My featured guest artist for January: Minnie Watkins

I can't think of a better way to start the new year than with old friends.  What better beginning than with the guest artist who started it all, my very good friend Minnie Watkins.  She has been like an older sister to me all my life.  She was the one who gave me my first real art supplies, and in recent years she has taken the time to introduce me to other artists.  I wish I could do more to repay her, but for now the best I can do is to feature her work in my studio as my first guest artist of the new year.

Minnie has created some amazing new pieces since she last showed her work in my studio in October 2010.  Every new painting is even better than the last, and that's saying a lot because her work is impressive to begin with.

This is the kind of work you just have to see in person.  I hope you will come to the open studio.  It will probably be very cold that night, but I plan to serve some refreshments that will keep you warm.  Here are all the details:

Open Studio featuring guest artist Minnie Watkins

Friday, January 13th, 2012

6 - 9 p.m.

The Fine Arts Building

Studio 632F on the 6th Floor

410 South Michigan Avenue

Chicago, IL 60605

A belated post on the 2011 One of a Kind Show

I've been meaning to get this blog post done, so better late than never, right?  Here are my favorite things from the artists and artisans of the 2011 Chicago One of A Kind Show.

Friedericy Dolls

John Murphy

Cbabi Bayoc

Nathan Hunter Design

Shibang Designs

Smitten Kitten

Lavender in Brown

The Intuitive Garden

Ben Joyce

Kuketa

Lady Bird

Go Dotty Go

Kab's Creative Concepts

One of A Kind Studios

Designs by Alicia P.

There.  Now my blog is complete for 2011.  See you in 2012!

My final painting of the year: "Ruby Horizon"

Here are some photos of my last painting of the year, Ruby Horizon. It was a commission, and I was so happy to finish it just in time to get it to my clients' home before Christmas. 

Here are a few detail shots.

I am really pleased with the rich cranberry wine color.  So amazing to think that it all began with a simple glass bead, which I used as a reference.

A One of a Kind incentive for art lovers

I am giving free passes to the 2011 Chicago One of a Kind Show to everyone who makes a purchase of $100 or more from my Etsy shop.  Add a piece to your art collection or give a unique gift.  Custom artwork is included.  You can use Bill Me Later to pay over time.  Shipping is free for all orders over $100 delivered to the 48 contiguous U.S. states.

You can use your free passes to visit the One of a Kind show with a friend.  The show will be at the Merchandise Mart from December 1st through the 4th and will feature work from 600 talented artists and artisans from around the country.  It's a great venue for purchasing gifts and getting creative inspiration, and since you like my artwork, I think you'll enjoy it.  I'm not exhibiting in the show this year, but I hope to do so in the near future!


*offer expires Monday, 11/28/11 at midnight Central time