Art by KMCoriginals, Kathy Clemente

New Halloween Painting

2011-09-26T10:56:00.000-04:00

Hello, I've been doing some Halloween paintings, this is my latest one, available now on eBay. It's 5x7, acrylic on hardboard.

Thanks for stopping by!

Irene and NFAC

2011-08-27T20:52:00.001-04:00

Nibblefest (NFAC) is ending tonight. The theme was 'On the Farm' so I did a city rat visiting the country and finding a little piglet to talk to.

Right now I am listening to the rain and hoping that Irene the hurricane will not be too bad. I am so dreading the wind and have battened down the hatches as best I can.

I am also hoping I don't lose power but kinda expect I will. Can't wait for this to pass by!

Stay safe and dry!

Two new paintings

2011-08-11T22:00:00.002-04:00

Hello all, I have two new paintings to post this evening. One of a kitty and pigeon, and another of a rat in Blairstown with a Jason mask. My niece lives in the area, so it inspired the painting and I thought I'd give it a Jason flair, although I will admit I have never seen the movies. I'm not into scary slasher flix, although I don't mind reading science fiction, some of my favorite books are Relic and The Ice Limit by Preston and Child and Impact by Preston. Right now I am listening my way through Scott Sigler's Podcast books.

Well since I did mention paintings it would be nice to see them about now. And lo and behold, here they are:

I hope you enjoy looking at these, I sure enjoyed painting them. I am going to be working on a rats on vacation series.

Thanks for stopping by!

Commission paintings

2011-07-28T21:25:00.000-04:00

I've done a few commission paintings these past few weeks, a pretty dog, who had passed away, for my niece to give to her boyfriends mother, and a friends new grandson. I like to do different things to show that I can do more than cats and rats! haha I like cats and rats because they are so familiar, with dogs or other critters I have to research where their whiskers are, the bone structure etc.

Well, now that I am done yakking about the paintings, I will actually show them:

I've also done a few Lionhead Rabbits, something new for me. This painting is available on eBay now. I had permission to paint this from the photographer, M Zavita. Thanks!

Well that about sums up the new paintings in my life. I hope to have more to show you soon.

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-02T08:57:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone has a fun, happy and safe 4th, don't want anyone losing their digits. I will leave you with a sparkler!

A beautiful day in NJ

2011-06-30T12:32:00.000-04:00

I can't believe June is on it's last day. Couldn't let a month pass with no post! I've been doing larger paintings the last month or so and they've been doing well on eBay so I will continue. Here are some:

Will be listed on eBay June 30


Available on eBay


Is available on eBay now

Ends tonight, June 30

Sold


Sold

So that has been my month! Hope you are enjoying your summer so far!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Kathy

New York City Times Square Painting

2011-05-06T10:41:00.000-04:00

Before I got into painting cats and rats I used to do scenes, which I'd like to get back to once in a while. This 18x24 inch painting was done in 2004 and I now have it listed on eBay. It was inspired by a trip into the city on a beautiful sunny day to take pictures. You can click on the pictures to see the auction and close ups.

It's a nice sunny day in NJ this Friday before Mother's Day Weekend. Happy Mother's Day to all! I will be spending the day with my mom and family.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Easter and New art!

2011-04-21T22:22:00.003-04:00

My library show is doing well, you can read the article online here.

Below is my NFAC art for April.

And these rats were wondering about the news stories about rats on the subway, what's the big deal?

I was going to have more art but my computer is acting sluggish tonight so I will post them tomorrow or over the weekend.

I wish you all a very Happy Easter!

I'm in the Newspaper!!

2011-04-14T23:10:00.000-04:00

I was happy to hear I made it into the Nutley Sun paper today. My brother had called and told me his friend saw the article. It is so exciting for me to see my art, in color, in a newspaper!

Hope you enjoy reading it!

My art is being shown at Nutley Public Library for April!

2011-04-03T09:32:00.000-04:00

Hi, I am excited that this month my art is being shown at the NJ Nutley Public Library! It is my first local showing.

If you are in the area, stop by! It features a lot of my smaller ACEO art, my book - 'The Rats of Summer', bookmarks, postcard size and some of my larger paintings, including my newest 5x7 'Rattie Reunion II', which I will post on eBay after the show.

Thanks for stopping by!

A Man and his Rats, a new painting

2011-02-25T11:31:00.001-05:00

I always liked the lighting on this picture I took of my brother so I thought I would paint it with my known subject matter: Rats! If you knew him, you'd know he is not a big fan of any rodent. To see him surrounded by rats makes me laugh, which is also what my mom did when I showed her the painting. I call this painting 'A Man and his Rats'.

This 9x12 painting is available on eBay, click on it to see the auction.

I am now working on another 'man and his rats' painting featuring my nephew.

I've mentioned this before but in case you didn't know, years ago all I used to paint was people, when I started on eBay I somehow evolved into cats, then rats, or a combo of both. So for me it's nice to get back to people and combine them with my love of painting rats and cats.

I hope you enjoy this new direction and thanks for stopping by.

Horse and Rats acrylic painting

2011-01-20T11:39:00.002-05:00

I have listed an original 11x14 inch acrylic painting in my Etsy shop featuring a horse in a stall and two friendly rats. I have a few more paintings I will be adding in the next few days.

Thank you for stopping by!

Laminated Bookmarks

2011-01-19T14:00:00.000-05:00

I have been so bad at updating my blogs lately. Shame on me. I am still painting and drawing and listing on eBay. I am also planning to finish my second book, 'The Rats of Winter'.

A new venture I've been meaning to do for years has begun. I am selling my art as laminated bookmarks. I had started to do this years ago and had given my mom some to test out for me. Well the good news is that the lamination has held up great, they look as good as new. My mom reads about 5 books a week so the bookmarks do get a workout.
The bookmarks are all hand done by me, I print, cut, and then laminated them. They are two sided, with my name and info on the back.

Some bookmarks will be from one of my 'bookmark' paintings, and others are cropped from ACEOs or larger works I have done. Some I have listed so far are shown below, click picture to see all bookmarks on eBay.
It has been cold and snowy this winter in NJ and I cannot wait to see the crocus in March, my sign that spring is coming.

Thanks for stopping by!
Kathy

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T12:00:00.002-05:00

Just want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

NFAC and my Art Portfolio

2010-09-25T10:30:00.000-04:00

First off I will start with my new NFAC art, which I made in 'bookmark' shape, which I vary, this one is 2" x 5".

The theme this month is Nocturnal and I have a rat walking in the dark. I've been busy with other things and am lucky that rats, which I mostly draw, just happen to be nocturnal.

Click on the drawing to go to the auction, which will end on Monday night.
I've been looking for a job and it seems just when I have my portfolio updated, I will see a posting for things I can do but haven't listed. I think you get so used to what you can do you forget to include past things.

To the right is the link to my Art Portfolio, (or just click the words in this paragraph). I switched to my .Mac account, instead of Flickr, since I can have more groupings of art. It's helping me to organize all the things I've done and can still do. Of course I am sure that something new will come up in a job posting and I will scramble to add another category.

Thanks for stopping by!

Leaf fabric

2010-09-13T10:07:00.001-04:00

I had designed a leaf pattern and now have it for sale on Spoonflower. I am attaching the actual sample I have of it so you can see it printed, it does look a bit more muted, due to the porous nature of fabric.

I hope you enjoy my first foray into the world of fabric! I will be doing more designs as time permits.

Thanks for stopping by, have a great day!

A Gang of Wild Turkeys oh my!

2010-08-25T11:47:00.000-04:00

This morning I heard one of my cats coughing and when I went to check on him I saw this gang of wild turkeys out the window and just had to go out in the pouring rain and take some pictures. They looked so cute following each other around.

I wonder where they sleep and hang out or what they find to eat as I am not in a rural area.

Years ago I had seen one or two but never 10 like today.

Stay safe little turkeys! And my coughing kitty was just fine!

You're kidding me, right?

2010-07-28T22:42:00.000-04:00

My drawing here may strike you as a humorous piece of art but apparently to the post office it is offensive. I have this art in my Zazzle shop and submitted it for postage and this is their response:

The details of the product being removed are listed below:

•   Product Title: No cats on beach postage
•   Product Type: Postage
•   Product ID: 172580117471961236

•   Result: Not Approved
•   Policy Violations:

o   Design incorporates material the primary purpose of which is to advocate or protest any particular religious, social, political, legal or moral agenda of any person or entity.

They go on to apologize, blah, blah, blah. My primary purpose was to create a funny piece of art and I wasn't advocating or protesting anything. No cat that I know, and I know quite a few, have taken offense at my drawing. In fact my cat even posed for the picture. The card and postcard are still available.

Thanks for listening.

The Rat Race painting

2010-07-19T22:13:00.000-04:00

I had gone to Home Depot recently and had some hardboard cut into 8"x10"(they are closer to 7.75x10) pieces which I then primed. I have finished painting one of them, it's titled 'The Rat Race' and is available now on eBay (clicking the picture will take you there).

Well I am off, thanks for stopping by.

Windsurfing Rat

2010-07-16T10:33:00.000-04:00

My latest drawing features a windsurfing rat. He sure is enjoying his new hobby.

The size of this art is 4"x8" and it's done on Canson paper. Click on the picture to go to the eBay auction.

Today I am hoping to finish up a painting on hardboard. I had started it and then decided to change it when it just wasn't to my liking.

Now that the painting has a new direction I feel much better about it, now I just have to hope the paint is cooperative.

Well I better get cracking if I want to finish all the things I hope to finish today.

Thanks for stopping by!

New Art and Job Hunt

2010-07-15T10:26:00.001-04:00

First up is Beer and Butts featuring one of my ratties and a few of his vices, which everyone needs now and then.

Another new art is a surfer, who feels at his best when riding the waves.

Clicking on the pictures will bring you to the eBay auction where you can read the story.

I am currently looking for a job in northern NJ in case you have need of an artist! But doesn't even have to be art related.

Thanks for stopping by.

Happy July 4th!

2010-07-04T12:34:00.000-04:00

Have a happy and safe July 4th. And a big thank you to our soldiers, keep them in your thoughts!

This is a graphic I made in Photoshop.

Ratties at the Beach art

2010-07-02T10:42:00.000-04:00

My newest drawing is a 2x8 inch panoramic of seven rats frolicking at the beach which is for sale now on eBay. Clicking the picture will take you there. I plan to do more of these.

I have been adding more items to my Zazzle and Etsy stores too! See links to the right to visit.

Hope you all have a happy and safe 4th of July and remember our soldiers.

Thanks for visiting.

Bookmark painting of a tabby cat

2010-06-23T08:46:00.001-04:00

My bookmark painting featuring Betty, the tabby cat. It is done in colored pencils and is 2"x5". I have been doing larger acrylic paintings for a couple weeks and decided to get back to small colored pencil drawings so I wouldn't forget how.

Sometimes it is good to get away from a particular medium for awhile, I think I needed the break.

Today I will be finishing up an ACEO of a rat with a cupcake. If things go really well, I will also have a few more drawings/paintings to show.

Well, I'm off to get an early start to my day.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cat paintings

2010-06-21T10:53:00.000-04:00

I am hoping to get a lot of painting done this week. I have been working on some larger cat paintings. So far I have my cat Puggy behind a lace curtain and four little kittens. These are 10"x8" acrylic paintings. I will be listing the 4 kittens tonight on eBay. (search KMCoriginals) or see my link to the right.

I have one almost finished of my cat Fluffy looking at roses and hope to have it completed today.

I also have a rat holding a rose ACEO (art that is 2.5"x3.5") that I want to finish, I haven't done a rat in awhile and miss the little critters!

I am hoping for a nice productive week.

Thanks for stopping by!

Good Friends and New Art

2010-05-16T10:05:00.000-04:00

This is my newest colored charcoal drawing. It's done on a 3"x5" Pastelbord panel. I like using Pastelbord and will pick some more up on my next trip to Jerry's Artarama.

I plan on doing art today while I listen to a book on tape. I have a charcoal piece I want to tweak a bit and some new pictures that are giving me inspiration.

While at my moms on Friday I was taking pictures of her rhododendron and I can just picture a rat peeking out of the petals. Or perhaps holding one. I'm sure by the time I put pencil to paper something will click.

My next inspiration comes from a visit with two of my best friends yesterday. My friend has a stream running through her back yard! (how cool is that?) I finally took pictures of it since it was a beautiful sunny day. Here is a peek at one of the photos I may work from.

Well, that is all for now, thanks for stopping by!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T11:24:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful day with Mom. I am going to visit my super mom today and just have a nice relaxing day.

Yesterday my wonderful sister-in-law took my mom shopping in a humongous mall to find a dress for my nieces wedding. (I went along for the fun of it.) My mom is not the shopping type and doesn't especially like large stores, so it was interesting. We managed to trudge through a lot of the mall. Unfortunately a dress wasn't found but it was great company.

Although we had planned to do something today, mom is kinda worn out from yesterday, so we will be hanging in and see how the day goes.

This ACEO is from a few year's back.

Happy Mother's Day Mom!

My New Etsy shop

2010-04-30T21:35:00.000-04:00

Hello, I thought I would post about my new Etsy shop. So far I only have one print available (see below) but you have to start somewhere. I will be adding more items to it as time permits.

Now I am going to watch the first Mission Impossible movie and be glad this week is over!

Thanks for stopping by.

New Paintings

2010-04-23T11:49:00.000-04:00

Hello,

I've done a few paintings this month, this first one is acrylic on a 12x6 inch Ampersand Panel, complete with grooves on the back for hanging.

I have broken out my watercolors again and am using them together with ink pens. The first one is standard ACEO size (2.5x3.5") and the second is a small (2.25x2.25") square.

Last but not least is one of my NFAC entries this month, theme: Fabulous Felines. I drew my pretty Fluffy cat.

Thanks for stopping by!

Spring is finally getting here!!

2010-04-01T12:08:00.001-04:00

Winter is finally gone I think, although I wouldn't be surprised with another freak snowstorm. haha This will probably be my last snow painting until the end of the year, but you never know, I may be inspired to paint snow when I am complaining about the summer heat.

Back to my painting, it is of 'Tabby Cat' who hangs out by my house, she was under a truck in my driveway staring out over the mound of snow. She was waiting for food and for me to shovel her a path so her dainty feet wouldn't have to touch the snow. I was happy to oblige.

I was inspired to do a portrait this week and chose to do a drawing of my Grandfather, aka 'Pop', from 1916. He was a very handsome man and only 19 in this picture. I haven't done a human portrait in awhile and would like to start doing more.

I filled out the census form and will mail it out today, something I have been putting off.

Well I better get going! Thanks for stopping by.

Sneak Peek at new painting

2010-03-13T23:19:00.000-05:00

Hello, I am posting my newest 11x14 acrylic painting. I hope to get a better scan tomorrow and will be listing it on eBay. Now I am off to dreamland and I hope when I wake up the bad weather will have gone. It was raining and super windy all day.

Zazzle Keds shoes Contest

2010-03-10T11:27:00.000-05:00

Zazzle is having a Keds shoe design contest so I put my 'Lattice Cats' painting on a pair. I think they turned out pretty well!

You can view more angles of them here.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

Horse and Rats painting

2010-03-08T09:54:00.001-05:00

I had actually started this painting years ago and decided to add rats to it to jazz it up, plus the stable door has been reworked to look a little fancier. Sometimes paintings just need to sit until the right inspiration hits.

I call this 'Three Pals' and it is listed on eBay.

It looks like it going to be a nice weather week in NJ so it will be nice to work without shivering.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.

Charcoal drawings and acrylic painting

2010-02-27T14:03:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged much this February, it has just been so cold, snowy and depressing I didn't have it in me. We just got over (I hope) a 2 day snow storm and now that the roads are clear and walks are shoveled (thanks to my wonderful neighbors!) I feel a bit human again.

I am going to post some new art done in charcoal. In my teens charcoal was what I did most, then I went to art school where I learned to use watercolor, acrylics and oils, among other things. I taught myself colored pencils a few years back and have been using them almost exclusively for the past few years. Now I felt like just sketching and here are some of them, which are for sale on eBay.

I also painted my cat Puggy on a wooden door hanger, He look's to be saying 'Come Back Later' so that is what I titled this.

Thanks for looking and have a great day.

Drawings, ACEOs, prints and t-shirts

2010-02-06T13:32:00.000-05:00

I have listed a few new items on eBay in the last week or so. Here is an 8x10 charcoal drawing I did of my cat Bone. It was nice to loosen up and sketch. In my younger years charcoal was my favorite medium, although it was black charcoal on white paper, so it is fun to do again.

I've found a printing place I like so am now offering prints of some earlier art and should have more to offer late next week.

Another venture is t-shirts. Besides drawing and painting I am also involved in screen printing and have finally put a rat on a t-shirt. Markus, the cool rat is the chosen one and printed on the front of a black 100% cotton Gildan t-shirt with the saying Rats are Cool.

And last but not least is ACEO theme week with 'The Color Red' as the theme. With valentine's day so close it seemed logical to do some red heart balloons held by a rat with a red scarf.

I am also happy that the snow storm that was heading my way missed me and there is now snow to shovel! Yay!!!

Baby Rat ACEOs and my Book

2010-01-24T13:11:00.001-05:00

Hello, thanks for stopping by on this gloomy Sunday, well, it's gloomy where I am. I have more of my book 'The Rats of Summer' in and they are available on eBay.

Blurb has been great, I had a few books with wrinkles in the pages and Blurb promptly reprinted and shipped them, so they have great customer service.

Shown is a sample page. If you go to Blurb you can preview the first 15 pages.

On Facebook I am friends with Michelle Carroll and she has given me permission to draw some of her adorable rat babies. I have done 2 so far and have them listed on eBay. I will be doing more of the little rats soon.

Well, off to work, hope you have an enjoyable day.

Mid January Hello!

2010-01-19T10:03:00.001-05:00

I've been meaning to post here for weeks now and have decided that today is the day! It's been a tad chilly here in NJ but with January almost over and February so short, March is just about here! And that is when it starts to get a bit more temperate out and I start looking for the crocus.

My brother, SIL and niece went to Africa to visit my nephew in the Peace Corps and had a nice time. I will probably do a few ACEOs with rats in Africa.

NFAC starts tomorrow and I thinks it's Mask/Masquerade this month, but I will double check. For now I will post my lastest ACEOs that are still up on eBay, you can click the pics to go to the auction.

The first two pictures feature Randy and Rosa, celebrating their 2 year anniversary and Randy bringing Rosa a stuffed rat and balloon, He sure is a big spender this year! The little lady with the heart shaped jelly donut (given to her by a secret admirer) is Little Missy, the clumsy skater as shown in the last picture. She just doesn't want to accept that she is not adept at ice skating.

Oh well, off to work, thanks for stopping by!

ACEO Theme Week January

2010-01-01T22:07:00.001-05:00

My theme week entry this month, the theme is 'Snow Birds' and I have drawn a rare white raven helping a mouse who got stuck in the snow with his snow disc.

Hope you had a great New Year's Day!

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T11:15:00.002-05:00

My new year's rat is all ready for 2010 to begin, with a cigar and a martini. I also have my 'The Rats of Summer' book ready for sale, one on eBay that I will sign, and also through Blurb. Click on pictures above to go to the eBay auction.

My brother, sis-in-law and niece are leaving today to go visit my nephew in Africa. Can't wait to hear about their adventures.

It is snowing here today and it is quite a surprise, I think there will be a few inches. I don't wanna shovel because I woke up today with a pain in my back and a sore throat and I hope they both go away so I can start the New Year feeling better.

Hope you have a fun and safe New Year!!!!

Merry Christmas to all!

2009-12-24T10:56:00.000-05:00

I'd like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! In my family everyone gets together on Christmas Eve, so today it will be a short day at work and then off to moms. It will be nice to see everyone.

Have a great day!

Merry Christmas and NFAC

2009-12-20T23:16:00.000-05:00

I've finished my NFAC and have it listed on eBay. This month the theme is 'View from my Window'. I took a picture last night out my front window and used it as a reference, it was snowing and I had the fun of shoveling it for a few hours today.

I'd also like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

My First Book!

2009-12-14T23:41:00.001-05:00

So, today my book, 'The Rats of Summer' arrived! I am very impressed with the printing quality of Blurb. I was a little unsure of what to expect and am very happy.

I ordered one copy, softcover with standard paper, to check out and I am very happy with it. I ordered more that I will list on eBay, it is also available for purchase right from Blurb, over to the right is a link, plus you can preview the first 15 pages. The book features my ACEO art and stories from the summer of 2008.

This little rat is one of the ACEOs featured in my book, he has his sparkler and a flag, all ready for the fourth of July.

With winter upon a lot of the country, the rats enjoying the summer will warm you up.

I am currently working on 'The Rats of Winter' and hope to have it completed in the early part of 2010.

Thanks for stopping by.

A work in progress

2009-12-13T11:28:00.001-05:00

I don't usually take pictures of my ACEOs as a work in progress (WIP), since I don't have very good lighting at my shop and scan them in at home. But one fairly recent day I decided to give it a shot and now you can see how my ratties in 'Waiting at the Bar' came to be.

I started with a sketch of a bunch of rats waiting at and around the bar, and when I liked the placement of the gang I started to color them in. The last thing I add is their whiskers.

I work different all the time, sometimes I will draw a rat and then have no idea what I want him to do and will put it aside until inspiration hits. And other times I have a definitive idea and it all goes together nicely.

I hope you enjoyed this look into how one of my ACEOs progressed from a sketch to a finished piece of art.

Have a great day!

Christmas ACEOs

2009-12-06T14:36:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Mine went well, a good time was had by all.

I have been working on Christmas ACEOs lately to get into the holiday spirit. These originals are all available on eBay, click art to go to the auction. The elf with the lollypop goes off tonight.

Thanks for stopping by!

New Zazzle Items and 30% off Stocking Stuffers

2009-12-06T14:17:00.000-05:00

I've been adding lots of new painting to items at my Zazzle store. Before I got into drawing rat and mice ACEOs I used to do larger cat paintings and I plan to do more large paintings next year. Of course I say that every year and never seem to do it, but next year will be different. (I say that every year too!) haha

Every day Zazzle has been having special deals, they call it the Twelve Deals of Christmas, for example today is 30% off stocking stuffers, (stamps, mousepads, keychains, buttons, magnets, stickers) Use code 12DEALSSTUFF

Thanks for reading and have a great day.

create & buy custom products at Zazzle

Happy Thanksgiving and Pizza

2009-11-26T10:42:00.000-05:00

I can't believe another Thanksgiving is here, I still remember not feeling well and staying home last year. So like an idiot, last night I decided to get pizza for dinner and it didn't agree with me, which is starting to happen a lot lately. I had a nice hot from the pizzeria pizza and took some slices home, 2 slices on one plate and 1 slice on another plate on top of it.

I get home, feed my cats, list my auctions, and get ready to heat up a slice, when I see that the bottom of the top plate had stuck to the 2 slices on the lower plate. Apparently plates have a bit of a wax coating on them. So a lot of cheese and sauce was lost, which is a good thing as far as calories go. I don't think I'll be eating that third slice!

But alas, the pizza didn't agree with me and I ended up not feeling well, which annoyed me because I couldn't really enjoy the Criminal Minds and CSI: NY episodes as much with a churning stomach.

I feel a bit better today so it should all be OK.

I'd like to wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving.

TBA from Zazzle

2009-11-24T12:51:00.000-05:00

I just received an email from Jillian (great artist, see her works on eBay and Zazzle) saying that I won a TBA (Today's Best Award) for my 'Rat in a Hat' ACEO (shown above). The original drawing was done for NFAC and is still available on eBay.

I had gotten a TBA back in September and am thrilled to have another!

Have a great day and a Happy Thanksgiving!

Tequila Rose

2009-11-22T12:57:00.002-05:00

Got a new bottle of Tequila Rose yesterday, thanks to mom treating me! Found it at Stew Leonard's Wines. I had never been there before, it is a nice store and fairly new. At the checkout I was even given two shot glasses with the tequila rose logo on them. I will definitely go back there.

I'm using the drink as a way to keep warmer in the winter months, one shot and I feel warm and it tastes great too. Had it a few years back when one of my neighbors let me try it.

Online there are lots of recipes I may try some over the winter months, especially a Pink Russian and Capt Crunch. I hope I can find the other ingredients in those little bottles because I can't afford the big ones.

Have a great Sunday, and if you are starting in on Thanksgiving cooking or baking, I hope it all comes out delicious!!!

November NFAC

2009-11-20T21:44:00.001-05:00

It's November 20 and that means it's Nibblefest time! Nibblefest (NFAC) is a themed art contest on eBay. This month the theme is Holidays and I chose Christmas because it's coming soon. I am also listing another ACEO featuring a little kitten who's afraid of rats.

Hope everyone has a fun filled weekend!

New ACEOs

2009-11-18T10:54:00.001-05:00

I have finished up another gang of Rats ACEO, two of which are waiting for service at the bar. I'm sure everyone has been there at times, you're trying to get the bartender's attention and they just seem to skip over you. The other ACEO is a mouse looking up at the sky, very monotone.

Have some commission work to do today, but hoping I can get an ACEO done to list tonight too.

I designed another pair of Keds, these have laces and feature a rattie shoveling after a snow storm.

It's hard to believe Thanksgiving is almost here already. Time sure flys.

Have a great day,

A Sunday in November

2009-11-15T10:57:00.000-05:00

Hello, another gloomy day in November here in good old NJ. Am getting ready to go draw while I listen to a book on tape. Will also be working on some commission work for some wonderful customers.

I updated my Zazzle shop this week with some winter and Christmas items, like cards and stamps. I will be adding to it quite a bit in the coming weeks.

Below are my newest ACEOs I have up on eBay, one featuring my mouse who I've named 'Ms Mousie' which fits her just fine. She is doing real well I'm happy to report.

I'm getting used to the Blogger update, used to be when you uploaded pictures it would put them at the beginning of the post, even if you uploaded them at the end of say the third paragraph. Now it puts them where you are in the post, so if I post them after the third paragraph, that's where they stay! A nice improvement.

Another update on the Pumpkin Banana Mousse Pie: it turns out that when you let it sit a few days so you are not sick of looking at it, it's pretty darn good! The recipe was in a Food Network magazine my mom had.

Am looking forward to seeing the Amazing Race tonight, anyone else watch it? I am just starting to get really into it.

Well, I'd better run off and get some work done. Thanks for reading this far!

New Blog Look and the Pumpkin Banana Pie

2009-11-10T10:17:00.002-05:00

Besides changing my look, I updated to a new blog version so I have to get used to a slightly new way of doing things. I hope you all like the new look. (Ran into a few problems, like I wanted this sentence above the pictures but can't figure out how to get it there!)

Above are two of my newest ACEOs, a spaghetti eater and a leaf raker. I am full of ideas for fall, winter and Christmas rats. Sometimes I seem to have so many ideas I can't wait to do them all and other times I can stare at the paper and nothing will come to me. And yet other times I will draw a rat and have no clue what the background should be or what he is doing. Those have to go on the back burner until inspiration strikes again.

Me and mom did manage to make the Pumpkin Banana Mousse Pie and it turned out pretty good. It did however take a ton of bowls and pans and mixers to make it plus it's a lot of pie and neither one of us is much of a pie eater. Neither one of us is crazy about the idea of making it again for Thanksgiving so we may just buy one to bring to my brother and sister-in-law. So the question is, was it a good idea to do a test run or would it have been better to bake it the day before and hope it came out good? I guess we'll never know.

The Leaf Coat, The Night Sky and Pumpkin Banana Pie!

2009-11-06T21:34:00.004-05:00

Two of my most recent ACEOs. A rattie is using a pretty fall leaf as a coat while a mouse prowls under a night sky.

Tomorrow I will be going by mom's to test run a banana pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving, which will be at my brother and sister-in-laws. Saw the recipe in a magazine and thought it would be more interesting than just a plain pumpkin pie. But just in case it didn't turn out good I thought it would be a good idea to make one to taste test. I will keep you posted on how it turned out!

Have a great weekend!

ACEO Theme Week and More

2009-11-05T10:57:00.005-05:00

Hello again, yes, this is my second post of the day. The theme this month is World Cultures or Countries. I had waited until the last minute so just went thru pictures my nephew had sent of Africa. I decided to draw his host family, in my rattie fashion of course.

The other three are ratties who just know that winter is coming and they will have to deal with cold, snow, hail, sleet and ice. On the fun side they will be able to go sledding, skating, skiing and all manner of fun winter activities. On the not so fun side it will mean shoveling, slipping, freezing and lots of grumbling.

I had another fall rat ready to list last night and at the last minute noticed that I forgot whiskers! Don't know how that happened, but I will add them today and he will be ready to list tonight, most likely before CSI.

Clicking on pictures will take you to the auction where you can read the story.

Hope you have an enjoyable day!

Happy Birthday Laura and ending auctions

2009-11-05T09:51:00.004-05:00

Today is my nieces' birthday, so a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Laura!

I have two auctions ending tonight, one featuring a chipmunk, for which I used a ref photo from the talented Paul Lantz and the other a rattie with a pretty fall leaf.

Another week is coming to an end, where is this year going? I just remember being happy to see the crocus because warmer weather was coming and now it's almost winter again. Oh well, you can't stop Mother Nature.

Thanks for stopping by!

My Zazzle Binder Contest Entry

2009-11-04T11:51:00.006-05:00

This is the binder that I entered into the Zazzle/Avery Recipe Binder contest. Originally I was trying to work my rats with food into the design, but I don't have them scanned in high enough res to take up the whole cover and a bunch of them looked busy. And of course I waited until the last minute so didn't have time to play around with it too much.

I tried to keep in clean and simple, so I drew my cutting board and knife in Freehand and spiffed it up in Photoshop. It even includes some of the more common equivalents on the cover. It was fun drawing on the computer again!

It is customizable to a degree, the writing on the spine can be changed and a change of background color will put that color in every other square.

Hope you have a great day!

This, That and NFAC

2009-10-27T12:14:00.007-04:00

NFAC ends tonight and the top two pictures are my entry this month for the theme 'Halloween'. The bottom two are my last two for Halloween this year. I had bought a pack of Colorfix paper in various colors and really like this shade. I guess my color correction needs a bit of work since the bottom two should have the same color background, but the overall tone is good.

I have updated my Zazzle shop with a few more items today, if you have any requests for items you'd like to see, let me know and I will add them. They are having a contest for designing a recipe binder, so I have been working on that too.

A few weeks back we mailed a package to my nephew in Mali and he received it already, I wasn't expecting it to get there for another few weeks! He is doing well I am happy to report.

It's rainy and chilly in NJ today, not a good combo, although a bit better than hot, humid and rainy.

Wow, look at the time, I better get cracking!

Have a nice day!

First drawing of my very own pet mouse

2009-10-22T22:38:00.004-04:00

My first drawing of my mouse, who I haven't named yet. This is done on Art Spectrum Colourfix Paper in colored pencil and pastel with a touch of gouache for the eye shine and measures 5.5 inches x 2.5 inches. This drawing is for sale on eBay, click drawing to go there.

I also decided to put her on a coffee mug in my Zazzle store.

Well I am off, thanks for reading my blog!

My Mouse Update

2009-10-22T10:38:00.003-04:00

They're kinda blurry but you get the idea. She is doing really well and seems to like her new home. I do have to clean the glass better though. I thought she looked so cute sitting in her food dish! I definitely see a drawing from that one!

There is another picture of her on my Facebook page.

Well off to start my day! Thanks for stopping by.

The Zombie Rats

2009-10-21T22:37:00.004-04:00

Halloween is a fun time for drawing rats in all manner of costumes. These two ratties are getting ready for Halloween by turning themselves into Zombies. Better stock up on candy for these two.

NFAC and other ACEOs

2009-10-21T22:12:00.005-04:00

Hello! Thanks for taking a peek at my blog. Tonight I am posting my latest ACEOs. Nibblefest (NFAC) started on the 20th and the top two pictures are the ones I listed and they start at only 99¢. The bottom two are more rats getting into the spirit of Halloween, well, the one has lost his candy so I don't know how 'in the spirit' he is at the moment.

I'll be posting later with updated pictures of my new pet mouse, they are being uploaded from the camera now.

My new mouse

2009-10-17T10:24:00.004-04:00

This week at work it was getting late and I was ready to head home when I remembered something I had to do. It meant another half hour at work. Waaah. When I got up to go to the computer to finish said work, there was Bob the cat 'playing' with this cute little mouse! I grabbed the mouse and put him in a tupperware dish.

I was so surprised that I didn't remember anything about what mice like to eat, so I went to Facebook and posted, asking for help. My friends on Facebook were a big help. Thank you to Alyssa, Amber, Jan, Shelley and Judy, who is running the raffle to help feed starving dogs in Mexico (link goes to my blog post about raffle).

He is so tiny that I thought at first he was a baby, but as I looked I could see he was probably full grown just a tiny mouse. I debated letting him go, but decided to keep him, since it's so cold. He is just adorable with his little white belly.

So, I am off today to get a few items for my new little mouse, and will visit mom, who has a cold, so I better get going!

Have a nice day!

More Halloween ACEOs

2009-10-13T10:26:00.002-04:00

My two newest ACEOs available on eBay, a rattie walking through the fog and another dressed as a devil, both looking forward to trick or treating. For the devil ACEO I used Murano paper and so far I like it.

It sure is getting cold in NJ. I'm not ready for this yet!

Well, I am going to go read my book for a bit while I have breakfast, then head off to work.

Hope you have a productive day!

Mom, books and more shoes

2009-10-10T11:48:00.004-04:00

I'm getting ready to go to moms for my weekly visit which is always fun. We usually end up at the library where I can get books and books on tape, which I like to listen to as I draw on Sundays.

The book I'm reading at the moment is by 'Terminal Freeze' by Lincoln Child and it is excellent. He also writes with Douglas Preston, together they wrote 'Relic' which is one of my absolute favorite books of all time.

I was also busy in Zazzle today designing another pair of shoes, these featuring my drawing 'Beware!' featuring the Grim Reaper. His scythe wouldn't fit but he is still scary with his dark hood and menacing red eyes. Shoes must be approved, which should happen later today or tomorrow at the latest. You can check for them here in the shoe section.

Well I better get going, I have to get to the Post Office too.

Hope you enjoy your day!

Latest ACEO, Day Off and a 99¢ Auction

2009-10-08T09:42:00.009-04:00

My newest ACEO on eBay features a raven being fed a raw egg by his new friend. I started an ACEO last night so that maybe I could have it to list tonight but the cats kept getting in my way, so it just didn't happen. Thanks for nothing Puggy!

I will taking the day off today, luckily it is a nice day. I'll be picking up mom and going to visit my sister-in-law and niece, who is going to show us her wedding dress. Can't wait!

I just found out there will be a sale at Zazzle this weekend. One of my favorite shops there is The Illustrated Rat featuring the art of Drusilla and Matt. And of course my own shop, KMCoriginals.

99¢ Auction! I just decided that since I don't have anything new to list tonight I am relisting this 'Halloween Whine' ACEO at just a 99¢ starting price. This is something I rarely do unless it's Theme Week or NFAC. It is scheduled to start at 10:00 Eastern Time, so the link will work at that time.

Hope you all have a great day!

Zazzle Keds shoes and ACEOs

2009-10-07T10:45:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I was happy to receive this picture of an actual pair of shoes I designed on Zazzle. They were purchased by the sister of a talented fellow artist on eBay, ID golders. I am so happy she sent me the picture, so a big Thank You! to golders. Check her out on eBay, she does beautiful work, like this adorable Hedgehog journal.

The shoes trims are customizable, which were made a pretty pink. It is always nice to know the customer is happy with their purchase!

And below I have my two newest ACEOs, which are drawn on a smooth bristol paper. The first little rattie is being chased by a mean raven trying to steal his Halloween candy, and the second rattie has made a wrong turn in her walk to meet up with friends.

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day!

Helping Dogs in Mexico

2009-10-04T14:16:00.006-04:00

A friend and wonderful person goes to Mexico every year to help feed starving dogs. Myself and many others have donated items to help her raise money. Read below for all the info.

MEXICAN MISSION DOG RAFFLE

Once again it's time for our yearly Mexican Mission trip. Last year we started feeding the dogs we see as well. With the donations we received mostly from this raffle we were able to put a lot of food in the starving bellies of many dogs as well as leave food behind for the people in the area to feed them more.

This raffle is once again to help just the dogs. There are lots of wonderful items that have been donated. Please check them out and buy your tickets for a chance to win.

This year i will make it easier on myself... Tickets can be purchased for $1.00 each and please specify what item you want to take a chance to win. Each item will have a name and number to identify it.

PRIZES can be seen here.

there are currently 28 prizes. For more info contact Judy: jkadaj at msn.com just use @ in place of at.

The raffle starts today and will end October 31st.
Please feel free to pass this along to anyone or any group who may be interested. There are much more than just rat related prizes.

Above are the items I have donated to Judy's raffle.

First is an ACEO original (2.5"x3.5") titled 'The Stealthy Rat'
Second is an ACEO print of 'The Juicy Cheeseburger'
Third is a set of 3 mini prints (1 5/8" x 2 3/8" each) of 'Save the Beer', 'Beer and Beach' and 'The Floater'
Fourth item is another set of 3 mini prints, ''We Finally Meet', 'The Serious Surfer' and 'Castle Building: Step One'.

There are many other prizes, jewelry, a purse, a shawl to name a few. Check it out.

Thanks so much for any help you can give.

New Drawing Surface

2009-10-03T13:10:00.002-04:00

Above are my two newest ACEOs done on 100 lb smooth bristol paper. I will be listing these Halloween ACEOs tomorrow night (Oct 4) on eBay. I like drawing on the smooth bristol surface, in the past I have used the vellum surface but think I like this better for pencils.

Now I am off to pack up some mail orders and head to the post office.

Hope you have a great day!

ACEOs and Art Stores

2009-10-02T10:13:00.006-04:00

Above are my two newest ACEOs featuring a rat as a bat and a rat hiding behind a tombstone. These are for sale now on eBay, you can click on them to go to the auction.

I bought some colored pencils yesterday in an art store and when I got home I found that some of them just keep breaking as I sharpen them, it's very annoying. I even put them in the microwave a few seconds to see if that would help, but not really. I had also bought a smooth bristol pad and am working on a Halloween rattie. Thought it would be interesting to try a different surface to draw on for a change.

Finally got to go to the Fairway Market, my mom had read a book on it and wanted to see it. It had a lot of cheeses and olives and the produce is set up so neatly! It's kinda far so I won't get back too often but it was nice to see and I know where to go if I need a particular type of cheese.

It is getting a bit too cold in good old NJ. One minute you're too hot and the next too cold. I wish the weather would change more gradually so you could get used to it. Winter used to be my favorite season but not so much anymore!

I am happy that my Zazzle shop has been getting some sales!

If you got this far thanks for reading and have a great day.

Halloween Rats and TV complaints

2009-09-22T22:40:00.005-04:00

I am starting on my Halloween ratties, one is happy with his pumpkin basket and the other just loves his turkey costume. I will have fun the next couple of weeks deciding how to dress them.

I am so not ready for the new shows to be starting. I am peeved that they took 'Without a Trace' off the air so I am boycotting Tuesday TV. NCIS is ok but why did they make another one in LA when they could have kept 'Without a Trace'? And then sticking another new show in it's 10:00 slot, I don't care if Mr Big is in it or not, I won't watch.

They always seem to get rid of the shows I like so I try not to get too attached. First they get me hooked on 'Vanished' and 'The Nine', they just pull them off the air with no ending show of what happened. And I really liked Everwood, and that was pulled too even though it had better ratings than some garbage they kept on. Arrghh. The good news is I won't be a slave to the TV this season.

I am hesitant to name my favorite shows for fear they will pull them off the air too. (Yeah, like the network execs hang on my every word, haha)

Oh well, maybe I will have some rats protesting about my TV shows. In the meantime I will go back to my book, 'The Neighbor' by Lisa Gardner, which is excellent. Can't wait to see how it ends.

Have a great evening.

It's NFAC time

2009-09-20T21:45:00.003-04:00

It's NFAC time again, when artists on eBay do any sized art based on a theme (this month is Birds and Bees) and list it for 99¢.

I had help from Rattie and painted a bumble bee and a stuffed turkey and of course Rattie. I did this on a nice thick acrylic paper with a base of watercolor, then colored pencil and gouache. I am in the mood to try different things lately.

I also listed my ACEO from yesterdays post.

Thanks for stopping by!

Visiting Friends and Sneak Peek ACEO

2009-09-19T11:15:00.005-04:00

I am off to visit with two of my dearest friends, which will be like another mini vacation for me.

I am posting this ACEO as a sneak preview. I am thinking up the story, which I only have partially done and may change. Feel free to post your thoughts on what the story could be.

Well I better go start getting ready so I don't get teased, as I am always running a bit late, but not as late as some people, who I won't name, but you know who you are. heehee

Hope everyone has a great weekend! Thanks for stopping by.

Day off

2009-09-16T21:55:00.004-04:00

I am taking this Thursday off and going to moms which is always fun. We'll be going to Costco for a fun filled shopping spree and because she has a coupon for kitty litter.

I am almost finished with 'The Enemy' by Lee Child and will start a new book at mom's tomorrow. There a 3 to choose from, the new Lisa Gardner, a new one by Preston and Child and a new Jeffrey Deaver. I don't know which one I'll choose to read next. Stay tuned...

Below is my latest rat with a fall leaf. This summer was so mild for most of it that I'm not begging for fall yet. Usually the last few weeks of August are killers and I can't wait for the cooler weather.

Enjoy your day!

Fall Strawberries

2009-09-12T09:28:00.006-04:00

My newest ACEO on eBay features a rat with some strawberries in a grassy field. This is done on 185 lb Acrylic Paper in acrylic paints.

I was also trying out my watercolors on an ACEO of a rat with a fall leaf just for something different and ended up using pen and ink on it too. Not sure if I'm crazy about it.

Next will be trying a combo of paint and colored pencil. I like trying new things.

Weather is pretty gloomy here in NJ. It's a bit too damp and chilly for this time of year.

My nice neighbors just gave me some garden tomatoes and a cucumber. Yummy!!!

I will be heading off to mom's later today and we're going to the library. The 3rd season of Dexter came in and I can't wait to see it. I will get some popcorn and have a good weekend.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day.

Remember

2009-09-11T11:51:00.003-04:00

Things just haven't been the same since.

Acrylic ACEOs and a Tee Shirt in the Works

2009-09-10T10:23:00.005-04:00

Above are my two latest ACEOs and probably the last featuring summer activities until next season. The ratties will be getting out their fall wardrobe. These are done in acrylic paints, one on Art Spectrum Colourfix Paper, (this is the first time I've painted on this paper) and one on 185 lb Acrylic Paper my old time favorite for acrylic ACEOs.

It was fun painting again, it's been a while. I may try a combo of paint and colored pencil. And I may break out my watercolors again. I learned how to watercolor in art school and for years it was my favorite medium.

The reason for my wanting to paint for a change comes from looking through my older art for things to put on my Zazzle site. (see link to the right). Most of my earlier works were acrylics and it reminded me how I should use them again.

I am also working on a drawing for a tee shirt featuring a rat. It will be printed in white ink on a dark tee shirt.

My nephew gets sworn in today as a Peace Corps volunteer. He has been doing well over there and seems to like it. I never realized what a social butterfly he is.

Well I'm off, thanks for stopping by.

Happy Labor Day

2009-09-04T10:26:00.007-04:00

Little Mamie is feeling in a bit of a funk these days, not even the beautiful moon can cheer her up. Meanwhile Ratsie is enjoying her 'Breakfast of Champions' which consists of coffee and cigarettes.

I have added some new items to my Zazzle store, above are mousepads printed with some of my earlier works, before I was overtaken by ratties. haha

There is free standard shipping until Tuesday for most items at Zazzle if total is $35+. Some restrictions apply, like skateboards and oversized items. It's all on their website.

I hope everyone has a happy and safe Labor Day! I am hoping to get a lot of drawing done.

Something a little different

2009-09-02T12:02:00.008-04:00

Before I get to the something different I will show you what I came up with for ACEO theme week on eBay. (Search ACEO TW Sep). The theme is 'Harvest Festival' and the story is that before I could draw the harvest of squash, zucchini and eggplant, this rattie had grilled it up and put it in a roll with pesto. So I just had to draw her enjoying the harvest along with her soda and chips.

Now for the different. Below is an acrylic painting I did a few years back titled 'Death by Chocolate'. I have put it on a mug in my Zazzle store.

Zazzle has a lot of great items. If you love squirrels (and who doesn't?) you simply must check out the fabulous photography of poozybear. The shots she manages to get never cease to amaze me! She has other critters too.

Have a nice day and thanks for stopping by!

ACEO Theme Week September

2009-09-01T09:57:00.004-04:00

It's good old theme week time. Sometimes I have an idea ready ahead of time and sometimes, like this month, I am caught by surprise. The theme is 'Harvest Festival' so I imagine I will do something with veggies.

To the right is my newest ACEO with a rattie thinking the water is too cold for swimming.

It's a nice pleasant day here in NJ, perfect weather.

I have been adding things to my Zazzle shop.

Thanks for visiting and have a great day.

I'm on Zazzle's Front Page!

2009-08-30T13:03:00.005-04:00

I'm so excited! My Sad Rat I Miss You Card, has been selected as one of Today's Best on Zazzle! http://tinyurl.com/nv2883

I based the card on my drawing of 'Sad Surfer'. I have been adding to my Zazzle store a little bit everyday.

I will be drawing up some more ACEOs today, not sure what the ratties will be doing yet, but I'm sure I will think of something.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Summer's almost over and I designed a shoe

2009-08-28T10:25:00.005-04:00

Hard to believe that summer is almost over. It wasn't too awful, just a few days of way too much heat and humidity. And if it weren't for the humidity in NJ the heat wouldn't be all that bad.

I've been adding things to my Zazzle shop. I even designed a pair of Keds Shoes using my ACEO called 'Rattie Reunion' and I think it turned out cute. It has to be approved before it will show up in my shop but here is a sneak preview. I would love to know how these places can print up all these items one at a time. It's amazing.

I am one of those who doesn't like the rushing of the seasons but am guilty of it with my Halloween items in Zazzle. It's just that I usually don't start gearing up until it's too late, so I thought I would get a jump on it this year and see how that works out.

Well, I'm off, thanks for stopping by!

CafePress and Zazzle

2009-08-25T10:29:00.007-04:00

I have been looking at CafePress and Zazzle for a while now and have finally tried them. You can visit them via the links below. I will be adding to them in the coming weeks.
KMCoriginals on CafePress or KMCoriginals Zazzle store.

My newest eBay ratties are enjoying the beach. One is drying off after a good swim and the other is eating dinner hoping a later start will help him to miss some traffic on the way home.

I have finished my Lee Child book, Gone Tomorrow, if you'd like a good read check it out. I am on such a Jack Reacher binge. (He's the character in the book). I have two more to read then I will be all caught up with his adventures.

Have a great day!

Nibblefest aka NFAC

2009-08-21T10:28:00.005-04:00

This is my art for NFAC this month. In case you're not familiar with Nibblefest it is a themed monthly contest on eBay and starts the 20th of every month and auctions start at 99¢. This month the theme is Trees & Rivers.

Trees have never been my strong point artistically so I just concentrated on the trunk, based on a tree in my backyard, and added a few bits of swamp grass, a frog and of course the river and a rat.

The thing I like about NFAC and the ACEO theme week is that it get's me to do things I normally wouldn't do. I almost didn't do this theme due to the tree and it's just so freaking hot I could barely think but I am glad I made myself do something.

Hope you manage to stay cool today.

More Beach Rats

2009-08-21T10:22:00.002-04:00

A couple of rats doing what they can to beat the heat. Most of the summer was ok but lately it has been brutal.

Hope you manage to stay cool!

2009-08-20T22:28:00.005-04:00

The weather by me has been so hot lately I can't even think. It's driving me crazy. Most people who like summer only like it because they go from their air conditioned house to their air conditioned car to their air conditioned job and they are never really getting the full benefit of the heat and humidity.

Ok, enough of my bitching, but I just had to say it. On to my art. My ratties are enjoying their time at the beach or the shore to us Jerseyans.

In my next post I will put up my other new art including my Nibblefest ACEO.

I am now going back to my book, I am on a binge reading the Jack Reacher novels by Lee Child. I've read a few over the years and now am reading all the ones I missed. I like to read books in order but these don't 'have' to be. I am now reading his newest one Gone Tomorrow and it is soooo good. If you like to read check him out. His website is here.

Give Peas a Chance

2009-08-14T11:16:00.005-04:00

What could be more refreshing to a young rat than a nice pea covered ice cream cone? Don't knock it till you try it.

Another week has flown by and it's been a newsy week for me, heard from my nephew in Mali, it's his birthday tomorrow, my moms is Sunday and a good friend of mine has moved back to NJ.

Oh well, off to get some more ACEOs drawn. I have one started of a rat playing with a beach ball in the ocean.

Hope you have a great weekend.

The Beach and the Niger River

2009-08-13T09:18:00.007-04:00

I've done a few more ACEOs over the last few days. All of them at the beach, well, the rats are at the beach, not me. Hard to believe it's August already.

My latest rats are playing frisbee, wiping out while surfing and running from a wave or surfing the wave, depending on who you believe. haha

It's gloomy in NJ today, but that's ok, I got my weed wacking done yesterday, well, as done as I could before I ran out of cord.

My nephew is continuing to do well in Mali. I don't think I could hack it but he is just going with the flow, even swam in the Niger river. He is one of the lucky ones who hasn't gotten sick so I am glad of that. A few more weeks of training and he will be off on his 2 year assignment.

Rats at the Beach

2009-08-11T10:21:00.004-04:00

Rats can be very active in the summer, they like going to the beach and surfing, sitting in hot tubs having a beer or just sitting and reading gossip magazines.

It is very hot in NJ today, hot and humid, a deadly combination. I am doing my best to stay cool.

Well, I'd best get back to work, hope you have a nice day.

Stay cool.

The Stare of Peaches

2009-08-05T08:20:00.005-04:00

This staring little kitty is Peaches. He is a few years older and a little less intense these days. This painting was done in acrylics on a Windsor & Newton canvas board, 3"x5".

One thing I don't like about painting in the summer is having a fan on, you need it to keep cool but it dries out the paint so fast.

I have a colored pencil ACEO to finish up today of a rat and a piece of fruit. For those who may not know, an ACEO is a piece of art that is 2.5"x3.5" (yes, that's inches), which is the size of a standard deck of cards, and is the only hard and fast rule, ACEOs can be any medium and some are even 3D.

Thanks for looking, enjoy your day!

A Lattice Cat

2009-08-04T08:32:00.004-04:00

This is my cat Stripey peeking out from a lattice fence. Over the years I've done a lot of cats and some rats peeking out of lattice. I think of them as my 'lattice cats' so this one I aptly named 'The Lattice Cat'. It is a 6"x4" acrylic painting on Windsor & Newton canvas board.

ACEO Theme Week and a Strawberry rat

2009-08-04T08:23:00.002-04:00

Above is an ACEO of a rat happy with a strawberry right out of her garden and below is my ACEO for theme week, this months theme: 'Domestic Animals'. I used to have a few guinea pigs and this one was Kublai. I loved the noises they made, my dad would call them 'The Whistlers'. I had planned to do a few more but time got away from me.

I am currently working on another 3"x5" painting of a kitty which I hope to have finished this evening.

Hope you all have a great day!

2009-07-29T09:15:00.002-04:00

Two of my latest ACEOs, one featuring Bob the cat who is sleeping and unaware that rats are nearby and one featuring Markus waiting for a friend.

It is soooo hot around these parts the last few days! It is hard to get up the motivation to do anything, like now I am in here typing this blog instead of out doing yardwork, which I swear I will do before work today.

My nephew has sent an email and is doing well in Mali, really adapting well. He is heading back to homestay today, that's where you stay with a host family and they teach you the language and customs etc. This is part of his 3 months of training, after which he will head on out to some village for 2 years. He is part of the Water Sanitation team.

Oh well I better get to that yardwork!

Hot off the Press

2009-07-23T22:01:00.003-04:00

My newest painting features Stripey the cat sitting on a window ledge. It is done in acrylics on a Windsor Newton Canvas Board and is 5 inch x 3 inch.

In other news I hear my nephew is doing well in Mali with the exception of a heat rash.

Now I am off to make dinner and read my book.

2009-07-22T09:00:00.003-04:00

This is my latest drawing, of my cat Fluffy when she was a kitten (can you see where she got her name?). I love the way the sun illuminated her fur and made her look like a little Fuzzball. The size is 5 inch x 5 inch on Stonehenge paper, done in colored pencils.

At the moment I am also working on another cat and rat ACEO and a 5 inch x 3 inch acrylic painting of a cat. If all goes well I will have them both finished today.

NFAC in July

2009-07-21T11:36:00.005-04:00

NibbleFest (NFAC) started last night on eBay. This month the theme is 'Dramatic Light', so I did a rat finally finding his way out of a sewer. I had a cat I was going to list but it got too late by the time I had the listing ready so I will list it tonight. It is 5"x5" on black stonehenge paper and features my cat Fluffy with the sun really setting off all her pretty fur.

It was hard to scan the sewer rat piece and retain some of the subtle gray shades. I scanned it numerous times at various settings before I was happy with it. And then I have to hope it looks halfway decent on all the various monitors out there.

I also scan at night and my room doesn't have the greatest lighting so it can be quite a chore.

In other news it is raining here today. At least is isn't that hot so I don't mind.

Have a great day!

2009-07-16T09:01:00.005-04:00

A couple of rats dealing with summer in their own way, one at a bar and the other looking wistfully at his neighbors pool over the backyard fence. The summer here has been decent so far, today is the first day of awful humidity so I am sure I will be cranky by the end of the day.

I am trying to think up some ideas for my rats and cats and how they can best spend their summer.

Also on the horizon is NFAC (Nibblefest) on eBay, this month the theme is 'Dramatic Light' which should be fun. NFAC starts on the 20th. I have a vague idea of what I want to do and am trying to decide if I am brave enough to list something bigger than an ACEO (2.5"x3.5"). There are a few days left to decide.

I hope this post looks OK when it is published as I am trying out a few new things with the layout.

My nephew has made it safely to Mali and is learning French.

Well, signing off now and thank you for stopping by!

2009-07-11T12:59:00.003-04:00

Hello! Posted above are two of my newest ACEOs, the top one is based on my nephew who left this week for Mali Africa with the Peace Corps. He should be getting there today for his three months of training, then off to a village somewhere for 2 years. Ah, the exuberance of youth.

The other picture is of two rats, one pointing at something.

I am also setting up my 'new' computer, a Mac G4 with Dual 1.25 GHz processor. What a difference from my 733. I had the G4 delivered to my shop, put Leopard on him, downloaded software I needed from the web so that when I took it home I would just have to install PhotoShop and FreeHand. All went well until I went to open PhotoShop 7 and got a weird message. Come to find out PhotoShop 7 will not work with Leopard. I spent quite a few hours looking for a cheap alternative, but in the end, had to erase the disk and put on Tiger, which I would have done in the first place had I known about the PS7/Leopard issue. Arrrghhh. I should have done my homework better, silly me.

While snooping around with my speedy new computer I just discovered that you can use google as a calculator, just type a math problem (ie 700-15=) in the search bar and it will give you the answer right then and there. If you leave off the = sign and hit return it will be the first listing. You can then see more about calculator and other neat stuff Google can do. Of course this could be common knowledge but it was new to me.

Have a great weekend!

July Theme Week

2009-07-01T22:50:00.004-04:00

This is my ACEO for the July Theme Week on eBay. The theme this month is Patriotic/American/Red/White/Blue. Search 'ACEO TW July' on eBay to see all the art.

I was hoping to get another ACEO done, but have been sidetracked by my 'new' used computer bought right on eBay. It is a 2002 Mac Mirror Door and it is so much faster than my Quicksilver. I can't even imagine how fast a G5 must be, perhaps in 7 more years I will. Long live the Mac!

Pastel Painting

2009-06-30T09:28:00.004-04:00

Hello, welcome to my blog. Last night I listed my first 'all Pastel' painting of one of my cats rolling around. I've used pastels in my colored pencil ACEOs but just for highlights or a background. I hope to do more as I like the soft quality they have. Below is a close up of her cute little face.

This close up is larger than the actual art and the top picture is smaller. The size is 10"x 5"on Art Spectrum Colourfix Paper.

Thanks for stopping by!

June NFAC

2009-06-21T10:45:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, June 20, was the start of the NFAC (Nibblefest) contest on eBay. This month the theme is 'Things with Tails'. That is a good theme for me since I mostly do rats and cats and they both have tails. To add something a bit different though I choose to have my rat flying a kite, which also has a tail.

Little rattie looks happy to be out on a beautiful day, flying his kite, without a care in the world. To see more themed art search NFAC on eBay. All NFAC art starts at 99¢ and can be any size.

I will be listing more ACEOs tonight. I have one finished and will be working on more today.

Today marks the start of summer, although with the cooler temperatures and rain, you wouldn't guess it in my area. Since heat and humidity are the worst weather combo and a staple of summer life in NJ, I prefer this cooler weather even if it comes with rain.

Hope you are having a nice start to your summer.