How Do YOU Keep Your Creative Juices Flowing?

Okay, be honest... have you ever felt as if you have been drained of all your creative juices?  Can't seem to find your mojo?  Drawing a blank for your next project?  Need to be rejuvenated?

Well, here are some ideas on how to clear your mind and get those creative juices flowing again! 

Hometowns

In April 2011, a friend of mine, Christa, brought me an old, worn postcard from her hometown of Bad Neustadt, Germany.  She asked if I would do two paintings from the pictures on the postcard.  Of course I said yes, I'd love to.  I was so happy she had asked me.

A few weeks ago I finished them and presented them to her, framed.  She was very pleased with them, and I was happy I could put her hometown and old memories on paper for her. 

This painting is the town center.  And here is a link to the other painting, which is Salzberg, a castle overlooking the town.
Salzburg, Bad-Neustadt.

Enjoy, and have a wonderful day!  Thank you Christa, for the opportunity.

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Quick Paintings

In my attempts to paint something everyday, I went home from work last night and started looking around for something small yet interesting to paint.  In my china cabinet was a set of small salt & pepper shakers that were handed down to me from my Mom.  With the shakers was a small bowl and spoon which I believe used to be used at a table setting for individual salt or sugar servings. 

Anyway, I thought they might be a fun, quick exercise.  I haven't painted glass or shiny items very much.  So here is my painting.  It was fun, and I was pleased with the results.
http://bonnie-schallermeir.artistwebsites.com/index.html

What's on my easel?

Here is a watercolor that I recently finished.  It was a step by step demonstration from a book I recently bought. 

 The technique was much looser than I am used to, but I enjoyed the freeness. 

Spring Flowers

Here is a peek at a new painting I recently finished.  This is watercolor on a watercolor canvas, which I had never used before, and don't think I'll use again.  I had a hard time getting the watercolors to flow and move easily.  But with a little patience, I think I was able to save the painting. 

Has anyone ever used the canvas??  Curious on your thoughts/experiences....  Leave me a comment!!

So Now What???

So now what?

Have you ever had 'artists block', not knowing what your next subject will be?  Well, I have so many ideas I'm having a hard time deciding on what to do first.  But, I guess that's a good thing.  Just wish there were more hours in the day!

Recently I finished a painting, 'Tiny Dancer'.  I feel it has alot of energy.  It was my first time painting a person (or figure if you will), so I'm really pleased with how it turned out.  I have entered it into a juried exhibition recently, hoping to be selected to the show.  Here is the painting.  I'd love to get some feed-back on it!!

So, tonight it's on to a new painting, a new inspiration....  I'll let you know what I come up with soon!  Have a wonderful day, and Happy Painting!

Displaying at a Gallery

Happy New Years Friends!

I hope your holidays were filled with family, friends, joy and good health.

Just before New Year's Day, I began displaying my work at Riverview Gallery (a local spot) in Portsmouth, VA.  I'm very excited about the display, and being my first gallery display that I was to hang my work myself, I was a little intimidated.  So, with my husband and my hammer in hand, off we went to the gallery.  My husband Armin was my saving grace, he did a beautiful job with it.  After two hours, we were finished and quite pleased with the results!

A few tips for when you are preparing to hang a display (which, in hind-sight, seem like a no-brainer!):

1. Bring a measuring tape and level.
2. Bring the windex and paper towels.
3. And of course, the camera to take pictures of your new space.

I was able to display approx. 20 originals, as well as filling my print rack with prints and note cards.  I'm hoping to reach some new people and collectors in the art community. 

If you are in this area, please try to take some time to visit the gallery.  There are many wonderful artists displayed there that you can check out!