How Interesting!

This really makes you think! :-)

Gives one a real perspective on you and your senses.

Our new BABY.. Woof Woof

Let me introduce you to Bailey!

  He is our new rescue. Bailey is a wire-haired Dachshund mix.

They tell me he is approximately 1 year old.

I think he is a  little younger.

Saturday when we brought him home, he sat on my lap 

all day long and cuddled. No matter

when I went he was with me. Today, he 

is a little more independent, but still comes back to me

when he gets sleepy.

When it's bedtime just as you are settling down between

the sheets, up he bounds and snuggles in real close.

My son informed me that Bailey came upstairs to visit him

in the middleof the night, but by mornings light,

Baily was back- snuggled in with us.

He is such a smarty too!

After only two tries, he learned to use the doggy door.

Whooo Hoooo!

Of course it helps that our other dog

, Missy , uses the doggy door too!.

Can't wait to get started in my art studio...

.I wonder if he will be the next Picaso? :-)

Since he likes to stick his nose into everything.

Well, it's time to encourage a potty break!

See you soon!!!!

Di   / woof!

What An Awesome Weekend

Just spent the past weekend in Nashville, Tn

at an Art Workshop with Elizabeth Robbins.

She is a wonderful teacher and a fantastic artist.

In less than an hour ...
she made this beginning ......

became this painting!

She imparts so much knowledge during her workshop.

At times it seems dizzying, but it you listen closely
and follow her guidance,

suddenly there are all these "light bulb" moments
going off in your head.

If you ever get a chance to study with Elizabeth,

RUN!!!!! 

Don't walk to sign  up. 

You won't regret a minute of it. 

In the next couple of days,

I'll share the paintings we did during our 3-day workshop!

We Had to Say Goodbye

The Rainbow Bridge

inspired by a Norse legend

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,

Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.

Where the friends of man and woman do run,

When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,

Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.

On this golden land, they wait and they play,

Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,

For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.

Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,

Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,

Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.

All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,

Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;

Together again, both person and pet.

So they run to each other, these friends from long past,

The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,

Has turned into joy once more in each heart.

They embrace with a love that will last forever,

And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.

Good-bye for now Sadie!

Run and play HAPPY

And run and play FREE

Until we see you at Rainbow Bridge

This is only a little 6 x 6, but was such a joy to paint. I've named it PEACEFUL INLET. If anyone has any ideas of names for future paintings, I could sure use the help. I'm not very creative that way. Of if you know some wonderful site I could use to inspire titles for paintings.

I'm going to be working on a series of water and waterfront scenes. Any ideas ?????
Thanks in advance! Take care! And have a lovely day!!!!!!!

New WEBSITE

http://www.diannehartartist.com
Join me on my brand new website. Some of it is still under construction,so please bare with me.

First Painting for 2011

I am so excited today!!! Last night I finally broke through my "artist block". I had not painted in about three months.

I have been laid up for about six weeks with a knee injury, so I've used that time perusing the internet and looking at other artist's sites. Well, I came across an artist named Leslie Saete, and I was blown away. Her paintings made me "happy". I know that that is a simple word, but it's a very strong , all encompassing word.HAPPY... HAPPY... HAPPY! :-) Her work made me smile.

She is a contemporary impressionist palette knife painter. I had not picked up a palette knife to paint with in over 35 years. The more I looked at her paintings the more I wanted to go fine my knives.
So................ TA DA ! Here is my first palette knife painting since I was in high school. I'm very excited about it. I've had several compliments on it today. I've already taken it to the gallery and it is for sale there at 16 Main Gallery.

Stay tuned for more palette knife painting!!! Whooo Hoooo!

ASCRIBING ARTISTS

I also want to THANK the ASCRIBING ARTISTS for featuring me through the month of January on their website. I'm feel very HONORED. I also am blessed to be a part of the Ascribing Artist network.

"Ascribing Artists is a creative ministry bringing together visual artists who desire to ascribe or attribute their work and life to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The ministry is inspired by Psalm 29:2, "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name" and shows that we are to be "A Reflection of His Glory" in all that we do."

Also a big "Thanks" to Gina Hurst for her friendship and all that she does to promote us all! BIG (((((HUGS))))) GINA! ! ! ! !
And GOD BLESS

Thank You Huntsville Art Blog

I want to extend a really big THANK YOU ! to the Huntsville Art Blog for featuring me and my artwork all through the month of December. This is a fabulous group of artist. I feel very honored to be chosen.

The Huntsville Art Blog does a fantastic job promoting local artists and art awareness in North Alabama. Don't miss their BLOG.

FAVORITE PAINTING OF 2010

The Watering Hole

Magnificent Blue

Banana Blossom

snow, Snow, SNOW !

It was just two weeks ago, that we had a white Christmas. I think that was a first! But this past Sunday, January 9, we had the third largest snowfall in north Alabama in over 50 years. We had around 7 1/2 inches of snow.

The largest snowfall was in 1964. I remember that I was in the hospital at the time and all the kids were calling me , wanting me to come out and play and I couldn't , of course. Poor me :-(

The second largest snowfall was in 1987. I remember that one also. LOL  I had to walk a couple of blocks to get home. Brrrrrrr-cicles!

Anyway, this snow was wonderful to behold, but it has cause many business' to be closed and the school closed all week. We just don't have the snow equipment needed here in the sunny south.

Enjoy this little fellow. :-)

FRIDAY NIGHT PAINT PARTIES @ 16 MAIN GALLERY

New for 2011... Join our

Friday Night Paint Parties

at

 16 Main Gallery

in historic downtown Madison.

Invite your friends, BYOBeverage

and we will provide the rest.

January 7th

"TUSCAN POPPY"

Class prep begins at 6:30 pm

Painting by 7:00pm

Classes last from 2-3 hours

$35.00 per person

(all supplies included)

Register early as space in limited.

16 Main Street, Madison, AL

256-325-0161