FIFTY SHADES OF GRAY ...

NOT THE MOVIE ... THE NECKLACE!

FIFTY SHADES OF GRAY

This one can be worn long or doubled (above) for a completely different look. 

(Obviously I need a little taller 'Bust' to display these long ones ... )

For more information on 'FIFTY SHADES OF GRAY' Please click HERE

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CLOUDS OF THE DAY ...

ME AND MY SHADOW

That was the first thing I thought of when I looked at this photo. Too obvious not to take you to the song ...   Here's Frank and Sammy.  The original singer of this song though was 'Whispering Jack Smith' back in 1927.  It sounds VERY different from the above version as you can well imagine.  (Think Tiny Tim for those of you that remember him :)  Like a lot of music, it has been covered many times.

 I have to say that I am forever randomly shooting photos of the sky and most times don't really know what I have until I get home and put them on my computer.  A LOT of photos get deleted!   :/    

Have a great Day!

Charleen

HERE A PEAR. THERE A PEAR ...

A few more Pears for your consideration ...  :) 
         (still working on the '30 in 30')

'SOMETIMES THREE IS A CROWD'

6  x  6" Acrylic on Wood Panel

'THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL'

6 x 6" Acrylic on Wood Panel

For more information on either of these Pieces Please click HERE

'EAT PEARS, FOR THEY POLISH THE HEART'

~  Iman Ali

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Snow Capped Mountains ...

Charleen

DEAR OCTOBER ... YOU ARE ALMOST GONE!

'DEAR OCTOBER,  I LOVE HOW YOU DRESS.'

6 x 8" on Wood Panel

I just realized I hadn't posted this Piece and October is almost gone!  

This is another Piece done on a heavily textured wood panel.  The texture is random so the challenge is to find the Painting amongst all the texture.  :)   It was there ... hiding!

All the Reds and Oranges are gone from the Fall colors here.  We are down to just the EverGREENS, the Golds and varying warm shades of Brown.  I posted the following photo in my Newsletter so for those of you that don't receive my Newsletter I thought I would include it here ...

You can see the Tamaracks (or, known by some as Western Larch) turning gold.  This photo was taken not too far from our Home.  We are very fortunate to be surrounded by views like this.  :)  I have a cute story about the local Bears in my Newsletter.  Normally they are up in these hills, but because of the drought this year their normal food supply (Huckleberries.  Lots and lots of huckleberries!) is scarce this year.  So ... our little town has had lots of 4 legged visitors in the last few weeks.  If you are interested in the story you can Click HERE and read about it.  

For more information on 'Dear October ...'  Please visit my Website at

www.charleenmartin.com

"USE YOUR IMAGINATION, NOT TO SCARE YOURSELF TO DEATH, 

BUT  TO INSPIRE YOURSELF TO LIFE."

~  Adele Brookman

WINTER IS COMING ...

'WINTER AT BROKEN LIMB FALLS'

This is one of those Pieces that is already done before you start.  I did some very heavy texture on this wood panel.  Very abstractly, not really with anything in mind.  When the texture had dried and I went back to look at it, I immediately saw the broken tree limb and the rocks.  I also saw Winter.  I suppose it could have been any other time of the year but for some reason I saw Winter which made it a little more challenging.  Winter and cold ...  I guess it is just around the corner.  :(  

LOGIC WILL GET YOU FROM A TO B.  

IMAGINATION WILL TAKE YOU EVERYWHERE.

         ~  Albert Einstein

ASLEEP. UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS.

ASLEEP. UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS.

6 x 6"  Acrylic on Textured Wood Panel.

I have been very fortunate to have seen the Northern Lights, actually, more than several times.  They are truly magnificent.  Since I have seen them more than once I was very surprised some years back when my Hubby and I were on an Alaskan Cruise, and the Captain, in the middle of an Evening Stage show, came on stage, stopped the show, and made everyone get up and go outside to see the lights.  He said that in all the years he had been at Sea he had never seen the Northern Lights.  He was so excited to share the event.  :)  And I have to say, that seeing them while semi-surrounded by massive Icebergs did give the whole experience a surreal feel to it.

EVENING KISS

Here is another piece I did for the Studio Tour recently.  Those are large, beautiful chunks of Chalcedony that make up the front focal point of this Necklace.  Chalcedony is considered by many to be a nuturing stone.  It absorbs negative energy and is said to bring the Mind, Body and Spirit into Harmony along with many other positive traits.   What more can you ask for!

THEN THAT'S WHAT THE NORTHERN LIGHTS ARE.  

ALL THE LIVES WE ARE NOT LIVING.

~ Adi Alsaid

Happy Monday!

CHARLEEN

WAIT... WAIT ... WAIT ...

'THE WAITING HOUR'

6 x 8" Acrylic on Textured Wood Panel

I really like how this one turned out.  You can feel the anticipation.  The waiting.  And I really like the colors.  Hope you agree! :)

THE WORLD IS FULL OF MAGICAL THINGS PATIENTLY WAITING FOR OUR WITS TO GROW SHARPER.

                                                 ~  Bertrand Russell


CHARLEEN

WWW.CHARLEENMARTIN.COM

THE MARSH. THROUGH THE WINDOW.

Here are two pieces that I recently did for my show in Coeur d'Alene ...

'THE MARSH. THROUGH THE WINDOW.'

12 x 12 Acrylic on Textured wood panel

'SOMETHING BORROWED. SOMETHING BLUE.'

6 x 8" Acrylic on Textured wood panel.

Both more Impressionistic then I normally do.  Hopefully heading in the right direction!  :)

'THE AIM OF ART IS TO REPRESENT NOT THE OUTWARD APPEARANCE OF THINGS, BUT THEIR INWARD SIGNIFICANCE.

                                                                                                  ~  Aristotle

Charleen

WWW.CHARLEENMARTIN.COM

WELL ... I'M ON MY THIRD CUP OF COFFEE ...

Which means it's still early in the day!  :)  By the end of the day it will be at least a few more than that.  And then I wonder why I have trouble sleeping! :/

My knee surgery (at least this first one!) is slowly fading into the background.  That's a good thing.  Got enough work done for my Show Opening last week.  Another good thing.  Working on new pieces for the Coeur d'Alene Artists Studio Tour in a few weeks ... another good thing.  Even though I don't live in Coeur d'Alene (and my Studio is too far out of town to be included) I was asked to participate.  I agreed ... before I realized it was the same weekend as my Step-Sons Wedding.  It's the coffee, I'm sure. :(  By the time I realized the two were colliding it was too late to try and bow out of the tour gracefully. The powers that be were nice enough to get someone to stand in for me on the day of the Wedding but it's going to be a very interesting week!

For those of you in the area the Studio Tour is Sept. 12th and 13th.  I will be at the Jacklin Center in Post Falls along with Artist Sheila Beldsoe.

AND THEY HELD THEIR BREATH IN ANTICIPATION

12 x 12" Acrylic on Textured wood panel.

I'm working on trying to get a little looser in my work.  Above is one of my newest pieces I did for the upcoming Studio Tour.  

EARLY OCTOBER.  LATE AFTERNOON.

18 x 18" Acrylic on Canvas

Early October. Late Afternoon. was done abut 2 weeks prior to And They Held Their Breath in Anticipation.  I feel like I'm on the edge of where I want to be but just can't ..... quite ..... jump ..... off ..... that ..... ledge.  

The two pieces from my last Blog were sold.  

Thank you both very much!

           Evening on the Dunes              Summer Afternoon in Blue

"As daddy said, life is 95 percent anticipation."

~  Gloria Swanson

til next time ...

Charleen

WWW.CHARLEENMARTIN.COM

AND THE NIGHT WATCHES OVER THE FIELDS ....

                                                WAITING.

'AND THE NIGHT WATCHES OVER THE FIELDS ... WAITING.'

12 x 16 Acrylic on Textured Canvas

For more information on this Piece Please Click HERE

Have a great week!

Charleen

I often think that the night is more alive
and more richly colored than the day. 

~Vincent Van Gogh

THE APRIL RAINS STRUCK OUT ...

... at least here in Mullan, Idaho!

We had plenty of April Rains but there isn't much to see for May Flowers. A Tulip or Daffodil here or there but not much more.  I know that's probably because of our altitude (3278 feet) which means the Flowers will just be later in getting here and earlier to leave. :(  I tried to hurry things along last weekend by planting some Flowers in my Strawberry Pots just for some color.  Unfortunately that was an Oops! because the next day everything was wilted from the nightime colder temperatures.  It was 70 during the day (Now back down to the 50's) but it went down to the low 40's that night.  My impatience caught up with me.

I did a smaller Piece very similar to this a while back but only with two Trees.  The Trees were also 'in discussion' in that one.  It sold right away ... I think mostly because of the Trees conversation!  :)  I decided to do another, mostly because it was just a fun Piece.  Hopefully this brings a smile or two also.

 

THE SIBLING TREES:  "MOVE OVER!"

                                                           "NO ... YOU MOVE OVER!"

8 x 10 Acrylic on Textured Wood Panel.
For more information on this Piece Please Click HERE

Here's a little Gem.. Maybe perfect for the Sunflower Lover? :) This is a 4 x 4" that comes with it's own stand (as shown) for Display.

 

'A SUNFLOWER KISS'

4 X 4"  on Wood Panel w/Stand

For more information Please Click  HERE

Another landscape on a Textured Wood Panel ...

'THE EVENING SMILED IN ITS SILENCE'

12 x 12" Acrylic on Textured Panel

For more information Please Click HERE

Mothers Day is this coming Weekend.   I want to Wish, whomever wants to accept the Wish, :) a very Happy Mothers Day!

And then, I'll let Milton Berle finish up ...

"If evolution really works, how come Mothers only have two hands?"

RED STEPS OUT. THE BLONDE STAYED HOME.

'RED STEPS OUT'

Above is 'Red Steps Out'.  This is a new Piece I just finished and packaged to go up to Entree Gallery for their Seasonal Opening on Mothers Day.  I'm the Blonde.  :)  And, yes, I've been home, diligently working in my Studio trying to finish what needs to be done.  I've actually had a good past few weeks.  Everyone here knows I'm a little under the gun trying to meet my goals for work to take up there so they've pretty much left me to myself.  

This is another new piece ...

It's called 'THE ISLAND LIFE' 

For more information on either of these Pieces Please Click  HERE

And ... a large Collage that I just finished ...

THE BLUES SISTERS: MONDAY MORNING CHAT

This is a 24 x 30 Collage on a Wood Panel.  More information can be found HERE

And then there is this funny little Guy.  He's just 6 x 6" and one of a few smaller Pieces that I managed to get done.  I've had that background for ages.  I guess it was just waiting for the right smile to come along.  :)

"STOP AND SMELL THE  ... UH ... DAISIES"

More information on him can be found HERE

Tomorrow I head up to Nordman to bring my work to Entree Gallery.  It's about a 3.5 hour drive from here so I usually make a two day trip out of it and stay with friends that have a beautiful home on the Pend Oreille (pronounced Ponderay)  River.  Yesterday and today were absolutely gorgeous out and, of course, the next two days are suppose to be rainy.  Guess I'll just have to put my Rain Smile on.

Charleen

"THE WAY I SEE IT, IF YOU WANT THE RAINBOW

 YOU GOTTA PUT UP WITH THE RAIN."  

                               

                                                  ~  Dolly Parton

WHERE'S THE EGGS?!!

In the fridge where they will probably remain until tomorrow when I take them out and make Deviled Eggs for Sunday!  :/  No little ones here or close by anymore so I haven't colored eggs in years.  I keep thinking about it.  Seems like it should still be a tradition ~ just for the fun.  I actually did see something online the other day.  It was a new, (to me) old way of dyeing eggs.  You cut small pieces of old silk scarves into small squares, (thrift store finds work) wrap the eggs in the silk and then re-wrap in white fabric (like gauze), tie with a twist tie, and drop (well ... not literally drop) into a pan of water.  Add 3 tbsp. of white vinegar and then boil for 15 minutes.  Take out, let cool, and unwrap.  Voila!  Colored Eggs without the mess.  

I actually hadn't intended to go into all that detail but maybe someone just might want to try that.  If you do, Please let me know the results.  :)

AFTER AN EARLY SEPTEMBER RAIN

6 x 6" Acrylic on Textured Wood Panel

For more information on this Piece Please Click HERE

I've been busy working on mostly small pieces like above.  I think I have enough done for my upcoming showing at Entree Gallery.  Now I have to get serious and work on some bigger pieces.  I've been enjoying the small pieces so much that it's hard to get my mind wrapped around 'bigger'.  There is that 'immediate gratification' with the small works.  Done in a day ~ you get to see the results immediately. It can become addictive and maybe that is why there are so many Artists out there now with Daily Painting sites.

THE NIGHT WHISPERS IN COLOR

5 x 7" Acrylic on Textured Wood Panel

For more information on this Piece Please Click HERE

This is a little larger Piece recently finished ....

INTENSE EXPECTATIONS  (SOLD!)

12 x 12" Acrylic on Cradled Wood Panel

I hope you all have a WONDERFUL EASTER ... Full of New Beginnings!  

How do Bunnies stay healthy?

Eggs-ercise!     (Sorry, I couldn't resist!  :)

til next Time ...

Charleen

SOME SPRING COLORS ...

I've done up quite a few textured Canvases and Boards and I'm enjoying working on them.  Obviously the texture adds dimension to the Painting but it also seems to bring a second personality to it too.

SANCTUARY

12 X 12 Acrylic on Textured Canvas

For more information on this piece Please Click HERE

sanctuary:  1. a place of refuge or safety  2.  a nature reserve  3. the title of this piece  :)

Enjoy your day!

HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE!

I don't know why we've been so lucky this year and I know it has not been that way for s lot of you.  We should have remnants of at least 4 feet of snow and instead we can already see the first blades of grass turning green.  My neighbor even mowed his lawn today.  I'm guessing that might even be a first around here at this time of the year.  I'm certainly not complaining.  It's been an easy winter here, and with us trying to finish our home and get moved in, it certainly made things a lot easier not having to plow through the snow to get it all done.  The lack of snow is a little worrisome because of fire potential in the forests around us come summer, but then 2 inches of rain in the last 48 hours may just help make up for that! 

One of the first things we did after moving in (and getting 'somewhat' settled :) is add to the family.  His name is Roscoe and he is an 8 year old half Australian Cattle dog and ??  He was in an unhappy situation, and when we saw the circumstances we just couldn't leave him there.  Soooo ... home he came.  He has to be the most gentle, well mannered dog I've ever met.  I think whomever had him initially took very good care of him and spent some time training him.  He fit right in and seems to be enjoying his new digs.  Dodger, our little Terrier Mix, wasn't too sure at first (it was all about the sharing) but seems to have adjusted to the fact that he is no longer an only child.  Oh ... life can be so cruel!  :(

ROSCOE  (note the tail ~ it literally looks like a raccoon tail!)

I have a deadline coming up in 4 weeks for work due to Entree Gallery up in Nordman, Idaho so have been busy working on that (along with staining and varnishing all the woodwork here in the house. :)  At least I am consistent with keeping a brush in my hands . . . !

Following are a few of the smaller pieces that I have done so far . . .

MURMURS AND WHISPERS

6 X 6" Acrylic on Canvas

I looked at this when I was done and thought "Oh ... the trees on the right look like they are talking about that tree on the left!"  Thus, the title.  :)

For more information Please click HERE

RED SKY AT NIGHT: REVERENCE

                                                            6 X 6" Acrylic on Canvas 
                                                   This one was done with a Palette Knife.
                                                For more information Please Click HERE

"I TOLD YOU . . .!"

8 x 10" Acrylic and Mixed Media Collage on Canvas

For more information Please Click HERE

I haven't worked on any jewelry for the last couple of weeks.  I want to make sure I have what I need as far as paintings go and then I'll go back to the jewelry side of my Brain.

SPRING IS NATURES WAY OF SAYING "LET'S PARTY!"

Robin Williams

WWW.CHARLEENMARTIN.COM

To see  my monthly Newsletter you can go here to read past issues and/or sign up 

                                    http://charleenmartinfineart.com/email-newsletter

THERE IS A REASON . . .

WHY YOU HAVEN'T HEARD FROM ME.  And no, I wasn't on some luxurious vacation somewhere (I only wish!).   I have been busy purging, packing, moving, unpacking and purging some more for the last 2 months. I am hoping (praying is more like it) that this is the last time I will have to do this.  I have moved so many times in my life that I used to kid that my boxes could unpack themselves and the contents knew exactly where to go.   Not so much this time.  This time they made me work for the satisfaction of seeing everything in its place, in its new home.  (And of course, not everything is in its place, in its new home yet ~ that is going to take me a while).  Maybe I am just getting old!  

This is a piece I actually got done just before all the chaos ensued. :)  

'PAST THE GREEN FIELDS, INTO THE WOODS'

This piece was done with a Palette Knife. 

6 X 6  Acrylic on wood panel.   

For more information on this piece Please Click HERE 

I am back in my Studio!!   We did downsize so my Studio space is a lot smaller now.  (Actually, it's rather nice ~ everything is at my fingertips, and for the moment, all organized!) That was one of my problems though  ... trying to decide what I would and wouldn't actually keep.  As a Mixed Media Artist I always feel like I'm going to need EVERYTHING.  I am trying to simplify my life so not EVERYTHING was going to make the move.  But ... more things made the move than can fit into my Studio so more purging was (and still is!) necessary.  

PISTACHIO

I decided to start off by doing a new Jewelry piece.   The green makes me think of spring.  Must be wishful thinking!  Although I do have to say, we have enjoyed a VERY mild winter.  Since this is our first one up here in this area we know we got lucky.  Last year at this time there was several feet of snow on the ground.  This year ... nothing.  I can see snow on the distant mountains (higher) but the ones surrounding us are totally bare.  

For more information on this Piece Please click HERE

  Since we downsized we do still have a fairly good sized storage unit full of furniture and 'stuff' to go through but now that we are in the house we can take our time with that.  I should be able to get back into a routine now that most of the unpacking is done.  

For fun I will include a photo of one of the many 'unusual'  :)  things we did in the house. This first photo is one of our Kitchen cabinets.  As you can probably tell, it is a stainless steel toolbox/workbench.  It may have initially been designed for the men in our lives but I will tell you it makes the greatest kitchen cabinet!!  

There is a door on the right that you can't see where I can store my pots but notice how many drawers it has.  When do you ever have enough kitchen drawers? And, they are on ball bearings so they pull out sooo easily.  :)  And since they are made to hold heavy tools weight is not an issue.

This is a view inside several of the drawers ...

They are perfect depth for things like silverware, spices, pot lids, baking pans, etc. etc.  Anyway, thought I'd share that with you.  Obviously this wouldn't be for everyone but I really love it.   In fact, I bought a different version for my studio to hold all my paints, brushes and the like.  I'll see if I can get a photo of that for next time.

Now I have to start working on my monthly Newsletter, which is also 2 months behind.  :(

til next time ...

Charleen

"I love deadlines.  I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by."

                                                           Douglas Adams  (The Salmon of Doubt)

www.charleenmartin.com