FROM THE STUDIO of CHARLEEN MARTIN

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR . . .

Decorations and Dreams

Santa and Cookies

Gift Wrap and Cards

Parties and big Family Dinners

Anticipation and Sharing

and a shear craziness to the whole thing!

But ... as crazy as it all may get it still is a Wonderful time of the year.  We just have to remember to stop, take a deep breathe, and remember the importance of the Season.  No matter what our beliefs, there are a lot of extra Smiles out there at this time of the year so be sure to take advantage of them!  :)  (I write this as partly a reminder to myself ! :/ )

Besides continuing to work on our home (the move-in date keeps getting 'moved' farther and farther out)  :(  I'm trying to work on getting ready for an April deadline for a Gallery Opening.  That may seem a ways out but sometime around the end of January/beginning of February we will (hopefully) be moving and I know, once in, there will be massive amounts of work to be done in the house.  It's going to be an ongoing process for a while so it will be taking up a lot of my time.

Below is one of my pieces recently done.  It's part of my 'The Backside of Life' Series.

                        THE BACKSIDE OF LIFE:  

BUT. . .  IS SHE REALLY LISTENING?

12 X 16" Mixed Media Collage on Wood Panel

To see more about this Piece Please Click HERE

This one is Mixed Media also (Ink and Acrylic) but no Collage . . .

'BEHIND EVERY GREAT MAN . . .'

6 X 6" Acrylic and Ink on Wood Panel

  I've been wanting to do Cardinals for a while so this was a fun piece to do.  To see more about 'Behind Every Great Man ...'  Please Click HERE

And this one is only Acrylic on Canvas . . .

THE PATRIOT

6 x 6 x 1 1/2"Acrylic on Canvas

To see more about 'The Patriot'  Please Click HERE

And, one Necklace to add this time . . .

ABETZI

This is not a brand new Piece but I realized I had never put it online until recently.  :/  It's one that I particularly like because the color of the 'Yellow Turquoise' (which is actually more to the green side) is really striking.

To see more about this Piece Please Click HERE

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

til next time . . .

Charleen

'Anyone that believes that men are the equal to women has never seen a man trying to wrap a Christmas present.'  ~  Anonymous

FROM THE IDAHO STUDIO of CHARLEEN MARTIN

NOVEMBER ... DECEMBER... AND THEN ...

Can you believe we will be writing 2015 in just another month?!  I can't.  I'm still ignoring the fact that Thanksgiving is tomorrow!  I should be 'in the kitchen' preparing things that I am suppose to be bringing to my daughters for dinner tomorrow and and yet, here I am, pretending I still have a week or so to go!

We have been so busy dealing with the house (in case you have missed it before, we are building a new home and it has been one fiasco after another!)  and all of the mis-adventures that have gone along with that, that the time has just flown by.  I will receive my first Christmas card on Friday.  It will be from my Sister in Florida.  I don't know how she does it, but every year hers is the first card we receive and it ALWAYS comes the day after Thanksgiving!  I'm not even acknowledging Thanksgiving yet so you can imagine where I am on Christmas. Three months away or so??

I have managed to get some time in the studio but I have to admit it has not all been productive.  A lot of looking at blank canvases only to have them yell "What?!  Do I even have to come up with the ideas for you??!!"  Not good.  I keep thinking that once we are in the house (was suppose to be October~ now 'maybe' February) things will calm down and I will be able to concentrate  more on my work.  Of course then, there will still be a lot of painting, re-arranging , etc. etc. to be done.  If I could, I would clone myself, but knowing me, we'd argue as to who gave the orders and nothing would get done!   :/

I did get the three Necklaces below done . . .

FIRE IN THE HEART                                               MOROCCO

FOR MORE INFORMATION

You can Click HERE for 'Fire in the Heart '                You can Click HERE for 'Morocco'

AUTUMN CREEK

Please Click HERE for more information

'JUST ONE A DAY'

This is just a small 4 x 4" that I did (along with a few others) that went to a Christmas Show at the Moses Lake Museum and Art Gallery.  It's on my Website HERE

DOWN AT COPPER CREEK

This is a 5 x 7" Acrylic on Wood Panel.  

For more information on this Piece Please Click HERE

Since this is so close to Thanksgiving, and these Blogs sometimes sit in a que for a while, you may not receive this until after Thanksgiving.  And besides, you will probably have much better things to do tomorrow anyway than read this Blog (!) I hope you had a Wonderful Day and 

My Very Best Wishes for a Safe and Healthy Holiday Season

                                                                              Charleen

FROM THE IDAHO STUDIO of CHARLEEN MARTIN

"WHADDA YA LOOKIN' AT . . .?

  

WHERE DID YOU THINK THE TERM COWLICK CAME FROM ?"

Like my Rooster in my last Blog, this is another small 4 x 4" Acrylic and Ink on Wood Panel.  This was a fun piece to do ~ he is all personality.  This comes with its own metal stand for Display.  For more information on this little guy Please HERE 

For some reason, when I did manage to get into the Studio it was mostly a month of animals.  I spent a lot of time up at our property again where we are building our house/cabin so time was, once again, limited in the Studio.  I didn't get to my Jewelry side of the Studio at all this month.  I hope to get that corrected by next week!  :/

FLIGHT

10 x 10 Mixed Media Collage on Textured Wood Panel

I did the background for a Still Life, put it aside for a few weeks and when I came back to it I decided it needed an extra 'oomph' so I added the splash of Turquoise.  I loved the effect but at that point all I could see was a Bird ~ the Still Life was no longer an option!  :/  

For more information on 'Flight'  Please Click HERE

But, I did get this one Fall Piece done  . . .

REMEMBERING OCTOBER

10 x 10" Mixed Media Collage on Wood Panel

For more information on  'Remembering October'  Please Click HERE

Even on gray days, there is just so much Beauty around us.  Hard not to be Thankful . . .

A TALE OF TWO SEASONS . . .

Fall Colors with the silence of the Summer Gondola ride peeking from behind.  The Gondola at Silver Mountain in Kellogg, Idaho (not far from where I live) is the longest Gondola ride in North America ~ over 3 miles long.   (Your trivia for today :)   This goes right over the top of the Medical Building where my Doctor is.  

Here's another view from across the road.  Pretty how it disappears right up into the Fog.

And, just for HALLOWEEN

     

'WHAT'S OCTOBER WITHOUT THE CROW AND THE PUMPKIN?'

4 X 4" Acrylic on Wood Panel

Comes with it's own stand for Display

For more information Please Click HERE

TRICK OR TREAT!

CHARLEEN

A LITTLE OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT AND A FEW FALL LEAVES . . .

This is the City Park in Mullan where we are building our house (In Mullan.  Not the Park!  :).  All 1/2 block of it.  :)  Most of the Trees in the area are in the Pine family so we don't see a lot of color as the Season is changing.  That's one thing I do miss about living on the East Coast.  This time of year it's just a glorious splash of color.  Of course, in another month or so most of our trees will still be green and not dancing naked in the Falls winds . . .  :)

Things have been moving a lot faster this last month on our new home since the company that was building the outer shell of it has moved on.  That's a very good thing ~ their Time Management (or lack of) issues put us about 2 months behind where we should have been at this point.  It does mean though, that I have been spending a lot more time up at the property this month with some of our other Contractors.  Also needed to be there for some of our bigger deliveries ~ like the Refrigerator, Washer/Dryer, etc., etc. :)  These are currently sitting on our patio since we are so far behind on the inside.  The walls where they are to go are only studs at this point.  :/  So what that means, here and in the present, is that I have not gotten a lot of Studio time in the last few weeks ~ and that also means not a lot of new work to show you.  It's been difficult switching gears back and forth.  I constantly find myself, while in the Studio, thinking about what needs to be done at the house, and then while at the house, I'm thinking about the fact that I AM NOT IN THE STUDIO!  As the saying goes . . . You can't win for losing . . .  :)

Here is some of what I did manage to get done . . . 

KINSWAYA

This is predominantly a blend of Gray Feldspar and Crazy Lace Agate.  You can find more information on this piece by Clicking on the Link below:

http://charleenmartinfineart.com/works/1580824/kinswaya

A LITTLE BARNYARD ATTITUDE

This is just a little guy ~ 4 x 4" and he comes with a Black Metal, Bamboo Style Stand for Display.  Those are the Kanji Symbols for Attitude up in the left.  I did this in a combination of Ink and Acrylic (used more like watercolor)  on a white wood panel.   I have a small set-up of Acrylics I can bring with me in our RV so I was experimenting up at the property while waiting for the electricians.  :)  For more information Please Click Below:

http://charleenmartinfineart.com/works/1580289/a-little-barn-yard-attitude-14071

MOROCCAN SKY

This is a blend of Brass and Batik-ed Bone Beads that are all from Africa.  It is complimented with Buri Nut Seeds (South America) and Patikan Wood  (Phillipines).  Fastens with an easy to open/close Toggle Clasp.

http://charleenmartinfineart.com/workszoom/1580888

'IF I HEAR THAT ONE MORE TIME . . .'

5 x 7"  Acrylic on Wood Panel.   Hmmm . . . talk about attitude!  :)  He comes framed and ready to hang.

For more information on this Piece, Please Click Here:

http://charleenmartinfineart.com/workszoom/1581165

That's it for tonight.  If interested you can go to the Blog I am writing about all the escapades happening during the construction of our house.  It's been quite a ride so far!  You can find us at  www.theadventuresatcampdunmovin.blogspot.com

'Today I'll be happier than a Bird . . . with a French fry.

'til next time . . .

Charleen

SEPTEMBER IS BREATHING DOWN HARD . . .

Fall is already in the air here.  The flowers have lost their 'perkiness' and the nights are just a bit cooler.  Now when I take my dog out for his last evening jaunt it is no longer light out (so the 'jaunt' is MUCH shorter!)  I'll be very happy when we are able, once again, to just open the door to our home and I can say 'go potty' and know he'll take care of business.  :)  Of course, the way the progress on the house building is going who knows when that might be!  If you aren't up to date on all the shenanigans at Camp Dunmovin just click  HERE  and you can get yourself up to date.  We keep hearing things like 'I'm so sorry you are going through all that with your house, but . . . it really is funny!"  :/ 

I did this little cartoon for my monthly Newsletter which just went out.  It's how I'm feeling! (The Crazy part!)

(If you are interested in reading the Newsletter you can Click HERE.  There is a short humorous story that goes with all this.  The link will take you right to it.)

Because we are in the midst of building (well, . . . on good days) I haven't spent as much time in the Studio as I would like so no big projects have been completed.   I did manage to get two new Necklaces done which are shown below:

   

SAND WHISPER                                               TRIBAL MIST

You can find more information about both of these pieces by Clicking  Here

This is a little fun 4 x 4" that I did.  It's called 'Moon over Caponata' because there is a great Eggplant Appetizer called Caponata.  Progresso used to make it years ago but I haven't seen it in the stores in ages.  I usually now make my own.  I thought I would include a Recipe just in case any of you are interested in trying it.  If you like Eggplant this is really very good.  It can be served either hot or cold ~ I usually serve it cold. :)

   

MOON OVER CAPONATA

Caponata Recipe

• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large eggplant, unpeeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 medium onion, cubed
• 4 large garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 ~ 14.5 -ounce can diced tomatoes in juice with Italian seasoning
• 3 tblsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tblsp drained capers
• 1 tblsp dried basil
•  Dash Lemon Pepper

Heat oil in large pot over medium heat. Add eggplant, onion, and garlic cloves. Sauté until eggplant is soft and turning brown, (about 15 minutes). Add diced tomatoes with juice, red wine vinegar and drained capers. Cover and simmer until eggplant and onion are very tender, stirring occasionally (about 12 minutes). Season Caponata to taste with salt and pepper, dash of Lemon pepper.  Mix in Basil. Transfer Caponata to bowl. Serve either warm, at room temperature, or cold. Caponata can be made 1 ~2 days ahead. Cover and chill.  Serve with toasted sliced baguette.

LOVERS AT NIGHT

6 X 6 Acrylic on Wood Panel.  Comes Framed.  For more information Please Click HERE

Don't be afraid to sit at the front row of your life . . .

                                                                                  ~  Unknown

til next time . . .

Charleen

A LITTLE OF THIS. A LITTLE OF THAT . . .

And, if you receive my Newsletter you know that's exactly what I accomplished this last month. A 'little'  of this and a 'little' of that.  Which, when all is said and done, seems to equal not much of anything!

A friend and I were talking about my Mom recently, and I mentioned how she, more than once, said to me "Well, one thing is for sure, you do not live a boring life."  I do get 'bored' at times, but she was definitely correct.  My life itself is not boring.  There is a difference . . . and when I do get bored, I know it is most usually my own fault and I work to change that.

With us, there always seems to be something going on.  Right now we have our new home which is 'somewhat' in process of being built (if your're curious you can Click HERE and go to my Camp Dunmovin' Blog).  July was a month of an inordinate amount of company for two people who don't even have a home at the moment to entertain in.  But, quite honestly, everyone made do with what was available and we had a great month and enjoyed all of our guests.  It was fun.  Chaotic, but fun.

On the other hand not much work got done so I don't have a lot to show you this time.  I did get this piece done so I would have something to include in my July Newsletter so some of you may have seen this already.  I've had a really nice response to it which made me feel very good.  It is Acrylic on a textured wood panel.

AUTUMN HAS ITS OWN CONVERSATION

9 x 12 Acrylic on wood

For more information on this Piece Please Click HERE

Different ages bring different challenges for all of us.  I remember once a Doctor saying to me that my sons behavior was 'age appropriate'.  In other words, 'You are not the only one facing these situations. Learn to deal with it'. : /  Well, I have an age appropriate condition with my left hand (ok. maybe a few other irks are thrown in there too but I am not going to bore you with those) which, at some point in the not too distant future, is probably going to limit my ability to work on my Collages (and do my jewelry).  With each I need to use both hands and the mobility in my left hand is flaking out on me.  So. . .  I have to learn to 'deal with it'.  Since I am right handed I can still paint :)  so I have been trying to get myself  back in that groove so to speak.  Just working on what path/style I want to follow.  I've worked with mixed media for so long that it takes a whole different mindset (for me) to think outside my box of little cut pieces of paper.  So . . . all encouragement is encouraged.  :)  And, of course, for an Artist, :) I take constructive criticism pretty well (except for from the usual ~ hubby, friends, family, strangers . . .)  Just kidding!  So, if you see something you like, or not, Please let me know.  You never know where that might lead me.

Here are a couple of pieces that recently sold up at Entree Gallery. . .

             

"I heard she is actually is a Natural Redhead"             "Say . . . who's the little guy?"

and one waiting for a home . . 

Beneath the Old Oak Tree

I do like Trees. :)

A little different style between the top painting and these others.  Thoughts?

“Think left and think right

And think low and think high.

Oh, the thinks you can think up

If only you try!”

                                     ~ Dr. Seuss

til next time,

Charleen

To read my July Newsletter Please Click HERE

To sign up to receive my monthly Newsletter Please Click HERE

MORE FROM THE 'BACKSIDE OF LIFE' . . .

Busy, busy month between getting ready for my Show Opening at Angel Gallery and LOADS of company at 'Camp Dunmovin'  (In case you don't know about Camp Dunmovin' you can click  HERE  :)  Crazy, since for the first time in ?? we don't actually have an official home!  I think we've had more company in the past couple of months than we did the whole 3 1/2 years we were over in Wenatchee ~ and there we had a home that had an actual guest room!  : /   It's been fun though.  Crazy. But fun.  

Here are a few pieces from 'The Backside Series'  These are all smaller pieces ~ just 6" x 12"  Great for spots where you just want a small splash of color.  More information on these can be found HERE

 The Backside of Life:  Singing as She Goes

    
The Backside of Life:

             Summer Showers                    Rainy Days and Red Umbrellas

The Backside of Life:

Tomatoes from the Garden

Here are several New Jewelry Pieces that made it to the Gallery for the Show . . .

Alegria  (Joy)

Mchunba  (Sweetheart)

  

Moon Spice

For more information on these Pieces, and several other new ones, Please Click HERE

Hope Summer is being kind to you!

Charleen

'Deep Summer is where Laziness finds Respectability . . .'
                             Sam Keen

'OH . . . HAPPY DAY !'

     

'Oh . . . Happy Day !'                                'To Market we go . . .'   

Mixed Media Collage on Wood Panel

These are two new pieces which just headed north to Entree Gallery in Nordman, Idaho.  A little different size for me ~ 6 x 12"  I enjoyed this format so have another set this size started.  I think I'll call this series 'The Backside of Life!'  :)

I have a Gallery Show opening on July 11th at Angel Gallery in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho so I am busy trying to get work done for that.  Below are some new Necklace Designs I've recently finished for the Show.  They will be accessible through my Website until about July 7th.  After that they will have to be purchased through the Gallery.  

    

Cherry Blossom Moon

More information on this Piece is available HERE

Royal Princess

More information on this Piece is available HERE

(A full size view of this is shown on my Website ~ just scroll down a bit when you get there)

Jwahir  (Golden Woman)

This Piece is not on my Website yet.  (It should be on by this evening)

To go to my Website Please Click HERE

I am now back in Idaho full time.   Missing my Friends in Wenatchee but it's great to be closer again to Friends and Family here.   And, I don't miss that 4.5 hour drive each way if I wanted to come over here!   I think of the days when I traveled and did Art Shows around the country and didn't think anything of driving 8~10 hours in a day to get to my destination.   I always enjoyed the traveling to the Shows ~ it was the drive back home after the Shows that wasn't as much fun!  By then, you are tired and just want to be home.  :)

Charleen