It’s that time of year! Here is my list of 23 art related gift ideas for 2023. It includes my top loved and used art supplies by my amazing art students- because, what do all artists want, no matter the age?? Art supplies!! I’ve also include my top gift-able items from my shop. Enjoy!
Continue reading Annie’s Gift Guide 2023
Over the past week I had the pleasure of painting this 240 square foot Happy Farm Mural at New London Community Childcare Center in New London, IA.
Continue reading The Happy Farm Mural
Every year, I try to help art parents or those who desire to give gifts to the artists in their life. The following are my recommendations (with links!) to help you fill those stockings with art supplies this year. What do all artists want, no matter the age?? Art supplies!! I’ve also include my top gift-able items from my shop. Enjoy!
Continue reading Annie’s 22 for 2022 Gift Recommendations!
I spent the first week of September up in the air! 30 ft up to be exact! I was hired to repaint a weathered Totem Pole in Mt. Pleasant, IA. It was a crazy experience for me, full of literal ups and downs on a boom lift. I was delighted to learn that i’m not particularly afraid of heights, though when it was windy up there it was a little scary. Luckily I was blessed with a few wind free days and lots of family support to put in some long painting hours and get it done.
For materials, I used Chroma Mural Paints which are UV stable. I lightly sanded off old paint (customer did not want me to prime the surface) and coated every inch with bright new color. I then applied a generous coat of Helmsman Outdoor Polyurethene coating. (These are the same materials i’ve used on my Peace Poles and Garden Poles)
Overall, I found the experience exhilarating and empowering. I’m feeling inspired to take on mural work and can’t wait to continue to paint on a large scale more in my community and beyond!
Enjoy this video of the process, as well as some of my favorite images.
Please enjoy this preview of the 15 new original oil paintings that will be debuted at Plum Bottom Gallery this spring.
Continue reading 2022 Plum Bottom Collection
I’ve been tinkering around with birch trees and working my way up to a larger piece. Enjoy this piece that is inspired by my favorite painter of all time- Van Gogh.
Continue reading Painting Birches with a Starry Night
These are called the “Dance of the Sunflowers” numbers 1 and 2. Named because I can really just feel the joy coming out of these happy flowers, and really feel and see the movement as they dance in the breeze from high uptop their stems. Sunflowers are so fun and interesting to grow- every stage is exciting. I love planting them in my yard if I can keep the squirrels from digging them up and the deer from munching them down- they are very entertaining to watch grow and bloom.
Continue reading Dance of the Sunflowers
This painting came pouring out- the waves of color in the sky and the water just flowed straight out of my heart. This painting is inspired by the extravagant show the sun puts on as it says goodnight.
Continue reading Radiating color
Gift giving is a special opportunity to buy a treat for someone, and if that someone is an artist, there’s no better gift than art supplies. The more one creates, the faster those supplies run through our fingers. Here are 15 ideas that will spoil the artist in your life- from big to small budgets, there’s something for everyone here.
Continue reading Gifts for your Artist