IT'S ABOUT TIME, SHE SAYS . . .

I know, it's been awhile.  I sort of took the summer off.  Not actually planned, it just seemed like there was a lot going on and I didn't get into my studio nearly as much as I would have liked to.

Part of my 'excuse' was a 6 week camping trip through parts of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico.  It was a great trip. We got to see family, friends, and a lot of very beautiful country.  We didn't get to see everyone, or everything we wanted to, but we felt fortunate to see who and what we did.  

I thought I would share a few fun things from the trip with you this time. 

'THE LOOK'

6 x 6" Acrylic on canvas

(I both gave, and received this look, numerous times on this trip!)

  

'POTATO FAIRY' 

A potato plant I found in the woods was hugging a Cactus, 'Eves Pin', a Desert plant that is originally from the Peruvian Andes. This was in amongst Pines, Alligator Junipers and who knows what else.  Wouldn't the history of how these two met be interesting.  :)

'THE GATHERING'

Doesn't it look like she is just extending her arms, offering  protection.

Chiricahua, National Monument,  AZ

'THE BUTT TREE'

'LOVERS'

New Mexico trees just seem to be very 'expressive'.  ;)

HUBCAP ART

How about a little Hubcap Art from Silver City, N.M. 

This planter wound around a small corner park outside a Gallery downtown.  Note reflection of the building across the street in the last hubcap.

'THE SKULL'

Sounds like a 60's TV Show.

This what welcomes you to town in Hall, MT.

(the whole tree is actually covered in various and creepy (sorry, no getting around it . . . just creepy!) skulls.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

Dolores, CO.  I'm not sure what this is going to be when it grows up.  Truck? Bus? Train?

UH . . . O.K. I GET THE HINT!

No, he really didn't want his picture taken!

Devils Canyon Campground, N.M

CREATE

We took a hike in an almost empty campground up in the mountains outside of Durango, CO.  This little gem was on a path down to the river.  No one was around, just a little 'creative' surprise, someone left for others to enjoy.

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CLOUDS OF THE DAY . . .

This was the sky that welcomed us back to Ajo the day we arrived home from our trip.  Take your choice . . . rain or sun?  Obviously the Weather Angels were having some discord as to whose turn it was to plan the weather for the day.

Unfortunately we were turning into the rain. 

'The Beauty of Butterflies

is that they allow us to dance with them'

4 x 4" Mixed Media Collage

I hope the rest of your day is great!

Charleen

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

THIS COULD EASILY BE THE QUILT CLUB IN AJO . . .

'MEETING OF THE QUILT CLUB GONE AWRY'

6 x 6" Mixed Media Collage

This little piece is currently hangin' out at the Sonoran Desert Inn and Conference Centers small Gift shop here in Ajo. If you  ever think about coming down this way, this would be a lovely place to stay. 

CLOUDS OF THE DAY . . .

So, a friend said to me just before Christmas "I got you something for Christmas that I know you don't have."  Of course, no hints were given and I did have to wait until Christmas to find out if she was right.  She was. My gift was the book 'A Cloud A Day' by Gavin Pretor-Pinney.  It's a wonderful book filled with amazing photos of the sky and clouds, along with some wonderful artwork depicting the same.

I didn't have a clue that there was such a thing as the ' Cloud Appreciation Society', nevermind that they have over 40,000 members from all over the world!  

If you are interested in joining, just google (or Bing-it or DuckDuckGo it, or use whatever your favorite search engine is) at cloudappreciationsociety.org.  The Book is full of smiles.  If you think some of my cloud interpretations are funny, you should see some of what is in this book.  Be ready to smile.  And, be ready to learn. The book is full of a lot of good information too.

I am now member #41,685. :)  

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My Cloud of the Day . . . (and it is one of mine, not from the book!)

Hades, Greek God of the Dead

Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream by night.

~ edgar allen poe

Hopefully I'm back on track now so I should see you soon!

Charleen

LET'S RAVE!

CAN YOU IMAGINE THESE GUYS OUT ON A DANCE FLOOR?  PICTURE IT.  THE DJ (another raven of course) BLARING THE MUSIC AND THESE CHARACTERS  STRUTTING THEIR STUFF.  I FEEL A PAINTING COMING ON!  :)

                                                        sold

"THE LAST THING THAT BLEW MY MIND WAS THE WIND."

"I KNOW IT'S 5 O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE!"

"WHADDA YA MEAN THERE'S SOMEONE BEHIND ME?"

These pieces are all 6 x 6
and can be found on my website at
www.charleenmartin.com

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CLOUDS OF THE DAY . . .

At first I thought this bright blue guy was a Sun dog (mock sun/parhelion) but upon looking it up, a Sun dog is normally on the same level as the sun.   So . . . I can't answer your questions about what it actually is, but I thought it very interesting and so I am sharing it.  If you have any thoughts, please let me know.

And now, a real dog . . .

This is Gus, and when Gus isn't busy sunbathing, he is usually running in circles chasing baby geckos.  He hasn't learned yet that they are just way too fast for him.

After going in circles chasing a gecko around that tree stump, (that gecko had to be toying with him!) he's pensively waiting for the gecko to make another appearance.  'Determined.'

Have a great week . . .

Charleen

HEADACHES

Dear Headache,

     Can we break up now?"

"YOU LOOK LIKE A HEADACHE
I'M ABOUT TO HAVE ."

6 x 6" Acrylic

For more informatin on this piece, Please click HERE

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CLOUDS OF THE DAY ...

There are clouds, but they are not the focus today.  This old windmill, and newly renovated barn, used to be part of an old farm.  This is right across the street from the grocery store where I do my shopping.  They are both now part of a new, upscale housing development.  Progress.  But, at least they did still keep them both.  A blending of the old and new.  And, with the fall colors in full bloom, I thought they were worth sharing.  A painting maybe?

Have a great day!

Charleen

'Progress is man's ability to complicate simplicity'

~  thor heyerdahl

RAVENS. RAVENS. EVEN MORE ...

"CONFLICT?  I DON'T SEE ANY CONFLICT."

6 x 6" Acrylic on Acrylic Pour

I get 2 or 3 pieces done and then I'm back to the Ravens.  Such personality in so small a bundle.  His messy 'hair' was painted with a pointed wooden scewer.  Yes, the kind you use for Shish-kabob. :)

A DAY IN THE DESERT

I did this piece below on my first Plein aire trip into the desert.  Actually it was my first Plein Aire outing,  period.  I'm a studio Artist and enjoy my studio time so never felt the need to venture outdoors to paint.  (Also, you can't really do collage, which I have mainly done for years, outside.)  While in Ajo I had the opportunity to join a Plein Aire group so I decided to stretch myself a little and joined.  I felt my normal acrylics might dry too fast in the desert heat so I used water based oils. I also used one of my canvas panels that I had already textured and painted black.  Plein Aire is not easy.  Outdoor elements are not always cooperative and this particular day wind was a unhappy factor.  But, we all persevered and this is what I came away with.  I was fairly pleased with the result, especially the colors, but if I went back to the same spot again I'd change my view a bit.  I'm not crazy about the overall composition.  Funny how something can look good to the eye but on paper it has a whole different effect.  

I have a whole new respect for Plein Aire Painters.

A DAY IN THE DESERT

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How about a Raven or two ...

"JUST WHAT ON HER FACE HAD TO DO

WITH CROWS FEET ... ?"

"MAY I HAVE THIS DANCE ...?"

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CLOUDS OF THE DAY  . . .

'AND SHE LAID DOWN HER HEAD AND SLEPT'

Charleen

FAMILY DISCORD ......

BEEN THERE ... :)

"I DON'T CARE. 
I'M NOT COMING DOWN UNTIL YOU APOLOGIZE!"

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN
YOU INVITED THE GANG OVER?!"

Both of these are Mixed Media Collage and more information can be found on my Website HERE

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This is my friend and fellow Artist Carrie Jacobson from Virginia.  She was in Arizona doing several shows and she stopped by on her way through.  It was a short but fun visit which included a quick trip out into the desert and a tour of the town (such as it is!). 

That's our old guy Roscoe with Carrie. (She's very much a dog person)  Note her license plate ... I'm so jealous!  

Please check out her website here www.jacobson-arts.com  She does wonderful Palette knife paintings and I know you won't be disappointed!

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CLOUDS OF THE DAY . . .

Another beautiful day in the Desert/

Ghosts.  I a see Ghost.  A really scared Ghost!

"I like to say I believe in Ghosts so I don't get haunted by one."

~ ella henderson

Charleen

AND QUOTH THE RAVEN ..

...  "I'M WATCHING!!"

'EVER WATCHFUL'

6 x 6" Acrylic over an Acrylic Pour

For more information on this Piece
Please visit my Website at www.charleenmartin.com

"And the Crow once called the Raven black."

~ george r. r. martin

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CLOUDS OF THE DAY ...

Sunrise over Ajo

I love that little streak of white trying to fight its way through all that color!

Charleen

DO YOU REMEMBER THE SPIRIT GUIDES WE FOUND ALL OVER AJO LAST SEASON WHEN WE WERE HERE ...?

WELL, HERE ARE TWO NEW ONES WE JUST FOUND LAST WEEK AS WE DROVE AROUND AJO RECONFIRMING :) OUR DECISION TO SPEND OUR WINTERS HERE.  i THINK THERE WAS SOMETHING LIKE OVER 80 LAST SEASON!

BECAUSE I REALLY DON'T HAVE A STUDIO AT THE MOMENT MY WORK TIME/SPACE IS SOMEWHAT LIMITED AT THE MOMENT.  WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THE STUDIO SPACE (AS A FRIEND SAID ... OUR SHABBY CHIC WHITE HOUSE WITH THE HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER!) ALMOST DAILY.  THE INSIDE IS NOW AT LEAST HALF GUTTED. (yes, this is a BIG job!)  TODAY, FOUNDATION REPAIR WORK IS BEING DONE.  ANYWAY, I DID MANAGE TO GET A FEW RAVEN PIECES DONE SPECIFICALLY FOR A GALLERY DOWN HERE CALLED 'THE RAVENS NEST-AVITA BOUTIQUE'.  I HAD SPOKEN WITH THE OWNER JUST BEFORE WE LEFT FOR HOME LAST APRIL ABOUT POSSIBLY CARRYING SOME OF MY WORK.  SHE WAS ESPECIALLY INTERESTED IN, WHAT ELSE (!) MY RAVENS. SO, I AM PLEASED TO SAY SHE NOW HAS 7 OF MY RAVEN PIECES IN HER GALLERY.  THIS FELLOW BELOW IS ONE OF THEM ...

'HE WHO LISTENS.  SOMETIMES.'

6 x 6" Acrylic over Acrylic Pour

THE RAVENS NEST GALLERY-AVITA BOUTIQUE

AJO, AZ.

A CLOSE-UP OF THE RAVEN ON THE BUILDING

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CLOUDS OF THE DAY . . .

NOT REALLY ANY CLOUDS BUT THOUGHT I WOULD SHARE THIS AJO SUNSET WITH YOU.  THIS WAS TAKEN 2 NIGHTS AGO, JUST FROM THE OUTER EDGE OF TOWN.  I LOVE THE SUNSETS (AND SUNRISES) HERE.  THEY ARE A TREAT FOR US BECAUSE IN IDAHO WE ARE SURROUNDED BY MOUNTAINS.  WE DON'T SEE MANY SUNRISES OR SUNSETS.

I believe cats to be spirits come to earth.

 A cat, I am sure, could walk on a cloud without coming through. 

~ jules verne

Charleen

IN CASE YOU STILL SEND CARDS ...

JUST A FEW SAMPLES OF MY MIDNIGHT SERIES NOTECARDS ...

I am going to be discontinuing my line of Midnight Series NoteCards.  For those of you familiar with my work, then you already know I have two lines of cards ... ArtCards (5 x 7 single panel cards very suitable for framing) and the Midnight Series NoteCards.  The Midnight Series are on black cardstock (white writing space inside) and include Birthday, some Sisters, and other General Occasion themes. These are handmade, and because I will now be spending half my year away from 'this' home, access to doing these will not be readily available. I will miss them ... they've become like extended family.
:( Anyway, I have marked the inventory that I have left down to half price ($2.00 ea.) and when they are gone, they are gone. If you are interested to see the choices left just click  HERE.  They can be purchased right through the Website.

The Midnight Series are also 5 x 7" and can be framed

 

"My spelling is Wobbly.  It's good spelling, but it just Wobbles

and the letters get in the wrong places."

~ a.a. milne

WE ARE ALL . . .

JUST A SHADOW IN TIME.

SHADOW WALKER

6 x 8" Acrylic on wood panel  ~  SOLD

I did this piece a few weeks ago ... just in time for my November Newsletter.  Since it's almost time for my December Newsletter I'd better get back in the studio and get some more work done. :) 

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A CHANGE FROM CLOUDS OF THE DAY . . .

Since we went south the first few weeks of November, and I did more sightseeing than I did Artwork, I thought I would share more of the photos I took on some of our explorations.  We will be heading south again in a few weeks, this time for three months. 

If it was up to my husband, we would have just stayed south but I wasn't quite ready to give up spending the Holidays with family.  As our daughter said "let's just take baby steps on this whole idea of you going south!"  :)  Don't know that I'll get away with that next year though.  I've been hearing too many mumblings about how "we could be in 80 degrees but here I am having to plow snow in 10 degree weather!"   I can't say that I blame him, especially since I haven't been any help.  I chose this time to have 'double' foot surgery (maybe there was a little method to that madness!)  :)  It was something that needed to be done, and since I was going to be laid up because of one foot, why not get it all over with at once and just do both.  And, what better time of year with well over 3' of snow on the ground already and that blanket being added to as I type. Our real problem may be just getting out of Mullan when the time comes!

 

Death Valley was not at all what I expected.  There are so many varied landscapes all within this one National Park.  It can go from 280 feet below Sea Level Salt Flats to over 11,000 foot high mountains.  I had no idea about the mountains ... I thought it was all predominantly below sea level.  Fascinating to see.

Salt Flats to Mountains

This is one of the drives off the main highway through the Park.  It's called 'Artist Drive' because of the many beautiful colors in the rock in this area.  It's aptly named.  :)  Iron Salts provide the reds, pinks and yellows while Micas produce the green and magnesium makes the purple.  Unfortunately my photos don't do justice to the actual coloring.

You can actually see the difference in colors in this photo.

And for you oldies out there that remember the old ads on TV . . .

And yes, this is where the original '20 Mule Team Borax' came from  :)

Easily the most desolate area I've been to.  I would not want to be lost out here.  Well, I don't want to be lost anywhere . . . but especially here!

As in the last Blog, if there are any photos here that any of the Artists out there would like to use as reference photos, please feel free.

Since there was not a cloud in the sky the day we went to Death Valley I decided to share this cartoon my friend Indy sent to me.  Kind of emphasizes how we can all see life (and clouds) so differently.

Charleen

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