Now that I have decided to open a gallery again, I need to spend some time everyday painting or drawing. I must find the discipline to get everything done that I want to get done for home, shops, family, websites and more. I also want to adopt a dog but that is another post another time.


In any event, I am just going to post a couple of my recent drawings and leave today at that. There is also a name for the new gallery, 940 Gallery. It is the street address but really I should call it  All My Little Chicks Gallery, as I consider my artwork my little chicks, part of the spelling of my last name, VenarCHICK.

These flowers would also make great charms too. Hmmmm

Not quite done yet, but I like the direction it is taking.

The full moon has come and gone and along with it a surge in energy that I felt every where I went and in every thing I did. Incredibly bright, the light from the moon helped me sleep. I find it very comforting to open my eyes briefly at night and see the moon light streaming through the venetian blinds. There was no wind, warm air was moving into our area and we have enjoyed two, count 'em two days of sun!

I wish I had some pictures to show you of work that I have done but having been in the shop for the last six days and all I have managed to accomplish is being in the shop. I have tomorrow off though so I am going to hang in the studio and try to finish a drawing and make a few things.  Tonight I actually found some energy and straightened out the warehouse a bit. With the new shelves from Regina in there, things are easy to put back into their places if only I would do it at the time! When customers visit and shop from the warehouse, it is so much easier to have it be all neat and tidy.

Spring is filling the air here in Port Townsend and already I am envisioning a garden and flowers and sitting on the front porch knitting on warm afternoons. ( Not too warm though, the mid 70's will be just fine. ) I have even purchased plastic glasses with palm trees on them for ice tea parties on the porch. I can hardly wait!

So in ending this rambling post, I am hoping your Easter Sunday was filled with the blessings of family, friends, sunshine and good food.

Ompa Loompa - the color I wore today

Grape hyacinths adorn the hillside behind my shop.

I had an absolutely lovely day today. Partially because the sun was out of course, after yesterday's drenching rains and ice pellets, light from the sky alone, was enough to make it a lovely day. More than that, it was one of those days where things seem to fall into place and all is right with the world and people are in a good mood and the vibe hanging in the air is one of renewal and spring reawakening. A trumpet sounds and the earth springs awake and becomes friend to the sky and people respond with laughter and kindness. Amazing, simply amazing.

First off, my friend Dale has agreed to join me in a gallery venture and in June we hope to open the 940 Gallery and exhibit our work, he photography and me paintings, permanently in our own space! I have been too long away from the painting world and now, I have a gallery space urging me on to painting, finishing a body of work. My artist's soul feels reborn! I could dance with inspiration and tomorrow I will think of what needs to be done to make the space into a gallery. For tonight, I will celebrate a gallery   and an opportunity to do what passionately moves me.

I had lunch with Marlene and although it was not nearly as long and lingering as I would have liked, it was wonderful to have her back in town! Six weeks on the road was TOO long, Marlene! I missed you my salad with yogurt dill dressing buddy!

I hired someone for the yarn shop and I think she will be terrific! I knew there would be a person nearby that would want to be a diva in the shop along with the rest of us and I am delighted it is Rebecca!

Finally, I tried on a ring that my jeweler friend Jeff bought for $ 75,000! He strolled into the shop so casually with his dog, Bunny and said I have something you might like to see; five carats of gorgeously stunning diamond. Yum - delight.

Some days are like this, magical little things happen and I ma rejoicing in life and sun and people diamonds. Blessings and gratitude, those are the words today and really, everyday.

That incredible diamond temporarily on my finger.

When I sit down to draw designs for charms, I often find myself doodling first suns and then flowers. I'm not sure what it is about flowers but I see so much in their natural layering of petals, leaves, stamens and stems. Maybe it appeals to the folk artist in me who has spent years decorating furniture with the whimsical and imaginative flowers found in everyday decorative painting from around the world. You may see a flower, I see a story. I like telling that story, preserving that memory in drawings and metal.

WYN-1014WB
Happy Flower

This is one of my most recent flowers, cast in white bronze. I love the story it is telling of unfolding itself layer by layer, petal by petal. I am waiting for more blooms in my flower bed and more stories to tell after all these spring rains leave me blooms to savor.

An Artfest Mention

Some days just fly by as if on speed and I am the one on the ground playing catch up while riding a tricycle! This week has been a busy one with the last ever Artfest in Port Townsend. So that means a week of longer shop hours, sacrificed studio time and sweet moments with people whose paths I may not cross again for awhile if ever. Bitter sweet, I'd say! I am going to so miss the creative burst of energy all the artfest students and teachers bring to town and the many friends I've made over the 13 years of this wonderful event. 

Jesse Girl

My Jesse girl is getting so old now. I watch her struggle up from the floor and be easily pushed over by much younger Daisy. She can't go for rides in the car anymore and you can see that when it comes time to play, she will sit it out. She is still great studio company and quietly snores away when I can spend the day in there. She wants to be with me and I like her with me. We, like Jesse grow too soon old and in her deep brown soulful eyes, I know we do not have too many more tomorrows. I am still so thankful she is here and know that she has been here a very long time. In dog years, she is a grand and ancient wise woman,  aglow in the splendor of her gathered wisdom. Strong with the love she gives. How will my days play out when she is gone?

Storms

I know tomorrow is supposed to be the first day of spring but you can not tell it by the strong winds blowing outside tonight. Nor could you feel spring yesterday when we drove to Olympia in first snow, then sleet, then hail. I am ready for a little more sun. Not a lot and I am certainly not asking for heat but a spot of sun here and there would feel good and uplifting.

Yesterday, we took the day off and drove down the Hood Canal to Olympia. I love that drive especially coming up and over Mount Walker where the tree line meets the road and the snow in the trees looks almost dreamlike.

Even Jake and his side kick Ben, went with us on the promise that Jake could drive through the business park and practice parking.

Right now, since I need to work again tomorrow on my day off, I am calling it a night and heading off to dreamland but first some pictures from around the canal.

Snow!