Painting365

2011-11-13T16:59:00.001-05:00

I have created a new painting and I'm so excited to share it with you! It's been far to long since my last painting; but anything longer than a few days feels way to long to me...
“Nearing 143657″ is a 4×4 inch baby painting. I love painting tiny paintings because they are perfect little pops of artistic expression. I like to place them on a shelf near a collection of pretty books, or on a mantle by a vase of flowers. They also look great in groups, or solo in a little area, hanging on the wall. Well really, they just look great no matter where you put them! Tiny paintings are also perfect for the art lover without a huge budget. These babies are priced just right (think, Christmas gift!)

“Nearing 14367″ is so named after the location this painting was inspired by. My parents live at 14367 CR 37 in a beautiful home out in the country in Northern, Ohio. Their home has to be one of the most warm, welcoming, comfortable, loving (and yummy!) places on earth. I took this snapshot while driving down the road on the way “home” one afternoon. There is so much lush foliage, and warm sunshine in this place… I incorporated many shades of gold and cheery green, as well as a huge variety of warm blues in the sky. It hope this painting fills you with that sense of lovely warmth and belonging as well!
There are eight more small paintings coming soon but you can find this one in my fine art shop.

Facebook Page coming soon!

2011-10-28T01:50:00.006-04:00

Stop by and say hello!

Shop: BeautifulHello.etsy.com

FB page

BeautifulHello inspiration blog: BeautifulHello.wordpress.com

So much excitement! Life is amazing... but life is oh so crazy.

In case you're wondering, no, I am NOT going to stop painting! I have oil paints in my blood. I think in watercolors. I am not stopping. There will be many more paintings posted on this blog in the days ahead, so be sure to check back often or "follow" this blog so you'll be the first to know when they're posted! I simply have to focus on a different expression of my art for the time being. We're living in a small apartment (without a studio or place to paint), while living in a strange city in the middle of nowhere in Texas. And with my husbands stressful and crazy work schedule and my two daughters, I need to put aside my first art-love for right now to focus on my family and other art forms.

I'm not trying to sound cranky or discontent! I'm not at all! I know this is where God wants me right now, and where I'm supposed to do... I just want you to know that I'll be back!

We're moving to Charleston early next year and I am soooo hoping for a house with a studio... or at least a cozy little painting corner. But either way, i'm looking forward to getting out my brushes again soon!

I may even surprise myself and create a line of little paintings before Christmas!

Darlings

2011-10-21T11:26:00.001-04:00

In case you're wondering what occupies my time these days:

I just had to share some photos I took yesterday. My little darlings sure to keep me busy, but they also keep me smiling, happy, laughing, on my toes, active, attentive, peaceful, and oh so joyful. I wouldn't trade Annalisa Grace or Madelyn Ansley for anything in the world.

We're having fun together on our Texas adventure.

It doesn't hurt that they're both ridiculously cute...

Annalisa is 2 now (!) and Madelyn is 8 month old. They're both learning so much and have started to really enjoy playing together. So fun.

Beautiful Hello and I Wish We Had Fall

2011-10-17T01:17:00.002-04:00

Hello to my most faithful of followers. I have been a horrible blogger as of late. I’m so sorry! As you know, we moved to Texas where my husband has been doing some advanced training for his job in the Air Force, and since then I’ve only completed four paintings (one of which I hate because it’s blue and for some reason I don’t like blue. Weird, I know). Honestly, its been hard to paint here. I’m used to having a room full of light and peace and space in which to let all my creative juices come out through paint, but that’s not really the set up I have goin’ here… Because we’re only here for 6 months, we decided to get a smaller apartment to save money for our, hopefully, much nicer home in Charleston (where we’ll be moving next!) I have to say I am very, very excited about that. Really, just seeing green grass makes me happy these days… Charleston, SC is going to feel like paradise with all the little gardens hidden around town, and the lush sea side feel… can not wait.

I am, however, still staying very busy! I’ve created a new line of wedding invitations and save-the-date cards that make me very happy. I’m such a hopeless romantic deep down… I’m selling them on my shop: BeautifulHello.etsy.com . Hop over and check them out! Even if you’re old and married (like me) they’ll make your day a little brighter. They are all "DIY invitations" meaning I design a custom piece for you, format it onto paper and you get it printed and assembled. It's totally I win win because the bride and groom still get that custom, unique look (that normally costs an arm and a leg) for a tiny fraction of the price, and I get to focus on designing (the part I loooove) and less on printing.

Here are a couple samples. I am still working on getting examples printed of all the other ones I have completed. Coming soon!

See... we're still in love... and such a cute couple we are!

(yes, I made up fake names and info. That way no weirdos find us)

Since we don’t really have fall here (everything died back in May, so there are no leaves to change colors) I thought I’d create a virtual fall/love collage for my own sake. But I thought you may enjoy it too. The first image "DIY Photo Wedding Invitation" was created by yours truly.

If you have some leaves near your home, jump in them for me!

Painting Ohio - Progress

2011-08-15T21:29:00.000-04:00

Things that make Monday great: Got my new macbook pro battery!! I no longer have a portable desktop! Design Star on Hulu, coffee table DIY is alllmost done! horrid gold lamp is not a sleek and trendy black with a very unique shade, and I have chocolate chip cookies!! ...only missing my dear man. Wish you were here Dan!!

Final Photos and background stories coming tomorrow!

Headed West

2011-08-05T14:38:00.000-04:00

Well it's done. The first substantial (aka, large) painting for our new living room! As you know, we just moved to West Texas from sunny, lush, green South Carolina. Let me tell you... it's a bit of a landscape culture shock. I used to live in Houston, so I thought I knew what I was getting into... but it feel so different!
I love the warm colors, the HUGE sky, and the hundred different shades of yellow that are prevalent here. It seems like you can see for miles and miles and miles... and, you probably can! I snapped the photo that inspired this painting on my drive from San Antonio, TX to San Angelo, TX.
This painting, called "Headed West" is 24x36 inches on canvas. I cannot wait to get it framed and hung behind our lovely new couch!!

Headed West - Painting Progress

2011-08-04T17:31:00.000-04:00

Well it's not done yet... but close! I'll try to finish it tonight and post pictures tomorrow of the completed piece. I know right where its going to go, and I'm so excited to frame it and hang it up!! Why does oil paint take sooo long to dry?? I just love working on large canvases. <3

...isn't Annalisa getting big!! You can't really tell here, but she's running, and skipping, and dancing, and using new words every day. I love it. She has an infatuation with this painting too. Maybe it's because it's sitting on a box on the ground... (my art table broke in our move and I haven't gotten a new one yet. Besides, what more could I want! I have a big box and a pink velvet poof!) ...or maybe it's because I keep telling her not to put her fingers in the paint... or maybe she's a natural born artist and she just can't resist those colors and smells, and textures...

I'm going to go with that one.

Check back tomorrow for the latest piece in my growing "Texas collection"!

Texas, From My Point of View

2011-07-28T22:16:00.000-04:00

I cannot tell you how good it feels to paint again!! It's been far to long. I've missed you dear brushes!! You should have seen me... on all of my cross country adventures (with my sweet baby and sister in the car) I would frantically grab for my camera (which of course, was never where I left it), trying to still drive in a straight line at 80 mph, and snap a picture of some amazing sun set, or lush field, or dry landscape. I am sooo excited about doing a series of landscape painting inspired by the beautiful variety of America I've seen over the past couple months.

This particular painting is hitting pretty close to what is now "home". I snapped this photo soon after entering Texas. I love how huge and grand the sky looks, and how much depth there is in the golden fields.

This is an oil painting on canvas. It measures 11x16 and has a dramatic red border (I'm liking the suprise element that adds to my decor). I haven't decided if I'm going to sell this painting quite yet... my new apartment feels a little naked...

Many more paintings to come!!

I must clarify, (for the sake of my artistic integrity!!) I was not painting this landscape!!! I was just admiring the similarities... This is the view from my bedroom window. You should see it at night... wow. Maybe I'll paint that someday!

Summer of Adventures

2011-07-28T15:37:00.002-04:00

Hello!
Wow. What an adventure these past couple months have been!! Let me catch you up! Since my last post, I have packed more boxes than I wish to remember, arranged them like a rubix cube in a storage unit, spent a lovely time in Charleston, SC, said goodbye to my dear, dear husband for two months while he received training with the US Air Force, I have travelled thousands of miles (in a car. With two babies) across the country, spent precious time with my dear family (on both sides) celebrated my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary with a huge family reunion (I had the honor of decorating and flowering everything -- so much fun), kissed my girls double time (for their daddy while he was away), travelled from Ohio to San Antonio, TX with a caravan of family for my husbands AF graduation (SUCH a fun weekend), and then, on to San Angelo, TX, where my husband continues his training and my girls and I battle the heat and enjoy our time together in the wild, wild west!

God has brought us such a long way. I've never felt his grace and peace more powerfully that this summer.

Here are a few photos of my adventures!! (sorry there are so many.. there were just so many photogenic moments!)
I'm excited about getting into this blog again and hope that you'll join me!

Angela of Spindrift Images took our family portraits. Beautiful!!

This was SUCH a fun celebration! Congratulations Grama and Papa!! I love you!

Needless to say... I'm SO very, very proud of my husband. He is an amazing man.

Layers and Layers of Lovely

2011-04-22T20:22:00.000-04:00

As you might guess with a quick browse around this blog, I LOVE collections of lovely things. I love creating little collections of items I find noteworthy.

I've been out of the crazy art cycle for a few months but I'm getting the strong itch to get back in.

A little more on all that later...

As I was perusing Etsy for inspiration, this treasury naturally formed. If you are interested in leaning more about any of these items just click here!

Also, my Etsy page is still up and active! Check it out!

Madelyn is Here!

2011-02-26T16:21:00.000-05:00

After 9 months of excitedly waiting, planning, dreaming I’m pleased to introduce Madelyn Ansley Jeffords. She was born on February 11^th, 2011 (what a cool birth date!) and is the sweetest new born on earth…

The delivery when very, very well (I won’t go into all the lovely details as this is not a medical blog, and most people interesting in creative things have weak stomachs…) But, it was beautiful and miraculous (I say that NOW!)

Annalisa is such a great big sister. We were a little concerned at first, but she loves “her baby” like crazy now. I’m excited… they’re going to have so much fun together!

I’m posting a lot of photos with this post. Sorry. I couldn’t thin my selection down at all. They’re all so precious!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go snuggle my little bundle some more...

The Kendall Family Photoshoot

2011-02-08T14:54:00.000-05:00

This family came from all over the world this Christmas, and what better way to celebrate that than with a photo shoot! I had such a great time photographing these families individually and all together.

I hope some sweet memories were made!

It's almost time!!

2011-02-04T12:27:00.001-05:00

I tend to not be able to sit still to long without doing something... fold laundry, work on some sort of craft, paint... lately, it's been sewing! Now, you must understand, this is very rare for me. I'm not the most skilled seamstress... I spend a lot of time with my seam ripper, trying to get it just right. But every now and then (apparently, most often when there is a baby on the way!) I get the fabric itch. I made Annalisa (my first daughter) a blanket before she was born out of fuzzy yellow fabric and satin, and she has grown so attached to it. I wanted to make another one for Madelyn (due in 8 days!) So, I've been hard at work creating her blanket and a bumper pad (shown above still in progress). Yes, I will take out the needle!!! It's just there for stability at the moment.

I'll post photos of the finished collection when I get it all complete.

Madelyn Ansley Jeffords will be here soon!!!

I thought it would be fun to create a fashion statement for our couch too... This was so easy and so much fun to make that I think, maybe, our bed needs one too! We'll see...

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-01-28T15:03:00.001-05:00

Band of Hugs Valentine's Day Card

Modern greeting cards and party invitations by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Madelyn's wish list

2011-01-14T17:24:00.000-05:00

"Madelyn's Wish List"

Sweet little Madelyn Ansley Jeffords will be here soon!

With so many beautiful, handmade, creative items offered on Etsy, I decided to make a registry, of sorts, on there! There are so many sweet, artsy, creative, and, of course, handmade to look through... I had the hardest time compiling this collection! But, it was such fun. Our sweet baby girl, Madelyn Ansley Jeffords, is due on Feb 12th and we are excitedly awaiting and planning for her arrival.

Click on here to be directed to the collection on Etsy.

Sale, indeed!

2011-01-12T21:08:00.000-05:00

Happy new year!

I hope you all had a wonderful, warm, happy, and memorable holiday season! I know I sure did! We stayed in Greenville for Christmas and had a wonderful time with family from as far away as Hawaii! Then, for new years, we traveled to northern Ohio to visit my family. That was such a blast. The ironic part of our Christmas season was that it was snowy and white here in sunny South Carolina, and completely green in northern Ohio!

We're back home now, eagerly awaiting the birth of our sweet baby girl, Madelyn Ansley Jeffords. She's due one month from today: Feb 12. We can't wait to meet her!

Now, onto the good stuff...

I am offering a special discount on my shop! But, there's a catch! You have to become a fan of my Facebook page to get the coupon code. Sneaky right?

So, log into Facebook and do a search for Painting365, become a fan, and, voila! 25% off!

Prints!

2010-12-20T21:43:00.000-05:00

Exciting news! I am now offering fine art limited edition reproductions on my shop!

Check out the new prints that are being offered at an amazing price! These were four of the most popular paintings from my Painting365 project.

This print is a Fine Art Limited Edition Print on fine silk paper with the highest quality inks. I painted the original paintings in oil on wooden blocks. The smooth texture of the wood makes these painting ideal for a fine art reproduction.

Each print is signed in the lower right hand corner and is surrounded with a white border, ready to be matted and framed!

A20

2010-12-13T20:58:00.001-05:00

I just love this clothing shop on the west side of down town Greenville, named Augusta 20 (hence the title A20). It's so stylish and modern... and, as always, I love shop windows! They always hold a feast of shadows, lights, shiny things, colors, and abstract shapes.

This particular watercolor is so warm and watery. The reflections are very implied and suggested with the beautiful watercolor effects. I just love painting in watercolors...

This painting is painted on heavy, hot-press paper (my favorite) with the finest quality watercolor paints. It measures 10x15 inches.

It is available on my shop for a great price! And, like every painting in my shop, will arive on your doorstep, beautifully packaged and wrapped!

Guess which one they'll open first...?

2010-12-13T20:21:00.000-05:00

The perfect Christmas gift for pretty much anyone on your list is, of course, artwork!

There are several paintings listed on my shop, as well as prints, photographs, and greeting cards (what a classy hostess gift idea!)

If you would like to receive your painting before Christmas, be sure to order within the next week! I am offering expedited shipping so you will be sure to receive it by Christmas. AND, it will be wrapped beautifully, all ready to place under the tree!

Check out my shop! EmilyJeffords.etsy.com

If you live in Greenville area, be sure to send me a message about meeting and I'll drop the shipping altogether!

2010-11-29T21:06:00.000-05:00

Two recent commissions I completed for a globe trotting gal in Ohio...

Commissions... just perfect for Christmas!

2010-11-18T20:45:00.002-05:00

You've spent the whole year going to new places, seeing amazing sites, spending time with loved ones, and enjoying priceless moments. Now the year is coming to a close, but there is no reason why you should put those precious memories in a shoe box and close the lid. No way!

Instead, I will create a beautiful piece of artwork to be matted, framed, hung on your wall, and cherished for years to come. Pick your photograph, pick the size, and send me an email or buy the "commission" listing on my shop.

If you would like your painting completed by Christmas, hurry! I only have a eleven spots left!

A painting is by far the very best gift you could give a loved one (in my humble opinion of course...)

Also, if you would prefer an oil painting, send me an email and we can talk about the details.

theartist.emily@gmail.com

Holiday Market

2010-10-16T22:54:00.001-04:00

A few photos from the Holiday Market I took part in today. The weather was beautiful, the people were friendly, and the artwork and cards looked pretty good on display! I had fun putting this display together (rather last moment, I must admit...). My dear husband helped me stitch and tie the little treads on each handmade card. He's a saint. AND, now he can better understand just how much work goes into these little beauties! Always a good thing.
I know most of you were not able to make it to the Holiday Market, but feel free to stop by the online market at both my handmade card shop and fine art shop.

NOTE! Many of the paintings on my fine art shop are going to be deeply discounted beginning Monday (the 18th)! Be sure to stop by and begin your holiday shopping!

Tuesday!

2010-10-05T18:41:00.001-04:00

I feel like I've been cutting circles out all day! It's not the most exciting day job in the world (I think being a food and travel critic would be...) but it is most defiantly NOT the worst, or even the most boring. I actually rather enjoy it! I have a nice large table to work on, in a lovely room, with a sweet toddler at my side (well actually, she's usually crawling around the living room and sneaking upstairs at alarming speeds). I'm trying to get my stock of BeautifulHello cards ready for the Holiday rush and for the quickly approaching Holiday Market sponsored by the Greenville Classical Academy.

If you have any recommendations for my online "presence" or a local shop that you think these cards and tags would fit it, please let me know!

About the stunning photos... I recently stumbled across the Etsy Shop Walking to Jericho. The photography is so artistic and dynamic, and they are having a BOGO! Just thought I'd share... These three photos are just perfect for this time of year!
The weather felt so autumnesque (new word) and crisp lately that my husband and I actually made a mini Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday. It was fun to cook together. He's so wonderful.

Baby, You've Got What it Takes

2010-10-02T13:07:00.000-04:00

This was just to beautiful to not share with you... and they included the L.O.V.E card from my new BeautifulHello shop!
To learn more about each item shown (and to see a couple more!) check out "Baby, You've Got What it Takes" for yourself! It's a lovely collection of beautiful things.

2010-10-02T10:51:00.000-04:00

Happy Saturday to you! Here is one of the paintings I've completed lately. I've been working on several, completely different pieces this week. One is green, almost abstract, and nature-inspired, the other is dark, rainy, and red, and this one is simple sweet, and girly.

I love these flower; Camellias. They are so delicate looking, yet grow in the harshest conditions of mid-winter (well, harsh by South Carolina's standards). A couple foolish little blooms have shown their faces a little bit too early, so I captured their short lives in paint as quickly. I know there is no snow yet, and won't be for a while (if ever around here!) But I'm calling this little painting "Snow Flowers" as a tribute to this winter bloom. This painting is 5x7 and can be found in my shop for a steal! I think this would be a fantastic Christmas gift for that hard-to-by-for, super-classy person.

This is one of the last oil paintings I'll be doing for a while (that makes me very sad!) My husband, baby, and I are moving out of our home in a couple weeks, and I want to make sure that all the paintings I do will be dry in time. Watercolors, acrylics, and pen-ink washes to come as well as many, many Christmas cards as I continue to launch my new line! Check out BeautifulHello!

New Bundle!

2010-09-28T17:42:00.001-04:00

Have I been distracted...? YES! We recently found out that we are having a new little one! I don't know whether it is a boy or girl yet, but I really think it's a boy! We're very excited.

One of the most distracting aspects of this pregnancy (besides the little kicks, bumps, random cravings, and growing belly) are all the adorable items available on Etsy for babies! I have found endless decorations, clothes, toys, bags, and blankets. Here are just a couple of my favorites.

Beautiful designed crib set by TiptoeStudio

Darling "little man" shirt and tie created by SuperSweetCreations
Sweet and simple birth announcement designed by lepapierstudio

"Snazzy Jazzy Stripey Owl" by kateendle

Too cute plush toy by bubbletime

Beautiful Hello

2010-09-11T22:06:00.001-04:00

Hello!

I am very pleased to announce the opening of my new greeting card and paper goods shop!

I have been having so much fun creating 15 lovely greeting cards over the past few days. Each card is a little work of art that can fittingly be framed and hung on your wall (or on your dearest friend’s wall after they receive a card from you!)

This collection is a play on trees, patterns, color, and shapes. I love the way that each of these elements come together to create such darling designs!

Here are a few sneak-peaks of the cards that are available in my new shop: BeautifulHello.Etsy.com

check it out!

Because you're one of my blog readers, I'll send you an added special gift with your first purchase! Send me a message along with your order and I'll be sure to include a sweet surprise in your package!

Sweet Choreography

2010-08-23T22:23:00.000-04:00

My latest compilation of beautiful things on Etsy

To learn more (or buy) about any of these stunning items, click here.

Happy Monday!

Celery Slopes

2010-08-20T16:55:00.003-04:00

So, where on earth have I been for the past month!? It has been a crazy, exciting, eventful month full of family (we're talking 21-28 people at one table...), friends, trips, quiet days with my tot, and wonderfully warm weather. I really wasn't intending to leave for such a long time, and I'm sorry!

I'm back now (with just a slight lingering summer laziness left in me) and ready for all the excitement the fall brings. I have a love/hate relationship with fall... I love the crispness, the colorfulness, the freshness in the air, but it means goodbye to warm weather for many months, and I'm just not ok with that. I love little bits of winter, but not months and months. No thank you.
So, needless to say, I'm enjoying these last few weeks of warm, warm weather. In celebration of warm summer days, I painted this oil painting I am endearingly calling "Celery Slopes". It is 5x11 inches, painted on a beautiful piece of wood from my grandfathers wood shop. I love the quilted feel, the general sloping motion, and the warm, cozy, colors.

This painting can be found on my Etsy shop, along with several others, for $50 for only one week! Next Friday, it will go up to $80. I am doing a steal-deal today to keep life active and exciting. ;)
Have a WONDERFUL weekend! I know I will!

Proud designs

2010-08-15T15:00:00.001-04:00

I am so very proud of my little brother and sister...

Ben, as I mentioned a while back, went to Marine boot camp earlier this summer. He completed beet camp several days ago in a blaze of glory. He did extremely well, we are all quite proud of him, and America is now a much safer place. Doesn't he look spiffy!

Rebekah is graduating from high school, after a lovely solo voice, piano, and violin recital, and is preparing to go to college to major in counseling and voice. She's going to do so well.

They are having a joint celebration next Friday, and I wanted to share the invitations I created for them. I was enjoying the play of fonts and moods.

Cards!

2010-08-14T17:11:00.001-04:00

"Do You Have the Time?"

Lithograph reproduction fine art card set.

Just in time for birthday season (well... my birthday season at least), I thought it would be good to give you a wonderful, thoughtful, and creative gift giving option! Fine art cards.

These cards are lovely reproductions of two lithographs I created depicting city scenes from South Carolina.

The first is a charming clock with trees, eclectic buildings, and cars behind it; a very picturesque small-town view (even though it's actually down town Columbia!).

Set of five cards, printed on satin stock paper and individually signed, can be found in my shop for $12.

"Charleston Blvd"

lithograph reproduction fine art card set.

I just love this lithograph... a completely Charlestonian scene with the gorgeous, tall, stately, homes, the narrow uneven streets, lovely ironwork gracing each entryway... beautiful.

Again, a set of five cards, printed on lovely satin stock, and pared with beautiful black envelopes. As you can see, these envelopes look stunning addressed in gold or silver ink. Really, who wouldn't want to receive that? These can also be found in my shop for $12

P.S. the original lithographs shown on these cards are also for sale in my shop, if you're interested.

Oo-la-la! TheWoodenLetter

2010-07-30T15:00:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share this little gem with you all. The Wooden Letter, an etsy shop run by my friend Amanda that offers beautiful, simple, and cheerful paper goods. Amanda says in her shop bio:"there is something charming about a handwritten note, don't you think? something nostalgic about it. to give a card that is customized and handwritten will evoke a lot of emotions and will not go unnoticed (in fact, that person will probably want to send you a thank you card for sending them a card):)" I couldn't agree more! In fact, I recently got a card from Amanda, and it made my day! So darling, cheerful, and unexpected!

The items shown here can all be found on TheWoodenLetter's etsy shop.

card pack -set of 3- pink and orange
paper circle confetti- brown, ivory, and pink
petities in a paper sack - set of 4- black and white polka dot
dandy notecards - set of 4 - black and green
petites in a paper sack -set of 4 - pink houndstooth

Upcoming Art Classes!

2010-07-27T17:17:00.000-04:00

These are the three art classes I'll be teaching this fall. I would love to teach an art class to adults if there is interest... let me know if you, or someone you know would like more info!

Painting #134 Under A Big, Blue Sky

2010-07-27T11:16:00.000-04:00

Well, we finally got some rain! After days and days of scorching heat the sky decided it had waited long enough, stored up enough little drops, and finally let them fall. It was wonderful. My daughter, Annalisa, and I went outside when the rain was slowing down. I love watching her experience the world, learning about all the amazing things around her. She held out her little, fat hands and danced whenever a drop hit them. So cute…

I painted this oil painting before the rain began, wishing that the earth would look verdant and moist again. I used blue tined greens, hazy light blue for the sky to give the painting that lush feeling, and oranges, pinks, and purples to represent flowering fields, bushes, and trees. This painting is 12x16 inches on a wooden board with bright red edges. The decorative edges allow you to display this painting unframed if you wish. Otherwise, a simple black or brown wood frame would look perfect, as would a decorative gold frame… I’ll leave that to your artistic eye. However, if you would like me to select a frame that I feel fits this painting perfectly, just send me an email!

You can buy this painting in my shop. EmilyJeffords.etsy.com

2010-07-21T22:53:00.000-04:00

Happy Wednesday night to you!
I just love Wednesday nights... great conversions with friends, time with family, snacks, and Psych (usa network). This afternoon I reveled in oil paints once again. I've missed them! This is also a wonderful treat for those of us without bottomless pockets. I'm breaking out of the price system to give you a great deal on a lovely oil painting on a block of wood! $75! What a steal! AND... it's going to have a coordinating painting sometime very soon (also for $75!)

As usual... I have no idea what flower this is. It's not a rose, but it's beautiful! I just love the lemon and peach hues, contrasted with all the lush dark greens. I used very defined and intricate brush strokes (very exciting for whomever buys it and lets to feel it in person.) You can find this (and other lovely paintings) in my shop, so, feel free to head over there!

Painting #128 Beautiful On the Insided

2010-07-20T00:55:00.000-04:00

And without further ado… I present my latest watercolor painting: Beautiful on the Inside, an 8.5 x 14 painting on fine watercolor paper.

I must admit, this painting took me far longer than any painting has taken so far and it tricked me into biting off way more than I could chew in one day. But the process was so enjoyable, and the subject matter so colorful and charming that I didn’t mind a bit.

As I said before (in the progress post), this is a painting of one of my favorite stores: Anthropologie. I remember the first time I wondered in to Anthropologie. It’s like stepping into a new world where you just never know what lovely thing you might find. It reminds me of a little real-life fairytale world, and I love it…

This painting is not currently framed, but I think it would look stunning with a nice thick white matt, and a modern dark brown or black frame, and, of course, hanging on your wall… Stop by my shop to buy it and to see all the other paintings I have for sale there! EmilyJeffords.etsy.com

Also, if you would like to commission a painting, please send me an email and we can work out all the details. I love creating pieces that are going to be especially meaningful to you, so bring em’ on!

oo-la-la

2010-07-19T13:25:00.000-04:00

These lovely pieces will brighten any day!

The Woodlands Series Illustrations by Darling Clementine
vie et mort du rouge gorge, limited edition print by pulsatilla
Marriage Beach, original etching, by kvanvliet
Ballerina Booties by Cazhoffy

Progress

2010-07-16T13:43:00.000-04:00

Progress…

I hope to finish this soon-to-be lovely watercolor today. This is a larger watercolor painting (about 11x14 inches). Between frequent hours of comforting my teary-eyed, teething baby, and the many other “necessary” obligation that have been stacking up for weeks, I have been working on this window scene painting from one of my favorite stores… Anthropologie. I just love the shabby chic clothing, and the artsy home items. Lovely. BTW, my birthday is coming up, so feel free to get me as many gift cards to Anthropologie as you could possibly want. I won’t complain.

Check back to see the finished piece!

Painting #123 Late Summer Mornings

2010-07-12T22:50:00.001-04:00

Wow, what an adventure these past couple weeks have been! God is good, he gives more grace than I could ever hope for! I am pleased to be back, with my paint brushes in hand, ready to jump back into my paintings once again. Thank you all for your patience with me during this time.
I actually painted this acrylic painting last week during the art camps I taught. It was sort of an example/something for me to work on while the teen group was hard at work on their paintings. I really enjoyed painting this painting. I rarely work with acrylic paints because I have a hard time with the slick, sticky quality of the paint as opposed to oil. But, the speedy draying time and the stickiness of the paint was actually a huge advantage in this landscape. It created some fantastic texture effects along the right side of the painting. This large acrylic painting (16x20 inches) can be found in my shop for a low $123!

Come back tomorrow to see the results of my hours of painting!

Art Camps!

2010-07-10T17:05:00.001-04:00

Well, a very, very full week of art camps has come to a close. I had many wonderful students who all worked hard and had a blast! We painted, drew, sculpted, illustrated books, talked, laughted, and had a blast! Here are a few photographs from this past week.

And.... there are many painting coming next week! A large, lovely acrylic painting will be unvailed on Monday!!! Check back!

Red, White, and a Touch of Blue

2010-07-05T17:43:00.000-04:00

Hello
Yes, I am alive and well. I deeply apologize for my horrible blogging practices last week! I had quite the helter-scelter week!

Happy late 4th of July! What a wonderful holiday that is… I have always loved being in America. Living outside of the US for a good part of my childhood has helped me to realize how amazingly wonderful our country is. Be proud to be an American!

This week, I am teaching art camps every day, for most of the day. I’m excited to share our projects with you all! The kids are having a great time so far and I have some fabulous art projects in store for them! Stay tuned for photos!

I am still planning on painting as much as possible, so it you have a commission, please email me with the details! I would love to create a large painting to go over your mantle, or on a bare wall in your home! You can send me a request as general as “I would like a yellow flower to coordinate with the pattern on my black and white couch…” Give me a challenge!

The collage of artwork features:
“Cans” oil painting by Katie Scully
“Dandelion” Acrylic Painting by Modphoric
“Playing with Fireworks” Card by Dandy Lion Press
And, my own watercolor painting “DC, America’s Hometown”

2010-07-02T15:19:00.000-04:00

Two of my paintings were featured in two Etsy treasuries this past week! Always an honor... To learn more about any of the items click on the collection's title.

Enjoy!

"Lemon Lime Twist"

curated by OhMyAmpersand

I love the fresh, vintage feel of this collection. Lovely.

My "Moss" oil painting (day 99) was included!

"Fields of Gold"

curated by WorldVintageBooks

Green + gold = Beautiful!

Thanks for including my Greenville, SC Oil Painting!

Painting #110 The Eastern Sunrise

2010-06-29T23:58:00.000-04:00

I’m back! I apologize for my inexcusable absence for the last two days! I can’t was that I’ve been enjoying the time away, because I haven’t been doing anything exceptionally fun that would keep me from you. Just life. Lovely, excitingly varied, life. I have been working on a commission watercolor painting. It’s coming along… and I think it will be beautiful when it’s done! I don’t want to post progress photos because watercolors can sometimes look very, very undone, and disjointed until the last moment, when they have that ah-ha moment. I love that. It’s my favorite part of painting. I plan on completing it on Thursday.

Tomorrow I will be out. A dear friend of the family has passed away, so I’ll be traveling to her funeral tomorrow. She was such a wonderful, Godly, encouraging lady. I know her family and many, many friends are going to miss her greatly. But, we know she is singing in heaven right now, not missing us at all.

The painting I did today was a bit of an experiment in texture. I used the back of the masonite board to get those little raised pattern. I enjoyed the variation, but prefer the smooth texture of the traditional masonite. Now I know! This painting was shamelessly inspired by Design Star (HGTV). There was a beautiful room designed using purples, lilacs, pinks, black and white, and it was stunning. Those colors were my inspiration as I painted this 12x16 oil painting.

This painting “The Eastern Sunrise” is for sale in my shop for $110! There are other lovely paintings of all sizes, styles, and prices still listed there, so check it out!

Three of the Prettiest Things

2010-06-26T12:25:00.004-04:00

Without further ado, here are the three darling little painting you’ve been waiting for! They are a garden party waiting to happen. I used three cheerful, summery shades for the backgrounds to create that happy, yet romantic, mood.

Each of these paintings are 2x3 inches, oil on canvas, with dark black/brown edges (so you don’t need to frame it if you don’t want to!)

Tutu in Green
Oil on Canvas, 2x3 inches
(pictured above)

I just love the refined blue vase, the candy colors, the deep browns, and the blush-pink flowers that are the star of this painting. I’ve always wanted to have a huge vase full of tulips… and some day, I will! In the mean time, I painted a lovely arrangement that you can enjoy all year long.

Green Roses Sans Thorns

When Dan and I got married, I wanted green flowers, but not those absurd looking dyed monstrosities… natural, lush, and romantic looking flowers. These roses are pale green and b-e-a-u-tiful! And the polka-dotted vase just seemed so right.

Hydrangea Hurrah

Pair this painting with a few paper flower garlands, cupcakes, bottles of Sparkling Blackberry Izze, and you have the perfect party. I just love the green hydrangea blooms, the dark and dramatic dotted vase, with the nectarine shaded background.

Cute, cute, cute...

These paintings are a mere $20 each! You can buy them off of my Etsy shop, or by sending me an email: Theartist.emily@gmail.com

Painting #110 Deck the Sky With Festive Songs

2010-06-25T17:06:00.005-04:00

And... here it is! My gift of gratitude to my grandparents for their lovely gift to me... and one of the cutest paintings I've featured here! I just love creating collages... they feel so complex, yet relaxed with their many layers and textures and shapes. This collage was especially enjoyable because it's just so happy! Two little care-free birds signing together on a decked-out cheerful set of electrical wires. I added the black and white border to give the painting a bit of weight and to add a little drama.

I used watercolors paper, watercolor paints, pen and ink, a variety of fine papers, and some shimmering vellum paper.

What do you think? I would like to do a few more paintings in this style, so if you have any ideas, please let me know!

Don't forget to check back tomorrow morning (not too early of course...) for three darling, little, paintings that will fit in any budget and decor perfectly!

I know this blog isn't about Annalisa.... but she's just so cute and photogenic. It's hard for me not to include her in EVERY post, so I don't feel bad about slipping a few photos in every now and then... besides, she helped me with this collage. She crumpled up the paper I wasn't using. Thanks, baby!

She's got her "puffs" snack. Life is good.

Shades of Grey Treasury

2010-06-25T09:02:00.004-04:00

Just so you don't forget... there are a few different pieces of art up my sleeve. I a quite excited that one of these darling collages made in into a treasury on Etsy!

There are 9 collages left, and they are each inspired by landscapes, textures, fabrics, patterns, and most of all, shades of grey. By using textured papers, cloth, and thread, I created these collages to be very tactile. The landscapes are drawn with ink washes; very subtle, and peaceful, yet elegant and trendy.

If you would like more info about these collages, check out my original blog post, or, of course, you can head right on over to my shop!

If you would like to learn more about any of the items in the treasury, just click on the image.

Just Two Birds Singin

2010-06-24T22:33:00.000-04:00

One peppy little garland, two happy birds, three circles and swoops, four electrical wires, countless tiny "flag" dots... check back tomorrow to see this darling watercolor collage!

It's a thank you gift to my grandmother. She gave Dan and I four sets of our china as a two year anniversary gift, and I'm giving her this whimsical painting in return! I hope she likes it half as much as I love my china!

Here are a couple photos of my china in the cupboard. So beautiful... (These photos are not showing the painting that will be revealed tomorrow.)

Etsy Treasures: When the Stars Go Blue

2010-06-23T17:31:00.001-04:00

A beautiful compilation of blues, teals, and golds.

To learn more about each item, click here.

Painting #109 The Grass Looks Greener When the Sky Dances

2010-06-23T11:24:00.004-04:00

Good morning! This is a lovely, yet rare occurrence... that I would post in the morning! But... here it is! I actually finished this painting last night, but was to tired to photograph, edit, and post.

I feel like my eyes and soul could take a bath in these colors and come out feeling fabulous. (If that made sense to you, please let me know so I don't feel totally crazy anymore!) This is a 8x10 oil painting on canvas. It is glossy, it is gleaming, it is an artistic fashion statement, and it would look fantastic on your wall...

You can find it on my etsy shop if you feel so inclined: EmilyJeffords.etsy.com

One more thing... You may be asking yourself: "My! I wonder what these darling little canvases will become?!" If so... check back on Saturday morning! They have been transformed into three of the cutest and most dramatic little paintings you will ever see. AND, they are going to be only $20 each!

Mark your calendars.

Painting #108 Garden Party Study

2010-06-22T00:29:00.000-04:00

Can I just say that I love being a mother… I love being able to stay home and watch my daughter grow up. Today Annalisa took her first purposeful steps. Dan and I were holding her hands, and she was very wobbly and unsure, but it’s moments like this that I would give up almost anything to experience.

Life is full of these precious experiences; the ones you can’t really plan on, but stand out when you look back on your life. Then, there are the ones you can plan on. For example, your wedding day! I love this time of year! It seems that a special about of love and beauty abounds. I tried to capture a bit of that lush, soft, romantic aura that is in the air with my brush. I took a small section of a flower bouquet and featured just a few of the flowers and leaves in a unique composition. I love the colors and the contrast in this oil painting. This painting will be for sale on my Etsy shop: EmilyJeffords.etsy.com first thing in the morning!

Remember, if there is a painting you would like to commission (whether you have a photo or not) please email me! I love creating custom artwork that you and your family will cherish.

Theartist.emily@gmail.com

Painting #106 Where the Lights Shine Brightest

2010-06-20T01:19:00.002-04:00

Around the Jeffords’ house, the day was devoted to yard work and car TLC. We had a grand time working together, although, I am worn out, to say the least… While pulling vines out of the bushes (my goodness they grow fast!) I stumbled upon some delicious black berries! What should I make out of them? I got about 2 pints.

I managed to squeeze in a couple hours of painting (ok, really, I wanted a break.) I am so pleased with how this watercolor painting turned out. It is such a collage of shapes, forms, colors, contrast, and Charleston! It measures 7x10 inches and is painted on very nice hot press watercolor paper. It will look stunning framed and on your wall! If you would like to buy it, it is for sale on my Etsy shop for $106! Just go to: Emil! Just go to: EmilyJeffords.etsy.com.

See you tomorrow!

PS. I photographed this painting prior to signing it! It is signed(!) with my traditional EJ swoosh.

2010-06-19T00:19:00.001-04:00

Progress...

Progress... So, you may remember a few days ago (day 100 actually) I posted a watercolor painting called "Chandelier Warehouse"... this is its sister (or brother if you prefer). It's a watercolor of the same storefront from a different point of view. I just love the abstract shapes, and the depth of view created by store fronts. They fascinate me. This is a 7x10 watercolor painting that will, hopefully, be done tomorrow! Do you have any title suggestions?

Have a wonderful Saturday! Enjoy time with family, friends, and the lawn mower...

Annalisa was just too cute to keep to myself today. We took her down town tonight and carried her around in her chest harness and had a grand time. She, of course, got covered with ice cream and kisses, and danced all the way down Main Street.

Well Said...

2010-06-17T20:39:00.000-04:00

Amy Ng from pikaland says, "Creativity is fueled by experiences, sights, sounds and smells. Sitting still won’t bring new ideas in; experimenting and trying new things will jog your creativity."

Painting #103 Quilted Fields

2010-06-16T23:19:00.003-04:00

Day 103 and painting 103... see, all is normal despite the slight restructuring I outlined in my last post... I've been quite busy today! Along with all the blog posts I posted today, I also designed new business cards (they are super stylish.... photos coming as soon as I get them printed!) and worked on a few new marketing ideas (top secret stuff).

I really love this painting!!! The inspiration for it actually came during a church service about a year and a half ago... so I guess it is a divinely inspired painting. And, yes, I was paying attention. I start with a crazy, abstract line drawing right on the masonite, then start filling in the shapes with complimentary colors. I chose various shades of greens and yellows for this one which is why it looks like a landscape. It reminds me of lovely, lush fields, full of different crops. I love flying over the mid-west; such a beautiful quilted painting as far as the eye can see...

This is a 12x16 oil painting and will be in my Etsy Shop first thing in the morning!

Goodnight!

It's time for a few changes!

2010-06-16T20:48:00.002-04:00

I'm excited about the direction this blog is taking. It's becoming its own living organism that I am sort of directing and guiding, but really, it's on its own!

That being said... I need to be ready to grow, change, and develop along with it.

The biggest change I'm going to be making is a slightly dramatic one: Painting 365 is changing from 365 paintings, to 365 days of paintings. Meaning, there will not be a painting completed every single day. Now, before you start screaming, I will be painting every day, and completing paintings very, very frequently (4-5 a week), but not daily. I'm actually very excited about this change for several reasons:

it will allow me to create paintings at a intense rate, but it will also free me up to devote more time to a painting I think deserves it.
will be able to involve you, my readers, much more in the process. I am still going to post on my blog every day, showing you the progress made on the paintings and adding in several new and exciting features.
I am going to be featuring new artists every now and then as well as some unique articles that I hope you will find refreshing and engaging.
I will be able to create higher quality paintings instead of higher quantity. I will still be creating commission paintings, so keep them coming!

Because I know you are all curious, the painting are still going to be fore sale based on the day. So, let's say I complete a painting on day 116, it will cost $116. But, if I take the next two days to paint a more intense painting, and post it on day 118, it will cost $118. So really, you're winning, I'm losing (but only dollar wise) because I'm taking two days to make one painting, but not increasing the price!

I am so excited to see where this blog leads us this year! Thanks for hanging on for the ride!

2010-06-16T15:18:00.001-04:00

I didn't foresee myself painting a barn this year. I wasn't actually apposed to it at all! After all... my family does live in barn paradise... I just didn't really think about it until, one day, I received this beautiful landscape/barn portrait in my email (along with breathtaking mountain views, and a close up of a wild BEAR! coming soon.) You may remember a loooooong time ago, that I painted a scene of Montana on a small block of wood. This painting was meant to coordinate loosely with that painting.

This painting is much larger (12x16) and is painted on masonite, for easy framing and a sturdy surface.

Since the inspiration photo was emailed to me (which, by the way, YOU are more than welcome to do!) I'm going to give the sender a chance to buy this painting before putting it on my Etsy Shop. But, there are several lovely painting there if you are feeling the oh-so-common art hunger.

Check back this evening for a very important announcement!

Painting #101 Louisiana Sana Oil Sheen

2010-06-16T15:05:00.002-04:00

Well. finally... Painting #101 is making it's appearance. I'm so sorry about the lag. I've been fighting off a cold that has made me so tired! I've actually been painting all the time, but when I sat down to post the painting at night, I just felt so exhausted. But, here it is! I painted a scene that I would never really ant to go see... it's a southern, marshy lake, and I'm sure there's an alligator there. I hate alligators more than pretty much anything. But! I loved the colors, the textures, the lighting, and the mood of the painting. I used a lot of oil paint to create the very tactile trees and water. Please, when you receive this painting, feel free to touch it! Painting are not for eyes only...

That being said, check out my Etsy page if you would like to feel and see this painting everyday in your house. EmilyJeffords.etsy.com

What a Day for a Daydream

2010-06-15T17:50:00.002-04:00

It seems like I've wanted to do everything except paint today... mainly just day dream...

and this is what came of it:

For more information about each item featured, go to my newest treasury "What a Day for a Daydream..."

Framing Brilliance

2010-06-15T15:13:00.001-04:00

Let's start with my personal favorite... wide white mat, simple, high quality, black frame, (photo, thanks to Living etc.) This style looks great with watercolor paintings, photographs, mixed media collages, oil and acrylic paintings in unwrapped canvas (meaning, without the thick, wooden frame), and drawings of all sorts.

These three lovely photos (and the three bellow) were found on the Black.White.Yellow blog (talk about inspiring eye candy!)

Similarly, wide white mat, white frame. Chic, simple, minimalistic, and very romantic.

This style really allows the artwork to stand out.

Another option is no frame at all! This can look great with a nice, thick canvas, or a painting on wood with a wooden box frame nailed to the back. Simple, and stunning. With this style (or lack thereof,) it's all about the artwork. I found this beautiful seen on the Neutral Dwelling Blog.

Painting #100!!! The glitziest painting yet...

2010-06-14T01:45:00.003-04:00

We've done it! Painting #100! I am so thrilled to be here! I cannot believe it's been 100 days... Thank you so much for your support and encouragement (and for all the photos!) I could not do this project without you!

As you may remember, we went to Charleston a couple weeks ago. I just love visiting that city... almost as much as I love drawing inspiration from window shopping! I love all the lights, the shiny things, the reflections, the dark shadows, the wonderful shapes, the hundreds of layers, and the warm tones you can see through a store window. Here is a watercolor painting of just one of the shops I perused while there.

Chandelier Warehouse" is an 8x10 watercolor painting on my favorite hot press watercolor paper and is for sale on my Etsy page for $100! This is a serious steal...

Check out EmilyJeffords.etsy.com

Painting #99 Moss

2010-06-14T01:41:00.001-04:00

So, Dan and I got back from Atlanta quite late last night. We had such a great time. It was odd not having Annalisa (our 9 month old daughter) there with us, but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I'll post some photos soon!

And yes, I did paint in the car! I didn't finish the painting in the car, but progress was made there...

But first, painting #99 (!) which I loving titled moss. I love finding little patches of moss growing in the garden. It's such a beautiful, lush green, and feels like nature's organic velvet. I love the organic shades along side the geometric shapes in this painting. It is dramatic, but not harsh. Warm grey, bright greens, and deep blues are turning into my favorite colors... I think they sing beautifully together in this painting. You can buy this 16x12 oil painting for your space on my Etsy Shop: EmilyJeffords.etsy.com

Painting #98 Before the Clouds Dry Out

2010-06-12T00:10:00.003-04:00

I'm pretty excited... tomorrow my husbands and I are celebrating his birthday! We're taking a day trip to Atlanta, going to the Coke Museum, Ikea, a few design shops and out to eat at the most incredible looking restaurant - Dolce Enoteca e Ristorante! I hope it tastes as wonderful as it looks (photos below). We're going to enjoy ourselves. It will be the first time I've been away from my baby girl, Annalisa, for a whole day. I'm going to miss her (but enjoy some one-on-one time with my hubby too.)

So... in order to have a day off tomorrow, I've been painting like a crazy person. However, only one painting got totally done. But that's ok. The other painting is a watercolor, so I'll just take it with me in the car! ...we'll see how that turns out...

This oil painting is a depicting that eerie moment right before a huge storm. I just love that energetic calm; as if you know someone is sneaking up on you, but trying to be very quiet.

In Greenville, it gets very warm, as if the clouds are giving you a warm blanket hug before dumping their contacts on the earth. I love the colors, the brush strokes, and the drama of the sky.

This painting is 16x12 inches and would look stunning in a dark wood, black, or even lux gold frame. It of for sale on my Etsy Shop, and should really not be there... it should be in your home. Let's be honest, your home needs a little art.

See you on Sunday!

2010-06-11T11:04:00.000-04:00

Painting Europe In Orange

...my newest treasury on Etsy...

Click on the link to learn more about each item featured here.

Painting #97 Italian Sea Scape

2010-06-11T01:09:00.004-04:00

This beautiful 12x16 oil painting can be found on my Etsy Shop: EmilyJeffords.etsy.com

It is a rustic, romantic, earthy, painting of Italy! I haven't been to Italy - YET. But, I've lived very, very close to it in Tunisia Africa. I think if my eye sigh were just a little bit better, I could have seen it from across the Mediterranean sea. But alas... I must paint what my own eyes have not seen...

You however, can still enjoy it as much as I do. It was a lot of fun to paint the sky and water. It looked so magical and the building and structures added that Tuscan old-world feel. Showcase this oil painting in a rustic dark wood frame, and your house instantly look stylish, rustic, and romantic.

Painting #96 Little Elena

2010-06-11T01:04:00.000-04:00

Exciting times: there are two paintings today! One for yesterday, and one for today! I actually painted this beautifully sweet portrait yesterday, but didn't have time to post it. We had some dear old friends who just moved here from Cali at our house for dinner. We had a great time with them, but I was to worn out at the end of the night to blog. I'm sorry!

The first painting is so sweet. It brings back precious memories of holding my new born baby. I really don't think there is anything sweeter than having that new life asleep in your arms. I painted this 8x10 portrait using many, many ink washes. I wanted it to look soft and intimate, but have a lot of contrast. And I wanted those little eyes to shine!

Julie, I hope this is a painting, and a memory, you will cherish forever!

And the second painting.... coming right up!

Painting #95 WV Landscape

2010-06-09T01:46:00.000-04:00

Have you ever noticed how wonderful America is? We had our primary elections today which means we got to vote! How cool is that? Now, maybe you chose not to take advantage of that... but you were able to (and you better vote in November!)

Our land is incredible too. What other country can offer such a huge variety of landscapes? You can drive for a few hours and be in a completely different world (the beautiful poppy fields in North Carolina, to the majestic mountains of Colorado, go a little south and you're in the desert, a little north and there's snow, east and the sky is so huge above the wheat fields that you realize just how tiny you really are.) I am so glad that I'm an American.

Don't get me wrong, I love other countries! I grew up in other countries! But I'm really glad my birth certificate says I belong here.

This landscape painting is very special. A lady from Virginia asked me to paint it as an anniversary gift to her husband. They've been married 20 years! That's awesome.

Her husband, his father, and brothers, get together each year for their annual fishing trip. Now, I'm not really that into fishing... but I can see why spending some time in this atmosphere would be rejuvenating. How beautiful!

I hope he loves it!

Check back tomorrow for a very sweet painting. I'm honored and excited to paint it!

Of course, my Etsy Shop is open 24/7! Check out EmilyJeffords.etsy.com if your house needs a little artistic flair.

Painting #94 Fields of Gold

2010-06-07T23:33:00.003-04:00

Do you ever have a song stuck in your head, and you're not really sure where it came from, or all the words, but it's so beautiful you won't want it to leave? Usually, I hate the song that is stuck in my head, and do any number of crazy things to get rid of it (turn up another song super loud... whenever I start singing it, pinch myself... scream at someone else if they dare to start it up again...)

But, for the past few days, I've had "Fields of Gold" imbedded in my subconscious, and I love it. In fact, when I think about it, I'm sure it inspired this painting. I had been humming it when trying to decide that to paint today. And here we have it! "Fields of Gold" - the painting. It's a 16x12 inch oil painting on masonite wood. I love the radiance of the sky, the impressionistic hues and brushstrokes, and the sheer greeness of it.

You can find this painting on my Etsy site: EmilyJeffords.etsy.com

You'll remember me when the west wind moves

Among the fields of barley

You can tell the sun in his jealous sky

When we walked in fields of gold

So she took her love for to gaze awhile

Among the fields of barley

In his arms she fell as her hair came down

Among the fields of gold

Will you stay with me will you be my love

Among the fields of barley

And you can tell the sun in his jealous sky

When we walked in fields of gold

I never made promises lightly

And there have been some that I've broken

But I swear in the days still left

We will walk in fields of gold

We'll walk in fields of gold

2010-06-07T00:06:00.001-04:00

My hands have been dirty lately... some adventures in the garden yesterday led to a few exciting potting arrangements! I hope they live long and prosper.

Painting #93 Re-Tweet

2010-06-07T00:00:00.005-04:00

Dan, Annalisa, and I had such a wonderful day today. We have a great church, and great friends at our church and the time we spend there is priceless. After church, and an amazing lunch with friends, we came home, relaxed a little, then worked on art work together (obviously, one of our favorite pass-times.) Someday, I'll post some of Dan's work. He's incredible.

Well, here it is, the last of the bird trio. I have enjoyed painting these three bird portraits very much! And I really, really liked painting this one. The colors are great (very warm and soothing, yet there is a lot of contrast) and I was able to play up the fluffiness and texture of his feathers. This painting is 8.5x5.75 on beautiful wood right out of the wood shop.

I hope you have enjoyed these happy, whimsical birds as much as I have enjoyed creating them!

My Etsy shop: EmilyJeffords.etsy.com

What is White, and Black, and Yellow All over...?

2010-06-06T21:52:00.000-04:00

Just a little inspiration for today's painting.

Click on the image to see more details about each item. They are all wonderful, and all for sale on Etsy!

Painting #92 Tweet to Me!

2010-06-06T01:27:00.002-04:00

Is this not one the cutest robins you've ever seen. We live in one of Greenville "bird havens" (which included a couple huge owls!) so there are always birds singing in the trees. I love that.

I had a lot of fun painting this second bird painting (out of three in a set). These little cubby birds are just so joyful and cute! What color should the next one be...?

This oil painting is 9.25x8.5 inches on beautiful wood with regal looking black edges giving the painting a framed look (without actually needing to be framed!)
This painting can stand on it's own, or lean against a wall (say, on a small shelf?) or be the perfect pop of color in a bookcase, or on your mantle... the possibilities really are endless. If you would like to hang it on a wall, I can attach a small tooth-like hanger on the back. Just let me know!

You can find this painting on my Etsy Shop, along with several others. And remember, if there is a painting you would love to see hanging in your home, please email me and tell me about it! I love doing commission paintings that will be very personal for you.

And with that, I'm off to bed. Have a wonderful Sunday!

Painting #91 Why They Call it G-ville

2010-06-06T01:18:00.002-04:00

Wow, what a day... For starters, I didn't paint today! (well, at least not very much I just did a little touch up.) Secondly, we did so much yard work, I got blisters. But, the yard look GREAT! I created a few more lovely pant arrangement in pot I gathered from all corners of the yard (there are more than four corners, so I had a lot to work with!) I'll post photos of them tomorrow. Another odd event of he day: Dan and I didn't finish dinner until after 11:00! How romantic...

Greenville is so beautiful this time of year... Which is why I felt so inspired to paint this painting! It looks like the earth is glowing, or at least completely saturated with the happiness of color.

It is an 12x16 inch oil painting. This painting is large enough to make a real statement on your wall. It would look so great framed in a black wooden frame, or you could go all baroque and dress it up with a gold ornate frame (come on, almost every home needs a little dramatic grandeur in at least one spot). That is totally up to you, and I trust that you will make a fabulous decision.

Check out my Etsy shop for this, and other lovely paintings.

By the way, let me just say that if you would like me have a frame made for your painting I will be more than happy to help you coordinate the perfect frame and matte (if needed) for your painting. Just ask me!

I Heart Creature Comforts

2010-06-03T22:57:00.002-04:00

I just have to pass this along to you: I stumbled on my new favorite blog!

Back-story: Dan and I are moving out of our lovely, huge home that we are currently renting into our very own home that we will (hopefully!!!) own sometime at the end of the summer. However, we're such design freaks that we want to remodel a kitchen and a add few other things to make our new home "us". I love DIY projects that make each space special. So, I've been scouring the web for beautiful treasures, and just stumbled on the jack-pot!

Check out CreatureComfortsBlog.com and prepare to be wowed.

Shown are a few images I pulled out of her blogroll. Beautiful, right?!

Painting #90 The Little Yellow Told Me...

2010-06-03T22:46:00.005-04:00

What a lovely day this has been. First, my daughter took a wonderfully long nap, allowing my to work for an extended period of time on this painting! Which, by the way, I love. It was something that I have been wanting to do for quite some time (well, like three days, really)... and I loved every moment.

There were so many more things that made today good, but as I was typing them out, I realized how mundane they were; things only I find satisfying because it's my house, and my life. Not things that pertain to this blog in the least.

About this painting: It is a 10x8.25 inch oil painting of a yellow warbler, painted on a block of beautiful wood from my grandfathers wood shop. The edges are painted black for a framed effect. This painting can stand on it's own, or lean against a wall (say, on a small shelf?) or be the perfect pop of color in a bookcase, or on your mantle... the possibilities really are endless.

If you would like to hang it on a wall, I can attach a small tooth-like hanger on the back. Just let me know!

This is day 93... but somehow I'm on paining #90. (odd... I'll have the check on that)

so this painting will be sold on my etsy shop for the incredible price of $90!

Paintings #89 Time Square Greenville Style

2010-06-03T02:07:00.001-04:00

First of all, thank you so much to all of you who sent me yellow photos!!! I'll be compiling them in a collage and post them next wednesday! This is a great way to get a little extra exposure to those of you who create handmade items or do photography as i will be more than happy to give photo credits and add links to your site (just an idea...).

My brother came over tonight. I didn't really see him because he and my husband were playing some shooting game... (I know it wasn't halo, because I've played that one. Props to me!) But as we were saying goodbye we got into several huge, long talks about every aspect of life. It was great! I love talking, but I also love sleeping. Oh well. Here I am, posting the photos of today's painting (finished by 5:00 today!) at 2:00am. Now, if that's not dedication, I don't know what is. ; )

I really enjoyed painting this 8x10 oil painting. It was a little bit different for me, and that was refreshing. I felt very free and comfortable while working on the drawing then color combinations. I think it captures the energy of downtown on a some-what busy night. I love the comfortable stances the people take, the play of color, not-so-subtle points of light, the "shapes" each object creates, and how that relates to the negative space... really, I just think it looks cool.

If you think so too, then buy it! It is listed on my Etsy page (or you can email me if you would like to pick it up in person and not pay for shipping.)

Check back tomorrow for a CUTE painting! I'm so excited about creating it!!! I'm not going to tell you what I'm painting, but it's yellow, and grey (good combo) and is totally adorable.

...because she's just too cute not to share...

The First EVER Yellow Wednesday!

2010-06-02T01:13:00.009-04:00

Here it is... the First Yellow Wednesday...

Send me your lovely yellow photographs, and I'll feature them on my blog in a beautifully-yellow collage.

Here are a couple examples...

The stunning yellow pillow was created by Joom

Paintings #87 and 88

2010-06-02T00:57:00.001-04:00

I have been wanting to create an abstract watercolor painting for a while now. But, it somehow morphed into a somewhat abstract, but much more realistic, landscape. Oh well. You know I love landscapes! God gave us this incredible word to enjoy after all! I painted this on professional grade watercolor paper (as always). Personally, I think this painting would look amazing with a nice thick white matte around it (3-4 inches on each side), and a simple wooden black frame. Classy and stylish.

You can find this lovely watercolor in my Etsy Shop: EmilyJeffords.etsy.com

The second painting I'm posting today (I'm still dong a bit of catch up from our recent get-aways) is a commission painting of a lovely secluded lake with a (seemingly) perfect rocky perch. It is a 12 x 16 inch oil painting. I hope this brings back all sorts of wonderful memories for you guys!

And.... I felt like it was time for a little Annalisa cuteness. She is not crawling yet, but she loves to get into things! Somehow she lunges over everything in her way. The only place I am able to place her is in the middle of the floor! She's so precious to me....

What I love about Savannah

2010-06-01T17:18:00.000-04:00