               I can't stop painting flowers. They are so forgiving. And forgiveness is a wonderful thing.   Like everyone else I talk to, its been BUSY. Somehow I managed to get some new paintings on the studio walls & out the door PLUS have a little fun/adventure along the way.  I found a new color pallet, grabbed my favorite crappy brush & loosened up my stroke  Baby blue how I love you...  After 10 years of NOT painting murals, I accepted the challenge once again. I enjoyed every minute of it!  Some days I still wanna paint these teeny tiny paintings and I have no idea why.  I've been asked to make magnets for so many years. I FINALLY took the plunge. (And YES. Sometimes its ok to work in your jammies)  These are my very first batch of ENHANCED PRINTS and I am 100% thrilled with them.  The chaos while tagging, pricing and packing for an art fair is my least favorite thing.  It's so satisfying to hang all of my hard work. And so nice to see each piece leave the walls and go into the hands of happy customers! Yay to people who buy my paintings I appreciate you so much!    In order to paint nature, one must BE IN NATURE. So I climbed a few mountains with my two loves.  Ohhhhh Bayfield Wisconsin we adore you.
Supply and demand has been causing some stress for the last few years. This is a good problem, I know. It seems like I paint and paint and paint and my studio walls are bare. So I decided to go for it and start making PRINTS.   These flowers carved their own way out in this painting.  This quote speaks to me especially during this crazy presidential debate of 2016. 6" x 6" acrylic on birch panel $75  This painting is much more intense in person.   "Another Party On The Porch". This playful garden scene makes me happy. That's all :)  Custom Lazy Susan for a wonderful friend!  These cows sold at the Sogn Valley Art Fair. Every time I adjusted this painting on the tent wall, the cows in the field behind the barn started mooing! No joke. Made me laugh.  This painting sold at Sogn Valley Art Fair also. I'm currently working on a similar one for a new client. I LOVE these colors.  Trees...shadows....my personal fav. I can't seem to stop painting them!
    These paintings (as well as several others) will be for sale THIS WEEKEND at Sogn Valley Craft Fair on a beautiful farm in Cannon Falls MN. Perfect weather for a fall drive!
Come to my booth and say hi. I love love love fall. The bright reds the deep greens the yellows, the oranges , the crisp air, the outlines of trees losing their leaves, the smell of snow, the excitement for the holidays…its all so wonderful and inspiring as an artist! I'm so glad it's lasting a long time this year.          Studio Wall These paintings are all sold. It's always a good thing when paintings sell, but I miss them. Currently my studio inventory is really really really low. I need to get off the computer and get busy painting. Whis is my inventory low? Because I've been doing this. For inspiration. Its part of the job :)  Quick side trip and hike with friend, Joan in Alaska Kayaking the sea caves near Bayfield, WI on Lake Superior  Kayaking on the most beautiful water EVER in northern WI  Visits from my wonderful MOM, and loving daughters and step-kids and step-grandchildren and friends…its no wonder life is busy. and beautiful. Believe it or not, I HAVE been working:  Alexandria, Mn Art In The Park 2015  Stockholm, WI Art Fair 2015  Lanesboro, MN art fair 2015  This new painting (along with several smaller ones) is hanging in the
Signature Cafe in Mpls Mn. Title: Ti Esti (greek for “the what it is”) or "Essence". 30" x 40" Acrylic on canvas $1200 The cafe is located in a charming little neighborhood with beautiful gardens…the cafe has outdoor seating and it's ADORABLE. I'll meet you there and we can discuss where you wanna hang your new painting! SIGNATURE CAFÉ 130 SE WARWICK ST. MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55414 (612) 378-0237 Brunch Saturday and Sunday 10-2pm Lunch Tuesday thru Friday 11-2pm Dinner Monday thru Saturday, 5:00pm – 10:00pm Kitchen closes at 9:00pm AND….. Defeat of Jesse James Days celebration is THIS weekend in Northfield MN. There is a wonderful art fair on the river that I usually participate in. This year I won't make it but next year I will! I have some new paintings and fun greeting cards for sale in the Northfield Arts Guild on Main St. Please visit this wonderful gift shop and gallery next time you're in town. OK NOW I'm not distracted any more. Yay! It all starts with desire, moves to a plan, and each piece takes on a life of it's own. It looks simple but there is a lot of work and time involved in the creative process from start to finish. I'll share some photos so you can get an inside view.  The plan!  I'm so lucky when I receive scraps from carpenters. It's beautiful, unique and deserves a new life. Each piece really does have a story to tell.
Cutting wood with a chop saw, inserting hanging holes with router, and sanding tops, backs and sides with a palm sander. Sawdusty but fun! Still have all my fingers dad, don't worry.  I found these "wings and arms" scattered around an old tree in our yard. It's our favorite tree and I love the idea of honoring it with these…..BIRDS! Yep. I think they will be birds.
"My favorite place is inside your hug" "Open your mind it's beautiful inside"  I hinted to Neil that we NEED to go on a VACATION to collect more driftwood. He suggested EBAY, ha! Look what came in the mail today!
"Say no to bad things" "Have less do more" By the way, when you see a photo in this post that is beautiful, my daughter Samara took it. When you see one that's blurry and not as professional, it was me. Trying.  I have weird boxes like this with weird labels. Organization and lots of supplies on hand makes me happy :)  "When nothing goes right, go left."  Each body gets a personalized painting. Why? Because I'm a painter, duh.  I have boxes and drawers filled with little scraps and doodads that become faces and personalities. I try to remember that "less is more" . It's hard not to get carried away!  Neil surprised me with a new nail gun. I absolutely love it! Having the right tools is key. When I look back on these photos I realize that the chop saw, sander and router were all his idea too. hmmmmmm I guess I should listen to him more often.  I was just THINKING, years ago when I made my first "sculptures" like this, I had to categorize them for inventory and came up with the title "THINKERS". I"m always trying to THINK of a new name but I can't THINK of one. Let me know if you THINK of one.  Finished! …...Well….I kinda think I'll add an ear for that bird to whisper into…it just needs it.
Come to the LANESBORO ART IN THE PARK in southern MN on June 21 and you can see this one when its finished and several more! Pick one out and then BUY ONE :) (subliminal message)   My daughter, Samara, shared her photography talents in the studio on Sunday. What a fun day! This new space has beautiful lighting, a cozy work space, an incredible view of the horses, and I can wander in any time I get inspired.  One of my favorite things is giving each painting a name.  Ikea shelves and curtain hangers are GREAT for organizing paints!      Don't forget to check out my art festival schedule for this summer/fall.
Have a great day! (Thanks again, Samara, for taking these photos!) First art fair of the season (Art Flair NE MPLS, MN) was so much fun! "Franny is Free" was the very first painting that sold that day. I almost didn't take her to the show, because she was kind of special! Its really incredible to look at their feather patterns up close.  This chicken painting went to a new home on the same day.  My inspiration? One of our chickens. We had 5 and enjoyed them so much! Except for the cleaning up after them part. They were pretty cool. We gave them to friends. They will stay there forever and ever. No more chickens for us. Never ever.  Now I miss our chickens :(
We might have to re-think that decision... When I saw all these paintings pushed together I just had to get a photo. It reminds me of a quilt. Click photo for more...  All ready to sign, tag and bag.  Here's a sneak peak at some of the paintings that will be at ART FLARE THIS WEEKEND Saturday and Sunday 10 am -4 pm 3223 Fillmore St. NE MPLS, MN The pieces shown below are priced between $38 and $125              Click on the images to see more paintings that you can find at the Fine Craft Collective in Northfield, MN LUYA in Zumbrota, MN KOPLIN"S COFFEE in St. Paul, MN or you can shop directly from my studio in Menomonie, WI Call, text or email me. It's fun to buy art!  PARTY ON THE PORCH II - 9.25 X 24" ACRYLIC ON WOOD $250  "LOUD SECRETS" 5'"X 9" ACRYLIC ON WOOD $85
I let the paintbrush go free with these 3 3/8" x 5 3/8" original paintings. Bright and fun! Click on them to see more detail. Click to enlarge a sneak peak of a few of the new paintings to be displayed at LUYA in Zumbrota MN and the Fine Craft Collective in Northfield, MN. I'll be delivering them next week! Some of you know that I get inspiration from dying plants and flowers. I love how they form unique patterns as they dry. I found these this morning on my walk. I can't wait to paint them! Later Ill post pics of the finished product.  The new paintings will be ready in time for the 2 month shop held in Northfield November and December…check out the website for the
|
 |  |  |
"Desert Sounds I, II and III" - $75 each
5.5" x 12" acrylic on wood
. . .
5.5" x 12" acrylic on wood
. . .
5.5" x 5.5" acrylic on wood - $45 each
Click on image for more details.
. . .
Click on image for more details.
. . .
"Listen" -$240
36" x 12"" Acrylic on wood
. . .
36" x 12"" Acrylic on wood
. . .
"Oh my!" - $95
5.5" x 18" Acrylic on wood
. . .
5.5" x 18" Acrylic on wood
. . .
"Relax" - $75
5.5" x 12" Acrylic on wood
. . .
5.5" x 12" Acrylic on wood
. . .
"Conquer" - $75
5.5" x 12" Acrylic on wood
. . .
5.5" x 12" Acrylic on wood
. . .
"Serenity" - $75
5.5" x 12" Acrylic on wood
. . .
5.5" x 12" Acrylic on wood
. . .
"Secrets" - $45
5.5" x 5.5" Acrylic on wood
. . .
5.5" x 5.5" Acrylic on wood
. . .
These new paintings are being delivered TODAY!
Grab your friends and enjoy the afternoon at
Kopplin's Coffee-2038 Marshall Ave St. Paul, MN
At Kopplin's you will find art on the walls, gifts on the shelf, and incredible treats.
Grab your friends and enjoy the afternoon at
Kopplin's Coffee-2038 Marshall Ave St. Paul, MN
At Kopplin's you will find art on the walls, gifts on the shelf, and incredible treats.
These friendly little paintings are new and will cheer up your day.
They can be found at Kopplin's also!
For other locations featuring my work, please visit my home page
Cheers!
They can be found at Kopplin's also!
For other locations featuring my work, please visit my home page
Cheers!
5.5" x 5.5" original acrylic paintings on wood $45 ea
Sold separately or if you hurry you can buy all of them
at the Northfield Arts Guild today!
Sold separately or if you hurry you can buy all of them
at the Northfield Arts Guild today!
...
5.5" x 12" original acrylic on wood $75
...
5.5" x 12" original acrylic on wood $75
I just dropped off NEW paintings at the Fine Craft Collective in Northfield, MN
I noticed a lot of new items that other artists have brought in...so tempting!
I noticed a lot of new items that other artists have brought in...so tempting!
This really GREAT show runs for one more weekend.. Check out Cafe Wren!
(Yes i left with a bag full of gifts)
(Yes i left with a bag full of gifts)
Hi :)
Some of you remember my painting business as
The Barefoot Studio.
I faded out the "barefootstudio" part of my name so that I can just use
my OWN name:
CARLA BROWN
I like it!
Lets keep it simple from now on. Yay simplicity!
I love painting.
When not painting on wood, I'm painting on canvas (and all over the floor and my clothes).
The latest adventure in the studio has been the process of adhering prints to wood.
It has taken a lot of hard work and investment to secure the process. It's been so much fun and has changed the direction of this business in so many exciting ways!
I still paint originals often and fortunately YOU keep on buying them.
Thank you!
Having these unique prints available has allowed my painting style to evolve.
It also allows for a price range that is affordable to everyone.
It takes a lot of focus, hard work, dedication and confidence to make this all happen but its worth it!
I have a strong connection and curiosity with trees and plants. The patterns they create with the sky and air as their background are intriguing. Because of this relationship, the elements of nature often appear in my paintings.
Words and quotes are frequently incorporated into my paintings. I like to help people giggle! I like to touch peoples souls. Life is SO big, yet so precious. The little moments are important to me.
THANKS TO EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHO PURCHASED EVERY SINGLE PIECE OF ART THIS YEAR. NO MATTER HOW BIG OR SMALL, WITHOUT YOU ARTISTS WOULD STARVE AND EVERYTHING WOULD BE SAD AND GRAY. YAY YOU!
Color makes us happy.
More fun on INSTAGRAM
BACK HOME
RSS Feed