Art a'La Mode - The Vision

You may have noticed the name Art a'La Mode associated with my artwork. My son Andrew came up with this name, when we started talking about how we may be able to give back, and what we'd call the business. 

I see this cute little two story cottage (it’s blue with white trim, a picket fence and a nice big wooden porch) sitting on the edge of main street in a quaint little artsy tourist town. An arbor covered with flowering vine beckons you to enter, while a wooden sign gently sways in the breeze. The words, “Art a’La Mode” tell you that waiting inside, is comfort for the soul. Yard art adorns flower beds, metal sculptures grace the manicured, front yard. A flagstone path winds through a park like setting and invites you to relax in a  gazebo and continues on to the steps of the home.  Inside, the front rooms are filled with the scent of cappacino and ice cream. A few tables and chairs sit in “the parlor” where patrons are enjoying some ice cream or coffee. The other room is filled with quirky artisan crafts and artwork. The back rooms are loaded with art supplies, work tables and easels. A kiln is in another room with shelves full of pottery ready to be fired. In the evening, a small band sets up in the gazebo. Locals and tourists alike pull up a piece of grass and relax in the night air, listening to the music being played...


This isn't just an ice cream store, or coffee shop, or even an art gallery for that matter. Sure, that's what it looks like on the outside. On the inside though, it's hope, encouragement, and a step into the future for kids with mental illness. Here, at-risk teens will be given the opportunity to work in an environment that is understanding of their unique personalities. Creativity will be encouraged, even rewarded. Family support groups will be held in the form of creative workshops, bridging the communication gap and creating unity in the family unit. Scholarship money will be raised to give a creative student an opportunity to further their education. Artwork sold here, will be consignment based, and created by people with mental illness or by those who support mental health issues. 


Yes, although this may only be a dream, to me it's a vision of a better future for many kids plagued with an illness that do not receive the support they desperately need. 


In 2007, I attempted to start a non-profit organization and called it Artrageous Minds. I'm not sure what I was thinking - a single mom, barely making enough money to make ends meet, trying to start a nonprofit. Alone? (shakes her head) Life took a couple of nasty turns and I had to let that go. But my vision has not faded. Every day I look at my son, and every day I'm reminded that there are millions of children and families out there who are suffering through this illness. I've begun to share the vision again, and I'm finding people who wish to help. We're venturing into yet another new year. Perhaps 2011 will be the year that big doors will open, making the dream a reality.


I've been spending the last few months helping to launch a new local art guild and gallery. With the help and support of the guild, we'll be able to hold some creative workshops. It's not the blue cottage with the gazebo, but it's a start. 

My Review of UART Pastel Paper

Originally submitted at Jerry's Artarama Art Supplies

UART Pastel paper is the choice of many professional pastel, colored pencil, charcoal and water color artists. Its texture is ideal for pastel drawings where consistency is demanded. UART is beige in color as well as PH Neutral and Acid Free. It is available in grades 400 and 500 for a moderate bit...

UART Pastel Paper

Great Value

By Cathy from Flint, MI on 12/5/2010

 

4out of 5

Pros: Good Variety

Cons: Great Value

Best Uses: Soft Pastels

Describe Yourself: Value Oriented

Primary use: Personal

Was this a gift?: No

The term "starving artist" is sadly true. This combo pack of UART pastel paper is great for those of us who need to make conscientious decisions in choosing our art supplies. And - I LOVE the variety pack.

"Be Still" by Cathy Weaver on 800 grit UART

Tags: Made with Product

(legalese)

Day Three

Third day - third painting. (well 4th, but I didn't like the first third painting, so it doesn't count) This is one of those paintings that just calms me. I hope it has that effect on you too. I sometimes struggle with titles for my artwork, but this one - the title comes very naturally. "Be Still" (and know that I AM)

Thanksgiving weekend

A Distant Shore

Thanksgiving weekend and pastel dust is filling the air. Yesterday was Thanksgiving. Kids in Ohio, parents in Florida - just me and my dog, my music and art. What could be better? Oh I know. It would be better if I were in Florida with my folks, or sitting around a large table with lots of family and friends. But that's ok. Smudges of pastel on my nose, and a new piece in front of me. Life is good.

Summers Gone By

It's Black Friday. There was a time when I'd be out there in the middle of all the other crazy shoppers. My kids are grown up now - the gift buying is so much easier. I have decided that this year, I would spend my time painting. So here we are. Two days, and two paintings. Oh how I wish I could do this every day!

Art Guild/Gallery/Auction

Wow - it's been quite a while since I've posted. I've been so busy lately - attending more meetings than anything else it seems. Being unable to paint for so long because of a broken arm was driving me bonkers. Now I hardly have time because of the guild stuff.


Guild stuff.  Actually it's a good thing. A great group of people have come together to form the Swartz Creek Area Art Guild. Not only are we a guild, but we have an actual gallery too. And in the gallery, we have teaching space. It's all a wonderful thing. Because it's new, it's also in flux. I'm sure like any new business, things will be changing until it all comes together and then will run smoothly. 
Saturday, December 4, the gallery is having a soft opening with a Members Show. Stop out as there will be drawings and raffles, with some great prizes. And of course there'll be refreshments. A lot of art is already up on the walls. Personally, I had two pieces ready to go, but darn if they didn't get sold.  :) So, I'm scrambling here trying to get some more done, so it can make it to the next jurying date, and in time for our opening. 


After our opening on Dec. 4 - there will be an Art Auction on December 12. All of the proceeds from that will go to the operating costs of the gallery. There is already a lot of art that has come in that will be auctioned off. So if you're reading this, I hope you'll come out and help support us. The auction will be held in the Swartz Creek Senior Center on Fortino Dr. in Swartz Creek. The doors will open at noon for viewing, with the auction beginning at 1pm. Refreshments will be served.


And finally - the teaching space. Classes are already beginning to form. Currently there is a drawing class in progress by Sharlene Howe, and I am teaching a pastel class on Tuesday evenings. In the future, classes in acrylics, charcoal, beading, and watercolor will be forming.

Please vote for me!

I entered a competition and would love if you would vote for me. Please follow the link and vote for my painting entitled, "The Guardian".







Catherine's entry on the Winsor Newton Artists' Acrylic Competition. You can vote for them here!

Nature's Abstracts

Yesterday was a gorgeous autumn day, so my son and I took advantage of it and went back to Richfield Park. We took well over 200 photographs, but the ones that impressed me most were those that were natural abstracts in nature. I'm looking forward to printing a couple of these in large format for matting and framing. Go to my website and see them all. 
cathy-weaver.artistwebsites.com

Handi-capable

I don't know why, but I seem to be about the most accident prone person I know.


I slipped and fell in my kitchen, breaking a bone in my arm. Who would think that such a little break would result in such a large cast! Of course it's my right arm - and yes, I am right-handed!
Over the last couple of weeks I have gotten quite good at typing with one hand, and my writing is 'almost' legible now! Sadly though, not so good with a paintbrush. As you can imagine, it is making this creative very irritable, having lost the ability to paint, or work on my functional art!


I am able to be out and about for short periods of time before it starts swelling and causing me grief again. On this day, my son and I went to the Michigan Renaissance Festival for a couple of hours. Still new to the cast experience at that point, I didn't check before we left to see if I could actually get my sweatshirt on over the cast. HA! Live and learn!


Yesterday, my son and I took our dog Casey to one of the local parks here in Genesee County. Richfield Park is really quite pretty, and very big, bordering both sides of the Flint River. It's a wonderful hidden gem in this horribly depressed area. We'll be heading back in the coming weeks to catch the autumn colors. 

Five more days....and this big cast will be removed, and replaced with a shorter one - and, my thumb will be released!  Woo hoo! I can't wait!!

Art in the Park

Happy customer purchasing the three-legged table at Swartz Creek Art in the Park.

This past Saturday was Swartz Creek's Art in the Park. What a beautiful day it was! This is probably one of the best little juried art fairs in this area. Of all the shows I have been in, this one is my favorite. The organizers really treat the artists well here - from their "drive up" check in, many volunteers helping set up your tent - to an endless array of home made baked treats and fresh veggies, tent sitters stopping by frequently offering water or a break - yes, this fair is definitely the best. There was a constant stream of people coming by, so I'm afraid I only got one photo all day long. But, I suppose that's a good thing! And, not only did I do well, but my son made and sold gourd birdhouses and got himself a tidy little bit of cash in his pocket as well!  All in all - a very successful day for us both! 

Landscape Pastels

I am sponsoring a page on Fine Art America for Landscape Pastels. 
Please come and see!


landscape pastels>

It's Art - Waiting to Happen

Recycled - Repurposed - New Life - Functional "Green" Art 

I know some people are embarrassed when I stop along the curb and grab some oddball thing or another as we are driving along. And dumpsters....ooooh dumpsters! I love going to construction sites, because all that junk in the dumpster you see? A lot of it is really useful stuff!  It's not junk I tell you - it's art, waiting to happen!


Not only do I keep my eyes scanning the curbs for a good find, but I also frequent the thrift stores. I look for stuff that is old and tired, but still has some life in it. Maybe not the same life it once lived, maybe it's got a new life waiting. It may be waiting to become loved once again, rather than be discarded or tossed to a landfill.


I really need a shop with some good wood tools - saws, drill presses, etc. I have so many ideas for things, that my mind is overflowing. And it kills me to pass something by, simply because I don't have the necessary tools to bring my vision to life.


For now, thought I'd show you a tired little table I picked up for a few bucks. Actually, it doesn't look all that tired anymore. It took a little elbow grease to remove it's former self, and then some creativity added to it - and what once was destined for a landfill, will soon (hopefully) be a treasured item for someone's home.


This photo shows it still in pieces - it's presently receiving multiple coats of satin polyurethane. I'll try and post another when it's done and ready for sale.

The Guitar Player

I having been working on another small work of art - and while I didn't quite think it was done - I posted it on my facebook page to get some reaction. Perhaps to see what others thought it needed. I had the picture in my cellphone, and showed it to a few people at work yesterday. Coolest thing happened. Someone said - "oh - it's done! Put your signature on it and I will buy it."  :)  Wow - way to make my day!


So here it is - the same "WIP" (blurry pic from my cellphone) that seemed to have touched someone enough to want it for their mantle.

"The Guitar Player"

4" x 6"

SOLD

104.7 The Fish Celebrate Freedom Opening Act Contest

Please listen to this video on You Tube.
If Pastor Ben could win the opening act at the Celebrate Freedom Atlanta, he will also win cash for his new church.
Pastor Ben used to be our Praise and Worship Leader at The Freedom Center, where I attend church. He left us to move to an under priveleged area of Georgia, where he started his own church.

Please - listen to this gifted man.

Want to win one of these stickers?

Here's how to do it:
Become a fan of my page on facebook. http://facebook.com/artalamode
Share my page with your friends by reposting on your facebook page, website or blog
Leave a comment on my page with a link to where you have it posted.
(Comment here too!)


The first FIVE will receive a window sticker for free (sorry - US only)


You will need to provide me with your mailing address if you're one of the first five.


These are available for purchase for $5.00 
tax, s/h included

Marketing

Testing out a new option that Fine Art America has provided for us -

I'm sponsoring this page:

angel art

Hope it works!

The Artist

I am an artist

I am a creator of ideas, swimming in a sparkling sea of imagination

A magician of sorts, turning thoughts of wonderment into pieces of originality.



Each creation showcases my own personal journey.

my worries, dreams and ambitions

Everything I love and everything I fear.



All that I was yesterday and all that I'll be tomorrow

is neatly contained in my glorious creations.



When you glance over my work, you are catching a glimpse

of my soul, for part of me is in each stroke I create.



I march to the beat of God

wildly dancing to His rhythm.



Passion runs through my veins as

emotions are fuel from my craft.



Certain paintings I keep to myself

others to my family first

Then I'll share with the world.



I am a creative beacon

shining Gods Light brightly , for all the universe

to see.



I am all these things and more

rolled into one amazingly

talented

unique

Artist.

Donald Joseph Pavlica

Leon Bruce Mitchell

Untitled

I find the most difficult part of painting is actually coming up with a title. Sometimes the finished product inspires the title instantly. Other times, like now... I'm at a loss. So for now, we will simply call this Untitled.

Happy Father's Day

Today is Father's Day. I wish I wasn't so far away from my dad. It's been increasingly more difficult for me to be so far away from my parents. It never bothered me when I was young. Now I find it very discomforting. I miss my parents. For anyone who has family nearby, I can only hope you are thankful and don't take each other for granted. It would be so great if I could pop in to see my folks every once in a while. Share a meal. Say "I love you" face to face. 
I just did a little painting full of sunshine on this spectacular day. Very similar to another I did a few weeks back. This one I call "Oh Sunny Day"


4" x 6"
Soft Pastel
$45.00 matted and framed

Sunflowers

This coming Saturday, I will be in the Flint Art Fair. I wanted to create a new piece just for this show, and while wandering around in Wet Canvas I ran across this image for inspiration. 




14 x 11 Soft Pastel
110.00

Vortex

All I can say is... wish I was there.






3.5" x 3.5"
Soft Pastel
$45.00

Mourning's Mate

Life is never dull around here. That much I can say for sure. The other day we were in that horrible state. The next day when I came home from work, the lawn and trimming was done. My son helped me all evening long digging up our front yard for some new landscaping, and helped me make a nice rock border. He was back to the great kid I know.


So - I thought "Mourning in May" needed a mate.


And here it is.


Yes, life is good.

Mourning in May

A Bipolar Moment

Last night I sat at my desk listening to my son screaming from the other room. I started praying for his healing, but in doing so the tears began to flow. Enough already - we've endured enough. I'VE endured enough! God, please give me a break. I'm tired ... just so tired. Through my tears I saw a photograph poking out from a stack of papers ... so I got my pastels out and within an hour this appeared.

Thank you Father, for giving me that break and peace I so desperately needed.

I call this Mourning in May.



Soft Pastel
4 1/2" x 10"

New Season

It's a new season - and I'm not talking about Spring. This is a new season of my life. It's been rough going for the last few years. But now - I am renewed. This is my new season.

I just moved recently and haven't painted anything for months. Today though - I felt a new energy inside me and so I dug around through a file folder I keep of beautiful pictures and pieces of art that give me inspiration. I was stopped by a painting that I had saved from another artist. It was this painting that motivated me to get out my pastels and play in the dust.

This is my interpretation of Kit Mahoney's painting. No - it's not for sale. (sorry)

I call this one "New Season"

10 x 8

Soft Pastels

Angel in Pastel

I was supposed to be cleaning. I have to dig through 11+ years of stuff that has accumulated in this house since my son and I moved in. And I need to pack it all up and get ready to move. I knew I should NOT have gone into my studio. Before I knew it, I had picked up some pastels and blurred out a landscape I started months ago - and began laying down color over color. Time totally escaped me - and two (or was it 3?) hours later, this appeared on the easel in front of me.

This is my first abstract angel in soft pastels.

Where did the time go?

As always, there seems to be a hole in time beginning the week prior to Thanksgiving up through New Years. My lapse in time actually began in October. I can't believe it's already January. So much has been going on, that I (sadly) haven't had the time to devote to this blog like I should. Back in October, my son and I traveled to Ocala, FL for their art festival. It was really fun being involved in a festival out of state, not to mention the largest I've ever been in. I haven't been totally non-productive. God put on my heart to try something new and different. I found myself splashing paint on canvas and angels have emerged. These were painted back in November and December. With the holidays, I didn't have much time to paint. But now... I need to get back after it. After all.. in only a few months it will be art festival season once again. Need to build up that inventory!