Artarazzi Challenge #33 - Background

"Butterfly Geisha's"

What a lovely background for the 33rd Challenge! It worked out so well for an Asian theme, don't you think? I really had fun creating this one. You can view more challenge images at:

http://www.artarazzi.blogspot.com

So Artful Challenge - Owl

"This Old Barn Owl"
"This Old Barn Owl" Elements Page
I fought the heat off today with the help of a fan so I could create this old barn owl image.
Sorry I've been so absent to challenges, June, but this heat wave isn't compatible with my computer...nor with me! I hope this makes up for it slightly.
You can see more owl creations at: http://www.artfreebies.blogspot.com/

Artarazzi Challenge #32 - Sake

"Asian Delight"

My entry for the Artarazzi Challenge #32

I didn't think I would have the time to create an entry but it honestly just fell into place today.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did creating it. It was very relaxing...which is just what I needed! My "Thanks" goes to Susan for the quite unique background (stacked Sake packages) and Dover Publications for a secondary village background and floral screen border. You can see more challenge creations at http://artarazzi.blogspot.com/

Hope you all have a marvelous weekend!

Challenge Image for We_Love_Digital_Art

"In the Sea Bubble"

The last two days have been pretty hot so I won't be working on my blog or images until it cools down again. I wanted to at least get this current image uploaded before I gave up from the heat. I thought a water image might help to cool me down but alas - it didn't.
I hope you all are having a fantastic weekend! Hugs to everyone!

Dragonfly Gypsy

Two images combine into one for the last two So Artful Saturday challenges. You can see what others created with the last two challenges at: http://artfreebies.blogspot.com/

Once you go to the link, just click on the image in the top right corner.

This one is for you, Heather! Never stop dreaming big!

July Mind Wide Open Challenge - Contentment

Here is my entry for the Mind Wide Open challenge for July. I really needed the art therapy and this was an intuitive piece. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did creating it. What a restful afternoon it was! You can see more entries at: http://www.mind-wideopen.blogspot.com/
And here is my element page of what I used to create this entry. : )
Happy 4th of July!

Current So Artful Challenge - Background

Here is the latest and most current challenge image for the So Artful Challenge. I'm also showing you the elements page so you can actually see just a few of the layers I used in creating this new image. And of course, if you would like to take a look at more challenge images, you just go to:

http://artfreebies.blogspot.com/
Hope you all have a terrific weekend! : )

So Artful Challenge - Zodiac

I know I'm really late entering this one but I finally finished it! And again...I think it is better late then never! Hope you enjoy the two entries as much as I enjoyed creating them! You can see more entries at: http://artfreebies.blogspot.com/

So Artful Challenge

I suppose it's better late then never! Here's my entry into the So Artful Challenge - A rendition of an Aries postage stamp. I really wish I had more time to devote to challenges but lately I'm lucky to get this far with one. You can see more astrology/horoscope images at:

http://artfreebies.blogspot.com/

Thanks for looking!

How to get through hot days...

Uffda! It is so rare to have a heat wave this early but that is what happened here this past week. It was so hot that I couldn't even work at my computer! The computer even hated the heat and tried to continuely cool itself off with the fan running constantly. "She" only cooperated fully when I had my fan on her as well! Ha! I say "She" because of over-heating! It appeared she was having hot flashes! LOL
So what do you do to survive a heat wave? Of course at the top of the list...Drink lots of fluids. Keep curtains closed where it's sunny and open curtains/windows in the shaded areas. Turn the fans on high. Do as little as possible. Get plenty of rest. (Yeah, like that's going to happen!) Ok, so that is pretty standard information. But what about cooking? Of course there is the barbecue outside...but then you have to be out in the heat. My trick is to cook in the late evening/early morning. Great idea if your brain is still functioning! Not a good idea if you're starting at 4 AM! I have to say first...that I've never done anything as stupid as this EVER before in my life. I decided to boil enough eggs for either egg salad or potato salad. I put five eggs in a non stick pot (which I never use for boiling eggs) of water and turned on the stove burner. I do remember checking them about half way through the cooking process. ; )
Ok, so you probably have an idea already that something is going to happen that shouldn't have. Yep, I went to bed totally forgetting about the eggs. Little to say, I had quite an egg mess to clean up later. I'm surprised the "shot" didn't wake me. When eggs explode, they apparently sound like a gun shot going off! When eggs explode they go fifty directions! I'm still cleaning exploded egg mess in my kitchen! Now that is a big uffda! The good news is that I can finally laugh at what happened. After all, I didn't find it humorous one bit when I first found out what I had done!
So alrighty now! I'm not going to give up this easy, right? I decided last night to start earlier even if it was still hot in the house. No! I didn't have a problem this time around! : ) This time I boiled pasta and as you all probably know...that doesn't take as long to cook. I actually finished a Greek pasta salad in record time. I only "cheat" by using a Greek Feta dressing. Anyway, I was just thinking that I haven't shared a recipe in such a long time, now would be a good time to share some summer recipes...but first, here's what you can prep in advance when the house is cooler.
Boiled eggs, potatoes, pasta - can be refrigerated for a few days
Baked ham - can be frozen for later
Browned taco meat, ground lamb, ground turkey, etc. - can be frozen for later
*It's always a good idea to stalk up on condiments, onions, dressings, pasta, potatoes, cabbage, etc. before a heat wave.
So, on with the recipes...

Pasta Greek Salad

1 pkg. pasta - cooked (I prefer spirals, shells, or wheels)
1 med onion - finely chopped
1/4 C. green olives - pitted and chopped in large pieces
1/4 C. kalamata olives - pitted and chopped in large pieces
16 oz. or more of feta cheese
1/2 C. sliced quartered English cucumber
6-12 marinated artichoke hearts - chopped
Approximately 1/2 bottle of Seeds of Change Greek Feta Dressing
1/4-1/2 C. mayonaise
Cracked pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients thoroughly and chill for about 2-3 hours.

If you would like to make your own Greek dressing (Tzatziki Sauce) that is as follows:

1 cucumber - finely chopped
1 cup plain yogurt
1 cup sour cream
2-6 cloves of minced garlic
1/2 - 1 tsp. dill weed
1 small onion - grated (optional)
cracked black pepper (optional)

This recipe above is the one I created after having my first Gyro. The traditional Tzatziki sauce is the following recipe.

1 cucumber
1 cup yogurt
1 cup sour cream
2 spoons garlic powder
1 spoons oregano
1 spoons mint
1 pinch dill (optional)
2 T olive oil

For the summer months I would buy ground lamb for the gyros. You can purchase flat bread - pita bread in most stores now or I suppose you could make your own. For gyros, just layer browned lamb, onions, lettuce, tomatoes, feta cheese, and tzatzika sauce on flat bread and fold in half. Serve with Greek pasta salad on the side.

If you would prefer a standard Greek salad you would just chop up a tomatoe, slice an English cucumber, crumble feta cheese, and chop/slice an onion. Top with tzatzika sauce or Greek feta vinaigrette.

So, there you have it. These are great during the hot weather. Don't forget the lemonade and ice tea! : )

Art Creations Friday Challenge - background

I thought it would be fun to work with this background in transparency. Actually, it was quite by accident that it happened but once it began, I couldn't leave it alone until it was finished.

You can see more images using the background at:

http://artcreationsfriday.blogspot.com/

So Artful Challenge - Fish

I know I've shown this watercolor image before but this was my first try at creating a photoshop cut-out matt and since I haven't finished my new fishie images -I thought this was better than nothing for the So Artful challenge on fish. I will try to finish at least one new one before the challenge is over June! No promises but try I will. Now then, I'm not quite sure how to get this to you, June, but again...try I will! : ) Oh, and I'm not quite sure how to link others to your site now that it's different. I guess I need some help!
Teaser...Hee hee hee...Would you like a little preview of the image(s) I'm working on? Perhaps I'll upload that to the next blog entry? ; ) Are we having fun yet? Everyone repeat after me...You bet!!! Ha!

Gothic Arches challenge - Garden Sprite

"Thinking of You"
"Thinking of You" in silouette

Garden Sprite Elements

You can view more Garden Sprites at:

http://gothicarches.ning.com/

Thanks for the fun challenge! I really enjoyed creating this one!

Elements/Images from the Artarazzi challenge

I really like the idea of journaling image elements...so much so that I am doing that now as well.
As you can see, this is the elements page for the most current Artarazzi Challenge.

Artarazzi Challenge from Daisy - #24

The Artarazzi Challenge Image above screamed out in need of repair to me so I created a series of images with the center focus being "In Need of Repair".

This image is of an oil rig and the damage it received during a hurricane. It is indeed in need of repair! The force of mother nature can be quite unforgiving!

Here, a crew of engineers were surveying the damage to an old ship. Once again, indeed in need of repair. I wonder what it will take to make her sea-worthy again?

Too heavy a lumber load, this ship will soon need repair also - as long as it doesn't sink first!

The photograph was provided by: www.dieselduck.ca and I located it on a public domain website.

Thanks goes to Daisy for this difficult and challenging background.

To see more images from this challenge, please check out:

http://artarazzi.blogspot.com/

Curves and Swirls for We Love Digital Art

I designed this image for a challenge in the we_love_digital_art group. It was great getting back to my spirit-driven art therapy! There is vibration in this image that brings me peace and seems to center me. I hope you enjoy this image and that it brings you peace and contentment.

Namaste

Here's the News - Moo's are Here!

"Sealed with a Kiss"

"Smooching"

"Lip Locking Good"

You can view more "Kissing" Moo's at:

http://makeamooortwo.wordpress.com/

Art Creations Friday - Background Image 2

Alright...now you can decide for yourself which one you like better.

I absolutely love, love, love this background we were so generously given to use!

This background has so much depth and character which makes it so wonderful to work with!

I could keep creating for months.

Those of you who know me well know that I love textures for the same reason I love cloud watching. You can always find something in them.

I discovered many new and fun creatures in this background that I hope to play with a bit later. ; ) Did any of you see them too?

Well, I hope everyone has a simply wonderful and imaginative weekend!

Thanks for looking! : )

Art Creations Friday - Background Theme

"Become One"

I know you must be thinking..."Where's that background"? Well, it's there but has multiple... and I truely mean multiple layers under, over, and in it! Uffda! You see, I had this great idea when I first looked at the background only sometimes great ideas are difficult to achieve. But wait...I may have another idea to show off the background a bit more. Ok, so it's back to photoshop but that's ok since I haven't had enough time lately to play anyway. : )

In the meantime, please enjoy the other images entered at:

http://artcreationsfriday.blogspot.com/

Hopefully I'll be back before the deadline but if not - this is the image I have to contribute. ; )

Sunday Postcard Art Challenge - Black and White

Several images from Dover Publications were used for this black and white composition along with an Asian font called Bonzai and the kanji font called JayCons.

"Ants in Space"
These cute little ants were provided by Dover Publications free samples at:
www.doverpublications.com
I created the background using Art Rage then I exported that to Photoshop CS where I created all the other enhancements - the custom shape tool, modify/border/pattern, and the garamond font. The final image became an "out there" styled cartoon postcard.
I love the black and white theme! It's great for tonal value practice.
Thanks for viewing and I hope you all have a great week!
You can view more black and white images at:
http://sundaypostcardart.wordpress.com/

A Day Out With My Friend

Early spring and the daffodils are in full bloom!

They make such a lovely landscape!

You can see them for miles!

My friend took this wonderful old barn picture from the car while I was driving!

And we ended the Day at the Bay!

You have to love color to live in the Northwest! Every shade of green you can think of is present along with the beautiful blues of the sky and the bay. Of course there's a little dirt and driftwood for you earth-tone folks! Daffodils are abundant at the beginning of spring followed by the quilting effect of multi-colored tulips from thousands of acres that top off the tulip festival. Today was the last day of the festival and unfortunately I didn't have time to snap pictures of the zillions of tulips. I thought you might just enjoy sharing a day out with my friend and I.

Sunday Postcard Art - Butterflies

"Butterfly Legend"
"Butterfly Harmony"

You can view more "butterfly" images at:
http://sundaypostcardart.wordpress.com/

Gothic Arches Challenge - Chocolate

"Ode to True Passion"

See other "Chocolate" images at:

http://gothicarches.ning.com/

Gothic Arches - Home is Where the Heart is

"Home is Where My Heart is"
"At Home in the Country"
I love to paint landscapes, barns, and cottages so this challenge was right up my alley! Thanks for the great theme! To see more of this theme, "Home is where the Heart is", go to:
http://gothicarches.ning.com/

So Artful Challenge

"Wood Faerie"

Thank goodness for photoshop - it has once again provided a way for me to save time. Taken from a previous challenge image I created for digimation, I simply had to change the center image, tweak some colors and contrast, add an overlay, a few more branches, a bird, and voila! A new image is created. I have to admit that I prefer my digimation challenge image over this one. Perhaps I'll find just a bit of free time later to create another image for this theme of

A Child of the Woods. You can view other images of this theme at:

http://soartfulchallenges.blogspot.com/

Sunday Postcard Art - Easter

"Baskets for Sale"

Two of my original drawings composed into one fun postcard. The bunnies represented here are a take from a wooden bunny I bought from a dear friend so I found it wonderful to create something with that look. I sketched the baskets for a challenge last year - which I unfortunately ran out of time to finish - so I thought this would be a great time to complete them as well. For me, it's just by luck that two images I create might fit together. In other words, it's not planned. I do hope you enjoy this postcard as much as I enjoyed creating it.

You can view more Easter postcards at: http://sundaypostcardart.wordpress.com/

Small World of Inchies - Easter

"Easter Basket" © 2009

Here's my Easter inchie for http://smallworldofinchies.blogspot.com/

Gothic Arches challenge - Open theme

"Loving Memory"

I started this quite some time ago and decided this would be a great time to finish. I believe I found the image through Dover Publications although I can't find my saved documentation on it. I think the arch template was provided by Gothic Arches. All remaining enhancements and effects were created using Photoshop. You can view more images at http://gothicarches.ning.com/

Thanks for looking!

Gothic Arches - Open Theme

"Hollyhock of my Heart"

I really enjoyed having an open theme and hope to see that again in the future.

You can view more Open Theme Gothic Arches at:

http://gothicarches.ning.com/

I photographed the hollyhock while in the Southwest and the background was provided by June. Thanks June! What a great background! The font I used was Celtic Garamond the 2nd. All other modifications and effects were created using Photoshop CS.

Artarazzi Challenge #17

"Portal to Heaven"

Thanks to Tacey for such a beautiful seagull image! I just so happen to be one of the odd ones who loves seagulls! (Rarely seen in the mountains of the Southwest, I actually became homesick when one appeared!) Anyway, this is my entry for the Artarazzi Challenge 17. For more viewing of images with this wonderful seagull, you can go to:

http://artarazzi.blogspot.com/

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!