Wheat Field

1 0f 2 wheat field paintings on canvas. Preparing for art show with City Arts Boutique next week at Eastlake's PopUp show.

Etsy Shop for Paintings

https://www.etsy.com/shop/AmandaBlake?ref=si_shop

VISIT updated Etsy shop! Click on the painting there for entire listings. Thanks!

DIY Table

All you need is a great neighborhood where your neighbors leave their old stuff by the road for pick-up. Most of you thrifty people know what I mean when I say "treasure hunting." We didn't have to go far when our nextdoor neighbors tossed out their old wheelbarrow. At first the vision was to put it to use with pinestraw, but with it's dangling wheel that was a no go. It was dismantled for parts and the ideas began to flow. I also have a favorite piece of wood we found two years ago amidst a firewood pile. It's not a log, but was definitely part of a beautiful tree at one time during it's lifespan. It had to be displayed as a tabletop sooner than later. ..but when? Before 2013. It was a stocking stuffer sneakret! While I was away getting goodies for his stocking, I returned, with much requested delay, to my new coffee table. I imagined it looking just like this. Very similar to one we saw at an antique store. We still plan on adding another layer of stain and polishing the metal, but as is I absolutely love it.

It also has now found a home on our front porch between our rocking chairs. I think a more suitable venue.

DIY Advent Calendar with Tiny Galvanized Pails

These were leftover from our wedding decor and have made their way back on to the scene for another special occasion, Advent 2012. Simple red-glittery number stickers and twine, viola, it is done! Thanks to an idea similarly found in the latest issue of Pottery Barn's Holiday catalog.

We are enjoying each day's advent activity, with a reading from a devotional, scripture, and meditating on one of the many names of God. 

Seasonal

A couple recent pieces showcased at City Arts Boutique

{acrylic on wood}

Le Pears : painting of pears

piriforme : Italian for "pear-shaped"

Today I spent a couple hours at City Arts Boutique in the Woodlawn business district. The beautiful thing is I also found several pieces of scrap wood, perfectly cut for the paintings I had in mind. I love old Tuscan paintings as well as French etiquette (well, anything to do with France really) ... one day we'll meet Italy and France, face-to-face. Til' then I'll be cathartically working on paintings here in Alabama. 

Artwork Brainstorm

Where to go next? From angels, horses, landscape, private commissions, renderings, drawings, and abstracts here and there, I'm not sure where to go with my painting. I love victorian, time-worn images, antiques, old buildings, salvaged furniture, and always have been intrigued by the inside of medical care. Is that a diverse enough of interests to explain my dilemma? I like using wood, paper, pens, paint, and found materials. When I can, I love making abstract, yet recognizable subject matter in paintings. If you take a minute to scroll through, will take a minute and comment/suggest your most "likable" pieces. ..and no I don't have a facebook button to make it official, but I'd love to know what others might think or like or have ideas about after looking at my work. Don't be shy!