a happy dance....

Remember when I said that I had some big announcements...but I could not tell you all of them...just yet. Well, now I can tell you about one more!

One of my paintings has been published in a new really cool book. It's called, "Life As A Verb" - 37 Days to Wake Up, Be Mindful and Live Intentionally. It's so excited to open a book and see your work among the pages. Gotta do a happy dance...........♥♥♥

The painting was a mixed media collage created from one of Patti Digh's essays, called "Roll on the Floor". You might remember the painting, as I posted about it last November. The painting and a copy of the book are currently at auction at eBay...so be sure to check them out.


Now...I'll sit back and bite my tongue until I can share all the other exciting news with you. But, as soon as I get the okay...I will. pinky promise.........
Don't forget the 20% off sale in the entire Etsy store, with Free Gifts for purchases over $50 and free shipping in the United States. It's going on through this weekend and ends Sept. 2nd. There is more info in the post below. You know...according to Santa's website...it's only 117 days until Christmas.

Love and happy dances,
WyannePin It

Are U Sure It Wasn't A Hurricane?

Hello Everyone!

Thank you all for your concern and well wishes during that massive (Are you sure it wasn't a Hurricane?) tropical storm Fay. I really appreciate it. We didn't expect the impact and force that she packed. Yet, after days of 60mph winds, horizontal rain, and tornado warnings...we have been blessed with beautiful sunny days again....kinda reminds me of PMS....

Now as we pick up the pieces and get back to normal...I have LOTS of wonderful News, Special Sales and Free Gifts below for all my fabulous friends. You are the best and I truly appreciate all you do for me.

Enjoy!

Love
Wyanne

♥♥♥ BIG Are you sure it wasn't a Hurricane? SALE ♥♥♥

20% off entire Etsy Purchase

Please note - Prices shown in the Etsy store are not discounted.

I will send you a revised PayPal invoice reflecting the discount after you check out through Etsy.

FREE GIFT WITH PURCHASE over $50
(after discount)

OR


CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE ETSY STORE!!!

♥♥♥ only one gift per order...let me know which one you would like in the Etsy messages or by email me ♥♥♥

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Fay's here...

wyanne on 12seconds.tvPin It

Fay......

Here in Florida, we are bracing for tropical storm/hurricane Fay. Back in Georgia many years ago, I had a neighbor named Miss Fay. She was in her eighties. She was a retired school teacher who never married. She spent all her time tending her garden. When we first moved in, she didn't like me much. My dogs got out and raided her trash one day...and even after a million apologies, we were off to a bad start. I'd always wave at her, and she'd never wave back. After my daughter was born...she had a change of heart. I think she saw me caring for my 84 year old father while I was pregnant...and figured I must be okay. We later became very good friends, as she was enamored by my children. In her final days , overpowered with cancer and medicine for pain, she was oblivious to those physically around her...but spent her last days doing what she loved...teaching. I will never forget her frail body laying in the hospital bed, overshadowed by her smile and mumbled words as she taught her children. In my reality, I couldn't see these children, but she could..as she transcended into the non-physical world doing what she loved to do.

To this day, I am still in awe of Fay's spirit and passion. I could only hope that my journey out of this world is filled with what I love to do...making art. It is something that I can't live without. For so many years, I kept this passion to myself. Yes, I shared the artwork with clients, but I never shared the passion behind the art. It was something that I thought was so private and personal, that no one would understand. I was asked to teach...but I refused...because I couldn't do things "by a book". It was much more emotional experience for me. So for years, I rejected even the thought of teaching. Then one day at my studio, one of my best friends, came over for a day of art play. We both made our own mixed media paintings, as I shared with her techniques and ideas off the top of my head. She left with a finished painting, and I was left with a since of failure. I thought I had let her down...I should have showed her how to do things more predictably and by the book. She later told me that was what made me a great teacher. She loved her painting, and learned much more than she ever expected. I love her for that. She changed my life.

I now understand Miss Fay's love and passion for teaching. Today, I spent most of the morning reworking my classes on the website. I added an exciting new class called "The Secret Art of Creating", and opened new dates for previously filled classes. I've learned the energy and love that is created by sharing your passion is multiplied over and over. It leaves me feeling fulfilled and complete as an artist. It is a magical feeling. I am in such gratitude to my friend, my students and especially Miss Fay. Thank you all.

But, now as tropical storm/hurricane Fay looms toward my little Florida island...I can't help but wonder if Miss Fay is somehow getting me back for the dogs in her trash.

Much love and gratitude to you,

Wyanne

PS. You can see the updated classes here. ♥Pin It

light tomorrow with today...

My kids started new schools today. At the elementary school, parades of parents were escorting their children to classrooms. But...my 7 year old wanted to be dropped off... so little Miss Independent could make her own way to her classroom. I have to say...I was proud of her. My son started high school. He was so nervous...I'm not sure he slept the night before. We had to circle around the high school four times before he got out of the car. I felt really bad for him. Funny...how I don't remember any of my "first days" of school. Were they terribly traumatic that I blocked them out...or just not a big deal. I wish I could remember.

I just finished a new painting assemblage and video for it. The painting is mixed media on wood with jewelry elements. It was a blast because I got to play around with woodburning. Too cool. I call her my French Angel. I woodburned the saying "Light Tomorrow With Today" in French. Hope you like her.

Love,
Wyanne


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the art play class...

I've gotten a lot of questions about the online Art Play class...what it's all about and what type of supplies will be needed. So, over coffee this morning...I will try to explain it. This class is probably going to be a lot different than other classes. Because it's a pLaY class! I love for my friends to come by the studio and hang out for a play date. We drag out all our supplies and just have fun. There are no rules, no expectations...just lots of fun and learning. It will be just like you were hanging out in the studio with me.

I'll be giving you 2 to 3 videos a week. The videos will have lots of techniques, new mediums I'm playing around with and a guest artist demo. And, at the end of the 4 weeks...I will send you a DVD of all the videos. So you can go back and play any time you want! You'll be able to post your work and progress on our private blog. I'll answer questions, make suggestions, and you'll be encouraged to do the same. There is no formal supply list. I'll be using basic supplies like acrylic and watercolor paint, and canvas, paper and wood. I'm going to show you how to use a lot of ordinary supplies from around your house. And I'll also show you techniques with more sophisticated art supplies, like Golden products. I don't want you to run out and feel like you have to buy a bunch of supplies. I want you to watch the videos and decide what techniques are a good fit for you. Some might get you really jazzed up...and others you might have seen before. Take what you want to experiment with...and play. Make up your own techniques! Make art without expectations...just for the fun and love of it. When you do...you'll be amazed at how much you learn and grow as an artist. And you know what....even though I've been doing this for a long time...I still learn from everyone else.

The August 18th Art Play class is full. But, the same class will repeat on Sept. 15th and there are still spots in that class. Here's a link to all the class info. Wyanne's online classes The art play class info is at the bottom of the page.

So I hope that answers your questions. Email me or leave a comment if you have questions.

Love,
WyannePin It

how you know when you've been working too much...

For the past two nights, I've stayed up until 2am editing video for the "Art Play" online class. I've been extra proud of myself for getting up before 8am without an alarm clock. This morning I sprung out of bed, gave myself an extra pat on the back for really loving what I do and having the best job in the world. I made coffee, and then left to go check my email. This is what I returned to! Duh! My 14 year old said it was a "senior moment"....and yes...I let him live after that one. The good news....what was left in the basket made a splendid cup of espresso which I'm enjoying now....

And in other good news....The "Art Play" class starting August 18th is full....but I've added a second class for it beginning "September 15th". This is a repeat of the same class for those who were unable to get in. For more information, click here.

Love....Love...Love...you guys...

WyannePin It

rite of passage

Today, I entered a new phase in my life...my son is starting high school. I was surprised how it felt like a rite of passage for me. I didn't expect it to feel that way.

But, it got me thinking about where I am in my life...and I realized that I have some very strong men to thank for making me the person I am today.

My dad...was known as the Colonel. He was tough and strict. Many of you have read my bio, and know that it wasn't until his last years of life that he finally supported my decision to be an artist. Because of him, I had to study marketing and law and other majors that he deemed acceptable. It was pure misery at the time...but in the long run...I feel that it has made me a better businesswoman. His tough love caused me to search for a life long partner who was always in support of my art...no matter what. I was very lucky to find that guy and share my life for the past 20 years with him...Wine Husband (as I affectionately call him because he's a guru in the wine business)

That love of my life... is back in Atlanta now. It's very frustrating for him because of the limited "income potential" resources for a guy with his background, on this tiny island. So, for the time being he has to go back and forth to support our family. I know when things get a little tough, he feels like he's let me down. I guess most men instinctively feel that they have to be the provider. He feels bad for not being here and helping me more with my business and the kids. And not once, has he ever asked me to give up my artistic dream for something a bit more financially predictable. I can't say that it's not challenging...but if you look at the BIG picture...that challenge is a blessing. I've learned how to not only survive...but to do really well at it. I've taken more chances, and grown more than I ever expected. If all of this had not happened, I probably would have put off (or never gotten around to) my online classes. I would not have realized how much I was capable of...and how strong I am. ( So...thank you baby...I love you with all my heart...)

And finally...my 14 year old son. The boy with my eyes and who is painfully shy at times...just like me. He also has his Dad's big heart, and my artistic ability. At this young age, he already knows which art college that he wants to attend, and what his dream job will be later in life. His drawing ability has exceeded mine...and that is not just a proud mom speaking. He really is that good.

As we walked around his high school today, I was reminded of how much I disliked school. I realize now, that dislike... was from... not knowing myself. I had no idea that I wanted to be an artist back then, because it was never presented to me as an option...by my parents or the school. Looking at my son's new class schedule, I was surprised to find he had no art classes...even though he had previously signed up for them. We found out budget cuts had eliminated one of two art teachers, and no freshman were going to be offered art classes. My shy son told me it was okay...and he would just deal with it. But, I knew in my heart that it wasn't okay. So I mustered up every bit of courage, energy, and good old Southern kindness...and went to see all the right people. And when it was all said and done...I'm happy to report that there is one freshman in art classes this year.

So, looking back over today...it was a rite of passage. Walls of past and present prejudices of "being an artist" were broken down. My son and I crossed a bridge today where he will always know his dream of becoming an artist is extremely important. And I learned that because of every obstacle, challenge and bump in my so called life...it has made me the artist I am today. And now I see, I wouldn't have changed a thing......

A new video for you.....

Love,
Wyanne

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play art...........

No...my studio is not for sale....but the building is. I'm hoping to win the lottery soon, so I can buy it. :)

Meanwhile...my online classes are almost filled. I am so excited. There are only a couple of open
spaces. If you need more information on them...here's the link:

Wyanne's Online Classes

Since the response to the online classes has been so strong...I'm thinking about having an artist retreat here on the Island. Let me know if you think you might be interested in coming over to "play art" one weekend...........

Love,
WyannePin It

louise syndrome...

The other day, I was visiting my dearest friend at her lovely home. She is an artist, and her husband is an incredible fine jewelry designer. He makes stunning designs in gold and platinum. After looking at her artwork, I asked if he would let me see some of his jewelry too. I was privileged to my own private trunk show of his creations and works in progress. They were breathtaking, to say the least. During the private showing, I discovered that my friend had lots of gifts of jewelry from him, that she rarely wears except for special occasions. You see, she and I live on an Island where getting dressed up means wearing something slightly nicer than your flip flops or crocs and shorts. And since both of us are artists...it means wearing something that doesn't have paint stains on it. I went home, and took out my overcrowded jewelry box, and started organizing it...only to find that I had all kinds of gorgeous jewelry too, that I never wear..and had even forgotten about. Why? Because I'm worried that I might lose it, break it, get paint on it, or that it's too dressy for my everyday Island attire. I know my friend has the same reasoning.

But, all of this brought me back to my own mom, Louise. She was in her early 60's when she went into a nursing home after a series of strokes and spent 17 years incapacitated. Louise, too had an overflowing box of jewelry that she never wore for most of the same reasons. She also had beautiful collections of gorgeous things packed away for safety, and never enjoyed. Even special clothes that were never worn because they were too nice. I could go on and on...but you get the idea. Very sad...and this is what I now refer to as "Louise Syndrome".

I'm not sure why we feel that we have to put things off until a better time. We let our best jewelry sit in a box, that no one gets to enjoy...not even us. We buy expensive art supplies that sit on a shelf, only to be used when divine inspiration strikes...for fear that we might waste it. We worry too much, we are too cautious, and therefore, we lose a lot of time.

I'm working really hard at breaking my Louise syndrome in all areas of my life. It's not easy, but I tell you...it can be a lot more fun. It's hard to get out of our comfort and security zone...to take a risk even with something so simple like wearing our nicer jewelry. Yet, when I do...I'm happier, and make others...even total strangers who admire the beautiful jewelry...a little happier too.

Here is a new video for you. Enjoy.

Love,
Wyanne


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