"Found a peanut, found a peanut...."

Here's an image of the latest print I've been working on. Several weeks ago a co-worker asked me to do something related to peanuts. I tried a print that consisted of one peanut by itself and with several words surrounding it, but I didn't like the way it came out. I guess that can happen :)

Anyway, I tried something a little more authentic and this co-worker seems happy with what I've come up with. After showing it to her, she mentioned that the pitch fork and basket were quite authentic. Just lucky, I guess. The most experience I have regarding peanuts is what I buy at the grocery store. I remember buying some raw nuts in the shell for the first time almost 20 years ago. We got them home and started to shell them and eat them. Blech! When it came to raw nuts, my wife and I were just as green as the bag we bought from the local farmer! After a few inquiries, we were told that we had to roast them or boil them. We went with the roasting route because we had tried boiled peanuts in the past and were QUITE put off by their slimy texture.

That's about all for now. I'm not sure what I'll be working on next. Another co-worker would like a print of her house. I'm might branch out and do something else, but I'm not sure what I'm inspired to tackle at the moment. Stay tuned.

already I've fallen behind...

Well here it is the middle of January and I've fallen behind on keeping up with my blog. I've been preoccupied doing other things besides printing. Guess that's the life of a dad/husband with full time and part time jobs. I was working on a print related to peanuts for a co-worker, but I'm not happy with what I've done. So it's back to the drawing board.... literally.

My garden has been on my mind. It's been too cold and wet to do anything in it, but I've got to start thinking about getting it ready for Spring planting season. I also want to start researching some up coming art shows that I can participate in.

Other than that, I suppose I'll just continue my winter hibernation. Speaking of hibernation, you should check out Lily the Black Bear! There's a live den-cam you can watch on the web. She's in Minnesota and she'll be having her cubs sometime this winter. Sneak a peak at www.bear.org

Gas Wars and New Years Resolutions

This is a proof of the barn that I've been working on for a coworker.

Yes, you heard me, it seems that the town of Wallace, NC is in a bit of a gas war!!! And I like it. The new Murphy oil opened up at the Walmart in town and has had really cheap gas. 2.19 as of last evening. So, everyone else is matching their price. That has been good for everyone!!!! I hope that this continues for a while! Especially, since it is January and no pay check until the end of the month. The average for our area is 2.66 as reported on the news this evening.
In other news, I have been working on a commission over the holidays in bits and pieces. I'm hoping to have it done so that I can continue with my normal printmaking production.

My printmakers on Wetcanvas.com were discussing New Years resolutions today, so I thought I'd set some for myself. These are kind of lofty so we'll see how I do.

1. I would like to do at least 5 new prints this year, I would also like to try to do more reduction prints. Already got 1 done!!!
2. I would like to do at least 2 acrylic paintings this year. Possibly have it reproduced to sell prints.
3. I would like to join the local arts council and try to sell some of my work at their gallery.
4. I would like to participate in at least 3 art/crafts shows this year.
5. I would like to enter at least one competition/show.
6. I would like to keep up with my blog and website!!! This one is hard for me.

Keep checking back!

Well that's all for now!

TIS' THE SEASON

Why is it that Christmas time always seems to be so busy. I get home from work and have no energy for anything. The past two nights I've fallen asleep on the couch. I guess the kids suck all the life out of me after a day at school?
I'm also trying to get the first half of the school yearbook done, for my full time job, before vacation. I'm almost there, the end is in sight. Then in January we can start all over again with the rest of the yearbook.
I'm also hoping that over vacation I can work on some printing. I have 2 commissioned prints that I need to work on and I also have a few ideas of my own I would like to work on as well. The only problem is I never have enough time to do everything I want to over vacation. But, I'll keep you posted!

New Opportunity!

I just wanted to let everyone know that I now have all my current artwork on display and for purchase at the Carosel Collection in Burgaw, NC. I've been mulling over the idea of putting my artwork in a store locally. Through a tip from a friend they told me about the Carosel Collection Gift Shop in Burgaw. They agreed to take my work on consignment. So you can find my work there if you can't get up with me.
Also I am working on two new prints, due inlarge part to a request from a co-worker. I'm hoping that I will be able to print them over the Christmas holiday, as I will be out of school for a few weeks. They should be very challenging to complete! That's all for now. I'll let you know how the prints are going with updates along the way.

Rain out!

Well I'm sorry to say but the Christmas parade in Rose Hill was rained out. So I didn't get to have a booth today.
But we took advantage of the extra time and went to a ceramics show at the community arts center in Wilmington NC. There were some good pieces there to look at. There were definitely some potters, that we liked and others that were OK, and then some that need more practice. We also did some Christmas shopping at the cotton exchange in downtown Wilmington while we were there. I thought there would be tons of people there shopping but it was kind of quiet. Probably because of the weather! Well, that's all for now. Waiting for the ink to dry on my new print, still- it is taking forever!!!
Special congratulations to my sister-in-law Wendy, she won the free set of Christmas cards that I gave away for joining Carve- it,Ink- it, Print- it.

Rose Hill Parade

Happy belated Thanksgiving to everyone! I just wanted to give you a quick update on the happenings here at Carve-It, Ink-It, Print-It. If the weather holds out for next weekend I will be at the Rose Hill Christmas parade next Saturday. There will be an arts and crafts area near the World's Largest Frying Pan. It is a most of the day event with the parade happening around 11:00am., the whole thing wraps up around 5:30. Hope to see you there. I will also have a new print that I have been working on for a while. I will also have my Christmas Edition and Christmas Cards.