Hello, World!

Long time, no blog! Like all of us, life goes in cycles and things get put on the back burner. For me, it's been a wonderful whirlwind. Life is fun and busy and sometimes very challenging. I am blessed on this Christmas season in so many ways. My family and friends being the most significant. We are lucky here in Michigan: no hurricanes, fires, or floods. So many people are suffering and I am grateful every single day for what I have. That includes a 6 year old Grandson and twins that are now 11 months old! Wow.....
I took a little break from painting, as other obligations have become a priority. Our summer was marked by the sad passing of our big, beloved, sweet dog, Wade. He only lived 2 weeks after being diagnosed with Lymphoma. A huge shock. We weren't the only ones who grieved. Our other Golden, Luddie, grieved unlike anything I've ever witnessed with dogs. Wade was a wonderful therapy dog. One of the first things I did was train (with help) his little brother, and Luddie is now a full fledged therapy dog. I felt it would be good for him, and selfishly for me.  
I'm including several pictures- of the twins, and of some random paintings, and of some recent commissions. You can see lots of my paintings, old and new, on my new instagram site, too. It's  http://www.instagram.com/lamujomac_art  Woo-Hoo, I'm SO high tech!

                                                            Houdini

                                                        Angole

                                                                 Fletcher

                                                                Let's Dabble

                                                                The Old Green Chair

                                                                   Breakfast

                                                                   From All of Us

                                                The Adventures of a Little Blue Ball

                                                              Lil Enchilada

                                                        Waiting For My Bride

                                                             A New View

                                                              Synergy

                                                              A Happy Grandma

                                                                     Pals
Available paintings are on www.dailypaintworks.com/artists/laurie-mueller-4045/artwork.
I wish everyone a peaceful and healthy Christmas/Holiday!

Working Together

Well another term ended, and another term begins in a week or so. These are only some of the paintings that were done by students in my class. Some had never picked up a paintbrush! Others have taken my class before, and it is pure joy for me to see their art evolve, not to mention the confidence that has emerged! I truly believe we all have it in us, and I am grateful that these people (who have become wonderful friends!) gave it their all, and helped and supported each other. They were willing to take risks and they just dove in! For me, I enjoyed every minute of this term. We laughed a lot, and learned a lot (from each other), and I think they will all continue to paint!

A painting and a collage

The top painting is from a photo I took and have painted from in the past. It's called "Remember Me". The next one is the one I referred to recently, as a citrasolv collage, and is called "Daydream". Although I've created lots of collages in my day, I've never done one with Citrasolv papers. Talk about fun! In fact everyone in my class did one on Monday. They did a phenomenal job! My last class is Monday, and after that I'll post lots of their work. I love it that they are so enthusiastic and talented! To achieve the beautiful papers with Citrasolv, you basically soak pages from National Geographic magazines (the older ones work best). There are lots of You Tube videos on how to do it. The Citrasolv has a reaction with the specific inks. The image, which becomes obliterated, turns into gorgeous designs! I would give it a try if I were you!  

Both these pieces have been submitted to a juried art show, so my fingers are crossed!

In Pursuit of Spring

I am anxious for Spring! Although I love the seasons, and would never leave my home state of Michigan, by March we get "teased" every now and then, with aromas of Spring in the air. Then out of the blue, BAM...a snowstorm. And yet I wouldn't have it any other way. These flowers make me think of Spring. It's the first time I've been in my studio since the challenge. I needed a break. I also did a collage with Citra-solv papers and will post it tomorrow. It was pretty fun.

To take this home

To the Moon and Back

#29 of the challenge. This was another class painting that we all did together. My first goal for this one was to practice putting a bold stroke down and leaving it. It takes a lot of practice not to fuss and fiddle. And also negative space painting was reinforced and practiced. I'll post a group of photos of their paintings before this session ends. They are doing great! 

To take this home

Where's My Toast?

#28 of the challenge. I took a photo of our breakfast on a snowy Saturday morning recently. I think I'll take more photos of my food. It's pretty fun. And bacon is a real treat- to paint and to eat!

To bring the bacon home

We Can Work it Out

#27 of the challenge. Just some colorful pears trying to figure out a dilemma. They know that the trick to working things out together is to really listen and not just hear. They're trying very hard. 

By the end of these challenges, my fruit, the people, even the landscapes, all start talking to each other. Good thing the challenge doesn't last TWO months! 

To take these problem solvers home

Pooch Smooch

#26 of the challenge. I love dogs, and there's nothing like a sweet smooch when you need it the most! 

To take this Pooch home

Cheeseburger With No Meat or Cheese, Please

#25 of the challenge. I am lucky that I don't have any food allergies, etc. But we've all seen the bewildered look on the faces of the poor waitresses when they're face with an extreme challenge! This has painted wide edges, so no frame is needed and sits on a shelf or table, too! 

To take this home

Birch in Blue

#24 of the challenge. This was another step by step with the class. The assignment was to pick a color theme. I picked an analogous scheme, and I can't believe the variations in the student's paintings. They just dive right in, and create beautiful paintings! My colors were blues, pinks, and violets, and I left some of that beautiful toned color to shine through. 

To take this home

Frill Free Zone

#23 of the challenge. I started this with one brushstroke that would become the first leaf on the left, and built from there, just enjoying the colors. I finished these leaves, and was happy with the reds in the stems, and the shadow on the vase, and pretty much all of it!

But then the unthinkable: "This can't really be finished." This was too easy, too fun. Too flowing. It needs a flower, or a tablecloth, or stripes on the tablecloth, or something. And yet my intuition said no. Funny how sometimes we feel we HAVE to go on. I decided to honor my intuition and listen to my oh so wise (not) voice!

To take this plant home

Join the Club

#22 of the challenge. Just a textured little club sandwich. I took the photo when I was having lunch with my beloved Aunt. I started taking pictures of my sandwich before I even explained why. Then I noticed that she had that very familiar look on her face of "Now  what is she doing?" Then we proceeded to laugh our way through lunch, as always. That's the best!

Sold

Copacetic

#21 of the challenge. I have used this photo that I took in the past. I loved this still life. I did this in class again, and the students followed along, step by step. They did an unbelievable job! I find that by going step by step and vocalizing my thought process, I can reinforce what I've talked about, including values, composition, color, glazing, wet in wet, light source, shadows, negative painting, etc. I will try to remember to take pictures next time!

To take this home

Listen Up

#20 of the challenge. This was one of several paintings that I did in my class, while students painted along with me. They did a fantastic job! I can't believe how enthusiastic they are, and how each of them is finding their own "voice" (they may not admit that:)).

To take these home

Poppy Pals

#19 of the challenge. This is one that I have worked on on and off for a while, and finally am happy. I love doing that ghost-like background, exposing different shadows with layers of negative space painting. This is large (36x24), and makes a nice impact on a wall. 

Sold

Wishin and Hopin

 

#18 of the challenge. I snapped a photo of this woman and she looked liked she was "wishin and hopin" for someone or something to arrive. The title is an old Dusty Springfield song (which is dating me I'm sure!). This is 8x10 with 1 1/2 inch sides that are painted to extend the image. Hangs without a frame and also looks great sitting on a shelf. 

To take her home

The Bond

#17 of the challenge. I have used this reference photo before. I took it because I loved the connection, the love, and the protection that this young dad and his son conveyed. 

It is on a wide painted gallery edge canvas. No framing, and it looks wonderful sitting on a shelf or table. 

To bring it home

Pick Me! Pick Me!

#16 of the challenge. I snapped photos of pups (of which we were there to pick one!)

This little guy had the sweetest expression. I don't know if he's the one we picked, because he quickly ran into the rest of the crowd. 

To take this pup home

Just Knowing

#15 of the challenge. I snapped a photo of a beautiful church on a trip with some art friends. I didn't go in, but next time I will. It's good to know it's there if I ever return. 

Extra hugs to all our kids today. 

to purchase

I'm Mr. Lonely

#14 of the challenge. Just a vista that came from a beautiful photo from my daughter and one of her trips. And speaking of Meg, she's having a different kind of trip these days! One of my favorite photos is to the right- her beautiful Golden Retriever, Norman, with the babies, who are 4 1/2  weeks old already. If there's such a thing as Heaven on earth, that's where I am when I am holding those babies.

To take this home 

Preteen

#13 of the challenge. We had an "adventure day" one day this past summer and went to a dairy farm. This little calf was really friendly and cute! I decided to paint him with the goal of  a colorful and graphic looking outcome.     

To take this little bovine home

I Like That About You

#12 of the challenge. I love pinks and oranges  together. So I made a painting with pinks and oranges. I have to say that I love how these colors sing together!

To take these flowers home

While Supplies Last

#11 of the challenge. These girls got up early to get to the big sale. But one of them was running late because she almost couldn't find her green scarf. So now they're in a big rush. They may have jeopardized their chance of being first in line. And to make it worse, the other two are irritated and blaming her because she's always late. They may need to talk this out. But not now. They need to get there.

To take these girls home

"Your Time Will Come"

#10 of the challenge. This bird made it's nest right outside of our garage and it was cool to watch her every day! There are lots of transparent glazes on this painting, giving it lots of depth. This is hard to capture with my camera. This has 1 1/2 inch gallery wrapped sides that are painted to extend the image around it. No frame is needed, and it also looks very cool sitting on a shelf!  

Sold

Sentimental Reasons

#9 of the challenge. A free flowing little flower that came from a a relaxed and happy paint brush!

To take this flower home

"You Seem Cool Today"

 #8 of the challenge. I was inspired when I went to the Detroit Zoo recently. It was freezing cold that day, but was very fun to watch the penguins! These two looked like they could have been in a little spat.
This is 8x6 inches and has 1 1/2 inch wide gallery wrapped sides. The sides are painted with the image colors to extended around. It needs no frame, and also looks really "cool" sitting on a shelf! 

To take these little guys home

From All Of Us

#7 of the challenge. Another imaginary (design) little bunch of flowers.The dark flowers in the background are actually  variations of dark colors, not black, as the photo might show.

You're a Good Egg

#6 of the challenge. I snapped a photo of my breakfast recently. This was fun! 

Sold

Lil Enchilada

#5 of the challenge. 

This little boat just floats along, and sings his own little tune.

There's nothing to prove, and no need to race,

And for that he's over the moon!

Mexican food is his all time fav, and that's where he got his name.

He shares the joy he feels inside,

and feels no need for fame. 

He knows that things will be alright, in good times and in sad,

And knowing this he hums along, 

How freeing for the lad!

(Sorry, my sweet daughter- all you did was share some vacation pictures with me, and look what you got! haha)

 To own Lil Enchilada

Waiting for my Bride

#4 of the challenge. I snapped a photo of this man while I was in a restaurant recently. He was simply sitting and waiting for someone. I imagined he was waiting for his wife, but what do I know? It was just a really nice thought.The background, colors, objects, etc, are all different from the photo.  But that's what they call artistic license, right? I challenged myself with being aware of color harmony and unity with this painting.

This is available at the Detroit Artist Market.

Ready and Willing

#3 of the challenge. A fun imaginary vase of flowers. It's so enjoyable to me to just paint, without a real objective or goal. This is one of those. It was a little bland and I couldn't figure out how to "unbland" it. The deep red shapes behind it did the trick!

Value contrast seems to solve my problems most of the time.

To bring these flowers home:

"I'll Be Here"

#2 of the challenge. This is an imaginary little scene of the trust that every child deserves to have. And I wanted to make a painting where most of the colors were cool, and with a dab of warm. A good little challenge!

Sold