Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Marnie Maid and a lunch Date

Yesterday was full of joy for me...my boys went back to school. I know that is mean to say, but they had a long summer, or I did. I have a 7th grader, 5th, and 3rd. I can't believe how big they have gotten and so mature as well. I think it's a Texas thing though, the schools really stress independence and community.
So what did I do, I took the day off of working and deep cleaned most of my house. Awe..it feels so good to have a clean house. I even steam cleaned my carpets and touch up painted all the marks on the wall from my kids. Instead of crayon marks, we've graduated to tennis ball, green slime, and who can jump up and touch the door frame. Yeah, I wonder what's next.
Then my sweet husband, who took the day off as well, took me out to a romantic lunch. It was so nice to get away and spend time with him. Of course, him working for a major bank corporation, I usually get a bunch of great business advice on budgets and what not. But I actually enjoy it.
My husband and I are very close and I love his knowledge and what he shares with me. We also talked about how are boys have grown and how amazing each of them are...we are so proud of them. Well, I am off with a list of things to paint and ship today.
Have a great day- Marnie V.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Hawk is Taking Over




















I have filled my Etsy with more art and I'm in love with some of the new pieces. I also heart how I am getting so many new customers who are enjoying this series as well. But, besides creating art about a dog, I also have my other line which is basically my main site. I will be updating that site later this week with Rocket Dog as well and I can't wait to show you what will be coming in the next couple of weeks.
I am adding a Safari line, because so many of my stores are requesting that, and some new Rocket Dog's as well.
My list of things that need to get done during each day are actually getting somewhat accomplished, well at least my business duties. My three boys start school next week and all three start football as well. We have started school shopping but not quite done yet. Last thing on that list is the need for more football gear. And, I'm getting hounded to take them to the skateboard park for the last time before school starts," maybe this Friday" I tell them.
So today starts a huge next couple of weeks of filling orders and shipping. And in between, replying to emails from companies that want to carry my art in their store....Yeah! I even sent out a quote to Hong Kong yesterday for a new children's Art Gallery that is opening up called Milk Monster Laughs Gallery. Love that name. And I love how people all over the world are finding me. Sometimes I ask myself "Who am I?"
Well, the person that I know is off with little sleep this week due to running her own business and taking care of a household. And that's who I am.
Have a great day! Marnie V.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

DALLAS MARKET SHOW THIS WEEK

The next four days I will be here:
Dallas Market Show
August 14th-17th
in the
KIDS WORLD STUDIO
Showroom #8701-50
@
The World Trade Center
Dallas, Texas

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

My First Art Gallery


What a week! Besides staying on schedule with being an artist, I still have a huge list to accomplish this week. And it didn't help that yesterday, my good friend Carrie and I, cruised into Dallas yesterday for lunch and to add things to my showroom. The trip took away from getting more things done in the studio, but I definitely needed the time away. We had a blast. We ate lunch at this little vegetarian restaurant called " Cosmic Cafe". It was so good and the decor was so artsy. Even the outside of the little cafe was so bright and fun. I will definitely be making my way back there. And it was great catching up with a friend and just simply getting out of my studio. I feel refreshed and ready for my busy week.
So my day today is filled with painting, shipping, working on a new product(secret), and going to an event tonight. I have told you before and mentioned a cool new art gallery that has opened up in my city. It's called ART251 and the opening night is tonight. I feel so honored to have been chosen to join this fabulous studio full of other talented artists. And this is my first Gallery, besides Dallas, to be in....so exciting.
Even one of the owners, Mike, is an amazing photographer. And Kim, his wife, has a fantastic eye for art. I'm also thinking she has some hidden artistic talent that may emerge from opening this gallery. They have been working around the clock to open this gallery and are so sweet to invite us for a night of casual conversation and to view some amazing talent.
I will be showing my Rocket Dog series there and am very excited to see how well it does. Hawk the dog is definitely making himself known around the world.
Well, my day is starting with swim class for a couple of hours and then to my studio it is until tonight. I think by then the wine and cheese will be tasting even better and much needed. I also think I will be bringing Mike and Kim a bottle of their own. Have a great day!- Marnie V.

Monday, August 11, 2008

A Drive into Dallas

After swim class today I'm off to Dallas. I have a show that starts on Thursday, of this week, and I'm adding some new art to the walls. Well, just a few new new pieces. But it all has to be done before the show starts.
I'm bringing along my good friend Cari so she can finally see my showroom. Cari is pregnant with her first baby, let's just say she will be in baby heaven. My showroom in Dallas is on the 8th floor in the World Trade Center building. But it's all baby and kids on the 8th floor. It amazes me the different companies that women and men have created and brought into this fun industry. Get ready Cari....
Well, I am off. Besides taking a nice drive into Dallas, when I home it will be back to reality. I am up to my neck in orders to paint and ship.....yeah! I love that!-Marnie V.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

New Items on Etsy

Most who know me also know I have a passion for involving myself with wood. I have been making things with wood for years. And most of my advice and learning about it came from my father. Well, I did work for a furniture manufacturer for nine years.
So above are my new Mini art. They are little 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" squares that have my Rocket Dog characters on them. I am hoping to have around sixteen in the collection and hope you collect them all.

This is Hawk, he is so cute.....


And this is Mister Owl.





I am creating more so check out my Etsy site later and everyday for that matter. I'm off to teach swimming today for a couple of hours and then back to the studio it will be. I am feeling very creative today....Love that.
Marnie V.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Creating More

Being an artist is honestly something I have learned to be completely thankful for. I used to shun away comments when people would say " You are so talented...all I can draw is a stick." But, anyone can learn to draw, paint, or give some what of creativity in something they are interested in. Everyone is creative in some way.
I have really noticed how thankful my kids are that I am creative. They have turned into my PR group when it comes to telling anyone we know what I do. And I love that.
They even made a clip to put on UTube like they were on MTV Cribs. It was hilarious. They videoed themselves as if they were celebrities and then added me into. I was painting in the studio when they came in and told MTV who I was and what I did. If you have ever seen the show, they always go to the fridge and check out every ones food, yeah they did that to. I'll have to get the link from them so you all can watch it. So back to supporting Artists.

Artists need a lot of encouragement. I'm not saying that we are crying because we haven't heard the words " you are so talented" in a few weeks, but we do. Artists are constantly challenging themselves creatively and emotionally. But as hard as I work to becoming an established artist, I am enjoying every minute of it. Just wanted to share a little of my thoughts.
Now about the painting above. Ummm..red and more red. I love how red I made this painting. You can't miss it. Hawk looks so sweet in this painting along with the little lost bird. I titled it
" Where is Mama?" Love it and hope you do to.
Well, I'm off to start my day and enjoy yours...Marnie V.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Rocket Dog Saves our Planet

Hello again. It's been about a week since I've been here on the blog and I definitely miss it. Don't mean to be off of coarse, but I had some deadlines that I had to get done. Plus, my three boys are still out for the summer and just because they're older doesn't mean they don't need attention. Honestly, I got more things done when they were younger. Now we have constant kids at my house 24/7 and I'm driving all over for sports.
So enough about that part of my life, lets talk about Rocket Dog. This is one of my new pieces. I love it. I used old torn vintage children's books for the world and the word PLANET. My mom collects these books for me at estate sales every week. And the book used for this painting was actually a book about a dog.

I even cut out the word dog and placed it on the US. I love the rich bright colors from my paints against the old muted tones from the books.



This particular painting is going in a very hip Art Gallery called ART251.
They will be getting a bunch of my Rocket Dog's. Well, I'm actually taking them over today and will be hung tomorrow and ready to sell...yeah. I heart to that the owners are very excited about Rocket Dog as much as I am.
Ok so I'm off. And I'm definitely going to try and blog again tomorrow. I have so much to tell that will be going on with my art in the next couple of months. More magazine interviews and more..for just a little hint. See you later- Marnie V.