Falling into the coming season

Falling into the coming season

Oct 22, 2023 | Art, Essay, Nature Journaling, Reflections, Uncategorized, watercolor

barn owl

It’s happened- the weather has changed.  Mornings are dark and quiet.  The hummingbirds and butterflies have left and the morning orchestra has hushed for the oncoming season.  I sat with my coffee this morning in my favorite viewing spot and looked out at the empty bird feeders.

This was my best summer of birdwatching.  I can say that with confidence because I suffer from a TERRIBLE memory!  And so everyday is the best day because I don’t remember otherwise.  It’s a little/lot like Groundhog Day.  But seriously- it was a GREAT season of birdwatching.  I had more hummingbirds than ever.  I had a Downy woodpecker who became one of my “best customers” at the hummingbird feeder!  I had owls, Carolina wrens, house sparrows, catbirds, and a myriad of Cardinals, chickadees, sparrows, and Blue Jays.  Just two weeks ago I heard the frantic call of a young wren.  I opened the patio door to see him standing on an outdoor pillow “hollering” for Mom (?).  He was definitely a juvenile because he hadn’t grown in his tail feathers!  But I watched him for a little bit and once I saw him successfully fly to a branch, I stopped worrying.  As I write this, I am watching my silly little blue parrotlet play in his bathwater!

My schedule has recently changed to include monthly time at Hummingbird Fine Craft.  Hummingbird Fine Craft is an art co-op on 3rd and Trenton.  I have had a spot there for nearly two years!  From now through Christmas, Hummingbird will be open on Sundays from noon-4.  I will be there nearly every one of those Sundays.  I would love to visit with you- so stop by on a Sunday and let’s chat.

Where will I be?   Saturday Oct. 28th Wildflower Cafe Art Market 10-3  This is  the last of the season!  Come enjoy the fall weather and take advantage of my show special- 6 greeting cards for 25$.  I do not have plans to participate in any more events this year.  

October through Jan. 1 I will be at Hummingbird Fine Craft from 12-4.  Of course my booth will be there Tuesday – Sunday, but I will be “IN THE HOUSE” as they say from 12-4 on Sundays, October through Christmas.  I hope to visit with some of you then and meet lots of new folks.

In the Studio

In the Studio-  It’s been a quiet month in the studio.  I have spent extra time with my family this month after my mother had a hard fall.  She is doing well, but she has been my grandmother’s caregiver for a long time.  With her out of commission, I am spending more time filling her shoes.  But I am looking forward to getting back to painting soon. Christmas is around the corner, and I am hoping to uncover my holiday spirit when I clean off the clutter in my studio.

What I’m Reading

  • Fragile Things by Neil Gaiman –  This is the perfect collection of stories to read in October.  Neil Gaiman began this collection with a beautiful introduction.  And I love reading how each story came to be. Like all collections, some resonate more than others.  I still have quite a few stories to go- but “A Study in Emerald” has definitely been a favorite.  If you like Conan Doyle, you will appreciate it.  
  • Food for Life by Tim Spector  Technically, I am no longer reading this one.  But I haven’t finished the final chapters which function more as a reference book.  I have begun listening to the Zoe podcast on occasion and it inspires me to treat my body better.
  • TheTriumph of the Moon by Ronald Hutton  This one is going to be a true marathon!  It’s a look at the history of paganism/witchcraft (specifically in Britain).  I have made it through Chapter 4.  The chapter that examined the history of secret clubs- ie the Freemasons and their ilk was FASCINATING!  

This post has been written by Renee Griffin, a human being.  The art has been created by Renee Griffin, the aforementioned human.  No AI has been used in the creation of my art or writing.

Chasing the Momentum in Fall

Chasing the Momentum in Fall

Sep 25, 2023 | Art, Essay, gifts, Reflections, watercolor

While the temperatures begin to drop in fall, the calendar seems to heat up!  Accordingly, I have been busy, busy, busy in the studio!  Momentum is a WONDERFUL ally.  I have several completed projects under my belt since we last visited and several more in the works.  I also have one geriatric project sitting on my easel.  I started it MONTHS ago.  I am three quarters of the way through the project, but I walked away.  And the colder the project gets, the harder it is for me to consider finishing it.  The momentum is gone, and so is the thrill of the chase and the motivation to finish.

This doesn’t just happen with art- it happens with books, home improvement projects, self-improvement projects….take exercise for instance.  This week I slapped myself on the back for exercising each morning for some duration of time.  Just getting to the mat was a win. Thinking of that piece of unfinished art upstairs, I warned myself to “keep the momentum.”

As I hurtle towards the impending holidays, I plan to maintain my momentum as long as possible.  What are your Fall plans?  Do you plan to go to the fair?  Start your holiday planning and shopping?  Whatever your plans, I hope you can schedule some time to check out my newest creations at one of the events I will be attending in the next couple weeks. 

What’s new?  I have restocked the Okie Proud high-low muscle tanks.  (You know we will have warm days before Christmas yet!)  And I have indulged my absolute love for Halloween in new greeting cards, towels, and paintings.

Where will I be?   Sept. 28 I will be at the Gold Meadow Pavilion from 9-3.  Oct. 7, I will be at Pagan Pride Festival at Dreamkeeper’s Park.  For more information on both events, check out my Events tab at the top of the page.

October through Jan. 1 I will be at Hummingbird Fine Craft from 12-4.  Of course my booth will be there Tuesday – Sunday, but I will be “IN THE HOUSE” as they say from 12-4 on Sundays, October through Christmas.  I hope to visit with some of you then and meet lots of new folks.

In the Studio

I completed Ladybug and Blossom.  It is a 12×12 watercolor painting.  (See last month’s post.) It is available for purchase at Hummingbird Fine Craft.  It is in a frame, but I do recommend professional framing to protect the art for years to come.  Ready made frames do not use archival materials or uv-proctive glass.  This art will be available on kitchen towels soon.

I completed “Pretty Roost”-  a 9×12 watercolor painting.  The original is available for purchase.  Currently, it is only available as an original.  For information leave a comment or send an email. 

I have begun a series of “Lunar Felines” to celebrate the season.  Each mixed-media painting is on watercolor paper, mounted to a painted birch board, and varnished.  They are ready to hang!  When I am done I will have several.  At the time of this posting, only one was ready to be photographed.

And at the time of this posting I am wrapping up the painting of the Scissortail on the splotchy pumpkin.  Yes, I am sure that is the correct Latin name for this variety of pumpkin.  I love the “ugly” pumpkins that are out there.  So perhaps you will see some of them in future posts in social media.

What I’m Reading

  • Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Torzs –  Such a frolic!  I have always believed books held a certain amount of magic within their pages.  This one takes that to a whole new plain- from vampire books to  books that keep your house warm.  And wait until you learn how the books are written!  But, I won’t spoil it.
  • Food for Life by Tim Spector  Yes, I am still reading this one.  It’s a sizable tome, but it is actually an easy read.  I spread it out amongst my other activities- like all reading.  The chapter on bread was AMAZING.
  • TheTriumph of the Moon by Ronald Hutton  This one is going to be a true marathon!  It’s a look at the history of paganism/witchcraft (specifically in Britain).  It begins with etymology and promises to be a fascinating read.)

This post has been written by Renee Griffin, a human being.  The art has been created by Renee Griffin, the aforementioned human.  No AI has been used in the creation of my art or writing.

Visions of Ladybugs Dance in my Head

Visions of Ladybugs Dance in my Head

Aug 25, 2023 | Art, Digital Art, Essay, Reflections, watercolor

The blue-gray sky is lightening by imperceptible degrees outside my window.  With the stifling humidity, the glass pane provides a hazy viewpoint onto the waking world.  I’m curled up in my new favorite spot in the house- a sofa with a view of the jungle and my bird feeder!  It’s been too many weeks since we last visited, and I have so much I want to share!

Were you one of my visitors at Wildflower Market at the end of July?  Thank you for taking a moment to stop by my booth to shop and visit.  I had a wonderful day meeting new faces and visiting with you.  These encounters make live events immensely rewarding!  I love hearing feedback and getting inspired to create future art. I left the Meadow Gold pavilion that Saturday with far more ideas than time!

If you attended the Wildflower Market on July 29, you know it was HOT.  Good news!  The next one promises to be much cooler.  Mark your calendars for September 30.  I will be at Wildflower Market with new art, new cards, and a burning desire to visit with you!  I will keep you posted and you can check my “Events” tab on my website.

T-Shirt Update-   I placed an order for “Okie Proud” t-shirts the first week in August.  My production company has run into supply issues.  She had hoped to have them to me last week.  I just heard from her about the supply issues and that the delivery date has been altered.  When I know a date for new shirts, I will be sure to post it here.  In the meantime, there are still a few remaining at Hummingbird Fine Craft.

“SOLD”

In other exciting news, I recently sold “Silent Sentry.”  I learned of the sale the day before my birthday.  It felt like a great big “happy birthday!” from the universe.  A HUGE “thank you” to the anonymous buyer.  As of this post, I have not made any prints of the painting, though I did debut the 5×7 greeting card in July.  Now that the original has gone to its new home, I will create prints for the fall months.  (That’s the owl perched on a crescent moon with the amethyst crystal.)

I also completed a new commissioned pet portrait.  Melly is the sweet pup you see at the top of this post.  She is a darling chi-weenie dog.  As I designed the portrait, I made a subtle nod to Ermilio Pucci in the color palette, the swirls, and the repetition of shapes in the flowers and leaves.  It was a lot of fun!

The summer months have sped by with alarming speed.  Our household celebrates a few birthdays (ALL OF THEM) and our wedding anniversary during the months of June through August.  So it seems like when the birthday candle smoke clears, the summer has slipped by and autumn is lurking in the doorway.  Don’t get me wrong.  I love autumn!  I appreciate the changing temperatures and the promise of slower winter days.  In fact, I could ramble on about autumn; let’s keep that for another time.  But my mood droops a little when I consider the passing of summer.  And as the birthdays pile behind me, the sadness I feel at summer’s passing is undeniably tied to a regretful knowledge that my autumn years are approaching as well.  It’s not something that I dwell on, just a subconscious knowledge that rises to the surface when the conditions are right.

In the Studio

I had a new (visiting) studio companion this summer, Kiki, my daughter’s cat.  After exploring all the off-limits objects and fishing all the ping-pong balls out of their respective troughs, she would often curl up on the floor nearby and snooze.  I have a couple small sketches of her in my sketchbooks, but I intend to paint her more purposefully one of these days.  She has returned to Norman with my daughter.  And then there is Melly.  A chi-weenie dog (portrait) who occupied my table and easel for a few weeks.  I think she turned out beautifully and it was so much fun to create the whimsical flowers and background.  In each painting I create, I am striving to find the balance between realism and stylized portrayals.  Melly was a commission, and she has since moved onto her permanent home.

My current painting in progress is a Ladybug and “Curcubit” blossom composition.  I began with the pencil drawing, which then became a vector drawing in Illustrator where I can play with its future possibilities.  The vector drawing then became a pencil drawing again and then the painting can begin.  I am still completing the painting and have already begun the variation I will use for kitchen towels.  Look for these in September!

Thanks for joining me today.  Drop me a line in the comments or find me on social media to say “hello”.  I have been pretty quiet on social media these days.  But I am still there…. I just prefer to paint.

What I’m Reading

  • Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver  This is the follow-up to Bean Trees.  I have thoroughly enjoyed reading these two books.  When I chose them, I had no idea they would touch on topics so relative to Oklahoma.
  • TheTriumph of the Moon by Ronald Hutton  This one is going to be a true marathon!  It’s a look at the history of paganism/witchcraft (specifically in Britain).  It begins with etymology and promises to be a fascinating read.)

This post has been written by Renee Griffin, a human being.  The art has been created by Renee Griffin, the aforementioned human.  No AI has been used in the creation of my art or writing.

An Artist-Gardener’s Ode to Compost

An Artist-Gardener’s Ode to Compost

Jul 10, 2023 | Art, Digital Art, Essay, Garden, Reflections, watercolor

At the beginning of June, the green Fennel loomed large in the garden.  It towered over me proffering lacy yellow blooms to all those flighted-passerby’s.  But at the base of this skyscraper of an herb there was NOTHING.  No bulb.  And the fronds supported no caterpillars yearning to become butterflies.  The blooms didn’t even appear to garner much attention.  The rest of the garden offered little except arugula- and there is only so much arugula one girl can eat.  This has been a disappointing gardening season for me.

I pondered the water-hog I called “Fennel” and decided it had to go.  If it wasn’t going to give me a sweet bulb to chop and it wasn’t going to provide an explosion of colorful winged insects, then it had no place in my raised bed which I drip-irrigate daily through 100+ degree days.

As I thought about the fennel and planned its demise, I realized that my garden is an eerily accurate reflection of many of my studio hours-  busy and non-productive. Frequently I consider creating the same project multiple times simply because I have an idea- but I am not sure of the best expression of that idea.  Should I paint it?  Should I create it digitally?  If I paint it- should I use ink? Should I use lines?  If I choose to create it digitally- how?  Vector?  Raster?

The only solution is to jump in and commit to creating it in one method- with the promise to myself that I can create it as many times as I like in as many different ways as I see fit.  My gnat-sized attention span actually prohibits this, but usually the promise is enough to nudge me off the starting block.

The fennel in the garden is gone.  I reduced it to a sweet smelling pile of green waste.  It is drying out and I am adding it to the compost pile, a little bit at a time.  That non-productive greenery is going to feed future gardens.  I tell myself that likewise, whatever “non-productive painting/creating” I do in the studio is feeding future projects. The artist and the gardener work in much the same manner, planting seeds in hopes of yielding bounty and beauty. Cast-offs become compost.

I check on the green tomatoes and pendulous melons daily- silently begging them to flourish.  The unusual recent rains have cooled the days and I have new hope for the plants that DID make it to the garden this year.  In the studio this month I merged my painting skills with my Photoshop knowledge to create a collaborative illustration with a friend.  Behold- “Robotman.”  This is a lengthier project and will result in an illustrated children’s book with a December due date.  

POP-UP Event!

I will setting up a tent at the Wildflower Art Market on July 29.  Come shop and visit.  I would LOVE to see you!  More information on my events tab.  Use the link below. https://www.sparrowshinedesigns.com/events/

In the Studio

“Robotman” is a children’s story written for a special boy with Downs syndrome.  I am thrilled with my first illustration – the cover!  I will continue working with my friend to create another 8 illustrations for the story.  Then I will typeset the story and format it with the illustrations and send it off to create a book.

I have also designed a new Birthday greeting card for my collection.  This one will feature interior art as well as exterior art.  Usually I design the cards so I can print them at home.  This one is off to the commercial printer in order to achieve my desired look.  Look for it soon!

I am preparing for Wildflower Art Market- July 29th in front of the Meadow Gold sign.  I will have new cards, original art, and more.  It’s a one day event featuring local art and crafts.  Check out my events tab for more information.

What I’m Reading

  • Food for Life by Tim Spector  Yes, I am still reading this one.  It’s a sizable tome, but it is actually an easy read.  I spread it out amongst my other activities- like all reading.  The chapter on bread was AMAZING.
  • TheTriumph of the Moon by Ronald Hutton  This one is going to be a true marathon!  It’s a look at the history of paganism/witchcraft (specifically in Britain).  It begins with etymology and promises to be a fascinating read.)
  • The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver

This post has been written by Renee Griffin, a human being.  The art has been created by Renee Griffin, the aforementioned human.  No AI has been used in the creation of my art or writing.

Painting through Grief – A Sparrow Emerges!

Painting through Grief – A Sparrow Emerges!

May 21, 2023 | Art, Essay, Nature Journaling, pattern design, Reflections, Surface Pattern Design, Watercolor, watercolor

This blog post has been difficult to write.  I have started over more times than I can recall.  Some months it seems to write itself.  Other months I search a little harder for the precise words, the kernel of meaning, or just the right tone.  After numerous failed attempts this month, I ‘m simply going to say what’s on my mind and in my heart and move on with the faith that next month’s letter will come more naturally.

I published a post on Easter weekend with no inkling that life in our household was about to experience a small tectonic shift.  The Saturday of Easter weekend, Django died, joing Carter who passed over the rainbow bridge in January 2022.  Carter had been ill and frail for awhile.  Django, on the other hand, was a 15 year old puppy most days.  His sudden illness and passing has left us in a state of quiet but noticeable bereavement.  For the first time in 26 years there is no dog curled with us on the sofa, no wagging tail and happy bark to greet us at the door.  There is no longer the need to “watch our step” in the backyard or rubberband the pantry door shut- yet we still do those things.

But grief is part of love and itnegral to this cycle of energy that cradles us all.  And so I have leaned into the ache knowing that time pauses for no one.

On a more positive note, Cohlmia’s Springfest was a jungle of fun!  Thank you to all who stopped by to say “hello!” and congratulations to Cali who won a free mini print.  I am excited to welcome new faces to this newsletter/blog.  Please excuse the somber tone this month.  It’s definitely an outlier.  

 

In the Studio

This quick watercolor portrait of Django resides in my watercolor sketchbook. The portrait of Carter on the right is also in a sketchbook dating back a few years.  They are not polished and their flaws are apparent.  In the case of Django’s, it was my attempt to face the reality of his absence through art without judgement or performance pressure.

Last month I dedicated my studio time to preparing for Carney Fest and Cohlmia’s.  For the next couple months I am looking forward to spending time learning, experimenting, and playing with the ideas percolating in my head.  I have more ideas than time!  After a brief period of personal painting, I will begin creating original watercolors to stock in my shop.  Even now I  am playing with different presentation techniques.  The sparrow and stylized flower composition pictured at the top of this post is nearing completion.  Once I am finished painting, I will seal it with a UV protectant spray, affix it to a wooden gallery board, and coat it with wax buffed to a soft sheen.  It will then go to Hummingbird Fine Craft to look for a permanent home.  My newsletter readers will be the first to know!  

What I’m Reading

The Office of Historical Corrections by Danielle Evans

Food for Life by Phil Spector

 

Personal Rituals Calm My Carney Mind

Personal Rituals Calm My Carney Mind

Apr 7, 2023 | Essay

Life swings crazily from “I’ve got this!” to “I’ve lost it!”  Or, is it just me?

I was crushing it in January and February!  I believed I could manifest my own destiny through hard work, persistence, good habits and good karma.  But March trounced me!  All those rosy- tinted visions of fashioning my own path seemed to get crushed between the grist mill of someone else’s agenda and my own incompetence.

I began to consider the various scenarios of surrender, the scenes in which I simply give up the struggle for identity and personal meaning.  The allure of simply floating on the current of complacency can seem attractive when I feel battered by swimming upstream.  But my inner warrior simply didn’t tolerate this melodramatic blathering.  I am not one to give up readily and today is not the day to change that.  So… what did I need to find the strength to continue?

I found my answer- “embrace the power of ritual.”  The use of personal rituals can help calm disorder and provide the moment of calm my spirit needs to proceed through the chaos.  I have a number of rituals that I perform daily- like rising early to journal before starting the day.  Or a daily check-in with my hubby in the early evening before dinner when we share a beer, some music, and some conversation.

Lately, I have been building a new ritual in my studio space.  Painting comes from a place of calm and happiness for me.  But too often the urgency of the mundane muddles my senses or the turbulence of troublesome times steals the focus I need to paint.  When conversations that I need to have play themselves out in my head and the never-ending to-do list scrolls across the back of my eyeballs, I lean into this new ritual I am building to find a moment of respite.  I light a candle or incense to lend a little ambience and formality.  I spend a few moments quieting my breath, slowing my heartbeat, dwelling on my intention, and asking the collective universe to guide my hand.  I open my Art Journal and then I am ready to begin painting.  Sometimes it is an online lesson, sometimes it is a project, and sometimes it is just play.

In the Studio

I have set aside larger personal projects to focus on some smaller projects for Carney Fest and Cohlmia’s Spring Fest.  These projects find me spending hours curled up on the sofa with my iPad or hunched over my computer screen in the office.

I am working on two projects for Carney Fest inspired by the legendary Leon Russell.  I have liked Leon Russell’s music since I was a sophomore in high-school and have seen him perform a couple of times.  And “Tightwire” is definitely my favorite Leon song!  “Like a rubber-neck giraffe, You look into my past…”  This line sings itself out in my head on repeat; so it is no surprise that I would create a giraffe image!  And the top hat  is a Leon Russell icon!  The giraffe is still a WIP, but you can see the hat here.    

Come see me April 29th at Cohlmia’s Flowers.  There will be local artists and vendors, music, and food trucks!  

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