Sketchbook blog

Ever since I started making little paintings for Artomat , I've kept a Google map with pins on each location where my little paintings have sold. I have had requests at least a couple times to share how I made this map, so here's a really simple guide that I found on a travel blog called Kevin & Amanda .   I created my map below with the old-school version of Google maps, and I keep it simple with basic blue pins.  You will notice in Kevin & Amanda's directions that they use fancy pins and color coding.  You can do as much or as little you want to do.  If you find this to be too much information, then use this more basic guide from Google support . Here is what my map looks like right now.  I added the arrow and the message about the Honolulu Museum.  This arrow and text appears as a saved image (a jpeg file).  I did not overwrite this in Google maps. I'll explain how to make this little arrow appear in an image file below. Reme...

Today, a friend asked me what an Artomat machine looks like and how does it work. Here is a picture of some svelte, refurbished cigarette machines that now vend original art for $5 a pop! photo courtesy of Artomat I make "Little Inspiration" blocks and "Mini Masterpieces" that combine a morsel of a masterwork with a bit of art history. These items go in little white boxes that are the same size of old cigarette packs. You put $5 in the machine; you "kerplunk" original art. Clark Whittington, a Winston-Salem artist, thought up the whole idea and he runs the Artomat show.  If you are interested in joining Artomat as an artist, or if you know someone whose art would be a good fit, please contact Clark  and all the good folks at Artomat. Remember:  it's all about affordable, accessible art.  The artists who participate believe that art is something every man, woman and child should be able to enjoy -- a simple pleasure.  Want to...

If you don't have a membership for Skillshare, you have to get one.  It's an incredible value.  There are so many creative people taking classes online and teaching classes here, it's amazing! I have started Ria Sharon's Sketchbook Magic class .  She encourages opening your mind to anything:  any material, any shapes or marks.  The only thing she won't tolerate is excuses.  She wants students to commit to a drawing a day. I admit that it's hard sometimes, but just taking the class pushed me to draw without any expectations of the finished product. I did this little doodle at Panera for my Day 4, #MakeArtAnywhere challenge.   My Kandinsky book quietly whispered that I could do it! Ria has a calming voice and positive energy.  I encourage you to get a Skillshare membership and take her class as soon as possible.  

Clarice will join the ranks of Artists in Cellophane with her new Boogerbrains series for Artomat . Boogerbrains are coming to an upcycled vending machine near you... Here's a little bit about these funky creatures: When bubbles pop, BoogerBrains are born.  They are giddy little creatures too small for you to see.  They have many hobbies like singing, which they call “snorggling.”  BoogerBrains also love to eat, and their favorite food is shoelaces.  They are not the smartest little critters, but they are very loyal and friendly.  BoogerBrains come in different colors, and they love sparkles.  I’ve captured the likeness of a BoogerBrain here for you.  Try to collect them all. 

Just received my green card from Artomat today.   Machines can no longer "kerplunk" my art because supplies are gone.  It's a good thing I have a shipment of Little Inspirations headed there this week. Since I started painting for Artomat in December 2013, I have sold my tiny paintings in quite a few locations throughout the United States.   I've updated  my map with three new locations from my most recent green card: District Taco in Vienna, Virginia,    Honolulu Museum  of Art in Hawaii and  t he  Eiteljorg Museum  of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis, Indiana. I am grateful to be part of something that brings joy and art education to so many people, all around the country.

Almost there -- just about ready to wrap up my 6th Artomat batch of all time: 50 Little Inspirations.

Getting ready for the next Artomat batch

"Letters to Pearl" art exhibit at Crossnore Fine Arts Gallery , NC mountains by artist Robin Surber Efird's Department Store :  where my grandmother, Sue Monteith Alexander, worked in downtown Charlotte, NC I would love to know more about the Hotel Tulluck in Sanford, NC.  Until viewing these works, I had never heard of this Hotel. Letter to Mrs. Pearl Parrish Long, who lived in Charlotte.   I wonder if my grandmother knew her. Postmark, 1933.  The paintings have glass bottles above the canvas with messages in them.   I didn't include the full bottle in the photos.  I think the bottles contain the letters from the envelope featured. The artist who created these lovely mixed media works