Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

As we get ready for Christmas and get the packages wrapped. I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.. I am going to take a break over the holidays..I will return in 2010. I just want to thank everyone who visits and leaves your wonderful comments. I have made wonderful friends in blog land. I hope to make more in the year to come.

I have my new journal ready for 2010. To began the new year and to start on with a new journey. I will check in on you guys and see what you are doing..I do need a break..

I leave this with you.

The clouds that cover the sunshine

They can not banish the sun;

And the earth shines out the brighter

When the weary rain is done.

We must stand in the deepest shadow

To see the clearest light;

And often through wrongs own darkness

Comes the very strength of light.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

See you in 2010

May you always dream in color.

Katelen

Life and my Thoughts

Here is a little mixed media for you with some of my own words. I hope you can see it. I continued on with a close up of the words.

I hope you enjoyed today's post. Just having a little fun with the silverware...

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

May you always dream in color.

Katelen

ARTIST BLOCK

Another sketch book day. I seem to be able to sit down and sketch but I try to pick up a brush and I can not paint..I can not even do background work.. What is wrong?? I can not even hold a brush in my hand with out saying bad words..Like _______________.....LOL......

You can fill in the blank...

It is a week away from Christmas and I am never ready. So my family decided that everyone is coming to my house.. First I do not cook, second I do not cook, and third I do not cook. So what am I doing for Christmas I AM COOKING!!!!! They want a traditional holiday meal.. I tried to explain to them tradition for me is going to other people's home... Where they cook and I bring something from the Bakery....So I suppose I will pick up a larger bottle of wine for dinner...

Yes, I love my family, sure I do...We all love our family at Christmas they bring you gifts.. LOL>

Have a good week and may you always dream in color.

Katelen

Sketch Book Sunday

For I say I am not a winter time person.

So why do I enjoy walking outside to feel the cold touch my face.

Kissing and clinging to my hands.

To take the steps directly into the wind letting it take my breath away.

To see the earth's ground covered in white of the first frost .

Taking those steps onto the crisp ground to hear the sound of walking on the stars in the winter time .

Enjoy your Sunday, here in this part of the world there is a chill in the air.

May you always dream in color,

Katelen

Drive by photo and a few of my words

YOU MUST CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO READ AND SEE.....THANKS
This is a photo I shot as I was riding ,being the passenger of course. .Just one of those shots you take and then wonder why? I was sitting today and looking at photos and wondering why did I keep this shot of the church which is not a good photo at all. Then I saw shadows and then I heard the words in my head. So I just typed them in and then so I called it Silent Sunday.
I suppose I have a lot of silent moments lately..

Have a good week and May you always dream in color.
Katelen

You and I

12x15 on Birch Panel....

I remember the night

we sat and talked

until the first pale rays of dawn

broke through the darkness.

It was then that we discovered

you and I had become "US"

Sometimes we simply have to sit and be and enjoy the moment.

May you always dream in color.

Katelen

Reach and Paint Your Dreams

This is a sketch in my sketch book. I do not seem to get any more than the sketch. I am reaching but it seems life is holding me down. Maybe it is me that is holding back instead of life holding me back.
Sometimes it is hard to know if it is our fear of failure or the fear of living our dreams.
I think if we keep trying that is the important thing. Except now I am not sure I am even trying.
OK so lets get on with other things.
I do hope everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving ,where it was with family or friends. We went out for lunch instead of cooking at home. Me and My brother took my Mom out to lunch. So my Mom enjoyed seeing my brother..He is the one that hung the moon. I am just the one that does everything else. LOL..


What's Not Here

I start out on this road, call it love or emptiness, I only know what's not here: resentment seeds, back-scratching greed, worrying about out come, fear of people. When a bird gets free, it doesn't go back for remnants left on on the bottom of the cage! Close by, I'm rain. Far off, a cloud of fire.
I seem restless, but I am deeply at ease. Branches tremble; the roots are still.
I am a universe in a handful of dirt, whole when totally demolished. Talk about choices does not apply to me. When intelligence considers options.
I am somewhere lost in the wind.....
Rumi

Have a good week and Reach for what ever you want.

May you always dream in color.
Katelen

A walk amongst the trees and the celebration of Trees and Thanksgiving

Today I took a walk and just enjoyed the trees and some shared their secrets by letting me look inside and seeing the sky.

Some spoke of creation and what it means to use your imagination and look beyond the decay and see beauty.

Some did a little dance and swayed to the silent music.

Some stand so tall and regal because he says he can reach the sky.

I hope you enjoyed the walk with me today with the trees.

For tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I started today to be thankful to walk amongst the trees.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving..

Katelen

Sketch book and cup of coffee at 3AM

Yes it was 3am when I woke up and I could not go back to sleep. So what else is there to do but put on the coffee and sit in your favorite spot and sketch. Waiting for the sun to come up..
Where did she come from? I do not know. She was just waiting to for me to pick up my pencil and find her. We have so much in our head and heart that we can not imagine.. The sad thing is we use so little of all that is inside of us.
I have reading all your blogs and visiting a few new ones. There are so many wonderful artist out there in blog land. You can sit for hours just looking which I have been known to do....
It is usually late at night or early in the am..
Have a wonderful Sunday and enjoy the day. I am going to sit here and finish my coffee and wait for the sun to rise.

Katelen

Where did you come from?

Piece done on water color paper. It started as my piece of paper I clean my left over paint with and then as I finally cover the page . I looked and there they were just waiting for me to see them. So it's like where did you come from? Oh yes, from me. Using my imagination , to create to find the shape to just dream them up.. Oh art is so much fun .
The thing is I have so many small pieces of art I am going to have to finally take a few to the Antique Store and I am going to make a small art gallery and try to sale . So cross your fingers and toes that there will be a lot of art lovers of small pieces . That will buy them...LOL

My Mom has been on good behavior this week.. A couple of weeks ago she decided to play with matches and almost burned her studio down.. Not funny, scared me to tears and then just like a mother I had to scold her.. That is a very hard thing to do. Especially when I am the child and she is the parent. Then she has been sleep walking, it was some new medicine the doctor put her on and we had to take her off that. When she decided to sleep walk at night outside.
Life is a blast in this neighborhood...Don't you guys want to visit?
Have a good week and I hope life treats you kind.

May you always dream in color.
Katelen

Silent and Listening

There is a time to be silent and just listen. Listen to the world around.

IT IS A BEAUTEOUS EVENING, CALM AND FREE

It is a beauteous evening, calm and free;

The holy time is quiet as a Nun

Breathless and adoration; the broad sun

Is sinking down in his tranquility;

The gentleness of heaven broods o'er the Sea;

Listen! the mighty being is awake,

And doth with his eternal motion make

A sound like thunder--everlastingly.

Dear Child! dear Girl! that walkest with me here,

If thous appear untouched by solemn thought,

Thy nature is not therefore less divine;

Thou liest in Abraham's bosom all the year,

And worship'st at the Temple's inner shrine,

God being with thee when we know it not.

William Wordsworth................

............. ..................

Have a wonderful weekend.

May you always dream in color,

Katelen

Gentle Protector of Earth

Mixed Media on Canvas. Just a simple piece with a simple message. You must click on the piece to get a real good view...Thanks
Our earth needs protection and care. It was built with loving and gentle hands. So we should protect it the same..Yet really this piece is about the children of this earth. We all need to protect them. So much sadness and pain for so many children on this earth. Abuse is so wide spread and yet no one can seem to protect these children. So first of all those who pray, pray for our children. If those that can stand up and make a difference in a child's life then make that stand.
Sorry, I have not posted in such a long time but life has taken me in different path than art.
I have been quiet and silent for awhile and I am not sure if I am out of that place but we shall see.
I have missed everyone and I have not been able to read everyone's blogs and to search out for new ones.
I am trying to catch up.
Come on I need some new followers, where are you. Don't give up on me. Jump in and follow.
I have to be going on a new journey soon. So follow me:>

Thanks for stopping and Again I ask you in everyday things to think of our earth and it's Children.

Katelen

Believe it or Not

20x20 Acrylic on Birch Panel..Believe it or not this one does not have a title. Or maybe I am thinking this one over.. I know I need a new camera that I can capture the art its self without getting the surrounding area..

I did get back in the studio and worked on this piece a few days. I still have not put the varnish on.

I know my art jumps around from one thing to another.. I am still searching for where I belong.

But until I do, well welcome to my art world.. LOL

It has turned to fall here and the weather is perfect and the trees are turning beautiful colors.

I love this time of the year but I know what is just around the corner..Winter!!!!!!

So this week I will be out with my camera, Yes I will be using film because I have a real camera to take photos with. I will use Black and White film and then switch Film and take them with Color. Then I can tint the B&W.

Have a great week...Thanks for stopping and reading my blog.. I love to have visitor's and I love your comments.

May you always dream in color.

Katelen

THE DANCE

I can not believe it has been so long since I have done a post.. I suppose I have lost my mojo.

I went to the aquarium and one of my favorite spots are the jelly fish.. They are so beautiful and graceful. It is as they are dancing the most beautiful dance. I hope you can see these because they were just made with my small digital camera. Pocket size. It was a peaceful time to stand in front of the glass and watch. Then I realized oh yes there are other people here and they want to see also...Don't you just hate that..LOL...

I did go into my studio and start a piece but it is yet finished. So maybe soon I will get it finished so I can post some art..

Things have been a little stressful here.. My Mom has not been her self and is doing some things, that I do not know how to handle. I will not tell those stories today, maybe another day.

My heart has not been into my art or really not any where.. Just too tired.

OK so I am feeling sorry for my self..I will stop now.. I am grateful to be alive and have another day of life. So I am grateful for what I have..

Have a good weekend.

Katelen

Never give up looking for the key that opens the door to your dreams.

This is done on a small piece of birch panel 5x12.. This bird has been in his cage for too long.
He has tried several keys and has yet to find the correct one to open the lock . I do hope this one is it.. He needs to fly and feel the air under his wings. To see and touch Freedom.. Keep your fingers crossed that this is the one.

I hope everyone has a great week.. May you find the key that sets you free.

May you always dream in color,

Katelen

THE DOOR

This a piece done on water color paper 10x 15..It is done with acrylic and Ink..

This piece Is symbolic in a way. I seem to have been closing my eyes for along time.

I was trying to avoid things in my life. I realized I have to open them to see the light. We can not keep hiding from reality. Then not only do we have to open our eyes, we have to take steps forward and then we have to come to that door, I will call it the fear door. Then we have to open it up..I did not but a door knob on this door..Because that makes going through that door to easy. You have to knock on this door. And when you are ready to take the step through that door. You have to walk through it on Faith..Blind Faith.. Not knowing what will be on the other side. When we walk through it , we also have to leave the past behind.. Sometimes in life, it is not a door we choose to go through, it is just no other choice.

I suppose everyone in their life comes to these type of doors.. When You do I have you have the Faith to walk through.. And when you do close that door behind you. So there is no going back.

May you always find strength and then find peace.

Katelen

Sketch Book

This is just from my sketch book and thinking about how time passes and there are so many things I want to do. It is called Too much time has gone by. It seems as if time has gone by and my life is on hold. Which we know can not be possible. Life is never on hold.. It continues even if we are not where we thought we would be.
I still have not been in my studio except to walk in and look out the window for a few minutes and turn and walk out.
I took my Mother to a birthday party this weekend.. The birthday boy was 90 years old..His beautiful wife was also there the age of 89.. So my mom got to talk to old friends.. and enjoy wonderful desserts... Oh no that was me eating the desserts..LOL...
She had a wonderful time. On this occasion she had her toe nails polished Green. She talked about all the men commenting on her toes all the way home for a hour and a half...

I hope everyone has a great week and I hope soon I will get back in my studio and start posting more..I miss all my friends .

May you always dream in color,
Katelen

3 Scoops And You Know What has to come Next?

Yes You Do! It is time to wash your Face.. Then it is time for A Cat Nap. Ahh.....


I hope everyone has a good week. I hope soon to get back into my studio.. Sometimes we have to take time for more important things.. Family>>>> May your week be filled with inspiration and peace.

Katelen

When did the word Simple Disappear?

Mix Media on Birch Panel.

Simple where did it go? I was sitting in my studio looking at this piece of wood. I had put layers of paint and taken them off I tried to add a transfer image, it did not work and when I pull it off,

it left the shape of a house. A simple modest house.

I have lost that word. I can not seem to find it in my life.. When did it disappear, I do not remember. Was it years ago or only a short time. When was life just simple and easy. When you went through the day with out worry and stress and sadness and anger. I need to find that time again. Where does one begin? I suppose I am asking and yet knowing no one can answer that for me except me.

I do not know where to begin. So I begin with a piece of art. Where for me that is where every thing begins and ends as an artist but as a person I do not have a clue...

I want to say thanks again for all comments on my blog.. I really do appreciate you taking the time. I know we all have pains and sorrows and I know I am not alone because I know this by reading all those blogs out there. I pray that all of you out there that are going through situations of pain either physical or mental. That some how you find how to make things in your life simple.. So you can lay all your worries down and make the pain go away. I wish I had the answers but I do not..If someone else has the answers, please share with those who do not... LOL.....

May you always dream in color and may you find your way back to the simple things in life.

Katelen

Memories Of Life

This is a mixed media piece 12x15 done on birch panel.

I did a close up of the tree for this is the main part of this piece.. It is done on a acrylic skin.

I did this acrylic skin a few months back and did a transfer of a tree that I had taken a photo of several years ago.. This tree was planted by my Dad before I was born. When I was a child the tree had grown to maturity. Then as I grew. He built a swing for me in this tree.

I spent many hours around this tree.. Hanging out with my Dad. Pushing me on the home made swing. Then we I was bored with the swing.. My Dad and I would sit under this tree and talk. Or my Dad would talk and I would listen..He was the story teller. Regrets in Life, but what does a child know. I should have listened more and remembered more of those stories. I remember the memories. The stories not all can I recall. I most of all remember how much I loved my Dad and how much he loved me.. Good memories..

My Dad left this world and tree was left.. Then one day we sold the home and the land. Someone else clear down every thing.. The house and the tree.. One thing they did not take down and that was the Memory.

I dedicate this piece to my Dad and all the wonderful Memories.

I love you Daddy.

Your daughter,

Katelen

Journal Page and Poetry

One of my journal pages and words of poetry.

Fairy Tales

You believed in your own story,
then climbed inside it-
a turquoise flower,
You gazed past ailing trees,
past crumbling walls and rusty railings.
Your least gesture beckoned a constellation
of wild vetch, grasshoppers and stars
to sweep you into immaculate distances.

The heart may be tiny
but the world's enormous.

And the people in turn believe-
in pine trees after rain,
then thousand tiny suns, a mulberry branch
bent over water like a fishing-rod,
a cloud tangled in the tail of a kite.
Shaking off dust, in silver voices
ten thousand memories sing from your dream.

The world may be tiny
but the heart's enormous.

by Shu Ting......

Enjoy your weekend and believe in your dreams.

Katelen

WHAT ART IN A BOX

Yes, I call it Art In a Box.....What? I know! NO, it is just found objects placed in a box!! What!!! Yes I know! It is Art! What????

I hope you find Inspiration in what ever you are doing today. This is just in my studio for inspiration. With the Words as stated WHAT!!!!!!!placed above the box. YES , when nothing comes to you for inspiration you just stand up and say WHAT!!!!!!! Then you change the objects in the box and look at it again..... I know it's ART.....

Thanks for all your comments and just the ones who drop in.. I hope today and every day brings you laughter and inspiration.

May you always dream in color,

Katelen

Looking into My Journal

Journal Page done on water color paper. I have not been in my studio for a week or so..
I am one of those artist who goes through the moods.. My mind is just tired lately and so as it affects the body is too is just too tired also.
So when I am not in my studio. Where am I ? Reading and taking care of my Mom.

So for the love of the trees, I thought I would post another one for you. As you all know that reads my blog..Trees are beautiful and it makes me sad when so many are cut down. So fall is coming up and it is a time to do fall planting and why not plant a new tree.. I am looking for a new one now.. I think I will look for a Dogwood, I would love to plant a pink one. I planted a white dogwood last fall and lost him. I could not dig him up and so all
summer it stayed in my yard. It was a perfect landing spot for the birds to stop and take a rest.. So he had a purpose. He looked like the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. Today my Mom had visitors and among them were children. Great Grand children and so being 10 and boys they brought the tree down..
The funny thing it made me sad...I know..Silly. So it is time to replace him with a new pink dogwood and hope this year it will live and grow into a beautiful large tree. No I will not place it in the same spot..
So you can see I do not live a very exciting life..LOL.....
Thanks for stopping by and sorry for not posting in awhile.

May you always dream in color.
Katelen

To Late You stepped Right Into It.

This is acrylic on water color paper 12x15. Go on click on to get a better view...
My opinion and it is just my opinion..
There are two types of people when it comes to this question. The question being what type person are you? Either you are one who jumps right in and steps right into it. Never thinking about what will happen.
Or you are one who thinks about it before you put your foot down to step into it. Thinking about what the out come will be. O K maybe a third falls into this which is the ones like me.
You are neither you are just wondering around with your thoughts someone where else and clueless and you step right into it without even knowing and then you leave evidence where ever you step without even knowing. LOL can we say it in real words LAUGH OUT LOUD....!!!!!!

I hope everyone has a good week and enjoyed their Labor Day holiday...

May you always dream in color and when you do save some of it to paint your master piece.
Katelen

Poetry

The poem that is written on this is by Eleanor Graham a old book of poetry I found at a old book store.

The piece is done in acrylic on water color paper..The colors of nature and the beautiful words of poetry.

Because you can not read this on the piece.. I am writing it below..

ETERNAL

I shall be a mountain stream,

And you will be my bed.

I shall be my own sweet dream

Of things that you have said.

I shall be a story's words,

And you the author of it.

I shall be the flight of birds,

And you the sky above it.

I shall be the swaying wheat,

And you the wind that blows;

And we shall find each other, sweet,

In everything that grows.

What matter if my youth should fade,

Or if your step should falter?

The pattern of our love is made

On lines that never alter.

Eleanor Graham 1944

May you all have a great Labor Day weekend..

May you always dream in color.

Katelen

The Strength of Three

This is 12x15 on Arches water color paper.. Mixed Media. The first one I could not get the true color.. So on the second I just brought it in on the main subject so you could get a better view. You still need to click on the second one to get a better view..

Three's seem to be surrounding me and my thoughts lately. I worked in my studio today, which is near my Mom. She was sleeping a lot today and today was not a good day for her..So when she slept, I created and this is what I did.. I had to create today.. I did several pieces today.. I am not saying they were all good but I had to be busy with my creation and my creator.

I am afraid. My Mom is getting so fragile and she is struggling to breathe. She sleeps and dreams and I am not sure she knows which is real any more..I explain to her she is dreaming and she says Ok.. She seems to understand at the moment and then it is lost..

The one thing about aging is how they are so child like..She giggles like a little girl and it is beautiful. She is trusting me just as a child does..She depends on me taking care of everything.

The thing is I can not take care of everything. I can not make her better.. So I have to let God take care of her. I have to have faith and at the moment, I am struggling..

Struggling for strength .

This piece to me is about Asking for Strength. And Strength comes in 3's...Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Thank you all for visiting my blog and listening to my stories and giving me comments on my art and for your prayers.

Katelen

Found Treasures

8x12 on water color paper mixed media. I know the color and the detail of the red thread and found treasure he is holding is not very clear.. I suppose I need a better scanner.. Maybe one day. If you click on it, you can see a little better..
I painted the background a long time ago. Placed it storage and then I was searching for something else and came upon it.. I picked it up and decided it reminded me of the open sky.
It needed a bird so I painted. On my work table..I always lay small things around on it and move them around and change them out..Until one day I pick one of them up and use it with my art.. Things have their own timing..Or should I say God had his own timing..We just do not know it and then one day I say oh yes that it where that goes. God smiles and says I did not think you would ever see that..LOL.. The piece the bird is holding is a fake diamond. I found it on the road while taking a walk.. It does not take much to make me happy but that was the treasure of the day.. I cleaned it up and it now has a new home and a new use..
Birds they fly around and have such a great view of treasures on the ground, so this guy just saw the shine of the diamond and picked it up and I am sure he is taking it to the nest.. To place with all those other treasures he has in his home.
So I know there are a lot of treasure hunters out there that are always looking for inspiration.
It is out there and sometimes it is sitting right in front of your eyes.. You are just not seeing it.
I know I don't . but when it is time to be found..Your eyes will open up and you will see it all so clear.

Katelen

Never Alone

12x15 Acrylic on Wood...So this may be a self portrait in a Strange Art Way...LOL..I suppose it seems I never have time to enjoy just Me Time..I seem to always have things that are in the back of my head. So to Speak. They are always there even if I am not aware of it.. I did this in my sketch book awhile back and I picked it up and just went with it, not knowing what it meant until I started painting in a unrealistic way..Not going with the normal color of skin and not the normal face. I realized I carry things and people with me, even when I am by myself..
I am always turning around, listening to make sure My Mom is not calling out to me for something. Or thinking is there something I need to do or forgot to do. I turn around and no one is there..
So yes ,I have overload and I can not relax. I am not complaining about caring for my Mom,
It is just so hard at times. I love her so much and I would not change what I am doing..
I know what I am doing is what I am suppose to be doing and I am not questioning it at all.
I just ask for a little quiet mind at times. Well we see that is not going to happen when I paint like this.. HA HA

May you always dream in color,
Katelen

I have my stars on the Floor

So this is no Van Gogh but it is my Starry Night on a Canvas Floor Rug.. I made this and it goes in front of my sink in my studio.. So every time I wash my brush I am standing on the stars.

One day I keep saying I will make a large canvas floor rug for my house but so many things to do in so little time..LOL

I am still not spending a lot of time in my studio.. I just do not have enough time it seems. I seem to be running from here to there and still not getting anything done.. Taking care of my Mom is a full time . One thing for sure is I am learning songs I never heard of.. My Mom can sing songs from the 30 and 40's. She listening to music a lot now.. She forgets so quickly what she was doing . So now she sits and remembers things from her past. Listening to music makes her happy.

Have a good week .

Always dream in color,

Katelen

Softly and Quietly At Night

It happens at night the lush green moss appears over the rocks and it says quietly touch me.

They came up through the tunnel smaller than a 1/4 of inch in diameter to look for a new Home.

Softly they spoke the Fairy Language that human ears can not hear. They walked in silence and what did they find.. Homes already built for them.

Built perfect for vacation time..The mushroom houses will only stay for a short time and then will leave softly and quietly along with the fairies at night. You do believe? Don't You?

Have a great weekend and remember the beauty in the small things in life that surrounds us.

Katelen

The View from under the Rocks

This is a 18x24 on Canvas. I wish I could get a better shot of this but it seems I can not.
For it seems I am not one who paints pretty faces and beautiful scenes.. I have discovered it is not who I am. I am abstract and hidden words that may be seen or could be seen. Life is a discovery of who we are. For now I feel I am looking out from under the rocks trying to see my way. Yes, it seems like a heavy load and I think there are days I can not lift them off. So instead of trying to carrying the load, I have discovered to breathe and enjoy the view.
So you see there is beauty even in the hard times in our life. We just have to find them.
I keep trying to do all this on my own instead of asking God for the help..
So I realized in this piece, God said do not carry the load of rocks, give me the weight. You just enjoy the view .
I hope you enjoy the view from under the rocks.

May you always dream in color,
Katelen