Brenda Thour's Art Blog

Chilly Little Penguin Original Oil Painting

2012-01-28T14:32:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd show you my newest finished painting. I call it Chilly Little Penguin.

Chilly Little Penguin

5x7 oil available at my Etsy shop

This is an African Penguin, also known as a (Blackfooted or Jackass penguin), I know, weird, right?

There are 17 - 20 different kinds of penguins, apparently there's a debate on exactly how many. Penguins are non flying, aquatic birds and spend half of their life in the ocean. They use their 'wings' as flippers and usually live on uninhabited islands where there are no predators, at least that's what one site said. Penguins feed on krill, squid, fish and other forms of sealife that they catch while they are swimming. Yum!

I just think they're cute.

Have a great day,

Brenda

Penguin Painting

2012-01-19T12:56:00.000-08:00

Wow, its been a long time since I blogged. Lets see if I can get back into the habit.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!
Over Christmas, my 20 year old daughter went to California to spend time with my brother and his family. She had a blast and took a LOT of pictures. Of course, being such a sweetheart and supporter of my artwork, she encourages me to use her photos. I have always wanted to do a penguin painting, but could never get a decent enough photo because of the glass being dirty or whatever at zoos. Jessica got some great shots, and this is the first of several that I am going to do. It's an 8x10 oil on stretched canvas, stapled on the back. I call it Penguins. I know, very creative title, right:? : )
Reference photo by Jessica Thour.

I'm not sure if I'm done fiddling with it or not. Am anxious to start on my next one, which I already have sketched out on the canvas. Hoping to do that today.
You have a wonderful day, and if you live where it's cold, like I do, I pray you keep warm. Brrrrrr
hugs,
Brenda

Christmas Cards from my shop

2011-11-15T07:55:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming and I thought I'd show you some of my Christmas Cards that I have designed throughout the years on Zazzle. Hope you enjoy them.

Away In a Manger Christmas Card by bmthour
Browse more Christmas Cards

Cardinal Christmas Blank Card by bmthour
Become a greeting card affiliate for Zazzle.

Christmas Light Christmas Card Blank Card by bmthour
View more Lighthouse Cards

Curiosity Christmas Blank Card by bmthour
Browse other Snowman Cards

Frosty ACEO, Merry Christmas Card by bmthour
View more Snowman Cards

Holly Berry Deer Christmas Card by bmthour
Browse other Deer Cards

January Light Christmas Blank Card by bmthour
Join Zazzle.com's artist affiliate program

Snowman Love aceo Christmas Card by bmthour
Learn ways to make money as an artist on Zazzle.

Winter Wonderland Christmas Card by bmthour
Begin selling my art online at zazzle.

Wolf At Rest Christmas Card by bmthour
Become a part of Zazzle's greeting card affiliate program

Winters Dream Christmas Card by bmthour
make your own greeting cards online with zazzle

Sleigh Christmas Blank Card by bmthour
create a card designs on Zazzle

Snowflake ACEO Christmas Card by bmthour
Make a greeting card design at Zazzle

Snowman Family Christmas Card by bmthour
create cards online at zazzle

Mr Snowman Christmas Card by bmthour
View other Snowman Cards

Poinsettia Christmas Card by bmthour
See other Poinsettia Cards

Have a wonderful and Blessed day.
hugs,
Brenda

Featuring James Macabee from Zazzle Gallery Directory

2011-11-09T07:06:00.000-08:00

Our 21st artist on Zazzle Gallery Directory is James Macabee. James has 6 shops; http://www.zazzle.com/nuhlig , http://www.zazzle.com/kustomkicks http://www.zazzle.com/customschwag http://www.zazzle.com/metallican
http://www.zazzle.com/mermaidmafia http://www.zazzle.com/therepublicoftexas

ORCHIDS Stationery by customschwag
See other Nuhlig Stationery

The Grand Dachshund by MermaidMafia
Make your own digital prints on canvas

SUNFLOWERS by Irina by MermaidMafia
Get your own canvas transfer prints

USS TEXAS by TheRepublicOfTexas
Browse iPod touch covers

Bluebonnet Railroad by TheRepublicOfTexas
Sell art online at Zazzle.

Black Bord by nuhlig
See more skateboards at Zazzle

White Flower Sk8Bord by nuhlig
Browse more White Skateboards

Snowman Love aceo painting

2011-11-06T15:45:00.000-08:00

This is a fun little aceo I created last night. I've been itching to get my watercolor pencils out again, and I finally did. This one is called Snowman Love and it for sale in my Etsy Shop. I hope you like it. Can you believe it's getting to be that time of year again?

Snowman Love aceo

watercolor pencil on watercolor paper

Featured Zazzle Artist Re Becca!

2011-10-31T15:44:00.000-07:00

I am happy to bring to you this weeks featured artist on Zazzle Gallery Directory, Re Becca. Re Becca has quite a few shops, gravityx9 Designs , Spoofing the Arts, Picture This And That, Loves Me Loves Me Not, Abstractedness, I Love Xmas, Fall Seasons Best and 7 more. For a complete list of her shops go Here.

Halloween Graveyard Scene Silhouette by Fall_Seasons_Best
More Halloween Pet Clothing

Friendly Ghosts and Pals by Fall_Seasons_Best
Make personalized photo necklaces on Zazzle.

Cute Little Halloween Jack-o-Lanterns by Fall_Seasons_Best
Make a promotional travel mug online with Zazzle

Pilgrim Cat by Fall_Seasons_Best
More iphone 4 cases

Thanksgiving Pilgrim Ducks by Fall_Seasons_Best
create stationery online with zazzle.com

Frozen Leaf on Ice by Fall_Seasons_Best
More Frozen Binders

Blue Autumn Leaves by Fall_Seasons_Best
View other Fall leaves Cards

Feliz Navidad by I_Love_Xmas
Browse other Christmas cat Cards

You can follow Re Becca on Twitter,
facebook
LinkedIn

Happy Halloween!
Stay safe,
hugs,
Brenda

Featured artist, Barbara Giordano

2011-10-25T19:03:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to present to you this weeks featured artist from Zazzle Gallery Directory, Barbara Giordano. Barbara has two shops, Sunfluer Designs and Dogs 4 You.

Binder - Recipes - Rooster/Chicken Art by sunfluer
Browse other Recipes Binders

Bag, Sunflowers by sunfluer
View other Tote Bags

Maple Leaf and Sunflowers Tile by sunfluer
Browse more Maple Tile

Magnet - Robin Red Breast Acrylic Painting by sunfluer
Make a Magnet at zazzle

Christmas Decorative Shipping Labels by sunfluer
More Winter Labels

iPhone Speck Case, Border Collie by Dogs4U
See other iphone cases

Bag, Bulldog by Dogs4U
Browse Bulldogs Bags

Visit Barbara's Blog
Follow Barbara on Twitter

Featuring Kristina Conatser

2011-10-19T07:48:00.000-07:00

I am proud to bring you our 17th featured artist on Zazzle Gallery Directory, Kristina Conatser of Beauty Within Creations Designs aka capturedbyKC! Kristina has a beautiful and inspirational shop, be sure to hop on over and check it out! It lifts my spirits just looking at some of her designs, I love it!
Kristina has a beautiful outlook on life, to read more go here to her profile.


Heaven's Angels Mug by capturedbyKC


Loves Me Loves Me Not by capturedbyKC

Heavenly Angel by capturedbyKC

Angels' Song by capturedbyKC

Eternal Flame by capturedbyKC

Anchored In Him Scripture by capturedbyKC

Flower Power Fractal Print by capturedbyKC

Have a wonderful and Blessed day!

hugs,

Brenda

Hummingbird In Flight - New Painting

2011-10-15T17:55:00.000-07:00

After two months of not painting, last weekend I created this piece, and I absolutely love it! It's called Hummingbird in Flight and is an 8x10 oil on canvas panel. The reference photo that I used for the hummingbird is from Patricia Otten. Pat is one of my art collectors and a dear friend. I don't even know how many of my paintings she has purchased.

Today I was busy making Zazzle products in my shop. Here's a few items that I created.


Hummingbird In Flight Necklace


Hummingbird In Flight IPod Touch Case


Hummingbird In Flight Ornament Tiles

Ornament Tiles are new at Zazzle and so far this is the only one I have in my shop. They come in two sizes; 4.25 x 4.25 inches and 6x6 inch tiles, framed or not framed.

They also have Gift Boxes that come in different sized and colors...but I can't seem to get the link to work right now. : (

***

I also want to share with you the wonderful news I received two days ago. In my Greeting Card Universe Shop some wonderful person from Australia purchased 500 of these Christmas cards...Yes, 500! I was shocked and tears started streaming down my face. God is good and I am so honored that I can share my work with all of you and so touched when someone purchases something from one of my shops!

Hope you are having a wonderful and safe weekend.

hugs,

Brenda

Featured Artist: Karen White

2011-10-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

The 15th featured artist on Zazzle Gallery Directory was Karen White. Sorry for being late : (

Two Cockatoos Ornament by kewzoo

Cute Cat Card by kewzoo

Indian Elephant Samsung Galaxy S Case by kewzoo

Flights of Fancy binder by kewzoo

Sunrise Bird and Butterfly mug by kewzoo

Cupcake Carnival Party Invitations by kewzoo

Rudolph Merry Christmas Card by kewzoo
View more Rudolph Cards

Featured Artist Susan Elkin

2011-10-11T16:46:00.000-07:00

The 17th featured Artist on Zazzle Gallery Directory is Susan Elkin! Her shop features her magnificent photography.
Straight from her profile:
"Susan Elkin Photography offers breathtaking rural and urban landscapes of nature and streetscapes as prints, mugs, postage, totes, tiles and cards. Susan’s work ranges from flowers and landscapes to creative reflections. Susan’s ensemble of creative photographic images will amaze you."

Black-Eyed Susans by SusanElkin

Roses I - Orange, Red and Gold Glory by SusanElkin

Tree House – Gold and Blue Glory by SusanElkin

Streetscape IV - Greenfield as Paris by SusanElkin

Gray Barn - Reflections of Serenity by SusanElkin

Night Sky I - Glory at Dusk by SusanElkin

The Green Stairway by SusanElkin

Susan's Etsy: www.SusanElkin.etsy.com
Susan's CafePress: www.cafepress.com/SusanElkin
Susan's Site: www.SusanElkin.com
Susan's Blog: www.SusanElkin.com/blog

Susan's fan page on facebook www.facebook.com/SusanElkin

Featuring Marta Harvey!

2011-10-05T07:39:00.000-07:00

This week's featured artist on Zazzle Gallery Directory is Marta Harvey.

"I enjoy experimenting with a lot of different techniques and materials. Even though you don't see or touch the original art in person, I try to give you the sense of different layers and texture. I hope you enjoy the art and products as much as enjoy creating them."

So sit back and enjoy!

Hand Carved Bird in Pink Watercolors by martaharvey

Winter Tree in Pink by martaharvey


Tree and Ink Tranparent Layers by martaharvey


Leaves and Ink Transparent Layers by martaharvey


Tree and Moon Fiber Art by martaharvey


Thank you card - flowers by martaharvey

Abstract webbing painting in black and gold by martaharvey

Featuring Nora Blansett

2011-09-21T19:14:00.000-07:00

This week's featured artist on Zazzle Gallery Directory is Nora Blansett. Nora is an award winning artist and you can read more about her here.


Iona Card by BorealisArt

A Puzzled Heart Card by BorealisArt

Leaves iPad Case by BorealisArt

Not All Angels Have Wings by BorealisArt

Merry Christmas by BorealisArt

Hummingbird Pro Ked Womens Mini Slip-on by BorealisArt

Dead and Confused iPhone 3 Case by BorealisArt

Featuring Hilly Wakeford

2011-09-20T04:14:00.000-07:00

Hilly Wakeford's shop is a wife and husband team from Germany who have been creating art for 3 decades. They have a bunch of other shops on zazzle listed Here. This is just a tiny glimpse of the wonderful products they have. So, sit back and enjoy!

X-Mas Wreath and Birds by Felidae52


Colorful Butterfly by Felidae52


Butterflies and Roses by Felidae52

Jewel Butterfly by Felidae52

Red Songbird by Felidae52

Tribal Eagle by Felidae52

Trade Winds by Felidae52

Have a great day!

hugs,
Brenda

Featured Artist Maria G Designs

2011-09-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

This weeks' featured artist on Zazzle Gallery Dirrectory is our very own, Maria G. Designs! Maria has three zazzle shops, Blessed Weddings, MG Business Cards and Invitation Boutique. Her designs are amazing!

Mod Red Business Cards by MG_Designs

Lady Bug Business Cards by MG_Designs

Floral Business Cards by MG_BusinessCards

Business Card - Elegant by MG_Designs

Animal Business Cards by MG_Designs

Business Card - Elegant by MG_Designs

These are just a few business cards that you can find in Maria's shop. Be sure to check out the rest of her shop, and if you or someone you know will soon be walking down the isle, be sure to check out Blessed Weddings!

Find Maria G. Designs on Facebook, and Twitter

Hope you have a wonderful and Blessed day,

hugs,

Brenda

Featuring Yires A.Saad

2011-08-25T09:31:00.000-07:00

This weeks featured artist on Zazzle Gallery Directory is Yires .A.Saad with KAMIZZZ Zazzle Shop. This is a father and daughter collaborating together, which I think is so cool! You will find unique and fun designs such as these...this first one I totally fell in love with!

True Friends! by kamizzz

Hummingbirds Fantasy Bag by kamizzz

Just a Note by kamizzz

HOT BIKE by kamizzz

Cotorra Puertorriqueña/Puerto Rican Parrot by kamizzz

Midnight Butterflies by kamizzz

WWI Planes by kamizzz

Hope you enjoyed viewing these products as much as I had showing them. Be sure to check out KAMIZZ Zazzle shop and say hi.

Have a wonderful day,
hugs,
Brenda

Featuring Zazzle Shop Owner, Julie Farrell

2011-08-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

I am delighted to say that this weeks featured artist on Zazzle Gallery Directory is Julie Farrell! Julie has four shops on Zazzle, Julie Farrell Urban Art and Illustrations, Odd Lot Paperie, Visual Blueprint and Paper Robot.
I decided to focus on Julie Farrell's Urban Art and Illustrations today, so here we go.

Fluer Heart of Love Forever Necklace by jfarrell12

Pink & Brown Sakura Cherry Blossom Speaker by jfarrell12
.

Urban Flourish Beagle Sticker by jfarrell12

Urban Grunge Leather Look Motorcycle Case by jfarrell12

Bird Tattoo Ipad Case by jfarrell12

Heartbreaker Swallow Tattoo Bird by jfarrell12

Panda on the Horizon Stamp by jfarrell12

You can follow Julie on Twitter

Have a wonderful day,
hugs,
Brenda

Featuring Cindy Boyd

2011-08-10T07:41:00.000-07:00

Zazzle Directory featured Cindy Boyd from Bloomingvinedesigns back when I was on vacation and I would like to promote her shop now. Cindy's zazzle shop is beautiful and so much fun to look through. Cindy is a freelance graphic designer, fine artist and jewelry maker and also loves to do photography.
Here are some of the treasures that can be found in her shop:

Hold On Long Sleeve by bloomingvinedesign
Join one of the biggest clothing affiliate programs

Underside of Palm Trees by bloomingvinedesign
Browse other Palm Posters

Tropical Waterfall Ipad Case by bloomingvinedesign
View more iphone cases

Begin Again by bloomingvinedesign
Browse other Fine Posters

Thwe Forest Beside My Tent Iphone 4 Case by bloomingvinedesign
Browse cases for the iphone

A Red Rose Center Necklace by bloomingvinedesign
Browse more photo necklaces

Blue Flower Shoes by bloomingvinedesign
Join Zazzle's artist affiliate program

Be sure to check out Cindy Boyd's fanpage on facebook and Cindy's website.

Hope you have a wonderful week!
hugs,
Brenda

Featuring susan Moss

2011-08-03T09:35:00.000-07:00

This week's featured artist on Zazzle Gallery Directory is Susan Moss.
Susan has some wonderful products in her shop that is well worth checking out.

Blue Mandala pattern by susanmossart
Shop all other mousemats on zazzle.com.au

Fishy Tale Magnet by susanmossart
Make personalized magnets with Zazzle

Abstract poster by susanmossart
See other Abstract Posters

Extravaganza Print by susanmossart
See other prints & posters on zazzle.com.au

Hello - Necklace by susanmossart
Browse other Dog Necklaces

Rose Bud Business Card by susanmossart
create your own business cards at zazzle

Wisteria Greeting Card by susanmossart
Many more cards available on zazzle

This is Susan Moss's fanpage on facebook.
Susan's blog
Follow Susan on Twitter

Hope you have a wonderful week!
hugs,
Brenda

Featuring Marta and David Burton

2011-07-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

This week featured artists on Zazzle Gallery Directory on fb is Marta and David Burton. They have two wonderful shops that you must check out, I Love Flowers and Rewards4Life. So here we go.

Elegant Shiny Heart Pink Custom by Rewards4life
Be a ipad affiliate with Zazzle.

Elegant Beauty Flower Pattern Personalized Rose by Rewards4life
Become a part of Zazzle's iphone affiliate program

Merry Christmas business night sky by Rewards4life
Make custom photo ornaments online

Strawberries With Monogram by Rewards4life
Learn how to make money as an artist online at Zazzle.

Amaranth Phlox by i_love_flowers
Browse Amaranth Bags

Love-in-a-mist by i_love_flowers
Join Zazzle's graphic design affiliate program

Mauve Rhododendron by i_love_flowers
make your own custom t-shirt at zazzle

If you have a Zazzle shop maybe you want to consider joining Zazzle Gallery Directory, we help promote each other and every week there's a new shop owner featured.

If you are where it's hot, I pray you stay cool.
hugs,
Brenda

Featuring Briana Blair

2011-07-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

This weeks featured artist on Zazzle Gallery Directory is Briana Blair. Briana, also known as brianadragon has two zazzle shops, one is MandalaMagic and the other is Blair Peacock Creations . Blair Peacock Creations is full of goth, geek, gamer, Pagan and humorous art by Briana Blair and Eric Peacock. So sit back and enjoy.

Brass Shields by mandalamagic
Make customizable steins on zazzle

Dragon's Castle by mandalamagic
Join one of the biggest graphic design affiliate programs

Bows and Butterflies by mandalamagic
Browse more Bows T-Shirts

I love this mandala design shown above.

I Am SO Not Fluffy! (bunny) by brianadragon
Make a personalized silver necklace online

This is just too funny because it looks a lot like our rabbit, except he IS fluffy! : )

Abstract Grunge Parrot by brianadragon
Browse more iphone 3 cases

Very cool and gorgeous design!

Blue Tribal Fish by brianadragon
Learn ways to make money as an artist on Zazzle.

Cute Cockatiel on Ivy Perch by brianadragon
Browse more Cute Mugs
Cute is an understatement.
Briana's FaceBook Fan Page
You can follow Briana on Twitter

Hope you enjoyed this sneak peak into Briana Blair's shops. Hop on over and take a look for yourself, you just may find something you can't live without.
Have a wonderful day,
hugs,
Brenda

Featuring elenaind from zazzle

2011-07-06T08:14:00.000-07:00

The 5th person featured on the Zazzle Gallery Directory on fb is Elena Indolfi. We are asked to promote 3 of her items from her zazzle shop, but seriously, who can stop at just 3? Not me, that's for sure. So with no further ado, I present these gorgeous products by Elena Indolfi!
Elena, take a bow!

Floral Deco in Grey Tie by elenaind
View other Arts Ties

Floral Deco Tie in Pink Tie by elenaind
Join one of the largest artist affiliate programs

Love You Mommy by elenaind
Browse Pendant Necklaces

Liberty by elenaind
Become a part of Zazzle's artist affiliate program

Jaguar by elenaind
Browse Animals Skateboards

Magic Night Card by elenaind
Learn ways to make money as an artist on Zazzle.

Pop Love Mug by elenaind
Make a promotional travel mug online with Zazzle

Cute Pets Kids Binder by elenaind
Join one of the largest artist affiliate programs

Cute Frog Onesie by elenaind
Join one of the largest clothing affiliate programs

Doggie in Pink Heart Sticker by elenaind
See other Animals Stickers

Here is Elena's facebook page

Have a wonderful day and spend some time in Elena's store shopping.
Blessings and hugs,
Brenda

South Dakota Trip Part II

2011-07-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

There were also antelope at Custer State Park.

The donkeys were real friendly and you were allowed to feed them. Here's Paul feeding one that was out in the field.

This cute little lady is obviously preggers. She had the sweetest eyes. She was hanging around the parking lot getting fed and petted. She's no dummy!

Here's Crazy Horse. Did you know that sculptor Korczak Ziółkowski started creating Crazy horse in 1948 and he originally thought it would take ten years to complete. It was commissioned by Lakota elder Henry Standing Bear. He and his fellow chiefs wanted the white man to know that the red man had famous heroes too. It is on private land and operated by the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation, which is a non profit organization and they haven't accepted any money from the government. They want to create this monument their way.

Paul and I were driving around one evening between Deadwood and Spear Fish, South Dakota and came across this beautiful waterfall. We were on a twisty and windy road with a creak along the side of the road the whole time. I'd say the creek was following the road, but we all know that the road was following the creek. Just beautiful scenery!

On our way to Devil's Tower in Wyoming, there was this area where you could pull over. To the left there sat Devil's Tower, and to the right you could climb a little hill up to a fence and view a canyon. This beautiful flower was growing on the other side of the fence, and I can't resist taking a photo of a flower. I mean seriously. : )

This is Devil's Tower. We walked a 1.3 mile hike around this bad boy, and it was hot! If any of you go to see Devil's Tower, bring a water bottle with you on your walk. The path was all paved and just beautiful going up and down, twisting to the left, then twisting to the right. Some beautiful views from there. Also, wear your tennis shoes. I wore flip flops and got a blister. Ya, I know...but it was so hot!

Paul's parents opted to not do the 1.3 mile hike. They sat in the shade and talked to other people.

Cute little Prairie Dogs were at Custer Park and by Devil's Tower. This little guy wasn't too far from the road so I was able to get some decent shots with my zoom lens. Never get close to these little guys because they are wild, will bite and probably have rabbies. Oh, and apparently rattle snakes and black widow spiders like living in abandoned prairie dog burrows. Yikes!

This is the entrance to Broken Boot Gold Mine at the edge of Deadwood, S.D, where we took a half an hour tour. I put my camera on night portrait and it turned out pretty good!

Thank you for visiting and I wish all of you Americans a Happy and safe 4th of July! For the rest of you, have a safe and wonderful day!

hugs ~Brenda

Black Hills South Dakota

2011-07-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday my hubby and I, along with his parents, went for a trip to the Black Hills in South Dakota. Boy did we had a lot of fun! Really beautiful place. I thought I'd just share some pics from our trip.

First we went to Mt. Rushmore. Pretty impressive!

Then we went to Custer State Park in South Dakota.

This is my hubby, Paul. Isn't he strong to be able to hold up those huge rocks like that? hehe

As you can see, I am Very impressed by Paul's strength! Wow! : )

Here we are together.

This lady Buffalo is cleaning herself. Can't be dirty for all these pictures taken of her!

Mama and Baby Buffalo relaxing in the grass.

Had to get close ups of the baby with my zoom lens. Isn't he cute?! Don't worry, no one left the car when the buffalo were around. Hey, where do buffalo go? Anywhere they want to!

Ok, see where I drew the circle? Take a good look. That is an enormous buffalo walking in front of that SUV, and it is taller than the vehicle. The one to the left is more like the average size adult. Don't want to mess with them!

Driving around Custer State Park and seeing all the buffalo was my favorite part of the whole vacation. It made me feel so alive and thankful that God created such magnificent animals. We spoke very quietly and I kept telling the babies that they are beautiful. Good thing my in-laws are hard of hearing, they'd think I was nuts...oh ya, they already know that! lol

That's it for now, will be posting more pics later.

Before I go, I want to show you my final version of Simply Swans. You can find it in my etsy shop and it will soon be in zazzle shop too.

Happy 4th of July weekend. Be safe and have fun!

hugs,

Brenda

Fawn Painting

2011-06-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

Paint Party 15 is here and I have two paintings to show you.
This first one is an aceo called 'Bunny Lovin'. I seem to be doing a lot of bunny aceo paintings for some reason...in fact, since my daughter adopted a house rabbit, Moe. He is so cute and litter trained too! He has never piddled anywhere except his litter box. What a good little bunny.

This second painting is the one that has captured my heart. It's a 16x20 oil painting that I call 'Innocence'
This painting is of Buddy the deer, an orphaned fawn that Duncan and LuAnn McCannel of Rice Lake, Wisconsin saved. The McCannels were kind enough to give me permission to paint from one of their photo's that they have on Buddy's Fan page. Yes, Buddy has a fan page and he now has 692 fans.

The story of Buddy is heart warming and endearing with a sad ending. Basically, the orphaned fawn followed the McCannels' dogs home and once they realized the fawn was indeed orphaned, they did what most of us humans would have done and cared for the little guy themselves. Buddy loved pontoon rides and if they tried to go pontooning without him, Buddy would just swim out to them. He touched many peoples lives and hearts, and I have to tell you that while I was painting his adorable face tears came to my eyes quite a few times. Buddy's life unfortunately and wrongfully ended, in my opinion by the DNR shooting him because of complaints of some neighbors. Many people are up in arms about this tragic ending. Buddy's memory will never die. This is where you can read the whole story and Here.
Oh, how did I find out about this story? WCCO News.

Featuring Star Stream Design Zazzle Shop

2011-06-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Today's featured Zazzle shop is Star Stream Design by Ilene Sternbach Aldridge.

Star Stream Design's Facebook Fan Page.

Les Fleurs du Printemps Necklace by starstreamdesign
Browse other Flower Necklaces

Daisy blue thank you card by starstreamdesign
Become a greeting card affiliate for Zazzle.

Guitar Grunge iPhone3 Speck Case by starstreamdesign
More iphone 3 cases

Flip Flops On the Beach Summer Party Invitation by starstreamdesign
Learn ways to make money as an artist on Zazzle.

Burning Sun Monogram iPad Case by starstreamdesign
Become a ipad affiliate for Zazzle.

Summertime at the Beach Party Invitation by starstreamdesign
Browse more Summer Invitations

Grid of Hearts Mug by starstreamdesign
Browse Hearts Mugs

Happy Wednseday!

Paint Party Friday #14

2011-06-17T12:14:00.000-07:00

Guess what? It's Friday! That means it's time for Paint Party Friday - yah!
I want to show you the little aceo I created this week called Mary and Her Lamb.
It serves two purposes. For PPF, of course, and for the DAWG monthly challenge, and this month it is Nursery Rhymes.
I had this idea in my head right away, but it took some time before I finally sat down to sketch it out. Then it took me a couple more days to get out the colored pencils and create it. It's for sale in my etsy shop, in case you or someone you know may be interested.

This is my before and after shots of another yard ornament I spruced up. I thought the colors were pretty faded so I got busy and turned the little fat birds into black capped chickadees and brightened up those dull pink flowers and the green grasses.

This is of course, the after shot. It really stands out now instead of blends in.
Hope you all have a glorious weekend. Don't forget to check out the other wonderful paintings on PPF!
Happy PPF!
Hugs~ Brenda

Featuring Ulla Hennig's Zazzle shop

2011-06-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

Ulla Hennig is the second shop owner to be featured on Zazzle Gallery Directory on facebook.
Ulla's shop is full of fun and vibrant photographs from Germany and Europe, cute digital cartoons, and pencil, ink and pastel works.
So with no further ado, here are some of my favorites from her shop.

Cute dolphin bookplate by ullahennig
See other Dolphin Stickers

Lake in Brandenburg, Germany by ullahennig
Browse Photography Postcards

Fighting Seagulls by ullahennig
Join one of the largest artist affiliate programs

Lilacs by ullahennig
Begin selling my art online at zazzle.

Pastel Painting: Beech Marten by ullahennig
Join Zazzle.com's graphic design affiliate program

Flying Bird and Alps Mug by ullahennig
cheap coffee mug on zazzle

Three Flying Bats Greeting Card by ullahennig
Browse other Halloween Cards

Be sure to check out Ulla's Blog too!

Have a wonderful day!
hugs~ Brenda

Featuring Diane Clancy

2011-06-08T06:40:00.000-07:00

When I think of bubbles, I think of Diane Clancy. Diane Clancy is a brilliant Digital artist who creates such wonderful artwork, and her Bubblescapes happen to be my favorite! That's right, I said Bubblescapes! You've all heard of landscapes and seascapes, well these are Bubblescapes and they are fabulous!
Here are some products from her shop:

Ocean Dreams by dianeclancyart
Join Zazzle's artist affiliate program

Love Birds Mug by dianeclancyart
Design custom steins at Zazzle

Evening Stroll Card by dianeclancyart
More Diane clancy Cards

Aren't they cool?

Diane also creates these adorable fanciful pet portraits!

Abby in Butterflies Card - Black Labrador by dianeclancyart
See other Diane clancy Cards

Freckles in Flowers II Postage - Tuxedo Cat by dianeclancyart
Join Zazzle.com's artist affiliate program

Glowing Burst of Color by dianeclancyart
More iphone cases

Compassion Mug by dianeclancyart
cheap coffee mug on zazzle

You can't forget Diane's goddess images, they are so uniquely Diane!

Conundrum I Magnet - Rainbow Face by dianeclancyart
Browse Rainbow Magnets

So be sure to visit her zazzle shop, and believe me when I say she's just getting started!
Wishing you a fabulous day!
hugs ~Brenda

Paint Party Friday 12

2011-06-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

Friday, June 03, 2011

Paint Party Friday 12

It's Paint Party Friday and I've been painting all week. Simply Swans is an 8x10 that I've been working on for months. Finally last weekend I changed the coloring of the swans and I like it much better. I still haven't decided if it's done or not. I am thinking of adding a few more highlights and shadows to the swans and possibly the water. What do you think?

This is a rock I did several years ago and it had become all faded, so I gave it a facelift.

I got this beautiful cardinal planter from my sister for my birthday a couple of years ago and it had really faded also. The male cardinal was a yellow red and the flowers blended in. I might do some of the grass, I'm not sure.

This little froggy rock got a face lift too. He was lookin' kinda sad.

As you can probably see I had a blast with my craft acrylics, it's the kind of paint I used when I first started painting.
I hope you can find some time to hop on over to the Host Blog of Paint Party Friday and check out the other entries. You will find some awesome artwork!
Have a wonderful weekend.
hugs,
Brenda

Roar- Lion painting

2011-05-27T18:41:00.000-07:00

Every now and then my daughter will pull a picture off the Internet and ask me to paint it for her. Since I'm not doing it for profit, and won't be creating any prints or products from it, I usually go ahead and do it for her. So last weekend I started this baby and I finished putting his whiskers on today. Thought I'd share it with you.
Today is also Paint Party Friday, so be sure to go there and check out everyones paintings. Also, there are 4 days left for the DAWG Blog Movie Challenge, thought this one would be a good one for the Lion King.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and stay safe.
~Brenda

Time For Some Monkey Business

2011-05-26T11:53:00.000-07:00

I have been looking at the Greeting Card University site and came across these cool monkey themed greeting cards and would like to share them with you.

This first one I just love! Fantastic artwork!

Three Wise Monkeys Greeting card

by Rita Welegala

What a handsome fella...or girl!

Lemur Notecard

by Tammy Moody

Talk about cute! I love this artists simplistic style! Her bunny cards are to die for too!

Mad-Cap Monroe Monkey Greeting Card

by Donna Jean Carver

I'm sorry to say that I haven't created any monkey themed cards on GCU myself, but thought I'd share these products with you instead.

Monkey Around Necklace by bmthour
Make custom silver pendants

Tamarin Monkey Birthday Card by brendathour
Create a notecard template at zazzle

Another New Butterfly Pendant

2011-05-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to posting another of my new hand painted pendants this morning in my Etsy Shop. I was having a hard time getting the colors right in my editing program, and the pendant has a bit of orange mixed in with the yellow. I had so much fun when I painted these that I wanted to keep creating more and more, but I had other things that needed to get done. I haven't been able to get back to it yet, but I will.
I'd like to invite you again to participate in the DAWG Movie Theme Challenge. It goes until the end of the month, so you still have plenty of time.

Dawg Movie Challenge

2011-05-13T14:18:00.000-07:00

The DAWG team Blog is having a 'Movie Theme Challenge' for the month of May and it is open to all artists. This is my entry, The Dance Off, from the movie Bye Bye Birdie with Ann Margret. This is one of my favorite movies of all time. This scene is when they were dancing to 'Lot of Livin'. Hugo and Kim were fighting because of the Kiss that Conrad Birdie, big rock star, was going to bestow on Kim during the Ed Sullivan Show. I found the scene on Youtube for you. I hope you enjoy it.

If you are an artist, I am inviting you to go to the DAWG Blog and enter the challenge too. I would love to see what you come up with. Go to the DAWG Blog to find out more info. This challenge is just for fun and I hope I'll see you there. Oh, and tell your friends.
This is also for today's Paint Party Friday, hosted by Kristin and Eva. I've been wanting to join for a while now and there's no time like present. Come on over and check it out!

Have a wonderful weekend,
hugs,
Brenda

Hand Painted Butterfly Pendant

2011-05-02T18:01:00.000-07:00

This is a new pendant I just finished making. I love it, and almost hate to list it in my etsy shop, but I did. This pendant is hand painted, and the colors are beautiful! I added a little bead for bling. It is hand painted on a 1.5 inch wooden disk and sealed with Diamond Glaze. I can't tell you how much fun I had painting this little treasure.

Have a wonderful evening,
hug ~ Brenda

Fine Art America

2011-04-28T18:55:00.000-07:00

I sm so thrilled and wanted to share with you that I have sold another high quality print of one of my paintings through Fine Art America. The print that sold is of a sea turtle titled, Head's Up, and is on it's way to Ohio.

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/heads-up-brenda-thour.html

There are so many talented artists on Fine Art America and here are just a few I'd like to share with you from the animal paintings search. I adore the White Calf and the colorful Buffalo paintings are superb!
I hope you have the time to check out some of the beautiful artwork on Fine Art America, and just maybe you will find something that you can't live without.
Hope you have a wonderful evening.
hugs, Brenda

Just listed on Ebay

2011-04-19T18:34:00.000-07:00

I just opened a shop and started listing a few aceo's on ebay. My username is artbybrendathour

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160576094230&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160576101969&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160576032121&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

I have 9 aceo's listed, and will be listing more. Hope you come by my ebay shop and check it out.

Have a fabulous evening,

Brenda

Hand Felted Soap and Bling

2011-04-12T18:36:00.000-07:00

I won a couple of bids on two very cool items for the Treatboxes for the Troops Auction, and they arrived Saturday. They are both created by artbylisak on etsy. First, is the keychain bling that I thought was really pretty and it's even prettier in person. I have it on my purse and I love it!
I also bought this heavenly Lilac scented hand felted soap. It came in this cute little package, and the wool it is felted in has anti-fungal properties so no worries there. Then when I opened the package, oh my, it was like standing in the middle of a bunch of lilac bushes and I love that smell! I've used the soap a few times now and I love it and I feel quite pampered when using it. It took a little bit more time to get it to lather up for the first time, but that does make sense since it is encased in the felt. It fits in my hand perfectly and you use it like a wash rag. It smells wonderful and it's not slippery and doesn't slip out of your hand like regular bars of soap do. So this spring I get to enjoy the scent of lilacs for longer than the usual two weeks.

So I highly recommend you stoping by artbylisak's etsy shop and check lisa's handmade soaps out yourself. They come in all kinds of wonderful scents, some are felted, and some aren't. Here's a few more that Lisa has in her shop. They are so pretty!

English Garden Tea Herbal Soap Soothing Skin Goatsmilk

Herbal Vanilla Body Soap Soothing Skin Shea Butter Goatsmilk

Campers Hikers and Backpackers Plain Or Bug Repellent Handmade Soap Felted

Have a wonderful day!

Hugs, Brenda

Featuring fireflyglassdesign on Etsy

2011-04-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

I would like to share with you a seller I found on etsy today whose pendants I am drooling over. Her name is Judy, she's from Arizona and her shop's name is fireflyglassdesign. Pretty cool shop name.

Have a Heart Dichroic Glass Pendant

Single Calla Lily Fused Glass Pendant

Judy owned a marriage and family counseling practice for 15 years when she discovered glass. Glass has become her passion and she's been designing fused glass jewelry for about 7 years now.

Dichroic Glass Pendant Cherry Slice Pendant

Daisies Don't Tell Fused Glass Pendant

This is from her profile about how she creates her gorgeous pendants, " To create my jewelry, I cut glass into small pieces, often layer as many as 20-25 pieces on a background glass, fire it to 1500 degrees, cool it very slowly, smooth and shape it using a grinder and often fuse it at least one more time.
It is a lengthy process, but the result is dazzling. Dichroic Glass has a transmitted color and a reflected color which gives it a magical quality. Because of this it is difficult to photograph, but I try to get the most representative photos that I can"

Tree of Life Handmade Fused Dichroic Glass Pendant

Turquoise, Magenta and Teal Handmade Fused Dichroic Glass Pendant

Calla Lilies Fused Dichroic Glass Pendant

Tulips Spring Flowers Handmade Fused Glass Pendant

I think it sounds fascinating and it would be so much fun to watch her create these magnificent pieces.

Oh, if my daughter happens to read this, Mother's Day is coming darling. What a fabulous gift it would make for Mother's Day. Maybe you should think about it too.

I am so glad I could share Judy's work with you, and hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have. Have a wonderful day!

hugs, Brenda

Beauty Butterfly IPhone 3 Case Iphone 3 Case from Zazzle.com

2011-04-11T06:30:00.000-07:00

Beauty Butterfly IPhone 3 Case Iphone 3 Case from Zazzle.com

Beauty Butterfly IPhone 3 Case by bmthour
More iphone cases

White Breasted Nuthatch aceo

2011-04-05T15:49:00.000-07:00

I just finished this little aceo and listed it at my etsy shop. It's created with colored pencils on heavy card stock paper.
Today Michael's had a 50% off on all Prismacolor products, so I picked up a bunch of new colors that I didn't have and a box of their Verithin colored pencils. The Prismacolor Verithin is a hard thin lead that's great for outlining, detailing, lettering and cleaning up edges. Ya, I got that from the back of the box. Oh, I also bought a pad of Bristol paper and am excited to try it out.
Well, that's it for now. Have a great day!
hugs,
Brenda

Lets Not Forget Our Armed Forces

2011-04-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

We have an auction going with items donated by our Designing Artists Women Group, and all the proceeds go to Treatboxes for our Troops who are risking their lives every minute. Whether you believe in the war or not, these are men and women, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, moms and dads, brothers and sistes who are doing the honorable thing and serving our country. For more information visit this blog
It's very easy, just go Here (click on the like button) and when you see something you want to bid on, just click on the picture and write down your bid and name in the comment box. There are many beautiful pieces of artwork and I am donating two of my aceo's, Little Miss Cardinal aceo and Mr. Cardinal aceo.
Great deals, bidding starts low and it all goes for a great cause!!!

Make sure you share with all your friends and fans. Here are a few more items in the auction.

Handmade Peppermint and Herbal Soap created by ArtbyLisa

American Spring Flowers aceo by artist Sue Taylor

Jimmy the Sheep aceo created by artist Kate Holoman

ACEO Print by artist Judy Pritchard O'Hara

Hope to see you there!

Hugs,

Brenda

New Butterfly aceo's

2011-03-27T18:40:00.000-07:00

Butterflies In the Spring aceo

Colored pencil on card stock

On the Wings aceo

Colored pencil on card stock

I created this one two days ago.

On the Wings aceo Zazzle Products

Purple and Blue Butterfly aceo

Created this one just for fun.

Seems like I have a theme goin' on here, and I have two more to post too.

hugs,

Brenda

My Two Cardinal ACEO's

2011-03-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70155250/mr-cardinal-aceo-original

This week I've been busy doing artwork everyday. I am having a lot of fun with my Prismacolor colored pencils. So, here are two of my creations. The first is Mr. Cardinal aceo, created on the back side of mat board. If interested, he is listed in my etsy shop, just click on the link above.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70225635/little-miss-cardinal-original-aceo

Here is Little Miss Cardinal aceo. She is Mr. Cardinal's fiance. lol I created her the day after I created him to complete the set. She is also colored pencil and is created on tan mat board. I really like the mat board support. It has good tooth for taking many, many, many layers and I also like how sturdy it is.

If interested in Little Miss Cardinal, please click on the link above, it will bring you to my etsy shop.

More to come.

Have a fantastic day,

hugs, Brenda

I am in this years Art Wanted 2011 Daily Calendar

2011-03-08T12:56:00.000-08:00

How could I have forgotten? I am proud to announce that I was accepted in this years ArtWanted 2011 Daily Calendar. My day is August 14. They are now 75 % off, which is $3.95 each, so you will pay a lot less than I did when I bought mine. Click Here to purchase

In case you are wondering, African Roller is the painting that is in the calendar,

Lighthouse on the Beach aceo

2011-03-07T12:20:00.000-08:00

I decided to try a new support for this aceo, a dark green mat board. I named it Lighthouse On the Beach and it was created with Prismacolor colored pencil. It is listed in my etsy shop if you are interested, and it's only $15.
I created Lighthouse On the Beach aceo for my DAWG TEAM March Quest, Oceans/Beaches, stop in and 'like' us and if you create artwork, come and join our group. We are a group of women who love doing art and love the Lord.
Be sure to enter our DAWG TEAM aceo giveaway just click on that link and it will take you to our DAWG blog. The giveaway goes until the end of March, so be sure you spread the word.

Also take a look at the ACEO Online Magazine. We'd love it if you'd 'like' us, and if you are an artist please think about joining our group too. Right now there are 57 members and growing. This is our Blog
We also have a group on the Ellen Degeneres ning site I'm the moderator on this site, and would love it if you joined us there too.

***

This past weekend I was looking around YouTube on colored pencil tutorials, I am always wanting to learn as much as I possibly can. I came across this young artist named Jacqueline Pettie, and she's a wonderful colored pencil artist. She even has her own YouTube Cannel. I am very impressed by her talent and dedication to her artwork. This little lady is going places, that's for sure.

Well, that's it for now.
Have a great day,
Brenda

Bunny Go Oops aceo

2011-02-28T12:53:00.000-08:00

Here's a little aceo that I did the other day. It is ink on watercolor paper. Yes, that's right, oops means exactly what you think it does. Bunny Go Oops is listed in my etsy shop and as you can see, I had fun creating some zazzle products. Sorry if I have a weird sense of humor, but I just could not resist adding those little droppings behind him. I really did try resisting, but to no avail. It had to be. : )

Bunny Go Oops aceo Mug by bmthour
Make travel coffee mugs with zazzle

Bunny Go Oops aceo Magnet by bmthour
Browse other Bunny Magnets

Bunny Go Oops aceo I'm Sorry Postcard by bmthour

Browse Bunny Postcards

Bunny Go Oops aceo IPhone Case by bmthour

Browse other iphone designs

This is my daughter's bunny, and he does leave those little things behind him. Good thing my daughter is good at cleaning up after Him.

Have a fabulous day!

hugs, Brenda

My necklace came from Zazzle!!!

2011-02-22T13:03:00.000-08:00

Ever since Zazzle started making necklaces, I've wanted to buy one of mine from my shop. So, I finally did and it came it the mail today! I am so excited and honestly, I am quite impressed with it. It has exceeded my expectations. It came in this cute little felt bag, and the necklace is quite stunning! It is Sterling silver. Finished with UV resistant, waterproof and a glossy coat.
Charm is 1.38 inches and the chain is 18" with 3 inch extender.

Here's a picture I took of it between a gold dollar and quarter. It's definately a nice size. Not to small, but not too big either.

Here I am wearing it. The chain is adjustable and I have it hooked to make the chain shorter.

That wasn't the only thing that came today. I also ordered this ladies baby doll t-shirt created by Angela Taylor from the ACEO Online Magazine. Angela's Zazzle shop is called CreatWPassion. On the back of the t-shirt it says 'ACEO Online Magazine' with a copyright symbol. I'm the only one home right now, so I am limited on the pics I can take. My arms are only so long. This is the first time I've ordered clothing through Zazzle, and I must say, I love it!

If you are an artist and create aceo's (art cards editions & originals) I invite you to join our ACEO Online Magazine on Facebook, The Ellen Degeneres Ning Site (where I volunteer as a moderator), Linked-In and Flickr.

Pink Swan ACEO

2011-02-17T07:40:00.000-08:00

This is my latest aceo that I created. I created it for a Valentine Swap with my DAWG team, which is one of my art groups. His body is heart shaped and I painted him pink, so there you go, perfect for Valentines. Reference photo by Lisa Kinler.

ACEO Online Magazine

2011-01-30T09:04:00.000-08:00

I recently joined the ACEO Online Magazine on LinkedIn because I love creating aceo's. It is ran by Angela Taylor, a very cool lady who is big into giving to charity...which is a very cool thing to do!
When I joined I noticed that they had a monthly challenge, and it was Blue. So I entered a couple of my pieces, and I am thrilled to say that I won 1st place with Blue Crystal aceo (shown below). That's my badge up above created by Angela.

They also had a 2nd place winner, Kathryn Kelton, a visionary artist for 'Carnival Blue'

and the 3rd place winner, Joann Wheeler for 'Oh My'

I know both of these lovely and talented ladies from my DAWG group.
Here are the interviews from the winners. So far only Kathryn's is posted, I sent mine in this morning and Joann's should be coming shortly.

If you would like to join the ACEO Online Magazine, there is a LinkedIn Group, Facebook, a Flickr group and the Ellen Degeneres Show
or you can do what I did and join all four: )

Would you like to learn to paint like this?

2011-01-26T07:13:00.000-08:00

I am so excited! I promised I would tell you more about the free interactive live online art classes by award winning professional artist, Johannes Vloothius (pronounced Float-boat). Well, Johannes is now officially sponsored and endorsed by F&W Media, the publishing company that brings us The Artist Magazine for one. Because of this, Johannes is able to continue to give free online classes.

The classes will be starting Saturday, January 29th - April 17th. It will be a 12 week, 24 day workshop on both Saturdays and Sundays from 3-5 pm EST. This first session will be How to use Photos to Create Stunning Landscape Paintings.

Johannes knows what he's talking about, and loves to share the golden nuggets of art, the things that other teachers keep to themselves. I have taken classes from him, when they were not free, for three years, and was honored a few years back to meet him in person and had a one-on-one workshop with him all day. That was an exhausting and exciting day : ) I can say from personal experience that he is the real deal, and not only shares freely everything he knows, which is a lot, but does it with passion. He LOVES painting and loves to see students learn and grow. I have never met a more giving person than him.

To learn more about this go to the Johannes Vloothius Student Lounge at wetcanvas, Click here for the direct link. This is the link to the page where you can find the post for registering for classes, the link is in big bold letters, and is the 7th post down.

If you would like to see more of Johannes Vloothius paintings go Here

I am so psyched about these online classes and can't wait until Saturday.

Oh, and before I forget, Johannes is giving a live Pastel demonstration this Friday starting at 2pm EST. Check the WetCanvas forum for the link for that demonstration. I also strongly recommend, that if you are interested at all in his teaching, to sign up at wetcanvas and follow the thread. You will get lots of information just from the forum itself. Robert, another fellow student takes excellent notes and then posts them on the thread to share with us all.

Hope to see you there,

hugs,

Brenda

Gifts at Finerworks

2011-01-21T17:31:00.000-08:00

I want to share with you some of the gifts that's in my Finerworks shop. I am in a lot of online galleries and last weekend when I was uploading some new images to my galleries I discovered that finerworks.com have gifts that I can create and I'm really am excited about it. There are many unique gifts that aren't at my other shops. So here are some of them

Click on the pics and it will bring you to the direct link for that product

4x4 eco-friendly notepads

12 month folded calendars

Return address labels

Playing Cards

3.5x8 eco-friendly refrigerator notepads

Coasters

Trinket Boxes

Jigsaw Puzzles

There are other gifts too and I will be adding more and more gifts as the days go on.

So far no one has commented or wanted in on the Pay It forward on the post before this one. Remember, it's good to receive too. I want to tell you about something that happened. The very next day after I posted that blog, a wonderful lady that I know told me that she was at Michael's Craft Store and thought of me. She handed me a card telling me how much she enjoys my artwork and the Christmas cards I give and gave me a gift card to Michaels Craft Store. She also said that she shows her family members my cards all the time. Talk about being touched. That was such a sweet and wonderful thing to hear, and such a sweet thing that she did. Thank you so much Karen, I can never tell you how much that meant to me.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend,
Love,
Brenda

Pay It Forward

2011-01-18T18:07:00.000-08:00

Tonight I've been reading the blogs that I follow and it's been a very enjoyable way to spend the evening. I have seen beautiful new artwork, read about goals and I visited Melody Lea Lamb's Miniature Art Blog where she told a story about paying it forward. Paying it Forward is when something good happens to you, you then do something good for someone else. Instead of paying something "back" you are paying it "forward" on to the next person. Its like a random act of kindness that can keep going, blessing more and more people. This is definitely something our world needs a lot more of. I'm a big believer in random acts of kindness and I am totally inspired and have decided to do this myself on my blog.

So, here are the Paying It Forward rules:

I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this Pay It Forward exchange. I'm not sure what that gift will be yet and it may be a few weeks or more to receive it but you will receive it! I promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.

When you leave your comment, please also do one of two things: leave your mailing address here or Email Me at bmthour@comcast.net with your mailing address.

So, are you up for it?

Mandarin Duck aceo

2011-01-17T16:07:00.000-08:00

This is my second duck aceo that I created last week for my DAWG team. This one is also oil, but it's on an aceo size stretched canvas. It is glued on the side and the sides are painted as a continuation of the painting. It's really cute. This is the second time I've used this size stretched canvas, the last one I did for my daughter called Black and White.
If you are interested, it is listed in my etsy shop, click Here for the direct link for this painting.
I can't believe how incredibly busy I have been with all my online shops and galleries, painting and everything else. Soon I will be starting a landscape art class by award winning artist and wonderful art instructor Johannes Vloothius. I need to work on my trees.
I did a post on him a while back. Some exciting things are happening with the online class, and I will tell you more when the details are final.

Here's a few products from my zazzle shop:

Bouquet From the Heart aceo oval Necklace by bmthour
View more silver pendant designs at Zazzle.

Piercing Heart aceo, Piercing Heart aceo by bmthour
View other iphone cases

Pink Tiger aceo, Be myValentine! by bmthour
See more Tiger Cards

Kaleidoscope Of The Heart by bmthour
Design your shirt at zazzle

cinderellas carriage, Love comes in many colors! by bmthour
Browse more Love Bumper Stickers

Wandering Whistling Duck aceo

2011-01-14T13:59:00.000-08:00

This is one of my new creations. For my DAWG team we are doing a duck challenge. So I was looking through my pics that I took at the zoo this past summer (because I went to zoo 4 times) and I came across this little sweetie. Now I had painted this kind of kind of duck once before and I had no idea what kind of duck it was and could not find it in my book. This time I was wise and took pics of the signs they have at the zoo that tells you the different ducks they have there.
Wandering Whistling Duck aceo is listed in my etsy shop along with my other paintings.

Now for something kinda crazy.

It is January, and my hibiscus that I bring in the house each fall has lost most of it's leaves, as you can see. Although it does have a bunch left at the very top of the plant. I took these pics today, and the thing is blooming! Yes, it is blooming in January. I haven't given it anything but water and this is the third flower that has bloomed since last weekend.
See the bud in the pic below? Ya, that's another flower bud, which will be the 4th flower.
Yesterday two flowers were blooming side by side...I should have taken a picture.

So even though we have lots of snow and it is infact snowing right now in Minnesota, I have a promise of spring blooming in my family room. So do not fret, because time goes fast and spring will be here before we know it.

Hope you are all staying warm, for those of you who live where it's been snowing. For those of you who live in a warmer climate, well just know that I am so jealous! : )

Have a wonderful weekend,

Brenda

Proud To Be Feature

2011-01-07T18:54:00.000-08:00

I am so honored and tickled pink to be featured in Artist Ruth Jamieson's Blog. What a delightful lady she is and a very talented visual artist. I am also proud to say that she owns 3 of my original paintings. Click HERE to read the feature

I've been busy creating more products at my Zazzle shop. Necklaces, coasters, ornaments, IPad Cases and IPhone Cases are new at zazzle.

make custom gifts at Zazzle

Earthy Browns Dawg Team Treasury

2011-01-06T18:55:00.000-08:00

'Earthy Browns Dawg Team' by luvs2paint

A beautiful collection from the Designing Artists Women Group DAWG members

ACEO - SHAMROCK BUNNY, ... kathrynsangels $14.99	Desert treasure Genuin... dawndreaming $45.00	Aceo Hawk wildlife limi... backroomtreasu... $3.50
At The Cross Shades of ... artbylisak $3.50	ACEO Original Watercol... JYWheeler $9.99	OOAK - ORIGINAL INK DRA... Lazyhawk $5.99
glowing ACEO watercolor... leepierce $10.00	original art aceo colo... dogandcat $4.99	original art 3-D painti... artistsuetaylo... $49.99
Rockstar 8x10 print StoneCottageSt... $9.99	Pretty Buckskin horse -... tapestry316 $10.00	Cheetah Glass Marble Pe... luvs2paint $12.00
WINGED BEAUTY 8 X 10 ... arlenefaye $20.00	original art pendant Ar... suecorcoran $79.99	Tyrrell Park Bmt Tx oi... Barbsgarden $105.00

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DAWG TEAM Blog Giveaway

2010-12-31T07:31:00.000-08:00

Designing Artists Women Group is having another great blog giveaway. The prize consists of 6 aceo's created by some of our talented artists. To enter go HERE

Watch Johannes Vloothius paint Live

2010-12-18T13:25:00.000-08:00

Forest Wonder

I want to share with all of you that Award Winning Artist Johannes Vloothius will be painting live tomorrow, Sunday Dec. 19, 2010 at 2 pm EST, or 1pm central , this is the link http://cyberartlearning.com/webcam/webcam1size.html
Jo is an excellent artist and teacher and unlike all other instructors, he gives you the golden nuggets, or secrets that only the top professional artists know. He focuses on abstract shapes or interesting shapes and color values and gradation and harmonizing.
I encourage you to sign up for wetcanvas and read the threads posted there to give you an idea of what other artists have to say. http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=778261&page=12&highlight=landscape+clyde+aspevig
and http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?p=11818791&posted=1#post11818791
There's a lot of useful information in those threads. I have them bookmarked.

CTVreportNG

2010-12-15T12:37:00.000-08:00

I would like to share this news cast with you about the best art instructor in the world, as far as I'm concerned.
You know how they say 'that he who can't teaches", well definately that's not how it is with Joe. His paintings are fabulous and gorgeous and he is an Award Winning Artist. You can check out his paintings at http://cyberartlearning.com/onlinegallery/
I have known Johannes for 7 or 8 years now, and was his student for 3 years. I also am proud to say that I've been to his home in Canada, and met his lovely wife, Patty, and his sons. Johannes was gracious enough to give me a one on one painting lesson that lasted all day long. I do have to admit that I really pushed myself that day and just about collapsed at the end. I have a neuro muscular disease, basically it's a muscle weakness called Slow Channel Myasthenia Gravis.
He is such a caring and giving person, not willing to give up on you until you understand. As you can tell I think the world of Johannes Vloothius, and am truly blessed to not only have stumbled across his live on-line art class years back, but to have met him in person and painted with him. You can check out his classes for yourself, just go to http://cyberartlearning.com/ and click on the yellow school bus. Free classes are being held this week at 5 Eastern Standard Time, every day.

Check out Interview with Luvs2paint Fine Art of Brenda Thour

2010-12-13T07:43:00.001-08:00

I am so honored to share with you my interview: Interview with Luvs2paint Fine Art of Brenda Thour
with Design Style Guide.

Have a wonderful day,

Christmas is Coming Treasury

2010-12-08T19:44:00.000-08:00

'Christmas Is Coming' by luvs2paint

Original artworks by the members of the Dawg Team.

elves ACEO watercol... leepierce $10.00	Christmas Cards backroomtreasu... $10.00	Silver and Sparling... TheRubyBoutiqu... $4.99	pastel drawing 16x2... artistsuetaylo... $125.00
Christmas Card set ... backroomtreasu... $8.00	ACEO Cardinal Bird ... thanks4lookin $7.50	purse sunnyplainquil... $11.50	Christmas ACEO Orig... LindaLMartinAr... $14.00
Pointsetta throw pi... sunnyplainquil... $15.00	Art by Darla Handpa... artbydarla $22.00	original aceo draw... artistsuetaylo... $8.99	snowball ACEO water... leepierce $10.00
Kristy Kringle Sant... artbylisak $4.49	Hand Painted Metal ... JYWheeler $24.95	OVERGROWN - Red bri... menuchaprints $12.00	CARDINAL Open Editi... luvs2paint $22.00

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Christmas Light Christmas Blank card from Zazzle.com

2010-12-01T20:06:00.000-08:00

Christmas Light Christmas Blank card from Zazzle.com

I am so excited, that I just had to share with you that someone named Lyle from CA just purchased 225 of these cards! That's my biggest sale yet! Thank you Lyle, whoever you are. The funny thing is, I was just thinking yesterday that it would be really nice if someone bought a big quantity of something from one of my shops and said a little prayer. Isn't that just like God? He rocks!!!

Sale Sale Sale!

2010-11-29T11:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas is just around the corner. Have you considered giving artwork as a gift?

I am happy to announce that I am running a 25% Discount off total purchase of prints and cards in my Fine Art America Shop http://brenda-thour.artistwebsites.com/ This sale will continue through December 31, 2010. Use Promo Code VDEECZ

I am also running a 20% off total purchase of all items listed in my Etsy Shop http://luvs2paint.etsy.com/ which includes original paintings, aceo's, pendants and magnets. This sale will run until Sunday, December 5, 2010. Use Promo Code CYBERMONDAYSALE

Don't miss out on these great deals and happy shopping!

Winter is the Word aceo

2010-11-23T12:57:00.000-08:00

Here is another fun little aceo that I did with a winter/Christmas theme. I used Prismacolor colored pencils on card stock. I love this time of year, everything's so beautiful!

The original can be purchased through my Etsy Shop, and I have created gifts and products at my Zazzle Shop

Now on to some bunny news. My daughter rescued this adorable rabbit this past Sunday from the Humane Society. She named him Moe, and he is the sweetest thing ever.

For about ten years we had house rabbits, but when the last one passed we went for about 3 years bunny-less. I did not realize how much I missed having a rabbit in the house. I guess we are just rabbit people. I can't wait to do a painting of him!!!

Swan Lake aceo

2010-11-21T14:56:00.000-08:00

I created this little aceo this weekend, and had a lot of fun doing it. This is colored pencil on card stock. Reference photo was taken by my dear friend, Lisa Kinler.
The original can be purchased through my Etsy Shop, and as always, I will be creating gifts and products in my Zazzle shop.
Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.
hugs,
Brenda

Pink and Yellow Rose Painting

2010-11-18T07:52:00.000-08:00

This is one of my latest paintings called Blushing Delight. I painted it in October and finally got around to taking a good photo of it to get it ready for the web.
My daughter and I went to a beautiful flower garden this summer, and this is where I saw this gorgeous and perfect rose. I took many pictures of it. This is my favorite rose.
It can be purchased through my etsy shop.
As always, I will be creating gifts and products at my Zazzle Shop very soon. Just look under my Flowers catagory.
Fine art prints will also be available through my Print Shop later today.

I am off to wash some lunchroom tables at the elementary school that I work at.
Hope you have a wonderful Thursday,

Brenda

Laura Regan - featured Artist

2010-11-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

Let There Be Peace on Earth... card

I want to share with you these beautiful Christmas paintings by a very talented artist named Laura Regan. Laura Regan has been selling her paintings since 1974. Many of her paintings have been used to raise money for charities. Laura has also illustrated 12 childrens books, and some of them have won national awards.
When I look at her work, I feel like I'm in another world.

Penguin Christmas Card

Polar Bear Holiday Card

Penguins Holiday Card

Polar Bears Holiday Card

Elephants Holiday Stamp

Tree Frog Holiday Card

Otter Joy Holiday Card

Giraffes Holiday Card

View Laura's Zazzle Shop

I hope you have enjoyed seeing some of Laura Regan's artwork as much as I've enjoyed sharing them with you.
Have a wonderful week,
Brenda

DAWG Team Giveaway

2010-10-19T06:43:00.000-07:00

My DAWG team is having a free giveaway. You could win these 6 beautiful little aceo's. Aren't they adorable? You have 4 chances to win, so don't miss out. It's easy to enter, just GO Here to find out more and enter. Be sure to tell your friends.

Wolf At Rest

2010-10-17T16:15:00.000-07:00

I've been under the weather lately with bronchitis, so I haven't been up to doing much art. But last weekend I was cuddled up on the recliner under a blanket, with a sketchbook, a pad of watercolor paper and my watercolor pencils.
I first tried painting the wolf in pink since it's Breast Cancer Awareness month...but I didn't like how it was turning out. I had done a Pink Tiger aceo a few years ago that I just love, but a pink wolf was not a go.
This is what I then came up with. I call it Wolf At Rest, and am thinking of using it for my Christmas cards this year. The reference photo was taken a few years back at a wolf sanctuary in Forest Lake, MN. I do have to admit that I really like how it turned out, and I already created products with this image at my Zazzle Shop .Coming soon is a beautiful pink and yellow rose painting that I did before I got sick, but it still needs some finishing touches. I will post it when I get it finished.
I hope you are well.
Blessings to you all,

hugs,
Brenda

Bags, Bags and more Bags

2010-10-07T18:24:00.000-07:00

I've been creating products in my Artamatik shop lately, so I thought I'd share some of the items with you. Ya, I know, I must be nuts to take on another online shop. But what can I say, I love seeing my paintings on merchandise. Things that I want to buy.
Everything you see here can be found under the Cougar Bags & Purses, except for the wallet, that is found in accessories.

Wallet $13.99

Cosmetic Bag $11.99

Mini Toiletries Bag $12.99

Classic 20-CD Wallet $19.99

School Bag Large $25.99

Girls Sling Bag $13.99

Shoulder Clutch Bag $14.99

Oversize Office Handbag $36.99

Classic Shoulder Handbag $41.99

Classic Handbag $22.99

Thank you for stopping by.
Until next time,
Brenda