Late Night Inspiration

Inspiration can come at the strangest time. Last night at 2 am I woke up and had to draw out what popped in my head. This hand painted letter takes me back to a simpler time when people took the time to write to someone who may reside in a hotel. I know that Coco Channel lived at the Ritz Hotel in Paris and now there is a suite named after her. Can you imagine how inspiring that room would be. Today I had fun painting this "Letter of Love" and sort of winged it as I went along.

I am in love with old letters and labels, and signs and this was inspired by some I have seen.

Here is a close up of the stamp I hand painted and added on top of the canvas.

On the back I added a little wax seal and signed it with love.

I love a day of just painting and playing around....don't you?

Voila

Jamie

Along The Way

I am sitting here in Canon Beach thinking of you. Been lots of fun so far and so much to see. A pretty drive down to Long Beach,Washington and stayed on the beach with the softest sand, we caught a glimpse the alligator man...went to Astoria and saw the "Goonie House" and the school from Kindegarten Cop. You should hear the sea lions..they are so loud, like dogs barking. The recession must have hit hard here because there was a lot of empty store fronts in Astoria. It's sad to see because it is such a beautiful city. I am off to explore Canon Beach today and do some retail theraphy. The weather is good except this morning seems a rather blustery day. But that wont stop us. I'll keep you updated on all our adventures.
Voila
Jamie

Road Trip

I am off on a road trip in my friends motor home.We are headed down the Oregon Coast and should be gone a week or so. I am looking forward to taking lots of pictures of our adventures and possibly some video. As an artist I look for new inspiration and can't wait to see whats others are doing and visiting some new gallery's. I am not sure if I will have access to wireless but will try to keep you informed and possibly post a few pics. I hope our good weather continues. Until later I bid you farewell.

Bon Voyage

Jamie

Beautiful Fall

I have been outside alot. October is my birth month and one of my favorites. We have had warm beautiful days and cool evenings. The September rush is over and routine has set in. Clubs and team sports are starting up and it's gets darker a little earlier each day. Fall is everywhere.

My sister and I took some time out and went for a visit to Galey Farms.

We took my 16 year old niece and had a blast. We acted like kids playing tag in the corn maze and rode the little train. We also enjoyed a hay wagon ride and got to pick out our own pumpkins. I managed to take some photos and bought lots of fresh produce. The weather was perfect, what a great day.

Voila

Jamie

The Colors Of Fall

I just adore the colors of fall



The leaves are falling and changing color. The air is crisp and cool on our walks in the woods, the temperature has dropped. The smell of wood burning is in the air as people light the fireplace for the first time this season. Today I noticed the little kid across the street is proudly displaying his new Jack O Lantern painting in the front window of his house. Halloween is not that far away.


My dog loves sitting in and sniffing the leaves. Last year he sat for a bunch of photos and didn't seem to mind that I kept changing the setting.

He loves the camera and knows how to vogue.



I had a bit of fun with this one. I have to think of something interesting for this years photo. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Voila
Jamie

Flea Market Frame.

Found this old frame a few months ago...got it for a song. It's a large metal oval frame with ivy leaves on it, I thought it would make a perfect sign for my petite maison. When ever I looked at it I visioned it weathered and old with a slight patina look about it. I sprayed the body with a rust paint and the went to work on the top coat. With a finger I applied paints and creams and rubbed it on and rubbed it off. This effect gave the metal a buffed look and then I rubbed some bronze, and gold into the texture of the metal. I also brushed on some powders in various colors of blues, greens and purples. I buffed it with a cloth and rubbed it till it shone like old metal. It was just so much fun and relaxing to muck about with. These photos don't do it justice so click to enlarge them to get the full effect.

I was really happy with how it turned out. It reminded me of some of the metals in I seen in Paris and how over the years the elements have aged and colored them. To think some of these pieces have been there for years and years and some are newer but still are just beautiful.

There is the beautiful entrance to Laduree.

The sights you see hanging out in a grave yard in Paris...even Jim Morrison has weathered quite nicely.

Or other treasures Paris has in abundance.

I am really excited to have a nice frame perfect for one of my upcoming paintings and can't wait to fill it.

Voila

Jamie