Sidheforest

Ozmosis Raffle

2008-11-28T16:51:00.000-08:00

For those who do not know, I was hospitalized for a kidney infection and had two surgeries for kidney stones last month. Well, that racked up one heck of a bill. Ozmosis has graciously volunteered to be raffled off to help out. LOL

This is the Original Painting!

Size: 22" X 28" on wrapped canvas with staple free sides

The sides have been painted, so it is ready to hang.

OZmosis is one of my most prized paintings and of course comes with a certificate of authinticity.

Raffle "tickets" are only $1.00 each. And may be purchaced through paypal, sent to sidhesmail@aol.com

Please be sure to include your name and address, raffle tickets are being sold locally also, and I will actually be writing your name on a raffle ticket.

A name will be drawn and announced on December 24th. Christmas Eve.

As added incentive and the to show my graditude. Purchaces of $10.00 will recieve a free print of your choice from The Sidheforest Etsy shop. Simply include the name of the print you would like with your order.

Thanks bunches to Everyone!

Black Friday Bonanza with The Little Black Box!

2008-11-26T06:44:00.000-08:00

I am very proud to be participating in

the Black Friday Bonanza with The Little Black Box!

EtsyBloggers Black Friday - Cyber Monday Sale!

2008-11-23T08:45:00.000-08:00

H a p p y H o l i d a y s ! !
The EtsyBloggers HOLIDAY S*A*L*E* is going on from Black Friday thru Cyber Monday!!
That's Friday 11/28 thru Monday 12/1!!
See a list of the 50+ shops having a SALE at http://etsybloggers.etsy.com
H a p p y S h o p p i n g ! !

************************************************************

In the Sidheforest Store

********************************

Black Friday through Cyber Monday Sale

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING

(excludes expedited shipping)

Nov 28th - Dec 1st All Magnet are - Buy 1/Get 1 Free

Nov 28th - Dec 1st All Prints are - Buy 1/Get 1 Free

Friday -Nov 28th- 1st sale of the day wins a set of 3 special limited edition Xmas prints ( Only 20 made)

Saturday - Nov 29th- 1 name will be drawn from sales made between 12:01 am and 12:.01 pm to win an 8 x 10 Print of Golden Bright Eyes

Sunday -Nov 30th- & Monday - Dec 1st- 50% of all items under $25 (no limit ) and 40% off any one (limit one) item over $25

*********************************************************************

Where did Sidhe Go?

2008-11-23T07:10:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!

I have received many emails over the last month wondering "Where did Sidhe Go?".
Well, I was very ill with a kidney infection. Come to find out I am a crystal growing kit. LOL It seems I have a ton of kidney stones and they caused a "back up", then kidney infection. So I got a week in the hospital and two surgeries.

What is important? I'm all better and back to splattering paint to the four winds.
What did I learn?
1. A constant back ache....not good.
2. Drink way more water.
3. Real Lemonade helps break down stones. Who knew!

Thank you everyone for your kindness and love!

The Sidhe Lady

Sidheforest October Giveaway - Bright Eyes Stuffie

2008-10-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

October's Sidheforest Giveaway - Win a Bright Eyes Stuffie

This little beauty is about 13 inches. Is dressed in gorgeous Autumn colors with matching ribbons. Each Bright Eyes Stuffie comes with a heart and this lady's heart was forged from clay and pinned to her dress.

All Sidheforest Newsletter subscribers are entered to win. So sign up!

The Sidheforest Newsletter is sent out once a month.

Winner will be notified by email and announced here and in the November 1st newsletter.

Sidheforest Giveaway Winner for September!

2008-10-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Jennifer from Texas!!

Jennifer will be receiving a Halloween Original by Sidheforest

make sure to check out her Etsy shop and Blog!

http://jenrosesegrest.etsy.com
http://jenrosesegrest.blogspot.com

I love Jennifer's Turtles and the Funky Crab!

The new October Giveaway will be posted soon! This month we are giving away one of the New Bright Eyes Stuffies!

October Fest - Etsy WorldWide Shipping Sale!

2008-10-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

Free WorldWide Shipping in the Sidheforest Etsy Store for October Fest

October Fest: A free worldwide shipping sale in October

Who? Any Etsy seller that wants to be involved may join the sale!

What? A FREE WORLDWIDE shipping sale open to all etsy customers!

Where? participating shops on etsy.com

When? October 1st-October 31st

Why? To celebrate the international community of buyers and sellers here on etsy! A way for etsy sellers to say "thank you" to the international customers that shop etsy.com!

*IMPORTANT*

* Each seller who signs up to join the sale is offering some type of worldwide free shipping event however each seller will set his/her own policies on the free shipping sale
* Each seller will post his/her own guidelines/policies for the sale in the store announcements on the front page of their shop
* This sale is not formally tied to etsy.com, it is an independent sale of etsy sellers that want to offer free shipping during the month of October

October Fest Free Worldwide Shipping SALE:Quick Links

2monkees.etsy.com
AMomentAMemory28.etsy.com
beadinaroundtheblock.etsy.com
beauxbijoux.etsy.com
benandlucyboutique.etsy.com
EarthsOpulence.etsy.com
estanciadesigns.etsy.com
heatherknitz.etsy.com
impulsive.etsy.com
kreationsbykiki.etsy.com
lillyqueen.etsy.com
lizzypops.etsy.com
maineleecrochet.etsy.com
mrsdstahl.etsy.com
novadesigns.etsy.com
perennialpiecer.etsy.com
pulpsushi.etsy.com
QuietMind.etsy.com
shannonsroom.etsy.com
sidheforest.etsy.com
spazzy.etsy.com
storybeader.etsy.com
studiodeanna.etsy.com
theduskyjewel.etsy.com
trilea.etsy.com
uberart.etsy.com
WagsCreations.etsy.com
weaselle.etsy.com
XenaraesRoom.etsy.com

Feeling Autumny Christmas Coming On

2008-09-26T06:14:00.000-07:00

Autumn is the beginning of my Christmas Season.

I am one of the people who had a super, extra, crappy childhood. But, I was also weird and still believed in miracles, angles, fairies, witches and aliens. Pretty much anyone who could rescue a wayward soul. The one time of year this feeling was strongest was Christmas. And It was around Christmas when most of my miracles happened. So, low and behold, I grew up to be a bit of a Christmas nut. LOL My kids don't mind, but I have been asked to wait until Autumn to begin decorating. In fact every year we have a vote on skipping the Halloween decorations and going straight to Christmas. giggles I usually lose and must hold on until after trick or treating.

I really do enjoy Halloween so it's not a super loss.

For me though....... The Christmas feeling starts with today. Not the first day of Autumn, but the way today feels. It's about 65 degrees today, dark and drizzly. And, I know that it's just the beginning. Snow and sweaters are just around the corner and it won't be long, before it's time for a fire in fire place. I'll bake a pie today, mostly because I want the smell of nutmeg and cinnamon swirling through the house. And of course I didn't get much Halloween painting done before I went straight to Christmas. I am not a religious person.....much more spiritual.....so that's not what Christmas is about for me. It's about the feeling of impending Miracles. Knowing that people try a bit harder to be nice. I love the feel of it, the twinkling lights, bright happy colors, homey smells, jolly laughter.

So, I , Sidheforest will be in my Santa's Workshop. Building, painting, sewing, and enjoying my already Christmas Season.

Featured Etsy Blogger September 2008

2008-09-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

Joey & Aleethea

This months Featured Etsy Blogger is JoeyandAleethea.......the following is straight from her shop anouncement.

★ [ s u p e r . c u t e s i e . c o o l n e s s . h a n d m a d e . b y . a . m o m ]:Giggle with us as you enjoy our unique handmade designs. I am a Mama to an amazing 2yo boy and a beautiful newborn baby girl / a momtrepreneur / a professional Programmer and Applications Developer / wife to a super husband, super geek, and U.S. Air Force veteran, and I design and handmake each super cool and luxurious item...all by myself!

♥ ♥ ♥ We are baby-wearing, breast-feeding, co-sleeping, attachment-parenting parents! ♥ ♥

Now what did I find at this Etsy Shop!

She sells baby stuff.....LOL I am one of those women who don't do babies!

(just don't tell my four kids) About half a second later I discovered monsters lurking everywhere.......how totally appropriate for babies........ I love monsters!! And I love baby monsters. (again, don't tell my kids) But seriously, these are the cutest darn baby clothes I've seen in a long time. I thinking of ordering a baby monster blanket just for me, a lap blanket for the winter.

Then I discovered a few other interesting things at this cool lady shop.

1. She has a 6 Week waiting list!! hello......

2. She has sold over 1,200 of these monster baby items.

3. I can learn a lot from this special mom.

So make sure you check out the Rockin, Monster, Baby mom with the too cute goods.

Here's some VIP info from here shop......

Visit our BLOG for FUN STUFF, CONTESTS and GIVEAWAYS!---------► joeyandaleethea.com/blog
See our PHOTOS --------► joeyandaleethea.com/flickr
See our FABRIC ----------► joeyandaleethea.com/fabric
Be our FRIENDS ---------► myspace.com/joeyandaleetheaConvo or eMAIL -----------► supercutesie [!at] joeyandaleethea.com

Sidheforest Enjoys Chalk For Peace

2008-09-21T07:48:00.000-07:00

My family and I had a ton of fun at the local "Chalk For Peace" at Cosmic Ties yesterday. My son found a new friend who loves his Nintendo as much him. LOL.... The girls where extremely helpful when not texting boyfriends.....and my spectacular husband never left my side. hehehe
My oldest sold her new Vanna Handbags....very BoHo style and will be for sell in our Etsy Shop soon.
My 17 yr old daughter is "like totally into jewelry" with her own super cool twist on things, and sold several pieces and both now have their items for sale in local shops. Very proud mom here!

Some Chalking For Peace going on.

We gave a sneak peek into the Sidheforest Christmas. There will be Christmas cards with a small Sidhe Original on each, Ornaments, The Grand Introduction for Bright Eyes Stuffies, and of course Holiday Originals.

We always love watching the Belly Dancers who have become a regular at the Cosmic Ties "Chalk For Peace". They are beautiful and extremely talented.

Sidheforest's Awesome New Magnets!

2008-09-16T11:31:00.000-07:00

We have spectacular new magnets with better color made with much better prints. Magnets are $3.00 each and there are several sets that are 2 for $5.00. We are super existed about these new magnets and hope you enjoy them.

Etsian and Blogger Critically Injured in Plane Crash: Nienie Recovery Project

2008-09-15T07:04:00.000-07:00

From Etsy Storque Article........

On Saturday, August 16, 2008, Stephanie Nielson was in a plane crash with her husband, Christian Nielson, and his flight instructor, Doug Kinneard, near St. Johns, Arizona. Doug Kinneard passed away soon after arriving at the Maricopa County Hospital. Christian and Stephanie remain in critical condition at the Maricopa Burn Center. Christian has sustained burns on over 30% of his body. His wife Stephanie’s body was burned over 80%.

Click to finish reading Etsy Article........

Click on the NieRecovery banner on the Left to learn how you can help!

Stephanie Nielson's Blog http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

Early Arrival Chrismas Paintings

2008-09-14T07:11:00.000-07:00

Sidheforest gets a jump on Christmas!

Special edition original paintings!

Only 20 prints will be made of each!

I will be releasing several more Christmas sets between now and Christmas.

Each set will be limited edition. (20 prints per original!)

Sidheforest will also have Christmas cards and ornaments, containing sinpits of the Christmas paintings.

Saturday Shopping List for September 13

2008-09-13T18:34:00.000-07:00

Etsy
Buy Handmade
sidheforest

Free Shipping on all Prints today !!!

2008-09-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

Sidheforest now has prints!! And, shipping is free on all prints Today.

Click above or on the pictures, to head to The Sidheforest Etsy Shop!

These are just a few that are available.

Most of the Originals are already Sold. Prints are from $7 - $13

More Prints will be coming very soon.... If there is a painting that you would like a print of ( that is not available yet) let me know, I'll have one made for you.

Sidheforest monthly giveaway!

2008-09-08T09:13:00.000-07:00

Subscribe and Win.....

Sidheforest it starting a monthly giveaway. Each month I will choose I new painting to giveaway.
A name will be literally drawn out of a hat on the 30th of each month, from our list of newsletter subscribers. So sign up! We will announce the winner on the 1st of the month here and email the winner.

The Sidheforest Newsletter is a monthly update on my Etsy shop, the Sidhefoest Blog, and Etsy Tidbits
Mt first giveaway will be Spooky Pumpkin Patch, a perfect painting for the start of fall.

My first magazine add!

2008-09-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

Today I am very existed to announce that my first major ad is going to be in the Mary Engelbreirt magazine! It will be in the December/ January issue and it will be on one of the first pages with the other Etsy ads. For those of you who have not seen my stuff, it will have my Etsy username with my ad and the price of the item I am advertising. Here is a picture of the painting that will be advertised in the magazine.

Vote for Sidheforest in the 350.org contest

2008-08-16T12:38:00.000-07:00

I would like to remind everyone that it's time to vote in the big 350 contest.

Sidheforest's entry is the EarthEater Owl in Disquise

go to http://www.craftster.org/350/ to vote.

Thank you for your support!
Sidhe Kalas

Up, Up and Away

2008-07-29T10:04:00.001-07:00

Up, Up and Away is the second full Sidheforest world I created. After Ozmosis, I wanted to get started right away on the next new world, but was obessed with bubbles. So first off the color palette changed to match my "bubble" concept that was stuck in my head at the time. Then of course I had to have trees. LOL The mushrooms came in only after I had to painting almost done and decided that there was not enough going on.

Ok....If I can stopping laughing and blushing to type.......The "balloons" that I added to the picture obviously do not look like ballons, but much more like little floating sperm. OMG.....oh well.... The painting well loved no matter how falic my silly subconscious wants to make it.

Ozmosis - Creating a New World

2008-07-29T09:51:00.001-07:00

Osmosis was born with the desire to create painting with more depth and elements working together to create a new world. I having been working on discovering different elemets that I love and that work for me as an artist. In Ozmosis I have combined several of the elements that I love to create, such as the planet trees, and little catapillar. This is the first full Sidheforest World painting, in a what I hope will be a long line to come.

Sidhe's Art / Work Space

2008-07-27T16:27:00.001-07:00

My Work Space for creating dreams! LOL
I bought this fabulous vinyl table cloth so that I don't have to care about how much paint gets on the table. If someone is truely determined to actually eat at the table, they usually need special permission to move a painting. My daughters cleaned off most of the table to take this picture. Most days there are at least two large painting on it at a time.

and this is the kitchen island where I have anouther painting in mid creation.

I would love to hear about your creation space!

Sidheforest Art on Facebook

2008-07-23T11:16:00.000-07:00

Find Sidheforest on Facebook!

Become a Fan of Sidheforest Art.....and have fun interacting with friends.

"New Growth"

Little Sidhe Bugs in Acrylic and Ink

2008-07-21T10:29:00.000-07:00

My son love to doodle and draw...... many of his doodles of bug and monsters have been inspiration for my paintings.

This is "A Water Song" in Acrylic, Watercolor, and Ink

And this one is "The Pollen Eater" in Acrylic, Watercolor and Ink

And Serendipity is done in Watercolor and Ink

All about Sidhe Kalas

2008-07-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

Hi....I thought it would be fun to make some lists today...So what are your favorites and not so favorites... share time.

Things to pass the time

buy and sell people on Friends for Sale at Facebook. (totally addicted)
Rent a new movie.
Draw.
Paint.
Nap.
Cuddle up with a good book.
Look for ideas to draw or paint.
Watch TV (always looking for a new good cop show to watch).
Play The Sims.
Listen to music (love Rammstain).
Go to the tanning salon .

My favorite foods
Red Skittles.
Bacon.
Biscuits with honey.
Nachos.
Count. Chocula cereal.
Fish sticks.
Onion rings.
Fried stuff with cheese.
Anything Mexican.
Mac. And cheese (only the kind with Velveeta cheese).
Anything with a lot of flavor ( I can’t stand bland food).
Powdered donuts.
Decaf. Coffee.
Hot cocoa.
Pink lemonade.
Meat loaf.
A good country breakfast ( no grits).
Bean dip.
Chilly pie.
Pizza Hut supreme personal pan pizza.

My favorite books
The gun slinger series by Steven King.
The Anita Blake series by Laurell .K. Hamilton.
Harry Potter seres by J.K. Rollins.
The Black Dagger Brotherhood sires by J.R. Word.
The Sparrow by Merry Doria Rustle.
The night walkers sires by Jacquelyn Frank.
The Children Of God by Merry Doria Rustle.
The Carpathian series by Christine Feehan.
Lord Of The Rings by J.R Tolken.
Dracula by Bram Stoker.
The Dark Over series by M.Z.B.
The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice.
Mists Of Avalon.
The Five People You Meet In Haven.
Dawn’s Awakening by Lora Leigh.

My favorite authors
Jacquelyn Frank.
Christine Feehan.
Cresly Cole.
Sherrinen Kenyon.
Lora Leigh.
Gena Showater.
J.R Word.
Anne Rice.
Steven King.
Maggie Shayne.
Lynsey Sands.
Laurell .K. Hamilton.
Michael Chichton.

Foods I hate
Spaghetti.
Potato Soup.
Everyday food ( like a piece of meat, a veggie and some noodles).
Roman noodles.
Tuna casserole.
Yogurt.
Anything with apple cider vinegar.
Cottage cheese.

My favorite art supply’s
Glazing medium.
Big Canvas.
Card board (keeps the table Semi clean).
Thick water color paper.
Super glue.
Elmer’s glue.
Paint ( Ocean colors or black).
Gesso.
Magazine for ideas.
Paint brushes.
Junk metal.
Good artist pens.
Painters tape.
Sketch pad and pencils.
Sponges.
Spackles.
Gel medium.

My favorite shows.
House.
ER.
Gray’s anatomy.
The Shield.
Weeds.
The L word.
CSI.
Law and order: SVU.
Law and order: Criminal intent.
Criminal minds.
Lost.
Moonlight.
Stargate: SG1.
Stargate: Atlantis.
Angel.
Niptuck.
The Ellen show.
Family guy.
Tin man.
America’s next top model.
Project runway.

My favorite movies
The lake house.
Blade trinity.
Pitch black.
The chronicles of Riddick.
Underworld 1, 2.
Lord of the rings 1, 2, 3.
Resident evil.
Lonesome dove series.
27 dresses.
Fight club.
Interview with a vampire.
Mrs. Doubtfire.
What dreams may come.
Jacob’s latter.
Blow.
Pirates of the Caribbean.
The fisher king.
The world According to Garp.
Tank girl.
Angela’s ashes.
1408.
Superstar.

Cat’s we’ve had
Baby Doll.
Angel.
Buttons.
Scratchy.
Tigger.
Max.
Bear.
Snowball.
Kiwi.
Puss.
Calie.
Ramses.
Bandit.
Beast.
Molly Bee.
Bunny.
Kricket.
Dax.
Garfield.
Apple.
April.
Milo.
Jack Bauer.
Patches.
Fluffy.

Things I like to paint or draw
Trees.
Robots.
Monsters.
Doodle people.
Dark anything.
Bugs.
Plants.
Planets.
Animals.
Flowers.
Anything cute or evil. (is that weird ?)

Things I always do
Sleep with the fan on.
Sleep on the outside of the bed.
Get dressed before I start my day.
Read before I go to sleep.
Have milk in my coffee.
Park in the same spot or as close as I can.

2008-07-02T09:12:00.000-07:00

The idea for this new collection, that I have only just stared, was actually given to me by a drawing that my ten yr old son gave me. They range in size from 5" x 7" to 22" x 28". They are all created with Water colors and Premium Acrylic on stretched wrapped canvas.

"Monsters" have been such a fun little group to create, and are quickly becoming one of my favorite collections.

Robots and rusty parts

2008-07-02T08:10:00.000-07:00

I've always had an afininity for working with parts of things that you would throw away. Like broken toys and old rusty stuff. LOL

Here are some robots that I had fun making with some great rusty finds from a parking lot of a factory that my mom was delivering to in her big rig.

2008-06-30T12:39:00.001-07:00

Help fight Global Warming! Together, We can make a Difference!By planting fruit with your friends you can help us all make the world a greener place! As well, we'll shortly be launching some fun gaming features to constantly keep you entertained while doing good!Our sponsors contribute money to save the Rainforests as you use this application. After expenses we will donate revenue to funding a portfolio of reforestation projects. Thanks for joining us in this mission! We hope you have fun!The most recent donation was made June 1st, 2008 to the Adopt An Acre program of the Nature Conservancy. To learn more about this program, please visit the following address: http://www.nature.org/joinanddonate/adoptanacre/about/

2008-06-27T17:31:00.000-07:00

Crafting a Solution to Global WarmingFive craft- and DIY-themed online communities -- Craftster.org, Etsy.com, CraftZine.com, BurdaStyle.com and ThriftyFun.com -- have launched the Creativity 350 partnership and contest to draw creative energy and attention to 350.org’s goal of reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide to 350 parts per million to stave off drastic climatic and planetary repercussions.The Creativity 350 contest is actually two contests in one: A 350-themed craft contest and a 350-themed T-shirt design contest. For the craft contest, participants are invited to craft any project that creatively expresses the importance of the number 350, using any crafting technique. For the T-shirt contest, entrants may create an original T-shirt design that creatively expresses the importance of the number 350. Entries will be accepted from July 15 to August 15, 2008. Then the public will vote for their favorites from August 16 - August 31, 2008. Valuable craft- and green-themed prizes will be awarded to the two winners. A complete list of the prizes can be found at the contest Web site: http://www.craftster.org/350. The winning T-shirt design will also be utilized by 350.org on t-shirts that will help the organization raise money and create awareness of its mission.Co-founded by environmentalist and educator Bill McKibben, 350.org centers itself around the number 350 to provide focus on a clear, concise goal for reducing global warming factors: "350 is the red line for human beings, the most important number on the planet. The most recent science tells us that unless we can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to 350 parts per million, we will cause huge and irreversible damage to the earth."This unique partnership between the environmental community and the crafting community will bring out the creative energy of people around the world to help spread this important number, 350, in inspiring new ways.

Recycled Plastic Bottles

2008-06-26T07:09:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite art projects. I turn our families water, juice, and most any plastic bottle into little people and critters who have pledge to help save the Earth by living on.This little "Owl" began life as a plastic juice bottle. He was born through many hours of acrylic glaze painting. His feathers was "grown" with artifical willow tree flowers .His beak and foot were formed from Sculpty, and he has a few inches of sand in his belly to keep him from becoming week and toppling. He has been sealed with a matte varnish to ensure a long and healthy life.

Sidhe Forest's Newletter

2008-06-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

Subscribe to Sidhe Forest's newsletter Keep yourself informed about new exhibitions, Artworks and events. The Newsletter will arrive about every 30 days.

Click Here to subscribe : Sidhe Forest's Newsletter

Carlin died at 71 / Death of a Word Artist

2008-06-23T06:35:00.000-07:00

Art comes in many forms. George Carlin is one of the Artist who made sure we had freedom to express ourselves in words or paint.

Carlin, who had a history of heart trouble, went into St. John's Health Center in Santa Monica on Sunday afternoon complaining of chest pain and died later that evening, said his publicist, Jeff Abraham. He had performed as recently as last weekend at the Orleans Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas. He was 71."He was a genius and I will miss him dearly," Jack Burns, who was the other half of a comedy duo with Carlin in the early 1960s, told The Associated Press.Carlin's jokes constantly breached the accepted boundaries of comedy and language, particularly with his routine on the "Seven Words" - all of which are taboo on broadcast TV and radio to this day.When he uttered all seven at a show in Milwaukee in 1972, he was arrested on charges of disturbing the peace, freed on $150 bail and exonerated when a Wisconsin judge dismissed the case, saying it was indecent but citing free speech and the lack of any disturbance.

Random Arts

2008-06-18T10:53:00.000-07:00

http://www.randomartnotes.blogspot.com

Random Arts (formerly known as The Stamp Peddler) is located in Historic Saluda, North Carolina.and is only 1 mile off of I 26, at exit #59, in the "downtown" district at 50 E. Main St. Our little town of Saluda is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains just 30 miles south of Asheville, NC and 30 miles north west of Spartanburg, SC.

Random Arts has quickly become one of our most favorite place to shop for art supplies.
They are the only place anywhere near us that sell my Beloved Lumier Paints. And Artsy Candy is dripping from every nook and cranny of this wonderful little heaven.

Acrylic Glazing Techniques

2008-06-16T06:55:00.000-07:00

A glaze is simply a thin, transparent layer of paint and glazing is simply building up color by applying thin, transparent layers one of top of another, dry layer. Each glaze tints or modifies those beneath it. So why is glazing something that can trouble, and even threaten, artists so much? Well, while the theory may be simple, putting it into practice takes patience and persistence to master.

If you’re a painter who needs instant gratification, glazing is probably not for you. But if you’re a painter wanting to take your paintings up a notch, glazing will give you colors with a luminosity, richness, and depth you cannot get by mixing colors on a palette. Why is this? In very basic terms, it’s because light travels through all the transparent layers (glazes), bounces off the canvas, and reflects back at you.

Painting Glazes Tip No. 1: Get to Know Your Transparent Colors
Take the time to learn which pigments are transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque. Some manufacturers state this on their paint tubes.

Painting Glazes Tip No. 2: Be Extremely Patient
If you apply a glaze onto paint that isn’t totally dry, the layers of paint will mix together, which is just what you don’t want to happen. Be patient rather than sorry. If you’re working in acrylics, you can speed up things up by using a hair drier to dry a glaze. How soon an oil glaze will be dry depends on the climate you live in and your studio condition; do some sample glazes to find out. The paint must be dry to the touch, not sticky. Work on several paintings at once so you can move from one to another while you wait for a glaze to dry.

Painting Glazes Tip No. 3: Glazes Like Smooth Surfaces
A glaze is a thin layer of paint which should lie smoothly on top of the previous layers. You don’t want it to collect or puddle on any roughness on your support, or rather not when you first start glazing. (It’s something to experiment with once you’ve mastered the basics of glazing.) A smooth hardboard panel or fine-weave canvas is ideal to start with.

Painting Glazes Tip No. 4: Use a Light Ground
Use a light-colored or white ground, which helps reflect light, rather than a dark one, which helps absorb light. If you’re not convinced, do a test by painting exactly the same glazes on a white ground and a black or dark brown one.

Painting Glazes Tip No. 5: Glazing Mediums
Glazing mediums thin the paint you’re using to the right constituency for glazing and, if you buy a fast-drying formula, speed up the rate at which the paint dries. They also solve any possible adhesion problems arising from diluting the paint too much, particularly with acrylics .Experiment with the ratio of medium to paint to get a feel for how much to add; too much and you sometimes get a glassy, excessively glossy effect.

Painting Glazes Tip No. 6: Use a Soft Brush
Glazes want to be painted smoothly, without visible brush marks. Use a soft brush with rounded edges, such as a filbert brush. You can glaze with a stiff, hog-hair brush, but it’s not ideal if you’re new to glazing. Flicking over the top of the paint with a dry fan or hake brush is useful way to eliminate visible brush marks.

Painting Glazes Tip No. 7: Unify a Painting With a Final Glaze
When the painting is finished, apply one final glaze over the whole painting. This helps unify all the parts of the painting. An alternative is to apply a final unifying glaze to just the elements in the focal point.

Creating Flued Paint

Fluid paints can be used like watercolors, or for glazing and washes. To create a more fluid texture, water is added to the paint. The ratio of paint to water depends on how thick the glaze is expected to be. An opaque glaze or paint consists of more paint than water, and will give a more solid color. A translucent glaze or paint will be the opposite, consisting of slightly more water than the opaque version, and will have a smoother texture. Translucent glazes show more of the colors underneath the paint compared to opaque glazes. Artist Keri Ippolito advises that the paint should be watered no more than 50 percent or the paint will not stick to the canvas . After mixing the paints, allow time for the air bubbles to rise to the surface. This will be crucial in many techniques, especially in pouring paints.

The Two Secrets to Glazing
The first secret to glazing is to use extremely thin paint. The second secret to glazing is patience, don't go too fast. (How simple is that?!)
Build your colors and tones slowly. Leave the painting to dry between each coat or layer of paint (glaze). This way, if you make an error you can correct it easily by wiping the new paint off. Or, if you put down a color and find it’s too strong, wipe off any surplus. If you want to even out your colors, I find the best thing to use is a mop brush.

How Many Glazes Should I Use?
Remember the first secret of glazing: to use extremely thin paint. So to build up a color to the proper intensity, think about using as many as nine glazes. If you think that’s going to take forever, remember the second rule -- be patient -- and that the more thinly you paint, the faster it will dry.

What Colors Are Suitable for Glazing?
Remember when you paint really thin your opaque colours will appear translucent, almost like your transparent colours. I use my opaque colors in the first glazing layers.

Do I Have to Use Glazing for the Whole Painting?
No, glazing can be just a part of your painting. You can paint as usual and make your last corrections or give more depth to your colors with one or two layers of glazing. What’s fun about glazing is that you can add special effects so discretely that the spectator will appreciate your painting without knowing exactly why.

Is That Really All There Is to Glazing?
Yup. Glazing really is this simple. Anyone can glaze with success. You probably do it already without noticing….

Welcome Fellow Earthlings

2008-05-06T14:19:00.000-07:00

Greetings fellow Earthlings and artists!

I am Sidhe Kalas. If I were rich I would get to be eccentric, but I am simply weird and a bit twisted. At least that’s what my kids tell me.

I grew up in a family of extremely talented artists. I drew stick people and not very well. I was kind of the artistic wall flower of the family. Then about 13 years ago I faced a rising tide of storms and decided not to drown. I learn to Kung Fu the monsters under the bed and ugly skeletons in the closet. One of my best Kung Fu moves was learning how to paint. Art quickly became a large part of my life.

I am self taught and have tried many froms of art from, watercolor and drawing to assemblage and sculpting.

Some of My favorite mediums and supplies include, but are not limited to:

I will paint anything. I prefer walls and large canvas, but will happily use a cereal box, or the kids toys.
Paint (Lumier Acrylics, water colors, metallic’s).
Pencils Staedtler Pens and any Smudge proof pen or marker I can find.
Texture is also a must…..I love texture.
I also have an addiction to my sons sketches, and they tend to wind up in a lot of my art.

I am also the mother of four beautiful smart asses ( I'm so proud...sigh), I am married to a werewolf, it does make things interesting around the full moon. He is my soul mate and puts up with me embarrassing him in public so we've worked out perfectly for each other for nearly 15 years. And, when I am not doing art I am more than likely reading.

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, and a few other oddity's as well.

Ooh! And I love a good HOT pair of socks and red skittles. Aren't I amazing! hehe

~Sidhe