OVashti Art

It's funny, I was just having a similar conversation with a mentor of mine... What am I trying to say with my art? Am I speaking clearly? Does the Art reflect the Artist? I have been creating ever since I can remember... So when people ask me Why I paint, or What inspires me, I kinda get confused and don't know what to say... How do you answer something that feels like they are asking me about why I might breathe in and out instead of out and in? The feedback I get from colle

Well... Today was the Yin to yesterday's Yang! Peace and harmony have ruled the day so far and I was able to complete yesterday's mermaid and complete as well as another!! For today's piece, I was imagining the mermaids, cold from diving deep for shellfish and kelp, might warm themselves on the rocks in the sunshine! I wanted to see if I could capture gravity's pull on the body with this mermaid... How it pulls on the folds and weight of a person... I sketched her first and f

I've heard of and even read accounts of men of old seeing mermaids, telling tales of naked women swimming away in cold water, or coming from the sea to marry a fisherman and start a family... I have also heard the modern explanation that these men were drunk, or hallucinating from a sea-sickness, or since women were not allowed on the boats & being deprived of their company, mistook seals, manatees and the like for beautiful mermaids... And, personally I have always thought t

OMG! I get practically giddy during the Holiday season!! As a family we have so many things to celebrate! John and I have our anniversary in November. His birthday & Elliott's are in November as well! And let's not forget Thanksgiving!! This year we add another event to our parade of festivities! I was accepted to participate in the Cocoa Beach Art Show!! This show will be in downtown Cocoa Beach on Thanksgiving Weekend... I am finding out that many of my local artist f

Earlier this week I painted a Hula Girl and although I have painted many Hula girls and many beaches I have never painted a Hawaiian Beach... and although I have never been to Hawaii, I thought I would try my hand at it! In my mind Hawaiian beaches are richer in color and foliage. I think this piece is a composite of pictures I've seen as well art. Vacation 17.5" x 6.5" Acrylic on Pallet Boards $95 This piece was completed on day 32 of my 30 Day challenge and was shared alo

Through this whole challenge I have intended to paint a Kraken, but the wood has not cooperated! Every time I got started sanding down a piece of wood with a kraken in mind I would get down to the grain and "see" something completely different. This time I would get my way! A song from my childhood came into play in the creative process of this piece. In the mornings this week, I have been playing music instead of turning on the TV. I found my collection of 2nd Chapter of

On June 13th I started my very first painting challenge, where I set out to paint 1 painting everyday for 30 days. Now it's 32 days later and today I finished my last 3 paintings (yes, I said today..lol)!! So many things have happened in the last 32 days in my home, our State, our Country & around the world. I have to say, even with so much grief and brokenness, having art to turn to and put in the work was really healing! To be honest I have never looked at art-making as

I looked at the calendar today and realized Today is, technically, Day 31 in my 30 Day Challenge!! I am 3 paintings short of my goal!! I have 2 pieces of wood, sanded and ready to paint, may bag of many colors standing ready, but how could I argue with a 3 year old when he looked at me with his big blue eyes and says; Mom, I meed you to sit, so I can hold you! Melt my heart Li'l Man!! I fully intend to finish 30 paintings this week, I hope you will continue to follow along

One of the very first, large paintings I did was of a Hula Girl, from behind. That was done in the days before I documented my work. Over the years I have painted several more, all smaller than the first, most from the back, some from the front, some on canvas, some inspired by Degas, a small one on pallet board last Christmas. I knew I just had to have one Hula Girl in this challenge! So between wiping noses, administering garlic and sniffy juice (saline nose spray) to m

So.. Elliott's allergies came out full force yesterday.. Poor little guy was up a lot last night, which means Momma was up a lot last night :/ ... He's burnin' off the crud today with a low fever.. Not my favorite of days! Between keeping him comfortable and Amelia occupied I have been able to paint today!! This board comes from a large shipping crate that my friend & Potter; Roger Elliott gave me after he had a new kiln delivered. So it's a little thicker than the pallet bo

Today was a busy day!I had a sweet friend come watch the kids while headed to get some things done! My first stop was to Mz. Millie's house to put a final coat of sealer on her beautiful mural! Now it's ready to face the world come rain or shine! Then I went on to pick up paperwork so that we're ready for Amelia's school registration in September (Ahhh!!! Time is going too quickly!!). I thought to myself; "why not skip a day of painting? You have a lot going on!"... But I

Today's painting took me a bit longer than it usually does! I have been wanting to do a combo piece, using 2 pallet boards, for a while now. When I got the boards in front of me though, all my plans went out the window and I drew a blank! I cleaned the kitchen, swept the floors and many other things before realizing, I just needed to commit to one idea and get started and so I did! Silver Bells, Cockle Shells & Pretty Maids Acrylic on 2 Pallet Boards 21" x (approx.) 6.5" $9

This week I revisited some of my favorite subjects, but tried to take on a different perspective or practice a skill I hadn't pushed myself in as yet... like skin tones, the perspective of near vs. far, new flowers (plumeria), etc. I really liked how this pushed me! Some pieces were spot on & others I see I need to keep working at it! What do you think? Which pieces are your favorites? Have you signed up for my newsletter yet? This is a great way to see each piece firsth

If you haven't heard or if you haven't signed up for my newsletter, you may have missed that I have accepted a challenge to paint 30 Paintings in 30 Days! I have made it through the first week! In some regards it has been easier than I thought it would be and, of course, I have been challenge in areas I didn't fully anticipate! For instance; Time management was NOT such an issue! (I know, Shocker!) ... I was prepared with pallet boards & art supplies and set up to take pic

Here in Central Florida the temps are rising, the days are longer, the tourists are arriving in droves. My kids are out back splashing in their little pool, leaving sloppy trails across the tile in search of just the right toy to help them articulate their imaginations. We have a new member to our family, a rescue pup, Lucy. She is a Coon Hound who loves her new home and family & we love her back! In the midst of all of this, I feel the need to push myself further, to expa