The Folk Art of Christina Colwell

Blogging Again After so Many Months

2011-11-14T16:08:00.001-07:00

I know it's been about a hundred years..no just one.... Almost....since I have blogged, but here goes.

Trying to maintain a balanced life while growing an art business is quite a challenge. Without resources other than my imagination to invest, I find it necessary to keep my day job. This means that almost all of my spare time goes to creating and preparing for the summer season when we are most likely to find venues to get our stuff in front of people who are looking for handmade items.

Unfortunately, this leaves little time left over for working my internet venues and social network. Even though I may want to, these continually get pushed down on my growing list of priorities. So...now that the summer is over it is time to get back to blogging, networking, and having some fun. I hope to bring all of my patient and loyal followers up to date on the latest happenings of The Folk Art of Christina Colwell.

Here is a smattering of things that have been done over the past few months.

Paper Mache Creations

2011-01-29T16:24:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a while but thought I'd drop in a few photos of my latest creations. Have been playing around with paper mache' again. I was missing the messy fun of it.

These are my attempt to transform trash into art .

They are 1. Dusty the Duck: newspaper, plastic, home made paper clay and paint.

2. Feathered Friends: snowman and friends made of plastic, newspaper, paper clay, moss, dowell, wire, paint.

3. Lucky: plastic, newspaper, chinese text fromm an old discarded book.

4.Two Weiner Dogs: toilet paper tubes, newspaper, wire, paint.

5.Black Bunny Rabbit: plastic bottle, plastic, newspaper, paper clay, glass eyes, paint.

6.Bug: toilet paper tube, plastic, wire, paper clay, paint

New stuff

2010-11-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

Yes...I know...it's been forever. Russ and I have been so wrapped up in two Farmer's Markets a week and then preparing for a big show that we anticipated would help us truly launch our business......what a joke that was. the joke was on us though. So now we are working out how to recover from that disaster. Best not to dwell on it too much I guess. So instead I'll post some of the new paintings I've done over the past few months.

Here goes...

Shifting Gears

2010-08-26T19:08:00.000-06:00

Well...I have been experimenting with a lot of styles and techniques and mediums and have come to some conclusions. I am now preparing to shift gears and move in a more focused direction with my art.

While there may still be a lot of experimentation, I have decided to concentrate my efforts to inlcude glass. I will be changing the name of my store, blog, etc. to read the glass art of Christina Colwell.

This will help me and my husband to be more unified and hopefully make it simpler when applying for juried events where we both want to be in on the same venue.

I will still paint whimsical paintings and some contemporary but they will all include glass in some form.

The images here are an example of mixed media and glass. This is my Paisley swirl and is currently available on etsy. More on these changes...later. The floral painting is a reverse glass painting using transparent paint of my own recipe and fabrics and papers.

Latest paintings.

2010-07-29T10:20:00.001-06:00

I've started painting several paintings at once. This way I can continue painting while areas that need to dry are drying. Here are the finished results.

These were all painted on 6" x 8"canvases and are now listed in my etsy store.

The Singing Parrot Commission

2010-07-22T20:50:00.002-06:00

I have just completed a commission for a co-worker. The poetry "The Singing Parrot" was written and copyrighted by Caroline Earl. My assignment was an illustration. This is the photoshop version of the original which was too large to scan.

This post is a bit of a preview as Wally (the commissioner) hasn't seen it yet. But he will...if he's at work tomorrow.

Mixed Media Mosaic Kits Mermaid, Owl and more

2010-06-15T22:48:00.003-06:00

Polynesian Mermaid with Mirror

One of these days I'll figure out how to get the photos to go where I want them to go in blogger. In the meantime they are where they are.

I have recently cut out some forms with jigsaw and 1/8" plywood. I have one owl and two mermaids. I have patterns for a seahorse, lamb, cow, fish, girl, boy, chicken, and can make about anything that doesn't have an intricate cut. (These would require a scroll saw, which I do not posess).

I finished the two mermaids with stained glass bits and 4" round mirror. The owl I will do with vintage papers collage and paint. I wanted to demonstrate some versatility with the forms in hopes of creating some kits for those who are somewhat artistically challenged but still love to create. I may put a kit together for a give away but am not sure what to start with.

Any input would be appreciated. I will put up the photo of the completed owl when it is finished. My favorite is the brown and teal mermaid. Isn't she pretty?

Vintage papers, paint, oil pastel on owl form

Mermaid Form Ready for embellishment

Owl Form ready for embellishment

Irish Lucky Mermaid
Green and Orange glass on form

Experimental Reverse Glass Paintings

2010-05-10T19:27:00.000-06:00

Dog Sniffs Bug

I completed five reverse glass paintings. This was experimental. I used ink and water-based polyurethane for transparent colors, permanent marker for the black outlines, acrylic paint to make opaque areas and vintage texts, sheet music and collage papers for the background. I made some mistakes. One was trying to use mica powder on Kitty and Red Bird in the tree and for the owls eyes. Needless to say it created a bit of a mess but I was committed at this point.

I'm not overjoyed with the outcome but I don't hate them either. It was a learning experience. If I do these again, perhaps the next ones will turn out better.

Racoon City

Sleepy Owl

Two Crows

Kitty and Red Bird

Just in Time For Mother's Day

2010-04-19T22:05:00.001-06:00

There's a Give Away going on over at Helix Elemental Art Spot.
It ends in time for Mother's Day. This would make a great gift. Hop on over and enter to win right now!

Skunk! Original Painting

2010-04-10T15:22:00.000-06:00

I started this last night about 2 a.m when I decided sleep wasn't going to happen anytime soon. Just finished it about an hour ago. Skunk! Is just for kicks and giggles. Well...it made me giggle anyway. I love it when I draw something and it tickles my funny bone. I think this is probably an indication of "being on the right path" so-to-speak.

I don't know what it is about giving houses a human-like quality...but it makes me smile. After all...don't homes absorb, reflect and react to the "energies" that are in them and around them?

This house wasn't "born bad" like Hill House or the "Scary House". It's a happy house. It lives in the country surrounded by colorful shrubs. It harbors a happy family who loves and cares for it. But every happy scenario has it's share of thorns and prickles. This house shudders in the presence of SKUNK. It may have suffered some child hood trauma with some strong SENSE MEMORY attached to it. Can you really blame the skunk for coming around though?

Dance For Joy

2010-03-27T20:58:00.001-06:00

Just in time for Easter, little lambs dancing for joy. Why? Because Spring has sprung, little white rabbit and hedge hog has come to see what all the comotion is about. Will the happy dancing be contagious? Will they join in the fun?

No matter what may be happening in your life, this is a time to celebrate, new life, new beginnings, new hope.

Paradise Lost Original Mixed Media Painting

2010-03-06T10:07:00.002-07:00

Paradise Lost is my latest painting using layers of vintage pages from various sources. Acrylic paint, colored pencil and oil pastel have been added to create a scene depicting Eve in paradise giving Adam the forbidden fruit to taste. This scene is very colorful and symbolic. It was an opportunity to throw in a little paisley and lots of critters. Can you find them all? Snail, quail, lamb, lion, squirrel, dove, giraffe and the serpent. While the scene is loaded with plants and animals, Adam and Eve are still the focal point and your eye keeps coming back to them even though they are very brown amidst splashes of color.

Three New Mini Paintings

2010-02-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

I just finished 3 new paintings on 5" x 7" canvases. They are simple but somehow endearing. These are re-works of drawings from my art journal. They are "Dancing Mermaid", "Stylish Lady" and "Angels Sing".

Butterflies: Painting With Paper

2010-02-09T12:52:00.001-07:00

Haven't done much art work lately. We have been moving. I LOVE moving. Okay...I'm telling a bit fat lie. I hate it. But our new house is very nice. We no longer have our workshop in the living room. We have a living room, our workspace is off the kitchen...Love the kitchen, our office is downstairs and the kiln and noisy messy glass working machines are in the garage which does not leak buckets of water and can be kept warm in the winter.

Woohoo! So..it took some doing to get the creative juices flowing again but I did manage a set of simple butterflies painted with colored paper, vintage pages and some acrylic to give the background some cohesion. Anyway. Here they are:

Seahorses Mirror Mosaics

2010-01-12T12:42:00.001-07:00

Since my husband works with glass we have lots of scrap. So I thought I would try to use some of it. I have recently completed two mosaics using a pattern I drew several months ago. The pattern was traced onto some plywood, cut out with a jigsaw (this part is a bit tricky. Scroll saw would work much better) then glass bits layed out to create the right design, add mastic, grout, sealer and tada! These are very time consuming but it was a good exercise in patience. I suppose they turned out pretty good. What do you think?

Finished Two More Paintings

2009-12-30T09:41:00.002-07:00

Well...I just finished two paintings. First, version two of the Three Owls. Mixed media on canvas. Lots of layers of vintage and colored collage papers. Owls are painted directly on canvas. Second is an illustration for Six Swans, a German Folk Tale. It is also mixed media on canvas, consisiting of layers of collage paper. This one was a bit tricky since the layers of collage papers actually made up the landscape. The landscape looked pretty good before adding paint to give it depth and dimension. The main characters are painted directly on the canvas.

The originals are now available in my etsy store.

Random Drawing

2009-12-27T18:40:00.000-07:00

This pendant will be given away to a lucky winner on January 17, 2010. Follow the link to find out how to enter.

http://www.helixelementaljewelry.blogspot.com/

Three Owls

2009-12-24T00:05:00.001-07:00

I recently painted a picture of three owls. It was a commission and it's kinda cute. Katie, the commissioner, liked it lots. Thank you Katie.

This was painted using collage papers, acrylic, and oil pastel on 20" x 24" canvas.

I'm afraid the photo isn't great but at least offers an idea.

I think I'll try another, smaller version of this for kicks and giggles.

Johann Kisses Julia Number Three (SOLD)

2009-12-20T17:10:00.004-07:00

I have been toying with the idea of doing "paintings on demand" through Etsy. I have a few painting designs that do very well and it seems to me if the paintings sell I should keep painting them. Makes sense right? So here is number three of "Johann Kisses Julia." This is the best of the three..I think. It is now available on Etsy.

Number three is painted after the same fashion as "Mother and Daughter." I like how it turns out so I think I'll adopt this particular method as an ongoing process. Vintage sheet music and colored collage papers fill in the background but the characters are painted directly onto the board. This board happens to be an upcycled cabinet door with a bit of edging that serves to frame the painting.
At any rate...one step closer to landing upon my own Christina Folksy style.

Give Away: Set of Ten Snowman Blank Art Cards

2009-12-05T17:55:00.005-07:00

Come on over to Helix Elemental's Art Spot and check out the GIVEAWAY! A set of 10 snowman cards. For those of you who are familiar with my work..you may remember the snowman art from last year. Well they have been well received and they're back! Come on over and find out how you can enter the drawing to be held Dec. 13, 2009.

Find Out How to Enter the Drawing HERE!

2010 Collaborative Folks Art Calender

2009-12-03T13:58:00.000-07:00

Announcing 2010 Collaborative Folks Art Calender featuring 12 frameable images (including Mother and Daughter - October)by 12 Folk Artists (including me..yay). Thanks to Ann Gardner for putting this project together.

The calenders are available at Just Us Folks at Etsy.

Just Us Folks A Collaborative Folks Project is a grassroots publishing company. Ann Gardner and her husband Aaron
have brought folk art from all over the world together in one place.

Ann says, "We love to make calenders and cards out of wonderful art while avoiding the commercial look. There are tons of over polished calenders an malls and stores everytwhere. These are unique. Each one of our Art Calenders is printed when ordered, hand cut, and hand packaged with lots of lovely goodness. You'll see...Just order one.http://www.etsy.com/shop/justusfolks

Johann Kisses Julia Original Painting

2009-11-23T18:56:00.001-07:00

A few months ago I found some vintage sheet music written for women's voices. It was a song about a heroic but mischeivous young man courting a girl by stealing kisses. Then giving her flowers. It was sweet and funny and it inspired the painting on the left. "Johann Kisses Julia" is collage, acrylic and oil pastel on an upcycled canvas covered board.

It sold rather quickly at the Farmer's Market during this past summer. I had no sooner sold it than I had another inquiry about that same painting. So I decided to try the same painting again. The second "Johann Kisses Julia" (right, below) has the familiar English folk song "Early One Morning" on vintage sheet music, collage papers, acrylic and canvas on hardboard background. I was also able to make prints from this one.

I actually like the first one best but because of the paper creases in the face of both Johann and Julia I was unable to get good prints.

The second original painting and prints are both available in my Etsy shop.

Mother and Daughter:

2009-10-30T19:28:00.001-06:00

I just finished this painting for Amber and Serenity. I hope they like it. It is painted on 8" x 10" gallery wrapped canvas using layers of different papers and texts, acrylic, and colored pencil. I was happy with the end result. It is loosely based on some royalty free clip art that I found in a Dover book of Women. But, I have successfully made it my own and live guilt free.

Snegurochka: The Snow Maiden

2009-10-28T14:03:00.001-06:00

Just Finished this painting "Snegurochka: The Snow Maiden" inspired by a Russian folktale about a old couple who had no children. They watched other children play with great longing. One day they decided to make a snow child. They formed her with snow balls and gave her lovely features. They were so impressed with their creation they wished that it was a real girl. Next thing you know, the snow sculpture comes to life and lovingly introduces herself to her new parents. Snegurochka was a delightful child. Everyone loved her but she preferred to be outside and didn't like to come indoors where it was warm. When Spring came she came to her parents in tears and said she had to go away for a while to the land of the North where it was always cold and snowy. They were so upset the slammed the door and trapped her inside. She melted away in less than an hour. They wept and wept over the loss of their beautiful daughter. When Winter came again, there was a knock on the door and to their amazement their loving daughter stood there before them. They had a joyous celebration. After that they were not so sad when Spring came because they know their daughter would return in the Winter and she did for many happy years to come.

This painting is acrylic and oil pastel on 8 x 10" gallery wrapped canvas. Prints are available in my etsy shop as well as the original painting. The prints come in two versions. One is cooler and closer to the orignal and the other is warmer with more intense warm colors. I would be interested in knowing which of the two you all like best. Please feel free to post a comment letting me know.

Hand Painted Pendants

2009-10-23T13:46:00.000-06:00

During the summer I painted some 1.5" square wood pieces on both sides, drilled a hole and strung 'em up with ball chain. Amazingly enough, most of them have sold during this summers Arts and Crafts Market. I do have a few left though and plan to start listing them in my etsy shop. I suppose I could take custom requests but I'm not sure yet how my time availability is going to land. My husband is now working full time on his Jewlery http://www.helixelemental.etsy.com/ and this is good... However, things are still uncertain enough that I may have to go back to work full time at my regular day job rather than the part time hours that I currently work. I hope I don't have to do this but..we'll see how things go.

Jackie: Wil-o-the-Wisp

2009-10-16T16:09:00.001-06:00

Just in time for Halloween, my final attempt at capturing the "spirit", I now introduce to you...(drum roll please) Jackie! Wil-o-the-wisp. She is painted on an up-cycled canvas covered board..previously a hand painted serving tray. She is often referred to as a ghostly light, a mischeivous spirit, a sprite, but she is the one who lights your jack-o-lantern on halloween night. She is painted using acrylic and oil pastel. She has big hair because she is charged with static electricity and her wings beat her hair into their own wing shape when she flies. She lives in the swamp because she loves swamp creatures. Also it's a great place to play tricks on unsuspecting wanderers who bravely venture into her beloved play ground.

Both the original and art prints are available in my etsy store.

A Creative Dreamer.

2009-10-09T11:51:00.006-06:00

When I stumbled across June's blog, "A Creative Dreamer " and commented on the winged heart, I had no idea she was giving it away. I missed that part. I just liked it. Next thing I know she's asking me for my address. Puzzled, I gave her my address and thought.."okay...if she wants to give me something I'll gladly accept. I remembered the little doodad and thought it would be nice to add to my collection of trinkets.

When I receive the stuffed heart it appeared to be made of vintage fabrics patchworked and cut from an old quilt. There was an embroidered flower and wings made from polymer clay. My response to it was totally unexpected. I can't explain it but it inspired feelings of warmth and affection. The kind that you have toward you favorite security blanket or teddy bear, You know...that one inanimate friend that you carried around as a child that was your constant companion and served as a reminder that you were safe in the world.

Having said all this...I finally found June's blog again and realized that she gives this stuff away occasionally to people who follow her blog. She has a new little doo dad that is a shrine with hearts. Very nice. My encouragement here is to hop on over...check out her blog. If you like what you see...follow her blog and post a comment. Maybe you will receive a warm surprise in the mail.

I am a Featured Artist on Whopple

2009-10-06T12:27:00.004-06:00

I'm happy to announce that I am being featured on Whopple.com. I invite all of you to check it out. Also, if you are an artist, Whopple is always looking to interview new artists. It is a fairly easy process and means some exposure for you. So..what the heck?

Meri Meloncholy Original Painting

2009-10-02T20:22:00.008-06:00

This painting was finished a few days ago. Meri Meloncholy was inspired by a doodle and reminds me of a former co-worker and friend. Meri Meloncholy was neither sad nor jolly Contemplating life, without joy nor strife. Okay...I'm not a great poet but it does sum up the theme and mood of this mono-chromatic piece. She is painted on a home made serving tray made of canvas stretched over plywood. This painting serves to re-cycle and revive something that was trash bound. Meri is sweet and friendly but lives in the moody blue tones of life. She is not flamboyant nor exuberant but maintains a mello pleasantness just out of reach of depression and far from introversion. She thrives in the shade and gives bloom to an ability to get along well with all sorts of personality types. As she endeavors to identify what type of person you are she will draw you out of the sun into the shade or out of the darkness into the dim light. This ability makes her seem very angelic or possibly demonic. She is, of course, no devil or saint. She enjoys little sensual pleasures both openly and privately but is not afraid of the light and the higher things of life.

Custom People with Pets Portraits

2009-09-27T15:59:00.005-06:00

Have recently included customized "People with their Pets" portraits on Etsy. These were done from photos and are my first attempts. They are not the work of a master but I can pull these off pretty quickly and keep my price affordable. I plan to offer a folksier version also. Folksier... gee...I wonder if that is a word?

Custom Pet Portrait

2009-09-24T22:45:00.004-06:00

Have recently completed an custom painting request for one of our faithful Farmer's Market customers. She has a couple of Corgies and asked for paintings. So.. here they are. They turned out pretty good. I have a new listing in my Etsy store for 5" x 5" custom pet portrait.

Duck Duck Goose

2009-09-13T19:04:00.011-06:00

When my grandsons were a bit younger I liked to take them to Jordan River Parkway or any other park where there were ducks. We'd take a bag full of bread scraps and lure the ducks into our presence with tasty treats. One day we went to Sugar House Park where there was a nice little duck pond. Parker got a thrill out of chasing the ducks and Chris being the younger brother would follow. It wasn't so funny when they came upon a nasty old goose who wasn't so easily frightened by two little boys and their games. I now know, first hand, the logic behind the childrens game "duck duck goose!"

These paintings are mixed media. A bit of vintage paper, collage paper, acrylic paiont, colored pencel, oil pastel on hard board panel.

Halloween Offerings

2009-08-27T12:03:00.005-06:00

Featured here is "The Ghost of John" inspired by lyrics from an elementary school song. You've probably heard it before but if not here is a recent version with additional verses. This version has a mellow but ethereal Enya-like sound. Ghost of John (Dead Composers Version) - Kristen Lawrence.

I had planned this painting a while back. Last week one of our Farmer's Market regulars asked if I could do something Halloween themed with Lillies for a friend who is having a baby on Halloween who's name will be Lily. I told her that I had planned to paint a "Ghost of John" Painting featuring "long white bones i.e. skeleton" and that the lillies would be easy to add in. Actually, the lillies are perfect. She has not yet seen the finished product but was pleased with the concept. I'll report back when she has seen the finished result.

In addition, We have a cute but "Spooky" rendering of Fiffinella riding a broom with her cat and caterpillar. The caterpillar is her dear uncle who was turned into a caterpillar by her angry and vindictive mother, Hose Nose. Fiffinella is a friend to small creatures and is on a quest to change him back to his former self. Though secretly, she likes him better as a caterpillar.

Fiffinella is inspired by child hood games. I have a whole series of stories based on this character and X-1-32 a Space alien played by my elementary school play mate, Kathy. I wonder if she remembers our silly games?

My sister is currently using Fiffinella as her avatar in Facebook with my blessing of course. So if you see her in Face book..it is my sister. Become her friend. She's delightfully weird.

White Rabbit and Paisley

2009-08-12T23:17:00.007-06:00

It has been a while since I've posted anything here. When we were accepted into the downtown weekend craft market we have been working every waking moment to get ready and stay on top of our inventory. I did make time for a new painting. It is White rabbit and Paisley. It is acrylic and oil pastel on a gallery wrapped 8 x 10 canvas. It is just another in a string of paisleys incorporating small creatures.

Love Angel Series

2009-07-07T09:36:00.010-06:00

It has been a while. We have been so insanely busy. I have a perpetual log jam in my brain. Somehow I do manage to get some painting done. I started a new blog that caters to my desire to honor G-d. This entire series will eventually be featured on my new blog with inspirational messages. I'm not a preacher or a teacher but I can share my own tidbits.
Meanwhile, here are the first two of a series of paintings based on Corinthians 13 referred to as "the Love chapter".

These paintings are 6" x 12" mixed media. Prints will be availalble in my etsy shop and eventually the originals will be available as well. Please feel free to visit my new blog http://hearttoheartprayerandart.blogspot.com/. Please keep in mind that it is still under construction but there will be works featured there that will not be featured here. The whole target audience thing. Thanks for dropping by and leaving your comments.

Mini Cards

2009-04-11T21:53:00.008-06:00

I have recently been printing and uploading Mini Cards like crazy. Russ and I are hoping to participate in the Farmer's Market this year. We plan to present pretty dichroic glass jewelry, assorted keepsake giftboxes and mini cards. The cards are 2.5" X 3.5" (ACEO sized) come with an envelope in a clear bag. They are cute and affordable at $1.50 each. They can also be found on all of our sites:

http://www.christinacolwell.artfire.com/
http://www.helixelemental.etsy.com/
http://www.christinacolwell.etsy.com/

Altered Pages and 99 Doodles

2009-03-18T12:36:00.007-06:00

Sometimes, when I get stuck and the creative juices just aren't flowing... doodling is the answer. Let go of all performance anxiety and just start doodling. When you have something that you like and want to share.. there are a couple of outlets for sharing that I have come accross in my efforts to create a social network. One is Altered Pages and the other is 99 Doodles.

The details of these are each posted on Helix Elemental Art Spot

Blog Posts: Altered Pages and 99 Doodles

Decora: Tokyo Street Fashion

2009-03-11T14:01:00.010-06:00

My husband and I became fascinated with everything Japanese once we discovered the delightful world of Hayao Miyazaki of Ghibli Studios and his wonderful full featured animated movies (anime). (Just love his weird and whimsical sense of humor)

Most recently, we have been exploring the various cultural phenomena referred to as Kawaii which simply means "cute". After a bit of practise and research into the Tokyo street fashions I have created my own gang of "cute" kids with anime' styled eyes. I discovered that this was an fun and easy art form... I may be on a tangent now.

This series of postcards are my own stylized depiction of the Decora (fruit) style. This style is very playful, pink, incorporates toys, lots of hair doodads and above all...is very CUTE.

These images are acrylic on art paper collaged onto Photoshop altered photos of a Tokyo Street and printed on my printer.

They are currently available as postcards individually or as a set. Please visit http://www.christinacolwell.etsy.com/

Also, if you have a fascination for this playful style visit: http://decora-fashion.blogspot.com/

Wee Folk: Original ACEO sized Paintings on Canvas by Christina Colwell

2009-02-17T11:12:00.003-07:00

This set of very small paintings were inspired by one illustration from a vintage book of Folk Tales. The paintings remind me of games that I played with my sisters when we were kids. We had our own world of make believe where we all were very small people inhabiting the things of nature. I realize this is a bit corny but we were imaginitive kids. In response to the growing popularity of the ACEO sized work of art or print Russ and I have constructed mini canvases. There are canvases available through Dick Blick that are fine but these are a little thicker enabling them to be stood on end.
Here is my first set, hand painted using acrylic paint on 2.5" x 3.5"x5/8" on these gallery style prestretched blank canvases.
These blank canvases are now available at:
http://www.christinacolwell.etsy.com or
http://www.helixelemental.etsy.com

Wee Folk: Photos of Original ACEO Sized Paintings by Christina Colwell

2009-02-14T14:52:00.012-07:00

Big Wonderful World

2009-02-11T08:45:00.010-07:00

THE WONDERFUL WORLD

William Brighty Rands

Great, wide, beautiful, wonderful World,

With the wonderful water round you curled,

And the wonderful grass upon your breast-

World, you are beautifully dressed.

Taken from "Up One Pair of Stairs" Volume Two of My Bookhouse.

I have found a set of vintage books with wonderful stories and illustrations. This particular book was published in 1928. I was inspired by the illustration that accompanied this poem and have painted my version of it. It is acrylic, collage and colored pencil on canvas. Prints are available at my etsy store. In addition, by using pages from the book and from an old music book I have created this charming keepsake giftbox which is also available through etsy. Click on the title to find the store.

The artist is Katherine Sturgess Dodge, an illustrator of a few childrens books from late 1800's to early 1920's

This Bird Likes Escargot. Original Painting by Christina Colwell

2009-01-10T10:28:00.008-07:00

We see a lot of birds in our yard. I'm certain they are attracted by the many fruit trees, spiders, earth worms, earwigs and snails; many many snails, that co-exist with us on this small section of planet earth. We see house wrens, magpies, hummingbirds, mourning doves, quail, robins, black birds, finches, sparrows and more.

In the spring we plant a small garden and become painfully aware of the snails. They seem to enjoy the vegetable garden more than we do. So I imagine that the birds are happily feasting upon them. It reminds me to use pet friendly snail bait. We don't want to hurt the birds. We just don't want the snails devouring our veggies when they've just sprouted.

I enjoy drawing and painting cute cuddly little snails as if they are my dearest friends. But it gives me a secret sardonic pleasure to put a hungry bird in the same painting eyeing this tasty treat. At least I hope a snail is tasty to a bird. If snails can be tasty to human then why not?

This painting is a one of a kind original. It is easy to paint so I can do more like it. This is not available as a print but the original 8 X 10 acrylic and collage on canvas is available in my store. Click the title of this post to go directly to the listing. It is only $35.00 plus shipping. There is also a mini painting available. Same concept, different colors, standard ACEO size. Both look great on the wall and are folksy and whimsical.

Tommy and the Owl: Folk Tales and Folk Art

2009-01-01T17:45:00.009-07:00

This painting is my own revised version of the vintage illustrations found in the story "The Owl's Answer to Tommy" by Juliana Horatia Ewing published in 1928 in a volume of Folk Tales from around the world.

It is acrylic on canvas. Archival, framable prints are available to order from my etsy store. Click on the title of this post to go directly to my store.

I also wrote an adaptation of the story but it was too long for this site. So I have created the Folk Tales From Around the World blog. It is a cute story with a good moral. If you are a homeschooler or parent you'll love it. The complete story can be found at http://www.folktalesfromaroundtheworld.blogspot.com

Tommy and the Owl: A Keepsake Gift Box

2009-01-01T17:29:00.004-07:00

The box shown here is found at helixelemental.etsy.com. The fragile pages of an old book of Folk Tales from around the world have been preserved as altered art. These illustration come from the story " The Owl's Answer to Tommy" published 1928. They are sealed and preserved with a diamond glaze giving depth and a glassy shine to the painted text and illustrations.

This box is about 3" across and is great for presenting a precious treasure as a gift to someone you love.

Mr Bug Inspector: An original ACEO painting by Christina Colwell

2008-12-26T10:49:00.010-07:00

This post is dedicated to my grandson Chris. Chris has a fondness for insects and what makes them tick, click, or whatever else they might do. I think his fascination started when he was playing with his Hot Wheels cars in the hallway and a spider came crawling out of it. At that moment we all heard the ear splitting scream that caused our hearts to skip a few beats as we ran to his aide to discover which arteries had been severed.

Fortunately no arteries were severed but apparently there were quite a few spiders in the toy box that night as we experienced the same spine tingling shriek several times that night.

Later in the year we bought him a container with a magnifying lid so he could capture his tormenters and scrutinize them in a more relaxed fashion. He diligently proceeded to capture quite a collection of bugs. He's been fascinated with bugs ever since then.

The painting depicted is an ACEO original. It is acrylic on canvas and is painted on the sides so it doesn't need to be framed. It is 2.5" x 3.5 inches and is signed on the bottom. It is available for sale from my Etsy store for $25.00. Clicking on the title of this post will take you to the store.

My Mother in Heaven: An Original Painting by Christina Colwell

2008-12-14T20:40:00.007-07:00

Aside from wondering wether or not you will be going to heaven, do you ever wonder what you will look like in heaven? I wonder if we will look like we do when we die or will we revert back to a time in life when we were at our best?

I don't know but when I found an old photo of my mother I imagined she was an angel in heaven. This photo was taken by my father. I'm not sure of the exact timing but I expect sometime after they were married (1957, 1958) and had their whole lives together ahead of them. They had plans for family and career and full of love and hope.

Gradually over time though, the beauty of youth becomes crushed under the process of aging. But through that process we acquire wisdom. My mother now is a bit mishapen and has gray hair. Her knees don't work too well and she gets tired more easily but she has wisdom, a precious gem; beautiful, painfully acquired wisdom. I love you mom.

The picture is a painting from a photo; acrylic and colored pencil on Somerset Velvet paper, cut out, scanned into a Photoshop Document with a gradient in the background. This painting is not available for sell but I will be happy to make prints available to family members upon request.

Also, if you're interested in knowing more about our family you can click on the title of this post and it will take you to our family blog. http://www.russellandchristina.blogspot.com/

Adventures in Trees: An Original Painting by Christina Colwell

2008-11-11T18:17:00.005-07:00

One of my favorite activities as a kid was to climb trees. I'm pretty sure my father used to accuse me of being part monkey. I'd climb as high as I could go or just find a cozy perch to relax upon. There was always a great view from a tree. Sometimes I would climb high up in a tree to hide from the world when I was upset. Sometimes I pretended that I was a cat except that it was easier for me to climb back down.

When I had kids of my own I was happy to discover they were following in this fine tradition. This painting is based on a photo that I took of my first son when he was a bit younger. The painting is acrylic and colored pencil on Somerset Velvet. If you like it the print is available in my etsy store.

www.christinacolwell.etsy.com or click on the title of this post to go directly to the listing

Star Catcher: An Original Painting by Christina Colwell

2008-10-30T17:55:00.006-06:00

If you grab hold of your dream, refuse to let go, who knows where you will be carried off to.

This picture reminds me of many songs and quotes and visual puns. Here a few to refresh your memory too.

If I could reach up and hold a star for every time you've made me smile, the entire evening sky would be in the palm of my hand.”

“He turns not back who is bound to a star”

“Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand-and melting like a snowflake...”“

If you like this painting it is available in 8x10" , 5 x7" and ACEO prints. Just click on the title of this post and go directly to my Etsy store. Thank you for visiting.

Christmas Play: She Laid Him ina Manger

2008-10-26T20:12:00.004-06:00

Every year my sisters and I got together to crate and perform a Christmas Play for mom and dad on Christmas Eve. Every year the play had to contain elements of the nativity story. The story of the birth of Christ was central to the celebration of Christmas.

Years later now I'm all grown up, it is not the toys and excitement of Christmas morning that I remember but our tradition of the Chrismas play.

I may have wandered and floundered as a young adult but have finally found myself at the foot of the cross. I thank God daily for sending His Son. His ministry on earth truly was an occasion for angels to sing.

This painting and others in this series are available in Blank Art Card form. Simply click on the title of this post and go directly to this Etsy listing.

Christmas Play: We Wish You A Merry Christmas

2008-10-26T20:06:00.004-06:00

Every homemade Christmas Eve Christmas play needs a grand finale. What could be more fitting than "We wish you a Merry Christmas"? Then everyone can join the fun. When the program ends it's time for goodies. Egg Nog and hanging stockings!

OH yeah, then off to bed for a sleepless night of eager anticipation.

This painting and others in this series are available in Blank Art Card form. Simply click on the title of this post and go directly to this Etsy listing.

Christmas Play: Santa's Lil' Helpers

2008-10-22T19:54:00.003-06:00

Every Christmas play must reserve time and space to the magic and fantasy of Christmas. Christmas offers a wide array of magical characters to delight and inspire youngsters.

Here we have Rudolph with his shiny nose and a happy little toy maker commonly known as an elf. Both enjoy a close relationship with Santa, the most famous magical being who flies through the sky in a sleigh with a bag full of toys for all the good little girls and the good little boys.

This painting and others in this series are available in Blank Art Card form. Simply click on the title of this post and go directly to this Etsy listing.

Christmas Play: Hark the Herald

2008-10-22T19:14:00.003-06:00

I grew up with four younger sisters. Every year our schools and each of our classes put on a Christmas program, so did the church we attended. So being the responsible big sister that I was... took the example to heart and began to create and direct my little sisters in the Perkins family Christmas play. After weeks of practicing and arguing we performed for our parents on Christmas Eve. It became a family tradition. When I turned 18 and left home, my younger sisters carried on the fine tradition. (I understand they did just fine without me.)

The image presented here is an original acrylic and collage on paper. I have four more planned and will be presenting them here one by one as I complete them. Check back later for the next installment.

This painting and others in this series are available in Blank Art Card form. Simply click on the title of this post and go directly to this Etsy listing.

Rabbit and Paisley Floral: Oil Pastel Drawing by Christina Colwell

2008-10-16T18:51:00.003-06:00

When I was growing up we kept rabbits. They are cute but not really very cudly. They are quite skiddish and have very little personality.. Not like cats or dogs. However, they were adorable when they were a few months old. I painted a bunny with acrylic and oil pastel on paper. It is hiding, of course, behind a paisley shaped spray of flowers which also provides a haven for smaller creatures i.e. snails.

Unlike most rabbits, this one does have personality. It strives to be an individual and stand apart from the crowd by being purple.

Move over Bugs!

Bird Watcher Painting by Christina Colwell

2008-10-16T18:40:00.001-06:00

Watching birds can be a fascinating pass time. My husband and I spend a lot of time in our studio which has a sliding glass door to the back yard. We have put out bird baths, feeders, and have strategically planted flowers to attract hummingbirds. In addition we have fruit trees so we get lots of birds coming around.

Sometimes I think about what it must be like to have no hands. Birds have no hands and yet they build their own homes (unless we provide one for them) care for their young and have this amazing ability to fly through the air. The only time I can fly is in my dreams and it doesn't happen very often.

Black Cat and Paisley: A Painting by Christina Colwell

2008-10-07T10:56:00.004-06:00

I love paisley. I love the organic, fluid patterns and I like trying to find new ways to use paisley in my art work. Here is a recent painting...acrylic on canvas featuring a stylized black cat in a floral paisley setting. This painting is available 8x10 " 5X7" and ACEO prints sizes. Simply click on the title of this post to go directly to my Etsy store..

Five Paintings of Snowman and Woman by Christina Colwell

2008-10-07T10:35:00.002-06:00

My first encounter with a snow man and snow woman was in my grandparents living room. One of the few memories I have as a toddler is of a slideshow on the living room wall. A few of the featured images were those of a nicely sculpted snowman and snow woman.

My parents had built the snowy creatures when they were newly-weds. I suppose they were icy representations of each other. They used food coloring to paint faces on their snow people and were impressed enough to photograph them for posterity.

Frankly, as a toddler with no previous experience with such beings, I was freaked out by the images of human-like non-humans. Since then I have had more "hands-on" experience with these winter creatures and find them to be inspiring.

I was pleased with the end result of these snowman paintings. They have an air of realism but at the same time leave your imagination open to the possibility of magic. These paintings will be made available as a set of 5 blank art cards 4.25" x 7" with envelopes through our etsy store for about $8.00 plus shipping. Please check our etsy store listings for availability. I intend to have a free bonus for early orders...before Oct 31. I will also make the paintings available in a matted 8 x 10 giclee print. ( All are printed on white archival matte paper). The originals will be framed and will be embellished with glass tiles.

Poppies Hiding Paisley: Reverse Glass Painting by Christina Colwell

2008-10-07T10:31:00.001-06:00

I've been playing around with some reverse glass painting. I'm using my own concoction of water based ink and water based polyurethane. It creates some interesting effects. This piece also uses some fabric and torn paper to give it additional texture. All in all it is very soft and fluid. I had to incorporate some paisley although it is very subtle. Can you see it?

Small Creatures and Paisley Mixed Media Wall Art

2008-10-07T10:23:00.001-06:00

Using a combination of kiln-fired art glass, fabric, on acrylic and oil pastel background I have entertained my current obsession with the paisley pattern. I have incorporated small creatures in a paisley pattern as their natural setting. There is a blue glass quail, a snail and a dragonfly. The floral pattern is art glass as well. It is unusual but it is about 8 x 10" . This particular image didn't make a very nice giclee print but will be available as a signed original. It is, of course, copyrighted, by the artist, Christina Colwell.

"Cat Nap" A painted sketch by Christina Colwell

2008-10-07T10:15:00.000-06:00

Just Finished a quick sketch of napping kitty. I like how it turned out even if it is simple. Might do some more kitty. It is painted using acrylic and oil pastel on paper. This image will be made available as a blank art card and giclee print soon.