WELCOME TO AJO, ARIZONA ...

We have been on the road traveling and reached our destination of Ajo, Arizona last week.  We have friends who moved here two years ago and have been talking it up ever since so we decided to come down and see what all the hoopla was about.  :-)   Turns out they were right ... Ajo is a little gem out in the middle of the Sonoran desert.  A small town, Ajo was originally a copper mining community and, like so many mining towns, it is still suffering the economics of a long ago closed down mine.  A lot of empty homes sit abandoned and for sale. 

 But, places like this seem to be having a little resurgence these days.   A lot of people want a slower paced lifestyle, like our friends (and we've already met a lot more people down here like them).  Then you still have a spirit within the people who remained here to keep what they have going.  And, speaking of 'Spirit' these Ghost Figures of Ajo are all over town ... street corners, incorporated into landscaping, empty lots.  They are done by a local Artist, Val Uschuk.  It's my understanding that there are about 85 of them around town.  So far we've found about 20 so I guess we have a lot more exploring to do.  :-)

As you can see, she uses a lot of recycled materials in her work.  Not an uncommon theme here as you can see by this wall below ..

 

Since we are going to be on the road for an extended time (3 months) I needed to make a workplace for myself.  So ... out went the sofa that came with the RV, which I never did like it ~ it was really just plain ugly. One of those things that seem to be a right of passage for most RVs. (To my RVer friends please note that I did not say all)  We then put in this toolbox which holds just about all my must haves.  When working I set up a small table right next to it and off I go.  It actually works very well.  And, just in case you're wondering, we have still have 3 very comfy chairs left to sit on!

And yes, I did manage to get some work finished while we were on the road.  I have to admit, not much has been done since we got here though. We've been too busy exploring!   :-)  This Piece was done with thanks, once again,  to my friend Indy and her Dad who supplied almost all the stamps used here.  It was another fun Piece to do.

 

'WRAP YOUR DAYDREAMS IN A BOX AND GO!'

12 x 12" Mixed Media Collage on Canvas Board

For more information Please Click below

    www.charleenmartin.com

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CLOUDS OF THE DAY ....

 

How about some Sunshine for a change!

Night comes to the desert all at once, as if someone turned out the light.

~ Joyce Carol Oates

See you soon ...

Charleen

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS ...

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS .... ... And all through the house, the dogs lay content, but ... the power is out! Still presents to wrap, Blog to write. Will it all get done? I am beginning to doubt. The computer won't work, the snow's getting deep. But ... the fireplace glows and I'm warmed by the heat. As I put pencil to paper and start to write, I give thought to the fact that I am safe on this night. More fortunate than many, I give Thanks for the gifts ... of Family and Friends, and Freedom of Faith. I give Thanks ... that I am able to give Thanks.

MAY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON BRING YOU THE GIFTS OF FAMILY, GOOD FRIENDS AND GOOD HEALTH. MERRY CHRISTMAS! Charleen (If you also receive my Newsletter than I apologize because you will have already seen this.  But, Time is short and I am literally all 'wrapped up' in Christmas!  :)  Please consider it 'Double the Wishes!)

THE FAMILY TREE: "THEY ALL CAN'T BE NATURAL REDHEADS ... CAN THEY?"

THE FAMILY TREE:  

"THEY ALL CAN'T BE NATURAL REDHEADS ... CAN THEY?

24 x 30"       SOLD

This was a recent commission piece.  I had done one last year in this style and it sold through a wonderful Seasonal Gallery that carries my work.  This year, the client came back and ordered another one for a Family member that had seen the original piece and wanted one 'just like it'.  I thought they meant 'style wise' and it wasn't until I finished this one that I found out from the Gallery owner that "No, they meant 'just. like. it.'  Fortunately, when the Clients Family member saw the new piece they loved it.  That was a 'Whew!' moment.  :/

'BREAKTHROUGH'

SOLD

You might remember this Piece.  I posted it a couple of weeks ago here on my blog.  It was part of the Studio tour that I recently did.   I didn't tell you about the actual sale though and I thought you might enjoy hearing about it 'just in case'  you might be able to relate.  The Piece  went home with a member of a very prominent Hollywood family whom I did not even recognize until AFTER she left.   I didn't handle the actual sale so I was momentarily oblivious.  The sad thing is, she was actually in my home about 10 years ago as part of a Show I was having for a mutual friend who is a Photographer.  (Long story).  So,  has she changed that much, or ... is my memory just that bad now.  

Somehow, I feel it's the latter.  :(

Have a great Weekend!

TIME MOVES IN ONE DIRECTION, MEMORY IN ANOTHER.

~  William Gibson

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

FROM THE IDAHO STUDIO of CHARLEEN MARTIN

MUSHROOMS ANYONE ...?

Sorry.  These are the legal kind.  Or at least so I'm told!  I've been eating them for the last week and haven't taken any unexplained 'trips' so I think they are right.  :)

These are Morel Mushrooms.  A lot of you may know that already but I'd never seen, or had any before this past week.   I'd heard the name but that was it.  My neighbor introduced me to them.  They had gone mushroom gathering and she brought me some of hers.  I guess they are in abundance in this area and this is the season for picking them.  If you like mushrooms (and I do) these are delicious.  Sorry if you know all about these already but I figure there has to be one or two others out there like me who were not mushroom educated.  :)

I have a couple of small pieces that I've done that I will share today.  I do need to get on the stick and get a few bigger pieces done.  :/ 

MORNING ARRIVES ... FASHIONABLY LATE

5 X 7"  on Textured Wood Panel

This was a fun Piece to do and somewhat of an experiment.  I textured the wood, then used a Brayer to put on the initial background.  After that I used a Brush and a Palette Knife to finish up the piece.  I love how it turned out and I know I'll use this process again in the future.

For more information on this Piece Please Click Here

WHEN THE SUNSET IS IN AGREEMENT

6 x 6 on Textured Wood Panel

This is another Piece done on a Textured background and this is especially striking from a distance.  I also used a Brayer, Brush and Palette Knife on this one.  :) 

For more information on this Piece Please Click Here

You can't depend on your eyes if your imagination is out of focus ...

Mark Twain

A 'toast' to Wonderful Memories of those who have gone on ahead.

Have a Wonderful and safe Memorial Day Weekend.

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

'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

SOMETIMES WISDOM PASSES SILENTLY ...

Did you ever think later 'Why didn't I understand that at the time?'  Because, sometimes that little bit of Wisdom passes right by us without us even realizing it until later.  At least I know that has happened to me . . . Sometimes the lessons take a little time to arrive!  These figures are part of my WiseWalker series which is all about age and wisdom.

The WiseWalkers:  Sometimes Wisdom Passes Silently

18 x 24" Mixed Media on Wood 

For more information Please Click HERE

Two new Necklaces recently finished are below . . .

Black Magic Woman

More information can be found here on my Website

The Cats Meow

More information on this Piece can be found Here

If you remember, the last Blog I mentioned a great little Restaurant and Wine Bar in Wallace called the Fainting Goat (scroll down to read about it) and I included some photos.  I said the only one I didn't get was the Bathroom.  Well, I've been back since and did get a photo of the sink I mentioned ~ the one made out of an old wine barrel.  Photo is below.  :)

I decided I was going to start a Blog about our new adventure of building our home in Mullan.  I have it set up and titled but nothing posted yet.  I get a lot of questions about 'how's it going?'  so I thought this would be a good way to answer the question and at the same time keep a chronology about the ins and outs, the ups and downs, and what I sense is going to be a comedy of errors!  So, when I get it together I'll post a link on here and if you are interested you can Click on over.  :)

til next time . . .

Charleen

SPRING IS WHERE EXACTLY . . . ?

I don't know how it is where you are, but I woke up to snow this morning.  Not much, but enough that the grass was white and the puddles from the rain yesterday were covered with ice.  Not what you would expect from the 3rd week in April.  Of course, I am back in Northern Idaho  (this week!) so it is a little cooler here than over in Wenatchee where my husband is enjoying warmer temperatures and a little more sun.  

It has been a crazy month to say the least.  Last I wrote we had (unexpectedly) sold the house.  I know, you put your house on the market  ~ isn't that what you want to happen?!  But we just thought for sure it would take a lot longer than it did.  Wrong.  But we did manage to find a 'little' apartment in Wallace, Idaho, which is not too far from our property.  By little I mean that, besides the apartment, we have 2 more storage units filled to the brim with most of our furniture and belongings.  The apartment is comfy, and I think you could even say 'cozy'.  But, this at least gave me a place to set up my studio.  :)  So, for now, we are both taking turns commuting back and forth between Wallace and Wenatchee (the W's).  This is my week in Wallace.  Next week I'll be in Wenatchee for a small show I have opening on Friday, May 2nd showcasing my Jewelry.  

   

Wallace is a place of Beautiful old Doors with lots of leaded Glass  . . .

and also just 'old doors'  :)

            A little bit of trivia . . . Wallace is where the movie 'Dante's Peak' (with Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton) was filmed.

In between the packing, moving, partially unpacking, and setting up of my Studio, we also had to go back over to Wenatchee and dismantle my Studio.Gallery in Cashmere.  I hated to have to do that.  I wasn't there that long, but I did make some nice Friends while there.  Of course, how do you not make friends when the Businesses all around you are hosting Wine Tastings all day long!  

Once I got my Studio set up I started working on pieces for Entree Gallery in Nordman, Idaho.  They will be opening for the Season on Mothers Day weekend and my work is due up there this Friday.  On Saturday I will start working on some new Jewelry pieces for my Show.  I don't have any Jewelry to show on this Blog but should have some new pieces by the beginning of the week.

This is one of the new pieces that will be heading to Entree Gallery . . .

Sharing the Bench

14 x 14 Mixed Media Collage on Cradled Wood Panel

Sides are finished and comes ready to hang.

For more information on this piece Please Click Here

I think the Gallery situation in Wallace is somewhat . . . how can I best describe it  . . . 'creative?'  :)

  Happy April!

Love in December . . . as a card

Love in December . . . as a card.

These are my Wishes for you!

Merry Christmas!

Love in December

 

Love in December

This is the Original . . . . before the words above were added.   

6" x 6" x 1.5"  Mixed Media Collage on Canvas.  

A Pink Poinsettia, Gold Leaf and a nice little saying (I'd like to take credit, but the saying is  not mine!) about Love, Strength and Courage.

PEEPING TOM

Here he is . . . 'Peeping Tom' !  With those eyes what else could I call him?!  This is an acrylic and torn paper collage on canvas.  Some of the papers are copies of old postcards sent to my Mother from her 'Admirers'  during World War II.  :)  For more information on Tom please visit my website at www.charleenmartin.com

JUST A COUPLE OF OLD CRACKERS . . .

If you get the opportunity please join me at Angel Gallery of Fine Art on Friday evening, Sept. 14th for the opening of my show there. 

'Just a couple of old crackers . . . '  whilin' away the time.  I thought they turned out looking like a couple of grouchy old coots ~ you know the kind ~ rough on the outside but old softies on the inside.  :)

Colorful and fun, this 6" x 6" x 1.5" deep piece can stand or be hung.  To purchase, or for more information, please go to my Website at  www.charleenmartin.com