Saturday, December 31, 2016

wake up call

Life is a gift!  Happy 2017 to you!  

This "wake up call" is painted on a 6 x 12 x 2" canvas.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

desperado

Painted on a 30 x 40 x 2" canvas.  I am enjoying painting large and loose.  

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

sunshine in my pocket

I just counted the Christmas commissions I have completed since beginning work on them in October. Twenty one. Lots of dogs, cattle, children, and even the front of a house with two dogs in the yard. (don't be getting any ideas, that was a one time thing!) It is fun for me to think of all the Christmas celebrations I have a small part in.

This cow mug is painted on a 6 x 6 x 2" canvas.

Saturday, December 17, 2016

happiness in my heart

I definitely have happiness in my heart. I have finished all of my Christmas commissions.  Cutting it a bit close.  I love doing commissions for many reasons but the biggest one is for the happiness it brings the receivers.  I have to paint much tighter than usual while painting them so it was fun painting this calf loosely.  She is painted on a 36 x 36 x 2" canvas. I am excited to be thinking of new work that I want to paint for upcoming shows.  My next one is in Nashville at David Lipscomb February 3-5.

I still have some openings in my January workshops that are being held in my studio here in Birmingham. The first one has a couple of spots and the dates are Jan 13 and 14.  What a great Christmas present it would be.  Email me for more information.  The second workshop is Jan 27 and 28 and it has a couple of spots remaining. My email is carolcarmike@att.net.

Saturday, December 10, 2016

ooh ooh child

I used my " go to" way of coming up with a painting title when I have painted a subject many times.   I turned on my amazon music and found a title from the first song that played.  The song was "ooh, ooh child" by the five stair steps.  I remembered the song but not the group.  It happened to be a song that was perfect for me to hear right now.  I am a bit stressed finishing up commission work.sold

I painted this 8 x 16" at the Mountain Brook Holiday show last Thursday.  It is open until Dec 17 and the hours are 11-8 each day. Located on the lower level of Brookwood Mall across from Brio. 

Friday, December 9, 2016

i am loved

Thank you to Lauren Daigel for the title inspiration.  Listening to her song, "here's my heart".  Love her music.
This was a demo that I did yesterday at the Mountain Brook Art Association's holiday art show. It was a nice break from painting a katrillion dogs.  I hope I did not add any fur to the lemons.  I am working through a few more Christmas commissions.  This is painted on an 18 x 36 x 2" canvas.sold

The MBAA Holiday show is ongoing every day from 11-8 each day until Dec 17.  It is located on the lower level of Brookwood Mall.  (across from Brio)  There is lots of great work available! Artist demos most days too!

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

shoo fly

Took a little break from painting commission pieces to paint one of my favorite subjects.  "shoo fly" is painted on an 8 x 10 x 2" and will be hanging in the Mountain Brook Art Associations holiday show that starts this Friday.  It is held in Colonial Brookwood Mall on the lower level across from the entrance to Brio. A different and better location from previous years. The show will run through December 17 and opens at 11 every morning and closes at 8.  I have lots of smaller paintings for this show.

I will not be at the MBAA holiday show opening because I will be in Nashville for the Brentwood Academy Art show.  A great show in a great city. I love catching up with Nashville friends and participating artists.  I am also looking forward to having a three day break from painting.  I have been furiously painting commissions that will not be shared until after Christmas.  I am officially saying No to any more commissions before Christmas. Seven more to go even so! 

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

sweet talkin ladies man

Little title help from Joni Mitchell. This is painted on a 4 x 12 x 2" canvas.  I have been very busy painting commissioned works and pieces for upcoming shows.  I mostly used a pallet knife on this painting. I feel like the texture gives it more interest.sold

I am looking forward to traveling to Nashville next weekend for the Art show at Brentwood Academy.  Dec 2-4.  So fun to go back to one of my favorite cities and visit with long time friends and artists.

Also....Beginning Friday, Dec 2 , I will be participating in the Mountain Brook Art Association's Holiday Show at Colonial Brookwood Mall in Birmingham.  This show runs through December 17.  Plenty of opportunities to go by and check out the art work.

Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!  

Friday, November 18, 2016

All leg

sold
A chick one day, a cow the next day, and then a dancer.  A pattern of painting what makes me happy.  This one is painted on an 11 x 14 x 2" canvas.
Upcoming shows:

Fine Art at Brentwood Academy Dec 2-4 in Nashville, TN

Mountain Brook Art Association's Holiday show  Dec 2-17 in Birmingham, AL
Located across from Brio in Colonial Brookwood Mall.

Have a good weekend!

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

flo

Painted on a 12 x 12 x 2". sold

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

little bird

sold
 I just returned from a show in Savannah, GA.  I happened to spend more money than I made this time.  I brought some beautiful artwork home with me.  Aaron Hequembourg had his work displayed across from me and I fell in love with it immediately.  I photographed my two treasures below. He lives on an farm dating back to 1815 in Monticello, GA with his family.  He has salvaged wood and artifacts from the buildings on the farm and worked them into his pieces.  He laminates book pages into the wood, then carves the images into the wood and then paints and waxes the pieces.  The models in his works live in the area and receive a percentage of his sale.  Willie Moore is pictured in one of my pieces and he has worked on the farm his entire life. His website is www.bigwhitedog.net
If you are subscribed to my blog I am sorry that you have received some old posts for the last two days.  Not quite sure what happened.

I am busy doing commissions that I will not be able to post until after Christmas.  I have two shows coming up.  I will be in Nashville, TN Dec 2-4 at the Art Show at Brentwood Academy.  I will also have work displayed in the Mountain Brook art association Holiday show.  It is being held Dec 2- 17 at Colonial Brookwood Village.

"little bird" is painted on a 4 x 6 x 2" canvas.  I still have some spots available in my January classes and you can email me at carolcarmike@att.net for more information.

Monday, November 7, 2016

flashy

sold

My first exposure to roosters was a few years back when my sister and brother in law had some.  I am so thankful for all of the photos I took of them.  I have painted some images multiple times in different sizes.  My favorite ones are the ones where they are in motion. This was a very proud bantam that thought he was a lot bigger than he was.  This is painted on a 10 x 10 x 2" canvas.

I still have some spots available in my January workshops.  Email me at carolcarmike@att.net for more information.  A fun thing to do during a pretty dull month.

I am headed to Savannah, GA at the end of the week for the Telfair Art Show.  I would love to see you if you are in the area.

Saturday, November 5, 2016

I'm serious

sold
Gearing up to paint seven commissions and I know I will have to paint tighter so this cow was a result of the anticipation.  I have to make the animals look like the clients so I naturally have to tighten up.  It is hard to balance making it looking like my style and capturing their pet or child.  This is painted on a 20 x 20 x 2" canvas.
I am participating in the Telfair Art show next Friday night, Saturday and Sunday in Savannah, GA.  A very fun place to visit.
Have a great weekend!

Thursday, November 3, 2016

grace

Decided to take a break from dancers today.  But.....only painting happy things.  Can't wait until this election is over.  I am sure all the hate will go away once it is over.  If only!
This happy, little lamb is painted on an 8 x 8 x 2" canvas.

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

break time

How do I blend cows and ballerinas into my next show?    I will take a picture of my booth at the Savannah show so that you can see. Should be interesting.  This one is painted on a 20 x 40 x 2" canvas.
My favorite compliment and one that I hear fairly often at show is that my booth makes them smile.  I hope this painting brings a smile to you. 
I still have some spots left in my January workshops.  Contact me at carolcarmike@att.net if you are interested.

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

toes out

sold
I fit in some time to paint ballerina while taking a break from  painting a cow commission.  One friend suggested that I paint a cow in a tutu and I may just do that.  This is painted on a 6 x 12 x 2" canvas.

I still have some spots available in both of my workshops in January.  What a nice gift to receive or give yourself this Christmas.  I work with all levels and guarantee you will learn some new things and have fun at the same time.  The dates are Jan 13 & 14 and Jan 27 & 28.  Email me at carolcarmike@att.net for more information.  There are a few more details in my last posts.

Monday, October 31, 2016

dance party

I love the body language in this painting. My interpretation from left to right....1.) Not so sure about this 2.) I forgot to go to the bathroom before class 3.) I would rather be riding my boys bike 4.) the girl to my left is a show out 5.) When is my solo?  I would have been the one in the middle that rode my boys bike.  How about you?  This is painted on an 18 x 36 x 2" canvas.sold

My next show is the Telfair Art Show in Savannah, GA Nov 11-13.  After that I will be in Nashville, TN at the Art show at Bentwood Academy Dec 2-4.  I am also participating in Mountain Brook Art Association's Holiday show Dec 2-17.


Sunday, October 30, 2016

moral support

sold
There is something about little girls in pink.  This is painted on a 12 x 16 x 2" canvas.  

Saturday, October 29, 2016

tiny dancer

This was one of those paintings that I was totally feeling insecure about.  I was not going to post until my husband told me he loved it.  Hmmmm...... Even though he does not have any artistic ability he has developed a good eye that has helped me many times.  Thanks Dano!
One thing I really like about it is her right leg.  If you can capture a gesture or movement in the pose it can make a painting.  I enjoy painting tutus so I plan to paint some more dancers to go with this painting.  Tutu series?  This is painted on a 12 x 24 x 2" canvas.sold

Email me at carolcarmike@att.net if you are interested in joining me at my home studio in Birmingham, AL for a two day workshop.  A few more details are in my last post.

Thursday, October 27, 2016

lovely girl

sold
I just returned from some time spent in the NC mountains and I am having trouble getting back into my routine.  I attempted one painting this morning that was a fail.  I was feeling discouraged so I thought it would be good to try something different.  This is primarily painted with palette knives. (I mostly use brushes) So.... lesson learned.....  If you fail, try something else. This is painted on a 6 x 12 x 2" canvas. Sold

I am announcing two workshops to be held at my home studio this January.  The first will be Jan 13 and 14 and the second will be on the 27 and 28.  The days are a Friday and Saturday and the hours are 9:30 until 4:00.  The class is limited to nine and lunch is included.  The workshop is $260. Email me at carolcarmike@att.net to reserve your spot or to learn more about the workshop. 

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

layla

Saying loose between commission work. This is painted on an 8 x 10 x 2".sold

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

modern folk

Titled after the Amazon radio station I am listening to.  She kind of looks like modern folk art.
  Painted on a 36 x 48 x 2" canvas.  I am in the middle of doing several small commissioned paintings so it helps me to paint something big and looser.sold

Saturday, October 15, 2016

sisters

A 6 x 8 x 2" commission piece.  I get to paint this scene twice for a patron.  She is gifting it to two relatives.  It is always interesting to me how the next one will probably be fairly different even though I will paint the same image.  Some of it has to do with the mood I am in while painting.  I will attach it to this post after I paint it so that you can compare.
Have a fun weekend!

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

pals

A friend got an early start on her Christmas shopping by having  me paint her grandson and his dog.  This is painted on an 8 x 10 x 2".  Precious!

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

take the long way home

This is not a cow.  It is a white rooster painted on a 20 x 40 x 2" canvas.  

Join me and other artists at the Bluff Park Art Festival this Saturday, October 1.  The hours are 9-5 and my booth # is E 6.


Tuesday, September 27, 2016

a friend of mine

sold

My husband said I have been on a cow painting jag. Sorry if you do not like cows.  I am weak.  Their sweet faces call out to me.  This one is painted on a 15 x 30 x 2" canvas.

I am preparing for the Bluff Park Art Show this Saturday in Birmingham.

Monday, September 26, 2016

mother's day out

I like this group.  The painting looks nice with my flowers too.  This is painted on a 24 x 48 x 2" and if it is dry enough it will be with me at this Saturday's Bluff Park Art Show.  The hours are 9 - 5.  I would love for you to come by! My booth number is E 6. sold

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Really big cow


This is painted on a 3 x 5 ft canvas.  I am terrible at photographing large paintings so my son Clint gave me a little assistance. It also gives you a little perspective of the size of the painting because he is right under 6' tall. I did not accessorize my front porch to go with the painting but it does.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Carolina

sold
This 30 x 30" piece was commissioned by a family from Asheville, North Carolina. One of my favorite places to visit.

My next show is the Bluff Park Art Show held right here in my home town of Birmingham.  The date is Saturday, October 1st  and the hours are 9 - 5. 

Friday, September 16, 2016

sit still, look pretty

36 x 36 x 2" canvas.sold

Join me at the Monte Sano Art Festival tomorrow in Huntsville, AL.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

peek a boo

sold
Come see this and other paintings at the Monte Sano Art Festival this weekend in Huntsville, AL.  Saturday 9 - 5 and Sunday 9 - 4.

"peek a boo" is painted on a 20 x 20 x 2" canvas.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

sweet days of summer

I struggled through this 24 x 36 x 2" for the last couple of days.  I wanted to do something a little more colorful.

I will be in Huntsville, AL this Saturday and Sunday for the Monte Sano Art Festival.  The hours are 9- 5 on Sat and 9-4 on Sunday.  Come see me!

Friday, September 9, 2016

color my world


If you around my age( I will be 55 next week) you probably had "color my world" by the band Chicago as your prom theme song.  I turned on music as I sat down to write this and it was the first song to play and provided a nice title for this painting. It may be my least favorite song by Chicago.

This is painted on a 30 x 40 x 2" linen canvas.  I have a client who would like a background similar to this so this was a warm up/try out. I like it.sold


Thursday, September 8, 2016

pretty buff

I might have exaggerated the shadow colors a bit.  :) sold
This is painted on a 20 x 24 x 2".  Chicken fans will understand the title. 

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Does anybody really know what time it is?

The band Chicago gave me a great title for my latest cow painting.  Things cows think about #1.

Happy to be home from my latest show with a lot fewer paintings.  I hope the new owners are enjoying them as much as I did painting them.  One thing I hear a lot from folks at shows is that my booth makes them smile.  Could you ever ask for a nicer compliment?  We all need more things to smile about. This is painted on a 36 x 36 x 2" canvas.sold

My next shows are as follows:

Monte Sano Art Festival  Sept 17 and 18  Huntsville, AL

Bluff Park Art Show Oct 1   Birmingham, AL

Telfair Art festival Nov 11-13  Savannah, GA


Thursday, September 1, 2016

big mad cow

sold
This is a commissioned piece for a new patron from Michigan.  She saw a painting I did a couple of years back titled "mad cow".  The painting was sold and small and she needed a bigger one.  I painted this 24 x 24 x 2" for her.  Every state needs a little bit of Alabama color in it.

I am participating in Art in the Park in Marietta, Georgia this Saturday- Monday.  The hours are 10 -5 each day.  Come see me if you are in the area.

Hope you have a fun and restful Labor day weekend!

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

oh dear

My cow and rooster paintings are getting jealous.  This is painted on a 12 x 16" canvas.sold

Monday, August 29, 2016

we go together

sold

I agonized over what to paint a couple of weeks after traveling in Asia.  I felt guilty that I did not come home and start painting elephants, rice fields, or other things I was exposed to for the first time.  I eventually got over it and have now come to realize what was the most beneficial for me from my trip.   It was being away from my studio and not painting for a month or so!  I needed a break from it.  Not everything I do in my life has to relate to my painting.  Sometimes you just do things for the fun and experience of it.
I am pretty happy with some things that I have painted since getting back in the studio.  So.....if you have the luxury of this....take some time to smell the roses.  They smell pretty good.
This piece is painted on a 20 x 40 x 2" canvas.  The colors shown here are not a great representation.

I will be in Marietta, GA this Saturday, Sunday and Monday for Art in the Park.  It is held in the town square and the hours are 10-5 each day.  My booth number is 150.   

Sunday, August 28, 2016

give me a revelation

Listening to Third Day's "revelation" this morning.  This is painted on a 24 x 36 x 2" canvas.

Saturday, August 27, 2016

Baaa...

Painted on a 12 x 24 x 2" canvas. sold

Friday, August 26, 2016

summer days

I am excited to get back in the studio on a regular basis.  I have had lots of great diversions this summer.  I really needed them.  I feel refreshed and ready to get back into painting.

I have a show next Saturday, Sunday and Monday in Marietta, Ga located in their beautiful downtown square.  The hours are 10 -5 each day.  That is a lot so come out and see me if you are in the area.

This is painted on a 20 x 40 x 2" canvas.sold

Saturday, August 20, 2016

family


I was fortunate to grow up having close relationships with my cousins.  Some of my fondest memories were those shared with my cousins on both my mom and dad's side.  So thankful for those wonderful people!  This piece was commissioned by one of my cousins so extra special love went into the creating.  It is very large.  3 x 4' , so I included an extra picture so that you can see how big it is in comparison to my easel.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

princess

I painted this commission piece before I traveled in July.  It was a surprise birthday gift so I am just now posting it.  Princess was the childhood dog of a friend that is my age.  His wife was thoughtful enough to  have me paint it for him.  I am actually listening to "Where the Red Fern Grows" right now.  I read it years ago but it is fun listening to it again.  All about a boy sacrificing and saving to buy two coon dogs.  We probably all have one or two dogs that were extra special in our history.
This is painted on an 11 x 14".

Sunday, August 14, 2016

pleasing combination

I painted this "pleasing combination" on a 12 x 24 x 2" canvas.  I felt a little more confident on this piece. Sold