Gone Fishing...

...fishing for inspirations that is. I'll be away for a few days to cool my creative jets and hopefully pick up some artistic inspirations along the way. Our destination? First we'll spend a while in Eureka Springs, one of my favorite places in the world. It's pretty much the melting pot of all of my interests, be it the town's rich, artistic background, or it's fascinating haunted history.

Next stop, Branson Missouri. If you're not familiar with Branson, you're missing out. There's a seemingly endless amount of attractions here, including music and variety shows, museum, shops, theme parks, and much much more. If only we had more time.

Anyway, I'll be back soon!

Harvest Moon Man on Crow WIP

This is another work in progress for the August update on Spookytime Jingles. I just couldn't resist creating something moon related for the site, as the moon was one of my early inspirations in the folk art world; hence the name "Crescent Hill Designs."

Fortunately for me, both Christmas and Halloween seem welcoming to moons, from crescent to full.

Below is a not so good pic of the not so finished product, with an unfinished "See no Evil..." looking on in the background.

The Dark Knight

Stephanie and I went to the midnight showing for the opening of The Dark Knight, and like many others, our minds were blown. This could be the best comic book hero movie ever, with the possible exception of Batman Begins. I love 'em both. In fact, it's probably my favorite movie of the year, ranking up there with my all time favs. Needless to say, Heath Ledger was phenomenal, serving up the best performance of his tragically short career; may he rest in peace. I can't wait to see it again, hopefully in IMAX this time. Please do yourself a favor and see this movie now. I think it's important that you get the theatrical atmosphere rather than waiting for DVD.

Halloween Wip for STJ

Unfortunately I was unable to make something for Halloween for the opening month of Spookytime Jingles, but this month will hopefully be a different story. I have a couple of pieces in the works, one of which may eventually become a Santa or something else all together, and another that is pictured below. This stack of quirky pumpkins, called "See no Evil, Speak no Evil, Hear no Evil," is almost ready for some paint. I still need a way to emphasize the "Hear no Evil" pumpkin on the top. He has no ears so I guess he can't hear for that reason, but I may add arms from the middle pumpkin to cover "Hear no Evil's" non-existent ears.

If you're wondering about the bottom pumpkin, his mouth is zipped up. If you look closely you can see the zipper tab on the right side of his mouth.

Getting Back to Etsy...

I've been having so much fun with Dani's Spookytime Jingles, that I've unfortunately begun to neglect my Etsy store. I haven't put much Christmas stuff on Etsy, so in the midst of creating for STJ, I decided to make this Christmas snow girl for Etsy. I'll try to have her listed soon.

I almost forgot!! Here are the seven blogs I am nominating. Thanks again Janet!! Here we go:

http://ambitionsdesign.blogspot.com/

http://lauriehardinsaccents.blogspot.com/

http://pumpkinseedsoriginals.blogspot.com/

http://thepolkadotpixie.blogspot.com/

http://huckleberryarts.blogspot.com/

http://retrorudolphs.blogspot.com/

http://kimhardtoriginals.blogspot.com/

These are the kindest and most talented of artists, and their blogs rock too!!

I've Been Nomintated For a Blog Award!!!

I haven't paid much attention to my blog lately, but today I logged on and was greeted with the most pleasant surprise. I was nominated nominated by the great whimsical folk artist, Janet Cambell from http://folkartbycampbelljane.blogspot.com/.

Janet, thanks again for the great honor! Tomorrow I will post my 7 Nominees!

Happy 4th!!

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy 4th of July!

So what's everyone doing for the weekend? I'm going to Dallas and will hopefully visit the downtown art district; I've heard good things. My mouth is watering already. I'll be back tomorrow or Saturday with some pictures.

Santa WIP for Spookytime Jingles

Spookytime Jingles has put me in the Christmas Spirit, and creating for the holiday has never been more fun. Here's my first Santa of the year; some of him anyway. This one is finally shaping up and I think I see a light at the end of the tunnel.



This pic was taken yesterday. Today I will make a few additions and changes and hopefully paint the jolly fellow.