Moving forward step by step

A new journey and a new learning curve!

I am pleased and excited to announce that I am branching out with my first official website (after so many years as a faithful blogger!)
As many of you know I have been offering online instructional classes on the Trodden Path for the past couple of years and have been so very grateful for the opportunity of working with Jane Spakowsky and this fine artistic community..As the site is closing-I am  now in the position to feature my own classes and occasional one of a kind larger paintings  in one spot  .
Navigating my way around in baby steps at this point..but if you would like to subscribe to my mailing list there I will keep you in the loop! .I am feeling activated with the possibilities! http://www.heathermurray.net/

I will continue with my Etsy store for now as it will be a place to offer small works at an extra friendly cost to patrons
https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/MaudstarrArt


For now  I will also continue with this blog as it is rather dear to my heart :-) 

A Valentine Sale for Lovers of Art!

Special Valentine sale for all lovers of art! 30% off all paintings in my shop..What could be more lovely? Starts today..ends Feb 16th! Simply use coupon code valentinemaud to receive your amazing discount xxoo
Now is the time to treat yourself..or someone you adore ..to art!

https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/MaudstarrArt?ref=hdr_shop_menu

snow days lead to creative frenzy!

Well that is the hope anyway..Although  I do admit that staying put fosters an appreciation for simple soul nourishing moments ..and slows the tempo down re obligatory things to accomplish..in saying that today I made an awesome two pot vegetarian shepherds pie ..Sorted my errant leggings, tights and stockings into a few small vintage suitcases and drank copious amounts of tea with yummy local honey..

I am planning to enter a local gallery's  call for artists for a Mexican themed show..just because I am yearning for colour again..yes ..already! Frida Kahlo is my subject and I am trying to expand my palette with her as my muse.

  I also altered and embellished a Frida Cage doll made as  my working subject for an online class ..She was looking under dressed and fragile ..so I changed that with beads lace and a new plant stand bottom!

Lighten your dark December days with art

 It's been a busy bustling month and I will be happy to have a few reflective,quiet days to appreciate the season . I always question why (even after paring down social and familial and commercial expectations considerably) I tend to be swept up in seasonal fever and fervor. i do not make a huge meal..or entertain guests yet still there is an old nagging obligation/guilt/worry genie in my bottle about how I met my own version of what Christmas is supposed to mean. Losing my dad this past year has heightened my awareness of the finite quality of life and the beginning and end of traditions. I hold on fast to a hand made stocking fashioned for my daughter some 22 years ago and fill it yearly. The glue gunned letters have started to peel -and it's far too large to hold a couple of small items so I continue to fill it with sometimes silly and useless things. My low level  of consumerism is hyped up a few notches in this season and that brings feelings of discomfort too. The best parts.. a simple dinner of fresh vegetables and fish .. Laughing with my small family -watching One Magic Christmas together..Precious Time chatting with my daughter ..Low lights and candles..snuggling with our dogs and cats -appreciating the quiet and stillness .
I strive to do this differently every year.
I wish you joy and happiness in this next year and a sincere appreciation for the simple things that make us compassionate,humble and human.
 Also find a corner  to create,make art of any kind..and  a big hug for that special person,family,end or furry friend in your life.

making time for the playful side of me...



If you received an etsy gift coupon and have been hoping to gift yourself with art then now is the time

 A short boxing day like sale for you..( Just until Dec 29th)

Simply use coupon code mauddoesboxing day when you check out and your 25% discount will be reflected!
https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/MaudstarrArt?ref=hdr_shop_menu

Black Friday sale just because...

 

Simply use promo code maudblackfriday  for 25% off all art in my Etsy shop! Today  November 28 only!  https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/MaudstarrArt?ref=hdr_shop_menu

Altering the old..

Sometimes I take stock of older works..and sometimes not so old works and decide to offer them a new life..a second chance..here are a few examples!...

 

                                   

                                               

Usually my issue has been either colour tone or lack of story..and then revisions come to me later!

Incredible but true One Day Sale and new works!

 A beautiful morning indeed..

Why not check out this splendid offer...
Sale...One day only Monday  November 24th!  All art in my  Etsy shop 30% off!  Simply use coupon code maudthanksyou....https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/MaudstarrArt?ref=hdr_shop_menu

 And time to be indoors to create more vertical .with an abstract,textured feel..

. and horizontal paintings!

 

Winter's breath is upon us!

I am finding myself hunkering in to warm myself in front of the fire these past few days..Snow days already and it's only November 20! Reflecting on the past month or so I have been busy -and my activities diverse! A weekend visit with two artist friends at a cozy cottage  proved to be a remedy from my own private hustle and bustle

Having my art featured in the most lovely Heartwood Home Decor store in Owen Sound for the month of November has been a treat!

A drive to Toronto to see family..(and wrestle traffic!)

Roller skating with my local Roller Derby Team at the Santa Claus Parade..

and a few new  art pieces..

 this painting was re jigged,painted and altered...

                                                                    "Stay"
A couple of workshops in October that were fun and enriching! The Memory Box project with a feisty group of local seniors and a journal workshop with some creative youth from local high schools

Going horizontal

Ok I am just a little obsessed with horizontal/landscape paintings right now...

They are especially  fun and nice on textured found wood...

Yea! A new online Class in Time for Cooler Fall Days

http://thetroddenpath.ning.com/group/adventures-in-mixed-mediaYippeeee! After a couple of months of filming and configuring and formulating I have finally finished my newest online class for the Trodden Path! I am overjoyed because this topic proved to be more daunting than a single project!  "Adventures in Mixed Media" encompasses a visual commentary on my process and tips for making your own art journals come alive..I also offer a video on making an altered board book -and show steps from start to finish .(.With the occasional rooster or chicken adding their personal vocal touch to the background!) It's all very personal ! What I love about offering  these classes is that they can be accessed at the viewer's discretion- ongoing..so no dates or deadlines  to be locked into!

Here is the link if you wish to check it out further! These are the methods I use when i feel a bit artistically stuck and I hope you will have fun and play along too ! :-)

http://thetroddenpath.ning.com/group/adventures-in-mixed-media

Is it really the end of summmer? ..sigh..

..Well them why not offer one more sale to my loyal patrons! I have some wonderful new mixed media pieces still available and a few new "Tall Girls" on wood !

The end of summer??? Well hardly ..May it continue for another month or so ! :-) But this sale in my shop is for Canada's last summer long weekend holiday!

25% off all art!
Just use coupon code: maudsummersendsale when you check out!
Make haste ..Offer ends holiday Sunday August 31 !

 https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/MaudstarrArt

I have been busy working on my mixed media class video also ..stay posted!