wellerwishes: September 2011

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Halloween

Here is one of the pieces in my upcoming show on October 7th
at Custom Art Framing and Gallery 9.

It is called... HALLOWEEN! It's a mixed media piece.

I'm not sure if this piece is done yet. It might still be talking to me... What do you think it's saying?

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

In my family, this is a special birthday week. My mother and One of my sisters each celebrate birthdays three days apart, and this year, it's happening this week! CHEERS and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to BOTH of them!!! XXXOOO!!!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Geeky Painting Product Review Chat!

...Ready for a (LONG) Paint Chat today with me?

Today, I'm sharing some of my favorite painting products! I often do digital art and I LOVE it but I'm still analog to the core as well. Drawing of the pencil, paper, and pen and ink variety has always been my be-all, end-all. Hey, I was a Fine Arts major in college, after all! So, no matter how much I love doing art on the computer, "analog art" will always be an integral part of my life and my artwork. I've been doing it a long time and have tried many products on the market in the realms of my favorite media. There are some brands and products that haven't failed me yet and I have stuck by through the years. I also have a new favorite or two, down the page. Hey, if you've made it this far and you're still interested, please be my guest and read on!

Since I enjoy both acrylic and watercolor painting, I have my favorite in each category. For watercolor, I love Holbein tube paints the best. I have a little Daler-Rowney mixed in there as well, which I have found to be solid in terms of overall quality. For acrylic painting, I use lighter-bodied paint for most of the detailed painting work. For this, I love the Golden Fluid Acrylics, which offers an excellent variety of dense, saturated colors in a lighter consistency of paint. A close second is the Liquitex Soft Body line, which is a little thicker than the Golden. I sometimes need to thin them a bit. However, with these richly pigmented colors and superior consistency, they are easily thinned without any pigment separation or over-wateryness of the paint. For grounds and covering larger areas, I use a heavy body paint, and Liquitex brand Heavy Body paint is easily my "go to".

Above left: this Liquitex Gloss Varnish is truly excellent. Used for the final glazing step for acrylic paintings, this is not a workable medium. I recently tried it for the first time, and I'm extremely happy with the results. Above right: A Dick Blick store recently opened near me, so I had to try their line of acrylic matte thin body paint. I usually think twice before buying a store brand simply because the quality is just not always there (quality of "house products" varies greatly, depending on the chain and the product itself, I find), but it was so reasonably priced and the variety of hues so enticing, I simply had to give it a shot! Guess what? So far, so good!

Not shown: I've been painting on the Ampersand Gessobord line of wood box panels, and these are the finest overall quality that I've tried of the boxed panels. I have recently tried the Dick Blick version as well. It's not quite as Rolls Royce-ish as the Ampersand, but it is still very solid - like maybe it's the Volkswagen. It's nicely made, and on the flat, non-boxed variety of panels, there is even a notch drilled out of the back for you to hang the art easily. Nice touch. To give you a complete picture, I should mention that I have also tried the Elephant brand wood boxed panels (which you can purchase at Artist and Craftsman). I've only tried their bare, ungessoed ones. I've since started using pre-gessoed panel, and I cannot offer an opinion on the elephant pre-gessoed panels since I have not tried them. I can only speak for the bare wood panels. As far as box panels go, they are well-made. But, as far as the finer details are concerned, gessoed or not gessoed, these are a bit more splintery and rough around the sides* than any of the other brands I tried. I've discovered I don't like this quality in my box panels so I probably will not be buying more of these. These are still sturdy and very well-made, but the slightly more burly grain and lack of finishing is something to keep in mind. I found the price point of the Elephant vs. Dick Blick's panels sort of negligible—Blick's prices go up with the depth of the cradle (they come in several). But the Ampersands on the whole, cost notably more. If you can pick them up on sale, that is the way to go. I got in on a GREAT Ampersand sale at Utrecht the other week!

(*None of the gessoed wood box panels I tried are gessoed on the sides, only the front.)

Look at the foam brush above! That thing is a miracle worker. It's the perfect tool for layering your gloss medium, or for mounting a print to a wood panel. (If you are curious about how to do that, I'd be happy to show you! I have a Demo blog post in thee works on this very subject, so check back soon.) You can get this foam brush at any old hardware or art supply store for just some some change or around a dollar, depending on the size of brush. If you take good care of it, you can get some decent use from one brush!

"These are a few of my fa-vor-ite things..." Some of my favorite acrylic paints! Liquitex brand. (The Blick's are new, but so far I am liking them. I would not rely on them for anything but detail work, but they fit the bill for that.). Golden Fluid Acrylics not pictured but I can't forget to mention them as they are huge favorites of mine. (Ok so I already mentioned them once before... hey, they're good!)

Palettes... You know what I often use? Wax paper!

Well, that's it for today!
Hope you enjoyed this post. Please feel free to leave a comment (I love to hear what you have to say!) or to tweet it out if you would like to share it. I always greatly appreciate it! :) Happy painting!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Jive Cats: First Look

I received the first fabric sample of Jive Cats!

The feature panel came in the mail a few weeks ago. It really is something to have the work you breathed, slept and ate and put your heart into for such an intense period of time, right there in tangible form. I am so happy to see it, and yes I am bursting at the seams! I actually did tear up a teeny bit when I saw this in person. Colors look rich and deep—so pretty!

I showed the panel to my friends' three-year-old daughter this weekend. She went pretty crazy for the ice cream cone kitty—so funny! I am so looking forward to having some stuff for her whipped up from Jive Cats fabric. It's going to be just perfect for her.

Here is a "sell card". There is one for each colorway. These are large (11 x 17) heavy card stock, accordion-fold printed pieces with four panels containing images and information about the line. The Northcott Sales team will use these to introduce the line to their clients.

The printed piece features all of the pertinent information about the line. It also includes quilting patterns created exclusively for Jive Cats—very neat! The talented quilt designers at Northcott came up with some fantastic quilt designs for the collection. You can see the beautiful quilt designs here in the right rail. (I'm so tempted to commission someone to make a Jive Cats a quilt!)

Hope you liked seeing the first look. I'll be doing a series of posts about the process of creating the collection a little closer to launch date, so please stay tuned!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Illustration Friday: Ferocious

(Remember the tease last week?)

This Jack-O-Lantern is FEROCIOUSly excited to dance around on Halloween for us and SPOOK everyone! Who does he think he's kidding? He's a cute little goblin, I'm not scared. Well, maybe he is FEROCIOUS in spirit!
This is a 12x12 mixed media piece I recently completed, which will be in a group show soon. (here)

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Are you scared yet?? Two Shows In October

Have I been mysterious enough for you?I am so excited to tell you about a couple of art exhibits I have going on in the month of October. Here they are, in chronological order...

Show #1..
What: "Bostonia- A Collection of Collectives"
Where: Lincoln Arts Project, 289 Moody St., Waltham, MA 02453
When: Reception Friday, October 28. On view from Oct. 1-30.
The deets: This show features artists from a variety of different art collectives in Boston. The theme is Halloween! I have two pieces in this show, both are for sale.

Show #2..
What:"First Friday" monthly artist series Oct. 2011 featuring the works of Kim Weineck & myself
Where: Custom Art Framing and Gallery 9, 45 Central St., Norwood, MA 02062
When: Reception Friday, October 7, 6-8pm
On view from Oct. 7-30.
The deets: Both Kim and I will be displaying our latest works. All work will be for sale. I will give you a little hint of how my art will be themed: OCTOBER HOLIDAY! (Hint Hint, see above for a good clue!) Hope you can come!

Print #30/30 - Day 30!

"Boho Bouquet" art print on Etsy

I made it—Whew! I finished my 30/30 challenge! I set forth to accomplish posting thirty prints in thirty days to both my blog and Etsy, oh, some 32 -odd days ago. Hay, I may have taken a couple of extra days, but I did it. I'm so happy that I've completed my mission successfully! Hey, I knew it was going to be a challenge going in. And I will be honest—right after I made the commitment to myself and to you, I did think, "Uh-oh... Can I do this??" Well, I did it! And yes, it was a challenge but I love a good challenge. And you know what else? It was a very worthwhile one. I stuck to my goal, and a lot of good came out of it— good things that would be expected as a by-product of sticking to a goal, such as the satisfaction of following through. But other good things came from it too— things that I really didn't even think about at first.

For one thing, I'm pretty thrilled that the project has been such a great creative catalyst for my work. Over the course of the month, I have become even more inspired in current projects, some that I have yet to blog about. Also, the project has seriously reinvigorated and reignited my blogging and also my passion for blogging. Whoa-did I just say that? I never thought about it quite like that before. Wow!

This project has been so great, that I'll be starting a brand NEW art blog challenge here very shortly... please stay tuned.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Trend Shopping: Pet Stuff

The other day, I went to Petco to pick up something for my girls. I also took the opportunity to check out what's happening in pet products...

Of course I saw tons of plush toys. These in particular caught my eye. The owl is so modern and I love the colors! It's filled with catnip. Nice touch. The sock monkeys also really appealed to me! (The turtle's not so bad, either!)

Since pet products are designed to appeal to the humans who buy them, I can't help but eventually gravitate to the stuff that's also made just for us people. I fell kind of hard for these bobble-head dog figurines. They give off the perfume of nostalgia like a Glade plug-in. It's inescapable, in the very best way!

The sticky pads really struck me funny. Nostalgic too, yes, but in a 60's or 70's Barbie coloring-book cover way... or like so many 60's Harlequin romance covers. My grandmother went through those like she went through cans of Aqua Net and hair rollers! And, yup, she passed them on down to us. Bags and bags of them. I was reading those old romance stories in between my Encyclopedia Browns and Nancy Drews. (I know— completely inappropriate! But, nothing to worry about— these books were harmless.)

Seeing all of these animal magazines in a large display like this is quite striking. I love all of the details in the photo, and how a different breed is the star of each magazine. It's so fun to look at!
The greeting cards are all by Avanti, I believe. Now, I look at a lot of greeting cards and I write copy for them too, so I am opinionated about greeting cards, but it comes from a place of high respect for the craft! Funny pet photography cards sometimes humor me, sometimes (...often) don't. These Avanti cards? Pre-tty hilarious! The photography and photoshop action was also spot-on, often just perfect and perfectly funny. Great quality here all around, I'm happy to report. I even laughed out loud a bit! Ha!

Note about 30/30: Final post tomorrow!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Print #29/30: Hoots in Hats #7

Hoots in Hats Series #7 ACEO art print on Etsy

I LOVE SLEEP.

There was a time in my life—a time up until fairly recently—when I could get by on little sleep for extended periods of time. Those days are gone! Nowadays, I can get by on limited sleep, but only for a very specific, short-term period of time. Basically, I really need my sleep, or I am simply not functioning. It is as simple as that. Sleep: it's just one of those things that forces me to keep my priorities in order!

On that note... Good morning! Tired yet?

Monday, September 19, 2011

October 2011 Newsletter

My October Newsletter is live! I won't talk too much about it here, though when you can check it out for yourself. If you'd like to receive my newsletter straight to your email, sign up here.

Print #28/30 Hoots in Hats series #6

Hoots In Hats #6 ACEO on Etsy

I think these two are having a conversation about yesterday's baseball game! They are very animated and speaking quite passionately as baseball fans typically do when they get on the subject of the previous days' game, and they all start playing "Monday morning quarterback". Well, wrong sport, but accurate analogy!

I would be the buggy on the right, zenning out and napping on my swing... zzzz.... Ha, the life of a Baseball widow! (and Football, and Hockey, and Basketball!) Hey, I am not complaining though! I like to listen to Matt's games that he watches on the TV while I work in my studio, which is just about 10 yards away! :) One of the secrets of a successful marriage :D

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Print #27/30: Hoots in Hats #5

Hoots In Hats #5 ACEO on Etsy

Here are some sunny yellow hoots and a happy green bird buddy. They are on their way to one of the last baseball games of the season. Clearly two of them need a little nap before the game... But I'm not pointing fingers here—no judgements! I love a good nap, too!

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Print # 26/30: Hoots in Hats #4

Hoots in Hats Series #4 ACEO on etsy

Lots of birdies (and a few buggies too) wishing you a happy Saturday...

Friday, September 16, 2011

Illustration Friday: Mesmerizing

I love rainy days! Rain drops are mesmerizing, puddles too, and the big grey sky.

Does life move slower on a rainy day, or is it just me?

The kitty above certainly seems to think so...

Print #25/30: Hoots in Hats #3

Hoots in Hats Series #3 ACEO on Etsy

Hmmm...These owls are very color-coordinated for fall. Such fashionable hoots. Happy Friday!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Print #24/30: Hoots in Hats #2

"Hoots in Hats #2: Sunday Best" ACEO on Etsy

There is something that is just so "Southern Belle" and "Wear your Sunday Best" about this little team of two. Do you sense this as well? They are all gussied up and looking so prim and prop! I think their friends on the left are quite admiring those matching hats...

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Print #23/30: Hoots in Hats #1

Hoots in Hats ACEO #1 on Etsy

Today I am starting a series featuring these cute little owl characters! I call them Hoots In Hats.
I love owls, and they sure are fun to draw. What is CUTER than a cute hooty-hoot owl? Maybe one with a baseball cap? Or a pair of quirky-cool mod eyeglasses? DEFINITELY stripey-legged owls. Those are, for SURE, too cute..

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Something wicked this way comes...

Whether spooky or cute, everything is better with a little dash of glitter, wouldn't you say?
Can't wait to share more!
Soon...

Print #22/30: Saving for a rainy day

Saving For A Rainy Day ACEO art print on Etsy

This one makes me smile every time I look at it... there is something so cheery about a decked-out umbrella. Who minds a little water when you've got a cute umbrella? And all the better when it's helping to encourage good fiscal habits!

Monday, September 12, 2011

Print #21/30: GRAND

GRAND ACEO small art print on Etsy

Here's another lettering illustration... and another word that I like! (Who says the word "Grand" these days? Me!)

Have a GRAND Monday!!

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Print #20/30: Fabulous

Fabulous ACEO 3.5"x2.5" small gift art print on Etsy

I love this word. I use it all the time, maybe too much. But it's okay with me! It is such a FABULOUS word to express myself I simply can't help it! I wanted to show off "Fabulous" in a way that really displays it's true sparkling, out-there personality just as I feel it every time I use the word!

It's kind of a retro word, yet timeless. It comes across as a little bit flighty and dramatic, yet it's very much grounded in terms of the statement it makes! So I of course dressed it up as a cross between a Las Vegas neon sign and a retro 60's genie's lamp. Perfect!

Illustration Friday: Boundaries

What boundaries (of the moral, integrity, and legal kind) do some companies and people cross in order to turn a profit? That's the subject of this illustration which I did years ago for the Graphic Artists Guild newsletter. It's fun to revisit and it still feels fresh to me. The subject matter, of course, is just as relevant as ever!

Friday, September 09, 2011

Print #19/30: FANTASTIC FRIDAY

FANTASTIC! art print ACEO on Etsy

I have a little confession to make. I started out feeling marvelous yesterday, but the marvelousness didn't quite hold solid throughout the entire day, I'm afraid. Every day can't be top to bottom marvelous, or we would not be human! Peaks and valleys... I am however happy to report that I did end the day feeling marvelous. So there's a silver lining for you.

Also, having started AND ended Thursday on a MARVELOUS note did pave the way quite nicely for FANTASTIC FRIDAY! TGIF!

Thursday, September 08, 2011

When was the last time you asked yourself...

Add caption

When was the last time you asked yourself this? Today for me.

Print #18/30: Let's All Be MARVELOUS Together

MARVELOUS ACEO art print by WellerWishes (here on Etsy)

I don't know about you, but I spend a fair amount of my day walking around feeling marvelous. I think everybody should. It's hard to let a little coffee spill on your skirt or an ornery person on the train get to you when you are feeling marvy. Try it. (Seriously! Because Darling, YOU are MARVELOUS!)

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

Print #17/30: Coffee Shop Cats

Coffee Shop Cats illustration by Kathy Weller • Art print on Etsy

Okay, okay... so just call me "Miss High Concept" when it comes to cats and dogs. I can't seem to help myself, can I? :)

Now WHAT could be more fun than a bunch of retro kitty 50's waitresses, waiters and bus boys? Okay, I got it : there are no waitresses on roller skates. This is TRUE, I have to admit. So maybe that jumps the concept to a level even a little higher than I was going for. But hey, I like my kitty waitressess with both back paws on the ground, thankyouverymuch. Especially when they are serving me my hot coffee! (No spills, please!)

Well, clearly the waitstaff above are VERY experienced. In fact, they all seem to be a PURRFECT fit for their jobs! (Can you imagine the cat calls and the cat fights in THIS diner?) I know I'd personally enjoy being waited on by any one of 'em. Dining AND entertainment, all rolled into one!

Tuesday, September 06, 2011

Print #16/30: Raining Cats and Dogs


Raining cats and Dogs art print on Etsy

Today is a rainy day around here- a perfect day for my Raining Cats and Dogs illustration. I'm offering this in four colorways for the first time. To see them all visit the Etsy listing.

Don't forget your umbrella!

Raining Cats and Dogs art print - detail

Monday, September 05, 2011

Print #15/30: Town Tails - Busy Day

Town Tails Dogs Art Print

I missed a day, and right after patting myself on the back on Day #14. Oh well! It IS Labor Day weekend so I hope you will forgive the little slip. :)

In observance of Labor Day, today I bring you these busy doggies. They are out and about and "laboriously" going about their days! The print comes in two colors (check out the listing to see the other color). Check it out!

Happy Labor Day!

Saturday, September 03, 2011

Print #14/30: Garden Dog

View and buy Garden Dog art print on Etsy here

Happy Saturday. Today's art is Garden Dog. This is a piece I originally created as the base concept for an art licensing collection, but this particular execution never made it past the first stage. I like to put dogs and cats in just about whatever theme I can squeeze them into, and with gardening it made sense to me. Dogs spend a lot of time outside, it seems to me that a large percentage of people who garden also tend to be a dog people. So, why not?

Reality check: I have no idea how I've made it this far into my project without collapsing, or at least missing a day. Tomorrow will be halfway through! Woo hoo!

Friday, September 02, 2011

Print #13/30: I Love 2 Grow Green Things

I Luv 2 Grow Green Things original illustration art print on Etsy

More gardening fun with this happy pup. I love the color combo, and the little hearts at the bottom make another appearance from yesterday... Cute?

Happy Friday!

Thursday, September 01, 2011

Print #12/30: The Plant Whisperer

The Plant Whisperer art print available on Etsy

The Plant Whisperer
Do you see the irony in using the term "The Plant Whisperer" to describe a gardening dog? I thought it was funny! The TV show "The Dog Whisperer" brought the term into our everyday vernacular and brought the star of the show, dog trainer-psychologist-behaviorist Cesar to national recognition.