Kat and the Fiddle

My Etsy Shop.....

2009-06-22T13:56:00.001-07:00

I've decided to try out a new venture....Etsy. Everyone tells me I should try it, so I am! LOL....

Click here: www.katandthefiddle.etsy.com to visit my Etsy shop. there you'll find some original paintings, miniature paintings, doll clothes for American Girl dolls that I sew myself, as well as some dolls that I have been making.

Seaside Art Gallery-Nags Head, NC

2009-06-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

Seaside Art Gallery (www.seasideart.com) in Nags Head, NC hosts each year the International Miniature Art Show. This year I decided to take the plunge and submitted three pieces of my miniature art. I was quite nervous about it at first, since I never had sent my art via mail to a gallery I've never been to, nor really known. It kind of felt like sending my children off for the first time to thier first day of school. Oh my!!
Anyway, a good friend of mine is a regular exhibiting artist with this gallery and she had recommend them to me. She said that my miniature art was quite good, and that it was worth a try for me to do so. Then gave me thier brochure.
Several weeks later, I had three miniature paintings that I had done, matted, framed and ready to go with my $35 entry fee. First prize was $600, but out of some 550 artists from all over the world. I knew winning was not going to be easy.
The three pieces I sent was "Eastern Point Light, Gloucester, MA", a very tiny tiny painting measuring 1/2 inch by 3/4 inch. Yes, you read that right. It was matted off and framed in a 3 x 5 frame. The next was "Frolicking Through the Hayfield," a larger scale painting of 2 x 5 inches, matted and framed off in a 5 x 7 frame. The last was "Meet the Bouys" and measured about 3 x 3 1/2 inches and matted and framed in a 5 x 7 frame. All three pieces were watercolors. At least the second two can be viewed on my website www.freewebs.com/kathleengormanwermuth and click on the Miniature section.
Needless to say, I didn't win anything. Which I expected with such a vast number of entries and many good works of art I may add. But I did sell my "Meet the Bouys" piece and was thrilled to do so.
It has no given me a new outlook on my miniatures again, and now I've begun springing back into painting them!!
Happy Painting!

New Miniature Pieces at Seaside Art Gallery, Nags Head, NC

2009-04-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

Seaside Art Gallery in Nags Head, NC is hosting the 18th Annual International Miniature Art Show. To view this online, please visit www.seasideart.com There you can see all current entries of miniature art there, including three of my pieces. "Eastern Point Light, Gloucester, MA", "Frolicking Through the Hay Field" and "Meet the Bouys." All of which are watercolors.

This is my first International Miniature Art Show. Although miniatures are not new for me. I began painting them in 1998, and several of my paintings were featured in a magazine called Dollhouse Miniatures. I took a small break from painting them, since it does sometimes get your eyes a bit weary painting on such a small scale. Although some of the paintings featured in the Art Show are much larger than mine. Most of mine on average are business card size if not smaller. My smallest painting measured just 1/2 inch by 3/8 of an inch including the frame!

"Easter Point Light, Gloucester, MA." is also another "micro mini" as I call them. But the actual framed painting is also framed and matted in a larger frame.

Whims and Wants................

2009-03-23T18:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my birthday. It was a good birthday, quiet and relaxing. Unlike birthdays from my childhood, which often was filled with the colorful excitement of balloons, party hats and horns. Although I have to admit I wouldn't mind one of those again. But anyway, as a kid with an approaching birthday I often would make a list of "wants." Most often it was some kind of Barbie accessory or doll something or horsey. I guess I was a very typical girl growing up. But I have noticed as an adult our wants or toys change dramatically and often the requests are not much. Some may wonder why this is, and I think its because as adults we have the resources, or at least usually do, to buy whatever we want. We don't have to depend on the grown ups to buy our whims and wants. Whatever we want, we get it.
So over the years my list of whims and wants to request for birthdays, and also for Christmas has gotten very short. Last year hubby and daughter surprised me with a much needed sewing machine. Which I love!! And at that time it just didn't seem like we had a little extra spare cash for me to buy one. So when I was surprised with one, it was extra special.
So, this year has been much like most lately and I sat and thought about it. What would I want for my birthday? And I couldn't really think of anything. Since I usually feel you would request something you would want, but normally wouldn't buy yourself. For whatever reason.
How about some canvas'? No, already bought some. I suppose that goes for watercolor papers and drawing papers. They just don't excite me enough as present material for myself anymore. Since I have to buy them anyway.
So I spent a few more hours thinking of different things that I might have wanted, but never went and spent the money on. Talk about weird. This usually never happens for me. I usually can always think of something to find as an excuse to buy myself when I get birthday money. But I couldn't think of anything.
New saucepan? No. Bought one last month. A nice stainless steel one with a built in strainer and a glass cover. The girl at Walmart thought I was crazy spending $30 for just one sauce pot. But its a really nice one!! How about a sewing machine cover? No, I use my machine way to much and it never would get used. That would be a waste.
It wasn't until I was going through Walmart again. I seem to be there everyday. I had to pick up white vinager to clean the coffee pot with, paper plates, milk and a few other things. When I came apon a clip on desk lamp. The kind with a neat flexible neck on it. Now, I could use one of THOSE!! I've been using a small 25 watt lamp that doesn't give off much light to work by at my art desk. I don't know if that would be a want or a whim, but I bought it just the same!! And I love my new lamp. And its handy enough to clip on my easel as well!
So, now that I finally made my decision on this years' whim and wants for a birthday gift to myself, my inlaws have sent me some cash. I guess its back to the drawing board to figure out what else I might want to buy.

Mutter mutter mutter....................

2009-03-04T07:19:00.000-08:00

Ever have days you know that you have plenty of do, but you just don't know how to motivate yourself? Well, I seem to be at that point. I find that I've been muttering around the house contemplating many things. Some I have gotten done, some half way, and some not.
So, yesterday since my daughter was home from school due to the fact that her teacher was out sick. Why is that you ask? Well, my daughter has a disorder, in which her body creates more white blood cells and so she's prone to catching anything since it does effect her immune system. So with any chance of her catching something, I prefer keeping her home to avoid any illness. Anyway, I had a list of things I wanted to do. But wasn't quite sure what I wanted to dive into first. I had my doll clothing I needed organizing. I make and sell doll clothes as well. And needed to organize all the art and craft stuff for my new program for the special ed classes at my daughter's school. I had to work the clay doll head sculpture I've been working on. Tons of Civil War clothing sewing, and doll clothing. A watercolor I had started and a canvas piece I want to do to which I have not yet sketched out. Not to mention the fact that I needed to unload the dishwasher and fill it back up with the dirty dishes in the sink. I hate looking at dirty dishes in the sink. It's a pet peeve of mine.
So, with that said.................................I ended up going to Walmart for a few things. I know, that wasn't on my list. But the things I needed to get there would help with some of the things I did have on my list. Does that count?
Let's see, I got a few plastic totes, you know for the organizing. I got a nice large one. Which I ended up using for my daughter's stuffed friends who are usually sprawled out across the living room floor. And a few organizers for the doll clothing and the art stuff. As well I got a few other things, that had absolutely nothing to do with my game plan for the day. But hey, that's how it goes. One thing I did buy was those stickem' funky things you put on the bottom of your bathtub. You know, so you don't slip and fall. I saw those, and thought it would be a good idea to have, since I've already done that last week. Slipped and fell in the bathtub. Thank goodness I didn't break anything (on me) and went completely down. Im sure it would have been quite embarrassing if my husband had to call 911 for me. So I bought some stickem' funky things and I actually got to apply those after I cleaned the bathtub out. It needed to be done anyway.
I managed to unload the dishwasher. Which always seems tedious to me, and I don't know why. Im trying to organize my timing on that so it doesn't seem so tedious. So far I haven't figured it out. I cleaned my bathtub and applied stickem funky things. Which by the way, seem to work pretty well. I got all my art stuff organized for my art program, and the doll clothing organized. I even managed to do a load of laundry to boot!! I also managed to finish hammering grommets in the corset Im making. I hate grommets. And I did work on the watecolor a little bit.
So, where does that leave me? Today I will have to reapply myself to most of the things I had on my "to do" list from yesterday to which I was unable to get to. Since I ended up applying myself to other "to do's" instead.
Mutter mutter mutter...............................

Now what?

2009-02-28T19:20:00.000-08:00

Well, I am now at that point where Im not so sure where to go with the next project. Since I've left the gallery, I feel like Im at a railroad crossing, waiting for the next train to come by. And being the impatient person I can be. I feel like I need to start doing something.

So, Im getting ready to package up some pieces for an upcoming Miniature Art Show and Im trying to decide which ones to submit. I've finished another one of my grayscale paintings, but one in miniature of a portrait of a girl. It came out pretty well I think.

Speaking of my grayscales, Im trying to come up with a "name" for the series. Since they are done in only black and white paints, with one piece in it in color.

Im also re-thinking of my notecards, illustrating the book I've been meaning to do, and I also finally got some new clay to start sculpting a doll's head. Since I was thinking about starting a doll line to complement my doll clothes that I make.

I thought I would have heard from anyone in regards to my new piece missing from the wall. My miniature being stolen, really ticked me off. So I removed all my stuff from the gallery. But I thought I would have had at least someone ask "what the hell happened?" But nothing.......

Well, Im perhaps better off.

BOLO.......

2009-02-27T18:11:00.001-08:00

Be on the lookout...........
Yes, there's still salt in the wound. I honestly don't know if I should be pissed off or honored that the thief chose MY painting to steal?
Anyway, here's a picture of "Eastern Point Light" done in watercolor. As you can see, the penny next to it shows off its size. The frame was also handcrafted by myself as well. The painting was also featured in Dollhouse Miniatures magazine I believe, back in 1998. Or was it 1999. But if you see it, its STOLEN!!

Im So Mad I Could Spit!!

2009-02-26T12:27:00.000-08:00

Well, posting today may be a very good thing for me. Since I feel like I really need to vent!! Yesterday I went into the art gallery to pick up two of my pieces and drop off a new one for the new exhibit which starts tomorrow night. Needless to say, I noticed one of my miniature watercolor paintings was gone from the display case. A case by the way, which has the key in the lock at all times because its broken. My first thought was that it sold. But only to discover after checking in with the treasurer that there were no sales receipts shown.
Someone has liked my painting and decided to give themselves a five finger discount!! I'm peeved. Who wouldn't be. Our membership has grown to over 70 members and only Lord knows who is staffing!! And half these people I even don't know yet.
Granted, it may have been only a small $15 painting. But there's a principal here, and that is someone took something that didn't belong to them. And $15 is $15.
I know I probably will never get my painting back. I'm feeling confused, and anger and at the moment I like to kick someone in the butt!!
Okay, my rant is over with!

Is It Really Possible??

2009-02-01T17:21:00.000-08:00

Yep, its true!! Im here for a second day in a row! Amazing, huh? Well, let's see. What the heck have I been up to in the last twenty four hours, hmmmm.......
I got up this morning at around 0530 hours, with a aching head. My sinus' ache like crazy. Everyone told me if you never had allergies before, you will once you move to East Tennessee. And guess what? I've got them. They were right!! I took some Sudafed and sometimes that helps. But fortunatly for me I got myself a wonderful husband. And so this morning when I got up at 9:30 am, my head didn't feel like it was quite full of gray fluff. As Winnie the Pooh would state it. Hubby made me a nice cup of tea, and that made me feel better.
I gave baby girl her meds, and fed her breakfast. And by the time I was done with that, hubby made me yet another cup of tea and toasted me up some onion bagels. I then retired to the sofa, still in my comfy pj's and fell a sleep for awhile. Then woke up around 1300 hours and had some lunch. Leftover salad from last's night dinner of italin saugages. I forgot to add my croutons. But I guess that's a little late in the game now.
After that we rearranged baby girl's bedroom so that there was a little more room to move her wheelchair around in. And then looked through the albums for photos to put into her photo display she got for Christmas. Im thinking of doing up some carousel horses just for her room, since she has that carousel theme going on in there.
After that I took another nap on the sofa and woke up around 1500 hours to watch some TAPS. Gosh I love watching that show! Then started dinner, chipolte chicken, seasoned mashed potatoes with sour cream, cheese and chives, and corn. Which we finished off not too long ago with a dessert of homemade miniature eclairs.
Hopefully tomorrow can be a productive day for me!

Obviously..................

2009-01-31T14:48:00.000-08:00

I have posted much. Im sure you've noticed that. My apologies for that. Im a busy woman you know.
Anyway, since life for me is hectic with caring for my special needs daughter, painting, and sewing doll clothes, not to mention housework. Sometimes blogging has to take a back seat.

So, without delay let me get right to the point. Me posting something before I actually forget myself that I actually have a blog.

I've gone back to trying to paint miniatures again. In fact, I currently have a few pieces in the works to which I'll upload when Im finished. I PROMISE!! Im trying to do some watercolors in different subject matter besides horses. Just to show you ya'll that I am capable of painting something besides horses, or dogs, or wildlife.

I've also have been experimenting with paper mache. I have this fettish with paper mache I think and so desire to keep trying to sculpt something out of it. Currently Im trying to do something on a line of making my own dolls. Since I also sew doll clothes I thought it would be kind of cool to tie both loves of art and sewing together in that way. I've got to resculpt a doll's head out of clay or polymer clay and then mold it off from there. Then when the mold is complete use liquid paper mache and pour it into the mold. I've tried actually sculpting a doll's head directly from paper mache, and although she came out fairly well. She's not perfect. And perfection is the name of the game with me. So, I guess its going to be another try until I get the feel of it.

What do you mean "what do you mean?".....

2008-12-30T14:42:00.001-08:00

So I was thinking, and no it didn't hurt, how long its been since I posted. I know, I know......I must have said this a thousand and one times. But hey, Im a woman on the go, with too many irons in the fire. What? Oh yes, too many fires in the iron....err I mean irons in the fire. Let's see, Im a stay at home mother of a wonderfully beautiful handicapped daughter. She's on school break right now as well as her father. So both of them keep me quite occupied. I am also on the Executive Board of Fine Arts Blount, and since we've moved into a new gallery space things have been hopping there. We've grown by leaps and bounds you know!! And besides trying to build my paintings portfolio to an extensive size, I've started up another business. What do you mean?? As if I didn't have enough going on changing diapers, laundry (when hubby isn't doing it), creating my next masterpiece I've gone and started a new business. What do you mean, "what do you mean?" I mean..........I'm just a busy woman!! Okay, I'll admit it, Im not for one who will sit and stare at the walls for any length of time. If I did that, I might just get the mind to start painting them! Really!! And since we've just finished doing that, I think husband would appreciate it if we left the walls alone. For awhile anyway.
So, my new business. What is it? I am sewing Civil War period clothing and clothing for American Girl dolls. Right now Im doing more of the clothing for the dolls, and having quite a jolly time of doing it. I even started another blog just for the sewing part. {{{{giggle giggle}}}} I know I can hear some laughter there. Anyway, please go and visit my website: www.aconfederatebelle.webs.com

On it I have a storefront which Im currently building up. But you can see some of the newest little creations of doll dresses and such I've sewn up. And if you want, although I highly suggest visiting my other art website to: www.freewebs.com/kathleengormanwermuth . Just so you know I haven't given up on the painting. Oh no, that would never happen!

So, now that I've posted an update, I will TRY, and I honestly mean it too, to keep ya'll updated!!

Until then,

Kat

Life Behind the Canvas......................

2008-11-14T05:33:00.000-08:00

Or should I say in front of it. I think that would be more accurate. Since being behind the canvas would mean you weren't in front of it painting on it.
Beside the technically of my wording, today I want to spend a little time and update ya'll on my forthcomings. Painting, I have not done in about a week since other duties have kept me busy. Mothering my special needs child, sewing (please check out my other blog), and duties for Art Space and Fine Arts Blount. We just recently moved into a new gallery space. With pretty much four times the gallery space. Woo hoo!
Anyway, my current piece which I plan on finishing in the next two weeks is yet another large piece titled "Calliope". You can probably tell from the title that is of carousel horses. Yes, its something beside a horse, and a unicorn. I can do horses with poles coming out of thier backs! Sorry, just a little humor.
Of course, my ever evolving brain of ideas is constantly coming forth with more ideas for work. My problem is I just can't paint quickly enough to produce them. And often, by the time I get to the next one, sometimes I have forgotten some of those other ideas. Hubby says I need to write them down and stick them in a special box. Maybe one of these days I'll actually listen to him. Yes dear!!

YIKES! ................

2008-10-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

Me bad. I finally had a chance to log on here, and discovered, that the last post entry I made was in Sept. Okay....it's now nearing the end of October. Where have I been?? Actually, I know where I have been.
Well, I have managed to finish two more paintings for our October exhibit. YEAH!! And I am now working on two more for next month's exhibit. On top of doing other things, like sewing. Yes, I'll have to post some of my Civil War clothing creations.
My latest piece Im working on, is titled "Calliope"....a large canvas piece. I will upload it at some point.

I Have Not Been Abducted by Aliens..................

2008-09-11T11:02:00.000-07:00

I have been busily in the studio painting. Yes, painting!! I recently sold two abstracts and its sent me on a whole new whirlwind of subjects. Sometimes my ideas come faster than I can paint. The poor little hamster on the wheel in my head is working overtime. LOL.....

So, I've been getting back into my Silhouette series, which I guess is considered counterpoint art. Exact definition of that I'll get back to you with.

With the nearing of another show outside the gallery, I managed to finish two new pieces for it. The third piece is a watercolor I did several years back which I am quite fond of. "The Friesan" is finally complete!! I framed it off in a plain wood frame I crafted myself and then painted with a black "enamel" paint. I say "enamel" because I bought it at Home Depot and it said it was ideal for furniture. So I just assumed it was enamel. Never assume anything.
Anyway, it still came out fairly well. My next goal, which will probably have to wait on, unless of course I sell the piece by then. Is to get old bridle parts and reins and clean them up. Then nail them to the frame of the painting. It is going to look FABalous!!
The other piece, is a small canvas piece with two butterflies settled atop some black eyed susans. The butterflies are painted like the Confederate flag, and promptly named "Confederate Butterflies."

It Was Good That I Went!

2008-08-29T18:42:00.000-07:00

Tonight was opening night for our new themed exhibit at Artspace. Abstracts is the subject. I am not normally an abstract artist, but I can get into it. And I think its going to be a new trend for me. I love painting horses no doubt about that. But I feel as though Im ready to expand and broaden my horizons. And tonight, was definitly a good start to it!!

I wasn't going to go. My dear precious baby girl has been sick the last two days with a nasty evil cold. She moaned all day. Since she is handicapped with no verbal skills, moaning was the best thing she could do. My poor sweet baby!! All morning she moaned, right through breakfast. Even as we got her onto the wheelchair lift of the van, and inside the van, she moaned. All the way up to the doctor's for a follow up visit, she moaned. She moaned through the entire visit until she was so P-O'ed, that tears came streaming down her soft peachy cheeks. "Now now baby, we'll be home soon enough! Daddy will cuddle with you and mommy will put on some VeggieTales for you." That must have been enough, because it suddenly got quiet the moment we turned onto Route 40 to head back home.
Anyway, I was thinking of not going since my baby was sick. But at this stage of the game it would have been hard to get someone else to cover for me. And hubby had everything under control, and baby girl afterall really needed some time with her daddy. So I went.

I was running late. Traffic was brutal. Football night. If you ain'ts going to watch football, you might's as well stay home cause you ain'ts gonna get anywhere else cause everyone is going to watch football!!

Before I could get through the door to the gallery another artist member came out stopping me in my small tracks. I got small feet, and wide, like a duck. But that's immaterial at the moment. She said I sold both paintings I had. My zebra abstract and my giraffe abstract. "Your so funny Sally! It ain't April Fools though!" She said no, I really sold two paintings. I seriously thought she was being funny, but soon realised that she wasn't being funny but I really sold my two paintings!!

"COME ON!! REALLY??" I exclaimed. "YES REALLY!!"" she exclaimed, "and they sold within the first five minutes of the gallery opening!" Gosh, I'm still on this cloud!

I Am the Vine......................

2008-08-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

I've been getting this twinge to get my hands into wallpaper paste. Not to wallpaper. But to paper mache some new sculpture. Lately I've been trying to expand my horizons a bit. Since Artspace has a themed exhibit each month, I take that opportunity to challenge myself into creating something beside a horse portrait. Yes, I tend to do alot of horses.
One month it was a mixed media and three dimensional exhibit, and I took it head on. I created a piece titled "I Am The Vine...." based on John 15:5. "...I am the vine ye are the branches, he that abidith in me, and I in him the same bringith forth much fruit. For without me ye can do nothing." So I envisioned this piece of a tree, entwined with a vine of green leaves around its trunk and up through the branches. Becoming part of the tree as if they were one. And then within the branches I printed in with ink pen the scripture. The background mountains in hues of purples, and a lush green pasture behind it. As well as a brook of blue azure. Much of the piece appeared to be more of an Impressionistic feel to it, but the tree trunk I ended up sculpting out of sculpey clay. I took a clay tool and carved lines into it before baking it. Then when it was done, I took watercolor paint and painted in the carved lines in black, then rubbing it off. Then painted the entire tree again in shades of burnt sienna and raw umber, letting it dry a bit and then rubbing it again lightly. It gave the tree bark a nice appeal to it. Almost realistic in a way. The trunk then was applied to the canvas with a hot glue gun.
The leaves I constructed out of two different shades of green tissue paper. Cutting them out in small leaf shapes and then applying them directly to the canvas with modge podge. Afterwards, I ended up taking more sculpey clay and sculpting small apples, oranges, pears and grapes. To which when cooled after baking, I painted respectively in thier fruit colors.Then applied them onto the leaf area of my tree with a hot glue gun. Only God could create a tree with multiple fruits on it!!
I have to say that I enjoyed working outside of my "zone." And surely feel that doing so, will not be a strange thing for me no longer!!

The Freisan...............

2008-08-26T14:31:00.000-07:00

The Freisan...........a large canvas piece measuring two feet by two and a half feet. This is a work in progress. Although the picture doesn't show it, but the background is completely black as well. Quite impressive!! I am also currently
working on the bridle as well as the mane.

So far, this year I have been able to complete eight paintings. And provide a painting for each month's themed exhibit within Artspace.

This is perhaps, one of the largest pieces I've ever painted!! I kind of like working with a large canvas. The only problem is that they don't fit onto my easel!! I guess perhaps I'll have to hint around for one of those large floor easels eventually! For now I think I'll concentrate on getting my new studio in order. Plenty of wall space to hang the large canvas pieces up to paint from. Hey,it works!!

Charlie Brown Tomatoe Plant......

2008-08-26T11:49:00.000-07:00

Today's we've been getting a good soaker of rainfall. We've been in drought for a long time, and the rain, right now is refreshing. I don't like the idea its not pool weather. But oh well, we can't have everything.
So, each summer I've tried my hand at gardening, and although gardening is not a foreign thing to me. But with the droughts each summer, and living in a hot area (South) my gardening skills have been lacking.
This year I had surgery and knew that I wouldn't be able to do a fullscale garden. Like many I see around us. But decided to mini scale it with a few containers on the front porch. Two tomatoe plants, a pepper, cucumber and sweet pototoes. Needless to say I have nothing and we are nearing the end of August. Such pitaful looking specimens of vegetable plants I must say. One tomatoe plant has given it up and the other, well it has grown in height, but not width. It's a chumly looking bare stock that sticks out of the pot a good four feet. I can count the number of leaves on it, about three, maybe four. And last week I finally noticed a little marble sized ball hanging from it. YES! Finally a tomatoe!!