Raven Roost Studio

Open Studio: This Saturday, Dec. 10th 10 - 5pm

2011-12-05T07:26:00.000-08:00

Your chance to purchase cards from Raven Roost Studio at a discounted rate! 6 designs to choose from, $4.00/ea. or 6 cards of your choice for $20.00

Or perhaps you'd like a print of "The Rescue." My most popular print from last weekend's SEA Holiday Sale!!

19 Chadbourne Rd. (Rt. 35) in Sebago Lake Village (Standish, Maine)

• 7 miles from Gorham Village on Rt. 114

• 7 miles from N. Windham on Rt. 35

On my Easel 11/28/11

2011-11-28T05:32:00.000-08:00

An update on the poem illustration that I was asked to do, I think it is just about finished!

"He never really left us," © Mari Dieumegard 2011

I was so impressed when I found out recently that the poet is only 14 yrs. old! I think she must be an old soul.

3 Generations of Fans with Tomie

In other exciting news, I met one of my favorite children's book author/illustrators yesterday. Tomie dePaola is a favorite of 3 generations in my family. My mother, who is a literacy teacher for elementary age children. Me, of course, and my two children. I am embarrassed to say that I actually cried while telling him how much I loved his book "The Clown of God." But, I got myself composed enough for this photo with him AND to give him a copy of my print, "Simple Gifts." Tomie dePaola's work is a simple gift to all those who love his stories & beautiful artwork. I only hope that my work will effect people in a similar way.

On My Easel 11/18/11

2011-11-18T08:20:00.000-08:00

Today I worked quite a bit on a commissioned painting. It is an illustration of a poem that my customer's niece wrote. It is also one of my favorite things to do, bringing a story to life visually while at the same time creating something that is full of personal meaning. Not a bad way to spend the morning, and not a bad idea for a holiday gift either!

Last night I walked on the ice...
The moon bright above me...
With the stars shining down on me...
I felt him...
In everything...
The stars above me...
The wind blowing around me...
The snow crunching quietly below my feet...
I know he was there...
Standing with me...
He never really left us...
He is in everything...
I feel him around me...
Keeping me safe...
Loving me from a distance...

OPEN STUDIO: Saturday, Nov. 12th 10 - 5pm

2011-11-11T10:45:00.000-08:00

Original Paintings, Affordable Prints & Art Cards by Mari Dieumegard

*View commissioned paintings in progress*

19 Chadbourne Rd. (Rt. 35) in Sebago Lake Village (Standish, Maine)

• 7 miles from Gorham Village on Rt. 114

• 7 miles from N. Windham on Rt. 35

Print Raffle, Hors d'oeuvres, Hot Cider & Wine

Yarmouth Art Festival

2011-10-10T09:46:00.000-07:00

Two of my paintings will be featured at the upcoming Yarmouth Art Festival, "Perseid Meteor Shower #2" and "Jewel Falls." I hope to see you at the opening reception Thursday, Oct. 20th 5:30 - 8:00!

"Jewel Falls" © Mari Dieumegard 2011

"Perseid Meteor #2" © Mari Dieumegard 2011

On my easel (and in my sketchbook) 9/23/11

2011-09-23T15:27:00.000-07:00

I have had a busy day in the studio starting one family portrait and finishing up another. I'm also going to be designing a 2012 calendar this month... stay tuned!

Family Portrait (in progress) © Mari Dieumegard 2011

Family Portrait (detail) © Mari Dieumegard 2011

Sketch #1 for Family Portrait © Mari Dieumegard 2011

Sketch #2 for family portrait © Mari Dieumegard 2011

New Items for Sale in my Shop!

2011-09-16T06:16:00.000-07:00

"Good Friends" © Mari Dieumegard 2011

Now available @ RavenRoostStudio.com :

A Painting inspired by my co-worker whose idea of getting out in nature is, "sitting at an outdoor cafe with a bunch of girlfriends and sharing a bottle of vino." This one is for you, G!

10" x 10" original painting on canvas, OR 7" x 7" signed artist print.

On My Easel 8/25/11

2011-08-25T09:06:00.000-07:00

Two new paintings, rare non-peopled landscapes:

"Hiking the Flume" © Mari Dieumegard, 2011

"Left Hand Path" © Mari Dieumegard 2011

Both original paintings will be available at the WCSH 6 Sidewalk Art Festival in Portland, Maine. This Saturday, Aug. 27th 9 - 4.

WCSH Sidewalk Art Festival

2011-08-18T08:09:00.000-07:00

Saturday, August 27th 9 - 4.

My booth will be in Monument square near David's restaurant. Come on by for original paintings, prints and greeting cards. It is the perfect chance to meet me and talk to me about doing a commissioned narrative portrait for you!

Hope to see you there!! (Rain date is Sunday, Aug. 28th - but we won't need THAT will we.)

Birthday Giveaway!

2011-08-13T11:01:00.000-07:00

This print could be yours!
visit www.facebook.com/ravenrooststudio

F.M.I.

On My Easel 7/12/11

2011-07-12T08:39:00.000-07:00

I spent some time today working on my third painting for the Black Frame Art Sale (Friday, Sept. 9th.) An art auction to benefit the Bayside Neighborhood Association. I think the background is pretty much finished. I'm fine tuning the skin tones and facial features and I may go in and add some more saturated colors to the table. The paintings are due to the frame shop by Friday, but it is so stinkin' hot in my studio right now that I'm heading to the beach with the kiddos. Looks like I will be doing some painting by moonlight this week!

Power Tools & Powerful Emotions

2011-05-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

A month since my last blog post? Oh, dear. Life has been busy and not in the painting everyday kind of busy. More like the write reports, plan art lessons, buy groceries kind of busy. Spring is springing all over the place, which always leaves me a bit restless. Longer, sunnier, warmer days have a way of making me want to sell everything and hit the road on some wonderful adventure. Unfortunately, life seems to interfere and I get crabby about it. I've been so hot & cold emotionally that I think it's time for me to revisit my Gratitude-Inspiration-Perserverance-Faith reflection.
Without further ado:

A colleague of mine recently sent me an invitation to the screening of this documentary. I am so excited, the trailer alone was inspiring enough to give me a much needed burst of energy in the studio and not get bogged down with doubt and despair. In case there is no showing near you, Netflix says it will be available on DVD on 6-7-11.

I was so grateful to spend an evening on a mama / daughter date this past weekend. I won a raffle at work for two tickets to see the "Best of Broadway." I took my 8 y.o. daughter who spent nearly six months of her life wearing a home made Rumpleteaser (from "Cats") costume when she was 4. This girl digs her show tunes! We got all gussied up, went out for sushi and went to the Theater. It was a blast!

Today I persevered, working on building some panels for my art fair booth. I have been feeling very anxious about my first season participating in art fairs. I spent the day using a miter saw, electric drill, and taking out my frustrations pounding nails. My woodworking skills are pretty rusty so I had to use copious amounts of "plastic wood" which smells as disgusting as it sounds. In fact I think I'm a little high off of it :-)

I can't decide if I want to paint the panel frames white so that they blend with the wall and the artwork is all you notice, or if I should stain it so that dirt is less likely to show. I have a test in the lower right hand corner. What do YOU think? Let me know!

And finally, I'm am trying my best to focus on Faith rather than Fear (my personal mantra.) Faith that I will get this booth looking good in time for my first show. Faith that I will finish all of the paintings I have started! And Faith that my husband and I will be able to provide for our family. My husband had hoped for a full time job by now, but has been unable to find anything over 20 hrs. a week. I need to have faith that all of my hard work in the studio will begin to pay off.

On my easel 4/10/11

2011-04-11T07:47:00.000-07:00

Today is a grey, blustery, April day with hardly any natural light. Taking pictures of the painting on my easel has been quite difficult. No matter how I move my lights, there is a glare. I have worked some more on the persied meteor painting and this is how it is looking. Some more tweaking needs to be done, I think.

"Persied Meteor Shower" (In Progress)© Mari Dieumegard 2011

Detail, Perseid Meteor Shower (in progress) © Mari Dieumegard 2011

Now it's off to the dentist, my daughter is getting some cavities filled today (UGH!)

On My Easel 4/4/11

2011-04-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

"Spring (Red Wing Blackbird)" In progress

After Fridays Nor'Easter which dumped another 6- 12" of snow in my yard, and today's rain/sleet mix I thought it was time to bring a little spring into my step, so to speak. This is a gouache on paper that I have started. The colors in my photo are kind of funky- and more intense than the actual painting. The yellow isn't quite so YELLLOW! and the earth isn't really RED. I can't help think McDonalds when looking at it here, yuck. I'll try to get a better photo soon. I am trying to break out of my "blue period" as my friend Melissa puts it. ;-)

Vernal Equinox Giveaway!

2011-03-20T06:47:00.000-07:00

Hello Spring! I've missed your bright yellow days and invigorating breezes and mellow warmth.

To celebrate the return of all things green and growing I am hosting a giveaway on Facebook. If you already "Like" Raven Roost Studio on FB you are automatically entered, comment and share the giveaway link to be entered twice!

The winner will have the 8" x 10" print of their choice mailed to them. Winner to be announced Sunday, March 27th.

Jewel Falls © Mari Dieumegard 2011 (Original Painting & Prints available Here)

Good Luck!

On My Easel 3/14/11

2011-03-14T13:52:00.000-07:00

Perseid Meteor Shower- In Progress © Mari Dieumegard 2011

More work today on the Perseid Meteor painting. This photo is a bit dark. I'm still working on the figures, bridge and water. What do you think?

On My Easel

2011-02-28T12:42:00.000-08:00

"Perseid Meteor Shower" IN PROGRESS © Mari Dieumegard 2011

After what seems like FOR.EV.ER.
I was back in the studio and painting at my easel today. I started a fairly large (for me) painting on a 22" x 28" canvas today. It is actually the second version of this painting. I had started a painting of the perseid meteor shower on a smaller canvas after my birthday camping trip / meteor viewing this past summer, but it just begged to be BIGGER.

This is the underpainting / sketch after working for 3.5 hours today.

Gosh, that felt good.

Birds, Bubbles & Waves

2011-02-14T05:37:00.000-08:00

Stephanie at the blog "Ordinary Life Magic" has started a link sharing everyone's best creative moments from the past week. I have decided to share two. The first is from a project I did at home with my kiddos, wax birdies. Their father had made a "fairy tree" and we thought the fairies needed some feathered friends. We used modeling wax which I like much more than modeling clay, it holds it's shape better and is less likely to be found ground into the carpet!

My second project was done with my kindergarten art class. We were studying installation / site specific artwork. Our piece is entitled "Tidal" and was made with glue dipped yarn. The waves were made by drying the yarn on long sheets of wax paper, the "bubbles" were inspired by Stephanie's yarn eggs - we used embroidery floss for ours. They turned out incredibly lace-like and surprisingly strong!
A very creative week indeed!

Constructive Criticism Needed UPDATE

2011-02-04T10:10:00.000-08:00

I have been working on a wedding gift off and on the past few months and it is in the final stages BUT I can't just seem to get it "done." You know? It's never quite right. Here is how it looked on Monday:

After having a family critique session I went to work on the background. There was a consensus among the group that the back ground and the skin tones were too similar and the figures didn't "pop" enough. I had been trying to get away from my usual color palate of blues and greens, but it didn't seem to be working. Now it looks like this:

Hey look, Cobalt Blue! (Surprise, Surprise.)

I'm not sold yet. What do you think?? Do tell.

**UPDATE**

After some helpful comments (see below) I worked on the painting a bit more today. This photo is darker than the original painting. What do you think now? Am I getting closer? Just F.Y.I. this painting is a portrait of my nephew and his wife, both of Korean decent. They were married last September in a lovely ceremony. They had floating lotus flower shaped lights along the walkway. The lotus flower is a powerfully symbolic flower. It's roots in the mud and muck, it grows past all of the darkness to bloom beautifully above it all. It is my hope that my niece and nephew weather the harder times of marriage (and I'm not going to lie and say marriage is a picnic!) to emerge each time with a stronger and more beautiful bond. The lanterns behind them have the Korean symbol for love. The lantern on the left shows the whole symbol, while the one on the right only shows part of the symbol - hopefully it doesn't mean something else!!

Apart from the background giving me a bit of a hard time I have really enjoyed painting this portrait. It has all of the metaphoric, narrative symbolism that I enjoy working with. I hope they like it, too!

Blizzard!

2011-02-04T09:54:00.000-08:00

I could get used to this. Today we had our 3rd snow day since the start of the new year and once again we enjoyed quality family time creating memories together. I have come to the conclusion that I'm quite the home body. I would be perfectly happy to hibernate all winter, leaving the house sporadically for food and fresh air.

Luckily, this is not the main entrance to our home. Those icicles can't be good for our roof, though.

We've kept ourselves entertained during the wintery weather with things like "Pioneer Weekend" when we cooked all of our meals on the wood stove and used only candles at night.

We've also had a lot of family time in the studio, making "Eric Carle Paper" for collaging with

Knit:

Worked on needle felting:

And knit some more (my first sock!):

My husband made a fairy tree house for the kids,

and there was lots of playing in the snow!

Lovers Portrait

2011-01-24T09:56:00.000-08:00

I just added a new listing to my Etsy shop, in time for Valentines Day! A special discounted price on a commissioned couples portrait. Check it out here.

New Year, New Work

2011-01-03T06:23:00.000-08:00

"Jewel Falls" © Mari Dieumegard 2011

How strange it is to start dating paintings with a 2011! I finished this one JUST in time to frame and hang it in the Library at Breakwater School. "Jewel Falls" is inspired by a popular field trip destination within walking distance of the school. I have spent 13 years tromping through these woods with children of all ages playing "Pooh Sticks" on the bridge and "Sardines" among the trees.

This painting, as well as several others will be on display at the library until February 20th. I may have a closing reception, more details to come!

"Jewel Falls" Detail (Pooh Sticks) © Mari Dieumegard 2011

Maine Illustrators Collective

2010-12-26T07:45:00.000-08:00

This year I became a member of the Maine Illustrators Collective. Right now, I have two paintings in their group show at the Freeport Community Library. The theme is appropriately,Winter, and the original acrylic paintings "Simple Gifts" and "Winter Solstice" are on view until the end of the month.

Now that it is FINALLY Dec. 26th I can post the commissioned family portrait I was working on for the past month or so. I'm calling it "The Surfing Duncans." How cool is a family that surfs together??

Now, after a day of lounging around the house reading new books and playing with new toys, it's back to work in the studio. I am finishing my painting "Jewel Falls" and framing all of my originals in preparation for a solo show of my work in January (details to come soon!)

Enjoy the last days of 2010!

Details, Details

2010-11-29T11:47:00.000-08:00

One of the tricky parts of the Holidays is everything I'm working on is TOP SECRET!! I have a hard time posting anything on this blog... and oh, how I want to show you what I'm working on! So, here are a few little teases- details of things I'm working on:

Holiday Note Card Giveaway Winner Update

2010-11-15T17:46:00.000-08:00

** Congratulations to Alicia who commented here and won the Holiday Note Cards!** Thank you's and warm wishes to everyone who entered. Happy Holidays!!**

After a grueling week of trying to find a printer I was happy with, I'm sticking with good 'ol me for my Holiday Note Cards this year. I have more control over color matching and final print quality that way. They will be 4.25" x 5.5" like my other card sets.
To CELEBRATE I am having a November GIVEAWAY!! All you have to do is leave a comment here or here. I will randomly pick a winner on Monday, November 22nd.

Good Luck!!

Simple Gifts

2010-11-08T19:19:00.000-08:00

My second holiday card design. "Simple Gifts"

I hope to have cards available to purchase in the next week. I'll keep you informed!

snow, Snow, SNOW!

2010-11-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

"Winter Solstice" © Mari Dieumegard 2010

Detail, "Winter Solstice" © Mari Dieumegard 2010

While it may have felt like it was going to start last night during our trick or treating adventure, the snow has yet to fall outside. But that doesn't mean the snow isn't fallen in my studio! My thoughts are turned toward the white crystal drifts as I start some winter illustrations for holiday cards & the "Winter" show I am participating in this December.

In progress: "Simple Gifts" © Mari Dieumegard 2010

Sketch for "Simple Gifts" © Mari Dieumegard 2010

I have been inspired by this song lately. It has been helpful to remind myself what is truly important in my life. So I have chosen to illustrate the following lyrics for my second holiday card:

"To turn, turn will be our delight till by turning, turning we come round right."

Winter Wanderings in Autumn

2010-10-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

Winter Solstice © Mari Dieumegard 2010

I have begun working on an illustration for the "Winter" show I'm participating in this December. I think I will do several and pick my favorite piece(s). I'm going to have them printed into note cards for the holidays. This one (still in progress) I have in mind for a winter solstice card.

In between shuttling my kids to birthday parties, I spent the weekend working on this site. I have tried to streamline everything, making it more user - friendly. You can now order a custom painting, print, or note card right from here. It is completely secure and very convenient (not only for shoppers, but me too.) I was feeling overwhelmed with all of my different online sites. Now I'm going to concentrate on this website and my FB page for giveaways and quick announcements.) I'm still working out the kinks, so don't hesitate to contact me if you are having any troubles ordering.

I have finalized the sketch for my latest Family Portrait Commission and I'm excited to start the painting process.

Thursday nights reception for the Yarmouth Art Festival was very well attended. I took my mom and my two kids along to help celebrate. My daughter, always the party animal, was looking forward to it and I was trying to curb her enthusiasm just a bit since I hadn't attended before. I told her we very well could be the only ones there. Silly me, they estimate some 200 people came to the reception. The parking lot was full and we had to park on the road! Upon arriving, my mom went straight to where my paintings were displayed and happily reported back that the original acrylic "The Rescue" had sold. I inquired as to who bought the painting and was told a local art collector had fallen in love with it. Unfortunately, I didn't meet her. I would have liked to thank her in person. I drove home a happy woman that night.

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2010-10-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

"The Rescue" © Mari Dieumegard 2010

"Falling" © Mari Dieumegard 2010

This past weekend was packed! I found out on Thursday that the two paintings above were accepted to the Yarmouth Art Festival. I got them framed and delivered between playdates for the kids and dinner with old friends who were visiting from out of town. AND the painting below sold and is heading for it's new home in Delaware!

"Diving" © Mari Dieumegard 2010

The crisp autumn sunshine woke me up this morning and I was energized and rarin' to go in the studio! I started sketches for a new commission, this one of a family who surfs together... how cool is that? And I think I have finished my illustration of "The Apple Pickers" but I'm looking for some constructive criticism, what do YOU think?

Oh, and I have applied to the Picnic Holiday Sale in Portland.... I hope I make the cut!

P.S. What do you think of the changes I've made to my blog? I'm tweaking it a bit.

Black Frame Art Sale- Update

2010-10-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

Well, the Black Frame Art Sale took place last Friday, October 8th and while I wasn't able to attend the "art buying frenzy" (as BFAS chair Annie Wadleigh described it) I did volunteer during the sneak preview. It was great seeing all of the artwork, which was hung handsomely in the rehearsal room of the Merril Auditorium. I recognized some work by local artists I've admired for awhile now, like Martha Miller and Anastasia Weigle. I also enjoyed work by artists previously unknown to me, like Lindsay Hancock and Beth Westra.

"Balance"

AND, I sold a painting! I'm not sure which of the two sold (I will find out on Thursday), but I have a feeling it may have been "Balance". It was the painting that seemed to be getting the most attention during the sneak preview time. I hope I will get a name of the buyer, I always like to know a little bit about where my artwork ends up.

I will definitely be submitting work to next year's Black Frame Art Sale - and making sure I experience the frenzy first hand!

A drawing by my daughter

2010-10-04T18:54:00.000-07:00

So, I just have to start out today's post with this fabulous drawing by my 7 y.o. daughter, D. Again, she blows me away. She has been drawing since she could sit up (if I had my act together tonight I would have the pics. to prove it, those will have to wait for a later post). The drawing above was done in the car as we ran errands this afternoon. I love how the head echos the shape of the chair back and I adore the contrasting dark and light line work. There are many times I look at her drawings and wish mine had the same spontaneous quality. The popular Picasso quote, "It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child" rings forever true when I look at my daughter's drawings.

Here is what I worked on today, "The Apple Pickers"

Speaking of Picasso, I feel like I have been in a "blue" period lately. Most of my recent paintings are predominantly blue/green. I'm trying to get out of my comfort zone and work with warmer colors, as you can see it has been a bit of a struggle. "Apple Pickers" is supposed to be more autumn-y, but I don't think it is there yet. A hard thing to do when I want the red apples to "pop".

Is it just me, or does this boy look a bit like a young John Lennon? ;-)

I also started printing some note cards with my paintings on them. This pack of four is now available in my etsy shop.

The rest of my week will be busy at my other job, and then Friday is the Black Frame Art Sale ! My two paintings, "The Swing" and "Balance" will be for sale. I will be there volunteering during the special sneak preview from 1:30 - 3:00. Stop by and say "hi"!

Sketching like Mad

2010-09-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

I went apple picking with my mom & my two kids last weekend. Our little excursion ended up in my sketchbook and is in the process of becoming a gouache painting:

Sketch #1 for a new commission. It is going to be another family portrait, this one to include their new home, the waterfalls they play in, and the vineyards near their home.

And sketch #2 for the same project.

And in other news, I have a NEW (to me) drafting table! Yay, less kinks in the neck (hopefully!)

Illustration Friday: Acrobat

2010-09-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

This weeks entry for Illustration Friday: Acrobat

I actually did this after having a really cool dream of being in an auditorium watching an acrobatic show when one of the performers swung over the audience and picked me up from the crowd!

Pick Your Print Giveaway

2010-09-18T18:37:00.000-07:00

I'm having a giveaway this month and I couldn't decide which print to give away, so it is up to YOU to decide. If you are interested in entering just check out my print store here. Once you have decided which print you would like, go here to post a comment on my facebook page letting me know which print you would like to win. If you share this post with friends it gives you good ju ju and you have a better chance of winning! ;-)

I will be announcing a winner on Friday 9/24 at 9 am Eastern time, so stay tuned!

As always, thank you for supporting my artwork!
~ Mari

Commission: Wedding Portrait

2010-09-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

I am working on a commissioned piece right now & thought I'd share some process pics. with everyone!

When I receive a commission from someone, they email reference photos to me and I do a few rough sketches and email them for approval.

After the composition has been approved, and the payment received, I get to painting. I keep people updated with photos as the work progresses and welcome their input / suggestions.

This particular wedding portrait is in the final tweaking stages, soon to be delivered!

If you would like to commission a painting, please don't hesitate to contact me. Prices range from $250.00 and up - but I can always do something smaller for less cost. Just click on "View my complete profile" to the right of this post and you can send me an email.

Counting My Blessings

2010-09-12T11:41:00.000-07:00

We have a "blessing branch" in our house where we count our blessings. We strive to do so daily, sometimes we feel so blessed we count MANY in one day. We have little cards in a box that we write our blessing on before hanging it on a branch. This afternoon as I blew through the kitchen this card, illustrated by my daughter, caught my eye:

My 7 1/2 year old daughter is definitely one of my blessings! This illustration just blows me away! I love the arm holding the pencil, it looks as though it was drawn all in one fell swoop and is beautiful in it's simplicity.

P.S. She felt her first day of school was a blessing worth noting!

Illustrated History

2010-08-12T06:09:00.000-07:00

This summer I have been concentrating on building my business as a fine artist and much of that time has been spent on commissioned work. I especially enjoy making art that is meaningful and full of metaphor, so I have been working on Custom Moment Portraits (weddings, etc.) Family Portraits and Dream Portraits. It feels like a really good fit for how I work naturally and I love knowing that a painting I have painted has become a cherished momento, to be passed down through generations.

Last weekend was my husband's birthday and I painted a Family Portrait for him. It got me thinking about all of the artwork that I made that was either for him or inspired by him and our life together. We met at art school 16 years ago. I was a painting major and he was a photo major. I modeled for him and the work he did with me was a catalyst for his future work. I was trying to find my "voice" and the paintings I did inspired by our time together felt the most sincere. It was very different from the work done by other painters at the school, which tended more towards abstract, and I often felt I didn't "fit but like I said it was the real me.

As I thought back on all of those paintings I realized for the past 16 years I have been painting Moment Portraits and Dream Portraits and Family Portraits. I actually have an Illustrated history of my life with my husband. Here are some of my favorites:

A Moment Portrait from our Sr. year. Jeff's mother had died 5 years earlier and it was her birthday. We flew a hand painted kite in her memory, and just as we got ready to reel it in and save it for the following year a huge gust of wind took the kite out of Jeff's hands. Our dog helped us chase it down the hill before we decided that this was most definitely a sign from above & we watched as it flew out to sea.

After graduating we drove cross country in an RV and spent the summer in Alaska, where I'm originally from. Upon returning to Maine we rented our first home together. I painted the frame of this mirror for our first house it illustrates the story of our first 5 years together.

Our wedding vows on Peaks Island, Maine. I did a 5 painting series called "Island Wedding" in which I illustrated the whole day of our wedding, the ferry ride, walk to the beach, ceremony, recessional band jam, dancing at the reception. I gave a painting to each of my bridesmaids as gifts. This one I gave to Jeff and it hangs in our bedroom.

Upon the birth of our first child I did this Family Portrait of our family bed. My daughter always had one finger in her mouth and her other hand down my shirt! This painting hangs above our bed.

Check out the family portrait, which includes our second child, that I finished for my husband's birthday here.

This painting is another portrait of the four of us, still in progress:

As you can see, my own family gives me endless inspiration, but capturing other people's memorable occasions and important loved ones has given me immeasurable joy as well!

Birthday Wishes

2010-08-08T06:16:00.000-07:00

Today is my husband's 43rd birthday and the poor guy is celebrating by working a 12 hour shift! The kids and I are celebrating by going to Mima's house to bake a coconut cake (a feat we have never before attempted... wish us luck!) We will have cake when he gets home from work tonight, just in time to put the kiddos to bed!

Below is the family portrait I'll be giving him:

I have been slowly working on it since February, incorporating two of my favorite memories from the year: watching my husband read to our son on a cozy winter afternoon, and delighting in my daughter as she learned to swim underwater among the lilly pads of a lake. My three loves floating above our yellow house. It won't be much of a surprise, since it's been hanging in my studio for months now, but hopefully it will take a new place of honor on a wall in our home - we're running out of wall space!

Studio Envy

2010-07-23T19:26:00.000-07:00

I love my studio, really I do. I moved into this studio in January and have been thoroughly enjoying it,especially since I had no space before. But, one of the many wonders of the blogosphere is that I get to peek into other artist studio's and when I do I always leave with a little case of studio envy. I'm sure some of this is because many people take the most beautiful pictures of their workspaces as possible. They are artists, of course they want their studio to look and feel beautiful and inspirational. Most people don't take pictures of how the studio really looks while they are working. (This is what I tell myself to feel better about my space).

This is what my studio really looks like. No photoshop, no maid service, this is what I found when I walked in this morning:

Oh, and did I mention I share my studio with my children age 4 and 7? This was a conscious choice. I love my children. I want to be with them. I want to support their own creativity. Still, this is what I walk through to get to my space:

All this would be fine and dandy if I hadn't come across this lovely post by a fabulously talented illustrator and inspired young mama who provided herself and her baby girl with this beautifully designed studio:

And then there is one of my favorite artist/bloggers, Gennine, who seems to have enveloped herself in beauty and simplicity, which comes out in her artwork.

My studio may seem cluttered (OK downright trashed at times) but I still give thanks daily that I have this space. And I am grateful that my children enjoy their space so much that it is often crazy messy. This space feeds our soul and it's the best soul food around. So I'll leave you with some photos of our space after a little spruce up. Not much mind you, I wanted to get painting!!

My main work station with my wall of inspiration - complete with my kids sculptures and hand made books prominently displayed on the top shelf.

A copper plaque on my supply cabinet, which is an old "jelly" cabinet that my husband and I refinished when we were newlyweds. I designed the plaque incorporating our initials into the punched designs.

If you have pictures of your studio, please share! The messier the better! (for my mental health ;-)

On my Easel

2010-07-17T05:49:00.000-07:00

This week I am working on a custom family portrait for a young couple who are expecting their second child. I am waiting to hear if it's a boy or girl before adding the finishing touches but here are a few pics. of the work in progress.
I've struggled with the Papa a bit... he keeps morphing into John Cusack, not a bad thing I guess, I think John Cusack is a cutie!

I've been working with acrylic on black gesso so much lately, it was a bit of a tricky transition back to gesso on paper.. I'm slowly getting back into the swing of it though. I'm not too sure I like the bushes as they are right now. I may finish the portraits and then go back into the back ground and simplify it a bit. I don't want all the viewers attention on the landscape.

SALE on Etsy

2010-07-17T05:46:00.000-07:00

I am participating in the Christmas in July Sale on Etsy. Through 7/24 I will be offering FREE SHIPPING on select original paintings and FREE ART CARD of your choice with orders over $25!

Check it out, by clicking on the etsy link on the left.

Thanks for your support!!

Black Gesso Experiment

2010-07-08T07:20:00.000-07:00

I have been trying something new these past few months.... black gesso. I've always liked the look of hand painted linocuts, but not the carpel tunnel that goes along with them. Using black gesso as a back ground and intentionally leaving a black outline has given my paintings a graphic look I think I like. It has been a challenge to keep my colors bright and not muddy... but I think it's an experiment that has had some positive outcomes. Below are the paintings I'm working on for the Black Frame Art Sale in various stages of completion.

Life = High Wire Act

2010-07-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

The above is a work in progress, a painting I am doing for the Black Frame Art Sale in October, but it resonates with all that I am experiencing right now.
I have been on summer break from my teaching job now for three weeks. My goal this summer was to make more time for my work as an artist/illustrator. During the school year I am busy teaching, mothering my two children and running a home with my husband. My creative passions have tended to take a back seat to all of this. I am not a fulfilled person when I am neglecting my artwork, and I have decided to neglect my artwork no longer!

For the past three weeks I have been putting my artwork in the front seat (or at least I've taken it out of the glove box). I am still fine tuning my high wire act. My studio work has replaced my teaching work, but I still need to figure out how to juggle all that needs to be accomplished in the studio (and it's so much more than just making the art!!) with my job as mother & partner.

I was very clear with my family before the summer started that each morning was my time in the studio. Yes, I'd make sure the kids were fed, but they need to dress themselves and entertain themselves until lunchtime while Mama works. When lunchtime comes my attention is given to my family and the afternoons are devoted to my children and their adventures. This means other things like grocery shopping and house cleaning are what get neglected now. You know what? I'm OK with that (although I still have that nagging voice in my head that reminds me I am no Martha Stewart and is fearful of surprise house guests;) It's been so insanely hot and humid here lately who really wants to clean anyway?

Although I swing between feeling energized from all of this creative time & overwhelmed with all that I need to be / should be doing, I feel more balanced than I have in a long time. And the inspiration just keeps coming, which reminds me it's time to revisit my new years mantra of gratitude, inspiration, perseverance, faith.

Gratitude: For my first Etsy sale, A successful giveaway, 2 Etsy treasury lists and several commission requests!

Inspiration: My coffee with Melissa Crowe (an awesome felt artist & homeschooling mom check her out: checkoutgirlcrafts.blogspot.com), tidepooling with the kiddos & fishing from Mima's dock (soon to show up on a canvas!), listening to great music on Pandora.com

Perseverance: Not getting bogged (or blogged;) down with all that needs to be done and allowing fear to stop me in my tracks. To quote a Disney fish, "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming!"

Faith: That by giving my creative passions equal importance in my life I am providing my children with a positive role model of someone who knows what feeds their soul and finds a way to care for themselves as well as those who are important to them. That happiness isn't found in money or material things, but in our experience of life and our desire to embrace life to it's fullest.

I wish you all the best in your personal high wire act that is life!
~ M

And the Winner of the "Falling" print is....

2010-06-30T16:01:00.001-07:00

Congratulations Lynda! I hope you enjoy the print. Email your address to me and I will get it in the mail asap!
Thank you to everyone for your lovely comments. You made this first giveaway a lot of fun!!

All the best,
Mari

First Studio Giveaway!

2010-06-28T05:40:00.000-07:00

I feel like celebrating! I've sold my first print on Etsy and have been included in an Etsy Treasury. I want to spread the love, so I am going to randomly select one person to receive one of my "Falling" prints. If you want to be included in the giveaway, just leave a comment here, or become a fan of Raven Roost Studio on Facebook & leave a comment there. I'll be picking a winner Wednesday morning. Good Luck! "♥"

It's a Surprise, Pt. 2

2010-06-16T04:33:00.001-07:00

Here is the family portrait finished with baby's vital info. It is going in the mail tomorrow!

Shhh... it's a surprise!

2010-06-07T13:20:00.000-07:00

Here is a little family portrait that I'm working on (this is the underpainting) for a couple very dear to me who just had their first child. When I'm finished it will include the baby's name, birthdate, weight, time of birth etc. I will be offering similar birth announcement portraits on my etsy site within the next month. My etsy site is still being built, but I'm hoping for a finish date at the end of June.

Fingers crossed!

Found Art

2010-05-10T15:17:00.000-07:00

I was cleaning out my flat files and came across this old illustration (4 years ago?) I was pleasantly surprised to still like it, so I thought I'd post it.

My day job is still keeping me pretty busy right now, but I'm happy to announce that my auction painting received a bid of $1000.00 and it's for a good cause. I also have a few commissions coming in (as many as five!) as a direct result of the auction!

I can't wait until June when I can focus primarily on studio work and get my etsy site up and running.

Finding Balance

2010-05-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

Other aspects of my life have been busy, and while I have found time to paint in my studio a bit, I am behind on photographing work and posting it here.

I recently took a road trip to Tennessee, so I was gone for about a week. Now that I'm home, things at school are gearing up. The last few months of school are always super busy.

I did make time to attend my first Maine Illustrators Collective meeting last week, and I'm so happy I did! I met many new, interesting illustrators and it was invigorating just to talk art for awhile. I'm hoping to get even more involved in the next few months. I'm really looking forward to going their Steampunk show at the Greenhand next month, even if I don't get any work done in time for it.

I am also auctioning off a commissioned painting to benefit the scholarship fund at the school where I teach. My Illustration Friday work is on stand still while I work on spring reports for the children in my class, and ready myself for end of year conferences. Soon, it will be summer and I will be able to focus more of my attention on my artwork. Weekly blog updates and a Etsy shop by the end of June is my hope!

Until then, I'm posting some updates on work in my studio. As always, comments and critiques are appreciated!

Illustration Friday: Rescue

2010-03-26T10:51:00.001-07:00

"She found a young bird in the snow under a tree. The bird had fallen from its nest, and was too weak to fly back up the tree. Feeling sorry for it, the child warmed the bird in her hands and did not let it die."

This illustration is from the story I am currently working on, a retelling of a Greek folktale. How convenient it also works for the word of the week!

New Years Mantra

2010-03-20T16:52:00.000-07:00

Gratitude, Faith, Inspiration & Perseverance.... not in any particular order. This is the Mantra I have been repeating over and over to myself since the start of the new year. I'm not big on New Years resolutions so I thought I'd write a mantra to help me stay focused in the year ahead. It helps, especially when things don't seem to be going right in the studio, at work, or in the home. I can sit down and quickly list those things I'm grateful for, reminders to keep the faith, a list of inspirations, and give myself credit for the ways in which I continue to persevere.

Here are just a few samples from my journal (along with images of work in progress from my studio).

JANUARY:

Inspiration: My family, and summer memories (daughter swimming under water for 1st time)
Gratitude: for my new studio space, starting fresh with new energy
Perseverance: worked in the studio ALL DAY , (even though I am feeling yucky).
Faith: that with hard work and persistence I will be able to live the creative life that I want to.

FEBRUARY:

Inspiration: music and song, ravens, my daughters drawings, my 30 min. commute along winding country roads.
Gratitude: For 1 week off (PAID) to work in the studio!
Perseverance: Applied for a grant!
Faith: That I will make the art that I need to, and it will be appreciated.

MARCH:

Inspiration: fresh air & warm baths
Gratitude: For a husband who cleans the house (better than I do!)
Perseverance: Scanned older artwork, set up art photo area, re-worked blog site, started designing Etsy site.
Faith: Behaving like I am already what I want to become.

Illustration Friday: Subterranean

2010-03-19T15:10:00.001-07:00

"Hand in hand, they embarked on a subterranean excursion"

Illustration Friday: Perspective

2010-03-03T17:23:00.001-08:00

Nothing like lacing on some skates, and filling the lungs with fresh,chilly air to give you a new perspective on life!

Illustration Friday, Adrift

2010-02-21T05:03:00.000-08:00

My first attempt at an Illustration Friday assignment. I was trying to go for a magical outer space/under water world beneath the boat and a bright, colorful world above the boat. I wasn't happy with the first version. I thought the sea creatures were distracting and there wasn't enough contrast between upper and lower worlds, so I moved on to version two:

The contrast is better here, unfortunately the sea creatures are still visible (not sure if I like that or not). Feeling discouraged, I decided to post another illustration that I had finished before, a woman adrift:

I figure it is important to post my failures as well as my successes, otherwise how will I learn anything and improve? Any constructive criticism is appreciated!