Catch-Up Time

Been unable to update this site for a couple of months--family illness has kept me out of the studio. It's been a couple of months since I've even picked up a paintbrush, but I'm hoping things will get better soon and I can get back to some sort of routine.  The last painting I worked on was a commissioned piece, an oil portrait for a friend's brother and sister-in-law.  This painting was quite a challenge for me, as it was done strictly from photographs--several, in fact--and included 3 cats.  But I like a challenge and after much maneuvering and discussion with the client, we came up with a composition that pleased everyone.   
A couple of years ago I took a jewelry -making workshop with Carolyn Mallin of Fanciful Expressions.  Since then I have, occasionally, made a few pieces of jewelry here and there--but because I haven't been able to spend much time painting lately, I started making jewelry again--it's something I can do while I'm fixing dinner, or watching TV and it satisfies my need for "instant gratification."  I'm not giving up on painting--but with the current family situation, I really don't have the time to dedicate to the studio.  I haven't given much thought to actually selling the jewelry--right now it's just something I'm doing to keep my mind off more serious matters and it comes in handy when I need a gift!  So here are a few pics of some of the jewelry I've made--they aren't the best photos, lighting is all wrong, etc.  I really like turquoise--it's one of my favorite stones, after amethyst, of course--purple is, after all, my "signature" color.

I'd like to make some pieces using amethyst--I have made a couple of jewelry sets using inexpensive imitation amethyst beads, but I don't want to go overboard with the purple thing.  I'm also doing some wire jewelry -- nothing finished yet, but I'll post pictures of those when I can.  I may set up a shop on Etsy specifically for my jewelry--will post that info when I do. Meanwhile, belated happy New Year!