Another Syracuse University Fan!

Here’s that rocking chair I've been squawking about all over town!  When I picked it up from my friend Karen’s second grade classroom it was, shall we say, in dire need of some lovin’!  Or maybe that was the problem it had been “LOVED” to death. I’m sure it had been in her possession for quite some time, either that or her second graders are a pretty rowdy bunch (which, if you've ever experienced a second grader, you know it's a distinct possibility). So, she contacted me for an upgrade and you all know I never shy away from a good challenge.

Let me tell you something about my friend Karen, she is an avid SU (Syracuse University) fan and every year, without fail, she incorporates "March Madness" into her lesson plans.  Now, most of the time SU makes it into the highly anticipated basketball tournament (most of the time, being the key word here) but that doesn't stop Karen's loyalty. So being the die-hard fan that she is, she wanted the chair to reflect her team spirit. BUT, other than it having the universities colors (orange, blue & white) and the school mascot (Otto the orange guy), she pretty much gave me artistic range.  I absolutely LOVE when people give me artistic range. First off, that word is just sexy to me “artistic range” sounds so chic and sophisticated.  Secondly, I love when people respect my judgment, my work, enough to say, “Hey I trust you. Do your magic girlfriend!” So I did, and this is how it turned out!

I think Karen was very pleased with the end result! She wouldn't even let the kids go near it! Hahaha! We’ll see how long that lasts!  Good thing we’re such good friends-she can always call me for touch-ups!

Here are the next two pieces on the chopping block.  These I got over the summer at a garage sale; $15 for the pair! FANFREAKINGTASTIC! I live for a good bargain.  And the best part of these two pieces is that they are going to be my design choice and my color choice, free artistic range at its finest!

Happy Holidays all! Have a joyous time with your families! I know I will. Peace!

Happy Painting! Mary

Lessons From Teachers and Twits Guest Post

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3 friends since elementary school: Me, Chuck & Renee

Today’s post is just a little something different. I’m mixing it up a bit, taking you away from the painting projects and showing you a little snip-it of who I am.  Today, I am guest posting on my wonderful friend Renee Jacobson’s blog called, Lessons from Teachers and Twits.  

Renee’s is an English professor, author, mom, and grammar guru, (as a matter of fact she’s probably correcting my grammar as we speak) and her blog is filled with witty stories of life lessons and meaningful narratives that will entertain, as well as inform you.  As you’ll read, Renee and I have been friends, well…forever, and when she asked me to guest post on her blog about a “teacher experience” I was honored to do so. Of course my teacher experience had to do with my most favorite art teacher!

Carl Wenzel taught me that one great lesson you will hear me repeat often throughout this blog, “Some of your biggest artistic mistakes will turn out to be some of your best creative work.” He made me love art and want to see things from a different perspective.

So, hop on over to Lessons from Teachers and Twits and read how this remarkable teacher changed my life and influenced the artist I am today. Please, leave me a comment about your “favorite teacher” experience; I’d love to hear it! While you’re there why not leave Renee some love too, you’d be doing yourself a favor, honestly, she hasn’t been my friend for close to 3 decades because she’s boring people! LOL!

Enjoy!