Create Your Own Radio Stations

For all you music buffs out there, here is a cool website http://www.pandora.com/ . On this site you can create your own radio stations to listen to on line. Check it out. It is real easy to use.

Los Dias de los Muertos

From time to time I plan on introducing you to a few artists whose works and talents I like and appreciate. The first one is by an Artist in New Mexico, Kim Kirkpatrick. If you know me I am not going to show you where to find your ordinary merchandise. I am sure you all know where to find those straw baskets, woven pot holders and leather key chains that we all love, but you may not know where to go for all of your Days of the Dead needs. Kim has created a graveyard full of really cool Days of the Dead items and you can find everything you need to know about Kim, her talent, awesome products and where to get it on her website, http://icdedpeeples.com/. Check it out and if you want to purchase something or know someone who has a retail outlet and would like to sell her items, email or give Kim a call.

Slideshow

Somehow I got lucky and was able to put a slideshow on my blog using Flickr. It can be found over there on the top right. Only a few pics are on there now, but I will add more soon. The photos will be mostly of my art work, but may include other things such as family, events or things like the 3 legged squirrel I see in my yard and trees.
Enjoy ......Dave

I always wanted to paint something with black and white legs.

Here is a photo of the Bluebird Table that I recently finished. I believe this old table may have once been a telephone table. It is perfect for a plant, vase or that antique water pitcher you can't find a home for. There is a neat little shelf under the top too. The top is 14" x 18" and is 28" tall. It is painted with acrylic paint and a mod podge finish. I included a before picture.

This piece on sale at the Gallery on Second in Kewanee, IL. for $120.

Art....Well Groomed

Here is an updated picture of Socks, my Art...Well Groomed (AWG) public art project. Information on this can be found on the link or a previous blog post below. Socks is now completed and waiting to be unveiled on July 12th.

I wanted to share with you a little bit about the design of Socks. Socks will be brightly painted primarily using yellows, greens and purples. He will have alternating yellow and green stripes / bands wrapping around his body. Detail will be added by use of dots on these bands. Socks’ head and tail will have different patterns and will use lots of purple along with the yellow and green. The legs will have a bit more color, design and detail, and have ‘somewhat’ the appearance of wearing ‘socks’ because of the change in color patterns on his legs. Socks will also have about 20 phrases of his ‘favorite things’ printed on his head and body within the design. These phrases may not initially be noticed by an onlooker, but will be clearly visible once someone looks at the detail. The base, not shown, will be painted green with a little design, but not so much design that it would take the focus off ‘Socks’. The base will also have the title printed on the top.

I believe Socks will create a “WOW” effect when viewers first see him on Main Street. The eclectic use of bright colors and detail will catch the eye of all viewers from a distance. Socks will be enjoyed by many all summer as they get acquainted with his strong, eclectic, colorful and comfortable presence in town. He will be a constant reminder of the ‘Art …Well Groomed 2008’ collaboration as he draws attention to himself just like all dogs do. Socks will not only be eye-catching, but will also carry a message. That message is of course in the title, “Socks’ Favorite Things”. This will help create interest in that the public can find and read the verbiage written on his body, which will show what Socks’ or any dog loves to do. This may help influence a person to think about what joy they could bring to a dog by adoption or ownership.

I also wanted to mention that I am very fortunate to have great sponsors for Socks, Greg and Marilyn Anthony. Greg and Marilyn are both dog lovers and are well known for their many volunteer contributions to the Princeton community. We have a great location picked out for Socks home this summer, where he should be enjoyed by many.

Dave

Steery Night and 8 Strats

Here are two photos of pieces I completed this past winter, 8 Strats and Steery Night.


Normally you can click on the picture to enlarge, but somehow I can't get these photos to enlarge. Hmmmm...?



Steery Night is made with ¼” plywood for the steer, attached to an end piece from a wood crate. Painted with acrylic paint, this piece is approx. 16”W X 13”H and is for sale for $120.




8 Strats is made on ¼” plywood using acrylic paint and mod podge finish. This piece is for sale at $90.

About my artwork, locations and contacts

All of my Art Work is for sale except for donation pieces. At this time I have very few pieces at home as most of my pieces are for sale at one of 3 locations. Contact me at the numbers or address below if you want to purchase or discuss the pieces. I also do commission pieces too.

In the next few weeks I plan on getting a slide show on this blog that will have all my pieces that are currently available.

Currently I have select artwork at these locations:

Outside Gallery - 409 N. Erickson St. – Bishop Hill, IL. 61419 – 309-927-3314
This is a very unique gallery in historic Bishop Hill that features whimsical, elegant and functional items. Steve and Marcia Carlson run the gallery and both of them have many pieces of their own artwork in the gallery.

Gallery on Second – 116 West Second St. – Kewanee, IL. 61443 – 309-853-5875
This shop is more of a fine arts shop, and they have a very wide variety of artwork there.
Both proprietors, Kellie Lane and Pat Monroe, who are very talented artists, have a good eye for choosing just the right type of pieces for their beautiful gallery. They also specialize in stained glass art and antique glass art and repair. The Gallery onSecond is open Wed. - Sat. 10:00 AM t0 4:00 PM.

Hornbaker Gardens - 22937 1140 N. Ave. Princeton, Illinois 61356 815-659-3282
This is an absolutely incredible nursery garden center that has in the past few years started carrying more pottery, gifts, garden art and antiques.

Voodoo Lounge – (my basement, I will get more into that story later)
508 Park Ave. West - Princeton Il. – 815-872-0083 or 815-878-8370
or check out my website

Contact me if you have any questions or comments.
Dave