Here comes the sun...

"Sungazer"; 8x10", acrylic on wood panel

I'm excited. I've been invited to be part of a new gallery. This one will shine the light on my florals and give me some sunny exposure in town, in my favorite neighborhood, Decatur.  If you find yourself in Decatur in the near future, pop on in to the Decatur Fine Art Gallery and see wonderful works by local artists and craftspersons, and visit my little wall of Ethereal Flowers. Opening next month in East Decatur Station on E. College Ave.  See you there August 8th!

Have a nice evening!

Here comes the sun...

All journeys come with some mystery

"Rua"
36x36", acrylic on wood panel

She travels these woods daily, but she never reveals a path with her reticent footsteps. She always feels she has company. The forest climbs to meet her. The trees aren't alone in their longing to be near her, and they, too, will wait for her return. 

All journeys come with some mystery.

This painting is available at the Marietta Square Artist's Attic.

Have a nice day.
:)

All journeys come with some mystery

Flowers are blooming in the Attic!

Eager Awakenings
10x20", acrylic on wood panel

May brings flowers.  It's about time! 

...and my Ethereal Flowers are blooming in the Attic!

I'm very excited to share the cool news that I have been given the opportunity to occupy my own little room at the Marietta Square Artist's Attic! I'll begin arranging the space today to prepare for first Friday tomorrow.  Hey, it'll be May 1st - what a perfect occasion to bring you some fresh flowers! I hope you will enjoy seeing the space blossom!

Fridays are fun, but first Fridays are the most fun. All of Atlanta comes alive for the arts, and I know I mention it every chance I get, but Marietta Square is the epicenter on these special evenings, so come out for a stroll tomorrow night and see what I'm always talking about!

The Artist's Attic is above The Local Exchange on the south side of the Square next door to Sweet Treats Ice Cream Parlor and we are open 7 days a week. You can find me upstairs working the gallery on most Thursday and Sunday afternoons, and of course, tomorrow evening.


Have a nice day,
Rebecca

Flowers are blooming in the Attic!

Pesky Floaters

Blue Floater

Some thing got in my eye. I had a cleaver in one hand and I was holding down an onion with the other. It wasn't the best timing. Just as I thought I could live with whatever was swimming around on my eyeball until the onion was chopped, some of my bangs descended and began itching my eyebrow, not above the eye plagued with debris, which was already winking, but the other. I then found myself spontaneously winking both eyes while blowing and directing the air with my bottom lip in the direction of my wile hair.  It was only then I realized that I had my reading glasses on and they had fallen so far down on my nose that I looked like a old man behind the counter at the research library.  I was pinching my air supply with the glasses and wondered why I was getting a bit of a headache. Of course, now, I have a full blown headache and I can't breathe. I began to cry. Not from the dark humor in this experience, but because that was simply the most reactive onion I had ever sliced into. Thinking that the act of crying would fix the floater issue, I then reached up with my forearm to push my glasses back in place further up on my nose and caught the edge of the glasses on the chiffon blouse I wore to work and hadn't yet changed since I arrived home. I tried to pull my arm away but my hair also became stuck in my glasses. So, there I stood in the kitchen, winking both eyes in a very undignified alternating pattern, like I was trying to make a moving picture out of a still drawing, stuck to my glasses from both sides, my hair and my blouse, and threatening to make a chop salad of myself with the knife wielding hand. This all happened in seconds, which explains why the knife was still in my hand (I think.) At that very moment my husband walked in, smiled, took the knife and asked if I wanted to order takeout. I nodded. yes.

(I repainted the background of this earlier posted painting because it just needed to be brighter.)
Have a nice day, Rebecca

Pesky Floaters

So, I couldn't call it the Parthenon...

Ornament Colosseum

Redux: How do you like my shabby chic ornament Colosseum? Yea, it's so Greek. (giggle.) It was a junk store find, and it had been spray painted gold, was so dirty and dingy, and had no back on it. It didn't look like anything that could be useful. But, at the time time, I was specifically in search of a showcase for ornaments, so when I saw it in a junk pile, I thought, "Neat! That'll do! It's a tiny Parthenon!"  So, I took it home, all the way from Mississippi, and cleaned it, painted it off-white hammered on a back and sanded back a little of that gold. Then, silly me, I realized it's not a Parthenon, it's a Colosseum. HA! 

So far, I'm still playing with hanging vs. nesting. I added eyelet screws to hang, and I'll probably pad the back for safety against breakage, but I might just nest anyway. I mean, who doesn't want to nest on some level?

Well, there you have it. I haven't finished the sign yet, but I got it off the printer and it just needs glue and mojo. So, I couldn't call it the Parthenon, but I'm OK with that.


‪#‎festivaldisplays‬, Marietta Square Artist's Attic, Marietta Square Artists Market, Acworth Art Fest

So, I couldn't call it the Parthenon...

Here comes the sun!

Blue Sun Rising
8x10", acrylic on wood panel

Happy Easter!

Have a nice day,
Rebecca

Here comes the sun!

..a pretty rock!

"Look, Mommy!"
5x7", acrylic on wood panel

When I was little, I used to badger my Mother constantly, "MOMMY, MOM, Mamma! MOM! Mom! Mom! MOMMY! Mawmy! momma!" -you get the idea. I can imagine the delight that a parent experiences when a child first discovers that their hands can smash things, like food, that expensive delicate flowers break easily, that china shatters in the neatest patterns, that utensils make cool noises when they hit the floor, that markers work great on walls, and furniture.  This painting wasn't inspired by any of those experiences, it was just a simple discovery.. "Look, Mommy! ..a pretty rock!"  "Yes, that IS a pretty rock! Let's take it home and get it wet!" That's what I did with my Mommy, anyway.

Have a nice evening,
Rebecca

..a pretty rock!

Blue with a chance of sunny..

"Happy blue sunshine on my shoulders"
6x6", acrylic on wood panel

I'm basking in the glow of overcast skies this morning in Acworth, Georgia. What's it like where you are?  Here's a little blue flower getting some rays from a flowery sun!

Tonight's the opening day of First Friday Art Walk in Marietta Square!  I'll be walking the square to see all the awesome local talent, art, music and munchies!  Then, you'll be able to find me at the Marietta Square Artist's Attic until we close shop around 9pm.  It's supposed to storm tonight, but not until much later, after the art walk is all done, so don't be afraid to come out and swing with the old, the young and the tragically hip in the square. See you then!

(The above painting will be available at the Acworth Art Fest, April 11th & 12th, Historic Downtown Acworth.)

Have a nice day,
Rebecca

Blue with a chance of sunny..

The Lion, the Fashinista and the Flower

"Not So Cowardly Lion", 2015 Ethereal Flowers Series

6x6", acrylic on wood panel

"Courage! What makes a king out of a slave? Courage! What makes the flag on the mast to wave? Courage! What makes the elephant charge his tusk in the misty mist, or the dusky dusk? What makes the muskrat guard his musk? Courage! What makes the sphinx the seventh wonder? Courage! What makes the dawn come up like thunder? Courage! What makes the Hottentot so hot? What puts the "ape" in apricot? What have they got that I ain't got?" - The Cowardly Lion, Wizard of Oz

Now, go face the day,
(and make it a nice one!)
Rebecca

Ps. My sweet anthropomorphic Ethereal Sunflowers can be first viewed this year at the Acworth ArtFest April 11th & 12th. See you then!

The Lion, the Fashinista and the Flower

Gearing up for a hoppin' good time!

Green Beauty 6x6", acrylic on wood panel

..and what a happy Spring it is! We are indeed the happy reapers of our cultivating hands here at Smelly Rhino Studio.   I am posting my newsletter tonight as a blogpost so you can see an example! If you are interested in periodic news about my new work and invitations to events, please feel free to use the subscribe link on the right column of my blog to sign up!  Here's what's upcoming this month. I hope you'll join me for some of the festivities as this magnificent Spring works its way toward Summer! First off, you'll find me at every First Friday Art Walk in Marietta Square, whether I'm in our gallery (Marietta Square Artist's Attic) or below on the sidewalk displaying some new fun paintings! If you've not experienced the magic of this monthly flight of art and music and libation fancy, you are really missing out! It's a treat that anyone will savor!  It's for families, kids, date night, girls night out, whateves!  Musicians will be on every corner, all the galleries in the square will be open until 9 as well as most of the boutiques and restaurants, which will all host local artists inside their establishments and on the sidewalks. It is the best evening of every month, and you really need to get out and treat yourself! The fine galleries of Marietta Square include 2 Rules Fine Art at the top of the Square (85 Church St), DK Gallery in the middle of the block on the west side (25 Park Square), The Red Door and the MSAA (Marietta Square Artist's Attic, above The Local Exchange) are both on the south side of the Square (48 & 120 S. Park Square, respectively.) Next, I hope you will join us in Acworth on April 11th and 12th for the Acworth Art Fest, a weekend show with over 100 artists and fine crafters, food from Henry's Louisiana Grill and other yummy vendors, a performance stage for bands, kids play area, and maybe even a contest or two! Ours will be booth 8, near the East entrance across from the stage! After that, April 25th will be our first appearance on the street at the Marietta Square Artist's Market, a regular Saturday market for artists and crafters, held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month through November.  Carolyn de Turenne will be joining me again all year at the Saturday Market as we continue to combine art with fashion & design. You will find her one of a kind handbags, pillows and decor items irresistible. Can't wait to see you all again for a wonderful artful year! Have a nice evening, Rebecca Salcedo Smelly Rhino Studio - reeking of creativity since 2006

Gearing up for a hoppin' good time!

Be a happy reaper! Sow your garden now!

New Parents
6x6", acrylic on wood panel

It's planting season and if you haven't started yet, get out there this weekend and get dirty! Soon, you'll reap the rewards of your efforts and your little family of garden lovelies will blossom before your eyes. Just think, you could be the proud parent of a sweet daisy like these two are, or a dahlia, or maybe a tomato (the gift that keeps on giving!)

Another in my 2015 Ethereal Flower series, a new daisy family welcomes their first little lovely into the world! Visit my booth at the Acworth ArtFest April 11th & 12th to see my sweet little Ethereal Flowers rising up to enjoy the sun! (fingers crossed.)

Acworth Art Fest

Have a great day,
Rebecca

Be a happy reaper! Sow your garden now!

I'm Baroque, but I'm happy!

It's been a while since the last Ethereal Flower left my studio and many have asked when they will bloom again.  Well, they're back! For 2015, you can expect a long running season of Ethereal Flowers of all sizes! (yay!) The first to awaken: A petite floating blue stringy sunflower!

I've been working like a mad girl preparing for my second year at the Acworth ArtFest, coming up on April 11th and 12th in Historic Acworth on Main St.  Here, you will find over 100 fine art and craft vendors.  I will be near the beginning of the festival in booth 8 (third booth from the beginning, across from the stage!)  My flowers will be hanging out with me, so stop by and say hello!  After the Acworth Artfest, you can expect to see me at the Saturday market in Marietta Square (2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month) and of course, you can always find me and my work at the Marietta Square Artist's Attic; A Local Gallery.

"Floater"
6x6; Acrylic on wood panel

Speaking of blooming, it's always a good time to talk about music, since it helps me paint and be happy!  This morning's mix is a bit of Baroque! I love it. Who doesn't? Not a fan of Classical music? Trust me, you love Baroque music! You DO!-- you just don't know you do! Hey, without Baroque, we would not have the chord progression of 90% of today's modern songs! (maybe more than 90%)

...Here, I'll prove it, listen to these quick, funny and enlightening musical comedy sketches!

Pachelbel!
and, here's another super funny medley...Axis of Awesome!

Acworth Art Fest

Marietta Square Artist's Attic on Facebook

Marietta Square Artist's Market

I'm Baroque, but I'm happy!

Thinking of Tripp...

Temple Circles18x24", acrylic on Canvas

For some reason, The red circles are almost like alarm bells in a fire station, but believe me, my feelings about this painting are really far from there.  I was early into this painting when its name, Temple Circles came to mind, because rather than the jolt of an alarm,  I was really thinking of the serenity of a pagoda.  I love the wispy feel of the eaves of pagodas, those beautiful downward sloping rooflines that just at the last moment, turn so graciously toward Heaven in such an organic movement as the branches of an evergreen would.  I've never traveled to Asia, but I know I would love the landscape. I often think of that type of scenery when I'm painting. Not sure what that is telling me, but the imagery seems to define peace, and I like peace. I am drawn to it. 

As I was finishing up, I was reminded of Tripp, a very young man, for whom I had the joy of painting a mural. He lives in India now with his parents. I think a painting in the future may play on the vibe of Tripp's mural, which is a sweet tree with nesting owls, from whose branches hang what we lovingly refer to as croquet balls, but were really inspired by the Turkish Eye that Tripp's parents brought home from one of their 'trips.' (They travel so much that I'm sure naming their son was easy.)  Thinking of you, today, Tripp. I hope you are putting your cape to good use!  

Have a nice day, Rebecca

Thinking of Tripp...

I just needed an abstraction

"Spock's Red Matter Ships"
(or Red Mobile Sky at Night)
Acrylic on canvas
18x24"

It's typical for my imagination to make up stories that appeal to my science fiction psyche.  I had painted a very small piece entitled, "Red Mobile" and imagined it as a sort of flying rig. Who knows what a rig in the sky does, but Isaac Asimov would, so there I was, thinking about the things that only happen in the future (my imagination.) Anyway, as I finished this new larger piece, I decided it was going to be about flying things, again... 

Then, one of the great icons of science fiction and also a very talented artist, Leonard Nimoy passed away yesterday. Sigh. I really loved him, I was a huge fan of his Mr. Spock and also of his photography and his great intellect and spirit.  So, I am dedicating this piece to him, renaming the piece after Spock's Red Matter ship.  Three of them, a magical number, fly together now.  Farewell, friend.

RIP Mr. Nimoy, you have always been and shall always be, remembered.

Have a nice day,

Rebecca

I just needed an abstraction

Memories of the Coast

Memories of the coast I

I miss home, the good old coastal views of the Pacific Northwest. The tide pools - Hermit crabs, sea anemones. The serene and often very rugged and dangerous beauty.  When you're a water baby, you love all bodies of water.  I don't take them for granted, I take lots of trips to walk my dogs at the local lake near my home here in Historic Acworth in northern Georgia.  Sometimes, I go there just to breathe in the view, feeling so lucky to have it just a few blocks from my home.  I am quite fond of the Carolina and Georgia coastlines, too!

I think wherever your heart lies, if you are soothed by a water view, you will enjoy this piece. 

Have a nice day,

Rebecca

Ps. Since I posted this thread this afternoon, my husband came home and found that I had painted out a very minute ray of light and it was the thing that made him happy, so I spent the evening repainting the entire sky to have a sun rising on the horizon, just for him.  This painting could have been from either coast before, but a white sun rising on the ocean only happens on the east coast, so you imagine where you are now.  I see the grassy waters of South Carolina. You?

Memories of the Coast

DIY Art Studio Shelving...great use for molding!

"I've got a plan so cunning, you could put a tail on it and call it a weasel!" - Sir Edmond Black Adder

Art Studio Shelves

I remodeled last year, but just getting to the display shelves now!  I wanted a place to display my paintings for open studio visits, to see my work while I'm preparing for a show, and to get them off the cluttered floor!  

I thought about using gutters after seeing how awesome they work for kids rooms and library racks. But, there was this issue of the front of the gutters not only concealing the bottom few inches of my paintings, but I figured I would run a risk of damaging whatever area of the painting connected with the front of the gutter. 

I knew what a needed. A plate rack, so to speak. something with a groove, or better yet, a tiny lip at the front of a narrow shelf that would allow a painting to lean without sliding off. Also, the shallow profile would keep my small studio looking as large as possible. I wanted this shelf to come already shaped with the lip on it. After some time standing in front of every possible piece of wood and shelving solution Home Depot had, I realized this project required my repurposing skills because this thing did not exist. 

Well, here it is!  

I had already re-purposed a melamine shelf into a table top, used tiles as shelves, used tables as benches, and made cabinets into tables...so, why not use a piece of molding for a shelf or ledge?  I haven't seen anyone do it before, so I spent the whole morning creating this tutorial to share with you so you can go do it, too.  Additionally, you can put screws into the front of the 2x2 under the molding shelf and hang things there!

The step by step picture guided tutorial will help you in case the process isn't intuitive to you. Anyone with a little skill can do this, but you may need a helping hand if you aren't used to drilling or if you don't have a lot strength or leverage to drive screws.  If you have any questions about any of the steps shown here, please ask in the comment section and I will answer. It might help someone else and I can edit the tutorial for others!  Thanks!

Molding as art display shelving

Below, I have provided 3 sets of directions: 1) No brainer instant DIY for existing shelves, no power tools necessary, 2) Quick instructions for those who already know what they're doing, and 3) Complete step by step tutorial with pictures and notes.

********************************************************************************

NO BRAINER INSTANT GRATIFICATION DIY -

for those with existing shelves (and the power tool inept!)

Not handy at all AND you already have shelving?  

VOILA! Laying a strip of molding on any existing shelf or table at the wall allows you to have paintings leaning there, securely held in place without have to do any additional work!  (I have not found it necessary to tape the molding in place, but you may desire it, personally.)

Lay a piece of molding on a table top or shelf for instant secure display of art!

*********************************************************************************

Complete Instructions for DIY installing Art Studio Shelving 

You will need:

• 2x2" beam (really 1.5"x1.5", but they are called 2x2.)  I bought pine at about $8 per 8 foot length. Make sure to select straight beams. Look down the beam to eyeball whether it is curved. (Have the associate at the home improvement store cut them to whatever size you will be needing.)
• 3.5" wide pine wall molding strips, about ~$2.15 per foot. One 8 foot section was less than $17.50.
• 4" wood screws for securing the 2x2 to the wall.  3 screws should suffice for an 8 foot length, spaced at 32" apart.)  If your shelf will be less than 32", then 2 screws per shelf. 
• 1.5" screws or nails for securing the molding to the 2x2. (I like screws because I can easily remove the shelf if I need to by unscrewing instead of risking damage by pulling nails.)
• Table Saw (optional, will be used to shave a small profile off the back of the molding to make it lay flat on top of the 2x2. Note: You can still attach the molding without altering it, but there will be a small gap under the front of the shelf where it lays on the 2x2.
• drill (make sure you have a fully charged battery!)
• Forstner bit (whatever size is larger than the screw head.)
• drill bit (same size as smooth part of screw.)
• wood plugs (optional, for covering your screw heads later.)
• paint (optional)

Quick instructions if you know what you are doing

1) Attach 2x2 to a wall or other object where you want a shelf.

2) Secure molding by screwing down from the top into the 2x2.

(You could do steps 1 and 2 in reverse, but it will depend on how long and skinny your drill bit/shaft is to be able to drive that long screw into the wall under the shelf without marring it.)

Detailed illustrated instructions

Decide where to put your shelf, mark the wall and pre-drill holes into your studs.

Prepare the 2x2 to mount on the wall.

Secure the 2x2 to the wall.

Run the back of the molding through the table saw to remove the profile where it will attach to the top of the 2x2. (optional, but good.)

Attach molding to the top of the 2x2.

Start freeing up floor space and gain display space.

Hey, you are even ready for an open studio event!

Have a great day,

Rebecca

DIY Art Studio Shelving...great use for molding!

Blog responsibly...

I'm off to a wretched start this year. It's the middle of February, for crying out loud! Where does that phrase come from, "for crying out loud?"  I mean, did someone once say, "Heck, why do we all cry so loud? What ever comes from cryin' out loud?  Sheesh, just keep it to yourself, will ya? oh, and quit making excuses."

Lots to do. This year, I'm planning to show at three wonderful galleries in the Atlanta area!

First off, the Marietta Square Artist's Attic will have my original art and prints and maybe even a little performance in the wine room with my husband, Eric (we'll see, no guarantees!)  The Raiford Gallery in Roswell will offer my unique hand painted pet ornaments and custom portraits. Then, later on in the year as the holidays get closer, I will also have an assortment of very special ornaments at DK Gallery in Marietta.

In the show and festival arena, plans are still being made, but the first upcoming is Acworth Art Fest, April 11th and 12th.  Also beginning in April, this year marks my fourth at the Marietta Square Artist's Market, a twice monthly Saturday street market on Mill St. in the Square. You can see me there on the 2nd and 4th saturdays of every month (except April 11th.)  Check my Facebook page to make sure I'll be there if you are planning a visit!

I also have finally begun work with my very talented Mom, Carolyn, on the shared new venture, Zenyotta, a homey hand made approach to home decor items, all made here in Acworth, GA., from our own designs, including hand printed fabrics and recycled and refurbished items.  Small boutiques will carry our unique pillows, throws and handbags, and we will also have a storefront at the Woodstock Market beginning March 1st.

Lots to do! See you somewhere, very soon!

Have a nice day,
Rebecca

Blog responsibly...