Katherine.................:)

Katherine Hepburn has always been and still is my favorite actress. I, to this day, love watching old movies of hers. I used to really enjoy her personal interviews learning the quotes that she's lived by, her independent attitude, not being afraid to speak her mind, and while still being a little modest about her talent. She used to live by these three quotes:

"The Truth Shall Make You Free"

"Fight for Independence" - both of these were by George Bernard Shaw

"Independence is the Solution" - this one was her father's.

I recently had the opportunity of joining an art exchange and the theme is Bookmarks. We make 3 for 3, different, and the bookmarks must address a favorite book that we've read. Katherine Hepburn wrote a book called Me and it was a delight to read and I still re-read it occasionally when I'm in need of a little inspiration. I call it when I need a little "attitude adjustment" :)

This is a picture of my bookmarks for the exchange. I had to jump on this chance to honor Katherine in my way.

Artfully yours.....................Marilyn

Giving Thanks...............................:)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Today is the day we give thanks for all the things we have been blessed with; particularly the people, in our lives, who we love and care about.

I want to thank you all, on this day, for your continued friendships, support, caring and love that you send my way each and every day. I am very thankful for all of you!

May the traditions of your holiday offer you peace, love and comfort with the people in your lives who you love and care about.

Love to all...................................................Marilyn

Rose........................

I have many favorite collectibles. I would say old music scores and sheets are right up there in the top ten! This is a little Photoshop fun I had with a music score I found at a flea market during the summer. It was instant love of the cover.

A rose by any other name???????

Have a great day and I wish you and yours a very peaceful and Happy Thanksgiving!

Love, Marilyn

Serenity..............

This is a piece I did a couple of days ago. It measures approx. 5 x 7 and is done on illustration board.

I stamped the Geisha (my favorite) and watercolored using Twinkling H20's. I used acrylic daubers directly on a Penny Black stamp for the foliage.

Have a great weekend! Love, Marilyn

Words are powerful :)

My husband and I took a road trip, not too long ago, to Woodstock, Vt. It's a beautiful picture-postcard little town that offers delightful visual splendor as well as the best pumpkin pie I've ever had!!

As one enters Woodstock, Vt., you are greeted with a beautiful park that is across from the Woodstock Inn Resort. The town often holds community events there; and fall is a very busy time. The day we were there, the town was putting on a chili festival and the aroma in the air, between the fall leaves and the chili, was almost too much to bear :)

Luckily, I had my camera on me and decided to take some shots at the park. Much to my surprise, at every tree base, there are these slate slabs with quotes on them! I thought I would share a few of my favorites with you and please feel free to use these in any way you would like.

Words are so powerful and coming across these quotes on such a beautiful day, made me realize I just had to capture them and share with very special people in my life.

Enjoy the moments! Love, Marilyn

A Change of Pace................

This is a recent digital collage of mine.

I hope everyone is enjoying this holiday weekend.

Happy Veteran's Day and thoughts are with all who served and who are still serving our country.

Love to all.................Marilyn

Everything but the kitchen sink.......

Today I felt like working on what I call "lab work". I like to take some time and just experiment with things I've learned; no pressure, just play and see what happens.

This is an 8 x 10 done on illustration board. The base is charcoal, then gel medium spread with an adhesive tool, working in with textured items including free-hand shapes with skewer, screen pieces, jar lids, my fingers, etc. Acrylics are washed over and the result is a total surprise! Fun, fun, fun.....

Love, Marilyn

'tis nearing the season!

I cannot believe that the holidays are approaching already. If the weather is an indicator, you wouldn't know it here. It's been mild, sunny, just beautiful really and it hasn't quite registered that holiday time is near.

I did make a little headway starting my holiday cards and today began working on some handmade gifts and I even managed to get this holiday-themed 4 x 4 page for an exchange done. I thought I'd share a picture of it with you.

Thanks for visiting and leaving your lovely, supportive and meaningful comments!

Love to all.................Marilyn

Expression........................

This is an 8 x 10 canvas that I worked on this week and finished today. It is a mix of acrylics and collaging. The base is actually torn decorative papers with acrylic washes using alcohol to lighten up areas. I included some delicate Unryu and watercolored rice papers.

The woman is actually my first attempt at free-hand painting a figure! She's supposed to be smiling a bit more, but I couldn't get her mouth just right. Oh well; perhaps she's reflecting on her surroundings :)

I had fun adding in some real dried Queen Anne's Lace and after sinking them into some gel medium, once they dried, I went over them with a little white gesso.

I wish you all a safe and happy upcoming weekend! Love, Marilyn

Haley.........................:)

I thought it would be fitting that I introduce you all to a friend of mine. Her name is Haley and she's a 3-year old Golden Retriever who comes to visit my husband and I on occasion. We had the privilege of Haley's company, yesterday, with her "Dad" James.

Haley has really touched our hearts and I think she has the most beautiful face! We love when she visits her "Aunt" Marilyn and "Uncle" Ted; it makes for a really special day.

Enjoy!

Love to all........................Marilyn