Lighting My Way

"Lighting My Way" D. Altaville 2009

OK so son #1 has been up at college for two weeks now and I guess I'm slowly adjusting.

He however, seems to be doing just fine, as far as I can tell from his vids and emails, most of which his sister receives.

The one that I did get, was in response to some questions I had for the ole wise boy.
Stupid Mommy, I asked what he was eating...curious about the range of fare available at the cafeteria. His reply was...I'm old enough to take care of myself! Do I really have to list what I'm eating for breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday!

(Well, no...not exactly (:)

The other two are off to a great start in school as well.

Though, since turning seven in July, the little guy seems to be getting an attitude that's too big for his pants.

(is there something in the water?)

He is by far my most persistent and stubborn child.

I decided to entertain him recently with a "photo walk" where we could take photos together, since he was dying to use the digi camera (afterall he is seven now, he explained).

The little bugger was quite an inspiration and I remembered how much I loved exploring photography.

Sooo... I have a new shop on etsy called Velocity Joy featuring my recent explorations.

Since I was laid off from my job a few weeks ago I'm hoping maybe this will bring in some spare change since we are back to struggling once again. Though I know God will see us through this, and light our way somehow. Anyhooo...

If you have a moment...take a peek....

http://www.velocityjoy.etsy.com

Big BlueJude Hugs and Blessings to all!

May Days

I seem to have been consumed by the month of May. AND that is why I have not been around blogging world much. Kids, life, and I don't know what else have had me busy. Well, actually, I'm helping the hub plan a big annulment party for an old friend of his, at the Village Underground in NYC. The hubs old band will be playing- called The Laughing Dogs. I included the invite - just for a little visual interest. The funny looking guy in the middle is actually a Joe Head - something goofy they used to use in their gigs. Don't ask.

Other than that, the days just seem to be whizzing by! How did May get here so quickly anyway? OK I will return with some raw art wip's to show. Warning: They can be a little scary! (:

Happy May Days All!

Escaping Velocity

"Lonely Man's Door" Harley Altaville c.2008

This is just one of the photographic prints available at my daughter's new etsy shop called Escaping Velocity!

In the spirit of encouraging a fellow artist...Please take a peek at her shop and IF you like her work, please take a moment to heart the shop. We're hoping it will also help to cover some of her personal expenses, as you all know things are tight here.

She is passionate about her photography, which is probably why she's so talented!

See for yourself by clicking here:

http://www.escapingvelocity.etsy.com

Her link is also to the right under BlueJude Central.

Thanks so much my wonderful creative friends! Hope everyone is off to a wonderful week!

A Bit O Background Fun

Yes, still avoiding doing any REAL art, just playing around with some backgrounds. God only knows what their fate might hold. I just love the relaxing, playfulness of doing backgrounds. The one in the center I kind of futzed and fiddled with in Adobe and now it almost looks like a painting in itself. At least to me. And lastly, we have Ursula. A left over Mixed Personna from last year, that has just been hanging around, buried under more unfinished pieces. Poor thing. Didn't even come into being, and reaching her full potential, before meeting her unfortunate destiny of being smothered and buried amongst the daily activities of life. Hmmmm...kind of like how I feel at times. Maybe that's why I like her so much. She does a look a little pale, dontcha think? Well, I guess you would too, after all she's been through.

So what does fate have in store for all of you this week? I'm still hoping for that winning lottery ticket! Happy Tuesday!

What's In A Name

"What's In A Name?" D.Altaville aka BlueJude

I did this for the Challenge - Art Ya Name at the Mojo Art Group on Yahoo.

It was a funny thing, cause I had doodled a few sketches, then after the fact, realized that I had used Darcy instead of BlueJude. Of course, that is my real name, but I suddenly felt so exposed! Just about everyone on the net, knows me as, and refers to me as BlueJude.

I guess I also felt a little unsettled because growing up, I never really felt comfortable with my name. It was just so....odd. There was never another Darcy.

And for those of you old enough to remember the TV show Romper Room, whenever she looked into her Magic Mirror, she would see all the Kathy's and Christine's, and Linda's and Lisa's, but NEVER a Darcy! Hmmm...wonder about what repercussions that might have caused to my psyche. lol But we won't even go there!

But now, finally, I'm okay with it. I am who I am....(said Popeye the Sailor Man!...sorry, couldn't help myself)

Anywhoo, if you could change you're name what would YOU choose?

Happy Monday all! Hope it's a creative, and prosperous week, full of blessings....whoever you are!

Here Comes The Sun

"Sunflower" D.Altaville c.2008

This is actually a watercolor I did years ago and kind of funked it up on adobe, as my daughter wanted a Sunflower for her room. So this is a tribute to her, as she always makes my days a bit sunnier, a bit brighter. And as you know from my last post, I definately need to be reminded of that! So cheers dears, here's to sunnier days ahead!

Oh yes, and this print is available on Art n Joy etsy (sans the watermark of course) for those of you who could use a little sunshine in your life!

http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

Doodling Ass Backwards

"Which side to you wan't to be on? Only you can decide. A wall of bricks and confusion or perhaps the side of gentle flow, and rainbows, where love can seep through, even when it rains."
"Time-Time-Time-An Abjunction On Her Mind"
Let's just make it clear that I have no idea if "Abjunction" is even a word. It just came out of my little head. I HAVE been meaning to look it up, but well, just haven't gotten to it and it obviously didn't seem that important.
It's a funny thing with these journal pages, as I kind of started them ass backwards. For those of you who have been following this oh so serious endeavor; you know that they started out as doodles. Which means that I just used a black pen, marker, whatever and doodled away. After I did about twenty-five of them, I realized I wanted to play with color. SO the backgrounds actually came last.
The other funny thing (I know your rollin off the chair now huh) is that they are SO reminiscent of stuff I did in High School. I went to Art & Design HS in Manhattan, and instead of graffitti on the bathroom walls, you would find little paintings, illustrations, or well -doodles. (Nothing to intricate mind you, as we weren't supposed to be cutting class and hanging out there in the first place!) Anyhoo, some of these became like a signature of the artist, and when sketch pads, journals, or jean jackets got passed around, you would have your own little motif? to add, and everyone knew it was YOU. Well, I used to enjoy doing these pen and ink and watercolor drawings that look much like these. There was one in particular, that I did over and over again. And it found it's way into this journal as well. But you'll just have to wait for a future post to see that one as I think I've rambled on enough.
OH and BTW, these pages are appearing in no particular order as they were done on the cheapest of sketch pads, the ones that aren't even coil bound and the pages just pull (or fall) right out. So I've just been "coloring" whatever calls to me at the time.
And if you haven't been bored enough already, there are two silly ones on the post below.
Happy Doodle Doo Monday All!

Basement Art

"The Man In My Basement" D. Altaville c.2007

I did this piece earlier this year, came across it over the weekend and decided to sell prints of it at Abstract Joy on etsy. I LOVE THIS! The reason for the title is because he ACTUALLY was created in the basement! (Now Understand I have an UNFINISHED basement, but excess art supplies are down there. SO, while I was waiting for the dryer to stop one day, I started drawing this. Then just continued intermittently, when I was down there. Adding a stroke of color here and there and well, you get the picture.

So he is available here: http://www.abstractjoy.etsy.com where I still have my SUPER SALE going on. AND there is some new relisted stuff at Art n Joy here: http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com also on SUPER SALE!

Anyhoo, I had a lovely weekend and the best part was the day I spent with my daughter yesterday. We spent some time looking at her fave photographers on the net, went out for pizza and played PacMan and generally did a lot of talking, bonding and lots and lots of laughing!

Nothing is better than laughing with your child.

And if you wanna know what I finally ended up naming the piece in the post below, well, you'll just have to use the link to Abstract Joy on etsy to find out!

OK enuf rambling. Hope everyone has a great week filled with lots and lots of laughter. I feel truly blessed.

Name That Piece

I am having a SUPER SALE at both my etsy shops all weekend long, including Monday.

All prints have been marked down, so take a peek while you're doing your holiday shopping!

The above piece is momentarily titled, "Stck Lady & Her Nest" though I'm not terribly fond of the name. Any other suggestions?

Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday weekend! I am so thankful for all my blogging buddies!

It's A Scary Life!

This is the little guy trying to look scary and maenacing. A tough job with such an angelic face, dontcha think? lol

Me thinks he should put the mask back on!

My daughter chose to be one of the Seven Deadly Sins. The Sin of Wrath. And yes, being a teenager, I have certainly experienced her wrath first hand! However, I think her only sin is that this child is another one too beautiful to look very menacing. Tho I think her outfit is uber-cool! Fun was had by all. Oh and if you're wondering where my 16 year old son is- well, he begged off from the festivities as he was busy with major schoolwork. That guy is definately gonna take care of his mama in her old age! I want to thank you all for the well-wishes on the post below. I'm still chugging along, and keeping the faith that God will see us through this storm. AND I have been trying to do SOME creating. Will show and tell soon. Happy Week All!

Cover Girl

"LISTEN" D.Altaville c.2006

I'm a cover girl! This piece made the cover of the Summer Issue of ARTitude!

And I have to say the issue is simply faboo. Lot's of good stuff and eye candy.

My daddy use to say that people who talk the most, usually have the least to say.

And I sometimes feel that people do talk to much, when they really need to listen more. (Myself included!) Listening is so important. It's learning, it's caring, it's inspiring.

And of course you can have your very own print of "LISTEN" by going to Abstract Joy on etsy here:

http://www.abstractjoy.etsy.com

Happy Day All! And remember to listen to those around you, show them that you care. Listen to the sounds of music and nature and be inspired. Listen.

Spread The Love

"Spread The Love" D. Altaville c.2007

Yes, even during the toughest of times, I believe that's when it's most important to Spread The Love. So I'm trying to stick by that motto at the moment, even though part of me wants to hide from the world, under the covers, and stay there till the bad stuff passes.

But what good would that do to my kids-who have the biggest hearts I've ever know and my dear ole hub. SO I'm trying to stay grateful and loving, for there really is a lot to be thankful for and a lot to love about this life.

And I did Spread SOME Love the other day, by giving out the Rockin Blogger Girl Award below. (So what are ya waiting for ladies...come on by!)

And of course, this print is available at Abstract Joy on etsy here:

http://www.abstractjoy.etsy.com

So Spread The Love, and Buy Some Art! Preferably mine! muhwahha

Have a Happy and Loving Weekend All!

I've Been Awarded!

I was given this Rockin Girl Blog Award by Bad Kitty (Thank You Very Much) and now I must pass it along to five other people. SO here are some of my ROckin Blogger Girlfriends!

Katie Kendrick, Garden Painter Art, Turquoise Cro Thyme, Self Taught Artist, Windy Angels

Now you all must pass this along to five other people! Have Fun!

Of course I think all the people on my blog links rock, but there's my picks for now!

Happy Tuesday!

Pathways

"Pathways To A Whole" D.Altaville c.2007

Just BlueJude getting into some abstraction.

This of course is available at Art n Joy on etsy, where you can also see some of my other abstracts! http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

Hope everyone is on a good path as we head toward the Fall season!

Penelope Pumpkin

"Penelope The Pumpkin Princess"

A Recycled Art Doll by D. Altaville c.2007

Okay you may think it's a bit early for pumpkins, but this was done for a yahoo group challange.

AND I had tons of fun creating Penelope! Click on her to see a better view of her cute little head.

Anyhoo, the kiddies are going back to school in another week....and so before you know it, pumpkin time will be here after all. HA!

Hope everyone is enjoying summer's end.

Summer Breaks

The above painting seems to hold our motto for the rest of the summer break since the little guy has broken his arm! As you can see it has not stopped him one bit from being his little goofy self!

"Handle Me With Care" by D. Altaville c.2007 will be available at Art n Joy on etsy here:

http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

Happy Monday All!

Fool's Gold

HALLO ALL! I received my copy of "Fool's Gold; Making Something From Nothing and Freeing Your Creative Process" by Susan G Woodridge.YOU MUST GET THIS BOOK! I mean like now! I am only about 50 pages into it but I know so many of you will LOVE this book. It's the type of book that you don't want to put down, yet you want to savor every word, and don't want it to end. AND then you'll wanna read it again. She also wrote a book called Poem Crazy years ago which is also good. But Fool's Gold is a MUST HAVE! Ok so off you go now to your nearest bookstore or book site and get yourself a copy!

It even inspired me enough to get out of my slump and start painting again last night!

Check out MY INTERVIEW!!!

Cool beans I tell ya! Go to this link and check out my interview about being an etsy seller.
http://www.etsians.blogspot.com/
AND
Please take a moment to visit someone very special. She is a young, creative and very talented. I, for one, think she shows great promise with a camera in hand. AND she has a new blog in need of visitors! SO PLEASE .....Take a peek for your self!
Just click on the Lavender Funk link to the right. Thanks and Happy Friday!

American Idols....

"American Idols of My Hood" by D.Altaville c.2007

Though I'm not a huge fan of this show, I have been known to tune in on occasion.

However, this piece is more of a tribute to all the wonderful friends in my life,

and that includes my blogging friends!

They are MY American Idols and I am blessed to have them in my life!

And of course I have to say that this piece is available at Art n Joy on etsy.

http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

Thanks all for being there and Happy Tuesday.

SPREAD THE JOY!

Take Advantage Of The SALE At ART n JOY Today! New Pieces Up! TAKE A LOOK!

http://www.artnjoy.etsy.com

Art To Make You Smile!

Okay enuf said! I'm off to clean house. YOU! Go shop and have fun! lol Happy Saturday All!