Free, to a Good Home

It's giveaway time!  Happy Friday, everyone!

I'm giving away this original gouache and ink painting to one of my dear readers as a lead-up to opening my new etsy shop on July 31.  It is 5x7 on pastel paper - ready to be matted and framed and hung in your favorite corner.

This is a different view of our friend, the bluebird.  I was so distressed to hear, yesterday, that some of you haven't seen a bluebird, I figured it must be the right thing to give away.

So here's all YOU have to do!

Leave me a comment, in this post, any time between today (July 17, 2009) and Sunday, July 19, 2009, at midnight and I'll enter your name into the drawing one time.  Easy!

But wait...there's more!  Write a little something about my giveaway on your own blog or Twitter feed, link back to this post, and email me to tell me about it at diahnott at gmail dot com...one more chance to win! 

I'll stir all the entries up in a random number generator and have it spout out a winner on Monday morning!

Don't forget to make sure that your name is included in your post!  I had one anonymous entry with no contact or name last week, and so I couldn't add that one to the drawing. 

Have a great weekend, everyone - and good luck!

Mr. Bluebird's on My Shoulder

I'm the kind of girl that gets really excited when I see a bluebird. Is that normal? Ever since I was a kid, I'd spy one sitting on the fence in the backyard and just get overwhelmed with the thrill of watching those cerulean-wrapped fluff-balls preen.

I guess I was an overly excited kid, because bluebirds are quite common where I live and have lived most of my life.

There's something about them, though. They are common, but they stand out in a crowd of sparrows, now don't they? They don't have to work overly hard or bully less fortunate birds for us to notice them. They just fly around, being themselves - being BLUE - and we love them for it. We love them so much, we build them houses and help them raise their young. We cry when a corn snake finds its way into their house and eats their eggs. (Actually, if you're my mom, you cry and then kill the heck out of that bad, bad corn snake. Bad snake. What can I say - she's Irish.)

Anyway...

This is another of the bird sketches out of my Paperchase recycled kraft paper sketchbook. I actually removed this one from the sketchbook and experimented a little with mounting it on a piece of all media board, using acrylic gel. It actually worked pretty well - flattened out all the buckling in the paper, and even though I've got another one on more refined paper in the works, I'm considering putting this one in the etsy shop when I open. I love other people's sketchbooks, and think they look really cool framed with the unfinished edges showing, so maybe other people do, too!

I'd love to hear your opinion on that...

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Bird on a Wire

This is another sketch out of the Paperchase book. I was still experimenting here, with different inks and colors for the background, as well as for the drawing itself. I really like the layout of this one, but I'm not happy with the darker inks in the background design - I like the watermark look much better. I also am not very happy with using the sepia pen for the bird - I think I like the way the black ink plays against the strong colors of the gouache.

For sure, this birdie will be making an appearance in a finished piece - I like his saucy little attitude, balanced precariously on his wire, and his feet are fabulous...

edit: I picked up the Paperchase sketchbook at my local Border's bookstore for cheap. It's made of recycled kraft paper, wirebound, about 5 1/2 x 8 1/2. It looks similar to one of these, but it isn't exactly the same. I can't find it on the Border's website, and you can only order Paperchase online if you live in the UK.

Anyhow - the paper is plain brown, then I stamp it kind of randomly with an assortment of stamps...I like the look of the "watermark" ink best - it's basically clear ink that dries just a shade darker than whatever paper color you're working on.

A Progression, of Sorts

I've been toying with this idea of bird portraits for a while. I guess it started with this one back in February.

That bird led to this one, and then this one, and of course, this, this, and this. And that's not even counting all the paper collage ones. I tell you what. Just go here and have a look...it's really ridiculous - the birds.

Linda pointed out to me that I was drawing an awful lot of birds and there were some birds and maybe I was on to something like, say, birds. So - we're officially calling it the year of the bird, at least for me.

I drew this tree swallow in my little Paperchase recycled paper sketchbook and was taken with how the gouache looked against the tinted paper...

But, I still thought it lacked something, so I tried it on some cool paper that Linda gave me...

And I pretty much hated how THAT paper handled the gouache. A lot. Big hate. But I kind of liked the background. So I went back to the brown paper and added in some watermark stamps (again...from Linda...did I mention I love Linda?) and suddenly, I started liking it...

At least a little more. I love how the white gouache pops against the brown paper. It makes me very happy.

The only drawback is that the paper is kind of thin, and tends to buckle when I apply the paint (see the top of that last picture, there?) So I've been experimenting with other papers. Right now, this is working really well...

Seems strange to find a paper specifically designed for dry media and use it for wet, but hey...we're thinking outside the box, people...

And the Winner is...

Owen!

Owen - send me your snail mail and I get this posted ASAP! Congratulations!

Everyone else - I'll post a new painting on Friday for another chance to win! Be sure to come back and comment...and don't forget to bookmark my etsy shop - opening July 31!

A Bit Delayed

I'm doing this...



So the contest will have to wait a bit. I'll continue to accept entries until I get back to Arlington this evening, so jump down 2 posts and comment if you haven't already!

-- Post From My iPhone

Shadow Shot Shell

For more great shadow shots, visit Hey Harriet! and click on the links!

Also - there are still a couple of hours left to enter to win my seagull painting - click here for more information!

It's Friday!

Good Friday morning, Peeps!  I'm so excited that you've come back to see me after all my teasers.  Thanks so much - you really are the best!

Here's the thing - I'm opening my Etsy shop on July 31 - a place to sell small original gouache paintings on paper, at least for now!  To gear up and spread the word, I've decided to give away one painting per week between now and then.  This week, I'm giving away the seagull painting above.  It is 5x7, gouache and ink , and is painted on pastel paper.  I painted it using a reference photo I took last week in Hatteras, NC.

So here's all YOU have to do!

Leave me a comment, in this post, any time between today (July 10, 2009) and Sunday, July 12,2009, at midnight and I'll enter your name into the drawing one time.  Easy!

But wait...there's more!  Write a little something about my giveaway on your own blog, facebook or Twitter, link back to this post, and email me to tell me about it...one more chance to win! 

I'll throw all the names into my favorite beach hat and have one of the bugs draw for the winner on Monday.  I'll publish the winner Monday afternoon and send this little birdie on its way!

Have a fabulous weekend, my friends - I want you ALL to win...

Still playing...

...With my apps. Last one of the day. Check back tomorrow for the news and a giveaway! My drawing here was done using TypeDrawing - which Linda told me about awhile back. Too much fun!

I dedicate it to you all...





-- Post From My iPhone

Sweeties

I made the switch. I'm an iPhone newbie, and I just had to try out the ability to post from my phone.

So. There you go.


-- Post From My iPhone

Taking Off

I mentioned, back before we went to the beach, that I was up to some new creative output, and it's true...I am! I'm not quite ready to reveal it, but I didn't want you all to think I was just a tease and making stuff up. I'm just refining my process and my direction.

I will tease a little bit and let you know that it will involve a giveaway or three, but you'll have to participate in order for it to happen, and that it all leads up to something happening in August. I'll be posting something about it on Friday, so check back here!

How's that for specifics?

BAM!

Oh, my people.

The only problem with going to the beach for a week is leaving. The weather was perfect all week long, the water was as clear as the Caribbean, the waves were strong but not too strong. Simply perfect.

And we capped the whole week off by watching the fireworks at the south end of Hatteras Island, sitting on the beach until the last one fizzled. Glorious.

***

We're back in Arlington, after an extended EXTENDED trip. Let me re-cap.

On May 17, the boys and I headed south to Knoxville. Since then, I:

• slept in 6 houses and one hotel room
• set foot in 7 states
• drove 3500 miles and had 2 oil changes
• spent 3 weeks away from Dr. SmartyPants
• visited my in-laws, my friends, and my parents
• swam in pools, waded in streams, and almost lost my swimsuit whilst boogie boarding
• got blonder (thank the lord)
• visited 2 tattoo shops, but didn't get tattooed
• ate far too much food
• threw up for an entire day
• took thousands (really...I'll count later) of pictures

It's been a whirlwind, and I'm tired, but feeling so incredibly blessed to have such a fantastic husband and family and opportunity to travel and see the country. We're staying put for a day or two - to catch our breath and do some laundry and go to the park and hang out. Then we'll be back on the road for a couple of days over the weekend.

If I just had a band and a bus and thousands of screaming fans, I'd be a rock star...

Oscar Casts a Shadow

One of those photos that makes you want to run out and adopt a pound puppy.

Oscar is one of those dogs that makes you want to run out and adopt a pound puppy. That's what we did and 9 years ago today he came home to live with us.

He loves the beach - loves being off his leash and running in and out of the water - loves trying (and failing) to entice Chico to join him in the water. Chico loves the beach, too. He just doesn't love the water on the beach. And his shadow is much smaller...

For more wonderful shadow shots, visit Hey Harriet! and click on the links! (and I know it technically isn't Sunday, but I'll be on the road all day tomorrow and it's already Sunday in Australia...)

Flag Day

Flag Day, originally uploaded by diahn.

Happy Independence Day, all you Americans!

We're enjoying our last day on the beach, and planning to stay until they finish off the fireworks.

Back to reality tomorrow...

We Did It!

 

This is the view from the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse! 

257 Steps.

12 stories tall.

1 gung-ho kid.

1 scared to death kid.

2 mildly acrophobic parents.

4 completely awe-struck people who were completely proud of ourselves (and especially proud of Doodlebug).  Now we just need to find us some "I survived the climb" t-shirts," and our trip will be complete!

Beach Art

I've not lifted a pencil or shuffled a piece of paper since we've been here.  I always think I will, but I never seem to manage it.  I did, however, find a little time in my sun-basking day to do a little sculpting, with the help of Junebug and Dr. SmartyPants.

We're having a fantastic time.  The weather has been fabulous, the water temperature has been perfection, the children have been angels, and all is right with the world. 

Can't complain about that.

Wipe Out

I'm pretty sure, having viewed this after the fact, that Dr. SmartyPants is trying to get rid of me. Be sure to listen, and I think you'll agree with me.

Wipe Out! from Diahn Ott on Vimeo.

Happy Accident

Don't you love it when you do something completely wrong and it all comes out really cool? I had the white balance on my camera set to take photos of artwork in my studio under fluorescent and natural light, and forgot to change it before I took this picture of Bodie Island Lighthouse on a partly sunny day outside. Oops.

Strangely enough, I like it better than the one I took with the balance set correctly...

which seems dull and ordinary by comparison.

***

So, we made it to the beach today, and we're so excited to be here. We've not been to this beach in about 4 years, and it is our favorite beach evah. We settling into our house for the week and making big plans for climbing the Cape Hatteras Light and learning how to skim board.

Okay. I'm looking forward to laying on the beach and watching the boys bust their tails learning how to skim board and I'm not so fond of heights, but I really want to see the view from the top of the Cape Light, so while I'm planning to go, I can't really say I'm eager.

But I'll go. With extra batteries for the camera.

Because I'm not climbing it twice...

Scorcher

The temperatures are soaring here - though not so high as the middle of the country. Nonetheless...there is only one reasonable response.

We'll be spending the afternoon at the pool...

Summer's Here

What is it about summer that makes me feel the need to nap?  The lack of a strict schedule?  The soaring temperatures?  The soaring humidity?  The afternoon thunderstorms?

Yes.  All of the above, I believe.

I'm still in recovery mode - trying to do all the things that I wanted to get done last week while the boys were at camp and I was supposed to have been free...but got sick instead.  I'm making lists and trying to remember all the things that I really wish I could remember to take with me whenever I go to the beach.  I never remember them until I'm there, and every year I say I'm going to keep a list while I'm at the beach of all the things I wish I had brought along so I could have them the next time.

But I never do.

Because I'm organized like that.

We're leaving Saturday, so I have plenty of time to get everything done, but I'll be running to the store at the last minute, searching for an elusive item, I'm sure.  And poor Dr. SmartyPants will be trying his hardest to squeeze it all into the back of the Explorer, silently cursing his poor luck at having married such a crazy woman.  Thankfully, while I may not be organized, I married a fantastically-able SUV-packer.  He never fails to get it all in, somehow, occasionally even leaving room to see out through the rear-view mirror.

I've got another project in the works this week, prodded on by my dear friend and creativity advisor, Linda.  She's pushing me a bit, and I'm thankful, because I've already made more progress in the last few days than I have in months.  I'll blog more about it toward the end of the week, I think - I'm slightly hampered by a lack of a scanner and a complete inability to photograph art on paper that doesn't want to cooperate.  All that is to say that I am being creative and doing something new and I've got big plans for it!  Woo hoo!

Now - I'm off for a bit of hair color...and then I'm pretty sure my world will finally be set to rights.

Peace...

Summer Shadows

The first day of summer deserves a summery shadow shot, don't you think?  I just love all this blue...blue swim goggles, blue beach blanket, blue shadow. 

Perfectly summery.

And in other news...Happy Father's Day to all you fabulous Daddies out there - but most especially to the ones in my life...Dad, Pop, and Dr. SmartyPants...y'all are the best!

 

For more shadowy goodness, visit Hey Harriet and click on the links!

Monkey Chatter

My house is filled with all the right noises, after a week of near silence.

The boys are through with camp.

The Smarty is here with us.

Three combined voices making car noises and airplane noises and gun noises.

Peaceful noises, to a mama.  Noises that keep me sure that all is right with the world.

I Have an Idea!

I'll pick up Linda, and we'll go draw stuff.

Yeah.

That rocks.

Back later, peeps.

Dear Internets

We did go to the pool after my last post, and enjoyed it tremendously. 

The next day we went to the lake and had a ball.

On Monday morning, about 3 am, I woke up, immediately wished I were dead, then spent next 12 hours curled up in a ball beside a rather cold, white, porcelain fixture only a short running distance from my bed.

Doodlebug and Junebug saved me by being absolutely awesome kids and fixing their own breakfast and getting ready to go to day camp all by themselves.

Cathi saved me by picking up my boys and taking them not only to camp, but home with her after camp so they could spend the night with a responsible parental type person.

Kristi saved me by picking up a prescription for anti-nausea meds and Gatorade.

Pop saved me by being a fabulous doctor and father-in-law.

Dr. SmartyPants was 500 miles away, and so miserable because he couldn't do a lot of saving, poor man.  He did reschedule my orthodontic appointment and send me much love via BlackBerry Messenger.

I had to cancel my hair appointment.  Which was almost worse than all the retching.

Yesterday, I recuperated.

Today?

Still mourning the loss of hair color.

C-Ya!

 

We're off to the pool today. Have a glorious and sunny day, wherever you are!

 

Rising From the Ashes

This is my parents' new deck - the one with the hot tub on it.

This was once the location of my dad's shop.  He's a (spectacularly talented) gunsmith.

Last year, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, his shop burned to the ground, along with all the guns he was working on, and all the tools he's been collecting over the last 50 years.  Everything but the floor.  Gone in a couple of hours.

It was tragic.  The history that was lost is enough to make a grown man cry, and it did.  His tools.  His father's tools.  Irreplaceable, all of it.  He was devastated.

Until one day, he got this idea.  Why not build a deck on top of the remains.  The floor was still solid, and usable, and hey - let's add a gazebo and by the way I found a hot tub on e-bay and why not add a vegetable garden, too.

And so was born the "Phoenix Deck."  rising from the ashes of tragedy - already making new history.  We christened it last weekend with a fish fry hosted and prepared by my 90 year old grandfather.  We gathered family and food and celebrated life again. 

We celebrated my grandmother's upcoming 89th birthday and my grandfather's upcoming 91st. 

We laughed and hugged and made Frank sit at the kids' table.

It's enough to make a grown man cry. (with happiness)

(good job, Daddy.)

I Remember...

Driving all day, thinking I just couldn't wait a moment longer for us to get there so we could play together again. Sitting outside, on my grandparents' front porch, watching the lightning bugs start blinking, wondering if they would ever drive up the long driveway. Staying up far past my bedtime, bare-footed and mud-covered, wandering around in the dark with dim flashlights. Playing "Land of the Lost" on the back 40 of my grandfather's garden. Bringing home snakes and having my grandmother scream when she saw them. Getting lost roaming the woods, but finding our way home again.

What fun it is to watch it happening all over again.

The Answer, My Friend

I live in a suburban neighborhood where things like this are not allowed.  Can you imagine? 

I'm going to get one anyway, and when the police come to arrest me for drying my laundry in the most wonderful way, maybe one of you can bail me out.

Then...I'll come home and hang out my towels and thumb my nose at the man.

'cause I'm a rebel, like that.

Crafting a Zen-like Blog

I've been off in a secret, remote, peaceful hideaway, recharging my batteries and working on my tan.

translation:  I've been at my parents' house in the rolling hills of west-central Alabama.  My mama brought me coffee in her new hot tub while my children were still asleep.  I love my mama.  I love you, too, Daddy.

I should be back tomorrow with more scintillating blog posts about my fabulously exciting travels of late.

translation:  I may be back tomorrow with really boring things about my completely non-boring life.  Like a description of all the convenience store bathrooms I've seen over the last couple of weeks.

Same as usual.

translation:  Same as usual.

A Light Post

One of these days, I'm going to draw again.  

I'm going to paint again.  

I'm going to have a brilliant idea that actually plays out again.  

I'm going to develop an amazing series that no one else has already done better, bigger and bolder again.

Today is not that day.

Keep That Heart Rate Up, Mama

They say children keep you young, and I believe that is true.  It's not because they help you to remember to play more, or stop and sit and examine the ants that walk by on the sidewalk, or because they're just so darn cute.

It's because of the blood.  And the screaming.  And the jumping into pools that are too deep for them despite the fact that they don't technically know how to actually swim.  And the hopping up onto the concrete railings of bridges over a 30 foot drop. 

And that's just the youngest one.

THIS week.

Lord, what an adrenaline rush does for a 40 year old.  I'm feeling spry, now.  I'm thinking of signing up for a triathlon. 

At least then I could take a little breather.

Sheesh.

Holding Up the Sky

Poladroid of a photo of a sculpture of the River Goddess at The Louisiana Boardwalk. 

That's four prepositional phrases, people. 

You can count 'em.

It's JUNE!

It's time for the Kudzu...

and the honeysuckle...

and the freckles...

and the swimming...

[deep sigh of contentment.]

I love June.