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Busy Times

It’s been a little crazy around here lately!  I’ve been busy working on a couple of commissioned paintings, creating jewellery for the Handmade Expo, and still somehow managing to keep up with my busy day job.  This website’s been a little neglected as a result.  But with one week left of school, I’m hoping to get lots of painting done, get a chance to participate in Illustration Friday again and maybe even post once in a while.

Today the set of three paintings I’ve been working on was picked up by the lovely lady who ordered them, who I met at Soulful Spring Sounds earlier this year.  It feels great to be finished and to have a happy customer.  Here’s how they turned out:

I’m also still working on a piece for a friend, which is the biggest painting I’ve done so far.  I’m enjoying the challenge – here’s how it’s looking:

With Christmas fast approaching, I doubt I’m the only one who’s busy at the moment!  If you’re on the lookout for unique Christmas presents, don’t forget to check out The Handmade Expo on Saturday 18th December – with 120 stalls you’re sure to find something perfect!  And of course, original art makes a wonderful gift 🙂

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Another DUST swap…

I just love participating in DUST swaps!  I was very slack with my partner this month though, just like I have been with this blog and with lots of other things – I’ve been so busy lately!  I didn’t forget her though, and I hope the set of wearable art jewellery I sent her made up for the slight lateness.

My swap partner was Carol from Neca’s Nic Nacs, and she definitely looked after me!  She sent a lovely set of note cards, some Christmas ornaments, and my favourite, a gorgeous knitted hat.  I’m going to have to wait a while before I can wear it though – we’re moving into the warm, humid, summery weather here in Queensland.

Many thanks to Carol for being so patient with me!  Please check out her shop, as she has some lovely goodies there!

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Summer Salon

Last weekend I was lucky enough to be one of five artists participating in an exhibition at the Richard Randall Studio Gallery at Mt Coot-tha Botanic gardens. While I wasn’t able to sell any paintings, I met lots of lovely people and sold some of my wearable art pendants.

My art on display at the Richard Randall Studio Gallery
Wearable art pendants and watercolours

On the second day of our exhibition, we did some artist demonstrations.  It was great to be able to spend a whole day painting without distractions.  I painted outside for a while watched over by a curious bearded dragon who seemed to be posting for a painting.

Working on a commission at the Richard Randall Gallery

As always, I was very inspired by the work of the other exhibiting artists, which I think is the best thing about exhibiting as a group.

Many thanks to those who stopped by to have a look at our paintings!

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And Spring Arose…

I recently ordered from Etsy a set of vintage book pages:

According to the seller they are from 1889 and 1899, so I was very excited to receive them in beautiful condition!

I finished my first artwork featuring one of these vintage pictures today.  The title “And Spring Arose” was inspired by the following poem:

And Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark breast
rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.
~Percy Bysshe Shelley, “The Sensitive Plant”

And Spring Arose - original watercolour and collage by Kirsten Bailey
And Spring Arose

I really enjoyed working on this piece, and I look forward to seeing what I can come up with for the other pictures.

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Yesterday’s Market

I was very grateful yesterday when the overcast sky managed to hold back the rain for The Handmade Expo.

It was a quiet market for me this month, but I really enjoyed meeting the new people who came along to have a look at my little stall, and of course enjoyed seeing my regular visitors.  Many thanks to all of you who stopped by and said hello!

I won’t be at the next Handmade Expo in October, but I’ll be there in November and December – perfect timing for those wanting to grab some Christmas presents!

Me with my newest painting at The Handmade Expo

I’m now enjoying a break from my day job (school holidays!) so I intend to get lots of painting done!  I’m working on a couple of commissioned paintings, so I’ll keep you up to date with the progress of them.

P.S. I’m wearing my brand new Kellie Christie necklace in this pic – I can never resist going and spending my profits at other people’s stalls when I’m at The Handmade Expo (even on days like yesterday when the profits are non-existent)!

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Upcoming Events…

I’m excited to be involved in a few special events over the next few months.

Next weekend on Saturday 11th September, I’ll have a market stall at Soulful Spring Sounds.  I’ll be selling my handmade jewellery and original artwork – although I must admit it will be a challenge staying with my stall instead of wandering around listening to the great music and drinking wine!  I’d love to see you there – I’m sure it will be a great day.

I’m also really excited about participating in the Summer Salon art exhibition at the Richard Randall Gallery, Mt Coot-tha Botanic gardens on the 6th and 7th of November.  It’s a wonderful historic gallery with great character and charm, and I’m exhibiting with 4 talented artists whose work I really admire.

I’ll be at the gallery in person on Sunday the 7th of November, where I’ll be working on my latest painting (whatever that is at the time).  Come on down and say hello, I’d love to meet you!  As the gallery is situated in the beautiful Botanic Gardens it’s easy to make a day of it.

In the meantime, you can see me at The Handmade Expo on Saturday 18th September, Saturday 20th November and Saturday 18th December.  Unfortunately I won’t be able to make the October market, so if you can’t wait for the November market, send me an email and I can post your goodies to you!

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Is it Spring Yet?

Spring Trees - Original Watercolour Painting by Kirsten Bailey
"Spring Trees"

Because, seriously?  I’ve had enough of winter.  I’ve always been more of a warm weather girl.  I love the way everything seems to come alive in the warmer months.  The sun is up longer, people are out longer, and I get to wear nicer clothes (I get heartily sick of covering up everything in a big coat in the winter time).

So, even though it’s not *quite* spring yet, and the winter westerlies are still blowing strongly and sending the kids at school crazy (what is it with kids and wind?), I though I’d share with you some Spring Etsy favourites:

From left to right and top to bottom:

1.  Inspired by the new green leaves and fresh buds of Spring, this pretty necklace is called “Spring Talk“.  It’s one of the many beautiful jewellery designs from KuroNeko – I couldn’t resist adding several things to my favourites list!

2.  These pretty pink and green earrings from Treasured Lily Designs are called “Spring Kissed Me Bang” – the name is inspired by the following quote: “I stuck my head out the window this morning and spring kissed me bang in the face.”  I’m definitely looking forward to a big old smooch from Spring!

3.  I have a thing for little tins and boxes.  I have more of them than I have stuff to put in them, but I find them hard to resist!  These 3 Mini Tins in “Spring Field” paper from Annie Howes Keepsakes are just gorgeous!

4.  Who says stubbie coolers are just for the boys?  I would love to bring out these Preppy Pink and Green Can Koozies by Pink Gasoline at our next BBQ!

5.  This Poppies Pleated Bag by A Touch of Stardust would be the perfect accessory for that spring outfit!

6.  I’ve discovered a new favourite artist with Bit O’ Whimsey.  This gorgeous print of an original mixed media painting is called “Springtime Meadows” – be sure to click on the link because I couldn’t fit the entire picture into my little collage!  Like me, Kandy from Bit O’ Whimsey makes wearable art pendants from her work, so if you can’t afford an original or a print (or like me you are running out of wall space!), a pendant might just be the way to go.

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Another Great Day at the Handmade Expo!

Yesterday I spent my day at The Handmade Expo, and had a great time!

KL Bailey Art at the handmade expo july 2010
Me with my artwork at my Handmade Expo Stall

It’s so much fun getting to meet my customers (which I don’t get to do when they buy from Etsy).  People were lovely and I sold some pendants, rings, cards, and an original painting 🙂

Another thing I love about meeting my customers in person is that I get an idea of which designs are popular, and what people would most like to see.  For this market I started selling rings:

Some of my ring designs - I hope to have more made for the next market

At the next market I’m hoping to have some earrings made.  Of course I will still have my most popular item by far, my pendants:

Many pendant designs!

Thanks once again to all those wonderful people who came by to meet me at my stall!

I’m looking forward to the next market on Saturday 21st August 🙂

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More Owls…

I recently had a request for a painting featuring owls – I’d never painted an owl before until a bit over a week ago when I painted Satellite and Sage.  Now I could be a little addicted!

Here’s my latest creation – I’ve titled it “Midnight Meeting”:

Midnight Meeting - Original watercolor painting by Kirsten Bailey
Midnight Meeting

I’m looking forward to this Saturday’s Handmade Expo, where I will have my original art, keepsake boxes, jewellery and cards for sale, including some owl-inspired pieces.  Brand new to the market will be my wearable art rings, featuring prints of some of my most popular paintings.

I’ve still got a week to make new pendants and rings – are there any designs you’d just love to see on one of my jewellery pieces?  Let me know and I’ll make sure I have them there.

Hope to see you there – stop by and say hello!