Living Well Haven

Amber's Artsy Notes Learn How To Make Transport and Storage Bags for Paintings This weekend I made some art transport and storage bags for Artigras out of Reflectix from Lowes.  It is used for insulation but cuts just like material.  This stuff is like durable bubble wrap!  I read that people make all kinds of stuff out it, including sleeping bags and lunch bags!  I ran out of Reflectix before I finished, so I will make another trip to Lowes to buy some more-I paid about $38 for this 25x48 roll.  They also make a 25x24 roll for $23 so you save more with the other, and you will need the larger roll if you have large paintings!  I got ten bags done in a variety of sizes from this roll and have about 15 more bags to make for my smaller paintings.  I need to go buy some Velcro for the flaps too.   The article I reference below tells you how you can buy similar bags already made, but they are pricey.  One thing I learned after making the first bag is to put the opening/flap on t

 Amber's Artsy Notes It is January 1, and I am making good on my New Year's Resolution to also include a post once in awhile on art tips and things I have learned on my artistic journey.  I hope to help other artists in some small way---it is about paying it forward.  I hope that you find the tips and resources helpful.  I've started off on the right foot  with two posts about my new easel and one on applying an isolation coat and varnishing! Applying Isolation Coats on Acrylic Paintings: Look who came to dinner!  Over my Christmas break from my job, I was working on getting all my paintings ready for my first art show-Artigras Art Festival. Some of my acrylic paintings are shown on my dinning room table where I was working assembly line style.  Preparing your paintings for varnishing is an important step.    Each of my acrylic paintings received three isolation coats (two is probably sufficient). Because I paint with lots of texture, I like to put an extra is

12x16 Gallery Wrapped Canvas  "Good Morning" SOLD Prints start at $22 Commissions: Custom Original Painting Order Accepted BUY : Visit Original Paintings Shop BUY :   Canvas, Wood and Metal Prints, Pillows, Totes and More! Coastal Decor Painting My favorite time to be at the beach is at sunrise or sunset and this coastal painting would be at home in any beach style home.  I saw the most magnificent sunrise on South Padre Island when I was there on vacation, and this painting was inspired by that sunrise.  The grassy dunes and Railroad Vines seem to greet the day as the sun rises above the glistening ocean.   This soft impressionist painting was completed with layers of glazing and is on a gallery wrapped canvas so no framing is necessary (the coastal painting continues around the sides). 

I am so excited about my new Richeson Best Classic Dulce Easel-a very nice Christmas gift! The easel now has two knobs that hold the canvas tray!   The H-frame easel is a sturdy solid oak easel that I just love!  It also has an adjustable sliding mast that moves independent of the wide bottom canvas holder/utility tray.  I did put some painters tape on it so I can clean up easier and protect the tray.  I will be buying some casters for the predrilled holes in case I want to move it out of the room.  Sometimes I like to paint by the kitchen table! It is easy enough to move without them though.  The easel was easy to put together.  This youtube video was very helpful on how to assemble the easel.  Here is another video that shows how easy it is to fold! These easels are handcrafted in Wisconsin and have a lifetime warranty!  I had several questions and the customer service at Richeson was awesome.   Here is a video on how to choose a Richeson easel. My new Best Classic Dulce Eas

12x9 Archival Cotton Canvas ting "Sweet Pea" Prints start at $22 Commissions: Custom Original Painting Order Accepted BUY : Visit Original Paintings Shop BUY :   Canvas, Wood and Metal Prints, Pillows, Totes and More! A beautiful sunlit Tuscan doorway leads you to an inviting courtyard with a sparkling fountain in this impressionist painting.  A beautiful flowering Sweet Pea vine graces the warm Tuscan walls that are complimented by a big blue flowerpot.  

12x16 Original Acrylic Painting Impressionist Painting of Carmel Mission San Carlos "The Door is Always Open" SOLD Prints start at $22 Commissions: Custom Original Painting Order Accepted BUY : Visit Original Paintings Shop BUY :   Canvas, Wood and Metal Prints, Pillows, Totes and More! A painting of an old historic mission called Mission San Carlos Carmel that was established in 1770.  It was relocated and built several times. The history and architecture of this mission is fascinating.    I built up the paint on several areas of the painting to make it look three dimensional (fountain, roofs, window, doorway). I love the way the light is inviting you into the mission!  I enjoy painting old historic buildings with so much character and history! 

"Dawn at Riverbend" Acrylic Painting 9x12 Archival Cotton Canvas No longer available Commissions: Custom Original Painting Order Accepted BUY : Visit Original Paintings Shop BUY :   Canvas, Wood and Metal Prints, Pillows, Totes and More! This is a heavy textured impressionist painting of Riverbend Park in Jupiter at the canoe launch. The glowing sunset dances on the river, trees and fauna. The reflections of the sunset and dense forest.  This nature landscape painting has a three dimensional look and feel.  This is a another painting I completed during the Leslie Saeta painting challenge!