Painting of the Day - Lifted

Lifted - Acrylic and oil pastel on watercolor paper, created January 2009
Available for purchase at http://www.livefunky.etsy.com/.


a tunnel
time travel
blackholes
dreamstates
uplifting emotion
center of a tornado

Fluid in the Now

I made this new banner based on the painting below that I really like. I need to do this on a large scale (add to large to do list)... Here's the original.

Fluid in the Now - Acrylic and oil pastel on paper http://www.livefunky.etsy.com/

Lay of the Land - Acrylic and oil pastel on paper http://www.livefunky.etsy.com/

Both of these are new pieces created in the last two days. I've loved working with my fresh new batch of oil pastels that I got for Christmas (thanks Mom and Dad!). The weather here has been downright miserable but the colors I'm working with keep me feeling rejuvenated. I'd love to be working on larger pieces but without heat in the studio, that's not really an option right now. Well, I could (and have) set up inside the house, but for now it's nice to work in a smaller scale, more contemplative as I listen to ice chunks whip against the window!

I'm not going to officially sign up for the Painting a Day deal because if I do that I'll come to a grinding halt. It happened before when I tried two separate times to do 365 Sketch last year. It's an unfortunate personality trait to crave doing what I'm told not to and vice versa. Instead, I'm keeping it "in mind" to create a piece a day with no rules, no pressure. I need to do this to keep myself connected to that source - you know how it is fellow creators. Even a few days away from your craft and you get a little rusty, you need some time to mess around before it clicks again. I'll always feel a need to plan and it will always be counter balanced with a need to live in the moment. So... hi 2009. Nice to meet you, it will be interesting getting to know you better.

Welcome to 2009!

New Day - Acrylic and oil pastel on paper

First painting of 2009! Now available at http://www.livefunky.etsy.com/

I hope everyone had a happy and healthy holiday season. As usual, it flew by, but many special memories were made and the time together with family and friends was wonderful and life affirming.

Turning back the clocks a bit, going into 2007 I had an amazing sense of excitement for what that year would bring. I had a feeling that it would be a year of big changes and growth in my business and indeed, it was. I worked on interesting and challenging commissions, my Etsy shop blossomed and overall things were moving in an upward, positive direction. But for some reason, maybe because 2007 was such a good year, I wasn't looking forward to 2008. I sensed that I needed to be frugal and that we'd be challenged, all of us. I don't need to tell you what happened, and for those of us running small businesses selling non essential goods, we were part of the many careers that took a hit this year. And although our economic and global issues weren't wiped clean when the ball dropped, I feel a great amount of hope and faith for the future. It reminds me of the feeling I had in 2007, only now, there is a "bigger than me" need to participate in the change I'd like to see in the world. So here are my resolutions (more like declarations, actually) for the new year.

First of all, I'm not going to stop making art because it is a "non essential good" - art is needed in the world, almost especially in times like these, and if I'm not living my passion regardless of the challenges that I face, what sort of example am I for a future artist or creative individual? So lesson one of 2009 - live your dream to the fullest.

Second, I am going to stop lugging around massive expectations. Be at peace with uncertainly, have faith in yourself and others to be able to handle change and make the right choices in the moment. Take pride in individual successes and don't sweat the small stuff. Man, that one has been on my to do list for decades. I think now is the time to really follow that advice.

Don't wait to have the experiences you want! After visiting with some old friends over the holidays, I got to see my friend Kim that I've known for over 15 years. She is the kind of person that has a dream and goes for it. She started a dance company years ago that is now a great success. She won a trip to Italy, fell in love with the culture and now a few years later she is taking expert Italian courses and has traveled there several times for solo vacations of wonderful adventures. How great is that? She is not fabulously wealthy or anything, she is just smart about it, working hard, saving her money, living simply (healthy market diet, exercise/all natural fun) and spending her money wisely. Alone with my thoughts after our get together, I couldn't help but wonder what would my list of "I'd love to..." look like? I'm determined to sit down in peace and quiet and really meditate about it and write that list. Not only do I need to figure that out, I need to dive into making each of those dreams happen. I'm hoping to be a mommy in the next few years and this is my time to do whatever I want on my own - it's now or in 18 years, that's how I figure it!

Lastly and most importantly, love and relationships are what matter. Live healthy, happy and connect with those you love. (In my case, trade in being a work-a-holic for a love-a-holic with a full time job - know what I mean?).

Do you have any resolutions or meditations for the new year? Please share them!

Glimpse of Truth

Glimpse of Truth, originally uploaded by livefunky.

Acrylic on 6" x 12" canvas, created in December 2008.

Pastel Delight

Pastel Delight, originally uploaded by livefunky.

Acrylic on 6" x 12" canvas, created in December 2008.

Celebration

Celebration by Jessica Torrant
Acrylic on 6" x 12" canvas
Created December 2008
Available at www.livefunky.etsy.com

I'm so excited to celebrate 2009 with a gathering of friends and loved ones in the days to come. I wish you all a very happy New Year. Cheers!

We have a winner!

http://hiccupapparel.blogspot.com/ is the winner of my blog contest! Thanks so much to all that posted. I will be turning to your answers as I make business choices in the new year.

Congratulations hiccupapparel!

Santa was good to me!

Santa was good to me!, originally uploaded by livefunky.

In this picture you can see my wonderful collection of new canvases and tons of new brushes. I just finished working on the commission with the new brushes and uh.... what a difference. My well worn brushes, with rusted metal, paint saturated, chipping wood and mangled hair have done me good, but it's time for retirement and specific assignments (raw texture/strokes). I just busted into a package of 6 x 12 canvases I got from my cousin and my parents also got me some larger canvases, including an oval which should be fun!

The ball jar in the picture was a gift from my grandfather. All five grandkids got to pick one. They were used by my grandfather's mother and grandmother so they go way back. I'll be proudly displaying this Ball jar - don't worry, it will NOT become a water vessel for painting or even a storage for used brushes! I loooove the blue Ball jars and used them in our wedding for table bouquets so I really cherish this gift.

Now it's off to paint! I'm feeling just like I did as a kid the day after Christmas digging into all of my new art supplies that family (and Santa) gave me. Yipee! Oh! I forgot one more supply. A new batch of oil pastels. Ahhh.... so nice. My old ones were getting down to nubs. 36 new clean colors to play with. What joy!

Merry Christmas!

My honeys, originally uploaded by livefunky.

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday! I'm recuperating after a 48 hour bonanza - wow a real night of full sleep sure felt great! My wonderful family gave me lots of fresh new art supplies (thank you!) and I'm so excited to get back to work - but today I'm taking it nice and easy and enjoying the glow of the tree and a warm cup of tea. Hope everyone had a great time and you're able to relax a bit after all of the excitement.

New ArtFire Shop!

Earth and Sky 1

Check out this print and many others in my new ArtFire shop at http://www.jessicatorrant.artfire.com/!

Snow Day!

Just came back in from my second pass at shoveling and the snow just keeps on coming! I don't mind, I love this light and fluffy snow (though I want everyone to be careful on the roads and I'll be very happy once my husband is home safe and sound). Leo (above) LOVES snow too. I took this goofy shot this afternoon. He was barking at me to throw his stick. That was my afternoon. Shovel, toss the stick, shovel, pet Leo "good boy" and toss again. He's my baby and I love him so much for keeping me company with his love and goofy antics.

Okapi!

With my other commission "finished" (really just waiting for customer approval and reaction - some colors may be tweaked around a bit) I was able to begin and finish this little painting for my friend's son! It went fast because it was just too much fun to paint. I kept hurrying the drying time on each layer because I wanted to keep going. I love when you have an idea for a painting and it clicks just the way you want it to! All of the sides have this striped pattern.

Take my quiz to win this original work of art!

BLINK by Jessica Torrant
Original ink drawing over an archival art print of my painting Orange Sun. Hand signed and titled. Image measures 5" x 7" on 8.5" x 11" matte finish paper.

Enter to win this original work of art simply by leaving a comment! Contest ends December 29th at which point I will take all of your names/emails and put them in a basket and select one at random to be the winner. I will contact the winner via email or a comment on their blog. So anyone can vote - just leave some way for me to contact you. Good luck!

THE QUIZ

1. Have you ever purchased original art online? Y/N
   
   
2. Have you ever purchased art prints (reproductions) online? Y/N
   
   
3. If you answered no to questions 1 or 2, have you ever purchased either in a shop or gallery in person? Y/N
   
   
4. When you are considering purchasing art what sizes do you usually look for?
   a. Miniature, ACEO
   b. Small 5" x 7" - 9" x 12"
   c. Medium 8" x 10" - 16" x 20"
   d. Large 20" x 24" - 36" x 40"
   e. Extra Large 40" and higher
   f. All of the above or your own alternate answer
   
   
5. When you are considering purchasing art what subject matters interest you?
   a. Abstract
   b. Figurative
   c. Landscape
   d. Still Lives
   e. All of the above or your own alternate answer
   
   
6. When you are considering purchasing art what mediums do you usually look for?
   a. Ink or pencil
   b. Oil paint
   c. Acrylic paint
   d. Watercolor paint
   e. Collage
   f. Digital media
   g. All of the above or your own alternate answer
   
   
7. On a scale of one to ten, how much or little are you interested in the following art forms or styles?
   Abstract Art
   Traditional Realism
   Contemporary Realism
   Dark Art
   Fantasy Art
   Graffiti Art
   Kitch/Vintage Influenced Art
   Folk Art
   Surreal Art
   Children's Art (made by children)
   Art for Children
   Outsider Art
   (Please feel free to add any other styles in your answer that interest you)
   
   
8. When you are considering purchasing art, what are you looking for when it comes to the surface? Please rate each on a scale of one to ten, ten being the most desirable.
   Paper (any kind)
   Watercolor paper
   Wood
   Standard canvas with staples in the sides
   Gallery wrapped canvas
   Gallery wrapped canvas with 1.5" deep sides
   Custom framed art with mat and glass
   Custom framed canvas (no mat or glass)
   Recycled materials
   Other
   
   
9. How important is a Certificate of Authenticity?
   a. Very important
   b. Don't care either way
   c. It's a waste of paper
   d. What's a Certificate of Authenticity?
   
   
10. If you were to purchase original art online, where might you go looking to buy? Please answer Yes, No or never heard of it (which you could mark with a ?) to each of the sites below.
    a. Etsy
    b. eBay
    c. Dawanda
    d. ArtFire
    e. Boundless Gallery
    f. Yessy
    g. MySpace
    f. Other (please include any other sites you would consider)
    
    
11. Would you consider purchasing art directly from an artist's website or blog?
    a. Yes, I prefer that to purchasing it on another site (like Etsy).
    b. Yes, but I prefer buying through other sites (like Etsy).
    c. No
    
    
12. Would you ever consider asking an artist to create a commission (custom work of art) for you?
    a. Yes and I have!
    b. Yes and I will at some point.
    c. Yes but I don't think I will because I'm concerned about ______. (fill in the blank)
    d. No
    e. No and artists that offer that service turn me off as a collector
    
    
13. On a scale of one to ten, how important are these factors when considering purchasing from an artist online?
    Professional experience
    Educational experience
    Longevity of career
    A history of showing in physical galleries
    Word of mouth/buzz
    Professionalism in presentation
    Silliness/light hearted approach to presentation/writing
    Good photography skills
    Good writing skills
    Extensive descriptions of art
    Personal anecdotes, poems, or artist's thoughts about individual pieces
    Large amount of previous sales
    High feedback rating
    Seeing a photograph of the artist
    A return policy
    First class shipping
    Priority mail shipping
    Insurance on shipping
    Delivery Confirmation on shipping
    Age
    Gender
    
    
14. Which answer sounds the most like you?
    a. I like to buy art from as many different artists as I can.
    b. I like to buy art from a very select few of my favorite artists.
    c. There isn't much rhyme or reason to how I buy art or from whom. I just fall in love with something and have to have it!
    d. I like to buy art from people I know.
    e. I don't buy art.
    f. Other
    
    
15. If you purchased art, what would be the biggest turn offs to you as a buyer? You can pick just one or rate these from one to ten - ten being the biggest turnoff.
    Poorly wrapped/packaged and arrived damaged.
    Long shipping time.
    No communication.
    Pet hairs.
    Smells of smoke.
    Smells of perfume or incense.
    Colors don't look the same way they did on the computer.
    Unsigned art.
    No personalized thank you note.
    No extra gifts.
    Promotional materials from other Etsy sellers (not the one you purchased from).
    Religious materials included.
    Candy or food products included in non food purchase.
    Scented extra gifts (like soap or candle) in a scent free purchase (such as a tshirt).
    Poorly crafted product.
    
    
    

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions! To make commenting/answering easier, just copy and paste the quiz into your comment.

Disco Elves

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

We pardoned the turkeys and made chicken instead

It's raining now, but we got our first snow recently and got to see the neighborhood wild turkeys strolling through our neighbor's front yard across the street. This isn't a rare sight, but it's not often that I have my camera on hand to capture them before they mosey on.

Tonight I tried my hand at a recipe for Coq Au Vin I found on www.allrecipies.com. I love that site because you can just type in the ingredients you have on hand in the search engine. I typed in chicken breasts, carrots and onions and I happened to be intrigued by this one. Of course I was familiar with the name of the dish and when I saw the recipe called for pearl onions (which I have two bags of) I had to try it. I don't know how many of you out there enjoy these savory little onions, but I really love them just boiled, let alone roasted with other veggies and/or meat. Anyway, this is really an adaptation on the real recipie, and I tweaked things a bit given what I had on hand. I'll include how I cooked the side of potatoes as I think this was a good compliment to the main dish.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Boneless chicken breasts
• Potatoes
• Bacon
• Thyme
• Red wine
• Pearl onions
• Carrots
• Yellow onions
• Chicken stock
• Black pepper (salt to taste)
• Flour
• Garlic
• Bay leaf

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring chicken stock to a boil in a pot and add peeled and diced potatoes.
2. Cook a few strips of bacon till it's nice and crisy in a frying pan. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a plate with paper towels to absorb the grease. Chop up the bacon to use later.
3. Remove most of the bacon grease from the pan except for about two tablespoon.
4. Chop yellow onion and add to frying pan with grease until golden yellow.
5. Drain potatoes when they are still firm but slightly tender.
6. Add potatoes and some of the chopped up bacon bits to the pan and fry. I added a little butter too (as you can already tell, I don't really cook diet food, at least not in the winter!)
7. Cover and cook on a low heat, checking and stirring often until potatoes are tender all the way through.
8. Spray another large skillet with cooking oil and add four chicken breasts. Cook on medium heat browning both sides of the meat.
9. Peel and cut carrots into thin slices - about two/three cups.
10. Peel pearl onions and cut off the ends - about 16 onions.
11. Mince about two cloves of garlic (or more if you love it like I do).
12. Once chicken has browned on both sides, add 1.5 cups of red wine, minced garlic, pearl onions, carrots, a few tbls of bacon bits, one bay leaf, a sprinkling of thyme and black pepper and bring to a boil.
13. Once it has reached a boil, cover and bring the heat down to low to simmer for about 25 minutes.
14. Check the meat to make sure it's done, and if it is, remove the meat and veggies from the pan with a slotted spoon onto another dish.
15. Remove the bay leaf from the juice remaining in the pan.
16. Wisk together 1/4 cup of flour with 1.5 cups of cold water in a seperate bowl.
17. Add flour/water mixture to the juices in the pan and cook on a low/medium heat stirring/whisking the mixture continuously until the mixture thickens to a good gravy.
18. I served the potatoes on the side, but on second thought I think it would be good to serve the chicken and veggies on top of the potatoes with gravy ladeled over the entire dish.

This is comfort food at it's best, my friends. You'll notice I'm not exact with amounts - most of this will be to YOUR taste. My husband doesn't like mushrooms so I didn't include them, but they are a traditional (and perfect) addition to this dish.

Beefing up my Boundless Gallery site

I added a lot of new paintings to my Boundless Gallery site. You can see my site there at http://www.jessicatorrant.boundlessgallery.com/

I am the luckiest woman in the world

pour son paysage, originally uploaded by m.a. wakeley.

Because my art idol Mary Ann Wakeley sent me this stunning original painting! I am looking at it right now and my heart is still pounding. It is hanging in our living room where I can gaze at it from our computer desk. I can't thank you enough Mary Ann - you are a wonderful person and truly a modern master!

Please visit her Etsy shop at www.maryannwakeley.etsy.com

What's New?

COMMISSIONS
I've got a new commission project to get started on that I'm very excited about. I created a deposit listing for the project on Etsy (since that is where the customer found me and contacted me) and it inspired me to create a general commission listing to give other folks an idea of how it works and my pricing. No bites yet, but I only have one size listed so far. I'm going to add some more sizes today. You can see them in my Commission section of my Etsy shop at www.livefunky.etsy.com.

WORLD OF IMAGINATION VOL. 2
I also signed on to do a show in 2009 at the APW Gallery in NYC. I've never worked with this gallery before, but the idea for the show grabbed me. You pay $50 to submit 5 works on 12" x 12" canvas. There is no other restriction besides the size. I don't live too far away from the city, so I plan on going to the show on opening night. If you are interested in participating, visit http://apwarts.com/worldofimagination.html. (You can ship your artwork there if you live far away from NYC). If you sign up for the show, let me know!

ILLUSTRATION STATION
I re-opened my Etsy shop at www.illustrationstation.etsy.com. I didn't like the look of my illustration prints in my livefunky shop because they just didn't visually groove with my other artwork. I only have one section right now for Figurative Illustrations, I hope to add more to the shop, including abstracts and art for kids.

ART ADVICE
I'm considering offering art advice online for anyone that would like a little guidance or suggestions for their artwork. I've found that through the years I really love helping other artists and offering suggestions for different directions they could take their work. I'm not exactly an expert in my field, but I do have a good deal of experience working in multiple mediums and styles, and I've taught art lessons to adults and children in the past. I like the idea of working one on one with anyone that would like to develop their artwork. I can also offer advice about marketing their art online. What do you think?

THINKING BIG
I am really excited to start stretching large canvases to offer in my Boundless Gallery shop. www.JessicaTorrant.boundlessgallery.com. I need to take a trip to the art supply store STAT! Hopefully I'll have some big boys to share with you in early 2009.

Rollercoaster Ride

New ink drawing called Rollercoaster Ride available at http://www.livefunky.etsy.com/

Oh Happy Day

New original oil pastel on recycled paper. Available at www.livefunky.etsy.com

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