The Creators Palette

Here comes Autumn – The colors are changing

2009-10-06T22:32:00.001-07:00

It’s been a difficult month physically. When my ANS ME/CFS flares, it’s hard to paint. It’s hard to do anything if the flare is bad – as it has been this past month.

Sadly, I was unable to even get my painting turned in for the Fall Show of the Southwest Washington Watercolor Society which is currently in progress this week. (I won my first ribbon at their Spring show)

As I looked back at my blog, I realized how long it had been since I posted. The last painting I shared was a cool summer painting.

So today, as the air turns crisp,and the leaves begin to turn, I wanted to share this new impressionistic Autumn watercolor.

I titled it “Serenity” because I imagine that is what I would feel as I walked up this country path. I hope there are few horses in that barn to pet on my way :-)

It’s available in my Etsy store and in my 1000Markets store. Right now, I have it in a dark brown frame with a cream mat and dark green liner – it looks beautiful framed!

I will send you a picture if you’d like to see it framed – and I can give you a quote if you’re interested in buying it with the mat and frame!

Hope you have a wonder Autumn, wherever you live. Our cool nights and dry days have been gorgeous. I’m sure rain is on it’s way, but I couldn’t ask for a more beautiful Autumn week!

Blessings,

East meets West in Watercolor Waterfall Landscape

2009-08-28T09:42:00.001-07:00

I took a wonderful workshop this summer from a world renown artist and author. He specializes in impressionistic watercolor – and I have so much to learn!

He says the next book he wants to write is about Asian watercolor techniques meeting Western watercolor techniques. I love that concept.

As I’ve practiced all that I learned in that workshop – I’ve had many “toss aside” paintings – but when I end up with one like this, it makes it all worth it!

I call this “Cool Summer Waterfall” – and though it has flavors of Asian painting – it is also a beautiful picture of a cool forest stream here in the Northwest!

Here’s a close up so you can get a better idea of the lovely colors and texture in the rocks and water…

This painting is available in my Etsy shop and my 1000Markets shop.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Leave me a not letting me know how you like this progression of style I am going through!

Black and White Watercolor on Canvas

2009-08-12T21:39:00.001-07:00

I took workshop recently, and one of the paintings I began working on was a sunset over water with a boat in the water.

As we learned composition rules, we were required to create tonal pencil drawings of our painting before starting.

During the workshop, I only got as far as the drawing and when I got home, my daughter saw it and begged me to paint it in black and white.

I debated the idea for a while, but finally gave in and this was the product. She’s so in love with this painting it’s hard to put it up for sale – but I didn’t name it after her “Ellen’s Boat”.

It’s painted completely with Payne’s Grey – which is not completely black and actually has a bit of a bluish tint to it when watered down.

I used YES canvas and painted the sides so it can be hung just as it is, or it can be framed. I think it would look fantastic in a floating frame!!

Let me know what you think of this monochrome – black and white watercolor. And, thanks for stopping by my blog.

Still being influence by Kauai – 2 new ACEO’s

2009-08-07T17:35:00.001-07:00

I can’t help it… the island got into my blood. I want to move there and just keep soaking in that healthful island living!

Well, still being there in heart has drawn out a of me, art inspired by the beauty there. I completed these three ACEO’s this week – all of which are for sale in my Etsy or 1000Markets shops (or click the picture)

What’s an ACEO you ask?

Well here is what I am sharing with my customers at my art fairs this summer:

Artist Trading Cards (or ATCs) are miniature works of art created on 2 ½ X 3 ½ inch or 64 X 89 mm card, small enough to fit inside standard card-collector pockets, sleeves or sheets. Cards are produced in various media, including dry media (pencils, pens, markers, etc), wet media (watercolor, acrylic paints, etc), paper media (in the form of collage, papercuts, found objects, etc). The cards are traded or exchanged between artists.

ATC’s have been traded amongst artists for years. Even famous artists like Renoir and Monet would take ATC’s and trade them with other artists at the great art exhibits in Europe.

ACEO’s (Art Cards, Editions and Originals) are an offshoot of Artist Trading Cards. In the 1990’s, artists found that non-artists also wanted to collect these miniature pieces of art – and so the name was changed to identify that they were being sold and ACEO’s were born.

ACEO’s are now highly collectible. They can sell for up to $700, and yet, they are most often a wonderfully affordable way to own an original art piece from your favorite artist.

ACEO’s can be displayed as trading cards, on miniature easels, or even matted and framed.

“Lover’s Beach” – Original Watercolor

2009-08-05T09:26:00.001-07:00

This was one of my favorite beaches where we spent time, sunning and snorkeling when we visited Kauai for our Anniversary.

I took a reference picture specifically to paint this scene - though, I only knew the outline... I didn't see the story unfolding until I began painting. Thanks to a workshop with Ron Ranson, I'm no longer afraid to add people into my paintings, and thus - they can tell a story - and this one does.

Come check it out in my Etsy shop "The Creators Palette" or click on the picture to see it on Etsy!

It's an original watercolor, 16"x12" painted on Arches cold press.

In Love with Plumeria

2009-07-25T08:24:00.001-07:00

“Plumeria Bud” © M Pruitt 2009

During my recent trip to the island of Kauai – I completely fell in love with the Plumeria flower!

The small and large trees of Plumeria were blooming everywhere. Their scent is intoxicating – their beauty varies from porcelain petals with yellow centers – to yellows with pink – pink with yellow – and even some very dark pinks.

This little ACEO is the first of many Plumeria’s I’ll be painting. It was a little bud that we watched open over the days we were staying in the cottage we’d rented. Here it is in half open stage with buds behind.

I tried to capture the feeling of the green all around us (as we were on the “Garden Island” and the jungley green side!

It’s available in my 1000Markets shop or in my Etsy store.

Mahalo and Aloha!

Art in the Park – First outdoor Art Faire

2009-07-20T13:03:00.001-07:00

This was my very first, outdoor art sale. It took my husband and I a week to come up with this set up. There are many things we want to improve, but it was a great beginning!

Unfortunately, it was a cold rainy Sunday and everyone seemed to find things to do indoors. That’s the way of it here in the Northwest.

“ART in the Park” will be held again the second Sunday in Aug and Sept. We are almost assured good weather in those two months!

ART in the Park:

Crown Park, Camas, WA

Aug 9 10am - 4pm

Sept 13 10am – 4pm

If you live in the Camas/Washougal, Vancouver/Portland area, I hope to see you there!

Art wakes up the heart

2009-07-07T08:33:00.002-07:00

Art should touch you and give you a moment or more away from the hustle and bustle of life.

Here are a bunch of people that received a surprise one morning in the Antwerp Station.

Nothing like a bright song and dancing to begin your day!

(sorry - you'll have to pause the music down at the right first)

Featured on Take Root and Write

2009-07-05T12:42:00.003-07:00

Wow! Kelley Pounds, a friend and fellow EART member at Etsy, also writes a column called "The Creators Creatives" on the Take Root and Write website.

She asked if she could interview me for the column and it's the such a wonderful article. I hope you all will come and read it - and I want to publicly thank Kelley for her wonderful writing and for choosing to interview me.

Interviews are always interesting to me because they cause me to stop and reflect and look inside myself.

This time, I saw the silver lining to the past 8 years and the illness that has plagued me.

Come read the article and leave a comment for Kelley (and for me)

Silk Painting in Kauai

2009-06-29T17:18:00.001-07:00

Marionette of “Painting Paradise” beginning the silk painting class

I belong to a group on Etsy called VAST = Visual Artists Team. I met a lovely artist named Marionette through this team. She lives in Kauai and her Plumeria painting is one of my favorites.

For our 25th wedding anniversary, our daughter sent us to Kauai. I was excited to meet Marionette, visit her studio and take a class from her. Originally, I was going to take a watercolor class – but then as I studied her class schedule (which you can see here on her class blog) I opted for a silk painting class.

I’ve always admired silk painting and had no clue how to start so the class was perfect for me – and so fun and exotic!

Here is my beginning – the outline of my Plumeria flowers.

Now we’re waiting for the salt to do it’s work on the paint.

Marionette worked right along with me. She’s a fantastic teacher. We not only spent some great time getting to know each other, but she also did a great job guiding me through each step.

While we waited for them to fully dry, my husband and I had some time to browse around Marionette’s lovely studio. What fun it was to see all these paintings – that I’ve long admired on Etsy – right there in real life!

My husband chose this print to frame and hang in his office:

I of course, had to purchase a print of her famous Plumeria painting!

And I also purchased an original Water Lily ACEO. What fun!!! You can click the pictures to see Marionettes Etsy shop. You should also visit her blogs (listed on the left) and if you are ever in Kauai, be sure and visit “Painting Paradise” – Marionette’s studio. You can take a variety of classes including classes out on location!

Mahalo Marionette, for such a fun and unique Hawaii experience!

You can also read Marionette’s blog about our time together here!

Aloha!

My first Art Show Ribbon!

2009-06-03T09:23:00.001-07:00

Watercolor on Canvas?

Yes, well, it is a bit uncommon. But there are two companies that are making canvas that is specially prepared for watermedia. I find it to be in between painting on Yupo and paper.

After the painting is complete, it is sprayed with varnish and can be hung directly on the wall with no matting or frame. There are no staples showing and I paint the all the way around the edge. However, it's 3/4" wide which easily allows it to be framed in a canvas frame as well.

This painting, "Lavender Fields" just won an award at the SW Watercolor Society Spring Show! It was my first ever show and my first ever ribbon! Pretty cool, huh?

It’s still for sale… come visit either one of my shops: at 1000Markets to pay with Amazon (US only) or Etsy to pay with PayPal (US and International.

Summer’s Here!

2009-05-31T14:23:00.001-07:00

As James Taylor so amply put it…

“Summer's here
I'm for that
Got my rubber sandals
Got my straw hat
Got my cold beer
I'm just glad that it's here

Summer's here
That suits me fine
It may rain today
But I don't mind
It's my favorite time of the year
And I'm glad that it's here”

He’s got it just about right. (Well… no beer for me… maybe a nice glass of Cabernet ) Here in the Northwest, summer hits – we get a hot spell, the roses start blooming, we start sunning and then it rains again for another month LOL!

But I don’t care – I’m celebrating summer! And you should too… just take a look at some of the lovely summer earrings and anklets I’ve made. (click the pic to go to my shop) – and lots more coming!

So what are you waiting for? Come visit me at TCPJewelry and jump into summer with me!

PS: Want a matching pair of earrings for 5.00? Just sent me a message and I’ll see if I can create something special to match your anklet.

The Great Northwest!

2009-05-12T02:12:00.001-07:00

For the past month or so, it's been a dreary cold spring. I have my painting "The Great Northwest" in a temporary mat and frame, hanging on my wall. I keep looking at it and I began to feel the proportions were really wrong - with that big snowy mountain sticking up like that. I even debated whether I should take if out of my shop.

Then, just this week, the sun came out - spring began in earnest and my hubby and I headed out to the nursery to buy some plants.

On our drive home, the drive we take any time we go to town, and the scene which inspired this painting, sprung before my eyes. With the gorgeous Columbia River, Mount Hood stood out so strong and majestic with such a lovely sky, that I sucked my breath in!

Suddenly, I realized that the proportions were not wrong in this painting! Our volcanic mountains rise suddenly and stand majestically over the lovely green rolling hills.

I've lived here almost 15 years, and I never tire of seeing the view that inspired this painting. And I never fail to marvel at the size of Mt. Hood - it's majesty standing above the green hillsides - with the river as never ending base of our view.

My favorite time of year to see Mt. Hood is right now! It's still covered in snow - but the hills are lush and green - reflected in the river that Lewis and Clark made famous. It's not my own exaggeration, but God's. And wow... does that mountain stand out!

I love the Pacific Northwest! If you've never visited it - you really should. There is no place on earth like it!

Lily Triptych

2009-05-02T12:01:00.003-07:00

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.

This Triptych (three paintings that hang together) has just been completed and listed in my shop The Creators Palette.

It’s a total of 36:x36” of painting – each painting being 12”x12”. They are painted with transparent watercolor on special watermedia canvas and sealed with Krylon spray varnish.

Painted on the sides – wired and ready to hang – these will make a lovely wall decor in home or office!

Come visit me at Etsy to see this and other original watercolor paintings!

I paint with pigment, he paints with words

2009-04-13T20:03:00.002-07:00

I paint with pigment. My son paints with words. With his permission, I’d like to share one of his paintings with you. He requested this music be playing as you read his artwork:

Dearest Ada Vera (Grammie),
I saw you last night. It was the first time in a while. The first time since your funeral in fact. I have to say it was good to see you again. And maybe happier than I've ever seen you before.
We were at your funeral for the second time, the cloudy morning full of dreariness was the same. The church was the same. I'm sure you'd like to know who was there, but for some reason the faces are just a blur. Rest assured it was a good service. I sat next to your loved one throughout. I know you would have taken his tears on yourself if you could, but since you weren’t there...well it was the least I could do to put my arm around him. At least I know now that he would be following you shortly...
Do you remember the end? Bagpipes filled the room with echoing sound; a familiar tune. Amazing Grace, wasn't it? Everyone followed him as it played...everyone leaving. The room empty. Except me. Because it was then that I saw you. And I saw Him.
As you rose out of the coffin, standing on your two feet, I think I heard something else. Did you hear it? Harps, singing...accompaniment to this last song. Or was it the first?
Then I saw Him, in all of His radiant glory! Standing at the other end of the room. A smile spread across His face, and his arms were held wide open to you. As I turned back I saw again the old one bent over. But you began to walk, to move toward Him. And as you did, a miracle occurred. You began to walk with more strength, and move faster. As you moved closer to Him I saw you get younger with each step. With each new lift of your foot a burden was lifted, more and more until you were running to him!
Now a young child, you leaped into his arms. He held you, laughing and tickling you. A smile on your face you squirmed and wiggled, at complete peace in your Fathers arms. He kissed your face, and held you close. You took a fistful of his hair and leaned in close to His ear. I could hear you whisper, "I love you." He laughed with radiant joy, and said "I love you too." You said "I know. You’re the best."
At that moment a beam of light descended from above. With you held to him tightly in one hand, he raised the other to the Heavens...and you descended into paradise with your Savior.
I wish I could tell you how happy I am that you are there ahead of me, dear Grammie. And I eagerly await the day, when I can join you.
Forever your grandson,
Christopher

© C. J. Pruitt 2009 (please do not copy or redistribute without artists written consent)

My Second 5ft x 3.5ft painting - The Vine

2009-04-09T10:50:00.001-07:00

Here it is! My second 5 ft x 3.5 ft watercolor on Stretched Canvas! Remember last year, when I painted "The Cross" for my church? Well, this year I painted "The Vine" - same colors and technique so they go well together. Enjoy this slide show of my process. As soon as it's hung, I'll add a picture of them both hanging up!

(sure am glad I pushed hard to get this done before my surgery! Still having problems with muscle pain, and blurriness)

EART Blog Carnival – Business Wish List

2009-04-08T09:57:00.002-07:00

The Etsy team EART (Eclectic Arisans Team) has begun a “Blog Carnival”. You can see the link here on my blog. Each month, we will all blog the same topic and you travel through the blog carnival and get a great glimpse of who we are, how we create and what we love!

So to begin with, our topic is: Create a wish list of up to 5 things/objects/items and describe why they are on your wish list for your small business!

So here is my wish list:

#1 I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to get a Guerilla Painter Watercolorboard and stand. It stretches and holds watercolor paper, and swivels around on the stand. It would be the perfect painting surface!

#2 My next big wish is to have a set of Kolinsky Sable Watercolor brushes! I can't wait for the day when I get to paint with these!

#3 I’d love to have a full spectrum Natural Lighting lamp! I paint all times of day, and here in the Northwest, we have a lot of dark cloudy days. Natural lighting would sure help me keep my colors true – no matter what time of day I was painting!

#4 I would like a Logan mat cutter – and as long as I’m wishing, I’d choose the 750/760 series so I could cut large mats for shows. (include a nice supply of mat board)

#5 And lastly, I’d love to add to my Oil Pastel collection. Right now I only have Sennelier… which I love, but they are very soft. I would add some other brands, like Holbein, and Nupastel so I could do more detail in my Oil Pastel paintings!

Wow… that was easy! I think I could keep going! But five was the limit… so there it is… my wish list!

Kreativ Blogger Award - Seven Things I Love

2009-03-31T19:35:00.007-07:00

I have been given this lovely award by a wonderful artist and friend, Jennifer Nilsson! Thanks Jenna! You can see Jennifer's fantastic whimsical artwork at her website - Mouser-kinsmagic

I have several pieces of artwork from Jennifer. I have an original from her very early days - before she was "discovered". I received it as a swap in an art group! I also have an original "March" mouserkin ACEO, and I bought my sister "April" and my Mom "June". I also commissioned a special "Princess Peach" ACEO for my daughter. And now, I have a framed print of Princess Bindweed hanging on my wall!!! Yes... I love Jen's work!!!!

Okay...now I will fulfill the award commitments by:
"naming seven things I love and pass it on to seven other bloggers."

I love:

(in no particular order)

Bill
Painting
God and His son Jesus
Roses
Taran - my son's dog who sits on my lap every day
My 3 kids
TEA

And the 7 bloggers I would like to pass this to:

Marionette Kauai Artist
Emily Dancing Light
kD Blueyeduckstudios
Patti Simple*Blessings
Colors of Qavah
Pearl at FehuStonware
Carol at Yankeegirl's Watercolors and Photography

Have fun you seven! I look forward to seeing your lists!

Great Mother’s Day Gifts – NEW Earrings in stock

2009-03-30T10:21:00.001-07:00

What should you get Mom for mother’s day?

How about some lovely, handmade earrings?

These are brand new in my shop, and if you add a note “Mother’s Day Gift” I will also send them wrapped and ready to give!

Newest Watercolors

2009-03-26T19:01:00.002-07:00

It’s been much too long since I’ve blogged. That is mostly because I’ve been painting and preparing for my local watercolor society show!

This will be my first show, so I’ve been learning all about framing with plexi-glass (acrylic) instead of regular glass. I don’t like using it all! It’s very static and scratches so easily! But all paintings must be framed in it for the show.

These are two of the paintings I’ve completed and framed in the past couple of weeks. Haven’t decided yet which one I will enter. I can actually enter up to three if I want to… but I haven’t decided yet.

This first painting is titled “Beth’s Swan”, measures 11"x16" and is framed to 16"x20". Beth Peardon (click here), a fellow artist and friend on the BBEST team on Etsy, gave me her permission to use one of her gorgeous photographs as a reference picture.

***WARNING – never use someone’s photograph for a reference picture unless you have specific permission. ***

This second painting is titled “Reflection”, and it measures 12"x16" and is matted and framed to 18"x24". I have both of these matted and framed in my living room – and I’m beginning to wonder if I can part with this one! (reflected in his eyes are clouds and a flying bird).

Neither of these paintings are listed for sale online yet, but they probably will be after the show next week. I’ll be putting them on DesignStyleGuide.net and in my 1000 Markets shop. I’ll post the links when they are listed – but if you’re really interested in either one… feel free to contact me.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sunset Solitude Original Watercolor

2009-03-17T15:17:00.006-07:00

Language... has created the word "loneliness" to express the pain of being alone. And it has created the word "solitude" to express the glory of being alone.
~Paul Johannes Tillich, The Eternal Now

This original watercolor measures 14"high x 11" wide. It's painted with artist quality paints and paper, with a fantastic pigment from Daniel Smith, bringing shimmer and texture to the clouds and hillsides.

You can purchase it at my 1000 Markets shop TheCreatorsPalette using Amazon checkout. (If you prefer to use Paypal it will be in my Etsy shop for a short time.)

A New Look and ACA Award!

2009-03-14T18:21:00.003-07:00

Well? What do you think? I've spent this week making my blogs more personally "me"! I found instructions on how to turn my blogger template into three columns at Three Column Blogger and lots of tips on making my own banner and choosing a background at The Blogger Guide. It was a lot of work, but I'm pretty happy with it and hope it will make reading more fun and easy!

I also found out this week, that I won another ACA award! This year I was nominated in the Fiber Art category for my needle felted ACEO's! I won third place! Cool!

One more big big thing coming up... I am going to be entering my first ever watercolor show! It's held at the Westfield Mall in Vancouver, WA and I'm going to enter at least one piece and maybe two. I turn in my paintings the evening of March 29th. It is held in the main area in front of Nordstroms and will be up all week long. Anyone in the area should stop by and check it out! And maybe you'll even think mine deserves some votes for the People's Choice Award! Everyone who comes to the show gets to vote!

So... leave me a message and tell me what you think of my new blog template!

Earrings Earrings and Earrings!

2009-02-25T09:22:00.001-08:00

What have I been working on lately? You guessed it! Earrings!

One of my medications, unexpectedly, was unavailable for several days. This caused a lot of fatigue, and so I was back to my recliner, movies and a little jewelry making!

So here’s a little peek at what’s new in my TCPJewelry store. Click on the picture to see the listing!

Meet PolkaDot Candle Shoppe

2009-02-24T10:05:00.001-08:00

I met Wendi in one of the forums on Etsy. She posted a link to her blog and mentioned that she was having a giveaway. Well… I have entered hundreds of blog giveaways and only won twice. But when I saw her candles… I just had to enter!

She was offering one of her lovely fragrant candles. I can never resist a fragrant candle. She asked everyone who entered to tell what fragrance they would choose.

As I entered her shop I was pleasantly surprised! She says her candles are “highly scented”, and the list of fragrances was amazing!!! It took me forever to decide what I would post on her blog!

As you may have guessed, I won the drawing!!! I get to receive one of these lovely candles with a green holder and I chose “Flowering Dogwood”. I know I’m going to need to order more though.

Click either of the pictures or CLICK HERE to see PolkaDot Candle Shoppe! I know I’ll be back there shopping soon!

Thank you Wendi!!!!

Spring Tulip ACEO

2009-02-19T10:58:00.002-08:00

(c) M Pruitt 2009

ACEO's are still one of the hottest selling original art items on the market! I think it's because they are affordable and collectors can add a great variety of original artwork to their collections at very affordable prices!

This is my newest ACEO - Abstract Spring Tulip - combining a stained glass look, with watercolor and ink. It's available in my shop TheCreatorsPalette