The Creepy Heads

I'm Moving

2010-06-07T23:49:00.000-07:00

I've loved my time on Blogger, but my life is so busy that it's been very hard for me to post here regularly. So, in an effort to simplify my life, I will be continuing this blog on my website. Please visit me at www.margaretsarantis.com

I have a lot of new art since I last blogged. Please come see...

2010-03-10T13:17:00.000-08:00

Here's a sneak peek at my space at Kennedy Gallery. We're getting
ready for Second Saturday.

2010-02-25T11:20:00.000-08:00

I finally got a chance to photograph Pinky -- my newest mask.

Ants In My Pants

2010-02-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

What is the deal with jeans? A year ago I could get a pair of jeans that fit perfectly in several different brands. I could always trust the fit of Levi's 501's without even trying them on. I could order from a catalog and never worry. But now -- no way.

In the last several months I bet I've tried on 60 pairs of jeans from Target to the $200 kind. Every single damn pair of pants has a huge gap in the waistband. The pair of Eddie Bauer size 4 jeans I still wear is nowhere near the same fit as the new Eddies. A size 4 now fits my calves, but that's as far as they'd go. I had to jump to an 8 and the butt barely fit while the waist could hold two of me. I do NOT want the neighbor to be able to see my underwear from across the street.

What is the deal? This is so irritating. I can still fit my old size fours. These new ones seem to be made for toothpicks with beer bellies.

This has nothing to do with art, I'm aware, but can you relate to this junk?

HELP!

2010-02-18T18:37:00.000-08:00

Creepy things are everywhere. We saw this in the snow -- we did not
build it.

Remember Pinky Tuscadero?

2010-02-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

Do any of you remember Pinky Tuscadero? She was the ever pink-clad girlfriend of the Fonz on Happy Days. By the way, Happy Days was one of the greatest TV shows of all time, second only to Laverne and Shirley. Man I miss those shows. I think if they still aired those programs and Little House On The Prairie, The Waltons and Gentle Ben, our kids would be a lot better off. At least they'd know how to befriend a giant grizzly. You never know when that will come in handy.

Anyway......my point is this. in honor of Pinky Tuscadero and the great TV of the 70's and 80's, behold Pinky, my new creation.

OH MAN -- I was reading this post after it published and I realized I didn't photograph Pinky. Damn! She's at the gallery and I will have to get down there and take a picture next week. Sorry.....

2010-02-16T16:33:00.000-08:00

Love is in the air.

Try This...

2010-02-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when I sit down to write my blog I get a little stumped as to what to write. So, as I sat back on the couch in the gallery (I'm working today) it hit me to offer you a challenge. I know, I've done this before, but maybe this idea will intrigue you.

I challenge you to take any image off my blog or website and alter it. You can wreck it, improve it, skew it, try to disguise it, re-create it in your own style.....whatever. Maybe you'll change it so much I won't even recognize it.

Now, here's the fun part -- as if that isn't enough fun for you. After you alter my work, I want you to scan it and email it back to me. I'd love to show a gallery of your work on my blog. Wouldn't that be fun? Then you could tell all your friends to check it out.

Ok, so there's the challenge. Get busy.

Question for Margaret

2010-02-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Margaret,

INTERVIEWER: What is your favorite part of creating a new work?

MARGARET: I have two favorite parts of the process. I really like working with clay to make the features and character lines in the face and I love bringing it to life with paint.

All Done

2010-02-11T13:00:00.000-08:00

I know I showed you these masks in progress, now here's a look at the finished product.

Coming Soon . . . . .

2010-02-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

I've had several requests to make a series of masks. My favorite suggestion has been to create the Seven Deadly Sins.

Pride
Sloth
Gluttony
Lust
Envy
Greed
Wrath

Keep in touch for updates on the progress.

Art With Heart

2010-02-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

Kennedy Gallery in Sacramento (where I show my work) is hosting Art With Heart on Saturday, February 13, 2010. This wonderful fund-raiser raises money for Sacramento C.A.R.E.S. Artists of all ages have donated original works in a 4" x 6" format that will be sold for $60 each. All the monies will be donated to this wonderful cause that conducts AIDS research.

Bring your Valentine to the gallery from 5pm to 10pm on Saturday and you can view all the pieces and even bid on one.

Here's one of mine...

My Visit to San Francisco

2010-02-08T07:00:00.000-08:00

Wow -- what a great day! I spent the entire day on Saturday in gallery after gallery in San Francisco's Union Square.

By far, my favorite gallery was Gallery 444. I really liked the work of Rody from France but sadly, I didn't have an extra $9K for one of her paintings.

On Sunday I went to the DeYoung Museum and saw

Custom Masks

2010-02-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

Did you know I can make a plaster cast of your face and create a custom mask to wear or display? What's your personality like? Are you wild? Shy? Colorful? Wouldn't you love to have a totally customized mask of YOU?

Email me.

Here's one of me...

I was feeling pretty creepy that day.

Second Saturday Show

2010-02-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

I'll be showing all my new work at Kennedy Gallery on February 13, 2010. Kennedy is located at 1114 20th Street (between K and L). The artists' reception is from 5pm to 10pm. Hope to see you there.

You can preview my work at www.margaretsarantis.com -- maybe you'll find a Valentine's present for your honey.

Another Peek

2010-02-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

I've been busy. Here is another preview of a mask to come soon.

This one has more of an industrial feel -- lots of hardware to be added to it.

Sneak Peek

2010-02-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a peek at a new mask I'm working on......

I'll be adding lots of beads to this one. This is my first ever PINK mask.

A Valentine For You

2010-02-01T09:55:00.000-08:00

Check out this new mask I just completed. Just in time for Valentine's Day!

This is for sale on my website -- www.margaretsarantis.com

Fans In Hong Kong?

2010-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

I was checking my stats on my website for Monday and I saw that 74 people from Hong Kong looked at my site. Weird. 74. That's more than all of California (which is where I live).

I'm guessing it's a computer mistake or a marketing thing perpetrated by some rogue company trying to get me to buy something. I saw a documentary on TV recently about all the online scammers and mail order brides coming from Nigeria, but nothing from Hong Kong. The only thing I can figure is that I used the word 'zen' recently in a post. But isn't zen Japanese? Maybe it popped up on a search. Hmmmmm.

Or maybe it's a sign from the Universe that I should make a Chinese mask, or eat chow mein.

Interview With A Vampire (lover)

2010-01-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, vampire lover. I am NOT a vampire.

I was given a suggestion to interview myself for my blog. So.......

Me: Margaret, when did you first know you were an artist?

Me Again: When I was in third grade I won first place in a Halloween drawing contest. I drew a green faced witch (I bet I still have it somewhere) with a warty nose. I was so proud to see it hanging over the black board with a first place ribbon cut from blue construction paper. Thank you Mrs. Bowen.

I Feel Like This

2010-01-25T07:08:00.000-08:00

This is how I feel when I think of all the things an artist has to do besides making art.

Making databases, marketing, getting things downloaded, scanned, printed, promoting myself, blogging, Facebooking, sending cards and newsletters, cataloging artwork, and on and on and on.

It's enough to make a person want to quit trying to BE an artist and just make art.

But, I won't quit.

A Challenge For You

2010-01-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

I challenge you to create something today (or this weekend). The only criteria are that you need to use red, something soft and something in your recycling bin.

Email me a picture of what you make and I will spot it on my blog.

No Complaining

2010-01-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

Someone recently sent me link to a website where you can buy a purple rubber bracelet to remind you not to complain. It's a non-profit organization that encourages people to live complain-free lives.

While this is all well and good, and we can all live with a little less bit*%$ng and moaning in our lives, I just can't stop myself from being irritated by toilet peper that rolls from under the roll instead of over the top. Sheesh!

Deer John...

2010-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is a new experiment in mask making. I originally glased they guy and then decided I didn't like what I saw. So....off came the glase and what was left underneath was a cool grainy stone-like texture.Very different from my usual work..

Deer John is for sale on my website for $125.

Three New Dudes

2010-01-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

Meet Troy, Teddy and Geronimo (as named by my son).

They are all for sale on my website.

Meet BiBi

2010-01-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

I made this!

BiBi is for sale on my website for $150.

20/20 Show

2010-01-15T14:16:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I entered some of my work in 20th Street Gallery's 20/20 show. If I get in, I'll have 20 mixed media pieces in the show in April. Wish me luck.

This series will be a group of 20-25 pictures of eyes. These are mine. The next set will be my children and other family members.

I Have A New Blog Experiment

2009-12-28T22:05:00.000-08:00

Hi all -- I'm doing a New Year's resolution-type blog. I'd love for you to check it out and leave me a comment.

It's called Wish 4 It and you can view it today.

I Can't Give This Thing Away!!!

2009-12-23T17:02:00.000-08:00

Ok, ok...here's the deal. Carrieann won then she didn't answer in tims. So I picked a new winner. Once I did that, Carrieann responded, but I had to wait for the second winner to answer. He/she never did so it went back to Carrieann. And, if I ever get time to go to the post office in this busy season, I will mail it to her. And, if she ever sends me a picture, I will post it for all of you.

PS -- Sorry I've been asway for so long. Blogging is sadly not at the top of my list these days. I miss it.

A New Winner

2009-11-21T13:26:00.000-08:00

Ok, well, sorry Carrieann. Since I didn't hear from you, I need to pick a new winner to take home Baby Girl.

And the winner is.......

CYCLONNA66

So, if you know him/her, please get the message to this winner. I'd love to give this away before Christmas.

Congratulations!

Yoo Hoo Carrieann

2009-11-16T11:17:00.000-08:00

Hello out there. Carrieann, you only have until 3:30pm on Thursday to claim your Baby Girl Creepy Head wand. If anyone knows Carrieann of Amatista. please let her know. I've contacted her via email and have had no response.

I will draw another name to win this prize on Thursday if I don't hear from Carrieann.

AND THE WINNER IS.....

2009-11-12T15:46:00.000-08:00

Sorry -- I'm an hour late on posting the results of the drawing for Baby Girl. I got caught up at my children's school.

So, with a drum roll.....the winner of a Creepy Head wand is......

Carrieann of Amatista.

If you are Carrieann or know her, please have her contact me for her prize. Thanks for entering.

Last Chance

2009-11-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

Don't forget.....tomorrow (Thursday at 2:37pm Pacific Time) I will be drawing a name from my hat to see who wins Baby Girl.

If you want to enter to win, make sure you sign up as a follower of this blog (see sidebar at right) or sign up to receive my monthly email newsletter.

I've Been Zentangled

2009-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

I just saw the coolest thing in the new Cloth Paper Scissors magazine. No, it wasn't an article about me (yet). It's ZENTANGLE.

This is the coolest, easiest art doodling I've ever done. I'm hooked. Zentangle is a meditative doodling practice in which all you really need is a paper, pen and pencil. You really need to check out the site to see more of the artwork, but I can tell you that it's super portable, can be embellished and is easy enough to teach kids to do without frustrations for you or for them.

Here are some of my early attempts.

Aren't they cool?!?! You gotta try it -- it's addictive.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

2009-11-10T14:36:00.000-08:00

I've missed you. I'm so sorry I've been gone so long. I don't even know what I've been doing, except that I've been busy.

BUT, I made a promise to you a while ago and I intend to keep it. I promised that once I collected 100 new people as followers of this blog and/or subscribers to my email newsletter I would give away a Creepy Head.

Well, I didn't quite get to 100 people, but I want to give this away anyway. So.....I will do a random drawing in 48 hours (on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 2:35pm Pacific Time). I will post the winner's name online and he/she will have to contact me within 7 days to win Baby Girl. If no one responds, I will draw another name.

Tell all your pals to enter in the next two days. They can either become a follower of this blog, or sign up to receive my newsletter for their chance to win. Good luck!

Take My Poll

2009-10-07T09:20:00.000-07:00

Hi All -- I'm collaborating with the amazing Lorra Lee Rose to create a series of life sized vampire busts. Here's one of them...

So, I thought I'd ask you all to take my poll located in the sidebar to the left. I'm just trying to get an idea about what people want to see us make. Thanks!

I Promised

2009-10-06T09:52:00.000-07:00

Okay -- the other day I promised to tell you what this is...

Well, it's a piece of art that evolved into this.....

...and then became this...

...and finally these...

These were sooooo sun to make. They're all for sale ($150 each). They're mounted on board and ready to hang. I can't wait to make more.

AWOL, AWOL, AWOL!

2009-10-03T23:32:00.000-07:00

Man -- life takes over, doesn't it? I am so sorry to have been AWOL for so long. But, I've got the kids back to school, so I have a little more time these days.

Guess what?!?! I am going to be on TV! I'm going to be on "Good Day Sacramento" on Tuesday, October 27th. The segment about me will air live sometime during the 9am hour. They're going to show my Creepy Heads and show me teaching my Random Acts Of Art class. I'm very excited and a little nervous.

Maybe I'll be able to figure out how to post a video on this blog so I can show you the segment. I'll try.

In my next post, I'll tell you about this picture. See you soon.

Anyway, thanks for being patient. I'll be more regular about posting again. It's good to be back on track.

This Is So Cool

2009-09-18T17:25:00.000-07:00

I got an e-mail with this web site. It's pretty cool -- especially the Collage section. Try it out. It's fun for kids too. http://www.nga.gov/kids/kids.htm

I Haven't Forgotten The Contest

2009-09-04T06:42:00.000-07:00

I'm still holding my contest for one lucky person to win one of my wands.

This one is called Baby Girl -- a perfect gift for new parents. Once I get 100 new subscribers to my email newsletter and/or followers of this blog, I will give her away. I've been hovering at about 35-40 people for some time now, so this is a reminder. Tell your friends to sign up and they may win. It's totally FREE.

LegoLand

2009-09-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

This summer we went to LegoLand. It's pretty cool, but a little young for us (best for 3-6 year olds). The very best part of LegoLand is the miniature section. There are all these city scenes completely crafted from Legos. The buildings are as tall as 8 feet.

Lombard Street in San Francisco.

By the way, did you know that this summer was the anniversary of the game CandyLand (I don't know which anniversary) and the entire length of Lombard Street was paved with those colorful snap together rubber floor mats to simulate a giant Candyland game board and then kids were allowed to play the game on the street. Cool.

Coit Tower in San Francisco.

There was a New England scene, Vegas, New Orleans, Washington DC and lots more that I'm forgetting. These miniatures were incredible, complete with the Obama-on-the-steps-of-the-Capitol speech and thousands of little observers.

2009-09-01T07:00:00.000-07:00

Here are the last two paintings to show you.

New Paintings

2009-08-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

So, remember I told you in the last post that I completed 7 new paintings? Well, here they are. I really love them (Most of them, there are a few that are less than favorites).

If I get into this show in November, I will get to create 25 total. This show is called the 20/20 show. It's at 20th Street Gallery in Sacramento. This is the first time they're doing this. It's going to be 20 artists with 20 paintings each. This same gallery does a 50/50 show every April. This is 50 artists with 50 works (4x4 or 5x5 -- I can't remember which) created in 50 days. In the 20/20 show the paintings are a little larger at 8x8.

AWOL

2009-08-30T12:57:00.001-07:00

Man oh man. I'm so sorry to be gone for so long. Here's what I've been up to...

Went to Disneyland for 6 days.
Finished the summer and sent the kids off to school.
Planning my Random Acts of Art class and a new journaling class (info to follow in later post).
Went to LegoLand.
Started Kaizen Muse Creativity Coach training.
Jammed out 7 sample paintings for a show I want to be in.
Started Halloween art for upcoming shows.
Made a great new artist friend and am collaborating with her on 2 vampire busts.
Went to State Fair even though they didn't take my art.
Went to Napa.
Looked around my studio and saw all the half completed projects and just stood spinning and not knowing where to dig in.

101st Post

2009-08-09T12:35:00.001-07:00

Wow, I just realized that my last post was the 100th post to the Creepy Heads blog. Cool! Maybe I should reward myself. Hey, I know. I think I'll go to the happiest place on earth......Disneyland.

Yes, that's right. It's time for the last vacation of the summer before the kids go back to school. So, because I'm always rushing around, I don't think I'll have time to post for a week or so, but I'll have lots of fun Disney things to show you when I get back. Please check in after August 16th.

By the way, the contest to get 100 new names on my "list" is progressing nicely. I think I'm up to about 30-35 people. Let's keep it going. In case you have no idea what I'm talking about, I'm trying to get 100 new people to subscribe to my newsletter. Once I get there I will be giving away one of my Creepy Head wands -- probably one like this...
It would be so cool to return from my trip and see about 75-100 names.

July's "Inside Arden" Newspaper Article

2009-08-05T11:55:00.000-07:00

Did I tell you there was a nice article written about me in the "Inside Arden" paper last month? If you didn't know or didn't get a chance to read it, here it is...

And since it's impossible to read without a magnifying glass, here's a link to the Creepy Heads article. But I must warn you, it's a little bit of a wait for it to download. Try at your own risk.

If you decide not to try, just know that the author wrote a very nice article about me and how there can't possibly be a way that Johnny Depp and Tim Burton would pass on my art once they meet me. Hey, we all have to dream.

The Contest Progresses.......

2009-08-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

To those of you who have already entered my little name-gathering contest, thanks! At last count I have 20 new followers and people who want to receive my monthly newsletter. In case you're just reading this for the first time, let me clue you in.....

I want 100 new people to become followers or to add themselves to my newsletter mailing. I'm trying hard to make a living at this art thing, and they tell me that expanding my database is a key element in achieving this. When I get to 100, I will draw ONE NAME from a hat. That lucky person will receive a FREE Creepy Head wand with a $40 value. Here's a sample of what you might win.....

This is "Baby Girl". She's a wand I made some time ago. Here's another view so you can get the full effect.

The only thing you can't see in the picture is that the entire wand is covered in pink ribbons and they make a bog bow at the base of the wand.

So, if you want to win her, sign up to receive my newsletter, or look to the far right of this blog post for the sidebar section where my "followers" are shown and register. Enter your info there and I'll put your name in the hat for a chance to win a Creepy Head. THANK YOU!

I've Been Working Hard

2009-07-31T07:44:00.000-07:00

I've missed painting watercolors. I've spent a lot of time these days with my 3D creations and I wanted to get back to my roots.

Here's a sneak peek at some pieces that I'll put in Kennedy Gallery for October.

As I look at them, it occurs to me that maybe I should submit them to a children's book publisher. I think they'd make cool illustrations for a kids' book.

Quick Update

2009-07-29T19:43:00.000-07:00

I'm up to 20 people in the "I Want 100 People Contest". Keep 'em comin'! Thanks you guys.

More Journal Pages...

2009-07-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

And here are a few more pages....

Oh, Phillippe...

2009-07-27T05:30:00.000-07:00

Here's Phillippe. I don't really love this photo but I had to take it at Kennedy Gallery under florescent lights while I was sweating in 90 degree heat and hurrying to get everything set up for Second Saturday.

She drew a bit of attention. Maybe she'll be adopted soon.

Frostine

2009-07-24T05:13:00.000-07:00

Frostine was created using a new technique I'm perfecting. It's a type of papier mache I developed to use at ArtFest. I was hoping to be chosen to teach (I wasn't) and I needed a project that could be dry enough to paint right away and completed the same day.

Frostine is my prototype of this method. Since creating her, I've had great success with others like Jennifer, Pope, Antonio and Phillippe.

I Want Followers -- Contest

2009-07-22T16:51:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am on a mission to get more followers on this blog and ultimately on my website. What are "followers"? Scroll down a little and look to the right, just below the picture of my eyes. That's where you can sign up to become a follower of the Creepy Heads blog. My purpose for doing this is purely marketing, so if that turns you off, I'm sorry. But here's the scoop... I am an artist. I want to make my living making and teaching art, so I am asking you to help me out. The more people that I get to follow this blog (I only have 8 now and one of them is me) the more people will see my art. The more people who sign up on my website to receive my newsletter, the more newsletters with art and class details I can send out. So I am hoping that the power of the Internet coupled with the word of mouth of my fellow art lovers will get the job done. Here's how it works.... Every person that signs up on my followers and every person who signs up on my website newsletter will be counted. I want to get 100 new people on my "lists". Here's the benefit to you. When I get to 100 people (with your help), I will have a giveaway of one of my Creepy Heads. FREE. I will give away a Creepy Head wand that is approximately 14 inches tall with a value of approximately $50. FREE!

Here is a sample of what you could win......

BONUS!! If you send people my way and they send me an email telling me you sent them, you will have an extra ticket in my drawing -- so you will have more of chances to win. AND, if you send me a photo of yourself, I can post you on the blog when you win the Creepy Head wand.

And, extra benefit.....if you sign up to receive my newsletter, you will get a monthly email with special sales and events that only my subscribers will be eligible to receive. You will be notified of upcoming classes and see new art as soon as it's created. Thank you so much for your support and participation in this. I'm excited to see how many sign-ups I get. Have a great day!

Look Out Cher!

2009-07-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

I've been working on this one forever! I bought my babysitter's old Barbies for $20 and this was my first attempt at altering one.

Her name is Billy.

Here's a detail of the back.

It was really fun. I have some neat ideas for the next one. I want to change her figure more -- add some meat.

Journal Pages

2009-07-22T10:39:00.001-07:00

Here are a few journal pages I've been working on this summer.

It's A Boy

2009-07-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

I told you I've been busy.

Here's my new guy, Pope. He's a papier mache head about 6 inches round.

New Addition

2009-07-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

Meet Jennifer! I love letting my kids name my creations. I think it's so funny when an unusual item has a common name like Jennifer.

It's hard to see in these pictures, but Jennifer has a leather hood/umbrella attachment that swoops up the back of her neck and covers her head.

I haven't had a chance to put her on my website yet, you're getting a sneak peek.

Happy Birthday Paula

2009-07-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

The gallery is really bringing in new art business. Last month I met Teri who loved my caricature paintings so much she commissioned one for her friend, Paula, who just turned 50. Here's what I made.

A New Painting

2009-07-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

I was playing with some left-over paint and came up with this......

.....what do you think?

Time Flies

2009-07-13T08:17:00.001-07:00

Sheeeeeesh! I can't believe it's been almost a month since I last posted. I'm really sorry. It has been very busy and time consuming having the kids home for the summer. So much has happened this summer -- vacations, birthdays, holidays, etc.

Anyway, I'm back and I'm ready to blog.

I had a successful art show on Second Saturday the other night. It's bittersweet to report that I sold Victoria because while I wanted her to be adopted, she was one of my favorites. I'll miss her, but the Reeds, her new family, really seem to like her and I think she's found a good home.

I have lots of new art at Kennedy Gallery. If you're local, you should check the pace out. It's at 1114 20th Street in Sacramento. But if you're anxious to see what's new, you can go to my web site to see it all.

Here are a few photos of the gallery. We had over 3,000 people show up on Saturday. One of the artists works with metal and fire. She had several garden art pieces that you can light -- fire pits and torches. There was also a fire dancer performing outside. So cool!

Meet Rachel

2009-06-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

I love this painting and I don't always love all the things I paint. But this one is fun. I want it to go to a nice home someday.

Actually it's much bigger. You can see the whole painting here.

A Whole New Kind Of Yard Art

2009-06-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

My children found this in the yard. It was already dead, so I though it would be ok to mummify it for the sake of art.Just kidding. Did you really thin I would DO that? Sheesh, what kind of artist do you think I am?

Lurking

2009-06-12T07:00:00.000-07:00

Look who's been lurking in my studio.They're always staring at me. I tell them to stop, but they don't listen. I feel so microscoped it's hard to create.

I bet you have something weird in your studio too. Can you tell what this is?

Tell me about your weird stuff, or better yet, send me a picture.

A Door CLoses, A WIndow Opens

2009-06-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

Well, sadly I didn't make the cut for ArtFest. They liked my work but chose another artist who makes heads that are more refined than mine. I wonder who it is.

Needless to say, I was pretty bummed and needed therapy. So I forced my little boy to go to an art gallery with me. I wanted to check out a space I'd heard about. My timing was perfect, an hour before I got there, the artist who rents space in this wonderful gallery (Kennedy Gallery -- no web site yet) advertised space to share. It's beautiful. It's cheap. The location is the best in Sacramento. The owner is very nice. The traffic is wonderful. So, it took it and I have a show there this Saturday.

Then when I got home I had an email waiting for me. Art Doll Quarterly is going to publish some of my Creepy Heads for their Winter or Spring issue!!!!!!

AND, I have a new commission for a Father's Day painting.

Sheesh. When it rains, it pours. Thank you Universe.

Did I Show You This?

2009-06-10T07:00:00.001-07:00

Did I show you this new piece? Too bad the photo isn't clearer. It's one of the pieces I submitted to ArtFest for consideration as a teacher in 2010. I should know by TODAY if I make the cut.

I hope I make the cut.

365 Canvas

2009-06-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm still working on my 365 Canvas, but I'll admit I'm a little behind.

I have no idea why Blogger is underlining this text -- weird.

Here are a few updates. I find that if I stay accountable to yo and to the students in my class, it forces me to make regular additions to the canvas.
And for those of you who are reading this for the first time, allow me to clue you in. I am creating a 2' x 4' canvas for the year 2009. Each day (theoretically) I add something to the canvas. It might be a fortune cookie fortune, a splat of paint, quotes, something I found in the road while I was roller blading, something my children made, etc.

The canvas is pretty full, but not I can fill in all the little empty spaces with meaningful drivel. I guess I'll hang the thing when I'm done. Maybe I should auction it off. What do you think?

Welcome To My Neighborhood

2009-06-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

Last week in Random Acts Of Art class we made house of polymer clay.

I can honestly say that everyone was really absorbed in making this project. We used polymer clay to create a house. Some were designed to hold family photographs in the windows and others were just for fun. We all decided to display them in shadow box frames.

Here's mine.

This is Kim's.

These are Dessie's.

And here is one of Tracy's.

Shoe Day

2009-06-05T10:01:00.001-07:00

This week in Random Acts Of Art class we altered shoes.

We had a young visitor who really inspired us. Shane is in 5th (I hope that's right) grade and his wonderfully childlike brain helped us get past the uninspired thinking adults sometimes take on. One of the students who felt stumped over what to do with her shoe looked over at Shane and asked his opinion. Without hesitation, he suggested cutting and rearranging the straps......who woulda thought?

This is Shane's shoe.
And this is his mom's shoe.

This is Dessie's shoe.

And this is Kim's (the one Shane consulted on).

I intended to make a shoe myself, but I had promised my son's piano teacher that I'd decorate a hat for his studio.

Now, let me explain about piano. We have the greatest piano teacher here in Sacramento -- Kevin Meyer who teaches the Simply Music method. Kevin is not your typical piano teacher.

First off, he's a man -- not like the Beaver Cleaver old lady piano teacher we all envision.

Second, Kevin is huge! And I don't mean fat. He's a giant muscle man -- a former body builder.

I think that's an interesting combo -- piano and muscle. And what's even less expected is how funny Kevin is. He even agreed to pose in full muscle wearing the very "girlie" hat I created.

Sorry I don't have a close up of the hat, but we'd all probably rather look at Kevin.

Wish Me Luck...

2009-05-27T14:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I did it. I just mailed off my proposal to teach at ArtFest 2010.

This is a big one for me because my children are still little and I wasn't even allowing myself the chance to attend ArtFest, let alone try to teach at it.

By the way, if you don't know what ArtFest is, check out this site. It is a super cool weekend of art making in Washington. So, even if I don't get picked to teach, I hope I can mold my life into a chance to attend.

Here are the pics I sent to Teesha and Tracy Moore who run the whole thing....

Kim's Painting

2009-05-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

Kim, who doesn't think she can paint, made this in watercolors class.

Charming

2009-05-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

Last week in class we played with PMC (Precious Metal Clay). If you haven't tried it, it is super cool. It's clay that is infused with powdered silver. You sculpt it like any clay and then fire it with a butane torch, like the kind used for creme brulee. This burns away all the clay and leaves you with 99.9% pure silver.

After some brushing and polishing, it turns into a really cool piece of jewelry. The whole process takes about 30 minutes, maybe 45.

We each made one silver charm and some polymer clay beads, paper beads and shrinky dink beads to add to our bracelets.

I wish the photos were a little clearer, but I'm an artist, not a photographer.

You Know Who You Are...

2009-05-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the guys, Sharon. It was nice meeting you in person.

Super Cool Workshop

2009-05-18T14:04:00.000-07:00

Oh man, oh man -- I just got back from Teesha Moore's super fun journaling workshop in San Jose. Talk about 11 hours of crazy journaling. Look at these...

They're not even done yet. Imagine how great they'll be when I finish them.

There were so manyother gifted artists there, but since I don't have permission, I can't display them on my blog.

But, you can go to Teesha's blog and see hers if you want to see the work of our teacher.

Looks Aren't Everything

2009-05-08T11:11:00.000-07:00

Sure, she's cute and blond, but beware...the pretty ones are always trouble. Just when she gains your trust and you're hooked, she'll strike!

And you'll never be the same.

My Eyes Are Open

2009-05-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

I started exercising again. As of May 1, I have been rollerblading. I need to get in shape for summer. I like to go at 630AM because it's so quiet. Not many other walkers/joggers are out yet, so I can focus on the road.

Today I saw a pair of smashed wire-rim glasses in the road. They were so cool I wanted to pick them up to add them to my 365 canvas, but on the way home I couldn't find them. Bummer!

I see all kinds of cool things laying in the street. Last Friday I saw a smashed candy corn, a big snail trying to cross the road and a half squished worm. These are all things I will add to the canvas (not literally, I'm not putting a dead worm on it, but if I find the glasses later today, I'll add them).

This is one of my favorite quotes from Jedi Master Yoda.

New Header

2009-05-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

Check out my super cool new header created by Annette at Huckleberry Arts.

It's been pretty hard to keep up with a watercolor blog, a creepy head blog and an art class blog, so I've decided to morph them all into one super-cool-ever-changing-compelling-interesting-can't-live-without-reading-it-daily blog.

That said, you'll see my Creepy Heads creations, the fun we're having in class, watercolors, acrylics, personal stuff and whatever else fits in here. I hope you like it. If you do, check out my almost finished website or my old website -- they'll be transitioning into one site soon too.

Look for facelifts on this blog too. I need to update my Flickr and Etsy pages. I'll notify you when that happens because it should be cool. I have professional photos by Kristel Durand, not the junky ones I try to do myself.

Anyway it's all very exciting. Oh, don't forget, when you go to my website, sign up for my monthly newsletter.

Random Acts Of Art Class

2009-04-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

Here we are in art class learning to do image transfers onto polymer clay.

Here's me showing how to add texture to the clay.

Mother and daughter bonding together.

It's a very detailed and scientific process -- just kidding.

People all over the planet are calling me to join class.

You must know someone who wants to participate. Email me.

Calling The Universe...

2009-04-28T11:11:00.000-07:00

Creepy, isn't she?

Hello Universe, Margaret here. I want to ask for help from you.

I'd like two new students for my Tuesday class and 5 more for a Monday class I'd like to start. I's also like to ask for a fun part time job as a demo person for an art product -- something I can demo in art stores in Sacramento and the 25 mile area around Sacramento.

I'd also like to be discovered by a publisher who wants me to contribute to a book or to write my own art book. And I want to be on HGTV's "That's Clever" show. I'd like to see some of my work published in a few magazines this year as well.

So, Universe, I guess what I'm really asking for is for my art career to bloom. I want to make a living at this. I want to have a job that gives me flexibility in my schedule so I can be home creating and be with my kids as well. I am open to whatever comes along. Please send interesting and rewarding opportunities my way and I promise I will explore them.

Thank you -- Margaret

My Year-At-A-Glance

2009-04-26T10:12:00.000-07:00

Remember when I told you about this idea I read about in Teesha Moore's magazine in which an artist created a "one year canvas"? To refresh your memory, it's about creating a canvas with something that is added for every day of the year.

Anyway, I'm doing this and I want to share some of my updates with you. My canvas is 2' x 4' and it's already really full -- and it's only April 26!

This process has been eye opening -- in ways I didn't expect. What I DID expect was a feeling of daily meditation as I completed each day's entry. Instead, I find that a few weeks go by and then I have to go back and do 14 at a time. This doesn't feel like how I want it to feel. I've learned that I don't even make 15 minutes of regular daily time to choose a meaningful piece to add to my canvas. I don't like that.

This process reminds me that I want to find some meaningful piece of collage and a meaningful piece of time for myself every day. I can't believe I'm an advocate for others to find time for themselves, but I don't do it myself. Is this laziness? Am I not really interested in this project? Am I REALLY that busy?

I think all the things that claim to only take 15 minutes of your day pile up into a large block of time that I don't have, so I do nothing. This disappoints me. I want to WANT to do this. Maybe this is a pattern in all my creative endeavors and in my life -- I want things, but I don't really work hard for them. I need to pay attention to this and really stick to something so I can achieve my dreams. Can you relate to this?

Sorry I've Been AWOL

2009-04-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

I can't believe three whole weeks have passed since my last blog post. I'm sorry to keep you waiting.

Here are 18 of the paintings I finished this month.

Here's what I've been up to.....

children's talent show

death in the family and funeral

website problems

broken arm

Easter and kids home for spring break

first solo art show

My Ezine Is Coming...

2009-03-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

To go along with the new website (still not ready -- UG!), I will be mailing a new Ezine monthly newsletter. If you want one, post a comment to this post with your email and I'll send it. Hurry, I will be mailing it by Wednesday. OR, you can email me and I'll add your name that way. Thanks!

Once A Diva, Always A Diva

2009-03-25T11:11:00.000-07:00

Allow me to introduce Hostilla Ustubehot.

Sorry, I couldn't get her to smile for the camera. She's a little resentful of.....well, just about everything.

She reminds me of the Carol Burnett character "Madam". Remember?

In case you can't tell, both Hostilla and Betty Jo Six Toe (from Monday's post) have polymer clay heads and other parts attached to canvas. Neat-o, huh?

Three More Paintings

2009-03-23T13:47:00.000-07:00

Behold the grace and beauty of Betty Jo Six Toe

Yes, it works as a group, but I am counting this as three paintings.

Gimme a break. I have to do 18 this month!!!

So far I have completed 10 of the 18. I'll be working on 6 more as soon as I post this.

Still Working oOn The 18

2009-03-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

Even though I haven't shown any pics of my new art lately, rest assured I'm still working on my goal of creating 18 new pieces in March. So far, I have 3 new large paintings completed and 6 little paintings and 2 Creepy Heads almost done.

I hope if you're in Sacramento on April 11, you will come see my show at

Kristel Durand Studio. It's an upstairs studio located at 2728 J Street.

The reception is from 5pm to 9pm.

See, I told you...

2009-03-18T11:11:00.000-07:00

See, they're always watching.

They look innocent at first glance, but when they think you're not looking, they come alive.

Don't be fooled by the "cuteness". Remember the Wolf just looked like Granny -- he actually ATE her.

Weird things are happening in Oregon

2009-03-16T11:09:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure why so many Californians are in a hurry to take refuge in Oregon. Sure, it's beautiful and green, but it's not all it's cracked up to be.

First, let me say that it rains. Sure, sure, we all know that. But did you know that you can't get Royal Jelly or Ginseng in coastal towns? Scandalous! And did you know they have more Dutch Boys than Starbucks? For shame -- although I am in favor of the smaller guy coming out on top for once. But, I bet you never realized that some grocery stores actually close for the winter. Yes, they just lock the doors and leave -- probably follow the geese South to warmer weather. And...horror of horrors, the ONLY craft store on the Newport coastal area went--out--of--business!!! How are the artists and crafters going to survive?!?!?

But, the weirdest thing of all is the toys. They're evil.

Yep.

Don't believe me?

CHECK

THIS

OUT

See? What did I tell you? That's right, they have whole rooms of these evil creatures just waiting for small children to be tricked into adopting. And you can only imagine what happens once the poor, innocent child gets the thing home...

It's Chuckie all over again! Or should I say Bride of Chuckie....

So beware if you're planning a trip. Keep your hand on your wallet
and your eyes on your child.

Ghost Girl

2009-03-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm in sunny (not) Portland right now. I sneakily wrote this post at 630 in the morning Friday and scheduled it to post today so I could stay current with you all. I'll be getting on a bus then a plane to come back to Sacramento this afternoon. I hope to have lots of fun things to tell you and cool photos to share. Maybe I'll even have a treasure to show you.

This painting is one of my first attempts at acrylics. It's so weird to look back at old paintings. I still like it, but I see a lot of flaws now. Maybe it will sell at my Second Saturday art show in April and I won't have to critique it any more.

Friday The 13th

2009-03-13T06:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday the 13th. On this day exactly 13 years ago (weird), I was offered a job at an ad agency. I took the job and started on April 1.

It was the worst job I've ever had in my life.

Let this be a lesson to you...never make a life change

on the 13th or on April Fool's Day.

I'm so glad that today my job is mothering, teaching art, making art and trying to sell art. I don't see how I will ever be able to go back to a desk job.

And so, Universe, THANK YOU!

By the way, this picture a door in Ireland taken 11 years ago when I visited. Ireland is the COOLEST country and if you ever go, you need more than 11 days to see it all.

I want to go back.

Hot Mama

2009-03-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

Here's a little hottie for the senior crowd. This beauty is still in the works. She needs hair and makeup and she'll be ready to join the group of 18 paintings I vowed to finish in March.

Doesn't she have a great body? She must work out. Maybe she has a personal trainer.

I bet she won't give out her phone number.

Three Heads and a What?!?!

2009-03-07T11:11:00.000-08:00

Hmmmmm....Ok, I see one, two, three heads, but WHAT is that other thing?

You'll have to check back a little later to find out. Any guesses?

Keeping My Promise

2009-03-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

Look, I'm keeping my promise on the 18 paintings this month. Here's another heart -- almost done. Hey -- that's a good name for this -- "Keeping My Promise".

I really dislike naming my things and I really, really dislike pricing them. I always feel I'm either giving too good a deal or I'm overcharging. I haven't found a happy medium yet. This will probably be in the $200 range.....

Someone once told me that the higher the price, the more desirable the object is. I haven't been able to trust in that yet. Maybe someday.

What's In The Studio?

2009-03-04T10:38:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm on track (sort-of) with the 18 paintings in 30 days. By the time you read this, I should have about 6 done.

I picked up some cheap canvases at Michael's for $1 each. See.....

I'm going to paint over the pre-drawn pictures and create mini masterpieces.

4 Started

2009-03-03T14:05:00.000-08:00

Ok, I have 4 of the 18 paintings in the works. I should finish at least one today and will start 3 more today. I am having so much fun. It's really challenging to have a deadline. It helps to focus me.

Sorry, no pictures yet, but I did have fun making this......

I was thinking it would be fun to photograph all my face parts and then reconstruct them as a collage self portrait. -- I'll save it for later. I have to get through these 18 paintings. Have a great day!

Taaa Daaa -- #1 of 18!

2009-03-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

Behold, a new step toward discovery. This is the first of my eighteen paintings. I was inspired to paint this from a funny movie called Meet Dave with Eddie Murphy.

One of the main characters is an artist who painted a similar heart and she's trying to explain to Dave (an alien) about the feelings associated with the painting. I really loved the scene and immediately went into the studio and painted this in about half an hour. I love it. I don't want to sell it, but if I do, someone will have a little piece of me. I bet someone will want this one because they say it's the "inspired" paintings that really move people, so I guess I better get ready to say goodbye to it.

18 in 30?

2009-03-02T10:31:00.000-08:00

I am going to try to paint 18 paintings in 30 days. Why, you ask. Because I booked myself for TWO (2!) Second Saturday Art Showings in the next 5 months. AND, they are at the same place -- Kristel Durand Studio in Sacramento. Of course I don't want to show the same things at each show, so I've got to get busy.

Now that I've said it out loud, I'm accountable. I will be posting some of the art online so you all can keep me on track. Thanks!

Oh, by the way, have you ever wondered what I look like? Here's a peek....

Barbie Loves Ken

2009-02-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

I've been playing with Barbies. It's hard to tell, but this one is growing a duck bill. I wonder what Ken will grow.

365 Day Canvas

2009-02-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

I read about this cool project in Teesha Moore's magazine Art & Life Issue 11. Artist, Heather Muenstermann of Chicago, IL created a 2' x 4' canvas with a bit of something added for every day of the year. Each day she either painted, collaged or otherwise embellished this canvas until it was chock full of bits of her life. Several "in-progress" pictures of the canvas appear in the article showing the different stages of the canvas.

Anyway, I thought it was so cool that I had to try it. So this is my canvas as of February 24, 2009.

The "m" is made of this super-cool product by Tim Holtz called grunge board. Sooooo cool. I'll be painting it later in the year.

"Do or do not...there is no try." My favorite quote in the world by Jedi Master Yoda.

This is a bit of wrapper from soap I got on my 40th b-day and some mylar wrap used in a 4th grade Valentine's project in my son's class.

It's fun. Try it. Go big. Mine is 2' x 4' and I'll have to start cramming soon and it's only February!!

PEEK-A-BOO

2009-02-24T16:43:00.001-08:00

How would you like to wake up to these eyes?

Or kiss this 4 o'clock shadow?

Or get this nose in your ear?

Or take this for a walk?

Just a little sneaky-peeky of some new things in the works.

What's A Mandala?

2009-02-23T09:48:00.000-08:00

1. A mandala is a schematized representation of the cosmos, chiefly characterized by a concentric configuration of geometric shapes, each of which contains an image of a deity or an attribute of a deity.

2. (in Jungian psychology) a symbol representing the effort to reunify the self.

Get it?

In simpler terms, a mandala is a cool circular representation of you. It contains colors and symbols of meaning to you. Photos, drawings, geometric shapes and repeating patterns are all a part of it.

And, yes, we made mandalas in class a few weeks ago.

Dessie is the only one who finished hers.

Here it is.

Cool, isn't it?

I need to get a photo of mine to share with you. It's not done yet. A mandala isn't something that you can just crank out. It requires a lot of pondering and searching for images. It grows over time, maybe years. Try one. They're challenging and fun.

HELP!

2009-02-22T09:38:00.000-08:00

By the way, I sure would appreciate a tip from anyone who knows how to post items with photos left justified and NOT have the text go all "skinny" to the right like my previous post did. I HATE that and it never shows up that way on the preview. It's a total pain to go back and redo all the alignments on the photos, so I'm sorry, but I'm not going to fix it.

If you can help, I will be really appreciative and you will be able to read future posts much more easily. Thanks in advance.