HAPPY NEW YEAR !

A LITTLE WHIMSY TO END THE YEAR ...

'WATCH OUT BOYS ... THERE'S A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN'

6 x 6 x 1.5" Mixed Media Collage on Canvas

For more information on this piece Please Click HERE

Cloud of the Day ...

I have to admit ... this one is a little hard to see.  But, I do see a Cat, lying down with its tail up in the air.  :)   There are a lot of formations in this photo so you may do better than me.  

I want to say Thank you to everyone for your support this last year.  It's so great having friends 'out there' ... some of whom I've never met.  I want to wish you all a most 

HEALTHY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

TIL NEXT YEAR ...

CHARLEEN

" Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions.                        Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual."                                                                                                  ~  Mark Twain

FROM THE IDAHO STUDIO of CHARLEEN MARTIN

“Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter, 

In there stepped a stately Raven of the saintly days of yore."

Edgar Allen Poe  (The Raven)

GUARDIAN OF HISTORY

6 x 6 x 1.5"  on Textured Canvas

This is Texture, then Paint, then Collage and then the Raven painted on top.  The background has an irridescent glow to it. 

I love painbting Ravens.  There is just so much personality involved.  

For more information on this Piece Please Click  Here

The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.

Michaelangelo

Charleen

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

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

"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

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!

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