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

Stormy Days

Here is a painting I made about 30 years ago.  I painted them with both panels pushed together and then framed them separately. It was a fun afternoon, practicing with my palette knife. 
My parents have had them hanging in their living room all these years.
They are also featured this month on Huntsville's Art Blog.
Be sure to read my article and  check out all the other artist's as well

Glass Painting Class

See link below

16Main: Classes This Saturday! Dec. 4th

16Main: Classes This Saturday! Dec. 4th

Christmas Open House

Please join us in Madison Alabama for Historic Downtown Madison's Christmas Open House. The Merchants of Madison is hosting an all day Open House from 10am until 5pm.

Santa is expected, so tell all the boys and girls. We will also get to enjoy carolers several times throughout the day.

Be sure to stop by 16 Main Gallery. Visit with our many artist's and enjoy our festive fare. Be one of the first 100 visitors and receive a festive treat.

An Early Merry Christmas to All!!!!!

Poinsettia Ornament

Tomorrow morning I'll be teaching a class of this ornament. If anyone sees this before 10am Tuesday, come on over to 16 Main Gallery and join us.
The class fee is $35.00 and depending on the time...we will do 1 to 2 ornaments. The class lasts for two hours and all supplies are included.
Hope to see you there!!!!
Phone number is 256-325-0161

Ladies Day Out

We had such fun!!!! This group of lovely ladies got together from their church woman's group. We spent the morning learning to paint, but most importantly --- having FUN!!!!! We were laughing so much, many of us had tears in our eyes.
After we finished, we joined a few other ladies from their group and had a wonderful lunch together across the street, at Main Street Cafe.

So get your friends/family together and come out to 16 Main Gallery & Artists for your own paint party. We call it "FEED YOUR PALETTE".. There are several artist to choose from - watercolor, acrylic, and oil painters. We will design a painting specific for your party. Just call 16 Main Gallery at 256-325-0161..
There are also many other types of classes available! We hope to see you soon!

Snow De-Lightful!!!!

This past Saturday, we had an impromptu "Snowman" ornament class. These lovely ladies each made two ornaments and had had no prior painting experience .. didn't they do an awesome job?

Pictured left to right is Connie, (me), Barbara, and Judy!   Thanks ladies for coming out. I had a wonderful time getting to know each of you and  I so enjoyed watching your eyes  gleam with excitement as each of the snowman's faces came to life.

The 12 Gifts of Christmas

This is my personal blog, but my business is inside of 16 Main Gallery, which is an Art Gallery and Art Studios located in historic downtown Madison, Alabama. We are promoting making your own gifts for Christmas and we are starting this Saturday morning with my class on painting your own Christmas Ornaments. We have a wide variety of options for all of your family. AND PARENTS --- Be sure to have your kids come on December 18th, for our Kids Day, so they can make gifts for you.

Gifts that are handmade are gifts from the Heart!!!! And Gifts from the Heart are always cherished more than we ever realize.

Be sure to register in advance, so the artist's teaching will have plenty of supplies available. ALL SUPPLIES ARE INCLUDED FOR EACH CLASS FOR THE NOMINAL CLASS FEE

Please check out our blog at 16 Main Gallery for all coming EVENTS