and pass out from toxic fumes.)

5. Early Ford Broncos and many other classic cars. (Especially my STOLEN Bronco... Jerks.)

6. Snakes, Chameleons, and Lizards. (At one point I owned 2 large boa constrictors, a Jackson's Chameleon, 2 Bearded Dragons, and worked in a pet store cuz I couldn't get enough.)

7. Answering technical questions about art materials, helping people, and making people smile. (Used to work 10 years for an art supply company where I did this all the time in a retail environment... now I try to find ways to do it in my every day life.)

7 Fantastic Artist's (including Steven Walker) to drool over

1. Ambera Wellmann

2. Leslie Sealy

3. Maria Coryell Martin

4. Andrea Joseph

5. Taman Vanscoy

6. David Malan

7. Michael Naples

Back from Thailand... back in the game!

17 days in Phuket, Thailand... WOW! What an experience. I won't bore you with braggy details of my fantastic vacation in 90 degree weather, scuba diving, sampling the most amazing foods, and sipping beers on almost every beach Thailand had to offer... But what I will share is this one photo - cuz if any of you have seen the movie "The Man with the Golden Gun", a James Bond flick, THIS photo should feel a little familiar. The rock behind me is featured as the headquarters in the movie. Thai's call this place James Bond Island. It was breathtaking! 

One thing is for sure, every trip I go on I do the same thing... I pack all my supplies to draw or paint with watercolors and then NEVER DO IT! Well I shouldn't say never, because I have in the past, but I certainly did not on this vacation. I must have really needed a vacation, that is my excuse. Actually I have one more... it was so fricken hot!!! It was hard to do anything in the day other than absorb rays and swim in the largest bathtub of an ocean until Mr. Sun went away. So now that I have returned and semi gotten back into the flow of my little artistic life, I am ready to dive in and get back in the game!

Tuesday I took my studio outside. It was the third day of sun and warmth in Seattle, and I just couldn't stand for being all cooped up in my studio to paint that day. It was fantastic! The sun, the cool breeze, the view... it was perfect! I met several new people who had come down to Kerry Park for the fabulous view AND met up with several others that had learned of my outing that day from my Twitter post before I left for the park. I ended up staying for 4 hours. The only reason why I left is because I had to pee. (Sorry- Probably too much information) But two bottles of water will do that to a person!

I used most of the day to begin painting a new series of REALLY tiny paintings... in fact they are THEE tiniest paintings I have ever done! And I am in love with them, cuz I am obsessed with all things little and precious.

These little trees are painted on vintage Scrabble tiles and made to hang as a pendant on any necklace or chain. I will talk more about them in my next post because I am making them available for purchase online as we speak... Mother's Day IS coming up you know! (wink)

Anyway, I am so glad to be back and with two new shows coming up, I have a lot on my creative plate! I am so rejuvenated I can't wait to see what comes off my brush next... because I am going back to painting large for awhile! Whoo hoo!

The Lucia Douglas Gallery Opening

Pocket Landscape Cluster

all sold individually 

$50 each

SOLD

Daylight at Marymoor

10x10 

Oil on Panel

In the Moment

10x10

Oil on Panel

 

Wonderment

10x10

Oil on Panel

Shine II

10x10

Oil on Panel

Whisper

10x10 

Oil on Panel

The above paintings are all currently on display at the Lucia Douglas Gallery in Bellingham, WA. (please contact them directly for pricing and purchase information). The show is called "10x10 Square" and I am so honored to be a part of it... Saturday's opening night was amazing as I met so many wonderful people and fellow artists alike! 

These are the last paintings I finished before I head out of the country tomorrow. Going on a new adventure to Thailand for 17 days. I don't believe that I will be able to post much from so far away. I look forward to new painting ideas and inspirations, sketches, and many tales to tell upon my return! Take care everyone! I will blog with you soon!

What is Art For?

SOLD

The quote below I read in an article today. It struck me. 

Got me to think a little bit more about why it is I do what I do in my creative world sometimes.  

The quote is from Ellen Dissanayake who wrote the books

Art and Intimacy and What is Art For?... see what you think.

"Art, is biological. It is an evolutionary adaptation that helped us become human. Art is not, she argues, a set of objects or compositions or paintings. Art, rather, is the behavior that leads to those things. Neither is art handed down only to a select few sensitive souls. Art, she says, is 'making special,' an act that gives us belonging and meaning. It is passed from mother to child. Its origins lie deep in the human past. It makes us human."

- excerpt from an article by Tim Steury in this month's Washington State Magazine.

For a transcript of an interview with Ellen Dissanayake click here.

For Ellen Dissanayake's website click here.

The above image is something new I have been cooking up. Was excited to share because I finished my first prototype the other day... I won't be able to elaborate until I have a clearer understanding as to what I will be doing with these magical little miniatures, but for the time being I have accepted the fact that I absolutely LOVE  to paint them! They are only 3/4" big! More info coming soon!

SLURP your BLOG to BLURB...What the?

"On Top"

4"x4"

Oil on Panel

SOLD

This morning I went to my studio to paint. Only to find myself plopped in my chair in front of my computer again! I begun clicking around on links from a follower of mine on Twitter and found myself finding all sorts of new helpful information. I visited Clint Watson's "Fine Art Views" blog (check it out) - He has great tools for creating a very professional looking website and more (see also FineArtStudioOnline).

Then it all spiraled pleasantly out of control from there... I've been on the computer for 2 hours already! Whew! Some other great blogs I came across today that are very notable are:

The Crafted Webmaster: Internet Marketing for Artists - Many great artist resources and links available here.

And once again I have to share my excitement about Blurb.com - I already love this site. I have talked about it before. They make beautiful books from your uploaded images. But today I found that you can make YOUR blog into a book! Take any entries you select and have them printed in book format! Blurb calls this process of uploading photos "slurping". I love the lingo! So fantastic! The possibilities are endless! I could even do a book about BERT! (my brush, for those that are new to my blog.) For more information about this click here. Watch the video demo (slurping in action)!

One final note. There's a new blogger in town that I thought I would share with you. Her watercolors are gorgeous and her new blog is one to watch! So far great tips and techniques and words of inspiration... Connie Williams Watercolor Meanders. Enjoy!

Twitter Me

"Inclined"

3 1/2" x 3 1/2"

Oil on Panel

Please visit my Etsy Store for purchase information

I have been pretty busy painting several new works for a show this upcoming March. Stay tuned for a slew of 10x10's that I will be posting soon to my website for a preview before the show opens in Bellingham, WA, March 7th at the Lucia Douglas Gallery.

Additionally, today, I took some time for marketing brain to research a bit more about a new(er) online social networking site called Twitter. You may have heard about it, or already subscribe to it by now. I am a late bloomer. Was intimidated by it actually. Why do I need ANOTHER means for spending even more time on the internet? Well, it's simple actually. Network Network Network! 

To get me started I read a post in Alyson Stanfield's Artbiz blog about expanding your online marketing that touched on Twitter, so I thought I would share with you, check it out here. 

Also a good friend of mine sent me a link to a blog post about 50 Ways on Using Twitter for Businessses. It gives you insight as to how you can take advantage of these new online tools for networking all over the globe. It's actually kind of exciting! Another great mention in this blog post is how to shrink your URL address links when posting on blogs or twitter entries. It is really helpful!

Twitter is a great way for artist's to share a different side of themselves. You post little "one liners" about your interests, what you are doing in that moment, or what has your attention right now... giving your followers a peak at what you are like as a regular human being... which can be good or bad - you decide... visit me on Twitter, better yet, I need followers! Follow me on Twitter and explore how this new tool can work for you too!

New Paintings at the University House

"Between"

5x5"

Oil on Panel

This painting is FREE! 

But you must attend the show this Thursday, to enter to win this 

Door Prize at the Opening Night Gala Event!

February 19th from 5:30 - 7:30 pm

University House

4400 Stone Way N

Seattle, WA 98103

206 545 8400

"Far from Reality"

2x4"

Oil on Canvas with Twigg Easel

SOLD

New paintings available this Thursday at the University House in Wallingford (Seattle). AND I am very excited to announce the introduction of my new handmade Twigg Easels! The really fit the theme and are a fun addition to the Landscape in Your Pocket Series... More will be posted this week to my Etsy store so check back soon!

Love is in the Air

"A Meeting Place" (Series of three)

5x5"s

Oil on Panel

$129 each (#3 is SOLD)

Last night I began a new series of paintings that I have wanted to get out of my artistic "system" for a long time now. What a better place to explore my love for the inquisitive life of little bitty birdies! A new show held at The Red Crow Anthologies in California will be held on Valentine's Day entitled, "LOVE is in the Air"... it was an opportunity to paint this little ensemble of birds gathering at their regular meeting place. It is special to me as it is representative of the birds that congregate outside my window on the telephone lines. Who knows what they are doing... hanging out, plotting their next move, meeting other birds, talking about the weather, forming relationships, and pooping on my car parked innocently below.

As a side note I thought I would introduce you to a project that has been a long time in the making. It has been over a year that my husband and I have been renovating our home in the Seattle area (mostly on our own), and now it is finally complete! OUR HOUSE IS FOR SALE!

So if any of you are planning a move to the Seattle, Washington area, consider our home as a potential nesting area! Please visit my slideshow  of the before and after pictures and our house listing at your convenience. Tell all your friends and help me get the word out! Thanks!

Firehouse Coffee Shop in Ballard... visit my show!

This week I set up my show at the Firehouse Coffee shop in Ballard (Seattle, WA). My work will be up through January 31st and will be rotating - as they sell, I will replace with new work to keep it fresh since it is there for two months. I have a little selection at the Firehouse Coffee Shop, of my pocket sized landscapes all framed up and ready for the giving this holiday season! They should fit in any standard size Christmas stocking too... Please come down and take a look at my work on display! 

"Stand Up to You"

2x4" (approx. 9x11 with frame)

Oil on Canvas, Pocket Landscape embellished with cracked surface

BUY IT NOW at Etsy.com

Whimsical in form, yet making a statement. This piece was inspired by a trip I took over and through the cascades to Eastern Washington. Trees often take on human qualities, or I should say I have a tendency to bring the inanimate to life... they stand there, often in ways that remind me of myself.

In this case, there was a section of the mountains that had been sadly cleared of trees. Only stumps and debris remained. This tree stood on the edge over looking this vast area of destruction and seemed as if it wasn't phased by it. It stood there with a posture that said, " HA! Your not gonna bring me down!" as if it were standing up to the force that knocked down all his tree friends... it wasn't a scaredy tree anyway...

"Pretending"

6x12" Oil on Panel unframed

SOLD

When I was little, my friend and I would tromp through the neighborhood forest preserve... we had very active imaginations. Often we would pretend that we were lost in the woods and no one would ever find us. We were only 8, but we would use our special "Macgyver" skills to make forts out of twigs and wood and survive on eating the local neighborhood black berries until dark, only to run home to mom's home cooked meals! ... ahh memories.

The Red Crow Anthologies

"Blanket"

2x4 

Oil on Mini Canvas Framed

$125  

My "Landscape in your Pocket Series" is graduating! Yes they still can come with those teeny tiny easels, but NOW they also can be ordered FRAMED! They look so handsome all nestled and tucked into their new little frame homes. 

This piece is my personal "rain dance" in hopes of a fluffy white holiday season. I can't wait to dust off my snowboard and hit the mountains! 

I am now selling my miniatures at a great new venue in California called the Red Crow Anthologies. Their opening day is this Friday the 28th of November (this week Turkey lovers!). 

If you live in Seattle, I will be showing a slew of new miniatures at the Firehouse Coffee shop in Ballard for the month of December! Get all your friends a miniature for the holidays!

The Grim Reaper Bought My Painting...

Shine

4"x4" Oil on Panel

SOLD

Yes. It is true. The Reaper is an art lover. 

This is the Grim Reaper of Greenwood. Tonight, I paid HIM a visit. Not to take his soul, but to deliver a miniature painting! Okay Okay, I can't fool you... I did deliver a painting tonight, but it was to the creative soul who built this incredible gigantic, frightening, mind boggling kick ass huge Grim Reaper, right in his front yard! 

Totally amazing. If you would like to see it and a step by step "how to", visit his blog here. You too can build one of these lovely two story figurines in the privacy of your own home... and be the coolest kid on the block!

Another posting worth mentioning that really resonates with me today is found on another blog I like to read, "Art Biz Blog"... there is a mention there of a wonderful movie just beginning to premier in New York called, "Who Does She Think She Is?". It is a film apparently about the struggles that women face in an artist's world. And there is even a part in the trailer that shows that when asked, the public can't even name one historic woman artist! Please take a look at the trailer here, I am intrigued and I think you will be too.

Queen Anne Artwalk

I'm back! Sheesh, finally! The following post is sorta out of order... sorry, I had a hard time loading pictures in the order I wanted. That is what happens when one such artist gets a little rusty on her blogging skills! So I will catch you up... this is my show at Peet's Coffee in Seattle.

I used all the space I could at Peet's. Yes, folks. Don't be shy. Even hang your work by the bathroom. There IS a lot of foot traffic that direction you know... don't leave out the tinklers!

Mini's Mini's and more Mini's! I am happy to announce that I was approached by a new venue in California who wants to carry my small work in their gallery! So exciting as I have been on the search for someone to stock these little guys for the holidays! They make such great gifties! I have more to explore with this one, I will keep you posted. 

Front entryway had great lighting, so I hung some of the pieces I had used in my email blast there. Very identifiable from the street...

I used one of their tables to display my prints, business cards, bio, and guestbook... oh and don't forget the candy bowl, so you can stuff your face while talking art.

Hung one of my more "durable" surfaced paintings by the condiment counter... just in case there were little splashies.

Note: When doing a show at places where people sit around your artwork, be sure to hang your items high enough so they won't get bumped if someone stretches, or swings a backpack, or has a grabbie child with sticky fingers! One of my last shows I found some sort of splashed goo across 2 paintings! What the?! One of the many risks you take at venues where there are consumables. 

Well, I am still working outta boxes from the move, but managed to also put together my October show at Peet's coffee & Tea in Seattle. Tonight was Queen Anne neighborhood's Art Walk so I hung out for a few hours to mingle with the public. 

It is always so rewarding to talk to people about your art. I really realize that this is the part of the "job" that I thoroughly enjoy. Seeing how people respond to my work is so rewarding! Each person has their own individual experience... as I have always said, "My most favorite moment is when I put the brush down and show someone a painting. It is no longer my experience, but theirs."

Today I made a point of inviting my neighbors, new and old, by walking door to door and hand delivering invites, spent time sending email blasts, and shopping for Halloween candy to have at my display table tonight. (that of which, I ate half of. Sheesh.) 

I just really enjoy getting out and talking to people. It is so inspiring and adds fuel to my creative fire! So as you can probably tell already, I was very socially fulfilled tonight!

The pictures I managed to shoot are, as usual, after the show was ending. I just get to wrapped up to remember to shoot live in the moment. I need an assistant! 

Four events/shows coming up in November that I must paint a few more for... So excited to be a part of the Howard/Mandville small works show and the well known 1st Thursday Pioneer Square Art Walk this time around! I should have more in progress photos soon! Stay tuned!

My Etsty Store is Born!

I have officially launched my online store! Yet another milestone for me this year! First I quit my job, had some shows, launched a blog, and now own my very own shopping center! Geesh, what's next?! (No really, what's next? Anyone with ideas, I could use a few.)

You may have noticed to your right, that there is a little "billboard" on my blog's sidebar to click on. It will take you directly to My Etsy Store where you can browse my current selection of archival prints all custom matted just for you. 

I will be continuing to post my miniature oils and pocket size landscapes for your shopping pleasure too. They are all great ideas for gifts as we approach the holidays... It's so convenient! No crowds, no lines, no traffic, you don't even have to worry about finding a parking space!