"LASHES" AN OSTRICH 4"X4" OIL ON TEXTURED PANEL FOR MY ETSY SHOP © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

"Lashes" an Ostrich

4x4" oil on textured panel

$27

Available in my ETSY shop

"Lashes" is a woman who knows how to highlight her best feature. She knows she isn't the most beautiful girl in the realm, but those lashes...well, they are front and center! "Lashes" is painted in oil on a 4"x4" textured panel. She can be framed as is (keep in mind that a 4x4 frame will take 1/2" off each side), or she can sit on a small easel. OR, for .50 more I can mount her on either an off white or black 5"x5" backer board so she can be framed in a 5x5" frame with all her sides showing! The frames shown are not included, but serve as an example of what she can look like. You can find a black frame like this one at Michaels, or the off white can be found  on ETSY at RUSTIC AND REFINED DESIGN! "Lashes" will be ready to

ship on May 7, 2014 when she is dry.

HAPPY CREATING!

"SILVER GIRL" A HORSE ORIGINAL OIL ON 7"X5" TEXTURED PANEL © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

"Silver Girl" a Horse

7"x5" oil on textured panel

Framed

$75

Available in my ETSY shop

 Can't you just see this beautiful white girl giving you every bit of her attention! "Silver Girl" is painted in oil over a 7"x 5" textured MDF panel. She is lovingly framed in this unique frame made just for her. The outside is painted a soft grey to compliment her color scheme; distressed a bit, with a white distressed 7"x5" frame attached on top. Finished frame size is 11 1/2" x 9 1/4" Because of the nature of this frame structure, she is IN THERE PERMANENTLY! "Silver girl is ready to hang, or can sit on an easel. 

 

As a way of explination about the frame I have added a new fun project to my list of things I do.  I enjoy finding frames and putting them together as is shown here.  The bottom frame is one, and the white one surrounding the painting is another.  I paint them, distress them...whatever suits my fancy.  IT'S FUN DOINS!  The REASON that "Silver Girl" is in this one to stay is that the openings for the two frames are the same, HOWEVER the lip that the painting sits behind is in the way of the top frame opening on the back, so I have to frame her in the white frame, then glue it on top over the grey one...I HOPE that makes sense.  WHEN I put a 6"x4" on top, the opening is small enough to reach in from the back of both...so, those paintings are interchangeable.  IF I ever find another way, I'll make adjustments...BUT, who would want to change this girl from her frame...after all it was made to suit her!! :)

HAPPY CREATING!

"PIGGY TAIL" ORIGINAL 4X4" MINI FOR ETSY © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

"Piggy Tail"

4x4" oil on textured panel

$27

Available in my ETSY shop

What else can be said about this little fun gem, but it's a piggy tail! Meant to attract the one who needs to find a smile in your artwork, this little baby is for you! "Piggy Tail" is painted in oil on a 4"x4" textured panel. This little guy can sit on an easel as is, or can be framed in a 4"x4" frame (keep in mind the frame takes 1/2" on each side), OR, for .50 more you can choose a 5"x5" off white or black backer board. This will allow you to frame your little piggy in a 5"x5" frame with all sides showing! Frame examples shown are not included, but you can get the black one at Michaels, and the off white frame here on ETSY at Rustic and Refined

Design! "Piggy Tail" will be dry and ready to ship on May 3, 2014.

The weather here is finally starting to cooperate, so it enables me to get in my garage and make cradles for some of my mixed media work. YAY!  Next on my easel; or more accurately on my floor as it is 80" tall, is my next door project!  STAY TUNED!

HAPPY CREATING!

DIY TIPS AND TRICKS

DIY CHALKBOARD

I've been wanting to make my own chalkboard for awhile now.  My recent find at one of my local haunts was just the perfect chance to have at it.

To make your own chalkboard you need just a few tips and tricks for great success!  First, find a frame that appeals to you...it can be any size!  This 24"x14" antique frame was just the ticket for me.  I spray painted it just a bit...I wanted to see a bit of the wood coming through on this one.  Then, I cut (you can have Home Depot cut it for you) a 1/8" piece of MDF board to fit.  THEN I sprayed a flat primer on the board.  Let it dry. YOU HAVE TO PRIME BEFORE PAINT ON THIS FOR IT TO WORK I've been told.  THEN I sprayed two coats of chalkboard paint and let it dry.  The next step is important...you want to make sure you get regular chalk NOT dustless (as I did first) chalk.  I got mine at the grocery store...it is Crayola brand for $1.19 for a box of 12.  Take the chalk on its side and rub the entire surface in long strokes until it is covered.  THEN wipe it off with a soft cloth.  Use circular motions.  You can even get it wet after that.  IT IS THEN READY TO USE!   I then popped it in my frame, put hangers on back and VOILA`!  You have a chalk board!!

Here is another one I made to sell...(when I decide where and how much) it is an upcycled frame I found...using the same process...I think for the more contemporary soul.

16"x16" hard plastic"ish"lightweight frame

the light caught every little thing here...but trust me, it is a good one too! :)

I used different colored chalk to see if it would show up...it does as you can see! 

FUN DOINS!

this is one of those frames you get at like MACY'S or KOHLS that already had artwork in it, but I just popped it out and used it...

NOW, for a bit of a tip on small artwork.  Remember it does NOT just have to stay small...you can find frames all over the place that can give a very small piece a bigger presence, as I have done with one of my 4"x4" ETSY paintings called 

"Shadow Horses"

unframed $27

Framed in this 9 3/4" x 9 3/4" beadboard frame $45.50

and, if you want to market it nicely, you should offer it in a "setting".  I don't do this nearly often enough, but when I do, things sell quickly.  I don't know if it is the painting, or the photographic suggestion...but, it is FUN to give your works a fun atmosphere! 

SO, now you have a choice for "Shadow Horses"

check it out in my ETSY SHOP!

HAPPY CREATING!!

"HOCUS P" A RABBIT ORIGINAL 6"X4" OIL ON TEXTURED PANEL; FRAMED © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

"Hocus P" a Rabbit

6"x4" oil on textured panel

FRAMED in solid wood distressed 11"x9" frame

Available in my ETSY shop

$75

"Hocus P" a Rabbit is a dignified dude that I believe once worked for a magician, but quit BECAUSE it wasn't dignified enough. So, he has posed for his portrait to prove that he IS dignified. "Hocus P" is 6" x 4" painted in oil on a textured canvas panel and framed in a 11"x9" distressed off white solid wood frame! He is ready to hang or sit on a beautiful easel! "Hocus P" will be ready to ship on April 30, 2014 when he is dry.

 

I really DO enjoy finding or making frames for some of these paintings...I've added a frame to a recent addition to ETSY; "Hatchet" is now available framed or unframed!

"Hatchet"

I work hard to keep my prices affordable to the public!  I believe in sharing in life, and so, for these smaller paintings, I work hard to do this.  Sometimes prices seem a little confusing; well, at least to me if I didn't know why...alot of the differences come from what it costs me to frame.  If I find a good deal I pass it along...so sometimes a frame costs a bit more to produce and that is why prices may vary on similar size paintings.

HAPPY CREATING!

"QUACKERS" A DUCKLING ORIGINAL 4"X4" OIL ON TEXTURED PANEL FOR MY ETSY SHOP © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

"Quackers" a duckling

original 4x4" oil on textured panel

$27

Available in my ETSY shop

Doesn't this little one just look like he or she;( I haven't got a clue which) is a little bit quackers? All discombobulated and crooked, but always smiling! This little bundle of happy is painted in oil on a 4"x4" textured panel. "Quackers" is fins just as he/she is...no frame; can sit on a little easel, or can be framed in a 4x4" frame (remember the frame takes up 1/2" on all sides). OR, for .50 more I can send her/him mounted on a 5"x5" off white, or black backer board so he/she can be framed in a 5"x5" frame so all sides show! The frames shown are merely a suggestion and not included in the price, but you can find ones just like them in the ETSY shop Rustic and Refined Design, and the black one can be found at Michaels! "Quackers" will be ready to ship April 29, 2014 when he or she is dry! 

 

HAPPY CREATING!

"LITTLE B" A BEAR ORIGINAL 5X4" OIL ON CANVAS PANEL FOR ETSY © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

"Little B" a bear

original 5x4" oil on textured canvas panel

Available in my ETSY shop

Sold

Just tooling around, this little guy; all sunlit and happy! This 5"x4" oil on textured canvas panel is ready for framing, or can sit on an easel as he is! "Little B" will be ready to ship April 28, 2014 when he is totally dry. 

I have noticed that my little paintings have morphed into animals and stuffies and such; with a precious few still life pieces.  Somewhere along the way it became about those little "aaahhhs" and giggles or smiles at the very least.  Doing these little ones makes me happy and is a great rest between my larger mixed media pieces.  And, that is OK with me! FUN DOINS!

HAPPY CREATING!

"CHUBBY BUNNY" ORIGINAL OIL ON TEXTURED 4X4" PANEL FOR ETSY © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

"Chubby Bunny" 

4"x4" oil on textured panel

$27; available in my ETSY shop

This little one has eaten so many carrots he is absolutely STUFFED! "Chubby Bunny" is painted in oil on a textured 4"x4" panel. He is painted on a bluish/green background; more blue than green...remember all monitors read color a little differently. He is adorable just as he is; you can sit him on a shelf, or a small easel; even frame him in a 4x4" frame (remember it takes 1/2" off on each side). OR, for .50 more I can mount him on a 5"x5" off white, or black backer board so he can be framed in a 5"x5" frame with all his sides showing! Frames are not included, but you can find the off white frame at Rustic and Refined Design here on ETSY or the black one

at Michaels. "Chubby Bunny" will be ready to ship on April 28, 2014 when he is dry.

HAPPY CREATING!

"RAVEN VIEW 2" ORIGINAL OIL AND PAPER ON STRETCHED CANVAS © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

"Raven View 2"

5"x5" oil and paper on gallery wrap canvas

SOLD - thank you Gwen!

This was painted as a request, but is always available until it is sold!  I think the person requesting him may have found another "ravinish" object for her friend, but one never knows...so for the time being, he is available!  She loved the ETSY "Raven View" that can be found HERE, but wanted a paper stream that is kind of my signature.

A bit larger version of my ETSY "Raven View", this 5" x 5" oil and paper on 1.5" gallery wrap canvas is a Raven with a message..."I see You".  They are very intense birds, full of personality and superstition; which is not what you would think.  Ravens are symbolized as intelligent, wise and knowledgeable creatures!  "Raven View 2" is painted on all sides and ready to ship on April 24, 2014 when he is totally dry!  His unique depth allows for him to hang or sit on a shelf!

I've also been busy creation for my JUST FOR FUN Jewelry line...below are fun finds that can be found at HALEY'S CLOSET in Conifer, Co.  If you ever see something you just love, drop me a line, often I can create something similar!  art4life44@hotmail.com

 

this butterfly themed necklace is about 30"ish

 This rose necklace is about 17" and upcycled from other pieces, so a one of a kind and can't be reproduced...

 Turquoise is the color for this fun owl necklace...more like 17"

 Blue Owl is apx 16"

Black/White tie is a fun 15"

HAPPY CREATING!

"HATCHET" ORIGINAL OIL ON TEXTURED PANEL IN MY ETSY SHOP © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

"Hatchet"

7"x5" oil on textured panel

$52

Available in my ETSY shop

also available as a print in my 

FINE ART AMERICA SHOP

This horse cracked me up...I LOVE the foreshortened view of his big ole pretty horse nose!  I had a funny name for him, but I know this horse...I've sat watching my beautiful niece Kaitlinn ride him...so it had to be HIS NAME this time!  And, I love his name anyway!  I plan to do a frame for him if he doesn't sell before that...I'm enjoying framing these!  "Hatchet" is still a bit tacky, so won't be available for a few days for shipping...but he'll be oxidized (did you know that oil paintings don't DRY per say...they oxidize) on or about April 14, 2014.

HAPPY CREATING!

"BEARY CLOSE" ORIGINAL OIL ON CANVAS PANEL © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

"Beary Close"

7"x5" oil on textured panel

SOLD

HOWEVER, you can find prints on FINE ART AMERICA

Every once in awhile I will do a requested piece.  This is different from a commission really because there is no money exchanged unless the requestOR likes it...that is what happened with "Beary Close".  A friend who loved the moose I did a month or so ago wanted a bear that was similar in feel...THUS this beary close up version of a bear!  Even though he is already sold, I did put him in my FINE ART AMERICA shop!  I created a frame as per her request...so, he's all dressed up and ready to go home!

I've been working on another requested painting the past couple of days.  It is a family barn on a specific piece of land.  I don't usually enjoy anything with lots of linear perspective, but this was a special request.  I have to admit that I don't usually do snow scenes either..especially when we've lived a cold winter...but, this, again, was a request.  I'm waiting to see if they want what I think is an old sign in the piece...so we shall see.  I also had a devil of a time photographing it!  Red just is nearly impossible to photograph!  It is really close in color to the original photo, but you wouldn't know it from looking at MY photo! sigh!  And on we go!

 

photo reference

semi completed painting

I've also played around with a frame I made for "SunKissed"...the white was nice, but the distressed grey seemed just right!

 

AND, it's been awhile since I bragged on my family...I just got a kick out of this sweet photo of my grandson Paxton at the butterfly pavillion...he is SO gentle and curious...what a lovely thing to see...the wonder of a child!

 

and on we go!

HAPPY CREATING!

"RAVEN VIEW" ORIGINAL 4"X4" OIL ON TEXTURED PANEL FOR ETSY © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

"Raven View"

4x4" oil on textured panel

$27

Available in my ETSY shop

Just look at the attention this Raven is giving to YOU...Careful and deliberate, he is ready to fly home to you! Painted on a slightly textured panel in oil, he is ready to sit on an easel or to be framed. Remember apx 1/2" is taken up on all sides. For just .50 more I can mount him on a black or off white 5"x5" backer board so he can be framed in a 5x5" frame with all sides showing! Frames are not included, but the off white frame can be found right here on ETSY at RUSTIC AND REFINED DESIGN, or the black frame at the photo frame section of your local Michaels craft store! "Raven View" will be ready to ship April 7, 2014, when he is fully dry!

And, "Cow's Eye View" sold last night...(he can still be bought as a print in my FINE ART AMERICA) but, I've got to find more cows to paint!

HAPPY CREATING!

"COW'S EYE VIEW" ORIGINAL 4X4" OIL ON TEXTURED PANEL FOR ETSY © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

"Cow's Eye View"
SOLD 4/6/2014

Ever wonder what a cow sees when he is walking about grazing? Yep...this is a good example! "Cow's Eye View" is painted in oil on textured panel. He is 4"x4" as is. He can sit on a small easel. For .50 more you can add either a 5"x5" off white backer board, or a 5"x5" black backer board so he can be framed with all sides showing as in the examples. Frames not included, but you can find the off white frame at RUSTIC AND REFINED DESIGN here on ETSY. The black frame suggestion can be found at your local Michael's store. Cow's Eye View will be available to ship on April 7, 2014 when he is totally dry! 

YES, I CAVED...I had so many request I put things in ETSY that I said OK!  I'll spend the last few weeks doing surprises for SUMMER ART MARKET!

FUN DOINS!

HAPPY CREATING!

"HARE"Y" ORIGINAL OIL ON 4"X5" TEXTURED PANEL ADDED TO ETSY! © SAUNDRA LANE GALLOWAY

"Harey" -  a HARE

5" x 4"

oil on textured canvas panel

SOLD 4/3/2014

"Harey" is a simple hare man with big ideas in his head. He is painted on slightly textured canvas panel in oil. He is 4" x 5" and would be perfect sitting on a small easel! HAREY is just off my easel, so will be available to ship on or about April 7, 2014 when he is totally dry! 

It was just a little soon to hold these guys back from ETSY...so, I've also added "SunKissed" - a horse to my ETSY shop as well!

 "SunKissed" - horse

4"x6"

oil on textured panel

$45 in ETSY

I didn't offer the frame for SunKissed as I really haven't finished working on it, but the painting is there are ready for purchase!

Busy days in the studio...BACK TO IT!  HAPPY CREATING!