Scouting local spots to help us spread our wings...

See, the thing about painting is that it sometimes takes more than a sitting, or even a few sittings, to get it just right! Steph & I have been mulling over a couple pieces the past couple weeks. Like I promised, Steph will be unveiling Mona's friend Lola soon, and I'm currently layering the scales of an alligator with shades of mud and murk.

In the meantime, we've checked out a couple locals spots we'd like to try to get our work into.  We're diligently building our portfolios and preparing for certain stardome! (we're soooo excited!) We hope you'll enjoy the journey with us!

Last week, we went to The Coffee Exchange, located at 526 S Tejon, here in the Springs. It's a small place with lovely patio seating, and big windows to allow lots of natural light to pour in on the brick walls, where the art would be displayed. The walls have these huge, heavy wooden doors that resemble old barn doors, sort of laid in to the brick. But the true measure of a great coffee shop? Yes, ladies and gentlemen, The Coffee Exchange has comfy chairs. (and even a couch!)

Today, I went with my friend Mandy to shop in Old Colorado City. She had told me about this little spot  called Envi, located at 2605 W. Colorado Ave, a few days ago, so we went to check it out. She was right! Our paintings would be right at home in this eclectic little consignment boutique. Among the handmade jewelry, gently used designer duds, and troves of cute, creative treasures, our reasonably priced paintings have hopefully just found their quaint little niche. I spoke briefly with the owner, and the good news is, we'll be meeting again in the next 2 weeks. Wish us luck!

Until next time & with love, as always,

Staci Reyn

Mona and my favorite, among other things....

Hello friends! 

Those of you who follow me on Facebook have already heard of my new fascination with molding paste. Steph & I have had it in our arsenal of art for a few months now, and I have just now come to realize what has been right there at my fingertips all this time! 

 Poppies & Daisies, 18x24 canvas

The molding paste, added directly to the artist level acrylic paint, thickens the paint and stands up, literally, when dry. What I love about this painting is the texture gained from the paste. Newly listed on Etsy for $100.00 + s&h, I am calling this one my favorite of those I've completed so far! Contact me if you are interested in purchasing. 

Mona, 11x14 canvas

Let me introduce you to Mona!A ballet dancer from the South of France, Mona is the first in a series of characters created by Stephanie. The tiny freckles on her cheeks make this alabaster beauty look elegant under the detailed brushstrokes in her firey red hair. Stephanie is amazing when it comes to shading, and it really shows in the neck and collar bones on Mona. Newly listed on Etsy for $40 + s&h. If you are interested in adding Mona to your collection, contact Stephanie, and hurry! Mona will surely be a fast seller. 

Butterfly Anatomy, 11x14 canvas

I will admit, the idea for this painting came to me in a strange way. I had created too much of the brick red and leafy green shades when I painted Animal Prints from the Jungle Themes series. So I used it to coat the background of this canvas, sponging the brick red on over the green. The canvas sat overnight, and every time I walked past it, my minds eye saw a gold butterfly. I thought back to my elementary years, and the pictures in science books of beautiful butterflies disected or diagramed. Butterfly Anatomy is newly listed on Etsy for $40.00 + s&h. Contact me if you are interested in purchasing. 

Butterflies with Iris', 11x14

I added gloss gel to the artist level paint on the butterflies wings so that upon close inspection, the stain glass like panels shimmer in the light the way a window in a church would. There is also a bit of molding paste in the petals of the iris' to give a bit more dimension and texture against the glossy yellow background. Newly listed on Etsy for $40.00 + s&h, contact me if you're interested in purchasing. 

We've got a few more paintings in progress, so be sure to stay tunes for lily pads, beehives, and of course, Mona's friends! Don't forget to send us your inspiration, we'd both love to hear your ideas! 

Love always, Staci 

Jungle themes

Hello again,

Welcome to the jungle! (I really couldn't pass up quoting the oh-so-quotable Axl Rose.) After the coffee tasting/art show last month, I was asked to try my hand at jungle scenes. I've been working diligently, and here are the 3 that made the final cut. (Please forgive the repeat!)

Jungle Scene #1, acrylic 

20"x16" canvas

At first, Jungle Scene #1 looked more like Forest Scene #1. The tropical flowers, wrapping vines, and the fern like plants coming from the perimeter helped bring warmth and humidity to my first attempt.

Not yet available on Etsy, Jungle Scene #1 will be offered for $40 + s&h. Contact me if you are interested in making a purchase. 

Bamboo on Red

11"x14" canvas

For more information see my previous post, What comes after coffee? 

Animal Prints

24"x18" canvas

I am a fan of both animal print and color blocking in fashion, so it stands to reason I'd enjoy painting a color block of animal prints! I so enjoyed doing the zebra stripe, I see more of that pattern in my future! Animal Prints is not yet available on Etsy, and will be listed for $50 + s&h. Contact me if you are interested in making a purchase. 

If you have any special requests for a series, feel free to leave a comment, I love inspirations!

Have a wonderful night!

Love, Staci 

What comes after coffee?

Hello again friends,

A few weeks ago Steph and I attended a painting party at our friends home, where we painted for the first time since our show, something other than coffee cups! It was a treat to return to one of my favorite things to paint....trees. I love the way trees look against the sky, both at night and in the light. I love the way the branches spider and spindle. I love the way the leaves cast shadows on each other. I added some clear gloss gel to the apples on the trees, the stars in the sky, and the moon, lending them all an iridescent quality that reflects light.  This one is not yet listed on Etsy, but will be listed soon for $30 + s&h if you are interested in purchasing, contact me. 

Apple Orchard at Night on 14"x11" canvas

It's always fun to try new things. I've read about sponging, and I know people who've done it in home decorating, so I decided to give it a try myself. I have been focusing quite a bit of my artistic energy toward jungle scenes, trying to accomplish one in each size. I don't know if bamboo is necessarily considered "jungle", but it was fun to paint none the less! This one is not yet listed on Etsy, and currently is on hold for possible sale. If you are interested in being wait listed, or having another created like it, it is selling for $30 + s&h, contact me. 

Bamboo on Red 14"x11" canvas

Steph is currently working on a couple different koi fish paintings, and a cute little owl that reminds our friend Kimi of Gizmo, from the Gremlins! Keep your eyes peeled for it, when she's ready to share, I promise you are going to love it! 

That's all for now friends! Hope you enjoy what I've made for you!

Love, Staci 

The Amethyst Feather debuts!

Taking in all of the art!

Hello friends! Stephanie & I were so nervous last Tuesday evening! As we set up our paintings, along side the amazing photographers Ruth & Larry Mead, our very first art show had our tummies flipping, and our mouths dry. Good thing we were holding our show at Starbucks, Brookwood & Academy location in Colorado Springs, we were able to calm our nerves with mochas and chit chat. 

Left & Center=Staci, Right=Stephanie

Luckily, our paintings were received well, and everyone in attendance had a wonderful time! There's something about hanging out at a coffee house, surrounded by works of art, sipping a hot cup of stellar brewed coffee that gets my creative juices flowing! The sounds of laughter, the smell of all the wonderful coffee wafting in the air, the mixture of classic and modern coffee house music above it all, sends my mind reeling with ideas I just can't wait to commit to canvas!

Our Host, My Sweetie, Travis

A special thank you to my husband, Travis, the store manager, for hosting this evening of coffee & art. We did an around the world coffee tasting, sampling different blends, and cultivating our pallets to a more sophisticated level of coffee. Travis shared stories and interesting facts, if you've never been to one of his coffee tastings, you should go! It's much like a wine tasting, without the alcohol. It always amazes me the way coffee masters can pick out different hues and hints in their beverage.

Black & White by Stephanie

One of my personal favorites is this black & white piece on a medium size canvas that Stephanie created. I love the shading on the flower petals, and the shadow of the coffee cup against the saucer. Contact Stephanie if you're interested in purchasing this hand made original. ($40+shipping & handling)

Seasons by Staci

I'll admit, this one made me nervous, this is a large canvas. I tackled it as 4 small paintings, 1 for each season. Our friend Kimi says this is her favorite of the one's I've created. Contact me if you're interested in purchasing this hand made original. ($90+shipping & handling)

Coffee Cherries with mug by Stephanie

The streaks of purple on the vibrant blue background on this small canvas contrasted beautifully against the orange display wall. The red cherries really pop, and the shading on the mug makes me want to reach out and cup it in my palms! Contact Stephanie if you are interested in purchasing this hand made original. ($30+shipping & handling)

Butterfly on mug by Staci

This painting was my first experience in adding a medium to acrylic paint. I mixed gloss gel with the green and brown paint. Even when dry, the sheen of the hardened gel gives the paint a saturated, wet look. Contact me if you're interested in purchasing this medium size hand made original. ($40 + shipping & handling)

Music notes by Stephanie

This small canvas' gold sheen and feathery details caught the most attention of the night, every person at the show commented on ho much they love this painting. Contact Stephanie if you are interested in purchasing it before it gets snatched up! ($30+ shipping & handling)

We would love to hear your feedback, so please feel free to leave comments and let us know what you think! Click any of the hyperlinks to contact us and let us know which painting you are interested in, and where you live, we will calculate shipping&handling and make payment arrangements with you accordingly! 

Much love, Staci 

Welcome, we're coming soon!

A brand new adventure is afoot! Stephanie and I are very excited, we just can't stop telling each other that! We've spent weeks preparing for our first art show, which will be held at Starbucks on the corner of Brookwood and Academy in Colorado Springs Colorado on March 22, 2011! Starting at 6:30, we'll be enjoying a coffee tasting with some of the most skilled baristas in town! My honey happens to the be the boss of the joint, but I'm not biased on the service, they really are great!

Steph & I have been practicing paint mixture, reading up on mediums, and just getting down right into the nitty-gritty of our creativity, and we hope you will come see what we've made for you!

Coming soon, we'll be posting photos of our work, and you'll be able to find it for sale on etsy.

Welcome to the Amethyst Feather, we're so happy you are here!

xoxo, Staci Reyn