Sunday, May 15, 2011

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

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

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