Thought-Full Art Studio

A conversation...

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What’s Hot Sale*

What’s Hot? Texas, folks! It has been unrelenting. The only sounds in my backyard these days are the rustle of the sun crisped corn stalks and birds calling out letting others know that there is water available. I have a little goldfish pond and a couple of bird baths that I refill each morning. Birds of all kinds are visiting, panting, and lining up to get a scoop of the water. We have a couple of hummingbirds that are nearly drinking our feeder dry each day since all the flowers are dried up. I’m sure hoping that we will begin to see some change soon as Fall really isn’t that far away.

To celebrate the hardiness of our feathered friends in this heat, I’m offering a special discount on the “Through the Curtain” print. The coupon code is FOWLWEATHER2023 and should be used when you process your purchase. This is a one time, one per user discount of $10.00 off the normal print price of $75.00. Shipping remains the same ($18.00). The coupon is good through September 7, 2023.

Through the Curtain

Hope to see you all in the Fall shows! Stay safe and stay hydrated!

*Coupon good through September 7, 2023

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Slowly Getting Ready for Fall Shows

With it much too hot to be outside other than a few minutes morning and evening to water some of the surviving plants, I should be getting ready for my Fall shows.

But instead, I’ve taken a little “break” and have been spending time reading. Had a minor medical “thing” that went great but had to “take it easy” for a bit – and that’s my excuse and I am sticking to it. But, hey, everyone needs a little down time to enjoy and appreciate other aspects of life. I hope that you have found some time this summer to “actively rest and recharge”.

I have two shows coming up in the fall – Cottonwood Arts Festival in Richardson and the Edom Arts Festival in Edom (both Texas shows). Both are in October and hopefully we will have less brutal weather by then. If you have not been to Edom, Texas for that show, I heartily encourage you to make the journey. Nestled in piney woods, this little town is an artisan haven that has several wonderful venues offering fine art, crafts, and creative opportunities.

The Edom Arts Festival itself is really lovely, with great music and a slow pace that is just perfect for fall. In addition to the many art/craft venues, this tiny little town also has some really nice dining establishments! My favorite is the Edom Log Cabin. Right across the street is my friend Zeke’s jewelry gallery. At one time my wife and I pondered trying to relocate to Edom. That never worked out, but we try to make regular forays to enjoy the friendship and food!

Well – back to reading and watering! Remember that my little online shop has a lot of available prints and I do hope that you will take a moment to check it out. If you have any questions about any of the offerings, don’t hesitate to reach out! Stay hydrated and see you in the Fall!

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The Heat!!

Good grief! Hope everyone is staying safe, cool, and hydrated. I have been watching my garden dry up from the back door. It is too hot to be outside for more than a few minutes.

Speaking of cooler weather (nice segue, right?). My fall shows have been lined out and I’m excited to be at Cottonwood Arts Festival in Richardson and the Edom Arts Festival in Edom (both Texas shows). Both are in October and hopefully we will have less brutal weather by then.

Those are my only remaining shows for 2023. More information will follow but check out the links for more information about each show. They are both stellar and lots of fun for visitors and the artists! Always lots of wonderful art, great music, and fun food!

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Special “Harvesting” Sale*

As most gardeners know – as soon as you till the soil and plant your vegetables, along come the invaders who want to mimic and take over the fresh, prepared soil. Just the other day we found an invasive species of plant in the midst of my corn that can lay dorman for FIFTY – yes 50 – years! It had the most interesting little “pod” and a pretty yellow flower. But thanks to experienced “plant spotters” on iNaturalist, we also learned lovey little beauty can quickly take over and spread seeds that a gardener cannot hope to eradicate. These may have been in the ground from when this house was built! So – up it came and into the firepit.

Just like in this artwork, “thorns” of one type or another take advantage of all our carefully cultivated spaces – whether they be in garden plantings or human interactions. For roses, in particular (I have quite a few in my garden), thorns are even necessary for the healthy life and longevity of the rose. While we can protect ourselves a bit with the use of gloves and clippers, sometimes we just have to manage dealing with getting snagged a bit. Hopefully, our experiences of the beauty and scent of the rose will balance out the trials of cultivation.

In recognition of the joy of a summer’s bounty – and the lovely roses blooming around my little world – I’m offering a one-time, one-per-person coupon (on my website only) for the print “To Cultivate Roses One Must Learn to Live With Thorns“. The coupon code is GARDENJUNE2023 and by using this code you will receive $10.00 off the normal price of $75.00. Shipping remains the same ($18.00). The coupon is good through June 17, 2023.

*Sale has ended.

Hoping you have a blessed and joyous time this summer whether cultivating your yard, your home, or your relationships!

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Cottonwood Arts Festival

Cottonwood Art Festival is coming THIS WEEKEND (May 6th and 7th). I have the same booth area as last year. I am in booth 17 (as you walk into the show grounds off Belt Line, take a right down the “O’Keefe” Aisle. My booth is easy to see! Here is a link to the show map and information: Festival Map | Cottonwood Art Festival

I had a terrific show last week at Oklahoma City – albeit the weather was horrible for most of the show. People turned out as soon as the skies cleared, though, and I’m so grateful for the sales and many kind comments.

I still have some of my vintage tees available – perfect for wearing out to the Cottonwood festival! Check them out in the Shop! I do not sell these at shows. Have a great day and I hope to see you Saturday or Sunday!

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Festival of the Arts – OKC

I have my booth assignment. Same as last year – 24-B. Here is a link to the show information: Festival of the Arts – Arts Council Oklahoma City (artscouncilokc.com)

I’ve got several new works that I think people are going to find interesting. I certainly enjoyed creating them! This is a long show and I am hoping for light spring breezes and no rain. Be sure to put the dates on your calendar!

I still have some of my vintage tees available – perfect for wearing out to the festival! Check them out in the Shop!

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Draw, Garden, Repeat

Spring is here!? Question mark because it still feels like we might get an “unseasonable” freeze! Nonetheless, I am harvesting lettuce, planting a lot of fun “vintage” seeds, and drawing, drawing, drawing. I have a number of new pieces that I’m looking forward to showing first at the Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts. See my show schedule here.

I’ll be putting up some additional items in my online shop in the next few weeks. Given all the news lately, I’m reminding folks that there are a small number of cards relating to trumped up behavior in the shop (wink, wink).

If you are in the Edom, Texas area, be sure to stop by the Zeke & Marty Studio to check out Zeke’s amazing work and a few things of mine he has so generously allowed me to keep in the shop. I cannot adquately express how very much I appreciate the support and kindness of those who have supported my work over the past many years. It is humbling and and a source of deep gratitude.

If you are interested in being reminded about upcoming shows, please fill out the subscribe form below. I won’t spam you. I don’t post all that often so you won’t get tons of messages from me!

On that note, I’ve got a drawing calling out to me so closing here and hoping that your spring is one of peace and joy.

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Plugging My Wife’s New Book!

My wife, Sherry, has been creating and publishing books to Amazon. Her latest is a coloring book that is really fun. She’s working on creating one using some of my works as well and we will let folks know when that becomes available.

I hope you will take a look at her new book and pass along to others you think might be interested! You can catch her latest creations and view her shop at https://merrysherryscreations.com

Happy Spring!

https://amzn.to/3ncYaQu

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Spring 2023 Schedule Available

I’m excited to be in both the Oklahoma City Festival of the Arts and the Cottonwood Arts Festival in Spring 2023! Both shows are wonderful in so many ways. Both have a great venue, a positive vibe, great sales, fun entertainment, and amazing artists. I’ve been honored to be selected to show in both of these fine events for a number of years and very grateful to be back again in Spring 2023!

I hope you will check out the schedule on my Shows page and get the dates on your calendars! If you can share that information with your friends and family directly or through Social Media, that would be wonderful and greatly appreciated!

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Happy 2023

Hard to believe the New Year is upon us! I hope that 2022 was a good year for you and that 2023 will be even better. We have had an “interesting” last quarter as our home needed several issues resolved. A few are still pending and we are looking forward to all that getting done soon and behind us. All necessary – but not how we planned the months of October through ??

I’m working on some print processes. Waiting to hear about spring shows and then I’ll be updating the website with more information. I’ve been spending a good deal of time on my garage/art area – going through boxes I haven’t explored for a very long time. Time consuming but it feels good to be getting this space in order and cleaned out. The process started when our hot water heater decided to break down completely and leak into the garage on the Thursday before Christmas. So we had a “Victorian” experience with heating hot water by the bucket to wash ourselves and dishes. Not exactly how we planned to spend Christmas – but it all worked out. It was fixed on the Tuesday after Christmas and the leak is what helped spur me to do a thorough cleanup and reorganization of my garage.

Hope that your Christmas was less “eventful” and that you were able to relax and enjoy time with friends and family. I want to say thank you to all those who thought of me this holiday season as they were purchasing gifts! It means a lot to me when I’m contacted by folks who have known my work for awhile or have just discovered it. Thank you for your support and encouragement!